Effects of arsenic toxicity on morphological characters in blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) during early growth stage.

PubMed

Shamim, M Z; Pandey, A

2017-07-31

Blackgram is an important pulse crop of the tropic and sub-tropic area and has been identified as a potential crop in many countries. In the south-East Asia arsenic toxicity in soil and water is one of the most environmental problems. Crop productivity is highly affected by cultivation in arsenic polluted soil or irrigation through arsenic polluted water. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of arsenic (As) on fresh shoot length, fresh shoot weight, fresh root length, fresh shoot weight and total fresh biomass, The results indicate that root length is more affected than shoot length due to arsenic toxicity. The fresh shoot weight observed was more affected than fresh root weight. This study indicates that arsenic toxicity causes the deleterious effect on blackgram growth. The toxic effect of blackgram depends on the genotypic variability. Some blackgram genotypes show very less toxic effect of arsenic due to its genetic makeup. Experimental findings of study indicate that longer root length and more shoot weight in arsenic stress condition may be tolerant blackgram genotype to arsenic toxicity.

Estimating carcass fat and protein in northern pintails during the nonbreeding season

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, M.R.

1989-01-01

I used northern pintails (Anas acuta) collected from August through March 1979-82 in the Sacramento Valley, California to derive equations to predict ether-extracted carcass fat, carcass protein, and skeletal lean dry weight. Ether-extracted carcass fat was best predicted by total fat depot weight (wet skin, abdominal fat, and intestinal fat) (r2 = 0.94) and estimates based on carcass water content (r2 = 0.93-0.98). Measured carcass protein was best predicted by a multiple regression including total protein depot weight (breast muscles, leg muscles, and gizzard) and tarsus length (R2 = 0.79). I predicted skeletal lean dry weight by a multiple regression incorporating culmen, tarsus, and wing length (R2 = 0.77). Predicted carcass fat agreed well with measured carcass fat in an independent data set of 30 pintails using total fat depot (r2 = 0.92-0.96) and carcass water (r2 = 0.97-0.99), but predicted carcass protein agreed less well with measured protein.

A genome scan revealed significant associations of growth traits with a major QTL and GHR2 in tilapia

PubMed Central

Liu, Feng; Sun, Fei; Xia, Jun Hong; Li, Jian; Fu, Gui Hong; Lin, Grace; Tu, Rong Jian; Wan, Zi Yi; Quek, Delia; Yue, Gen Hua

2014-01-01

Growth is an important trait in animal breeding. However, the genetic effects underpinning fish growth variability are still poorly understood. QTL mapping and analysis of candidate genes are effective methods to address this issue. We conducted a genome-wide QTL analysis for growth in tilapia. A total of 10, 7 and 8 significant QTLs were identified for body weight, total length and standard length at 140 dph, respectively. The majority of these QTLs were sex-specific. One major QTL for growth traits was identified in the sex-determining locus in LG1, explaining 71.7%, 67.2% and 64.9% of the phenotypic variation (PV) of body weight, total length and standard length, respectively. In addition, a candidate gene GHR2 in a QTL was significantly associated with body weight, explaining 13.1% of PV. Real-time qPCR revealed that different genotypes at the GHR2 locus influenced the IGF-1 expression level. The markers located in the major QTL for growth traits could be used in marker-assisted selection of tilapia. The associations between GHR2 variants and growth traits suggest that the GHR2 gene should be an important gene that explains the difference in growth among tilapia species. PMID:25435025

77 FR 52265 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-29

... total area of corrosion or thread damage, or both, covers less than 25 percent of the length of the... paragraph (d)(3) of this AD. (B) If the total area of corrosion or thread damage, or both, covers 25 percent... to require inspections for corrosion or thread damage to each tail rotor balance weight (weight) and...

Variability of Root Traits in Spring Wheat Germplasm

PubMed Central

Narayanan, Sruthi; Mohan, Amita; Gill, Kulvinder S.; Prasad, P. V. Vara

2014-01-01

Root traits influence the amount of water and nutrient absorption, and are important for maintaining crop yield under drought conditions. The objectives of this research were to characterize variability of root traits among spring wheat genotypes and determine whether root traits are related to shoot traits (plant height, tiller number per plant, shoot dry weight, and coleoptile length), regions of origin, and market classes. Plants were grown in 150-cm columns for 61 days in a greenhouse under optimal growth conditions. Rooting depth, root dry weight, root: shoot ratio, and shoot traits were determined for 297 genotypes of the germplasm, Cultivated Wheat Collection (CWC). The remaining root traits such as total root length and surface area were measured for a subset of 30 genotypes selected based on rooting depth. Significant genetic variability was observed for root traits among spring wheat genotypes in CWC germplasm or its subset. Genotypes Sonora and Currawa were ranked high, and genotype Vandal was ranked low for most root traits. A positive relationship (R2≥0.35) was found between root and shoot dry weights within the CWC germplasm and between total root surface area and tiller number; total root surface area and shoot dry weight; and total root length and coleoptile length within the subset. No correlations were found between plant height and most root traits within the CWC germplasm or its subset. Region of origin had significant impact on rooting depth in the CWC germplasm. Wheat genotypes collected from Australia, Mediterranean, and west Asia had greater rooting depth than those from south Asia, Latin America, Mexico, and Canada. Soft wheat had greater rooting depth than hard wheat in the CWC germplasm. The genetic variability identified in this research for root traits can be exploited to improve drought tolerance and/or resource capture in wheat. PMID:24945438

The Broselow and Handtevy Resuscitation Tapes: A Comparison of the Performance of Pediatric Weight Prediction.

PubMed

Lowe, Calvin G; Campwala, Rashida T; Ziv, Nurit; Wang, Vincent J

2016-08-01

To assess the performance of two pediatric length-based tapes (Broselow and Handtevy) in predicting actual weights of US children. In this descriptive study, weights and lengths of children (newborn through 13 years of age) were extracted from the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Using the measured length ranges for each tape and the NHANES-extracted length data, every case from the study sample was coded into Broselow and Handtevy zones. Mean weights were calculated for each zone and compared to the predicted Broselow and Handtevy weights using measures of bias, precision, and accuracy. A sub-sample was examined that excluded cases with body mass index (BMI)≥95th percentile. Weights of children longer than each tape also were examined. A total of 3,018 cases from the NHANES database met criteria. Although both tapes underestimated children's weight, the Broselow tape outperformed the Handtevy tape across most length ranges in measures of bias, precision, and accuracy of predicted weights relative to actual weights. Accuracy was higher in the Broselow tape for shorter children and in the Handtevy tape for taller children. Among the sub-sample with cases of BMI≥95th percentile removed, performance of the Handtevy tape improved, yet the Broselow tape still performed better. When assessing the weights of children who were longer than either tape, the actual mean weights did not approximate adult weights; although, those exceeding the Handtevy tape were closer. For pediatric weight estimation, the Broselow tape performed better overall than the Handtevy tape and more closely approximated actual weight. Lowe CG , Campwala RT , Ziv N , Wang VJ . The Broselow and Handtevy resuscitation tapes: a comparison of the performance of pediatric weight prediction. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(4):364-375.

Genetic parameters for different growth scales in GIFT strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

PubMed

He, J; Gao, H; Xu, P; Yang, R

2015-12-01

Body weight, length, width and depth at two growth stages were observed for a total of 5015 individuals of GIFT strain, along with a pedigree including 5588 individuals from 104 sires and 162 dams was collected. Multivariate animal models and a random regression model were used to genetically analyse absolute and relative growth scales of these growth traits. In absolute growth scale, the observed growth traits had moderate heritabilities ranging from 0.321 to 0.576, while pairwise ratios between body length, width and depth were lowly inherited and maximum heritability was only 0.146 for length/depth. All genetic correlations were above 0.5 between pairwise growth traits and genetic correlation between length/width and length/depth varied between both growth stages. Based on those estimates, selection index of multiple traits of interest can be formulated in future breeding program to improve genetically body weight and morphology of the GIFT strain. In relative growth scale, heritabilities in relative growths of body length, width and depth to body weight were 0.257, 0.412 and 0.066, respectively, while genetic correlations among these allometry scalings were above 0.8. Genetic analysis for joint allometries of body weight to body length, width and depth will contribute to genetically regulate the growth rate between body shape and body weight. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Use of factor scores for predicting body weight from linear body measurements in three South African indigenous chicken breeds.

PubMed

Malomane, Dorcus Kholofelo; Norris, David; Banga, Cuthbert B; Ngambi, Jones W

2014-02-01

Body weight and weight of body parts are of economic importance. It is difficult to directly predict body weight from highly correlated morphological traits through multiple regression. Factor analysis was carried out to examine the relationship between body weight and five linear body measurements (body length, body girth, wing length, shank thickness, and shank length) in South African Venda (VN), Naked neck (NN), and Potchefstroom koekoek (PK) indigenous chicken breeds, with a view to identify those factors that define body conformation. Multiple regression was subsequently performed to predict body weight, using orthogonal traits derived from the factor analysis. Measurements were obtained from 210 chickens, 22 weeks of age, 70 chickens per breed. High correlations were obtained between body weight and all body measurements except for wing length in PK. Two factors extracted after varimax rotation explained 91, 95, and 83% of total variation in VN, NN, and PK, respectively. Factor 1 explained 73, 90, and 64% in VN, NN, and PK, respectively, and was loaded on all body measurements except for wing length in VN and PK. In a multiple regression, these two factors accounted for 72% variation in body weight in VN, while only factor 1 accounted for 83 and 74% variation in body weight in NN and PK, respectively. The two factors could be used to define body size and conformation of these breeds. Factor 1 could predict body weight in all three breeds. Body measurements can be better selected jointly to improve body weight in these breeds.

Calcium intake of rural Gambian infants: a quantitative study of the relative contributions of breast milk and complementary foods at 3 and 12 months of age.

PubMed

Jarjou, L M A; Goldberg, G R; Coward, W A; Prentice, A

2012-06-01

There is a paucity of information from developing countries on total calcium intake during infancy, and potential consequences for growth and bone development. Observational longitudinal study of rural Gambian infants (13 males and 17 females) at 3 and 12 months of age. Breast-milk intake and calcium concentration, weighed dietary intake, anthropometry, midshaft radius bone mineral content (BMC) and bone width (BW). At 3 and 12 months (mean ± s.d.) calcium intake from breast milk was 179 ± 53 and 117 ± 38, and from other foods 12 ± 38 and 73 ± 105 mg/day. There was no difference in total calcium intake; 94% and 62% of calcium came from breast milk. At 3 and 12 months, weight s.d.-scores were -0.441 ± 1.07 and -1.967 ± 1.06; length s.d.-scores were -0.511 ± 1.04 and -1.469 ± 1.13. Breast-milk calcium intake positively predicted weight (P = 0.0002, P ≤ 0.0001) and length (P = 0.056, P = 0.001). These relationships were not independent of breast-milk intake, which positively predicted weight (P ≤ 0.002) and length (P = 0.06, P = 0.004). At 3, but not 12 months, weight and length correlated with total calcium intake. There were no relationships between total calcium intake and breast-milk intake with BW or BMC. The combination of low calcium intake from breast milk and complementary foods resulted in a low total calcium intake close to the estimated biological requirement for bone mineral accretion. Relationships between calcium intake and growth were largely accounted for by breast-milk intake, suggesting that low calcium intake per se was not the limiting factor in the poor growth. These findings have potential implications for deriving calcium requirements in developing countries.

Sex Reversal and Masculinization according to Growth in Longtooth Grouper Epinephelus bruneus

PubMed Central

Oh, Seong-Rip; Kang, Hyeong-Cheol; Lee, Chi-Hoon; Hur, Sang-Woo; Lee, Young-Don

2013-01-01

To understand the sex reversal characteristics in the longtooth grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), this study examined the sex reversal and artificial masculinization of wild caught E. bruneus reared in indoor rearing tank after a 17α-methyltestosterone injection. To domesticate a broodstock, 64 wild caught E. bruneus, between 47.0 to 110.0 cm in total length and from 1.5 to 21.4 kg in body weight, were reared in indoor rearing tank (4.0 to 5.0 m wide, and 2.5 to 3.0 m depth) for four years. Seven specimens showed sex reversal from female to male during indoor rearing condition, whose total length and body weights were from 63.0 to 99.0 cm and from 4.4 to 13.2 kg, respectively. After inducing artificial masculinization in 14 female E. bruneus with a 17α-methyltestosterone (2.0 mg/kg BW) implants for 3 years, spermiation occurred in 9 specimens (total length: 54.0 to 68.0 cm, body weight: 2.3 to 4.3 kg). Among the female to male sex reversals, two specimens returned back to being female, whose body weights were 2.8 kg (initially 2.6 kg) and 2.7 kg (initially 2.3 kg). Therefore, this study suggested that E. bruneus (> 3.0 kg) was more effective in masculinizing by 17α-methyltestosterone implants. PMID:25949124

Effects of Birth Weight on Anterior Segment Measurements in Full-Term Children Without Low Birth Weight by Dual-Scheimpflug Analyzer.

PubMed

Yeter, Volkan; Aritürk, Nurşen; Bİrİncİ, Hakki; Süllü, Yüksel; Güngör, İncİ

2015-10-01

To evaluate the effects of birth weight on ocular anterior segment parameters in full-term children without low birth weight using the Galilei Dual-Scheimpflug Analyzer. Retrospective cohort study. The right eyes from 110 healthy children, 3-6 years of age, were scanned with the Galilei Dual-Scheimpflug Analyzer. A total of 78 eyes were measured in full-term children with birth weight of >2500 g. Central, paracentral, pericentral, and the thinnest corneal thicknesses; anterior and posterior keratometry (average, steep, flat); axial curvatures; asphericity of cornea; anterior chamber depth and volume; and iridocorneal angle values were measured. Axial length, lens thickness, and vitreous length were obtained by ultrasound biometry. The mean age of children was 55.86 ± 12.52 (mean ± SD) months. Mean birth weight and gestational age were 3426.3 ± 545 g and 39.4 ± 1.2 weeks, respectively. Although lens thickness, vitreous length, axial length, and anterior chamber volume were moderately correlated with birth weight (P < .05), there was no relationship between birth weight and anterior chamber depth. With the exception of pericentral corneal thickness, all regions of corneal thicknesses were correlated with birth weight (P < .05). Birth weight was negatively correlated with anterior curvature (P < .05) and had no relationship to posterior curvature. While central and paracentral axial curvatures correlated with birth weight (P < .05), pericentral axial curvature did not. Preschoolers who were born heavier had thicker cornea and lens, longer axial length, and flatter corneal curve. The thicknesses and axial curves of central cornea within 7 mm may be particularly associated with birth weight. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intersexuality of Scomberomorus niphonius from the Coastal Area around Jeju Island, Korea (Teleostei: Scombridae)

PubMed Central

Kim, Jong Bin; Chang, Dae Soo; Kim, Hyejin; Jeon, Mi Ae; Ku, Kayeon; Lee, Jung Sick

2013-01-01

This study histologically describes the intersexuality of Scomberomorus niphonius collected from the coastal area near Jeju Island. A total of 126 S. niphonius, collected from March to July 2012 with a total length of 62.4 cm (±17.5) and a total weight of 1,701.9 g (±1,528.9) were used for analyses. From a histological perspective, two types of intersex were confirmed. One type had scattered germ cells from the opposite sex within the gonad. The second type developed germ cells from the opposite sex in the connective tissue of the outer gonadal membrane. The intersexuality was 14.3% (n=18/126), with females (21.3%; n=16/75) exhibiting a higher rate than males (3.9%; n=2/51). There was no displayed correlation between intersexuality and the total length and weight. PMID:25949123

Co-infestation of gills by different parasite groups in the mullet, Mugil platanus Günther, 1880 (Osteichthyes, Mugilidae): effects on relative condition factor.

PubMed

Ranzani-Paiva, M J T; Silva-Souza, A T

2004-08-01

This study involved 334 specimens of mullet, Mugil platanus, captured monthly in the estuarine region of Cananéia, São Paulo State, Brazil, from July 1988 to June 1989, and examined for the presence of gill parasites. Parasitological inspections revealed the occurrence of the following groups: Trichodina sp., Monogenoidea, Copepoda, and Hirudinea. Only four mullets were not parasitized. Total weight and total length of all 334 mullet specimens examined were used for adjusting the weight-length relationship curve and calculating the relative condition factor (Kn). The 118 specimens infested with monogenoideans on average had lower weights than expected (Kn < 1.0), and the 81 fish co-infested with Copepoda, Monogenoidea, and Trichodina sp. showed a Kn < 1.0. The other infested and non-infested mullets had a Kn > 1.0. It was possible to infer that gill infestation with monogenoideans alters mullet weight, especially in the presence of co-infestation with Trichodina sp. and copepods.

Standardization of methods of expressing lengths and weights of fish

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hile, Ralph

1948-01-01

Fishery workers in the United States and Canada are unable to think readily in terms of the metric system of weights and measurements. Even long experience does not make it possible to form a clear idea as to the actual size of fish for which lengths and weights are given in metric units, without first converting to the English system. A more general adoption of the English system of weights and measurements in fishery work is recommended. The use of English units exclusively is suggested for articles of a popular or semi-popular nature, but in more formal publications the key information, at least, should be recorded in both systems. In highly technical papers metric units alone may prove satisfactory. Agreement is also lacking as to which length measurement of fish is suited best for uniform adoption. The total length is recommended here for the reason that it is the only measurement that includes all of the fish. This length is defined as the distance from the tip of the head (jaws closed) to the tip of the tail with the lobes compressed so as to give the maximum possible measurement.

ELECTRICAL AEROSOL DETECTOR (EAD) MEASUREMENTS AT THE ST. LOUIS SUPERSITE

EPA Science Inventory

The Model 3070A Electrical Aerosol Detector (EAD) measures a unique aerosol parameter called total aerosol length. Reported as mm/cm3, aerosol length can be thought of as a number concentration times average diameter, or simply as d1 weighting. This measurement falls between nu...

Optimization of selective breeding through analysis of morphological traits in Chinese sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus).

PubMed

Wang, W; Ma, C Y; Chen, W; Ma, H Y; Zhang, H; Meng, Y Y; Ni, Y; Ma, L B

2016-08-19

Determining correlations between certain traits of economic importance constitutes an essential component of selective activities. In this study, our aim was to provide effective indicators for breeding programs of Lateolabrax maculatus, an important aquaculture species in China. We analyzed correlations between 20 morphometric traits and body weight, using correlation and path analyses. The results indicated that the correlations among all 21 traits were highly significant, with the highest correlation coefficient identified between total length and body weight. The path analysis indicated that total length (X 1 ), body width (X 5 ), distance from first dorsal fin origin to anal fin origin (X 10 ), snout length (X 16 ), eye diameter (X 17 ), eye cross (X 18 ), and slanting distance from snout tip to first dorsal fin origin (X 19 ) significantly affected body weight (Y) directly. The following multiple-regression equation was obtained using stepwise multiple-regression analysis: Y = -472.108 + 1.065X 1 + 7.728X 5 + 1.973X 10 - 7.024X 16 - 4.400X 17 - 3.338X 18 + 2.138X 19 , with an adjusted multiple-correlation coefficient of 0.947. Body width had the largest determinant coefficient, as well as the highest positive direct correlation with body weight. At the same time, high indirect effects with six other morphometric traits on L. maculatus body weight, through body width, were identified. Hence, body width could be a key factor that efficiently indicates significant effects on body weight in L. maculatus.

IGF-I and relation to growth in infancy and early childhood in very-low-birth-weight infants and term born infants.

PubMed

de Jong, Miranda; Cranendonk, Anneke; Twisk, Jos W R; van Weissenbruch, Mirjam M

2017-01-01

In very-low-birth-weight infants IGF-I plays an important role in postnatal growth restriction and is probably also involved in growth restriction in childhood. We compared IGF-I and its relation to growth in early childhood in very-low-birth-weight infants and term appropriate for gestational age born infants. We included 41 very-low-birth-weight and 64 term infants. Anthropometry was performed at all visits to the outpatient clinic. IGF-I and insulin were measured in blood samples taken at 6 months and 2 years corrected age (very-low-birth-weight children) and at 3 months, 1 and 2 years (term children). Over the first 2 years of life growth parameters are lower in very-low-birth-weight children compared to term children, but the difference in length decreases significantly. During the first 2 years of life IGF-I is higher in very-low-birth-weight children compared to term children. In both groups there is a significant relationship between IGF-I and (change in) length and weight over the first 2 years of life and between insulin and change in total body fat. Considering the relation of IGF-I to growth and the decrease in difference in length, higher IGF-I levels in very-low-birth-weight infants in early childhood probably have an important role in catch-up growth in length.

IGF-I and relation to growth in infancy and early childhood in very-low-birth-weight infants and term born infants

PubMed Central

de Jong, Miranda; Cranendonk, Anneke; Twisk, Jos W. R.; van Weissenbruch, Mirjam M.

2017-01-01

Background In very-low-birth-weight infants IGF-I plays an important role in postnatal growth restriction and is probably also involved in growth restriction in childhood. We compared IGF-I and its relation to growth in early childhood in very-low-birth-weight infants and term appropriate for gestational age born infants. Methods We included 41 very-low-birth-weight and 64 term infants. Anthropometry was performed at all visits to the outpatient clinic. IGF-I and insulin were measured in blood samples taken at 6 months and 2 years corrected age (very-low-birth-weight children) and at 3 months, 1 and 2 years (term children). Results Over the first 2 years of life growth parameters are lower in very-low-birth-weight children compared to term children, but the difference in length decreases significantly. During the first 2 years of life IGF-I is higher in very-low-birth-weight children compared to term children. In both groups there is a significant relationship between IGF-I and (change in) length and weight over the first 2 years of life and between insulin and change in total body fat. Conclusions Considering the relation of IGF-I to growth and the decrease in difference in length, higher IGF-I levels in very-low-birth-weight infants in early childhood probably have an important role in catch-up growth in length. PMID:28182752

Age and growth of pike (Esox lucius) in Chivyrkui Bay, Lake Baikal

USGS Publications Warehouse

Owens, Randall W.; Pronin, Nikolai M.

2000-01-01

The purpose of this study was to describe age and growth of pike (Esox lucius) in Lake Baikal. Pike were collected with gill nets and by angling in Chivyrkui Bay in late July-early August 1993 and by gill nets in June 1995. Total length (mm), weight (g), and sex were recorded and scales and cleithra were collected for aging. In 1993, pike, ages 1 to 3, ranged in length from 331 to 810 mm and in 1995 , pike, ages 2 to 10, ranged in length from 365 to 1,111 mm but only three percent were age 7 or older. Most growth in length occurred during the first two years of life. The length-weight relation for pike from Chivyrkui Bay was similar to that of pike from the St. Lawrence River. Calculated total length of pike from Lake Baikal equalled or exceeded the lengths of pike from lakes Erie or Ontario. Good agreement was found between ages from cleithra and from scales. Lengths at age in June 1995 (N=108) varied widely among pike. Females were generally larger than males at a given age among fish age-3 and older. When compared with the circumpolar growth standard, based on the von Bertalanffy growth curve, growth of Lake Baikal pike exceeded all other Asian populations, and equalled or exceeded many other northern hemisphere populations.

Maternal dietary intake and pregnancy outcome.

PubMed

Ferland, Suzanne; O'Brien, Huguette Turgeon

2003-02-01

To study the relationship between maternal diet and infant anthropometric measurements in 56 women, aged 28 +/- 5.1 years, with singleton pregnancies. The overall quality of the diet (three 24-hour recalls), including supplementation, was evaluated at 34 +/- 1.3 weeks using a total mean adequacy ratio (TMAR) of 12 nutrients. Specific interviewing techniques were used to minimize social desirability bias. Anthropometric measurements of both parents and maternal lifestyle practices were also obtained. Infant weight, crown-heel length and head circumference were measured 14.6 +/- 4.4 days after birth. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that maternal diet quality (TMAR) was significantly related to infant weight (r = .039, P = .036) and crown-heel length (r = .071, P = .007). Other significant predictors included gestational age, maternal height, sex, smoking and physical activity. Maternal diet was positively associated with infant weight and crown-heel length.

Risk factors for childhood obesity in elementary school-age Taiwanese children.

PubMed

Chen, Jyu-Lin; Kennedy, Christine; Yeh, Chao-Hsing; Kools, Susan

2005-01-01

A cross-sectional study design was used to examine factors that contribute to high relative weight in children in Taiwan. A total sample of 331 Chinese children (ages 7 and 8) and their parents participated in the study. Parents completed questionnaires regarding demographic information, family functioning, parenting styles, physical activity, and dietary intake. Children completed physical fitness tests and questionnaires regarding physical activity, dietary intake, coping strategies, and self-esteem. The weight-for-length index was used to measure children's relative weight. The findings revealed that four variables contributed to higher weight-for-length index in boys compared with girls and explained 37.7% of the variance: high maternal body mass index, poor aerobic capacity, healthy family role functioning, and poor family affective responsiveness. Two variables were found to contribute to higher weight-for-length index in girls and explained 12.8% of the variance: high household income and high maternal body mass index. Taken together, the results indicate the importance of assessment of children's weight status, maternal weight status, and family functioning as part of routine child health care and the need for developmentally appropriate and gender-specific approaches to prevent childhood obesity.

Associations between birth size and later height from infancy through adulthood: An individual based pooled analysis of 28 twin cohorts participating in the CODATwins project.

PubMed

Jelenkovic, Aline; Yokoyama, Yoshie; Sund, Reijo; Hur, Yoon-Mi; Harris, Jennifer R; Brandt, Ingunn; Nilsen, Thomas Sevenius; Ooki, Syuichi; Ullemar, Vilhelmina; Almqvist, Catarina; Magnusson, Patrik K E; Saudino, Kimberly J; Stazi, Maria A; Fagnani, Corrado; Brescianini, Sonia; Nelson, Tracy L; Whitfield, Keith E; Knafo-Noam, Ariel; Mankuta, David; Abramson, Lior; Cutler, Tessa L; Hopper, John L; Llewellyn, Clare H; Fisher, Abigail; Corley, Robin P; Huibregtse, Brooke M; Derom, Catherine A; Vlietinck, Robert F; Bjerregaard-Andersen, Morten; Beck-Nielsen, Henning; Sodemann, Morten; Krueger, Robert F; McGue, Matt; Pahlen, Shandell; Alexandra Burt, S; Klump, Kelly L; Dubois, Lise; Boivin, Michel; Brendgen, Mara; Dionne, Ginette; Vitaro, Frank; Willemsen, Gonneke; Bartels, Meike; van Beijsterveld, Catharina E M; Craig, Jeffrey M; Saffery, Richard; Rasmussen, Finn; Tynelius, Per; Heikkilä, Kauko; Pietiläinen, Kirsi H; Bayasgalan, Gombojav; Narandalai, Danshiitsoodol; Haworth, Claire M A; Plomin, Robert; Ji, Fuling; Ning, Feng; Pang, Zengchang; Rebato, Esther; Tarnoki, Adam D; Tarnoki, David L; Kim, Jina; Lee, Jooyeon; Lee, Sooji; Sung, Joohon; Loos, Ruth J F; Boomsma, Dorret I; Sørensen, Thorkild I A; Kaprio, Jaakko; Silventoinen, Karri

2018-05-01

There is evidence that birth size is positively associated with height in later life, but it remains unclear whether this is explained by genetic factors or the intrauterine environment. To analyze the associations of birth weight, length and ponderal index with height from infancy through adulthood within mono- and dizygotic twin pairs, which provides insights into the role of genetic and environmental individual-specific factors. This study is based on the data from 28 twin cohorts in 17 countries. The pooled data included 41,852 complete twin pairs (55% monozygotic and 45% same-sex dizygotic) with information on birth weight and a total of 112,409 paired height measurements at ages ranging from 1 to 69 years. Birth length was available for 19,881 complete twin pairs, with a total of 72,692 paired height measurements. The association between birth size and later height was analyzed at both the individual and within-pair level by linear regression analyses. Within twin pairs, regression coefficients showed that a 1-kg increase in birth weight and a 1-cm increase in birth length were associated with 1.14-4.25 cm and 0.18-0.90 cm taller height, respectively. The magnitude of the associations was generally greater within dizygotic than within monozygotic twin pairs, and this difference between zygosities was more pronounced for birth length. Both genetic and individual-specific environmental factors play a role in the association between birth size and later height from infancy to adulthood, with a larger role for genetics in the association with birth length than with birth weight. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of HeNe laser and sinusoidal non-uniform magnetic field seed pre-sowing treatment effect on Glycine max (Var 90-I) germination, growth and yield.

PubMed

Asghar, Tehseen; Iqbal, Munawar; Jamil, Yasir; Zia-Ul-Haq; Nisar, Jan; Shahid, Muhammad

2017-01-01

Recently, laser and magnetic field pre-sowing seed treatments attracted the attention of the scientific community in response to their positive effect on plant characteristics and the present study was exemplified for Glycine max Var 90-I. Seeds were exposed to laser (HeNe-wave length 632nm and density power of 1mW/cm 2 ) and magnetic field (sinusoidal non-uniform-50, 75 and 100mT for 3, 5min with exposure) and seed germination, seedling growth and yield attributes were compared. The germination (mean germination, germination percentage, emergence index, germination speed, relative germination coefficient, emergence coefficient of uniformity) growth (root dry weight, root length, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight, leaf dry & fresh weight, root fresh weight, leaf area, shoot length, plant total dry weight at different stages, stem diameter, number of leaves, vigor index I & II), biochemical (essential oil) and yield attributes (seed weight, count) were enhanced significantly in response to both laser and magnetic field treatments. However, magnetic field treatment furnished slightly higher response versus laser except relative water contents, whole plant weight and shoot length. Results revealed that both laser and magnetic field pre-sowing seed treatments affect the germination, seedling growth, and yield characteristics positively and could possibly be used to enhance Glycine max productivity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Seasonal growth and duration of the parasitic life stage of the landlocked sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bergstedt, Roger A.; Swink, William D.

1995-01-01

We used lengths and weights of 2367 live parasitic-phase sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) collected from Lake Huron, 1984–1990, to calculate their mean size at half-month intervals. Growth in weight was linear during June through September; increments averaged 11.1 g per half month. Growth increased sharply in October to several times the summer rate. We speculate that the increase in growth in October is explained partly by water temperature and partly by an increase in appetite related to the onset of gonadal development. The greater compression of biomass accumulation in autumn than has been previously demonstrated better explains the autumn pulse of sea lamprey induced host mortality. Based on the seasonal pattern of growth and on recaptures of marked sea lampreys, we conclude that landlocked individuals grow to adult size and mature in one parasitic growth year. Regressions of weight (grams) on total length (millimetres) differed significantly among months, and the season of collection must be considered in predicting weight from length.

Influence of maternal age, birth-to-conception intervals and prior perinatal factors on perinatal outcomes.

PubMed

Farahati, M; Bozorgi, N; Luke, B

1993-10-01

This study evaluated the influence of prior perinatal factors on birth weight, length of gestation, and maternal pregravid and postpartum weights in subsequent pregnancies. The study sample included 47 women each with first, second and third pregnancies. Mean pregravid weight increased by 5.2 lb between the first and second pregnancies and by 4.4 lb between the second and third pregnancies. Total weight gain averaged 31 lb for the first pregnancy and 28.4 and 28.3 lb for the second and third pregnancies, respectively. Mean birth weight increased by 111 g between the first and second pregnancies and by 199 g between the second and third pregnancies. Mean gestational age was similar for all three pregnancies, averaging 39.5 weeks. Using stepwise forward multiple regression analyses, we determined that birth weight and length of gestation are both influenced significantly by prior birth weight and length of gestation; subsequent pregravid weight is influenced significantly by prior rate of gain, pregravid weight and postpartum weight; and postpartum weight is significantly influenced by prior rate of gain and birth weight. Comparisons across three pregnancies for the same woman showed that differences in birth-to-conception interval were not associated with higher postpartum weight or subsequent pregravid weight. These data indicate that in healthy, nonsmoking, low-risk women, the maternal and infant outcomes of pregnancies are significantly influenced by prior outcomes but not by either short birth-to-conception interval or greater maternal age.

Effect of moisture loss on red oak sawlog weight

Treesearch

Edward L. Adams

1971-01-01

A study was made to determine the effect of moisture loss on the weights of red oak sawlogs. The logs, ranging from 9 to 21 inches in scaling diameter and from 8 to 14 feet in length, were dried for a 12-week period. The 21-log sample lost 7.6 percent of the total green sawlog weight. The weight loss for individual logs ranged from 5.3 to 14.5 percent. In general, as...

Germinaton performance of selected local soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrills) cultivars during drought stress induced by Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pane, R. F.; Damanik, R. I.; Khardinata, E. H.

2018-02-01

Drought stress is one of the factors that can decreased growth and production, so that required a variety that has the ability to sustain cellular metabolism, and growth during the stress. This research was aimed to investigated the involvement of germination performance invitro of five local soybean cultivars, Grobogan, Kaba, Anjasmoro, Argomulyo, and Dering to drought stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%). The measurable seedling traits as the day appearance of shoots and roots, total of leaves, shoot length, root length, fresh plant weight, dry plant weight, fresh root weight, and dry root weight under control as well as water stress condition were recorded. The experiment units were arranged in factorial completely randomized design with four replications. The result showed that the value for most parameters was recorded highest for Argomulyo cultivar compared with Dering cultivar which is known to be tolerant to drought. In terms of roots performance, Grobogan and Argomulyo cultivars produced the longest and heaviest of roots, while Grobogan cultivar had no significant different for root length compared with control. In conclusion, the root length and fresh weight root parameters can be used as quick criteria for drought tolerance.

In situ assessment of two catfish species (pisces, Ariidae) to evaluate pollution in a harbor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neta, Raimunda Nonata Fortes Carvalho; Junior, Audalio Rebelo Torres; Sousa, Débora Batista Pinheiro; de Sousa de Oliveira Mota Andrade, Ticianne; Torres, Hetty Salvino; da Silva Castro, Jonatas; da Silva de Almeida, Zafira; Santos, Débora Martins Silva; Tchaicka, Lígia

2016-12-01

A histopathological and biometric database for the catfish Sciades herzbergii and Bagre bagre from São Luís Island (Harbor area) and Caranguejos Island (reference area) in Brazil is presented. Branchial and hepatic lesions were classified into three reaction patterns: 1) circulatory or inflammatory disturbances; 2) regressive changes; 3) progressive changes. The total length (Lt), standard length (Ls), furcal length (Lf), total weight (Wt), and gonad weight (Wg) of each fish were recorded. As expected, most populations of catfish considered in this study are highly heterogeneous, with lengths and weights deviating from the reference sample. No histopathological lesions were observed in Sciades herzbergii examined at the reference site (Caranguejos Island). In contrast, 90% of the catfish S. herzbergii from sites located in the Harbor Area (São Luís Island) had one or more types of branchial and hepatic lesions. As opposed to what was observed in S. herzbergii, more than 86.33% of Bagre bagre individuals showed histopathological alterations in both areas. The utility of histopathological lesions and biometric data as sensitive indicators of the health of wild catfish populations has been demonstrated. Sciades herzbergii proved to be a better species for biomonitoring because it was able to differentiate one impacted site (Port Area/ São Luís Island) from a region relatively free of contaminants (Reference Area/ Caranguejos Island).

Determinants of Weight Gain during the First Two Years of Life—The GECKO Drenthe Birth Cohort

PubMed Central

Küpers, Leanne K.; L’Abée, Carianne; Bocca, Gianni; Stolk, Ronald P.; Sauer, Pieter J. J.; Corpeleijn, Eva

2015-01-01

Objectives To explain weight gain patterns in the first two years of life, we compared the predictive values of potential risk factors individually and within four different domains: prenatal, nutrition, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors. Methods In a Dutch population-based birth cohort, length and weight were measured in 2475 infants at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months. Factors that might influence weight gain (e.g. birth weight, parental BMI, breastfeeding, hours of sleep and maternal education) were retrieved from health care files and parental questionnaires. Factors were compared with linear regression to best explain differences in weight gain, defined as changes in Z-score of weight-for-age and weight-for-length over 1–6, 6–12 and 12–24 months. In a two-step approach, factors were first studied individually for their association with growth velocity, followed by a comparison of the explained variance of the four domains. Results Birth weight and type of feeding were most importantly related to weight gain in the first six months. Breastfeeding versus formula feeding showed distinct growth patterns in the first six months, but not thereafter. From six months onwards, the ability to explain differences in weight gain decreased substantially (from R2 total = 38.7% to R2 total<7%). Conclusion Birth weight and breast feeding were most important to explain early weight gain, especially in the first six months of life. After the first six months of life other yet undetermined factors start to play a role. PMID:26192417

The effect of ultradian and orbital cycles on plant growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berry, W.; Hoshizaki, T.; Ulrich, A.

1986-01-01

In a series of experiments using sugar beets, researchers investigated the effects of varying cycles lengths on growth (0.37 hr to 48 hr). Each cycle was equally divided into a light and dark period so that each treatment regardless of cycle length received the same amount of light over the 17 weeks of the experiment. Two growth parameters were used to evaluate the effects of cycle length, total fresh weight and sucrose content of the storage root. Both parameters showed very similar responses in that under long cycles (12 hr or greater) growth was normal, whereas plants growing under shorter cycle periods were progressively inhibited. Minimum growth occurred at a cycle period of 0.75 hr. The yield at the 0.75 hr cycle, where was at a minimum, for total fresh weight was only 51 percent compared to the 24 hr cycle. The yield of sucrose was even more reduced at 41 percent of the 24 hr cycle.

Log sampling methods and software for stand and landscape analyses.

Treesearch

Lisa J. Bate; Torolf R. Torgersen; Michael J. Wisdom; Edward O. Garton; Shawn C. Clabough

2008-01-01

We describe methods for efficient, accurate sampling of logs at landscape and stand scales to estimate density, total length, cover, volume, and weight. Our methods focus on optimizing the sampling effort by choosing an appropriate sampling method and transect length for specific forest conditions and objectives. Sampling methods include the line-intersect method and...

Associations of Meteorology with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Preeclampsia, Preterm Birth and Birth Weight

PubMed Central

Beltran, Alyssa J.; Wu, Jun; Laurent, Olivier

2013-01-01

The relationships between meteorology and pregnancy outcomes are not well known. This article reviews available evidence on the relationships between seasonality or meteorology and three major pregnancy outcomes: the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including preeclampsia, eclampsia and gestational hypertension), gestational length and birth weight. In total 35, 28 and 27 studies were identified for each of these outcomes. The risks of preeclampsia appear higher for women with conception during the warmest months, and delivery in the coldest months of the year. Delivery in the coldest months is also associated with a higher eclampsia risk. Patterns of decreased gestational lengths have been observed for births in winter, as well as summer months. Most analytical studies also report decreases in gestational lengths associated with heat. Birth weights are lower for deliveries occurring in winter and in summer months. Only a limited number of studies have investigated the effects of barometric pressure on gestational length or the effects of temperature and sunshine exposure on birth weight, but these questions appear worth investigating further. Available results should encourage further etiological research aiming at enhancing our understanding of the relationships between meteorology and adverse pregnancy outcomes, ideally via harmonized multicentric studies. PMID:24362545

Associations of meteorology with adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review of preeclampsia, preterm birth and birth weight.

PubMed

Beltran, Alyssa J; Wu, Jun; Laurent, Olivier

2013-12-20

The relationships between meteorology and pregnancy outcomes are not well known. This article reviews available evidence on the relationships between seasonality or meteorology and three major pregnancy outcomes: the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including preeclampsia, eclampsia and gestational hypertension), gestational length and birth weight. In total 35, 28 and 27 studies were identified for each of these outcomes. The risks of preeclampsia appear higher for women with conception during the warmest months, and delivery in the coldest months of the year. Delivery in the coldest months is also associated with a higher eclampsia risk. Patterns of decreased gestational lengths have been observed for births in winter, as well as summer months. Most analytical studies also report decreases in gestational lengths associated with heat. Birth weights are lower for deliveries occurring in winter and in summer months. Only a limited number of studies have investigated the effects of barometric pressure on gestational length or the effects of temperature and sunshine exposure on birth weight, but these questions appear worth investigating further. Available results should encourage further etiological research aiming at enhancing our understanding of the relationships between meteorology and adverse pregnancy outcomes, ideally via harmonized multicentric studies.

Voice classification and vocal tract of singers: a study of x-ray images and morphology.

PubMed

Roers, Friederike; Mürbe, Dirk; Sundberg, Johan

2009-01-01

This investigation compares vocal tract dimensions and the classification of singer voices by examining an x-ray material assembled between 1959 and 1991 of students admitted to the solo singing education at the University of Music, Dresden, Germany. A total of 132 images were available to analysis. Different classifications' values of the lengths of the total vocal tract, the pharynx, and mouth cavities as well as of the relative position of the larynx, the height of the palatal arch, and the estimated vocal fold length were analyzed statistically, and some significant differences were found. The length of the pharynx cavity seemed particularly influential on the total vocal tract length, which varied systematically with classification. Also studied were the relationships between voice classification and the body height and weight and the body mass index. The data support the hypothesis that there are consistent morphological vocal tract differences between singers of different voice classifications.

Development of standard weight equations for Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico amphidromous fishes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cooney, Patrick B.; Kwak, Thomas J.

2010-01-01

We collected and compiled length and weight information from four countries and one commonwealth to develop standard weight (Ws) equations for three amphidromous fish species native to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico regions: mountain mullet Agonostomus monticola (N = 9,768 individuals, 52 populations), river goby Awaous banana (N = 1,847 individuals, 62 populations), and bigmouth sleeper Gobiomorus dormitor (N = 2,983 individuals, 53 populations). Linear and quadratic Ws equations for three quartiles (25%, median, 75%) are presented for these three species. The length-weight relationship from eight lentic bigmouth sleeper populations was significantly different from that of lotic populations, reflecting higher weights of juvenile fish (< 70 mm total length) in lentic environments. Thus, independent W(s) equations were developed for lotic populations of bigmouth sleepers. W(s) equations were not developed from lentic bigmouth sleeper populations alone due to the low number of applicable populations caused by life history constraints; the equation from combined lentic and lotic populations is suggested for application to lentic bigmouth sleeper populations. These morphometric relationships for amphidromous fishes may improve the ability to assess existing and potential sport fisheries and allow ecological assessment based on fish condition.

Performance of fenugreek bioinoculated with Rhizobium meliloti strains under semi-arid condition.

PubMed

Singh, N K; Patel, D B

2016-01-01

Rhizobium meliloti strains were isolated from the fields of S.D. Agricultural University (Gujarat, India) and were maintained in the Congo Red Yeast Extract Mannitol Agar medium. These strains were tested for their effectiveness for fenugreek crop grown under semi-arid condition. Among the six Rhizobium strains, FRS-7 strain showed best plant growth parameters like shoot length, shoot dry weight, shoot total nitrogen, root length, root dry weight, root total nitrogen, seed yield, 1000 grain weight, number of root nodules, and nodules fresh and dry weight. The performance of this strain was better as compared to 20 kgN ha(-1) treatment through urea and was even far better over control plot. Seed yields obtained with FRS-7 during two years were 10.14 and 9.66 q ha(-1); which was about 36.8% and 45.9% high over control. This strain resulted in saving of about 20 kgN ha(-1) accompanied with better crop yield and soil health. Results of the present experiments can be utilized in integrated nutrient management for cultivation of fenugreek in semi-arid areas to provide sustainability to agricultural productivity in such regions.

Maternal serum markers of lipid metabolism in relation to neonatal anthropometry

PubMed Central

Boghossian, Nansi S.; Mendola, Pauline; Liu, Aiyi; Robledo, Candace; Yeung, Edwina H.

2017-01-01

Objective To examine associations between lipids (HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein (a)) measured on average three time-points during pregnancy and neonatal anthropometrics. Study Design Stored samples from a preeclampsia trial measured as part of a case-control study from five US centers (1992-1995) were used. The sample included women without pregnancy complications (n=136), and cases of gestational diabetes (n=93), abnormal glucose tolerance (n=76), gestational hypertension (n=170), and preeclampsia (n=177). Linear regression and linear mixed-effects models estimated adjusted associations between lipids and birth weight z-score, ponderal index, length, and head circumference. Results Among women without complications, cross-sectional associations between total cholesterol measured at different gestational ages increased ponderal index 2.23 to 2.55 kg/m3 per-unit increase in cholesterol. HDL was inversely associated with birth length (β's=-2.21 and -2.56 cm). For gestational hypertension, triglycerides were associated with birth weight z-score (β's=0.24 to 0.31). For preeclampsia, HDL was associated with lower birth weight z-scores (β's=-0.49 and -0.82). Women with gestational diabetes or abnormal glucose tolerance had inconsistent associations. Examining the level changes across pregnancy, each 0.0037 mmol/L increase in HDL was associated with decreased birth weight z-score (β=-0.22), length (β=-0.24 cm), and head circumference (β=-0.24 cm) whereas each 0.028 mmol/L increase in triglycerides was associated with increased birth weight z-score (β=0.13) and head circumference (β=0.19 cm). Conclusion Although associations varied by complications, in general, growth promoting fuels as total cholesterol and triglycerides were associated with increased neonatal size whereas high HDL was associated with smaller size. Maternal HDL that failed to decrease over pregnancy was associated with smaller neonate size. PMID:28333159

Comparison of dwarf bamboos (Indocalamus sp.) leaf parameters to determine relationship between spatial density of plants and total leaf area per plant.

PubMed

Shi, Pei-Jian; Xu, Qiang; Sandhu, Hardev S; Gielis, Johan; Ding, Yu-Long; Li, Hua-Rong; Dong, Xiao-Bo

2015-10-01

The relationship between spatial density and size of plants is an important topic in plant ecology. The self-thinning rule suggests a -3/2 power between average biomass and density or a -1/2 power between stand yield and density. However, the self-thinning rule based on total leaf area per plant and density of plants has been neglected presumably because of the lack of a method that can accurately estimate the total leaf area per plant. We aimed to find the relationship between spatial density of plants and total leaf area per plant. We also attempted to provide a novel model for accurately describing the leaf shape of bamboos. We proposed a simplified Gielis equation with only two parameters to describe the leaf shape of bamboos one model parameter represented the overall ratio of leaf width to leaf length. Using this method, we compared some leaf parameters (leaf shape, number of leaves per plant, ratio of total leaf weight to aboveground weight per plant, and total leaf area per plant) of four bamboo species of genus Indocalamus Nakai (I. pedalis (Keng) P.C. Keng, I. pumilus Q.H. Dai and C.F. Keng, I. barbatus McClure, and I. victorialis P.C. Keng). We also explored the possible correlation between spatial density and total leaf area per plant using log-linear regression. We found that the simplified Gielis equation fit the leaf shape of four bamboo species very well. Although all these four species belonged to the same genus, there were still significant differences in leaf shape. Significant differences also existed in leaf area per plant, ratio of leaf weight to aboveground weight per plant, and leaf length. In addition, we found that the total leaf area per plant decreased with increased spatial density. Therefore, we directly demonstrated the self-thinning rule to improve light interception.

Food of nestling green-backed herons in West Central Mississippi

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ensor, K.L.; Dusi, J.L.; White, D.H.

1986-01-01

Food habits of the green-backed heron have received much attention recently, though little data exists in the literature on food items fed to nestlings. Analysis of 74 nestling boluses collected between 5 May and 10 July 1985 included four categories: a) number of prey items, b) % of total individuals by number, c) % frequency of herons with that particular prey item, d) % of total diet by weight. By class, fish dominated the diet, followed by insects, amphibians, crustaceans, and arachnids in descending order. Amphibians, however, had a higher % of total diet by weight than insects. The mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) made up the largest part of the diet by # of prey items and % of total individuals by #. Bowfin (Amia calva) was the major prey item by weight. Back-swimmers (F. Notonectidae) occurred in more boluses than any other prey item. Lengths of prey items by class will also be discussed.

Effects of vertebral number variations on carcass traits and genotyping of Vertnin candidate gene in Kazakh sheep.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhifeng; Sun, Yawei; Du, Wei; He, Sangang; Liu, Mingjun; Tian, Changyan

2017-09-01

The vertebral number is associated with body length and carcass traits, which represents an economically important trait in farm animals. The variation of vertebral number has been observed in a few mammalian species. However, the variation of vertebral number and quantitative trait loci in sheep breeds have not been well addressed. In our investigation, the information including gender, age, carcass weight, carcass length and the number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae from 624 China Kazakh sheep was collected. The effect of vertebral number variation on carcass weight and carcass length was estimated by general linear model. Further, the polymorphic sites of Vertnin ( VRTN ) gene were identified by sequencing, and the association of the genotype and vertebral number variation was analyzed by the one-way analysis of variance model. The variation of thoracolumbar vertebrae number in Kazakh sheep (18 to 20) was smaller than that in Texel sheep (17 to 21). The individuals with 19 thoracolumbar vertebrae (T13L6) were dominant in Kazakh sheep (79.2%). The association study showed that the numbers of thoracolumbar vertebrae were positively correlated with the carcass length and carcass weight, statistically significant with carcass length. To investigate the association of thoracolumbar vertebrae number with VRTN gene, we genotyped the VRTN gene. A total of 9 polymorphic sites were detected and only a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs426367238) was suggested to associate with thoracic vertebral number statistically. The variation of thoracolumbar vertebrae number positively associated with the carcass length and carcass weight, especially with the carcass length. VRTN gene polymorphism of the SNP (rs426367238) with significant effect on thoracic vertebral number could be as a candidate marker to further evaluate its role in influence of thoracolumbar vertebral number.

A complete VLBI delay model for deforming radio telescopes: the Effelsberg case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Artz, T.; Springer, A.; Nothnagel, A.

2014-12-01

Deformations of radio telescopes used in geodetic and astrometric very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations belong to the class of systematic error sources which require correction in data analysis. In this paper we present a model for all path length variations in the geometrical optics of radio telescopes which are due to gravitational deformation. The Effelsberg 100 m radio telescope of the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, Bonn, Germany, has been surveyed by various terrestrial methods. Thus, all necessary information that is needed to model the path length variations is available. Additionally, a ray tracing program has been developed which uses as input the parameters of the measured deformations to produce an independent check of the theoretical model. In this program as well as in the theoretical model, the illumination function plays an important role because it serves as the weighting function for the individual path lengths depending on the distance from the optical axis. For the Effelsberg telescope, the biggest contribution to the total path length variations is the bending of the main beam located along the elevation axis which partly carries the weight of the paraboloid at its vertex. The difference in total path length is almost 100 mm when comparing observations at 90 and at 0 elevation angle. The impact of the path length corrections is validated in a global VLBI analysis. The application of the correction model leads to a change in the vertical position of mm. This is more than the maximum path length, but the effect can be explained by the shape of the correction function.

Maternal seafood consumption and infant birth weight, length and head circumference in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study.

PubMed

Brantsæter, Anne Lise; Birgisdottir, Bryndis Eva; Meltzer, Helle Margrete; Kvalem, Helen Engelstad; Alexander, Jan; Magnus, Per; Haugen, Margareta

2012-02-01

Results from previous studies on associations between maternal fish and seafood intakes and fetal growth are inconclusive. The aim of the present study was to investigate how maternal intakes of seafood, subtypes of seafood and supplementary n-3 fatty acids were associated with infant birth weight, length and head circumference in a prospective study in Norway. The study population included 62 099 participants in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. The mothers answered an FFQ in mid pregnancy. The FFQ comprised detailed questions about intake of various seafood items and n-3 supplements. Data on infant birth weight, length and head circumference were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry. We used multivariable regression to examine how total seafood, various seafood subtypes and supplementary n-3 intakes were associated with birth size measures. Total seafood intake was positively associated with birth weight and head circumference. Lean fish was positively associated with all birth size measures; shellfish was positively associated with birth weight, while fatty fish was not associated with any birth size measures. Intake of supplementary n-3 was negatively associated with head circumference. The relative risk of giving birth to a small baby ( < 2500 g) in full-term pregnancies was significantly lower in women who consumed >60 g/d of seafood than in women who consumed ≤ 5 g/d (OR = 0·56 (95 % CI 0·35, 0·88). In conclusion, maternal seafood consumption was positively associated with birth size, driven by lean fish intake, while supplementary n-3 intake was negatively associated with infant head circumference.

Longer breastfeeding duration reduces the positive relationships among gestational weight gain, birth weight and childhood anthropometrics.

PubMed

Zhu, Yeyi; Hernandez, Ladia M; Dong, Yongquan; Himes, John H; Hirschfeld, Steven; Forman, Michele R

2015-07-01

The relationship between gestational weight gain (GWG) and childhood growth remains controversial. An examination on whether infant feeding practices mediate this relationship may improve our understanding of it. We investigated whether the relationships among GWG, birth weight and childhood anthropometrics were mediated through infant feeding practices (breastfeeding duration and age at introduction of solid foods) in a cross-sectional multiethnic study of 1387 mothers and their children aged 0-5.9 years in the USA (2011-2012). Child anthropometrics included age-specific and sex-specific z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), height/length-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height/length (WHZ) and body mass index-for-age (BMIZ); and ulnar length, a marker for limb growth. We used structural equation modelling to calculate standardised path coefficients and total, direct and indirect associations of GWG, birth weight and infant feeding practices with child anthropometrics. Maternal GWG had a positive indirect association with all anthropometrics mediated via birth weight, whereas longer breastfeeding duration reduced the positive associations of GWG and birth weight with WAZ, WHZ and BMIZ in non-Hispanics (β=-0.077, -0.064 and -0.106, respectively). Longer breastfeeding duration and introducing solid foods at a later age were positively associated with ulnar length (β=0.023 and 0.030, respectively) but not HAZ, suggesting a distinct association, for the first time, with limb growth. Findings suggest that promoting longer breastfeeding duration among women with excessive GWG who had high birthweight newborns may mitigate the potential for their offspring to develop obesity. In addition, findings reinforce the importance of promoting appropriate GWG and preventing high birth weight, which are positively associated with childhood anthropometrics. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Conceptual analyses of extensible booms to support a solar sail

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crawford, R. F.; Benton, M. D.

1977-01-01

Extensible booms which could function as the diagonal spars and central mast of an 800 meter square, non-rotating Solar Sailing Vehicle were conceptually designed and analyzed. The boom design concept that was investigated is an extensible lattice boom which is stowed and deployed by elastically coiling and uncoiling its continuous longerons. The seven different free-span lengths in each spar which would minimize the total weights of the spars and mast were determined. Boom weights were calculated by using a semi-empirical formulation which related the overall weight of a boom to the weight of its longerons.

Influence of maternal factors on the successful outcome of kangaroo mother care in low birth-weight infants: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Lumbanraja, S N

2016-01-01

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is associated with positive neonatal outcomes. Studies demonstrated significant influence of maternal factors on the success of applying KMC. To determine maternal factors that influence on anthropometric parameters in low birth weight babies that received kangaroo mother care. This is a randomized controlled study that involved low birth weight newborns. We randomly assigned newborns into two groups; a group who received KMC and a group who received conventional care. Maternal factors were recorded. We followed weight, length, and head circumferences of newborns for thirty days. A total of 40 newborns were included. Weight parameters were significantly higher in the KMC group than the conventional group. From maternal characteristics, only gestational age was found to influence increased head circumference in KMC group (p = 0.035); however, it did not affect the increase in weight or length. Maternal age, parity, education, mode of delivery, fetal sex, and initial Apgar score did not influence growth parameters in either groups. KMC was associated with increased weight gain in LBW infants. Gestational age influences head growth in infants who received KMC.

Exposure of xenopus laevis tadpoles to cadmium reveals concentration-dependent bimodal effects on growth and monotonic effects on development and thyroid gland activity

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sharma, Bibek; Patino, R.

2008-01-01

Xenopus laevis were exposed to 0-855 ??g cadmium (Cd)/l (measured concentrations) in FETAX medium from fertilization to 47 days postfertilization. Measurements included embryonic survival and, at 47 days, tadpole survival, snout-vent length, tail length, total length, hindlimb length, weight, Nieuwkoop-Faber (NF) stage of development, initiation of metamorphic climax (??? NF 58), and thyroid follicle cell height. Embryonic and larval survival were unaffected by Cd. Relative to control tadpoles, reduced tail and total length were observed at 0.1- 8 and at 855 ??g Cd/l; and reduced snout-vent length, hindlimb length, and weight were observed at 0.1-1 and at 855 ??g Cd/l. Mean stage of development and rate of initiation of climax were unaffected by Cd at 0-84 ??g/l; however, none of the tadpoles exposed to 855 ??g Cd/l progressed beyond mid-premetamorphosis (NF 51). Thyroid glands with fully formed follicles were observed in all tadpoles ??? NF 49 examined. Follicle cell height was unaffected by Cd at 0-84 ??g/l but it was reduced at 855 ??g/l; in the latter, cell height was reduced even when compared with NF 49-51 tadpoles pooled from the 0 to 84 ??g Cd/l groups. In conclusion, (1) Cd affected tadpole growth in a bimodal pattern with the first and second inhibitory modes at concentrations below and above 84 ??g Cd/l, respectively; (2) exposure to high Cd concentrations (855 ??g/l) reduced thyroid activity and arrested tadpole development at mid-premetamorphosis; and (3) unlike its effect on growth, Cd inhibited tadpole development and thyroid function in a seemingly monotonic pattern.

Mercury levels of marine fish commonly consumed in Peninsular Malaysia.

PubMed

Ahmad, Nurul Izzah; Noh, Mohd Fairulnizal Mohd; Mahiyuddin, Wan Rozita Wan; Jaafar, Hamdan; Ishak, Ismail; Azmi, Wan Nurul Farah Wan; Veloo, Yuvaneswary; Hairi, Mohd Hairulhisam

2015-03-01

This study was conducted to determine the concentration of total mercury in the edible portion of 46 species of marine fish (n = 297) collected from selected major fish landing ports and wholesale markets throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Samples were collected in June to December 2009. Prior to analysis, the fish samples were processed which consisted of drying at 65 °C until a constant weight was attained; then, it was grounded and digested by a microwave digestion system. The analytical determination was carried out by using a mercury analysis system. Total mercury concentration among fish species was examined. The results showed that mercury concentrations were found significantly higher (p < 0.001) in demersal fish (the range was from 0.173 to 2.537 mg/kg in dried weight) compared to pelagic fish (which ranged from 0.055 to 2.137 mg/kg in dried weight). The mercury concentrations were also higher in carnivorous fish especially in the species with more predatory feeding habits. Besides, the family group of Latidae (0.537 ± 0.267 mg/kg in dried weight), Dasyatidae (0.492 ± 0.740 mg/kg in dried weight), and Lutjanidae (0.465 ± 0.566 mg/kg in dried weight) showed significantly (p < 0.001) higher mercury levels compared to other groups. Fish collected from Port Klang (0.563 ± 0.509 mg/kg in dry weight), Kuala Besar (0.521 ± 0.415 mg/kg in dry weight), and Pandan (0.380 ± 0.481 mg/kg in dry weight) were significantly higher (p = 0.014) in mercury concentrations when compared to fish from other sampling locations. Total mercury levels were significantly higher (p < 0.002) in bigger fish (body length >20 cm) and were positively related with fish size (length and weight) in all fish samples. Despite the results, the level of mercury in marine fish did not exceed the permitted levels of Malaysian and JECFA guideline values at 0.5 mg/kg methylmercury in fish.

Multivariate analysis of sexual size dimorphism in local turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Nigeria.

PubMed

Ajayi, Oyeyemi O; Yakubu, Abdulmojeed; Jayeola, Oluwaseun O; Imumorin, Ikhide G; Takeet, Michael I; Ozoje, Michael O; Ikeobi, Christian O N; Peters, Sunday O

2012-06-01

Sexual size dimorphism is a key evolutionary feature that can lead to important biological insights. To improve methods of sexing live birds in the field, we assessed sexual size dimorphism in Nigerian local turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) using multivariate techniques. Measurements were taken on 125 twenty-week-old birds reared under the intensive management system. The body parameters measured were body weight, body length, breast girth, thigh length, shank length, keel length, wing length and wing span. Univariate analysis revealed that toms (males) had significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean values than hens (females) in all the measured traits. Positive phenotypic correlations between body weight and body measurements ranged from 0.445 to 0.821 in toms and 0.053-0.660 in hens, respectively. Three principal components (PC1, PC2 and PC3) were extracted in toms, each accounting for 63.70%, 19.42% and 5.72% of the total variance, respectively. However, four principal components (PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4) were extracted in hens, which explained 54.03%, 15.29%, 11.68% and 6.95%, respectively of the generalised variance. A stepwise discriminant function analysis of the eight morphological traits indicated that body weight, body length, tail length and wing span were the most discriminating variables in separating the sexes. The single discriminant function obtained was able to correctly classify 100% of the birds into their source population. The results obtained from the present study could aid future management decisions, ecological studies and conservation of local turkeys in a developing economy.

78 FR 37208 - Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-20

... harvested from Puerto Rico's Federal waters: Vermilion snapper (in Snapper Unit 1)--40 lb, (18 kg), round... conditions; water depth; total number of fish caught per vessel; identification, number, weight, length, and...

Effects of cyanobacterial extracellular products and gibberellic acid on salinity tolerance in Oryza sativa L

PubMed Central

Rodríguez, AA; Stella, AM; Storni, MM; Zulpa, G; Zaccaro, MC

2006-01-01

Salt stress is one of the most serious factors limiting the productivity of rice, the staple diet in many countries. Gibberellic acid has been reported to reduce NaCl-induced growth inhibition in some plants including rice. Most paddy soils have a natural population of Cyanobacteria, prokaryotic photosynthethic microorganisms, which synthesize and liberate plant growth regulators such as gibberellins that could exert a natural beneficial effect on salt stressed rice plants. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the cyanobacterium Scytonema hofmanni extracellular products on the growth of rice seedlings inhibited by NaCl and to compare it with the effect of the gibberellic acid in the same stress condition. Growth (length and weight of the seedlings) and biochemical parameters (5-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity, total free porphyrin and pigments content) were evaluated. Salt exposure negatively affected all parameters measured, with the exception of chlorophyll. Chlrorophyll concentrations nearly doubled upon exposure to high salt. Gibberellic acid counteracted the effect of salt on the length and dry weight of the shoot, and on carotenoid and chlorophyll b contents. Extracellular products nullified the salt effect on shoot dry weight and carotenoid content; partially counteracted the effect on shoot length (from 54% to 38% decrease), root dry weight (from 59% to 41% decrease) and total free porphyrin (from 31 to 13% decrease); reduced by 35% the salt increase of chlorophyll a; had no effect on root length and chlorophyll b. Gibberellic acid and extracellular products increased 5-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity over the control without salt. When coincident with high salinity, exposure to either EP or GA3, resulted in a reversal of shoot-related responses to salt stress. We propose that Scytonema hofmanni extracellular products may counteract altered hormone homeostasis of rice seedlings under salt stress by producing gibberellin-like plant growth regulators. PMID:16756665

Gonad development during the early life of Octopus maya (Mollusca: Cephalopoda).

PubMed

Avila-Poveda, Omar Hernando; Colin-Flores, Rafael Francisco; Rosas, Carlos

2009-02-01

Gonad development during the early life of Octopus maya is described in terms of histological, morphometric, oocytes growth, and somatic-oocyte relationship data obtained from octopus cultured at the UMDI-UNAM, in Sisal, Yucatan, Mexico. This study is the first publication on gonad development during the early life of Octopus maya. A total of 83 O. maya specimens were used; their sizes ranged from 6.5 to 76 mm of total length (TL), 4 to 28 mm of dorsal mantle length (DML), 2.5 to 20 mm of ventral mantle length (VML), and 0.0180 to 7.2940 g of fixed body weight (fBW). Animals were weighed and measured only after preservation. A loss of 10% of living weight was estimated for juvenile octopuses after formalin preservation. The relation of length to weight (VML, DML, TL/fBW) pooled for both sexes had a strong positive correlation (r), as shown by a potential power function that was quite close to 1. Compound images were produced from numerous microscopic fields. The histological examination revealed that, 4 months after hatching, male octopus (24.5 mm DML and 7.2940 g fBW) were in gonad stages 2 (maturing) to 3 (mature), with spermatogonia and spermatocytes in the tubule wall and abundant spermatids and spermatozoa in the central lumen of the seminiferous tubules, suggesting the occurrence of different phases of gonad development at different maturity stages. In contrast, females (22.5 mm DML and 4.8210 g fBW) at the same time since hatching were immature (stage 1), with many oogonia, few oocytes, and germinal epithelium. This suggests that males reach maturity earlier than females, indicating a probable onset of maturity for males at around 4 months of culture or 8 g of wet body weight. Our results indicate the possibility that the size-at-weight can be recognized early with a degree of certainty that allows the sexes to be separated for culture purposes; but more detailed studies on reproduction in relation to endocrinology and nutrition are needed.

Age, Growth and Reproduction of the Eastern Mudminnow (Umbra pygmaea) at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Panek, Frank; Weis, Judith S.

2012-01-01

Umbra pygmaea DeKay (Eastern Mudminnow) is one of four species of Umbridae in North America. There is little published life-history information on the species within its native range, particularly on age, growth, and reproduction. This study focuses on these aspects of the life history of this fish at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Morris County, NJ. A total of 336 fish of seven species was collected from June 1978 through May 1979, with the Eastern Mudminnow comprising 74% of the total. The average annual growth increment in total length for the Eastern Mudminnow was 15.3 2.06 mm, with age-1 fish averaging 40 mm total length and age-5 fish, the oldest collected, averaging 107 mm total length. The length-weight relationship was log10W = -5.291 + 3.182 log10TL mm for males and log10W = -4.999 + 3.032 log10TL mm for females. We observed no statistically significant sexually dimorphic differences in length-weight relationships in this population. The ratio of females to males increased from a low of 0.6 (predominance of male fish) at age-1 to a high of 4.6 (predominance of females) at age-5. Annual mortality for age 2–5 fish ranged from 40–76% with a mean of 59 13%. Age-specific fecundity estimates ranged from 250 eggs/female at age-1 to 2168 eggs/female at age-5. The relationship of number of mature ova to age was best described by the exponential function y = 149.29e0.5287x, where y = age-specific fecundity and x = age in years. Ova ranged from 0.1–0.2 mm in diameter in June and July and averaged 1.41 0.1 mm (range = 1.29–1.62 mm) in early February prior to spawning. Peak spawning occurred in mid-April at temperatures of 9–12 °C, and all females were spent by late April (13–15 °C).

The adjusted effect of maternal body mass index, energy and macronutrient intakes during pregnancy, and gestational weight gain on body composition of full-term neonates.

PubMed

Pereira-da-Silva, Luis; Cabo, Catarina; Moreira, Ana Catarina; Virella, Daniel; Guerra, Tatiana; Camoes, Tania; Silva, Ana Rita; Neves, Rute; Ferreira, Goncalo Cordeiro

2014-11-01

To evaluate the effect of prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), energy and macronutrient intakes during pregnancy, and gestational weight gain (GWG) on the body composition of full-term appropriate-for-gestational age neonates. This is a cross-sectional study of a systematically recruited convenience sample of mother-infant pairs. Food intake during pregnancy was assessed by food frequency questionnaire and its nutritional value by the Food Processor Plus (ESHA Research Inc, Salem, OR). Neonatal body composition was assessed both by anthropometry and air displacement plethysmography. Explanatory models for neonatal body composition were tested by multiple linear regression analysis. A total of 100 mother-infant pairs were included. Prepregnancy overweight was positively associated with offspring weight, weight/length, BMI, and fat-free mass in the whole sample; in males, it was also positively associated with midarm circumference, ponderal index, and fat mass. Higher energy intake from carbohydrate was positively associated with midarm circumference and weight/length in the whole sample. Higher GWG was positively associated with weight, length, and midarm circumference in females. Positive adjusted associations were found between both prepregnancy BMI and energy intake from carbohydrate and offspring body size in the whole sample. Positive adjusted associations were also found between prepregnancy overweight and adiposity in males, and between GWG and body size in females. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Growth and contribution of stocked channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque, 1818): the importance of measuring post-stocking performance

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stewart, David R.; Long, James M.

2015-01-01

In this study it was sought to quantify post-stocking growth, survival, and contribution of advanced size (178 mm total length [TL]) channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fingerlings, something rarely done. Channel catfish populations were evaluated before (May 2010) and after (May to August 2011 and 2012) stocking. Relative abundance, stocking contribution, and growth were different (P < 0.05) in the two study impoundments (lakes Lone Chimney and Greenleaf, Oklahoma). For fish stocked in Lake Lone Chimney, stocking contribution was lower (3–35%), and average length and weight of stocked fish by age-2 reached 230 mm TL and 85 g, whereas the stocking contribution (84–98%) and growth in length (340 mm TL) and weight (280 g) were higher by age-2 in Lake Greenleaf. Given these unambiguous differences of post-stocking performance, benchmark metrics that represent population-level information such as relative abundance and average length and weight of the sample masked these significant differences, highlighting the importance of marking hatchery-fish and then following them through time to determine the effectiveness of stocking. These results suggest that stock enhancement programmes would benefit from studies that quantify post-stocking performance of hatchery fish.

Association of maternal gestational weight gain with their offspring's anthropometric outcomes at late infancy and 6 years old: mediating roles of birth weight and breastfeeding duration.

PubMed

Liu, J X; Xu, X; Liu, J H; Hardin, J W; Li, R

2018-01-01

Longitudinal studies examining the potential mediating roles of birth weight and breastfeeding duration on the pathways between maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) and offspring anthropometric outcomes are lacking. We analyzed data from the mother-child pairs in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II (IFPS II) in late infancy (n=1548) and at the Year 6 Follow-up (n=1514) Study. Child anthropometrics included age- and sex-specific Z-scores for weight for age (WAZ), height /length for age, weight for height/length and body mass index (BMIZ). Structural equation models were used to estimate the total, direct and indirect effects of GWG on child anthropometrics through birth weight and breastfeeding duration. The total effect of GWG on offspring anthropometric outcomes was significant for WAZ (β=0.107, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.052, 0.161) at late infancy and for WAZ (β=0.122, 95% CI: 0.066, 0.177) and BMIZ (β=0.120, 95% CI: 0.063, 0.178) at 6 years old. The direct effects of GWG on offspring's WAZ and BMIZ were observed only at 6 years old. The indirect effects of GWG through birth weight were significant on most of the offspring's anthropometric measures. Compared to breastfeeding duration, birth weight was a stronger mediator on the pathways between GWG and all proposed anthropometric measures both in late infancy and in early childhood. Longer duration of breastfeeding was inversely associated with all offspring anthropometric outcomes at late infancy but not with those outcomes at 6 years old. Our findings suggest a stronger indirect rather than direct effect of GWG on children's anthropometric outcomes mainly through birth weight, independent of maternal sociodemographic and reproductive factors. Longer duration of breastfeeding might suppress the positive relationship between GWG, birth weight and anthropometric outcomes in late infancy but not among 6 years old.

Genetic Mapping and QTL Analysis of Growth-Related Traits in Pinctada fucata Using Restriction-Site Associated DNA Sequencing

PubMed Central

Li, Yaoguo; He, Maoxian

2014-01-01

The pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata (P. fucata), is one of the marine bivalves that is predominantly cultured for pearl production. To obtain more genetic information for breeding purposes, we constructed a high-density linkage map of P. fucata and identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for growth-related traits. One F1 family, which included the two parents, 48 largest progeny and 50 smallest progeny, was sampled to construct a linkage map using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq). With low coverage data, 1956.53 million clean reads and 86,342 candidate RAD loci were generated. A total of 1373 segregating SNPs were used to construct a sex-average linkage map. This spanned 1091.81 centimorgans (cM), with 14 linkage groups and an average marker interval of 1.41 cM. The genetic linkage map coverage, Coa, was 97.24%. Thirty-nine QTL-peak loci, for seven growth-related traits, were identified using the single-marker analysis, nonparametric mapping Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test. Parameters included three for shell height, six for shell length, five for shell width, four for hinge length, 11 for total weight, eight for soft tissue weight and two for shell weight. The QTL peak loci for shell height, shell length and shell weight were all located in linkage group 6. The genotype frequencies of most QTL peak loci showed significant differences between the large subpopulation and the small subpopulation (P<0.05). These results highlight the effectiveness of RAD-Seq as a tool for generation of QTL-targeted and genome-wide marker data in the non-model animal, P. fucata, and its possible utility in marker-assisted selection (MAS). PMID:25369421

A Link between Nutritional and Growth States in Pediatric Patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

PubMed

Pawłowska, Katarzyna; Umławska, Wioleta; Iwańczak, Barbara

2018-04-27

To investigate nutritional status and growth status of pediatric patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and to examine the relationship between nutritional status and linear growth in these children. In total, 102 pediatric patients diagnosed with functional constipation (FC), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or functional abdominal pain (FAP) in years 2013-2015 were subjected to anthropometric measurements. Anthropometry comprised body height, leg and trunk lengths, body weight, mid-upper arm circumference, and 3 skinfold thicknesses. Body fat percentage was obtained with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Indices of the nutritional status and body proportions were calculated and adjusted for age and sex. Excessive body weight and excessive fatness were the most common in children with IBS. Being underweight was most common in children with FAP, but fat deficiency was similarly frequent in the FAP and in FC groups. Short stature was the most common in children with FC. Children with IBS were the best nourished and the tallest for age and sex due to increased trunk length. Body height and linear body proportions adjusted for age and sex were positively associated with body weight and body fatness in the total sample. Children with FGIDs present various linear growth abnormalities that are associated with body weight and body fatness. Although excessive body weight and body fat are common in children with IBS, pediatricians should be aware of the risk of malnutrition in children with other FGIDs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Body weight, egg production, and egg quality traits of gray, brown, and white varieties of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in coastal climatic condition of Odisha.

PubMed

Bagh, Jessy; Panigrahi, B; Panda, N; Pradhan, C R; Mallik, B K; Majhi, B; Rout, S S

2016-08-01

The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of gray, brown, and white varieties of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) with respect to body weight, egg production, and egg quality traits in the coastal climatic condition of Odisha. A total of 500-day-old straight run Japanese quail chicks of three varieties, viz., gray, brown, and white were randomly selected and reared in deep litter system at Central Poultry Development Organization, Eastern Region, Bhubaneswar. The weekly body weight of the birds was recorded till their egg production stage (up to 6 weeks of age). The average egg production was recorded every biweekly from 6(th) to 20(th) week. Exterior and interior quality of eggs from each variety was determined at 6 weeks of age. The initial average weekly body weight of three varieties did not differ (p>0.05) among the varieties. However, from 1(st) to 6(th) week significantly higher body weight was observed in gray than white and brown. Brown varieties had reached 50% egg production 1 week earlier than gray and white. Brown had higher peak hen day (HD) production or hen-housed egg production followed by white and gray. External quality such as: Egg weight, egg length, egg width, volume, shape index, shell weight, shell thickness depicted no significant difference among the varieties except circumference length and circumference width, which were significantly higher (p≤0.05) in gray varieties than brown varieties. Internal egg characteristics such as: Albumen length, albumen width, albumen height, albumen index, yolk length, yolk width, yolk height, yolk index, albumen weight, yolk weight, Haugh unit revealed no significance difference among the varieties. It may be summarized from the findings that gray excelled in body weight followed by white and brown. Egg production potential in terms of hen house egg production or HD egg production was higher for brown followed by white and gray in the coastal climatic condition of Odisha.

Factors influencing mercury concentrations in walleyes in northern Wisconsin lakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wiener, J.G.; Martini, R.E.; Sheffy, T.B.; Glass, G.E.

1990-01-01

The authors examined relations between mercury concentrations in walleyes Stizostedion vitreum and the characteristics of clear-water Wisconsin lakes, which spanned a broad range of pH values (5.0-8.1) and acid- neutralizing capacities (-9 to 1,017 mu eq/L). Total concentrations of mercury in axial muscle tissue of walleyes (total length, 25-56 cm) varied from 0.12 to 1.74 mu g/g wet weight. Concentrations were greatest in fish from the eight lakes with pH less than 7.0; concentrations in these fish equaled or exceeded 0.5 mu g/g in 88% of the samples analyzed and 1.0 mu g/g in 44%. In the five lakes with pH of 7.0 and above, concentrations exceeded 0.5 mu g/g in only 1 of 21 walleyes. Multiple regression revealed that lake pH and total length of fish accounted for 69% of the variation in mercury concentration in walleyes. Regression models with total length and either waterborne calcium or acid-neutralizing capacity as independent variables accounted for 67% of the variation in concentration.

Child obesity and motor development delays

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Childhood obesity has been associated with delays in motor development using weight-for-length z-scores and subcutaneous fat. To study this further, percent body fat and motor development were assessed in children ages 3 to 24 months. Included were 455 children with a total of 1882 longitudinal obse...

Effects of freezing in and out of water on length and weight of Lake Michigan bloaters

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sayers, Richard E.

1987-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine if freezing significantly alters the length or weight of bloaters Coregonus hoyi. Bloaters were collected from southern Lake Michigan and were frozen for periods of 2-200 d. Freezing in water caused a significant decrease in length and a significant increase in weight. These changes did not vary predictably with time. The mean change in weight was greater for adults than for juveniles, but the mean change in length was not significantly different between juveniles and adults. Regressions for weight or length after freezing versus weight or length before freezing were highly significant and can be used as correction equations for estimating the original lengths and weights of fresh specimens after fish have been frozen. Test fish that were subsequently refrozen in air shrank more than those refrozen in water.

Bran data of total flavonoid and total phenolic contents, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and profiles of proanthocyanidins and whole grain physical traits of 32 red and purple rice varieties

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Phytochemicals in red and purple bran rice have potential health benefit to humans. We determined the phytochemicals in brans of 32 red and purple global rice varieties. The description of the origin and physical traits of the whole grain (color, length, width, thickness and 100-kernel weight) of th...

Effects of the Length of Stay on the Cost of Total Knee and Total Hip Arthroplasty from 2002 to 2013.

PubMed

Molloy, Ilda B; Martin, Brook I; Moschetti, Wayne E; Jevsevar, David S

2017-03-01

Utilization of total knee and hip arthroplasty has greatly increased in the past decade in the United States; these are among the most expensive procedures in patients with Medicare. Advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and care pathways decrease hospital length of stay. We examined how trends in hospital cost were altered by decreases in length of stay. Procedure, demographic, and economic data were collected on 6.4 million admissions for total knee arthroplasty and 2.8 million admissions for total hip arthroplasty from 2002 to 2013 using the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample, a component of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Trends in mean hospital costs and their association with length of stay were estimated using inflation-adjusted, survey-weighted generalized linear regression models, controlling for patient demographic characteristics and comorbidity. From 2002 to 2013, the length of stay decreased from a mean time of 4.06 to 2.97 days for total knee arthroplasty and from 4.06 to 2.75 days for total hip arthroplasty. During the same time period, the mean hospital cost for total knee arthroplasty increased from $14,988 (95% confidence interval [CI], $14,927 to $15,049) in 2002 to $22,837 (95% CI, $22,765 to $22,910) in 2013 (an overall increase of $7,849 or 52.4%). The mean hospital cost for total hip arthroplasty increased from $15,792 (95% CI, $15,706 to $15,878) in 2002 to $23,650 (95% CI, $23,544 to $23,755) in 2013 (an increase of $7,858 or 49.8%). If length of stay were set at the 2002 mean, the growth in cost for total knee arthroplasty would have been 70.8% instead of 52.4% as observed, and the growth in cost for total hip arthroplasty would have been 67.4% instead of 49.8% as observed. Hospital costs for joint replacement increased from 2002 to 2013, but were attenuated by reducing inpatient length of stay. With demographic characteristics showing an upward trend in the utilization of joint arthroplasty, including a shift toward younger population groups, reduction in length of stay remains an important target for procedure-level cost containment under emerging payment models.

The fish fauna of Anambra river basin, Nigeria: species abundance and morphometry.

PubMed

Odo, Gregory Ejikeme; Didigwu, Nwani Christopher; Eyo, Joseph Effiong

2009-01-01

The fish yields of most Nigeria inland waters are generally on the decline for causes that may range from inadequate management of the fisheries to degradation of the water bodies. Sustainable exploitation requires knowledge of the ichthyofaunal composition in the water bodies. We did a survey of fish species in Anambra river basin for 22 months. Fish samples were collected using four different gears -hook and line of size 13, caste nets, gill nets, and cages of mesh sizes of 50 mm, 75 mm, and 100 mm each. We recorded 52 fish species belonging to 17 families: 171, 236, and 169 individuals at Ogurugu, Otuocha, and Nsugbe stations respectively. Two families, Characidae, 19.5%, and Mochokidae, 11.8%, constituted the dominant fish families in the river. The dominant fish species were Citherinus citherius, 9.02%, and Alestes nurse, 7.1%. Other fish species with significant abundance were Synodontis clarias 6.9%, Macrolepidotus curvier 5.7%, Labeo coubie 5.4%, Distichodus rostrtus 4.9%, and Schilbe mystus 4.5%. The meristic features of the two most abundant fish species caught are as follows: Citharinus citharius dorsal fins 20, anal fins 30, caudal fins 21, pectoral fins, 9 and 8 ventral fins, and Alestes nurse 10 dorsal fins, 14 anal fins, 31 caudal fins, 7 pectoral fins and 6 ventral fins. The morphometric features of the two most abundant fish species are Citharinus citharius total length 300 mm, standard length 231 mm, head length 69 mm, body length 101 mm, body girth 176 mm, body weight 900 mg. Alestes nurse total length 200, standard length 140 mm, head length 60 mm, body length 80 mm, body girth 120 mm, body weight 400 mg. The most abundant animal utilizing the basin was Ardea cinerea (D3) with 22.2% occurrence (D4) and this was followed by Caprini with 13.51%, and Varanus niloticus, 10.04%. The least abundant animals utilizing basin were Chephalophus rufilatus, and Erythrocebus patas, with 0.58% each of occurrence.

Evaluation of developmental toxicity of guaifenesin using pregnant female rats.

PubMed

Shabbir, Arham; Shamsi, Sadia; Shahzad, Muhammad; Butt, Hajra Ikram; Aamir, Khurram; Iqbal, Javed

2016-01-01

Guaifenesin possesses expectorant, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsive properties. To the best of our knowledge, the promising data regarding the developmental toxicity of guaifenesin are scarce. The current study investigates the developmental toxic effects of guaifenesin in detail using female rats. Twenty-five dams were divided into five groups. Group 1 served as a control, while Group-2, -3, -4, and -5 were administered with 250, 350, 500, and 600 (mg/kg b.w.) doses of guaifenesin, respectively, starting from gestation day 6 to day 17. Half of the total recovered fetuses was subjected to morphologic and morphometric analysis, while other half was subjected to skeletal examination. A significant reduction in maternal weight, and food/water intake, was observed, however, no mortality and morbidity were observed. About 14 dead fetuses were found in Group-3 and -4 each, while 26 in Group 5. Morphological analysis revealed 21.2%, 45.4%, 67.2%, and 86.9% of total fetuses having hemorrhagic spots in Group-2, -3, -4, and -5, respectively. Dropping wrist/ankle and kinky tail were found in Group-4 and -5 only. Morphometric analysis showed a significant decline in fetal weight, full body length, skull length, forelimb length, hindlimb length, and tail length in all guaifenesin treated groups. Skeletal examination displayed that only Group 5 fetuses had increased intercostal space between 7(th) and 8(th) rib. We also observed improper development of carpals, metacarpals, tarsals, and metatarsals of the Group 5 fetuses. Guaifenesin showed a significant developmental toxicity at selected test doses; therefore, a careful use is suggested during pregnancy.

Evaluation of developmental toxicity of guaifenesin using pregnant female rats

PubMed Central

Shabbir, Arham; Shamsi, Sadia; Shahzad, Muhammad; Butt, Hajra Ikram; Aamir, Khurram; Iqbal, Javed

2016-01-01

Objectives: Guaifenesin possesses expectorant, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsive properties. To the best of our knowledge, the promising data regarding the developmental toxicity of guaifenesin are scarce. The current study investigates the developmental toxic effects of guaifenesin in detail using female rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five dams were divided into five groups. Group 1 served as a control, while Group-2, -3, -4, and -5 were administered with 250, 350, 500, and 600 (mg/kg b.w.) doses of guaifenesin, respectively, starting from gestation day 6 to day 17. Half of the total recovered fetuses was subjected to morphologic and morphometric analysis, while other half was subjected to skeletal examination. Results: A significant reduction in maternal weight, and food/water intake, was observed, however, no mortality and morbidity were observed. About 14 dead fetuses were found in Group-3 and -4 each, while 26 in Group 5. Morphological analysis revealed 21.2%, 45.4%, 67.2%, and 86.9% of total fetuses having hemorrhagic spots in Group-2, -3, -4, and -5, respectively. Dropping wrist/ankle and kinky tail were found in Group-4 and -5 only. Morphometric analysis showed a significant decline in fetal weight, full body length, skull length, forelimb length, hindlimb length, and tail length in all guaifenesin treated groups. Skeletal examination displayed that only Group 5 fetuses had increased intercostal space between 7th and 8th rib. We also observed improper development of carpals, metacarpals, tarsals, and metatarsals of the Group 5 fetuses. Conclusion: Guaifenesin showed a significant developmental toxicity at selected test doses; therefore, a careful use is suggested during pregnancy. PMID:27298495

Evaluation of the morphological characteristic and sex differences of sternum by multi-detector computed tomography.

PubMed

Ateşoğlu, Sibel; Deniz, Mustafa; Uslu, Ayşe İmge

2018-01-18

Sternum is one of the skeleton parts which have frequently congenital anomalies and variations are commonly used by researchers in determining sex. We evaluated the morphological characteristics and sex-related changes of the sternum in adult individuals using multidetector CT in our study. 200 adults (103 female and 97 male) aged between 18-87 years were evaluated. Utilizing the morphological characteristics of the sternum based on the multi-slice images; length, width and the thickness of Manubrium, length, width and the thickness of Corpus Sterni, total length of Sternum, Sternal angle, Sternal index, length of the xiphoid process, the thickness of xiphoid process, the number of indents of xiphoid process were measured and a total of 20 parameters were evaluated by adding age, height and weight to these variables. The mean length of the manubrium, the length of corpus sterni, the length of total sternum, sternal index, sternal angle were found in females 46.7±5.1,86.6±9.7, 133.1±1.1, 54.47±10.0 and 163.75±5.79; in males 51.2±6, 102.4±13.3, 154.1±13.1, 50.11±10.02 and 162.21±6.17, respectively. We found that Hyrtl's law and Sternal index did not provide adequate accuracy for sex determination in our patients. It has been detected that the length of the Manubrium alone is not helpful for individual samples. Total length of the sternum was found to be more reliable than the length of the Manubrium and the length of corpus Sterni. We determined Sternal cleft and Sternal foramen as 0.5% and 3.5%, respectively. We suggest that the Morphometric standards cannot be universally applied and can demonstrate individual differences. The standard rules must be implemented for every population.

Birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction and nutritional status in childhood in relation to grip strength in adults: from the 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort.

PubMed

Bielemann, Renata Moraes; Gigante, Denise Petrucci; Horta, Bernardo Lessa

2016-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association among birth weight, intrauterine growth, and nutritional status in childhood with grip strength in young adults from the 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort. In 1982, the hospital live births of Pelotas were followed. In 2012, grip strength was evaluated using a hand dynamometer and the best of the six measurements was used. Birth weight was analyzed as z-score for gestational age according to Williams (1982) curve. Weight-for-age, weight-for-length/height, and length/height-for-age at 2 and 4 y were analyzed in z-scores according to 2006 World Health Organization Child Growth Standards. Lean mass at 30 y was included as possible mediator using the g-computation formula. In 2012, 3701 (68.1%) individuals were interviewed and 3470 were included in the present analyses. An increase of 1 z-score in birth weight was associated with an increase of 1.5 kg in grip strength in males (95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.9). Positive effect of birth weight on grip strength was found in females. Grip strength was greater in individuals who were born with appropriate size for gestational age and positively associated with weight- and length/height-for-age z-score at 2 and 4 y of age. A positive association between birth weight and grip strength was only partially mediated by adult lean mass (50% and 33% of total effect in males and females), whereas direct effect of weight at 2 y was found only in males. It is suggested that good nutrition in prenatal and early postnatal life has a positive influence on adult muscle strength. The results from birth weight were suggestive of fetal programming on grip strength measurement. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Estimating geographic variation on allometric growth and body condition of Blue Suckers with quantile regression

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cade, B.S.; Terrell, J.W.; Neely, B.C.

2011-01-01

Increasing our understanding of how environmental factors affect fish body condition and improving its utility as a metric of aquatic system health require reliable estimates of spatial variation in condition (weight at length). We used three statistical approaches that varied in how they accounted for heterogeneity in allometric growth to estimate differences in body condition of blue suckers Cycleptus elongatus across 19 large-river locations in the central USA. Quantile regression of an expanded allometric growth model provided the most comprehensive estimates, including variation in exponents within and among locations (range = 2.88–4.24). Blue suckers from more-southerly locations had the largest exponents. Mixed-effects mean regression of a similar expanded allometric growth model allowed exponents to vary among locations (range = 3.03–3.60). Mean relative weights compared across selected intervals of total length (TL = 510–594 and 594–692 mm) in a multiplicative model involved the implicit assumption that allometric exponents within and among locations were similar to the exponent (3.46) for the standard weight equation. Proportionate differences in the quantiles of weight at length for adult blue suckers (TL = 510, 594, 644, and 692 mm) compared with their average across locations ranged from 1.08 to 1.30 for southern locations (Texas, Mississippi) and from 0.84 to 1.00 for northern locations (Montana, North Dakota); proportionate differences for mean weight ranged from 1.13 to 1.17 and from 0.87 to 0.95, respectively, and those for mean relative weight ranged from 1.10 to 1.18 and from 0.86 to 0.98, respectively. Weights for fish at longer lengths varied by 600–700 g within a location and by as much as 2,000 g among southern and northern locations. Estimates for the Wabash River, Indiana (0.96–1.07 times the average; greatest increases for lower weights at shorter TLs), and for the Missouri River from Blair, Nebraska, to Sioux City, Iowa (0.90–1.00 times the average; greatest decreases for lower weights at longer TLs), were examined in detail to explain the additional information provided by quantile estimates.

Effect of simulated climate warming on the morphological and physiological traits of Elsholtzia haichowensis in copper contaminated soil.

PubMed

Guan, Ming; Jin, Zexin; Li, Junmin; Pan, Xiaocui; Wang, Suizi; Li, Yuelin

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature and Cu on the morphological and physiological traits of Elsholtzia haichowensis grown in soils amended with four Cu concentrations (0, 50, 500, and 1000 mg kg(-1)) under ambient temperature and slight warming. At the same Cu concentration, the height, shoot dry weight, total plant dry weight, and root morphological parameters such as length, surface area and tip number of E. haichowensis increased due to the slight warming. The net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration, light use efficiency were also higher under the slight warming than under ambient temperature. The increased Cu concentrations, total Cu uptake, bioaccumulation factors and tolerance indexes of shoots and roots were also observed at the slight warming. The shoot dry weight, root dry weight, total plant dry weight and the bioaccumulation factors of shoots and roots at 50 mg Cu kg(-1) were significantly higher than those at 500 and 1000 mg Cu kg(-1) under the slight warming. Therefore, the climate warming may improve the ability of E. haichowensis to phytoremediate Cu-contaminated soil, and the ability improvement greatly depended on the Cu concentrations in soils.

The Law of Elasticity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cocco, Alberto; Masin, Sergio Cesare

2010-01-01

Participants estimated the imagined elongation of a spring while they were imagining that a load was stretching the spring. This elongation turned out to be a multiplicative function of spring length and load weight--a cognitive law analogous to Hooke's law of elasticity. Participants also estimated the total imagined elongation of springs joined…

Length-weight relationship and a relative condition factor equation for lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) from the St Clair River system (Michigan, USA)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Craig, J.M.; Thomas, M.V.; Nichols, S.J.

2005-01-01

Several USA state, federal, and Canadian agencies study lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) within the St Clair River and Lake St Clair, collectively referred to hereafter as the St Clair River (SCR) system. Previously, there has been no set standard for determining condition for SCR system lake sturgeon. Condition measures the variation from the expected weight for length as an indicator of fatness, general well-being, gonad development, etc. The aim of this project was to determine the length weight relationship of lake sturgeon caught from the SCR system, from which a relative condition factor (Kn) equation could be derived. Total length (TL, mm) and weight (W, kg) were measured for 1074 lake sturgeon (101 males and 16 females were identifiable) collected by setline and bottom trawl from the SCR system in May-September, 1997-2002. Analysis of covariance found no difference in the length-weight relationship between sampling gear or sex. Least-squares regression of log10W ?? log10TL produced the overall equation logW = 3.365logTL - 9.320. Using the exponential form of the slope and y-intercept, relative condition factor for lake sturgeon from the SCR system can be calculated as Kn - W/[(4.786 ?? 10-10)(TL3.365)]. Equations for males and females were also developed. Overall, body condition was significantly correlated with both age and girth; no significant difference in Kn by sex was found. In general, the SCR lake sturgeon population was near the upper ends of growth and condition ranges listed in the literature, comparable with those populations that are at similar latitudes. Although condition factors should be interpreted with caution, proper use of a standard equation provides a non-lethal measure of overall fish health that can be used by biologists and managers in ongoing efforts to restore lake sturgeon throughout the Great Lakes. ?? 2005 Blackwell Verlag, Berlin.

Length-weight relationship and a relative condition factor equation for lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) from the St. Clair River system (Michigan, USA)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Craig, Jaquelyn M.; Thomas, Michael V.; Nichols, S. Jerrine

2005-01-01

Several USA state, federal, and Canadian agencies study lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) within the St Clair River and Lake St Clair, collectively referred to hereafter as the St Clair River (SCR) system. Previously, there has been no set standard for determining condition for SCR system lake sturgeon. Condition measures the variation from the expected weight for length as an indicator of fatness, general well-being, gonad development, etc. The aim of this project was to determine the length-weight relationship of lake sturgeon caught from the SCR system, from which a relative condition factor (Kn) equation could be derived. Total length (TL, mm) and weight (W, kg) were measured for 1074 lake sturgeon (101 males and 16 females were identifiable) collected by setline and bottom trawl from the SCR system in May-September, 1997-2002. Analysis of covariance found no difference in the length-weight relationship between sampling gear or sex. Least-squares regression of log10W x log10TL produced the overall equation logW = 3.365logTL - 9.320. Using the exponential form of the slope and y-intercept, relative condition factor for lake sturgeon from the SCR system can be calculated as Kn = W/ [(4.786 x 10-10)(TL3.365)]. Equations for males and females were also developed. Overall, body condition was significantly correlated with both age and girth; no significant difference in Kn by sex was found. In general, the SCR lake sturgeon population was near the upper ends of growth and condition ranges listed in the literature, comparable with those populations that are at similar latitudes. Although condition factors should be interpreted with caution, proper use of a standard equation provides a non-lethal measure of overall fish health that can be used by biologists and managers in ongoing efforts to restore lake sturgeon throughout the Great Lakes.

Inter-cohort growth patterns of pharaoh cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis (Sepioidea: Sepiidae) in Eastern Arabian Sea.

PubMed

Sasikumarl, Geetha; Mohamed, K S; Bhat, U S

2013-03-01

Sepia pharaonis is an important commercial species endemic to the tropical Indo-Pacific region. Despite its commercial significance, only few information on natural populations is available. This study was aimed to describe the aspects of size-composition, length-weight relationship, catch rates, seasonal recruitment and inter-cohort growth patterns of S. pharaonis population (Clade C), distributed along the Eastern Arabian Sea (South-West coast of India). For this, the Dorsal Mantle Length (DML) and weight of cuttlefishes was obtained from commercial trawl catches, from April 2002 to October 2006. Data was analyzed by normal length-weight methods such as von Bertalanffy. A total of 12454 cuttlefishes, ranging in length from four to 41cm were analyzed. Size-composition patterns discriminated two pulses in recruitment to the fishery, discernible by a decrease in the monthly mean size of the population. The DMLs of the two seasonal cohorts were subjected to modal-progression analysis using the Bhattacharya's method for the estimation of growth. The estimated parameters Linfinity and K in von Bertalanffy Growth Function (VBGF) were used to model growth curves in length for the cohorts. The first cohort, (post-monsoon cohort) which supports the major fishery, was composed of medium-sized, fast growing individuals, whereas the second cohort (pre-monsoon cohort), comprised of slow growing and large-sized individuals. There were differential growth characteristics between the sexes and the life span was estimated at less than 2.3 years for males and 2.1 years for females. Negative allometric growth in weight (W) with length (L) was observed for males (W=0.33069.L2.5389) and females (W=0.32542.L26057). The females were heavier compared to males at any given mantle length, and the males were found to attain larger ultimate lengths. The major fishing season for cuttlefish was from May to November, when higher monthly catch rates of 1.67-13.02kg/h were observed in comparison with 0.03-0.85kg/h in December-April. Seasonal catch rates indicated a migratory life cycle ofS. pharaonis between offshore and inshore coastal zones.

Effect of nitrogen sources on some morphological characteristics of in vitro stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.

PubMed

Akbari, F; Arminian, A; Kahrizi, D; Fazeli, A

2017-02-28

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni belongs to Asteraceae family that leaves 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. Low seed fertility is one of the most important problems in Stevia production. So, Plant tissue culture is an efficient method for mass propagation of Stevia. In this research, we studied the effect of various concentrations of nitrogen on some morphological traits of stevia under in vitro conditions. We used axillary nodes as explants and they were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing inorganic nitrogen sources i.e. NH4NO3(0, 825 and 1650 mg/l), KNO3(0, 950 and 1900 mg/l) were observed. The cultures were kept for 4 weeks at a temperature of 25±2°C with a photoperiod of 16/8 hour low light/dark each day. Maximum shoot length (89.33 mm), dry weight of plants (0.10 mg) and leaf fresh weight (0.42 mg) was observed on MS medium with 1650 mg/l NH4NO3 and 950 mg/l KNO3. Minimum shoot length (6.13 mm), root length (6.60 mm), leaf number (4.26), leaf dry weight (0.01 mg), leaf fresh weight (0.05 mg), total dry and fresh weight (0.02 and 0.15 mg) and growth rate was observed on a MS medium without nitrogen sources. Moreover, presence of nitrogen sources increases both shooting and rooting in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.

Mineralization of different bones in streptozotocin-diabetic rats: study on the concentration of eight minerals.

PubMed

Rosholt, M N; Hegarty, P V

1981-09-01

Streptozotocin-induced diabetes was studied in male and female rats weighing 188 and 145 g, respectively, at the start of the experiment. After 79 days in the diabetic condition the weights and lengths of different bones were less in the diabetic rats than in two nondiabetic control groups, i.e., ad libitum fed and a group restricted in food intake to achieve the same body weight as the diabetic rats. The concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and sodium were similar in the diabetic and nondiabetic groups, whereas the concentrations of iron and zinc were higher in the diabetic rats. Results for the concentration of potassium, magnesium, and chromium showed a less uniform pattern between groups and between males and females. It is concluded that the length and weight of bones in diabetic rats are less than nondiabetic rats of the same body weight. This results in a lower total amount of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chromium. This observation was similar in all three bones studied. Therefore, prolonged streptozotocin-induced diabetes does interfere with the normal pattern of bone mineralization.

Effect of using truncated versus total foot length to calculate the arch height ratio.

PubMed

McPoil, Thomas G; Cornwall, Mark W; Vicenzino, Bill; Teyhen, Deydre S; Molloy, Joseph M; Christie, Douglas S; Collins, Natalie

2008-12-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the arch height ratio in a large cohort of subjects as well as to assess the reliability and validity of the foot measurements utilized in the study. Eight hundred and fifty subjects, 393 women and 457 men, consented to participate in the study. The dorsal arch height, total foot length, and the truncated foot length were used to calculate two variations of the arch height ratio. In addition to determining within- and between-rater measurement reliability, radiographs were used to establish validity. The truncated arch height ratio can be estimated using the total foot length, unless toe deformities are present in the individual being assessed. All foot measurements had high levels of intra- and inter-rater reliability and the validity of measuring the dorsal arch height while standing with equal weight on both feet was established. This investigation provides normative values from a large cohort of healthy female and male subjects for two variations of the arch height ratio. The arch height ratio is a reliable and valid measurement that may prove useful to clinicians and researchers for the classification of foot posture.

[Status of penis and testicular development and effects of overweight/obesity on them in boys in the Zhengzhou area].

PubMed

Zhang, Yao-Dong; Tan, Li-Na; Luo, Shu-Ying; Chen, Yong-Xing; Wei, Hai-Yan

2015-01-01

To evaluate the current status of penis and testicular development in boys and the effects of overweight/obesity on their development in the Zhengzhou area of Henan Province. Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, penis length and testicular volume were measured in 3 546 4 to 12-year-old boys. The penis length and testicular volume were compared between the overweight/obesity and normal weight groups. Before 9 years of age, the testicular volume was progressively smaller, and after 9 years old, it gradually increased. By the age of 11, it increased rapidly. The penis length increased gradually between 4 and 11 years of age, and after the age of 11 it increased rapidly. Phimosis was found in 144 cases (4.01%) and cryptorchidism was found in 18 cases (0.51%). A total of 639 (18.02%) boys were overweight or obese among 3 546 boys. At the ages of 6 and 7 years, the testicular volume in the overweight/obesity group was greater than in the normal control group (P<0.05). The penis length in the overweight/obesity group was significantly shorter than in the normal control group (P<0.05) by the age of 11 years. The correlation analysis showed that the testicular volume at the ages of 4 and 5 years was positively correlated with height, weight, BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference in overweight/obese boys. The penis length at the ages of 7 and 8 years was negatively correlated with weight, waist circumference and hip circumference. By the age of 12 years, the penis length was positively correlated with the height. The development of penis and testicles in boys in the Zhengzhou area is in line with the level of sex development of Chinese boys. Overweight/obesity adversely affects the development of penis and testicles.

Total Gastrectomy for Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer at a Single Center: Postsurgical Outcomes in 41 Patients.

PubMed

Strong, Vivian E; Gholami, Sepideh; Shah, Manish A; Tang, Laura H; Janjigian, Yelena Y; Schattner, Mark; Selby, Luke V; Yoon, Sam S; Salo-Mullen, Erin; Stadler, Zsofia K; Kelsen, David; Brennan, Murray F; Coit, Daniel G

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to describe postoperative outcomes of total gastrectomy at our institution for patients with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC). HDGC, which is mainly caused by germline mutations in the E-cadherin gene (CDH1), renders a lifetime risk of gastric cancer of up to 70%, prompting a recommendation for prophylactic total gastrectomy. A prospective gastric cancer database identified 41 patients with CDH1 mutation who underwent total gastrectomy during 2005 to 2015. Perioperative, histopathologic, and long-term data were collected. Of the 41 patients undergoing total gastrectomy, median age was 47 years (range 20 to 71). There were 14 men and 27 women, with 25 open operations and 16 minimally invasive operations. Median length of stay was 7 days (range 4 to 50). In total, 11 patients (27%) experienced a complication requiring intervention, and there was 1 peri-operative mortality (2.5%). Thirty-five patients (85%) demonstrated 1 or more foci of intramucosal signet ring cell gastric cancer in the examined specimen. At 16 months median follow-up, the median weight loss was 4.7 kg (15% of preoperative weight). By 6 to 12 months postoperatively, weight patterns stabilized. Overall outcome was reported to be "as expected" by 40% of patients and "better than expected" by 45%. Patient-reported outcomes were similar to those of other patients undergoing total gastrectomy. Total gastrectomy should be considered for all CDH1 mutation carriers because of the high risk of invasive diffuse-type gastric cancer and lack of reliable surveillance options. Although most patients have durable weight loss after total gastrectomy, weights stabilize at about 6 to 12 months postoperatively, and patients report outcomes as being good to better than their preoperative expectations. No patients have developed gastric cancer recurrence after resections.

Biometrical relationships in developing eggs and neonates of Octopus vulgaris in relation to parental diet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Márquez, Lorenzo; Quintana, Daniel; Lorenzo, Antonio; Almansa, Eduardo

2013-09-01

Captive Octopus vulgaris adults were fed three mono-diets based on pilchard, crab and squid and allowed to grow until reproduction under controlled temperature. Spawns from each dietary treatment were isolated, and the embryonic development, egg length, width and wet weight, in addition to neonate dry weight, dorsal mantle length and ventral mantle length were monitored. Pilchard-diet spawns developed faster in terms of thermal time. Initial egg wet weight was higher for squid and crab diets. Irrespective of the parental diet, eggs passed through a swelling process so that egg width and wet weight increased in a nonlinear way, whereas egg length was left nearly unaffected. Egg length and initial wet weight showed a high correlation with neonate dry weight. Egg length, even at advanced incubation, can be used as a good proxy for neonate dry weight, this fact having potential implications for the ecological and aquaculture research on O. vulgaris.

[Nutritional status in children with intellectual disabilities based on anthropometric profile].

PubMed

Cossio-Bolaños, Marco; Vidal-Espinoza, Rubén; Lagos-Luciano, Juan; Gómez-Campos, Rossana

2015-01-01

Anthropometric variables such as weight, height and body length in children and adolescents with and without intellectual disabilities should be studied in connection with nutritional status, physical growth and biological maturation. a) to analyze the anthropometric profile based on nutritional status, b) to determine the prevalence of overweight and short stature c) to propose equations for predicting height from anthropometric variables. A total of 49 children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities, and from a special education school were studied (30 boys and 19 girls). Weight, height, trunk-cephalic height, forearm and foot length were evaluated. The calculation of nutritional status resulted in the establishment of nutritional categories: underweight, normal and overweight. The anthropometric profile of males varies significantly when classified according to nutritional categories (P<.05); however no variations were observed in the girls (P>.05). Also, high values of overweight prevalence were observed in both genders (43% of boys and 26% of girls). Variables such as age, weight, length of the forearm in females, and foot length in males are good predictors of height (R(2) = 91-94% males and R(2) = 87% females). A high percentage of overweight cases were observed; therefore, rigorous control and monitoring of nutritional status are suggested. The proposed regression equations could be an option in schools to easily and simply predict height. Copyright © 2015. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.

The pattern of gestational weight gain is associated with changes in maternal body composition and neonatal size

PubMed Central

Widen, Elizabeth M.; Factor-Litvak, Pam R.; Gallagher, Dympna; Paxton, Anne; Pierson, Richard N.; Heymsfield, Steven B.; Lederman, Sally A.

2015-01-01

Objectives The pattern of gestational weight gain (GWG) reflects general nutrient availability to support growing fetal and maternal compartments and may contribute to later health; but how it relates to changes in maternal body composition is unknown. We evaluated how the pattern of gestational weight gain (GWG) related to changes in maternal body composition during pregnancy and infant size at birth. Methods A prospective, multi-ethnic cohort of 156 pregnant women and their infants was studied in New York City. Prenatal weights were used to estimate total and rate (kg/wk) of GWG by trimester. Linear regression models evaluated the association between trimester-specific GWG group (low, medium, high GWG) [total (low≤25%ile, high≥75%ile) or rate (defined by tertiles)] and infant weight, length and maternal body composition changes from 14–37 weeks, adjusting for covariates. Results Compared to the low gain group, medium/high rate of GWG in the second trimester and high rate of GWG in the third trimester was associated with larger gains in maternal fat mass (β range for fat Δ=2.86–5.29 kg, all p<0.01) For infant outcomes, high rate of GWG in the second trimester was associated with higher birth weight (β=356 g, p=0.001) and length (β=0.85 cm, p=0.002). First and third trimester GWG were not associated with neonatal size. Conclusions The trimester specific pattern and rate of GWG reflect changes in maternal body fat and body water, and are associated with neonatal size, which supports the importance of monitoring trimester-specific GWG. PMID:26179720

Morphometry, gross morphology and available histopathology in North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) mortalities (1970 to 2002)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moore, M.J.; Knowlton, A.R.; Kraus, S.D.; McLellan, W.A.; Bonde, R.K.

2005-01-01

Fifty-four right whale mortalities have been reported from between Florida, USA and the Canadian Maritimes from 1970 to 2002. Thirty of those animals were examined: 18 adults and juveniles, and 12 calves. Morphometric data are presented such that prediction of body weight is possible if the age, or one or more measurements are known. Calves grew approximately linearly in their first year. Total length and fluke width increased asymptotically to a plateau with age, weight increased linearly with age, weight and snout to blowhole distance increased exponentially with total length, whereas total length was linearly related to fluke width and flipper length. Among the adults and juveniles examined in this study, human interaction appeared to be a major cause of mortality, where in 14/18 necropsies, trauma was a significant finding. In 10/14 of these, the cause of the trauma was presumed to be vessel collision. Entanglement in fishing gear accounted for the remaining four cases. Trauma was also present in 4/12 calves. In the majority of calf mortalities (8/12) the cause of death was not determined. Sharp ship trauma included propeller lacerations inducing multiple, deep lacerations that often incised vital organs including the brain, spinal cord, major airways, vessels and musculature. Blunt ship trauma resulted in major internal bruising and fractures often without any obvious external damage. In at least two cases fatal gear entanglements were extremely protracted: where the entanglements took at least 100 and 163 days respectively to be finally lethal. The sum of these findings show two major needs: (1) that extinction avoidance management strategies focused on reducing trauma to right whales from ship collisions and fishing gear entanglement are highly appropriate and need to be continued and; (2) that as mitigation measures continue to be introduced into shipping and fishing industry practices, there is a strong effort to maximise the diagnostic quality of post-mortem examination of right whale mortalities, to ensure an optimal understanding of resultant trends.

The Pattern of Gestational Weight Gain is Associated with Changes in Maternal Body Composition and Neonatal Size.

PubMed

Widen, Elizabeth M; Factor-Litvak, Pam R; Gallagher, Dympna; Paxton, Anne; Pierson, Richard N; Heymsfield, Steven B; Lederman, Sally A

2015-10-01

The pattern of gestational weight gain (GWG) reflects general nutrient availability to support growing fetal and maternal compartments and may contribute to later health, but how it relates to changes in maternal body composition is unknown. We evaluated how the pattern of GWG related to changes in maternal body composition during pregnancy and infant size at birth. A prospective, multi-ethnic cohort of 156 pregnant women and their infants was studied in New York City. Prenatal weights were used to estimate total and rate (kg/week) of GWG by trimester. Linear regression models evaluated the association between trimester-specific GWG group (low, medium, high GWG) [total (low ≤25, high ≥75 percentile) or rate (defined by tertiles)] and infant weight, length and maternal body composition changes from 14 to 37 weeks, adjusting for covariates. Compared to the low gain group, medium/high rate of GWG in the second trimester and high rate of GWG in the third trimester were associated with larger gains in maternal fat mass (β range for fat Δ = 2.86-5.29 kg, all p < 0.01). For infant outcomes, high rate of GWG in the second trimester was associated with higher birth weight (β = 356 g, p = 0.001) and length (β = 0.85 cm, p = 0.002). First and third trimester GWG were not associated with neonatal size. The trimester specific pattern and rate of GWG reflect changes in maternal body fat and body water, and are associated with neonatal size, which supports the importance of monitoring trimester-specific GWG.

Effect of environment and variety on the relationships of wheat grain physical and chemical characteristics with ethanol yield.

PubMed

Awole, Kedija D; Kettlewell, Peter S; Hare, Martin C; Agu, Reginald C; Brosnan, James M; Bringhurst, Thomas A

2012-02-01

Following the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), there is an increasing demand for wheat grain for liquid biofuel in the UK. In order to enhance productivity of the bioethanol industry, good quality wheat must be used. A total of 84 grain samples comprising 14 varieties collected from 11 sites in two harvest years were analysed for a range of grain quality parameters and ethanol yield (EY). The grain quality parameters studied were starch and protein concentration, specific weight, grain density, packing efficiency, thousand-grain weight (TGW), grain length, width, length/width ratio and hardness index. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationships between grain quality parameters and EY. Apart from grain length and density, all grain parameters had significant relationships with EY. In the order of importance, protein concentration, TGW, packing efficiency and specific weight showed good relationships with EY. All other parameters, including starch concentration, showed a poor correlation with EY. EY and the relationship with the grain parameters were affected more by environment than by variety. Some sites gave consistently higher EY than others. When site and variety were considered with TGW and protein, a good prediction of EY could be made (variance accounted for = 87%). Combining TGW and protein concentration could be a better indicator of EY than the current practice of specific weight and protein. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

Association between patterns of maternal substance use and infant birth weight, length, and head circumference.

PubMed

Shankaran, Seetha; Das, Abhik; Bauer, Charles R; Bada, Henrietta S; Lester, Barry; Wright, Linda L; Smeriglio, Vincent

2004-08-01

To determine the effects of patterns of drug use during term pregnancy on infant growth parameters at birth. Histories of cocaine, opiate, alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use during the 3-month period before pregnancy and the 3 trimesters of pregnancy were recorded at the infants' 1-month visit. Patterns of use were categorized as consistently high, moderate, or low/none or increasing/decreasing, and effects on growth parameters were analyzed in multivariate linear regression analyses, with adjustment for clinical site, maternal age, prepregnancy weight, multidrug use, and socioeconomic status. A total of 241 cocaine-exposed women and 410 non-cocaine-exposed women participated in the study. In the cocaine-exposed group, 75% used alcohol, 90% used tobacco, and 53% used marijuana; in the non-cocaine-exposed group, 57% used alcohol, 34% used tobacco, and 19% used marijuana. Birth weight, birth length, and head circumference were significantly greater among infants born to women who used no drugs, compared with women with any cocaine, opiate, alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana use, and were greater among infants born to cocaine nonusers, compared with cocaine users. With adjustment for confounders, birth weight was significantly affected by cocaine (deficit of 250 g with consistently low pattern) and tobacco (deficits of 232 g with consistently high pattern, 173 g with consistently moderate pattern, 153 g with decreasing pattern, and 103 g with consistently low pattern). Head size was affected by cocaine (deficit of 0.98 cm with consistently moderate pattern) and tobacco (deficits of 0.72 cm with consistently high pattern and 0.89 cm with consistently moderate pattern). Birth length was affected by tobacco use only (deficits of 0.82 cm with consistently high pattern and 0.98 cm with decreasing use). Patterns of tobacco use during pregnancy affect birth weight, length, and head circumference, whereas cocaine affects birth weight and head size, when adjustments are made for confounders, including multidrug use.

Relationships between neonatal weight, limb lengths, skinfold thicknesses, body breadths and circumferences in an Australian cohort.

PubMed

Pomeroy, Emma; Stock, Jay T; Cole, Tim J; O'Callaghan, Michael; Wells, Jonathan C K

2014-01-01

Low birth weight has been consistently associated with adult chronic disease risk. The thrifty phenotype hypothesis assumes that reduced fetal growth impacts some organs more than others. However, it remains unclear how birth weight relates to different body components, such as circumferences, adiposity, body segment lengths and limb proportions. We hypothesized that these components vary in their relationship to birth weight. We analysed the relationship between birth weight and detailed anthropometry in 1270 singleton live-born neonates (668 male) from the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy (Brisbane, Australia). We tested adjusted anthropometry for correlations with birth weight. We then performed stepwise multiple regression on birth weight of: body lengths, breadths and circumferences; relative limb to neck-rump proportions; or skinfold thicknesses. All analyses were adjusted for sex and gestational age, and used logged data. Circumferences, especially chest, were most strongly related to birth weight, while segment lengths (neck-rump, thigh, upper arm, and especially lower arm and lower leg) were relatively weakly related to birth weight, and limb lengths relative to neck-rump length showed no relationship. Skinfolds accounted for 36% of birth weight variance, but adjusting for size (neck-rump, thigh and upper arm lengths, and head circumference), this decreased to 10%. There was no evidence that heavier babies had proportionally thicker skinfolds. Neonatal body measurements vary in their association with birth weight: head and chest circumferences showed the strongest associations while limb segment lengths did not relate strongly to birth weight. After adjusting for body size, subcutaneous fatness accounted for a smaller proportion of birth weight variance than previously reported. While heavier babies had absolutely thicker skinfolds, this was proportional to their size. Relative limb to trunk length was unrelated to birth weight, suggesting that limb proportions at birth do not index factors relevant to prenatal life.

Relationships between Neonatal Weight, Limb Lengths, Skinfold Thicknesses, Body Breadths and Circumferences in an Australian Cohort

PubMed Central

Pomeroy, Emma; Stock, Jay T.; Cole, Tim J.; O'Callaghan, Michael; Wells, Jonathan C. K.

2014-01-01

Background Low birth weight has been consistently associated with adult chronic disease risk. The thrifty phenotype hypothesis assumes that reduced fetal growth impacts some organs more than others. However, it remains unclear how birth weight relates to different body components, such as circumferences, adiposity, body segment lengths and limb proportions. We hypothesized that these components vary in their relationship to birth weight. Methods We analysed the relationship between birth weight and detailed anthropometry in 1270 singleton live-born neonates (668 male) from the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy (Brisbane, Australia). We tested adjusted anthropometry for correlations with birth weight. We then performed stepwise multiple regression on birth weight of: body lengths, breadths and circumferences; relative limb to neck-rump proportions; or skinfold thicknesses. All analyses were adjusted for sex and gestational age, and used logged data. Results Circumferences, especially chest, were most strongly related to birth weight, while segment lengths (neck-rump, thigh, upper arm, and especially lower arm and lower leg) were relatively weakly related to birth weight, and limb lengths relative to neck-rump length showed no relationship. Skinfolds accounted for 36% of birth weight variance, but adjusting for size (neck-rump, thigh and upper arm lengths, and head circumference), this decreased to 10%. There was no evidence that heavier babies had proportionally thicker skinfolds. Conclusions Neonatal body measurements vary in their association with birth weight: head and chest circumferences showed the strongest associations while limb segment lengths did not relate strongly to birth weight. After adjusting for body size, subcutaneous fatness accounted for a smaller proportion of birth weight variance than previously reported. While heavier babies had absolutely thicker skinfolds, this was proportional to their size. Relative limb to trunk length was unrelated to birth weight, suggesting that limb proportions at birth do not index factors relevant to prenatal life. PMID:25162658

AIM cryocooler developments for HOT detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rühlich, I.; Mai, M.; Withopf, A.; Rosenhagen, C.

2014-06-01

Significantly increased FPA temperatures for both Mid Wave and Long Wave IR detectors, i.e. HOT detectors, which have been developed in recent years are now leaving the development phase and are entering real application. HOT detectors allowing to push size weight and power (SWaP) of Integrated Detectors Cooler Assemblies (IDCA's) to a new level. Key component mainly driving achievable weight, volume and power consumption is the cryocooler. AIM cryocooler developments are focused on compact, lightweight linear cryocoolers driven by compact and high efficient digital cooler drive electronics (DCE) to also achieve highest MTTF targets. This technology is using moving magnet driving mechanisms and dual or single piston compressors. Whereas SX030 which was presented at SPIE in 2012 consuming less 3 WDC to operate a typical IDCA at 140K, next smaller cooler SX020 is designed to provide sufficient cooling power at detector temperature above 160K. The cooler weight of less than 200g and a total compressor length of 60mm makes it an ideal solution for all applications with limited weight and power budget, like in handheld applications. For operating a typical 640x512, 15μm MW IR detector the power consumption will be less than 1.5WDC. MTTF for the cooler will be in excess of 30,000h and thus achieving low maintenance cost also in 24/7 applications. The SX020 compressor is based on a single piston design with integrated passive balancer in a new design achieves very low exported vibration in the order of 100mN in the compressor axis. AIM is using a modular approach, allowing the chose between 5 different compressor types for one common Stirling expander. The 6mm expander with a total length of 74mm is now available in a new design that fits into standard dewar bores originally designed for rotary coolers. Also available is a 9mm coldfinger in both versions. In development is an ultra-short expander with around 35mm total length to achieve highest compactness. Technical solutions and key performance data for AIM's HOT cryocoolers will be presented.

Comparing Weight-for-Length Status of Young Children in Two Infant Feeding Programs.

PubMed

Aldrich, Heather; Gance-Cleveland, Bonnie

2016-12-01

Objectives A cross-sectional study comparing weight-for-length status of children 6-24 months old who participated in Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) or Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Methods Secondary analysis of NFP (n = 44,980) and WIC (n = 31,294) national datasets was conducted to evaluate infant and toddler growth trajectories. Weight-for-length status was calculated at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months based on World Health Organization criteria. Demographics and breastfeeding rates were also evaluated. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for high weight-for-length (≥97.7 percentile) at each time point. Results At 6 months, approximately 10 % of WIC and NFP children were classified as high weight-for-length. High weight-for-length rates increased for both groups similarly until 24 months. At 24 months, NFP children had significantly lower rates of excess weight (P = 0.03) than WIC children, 15.5 and 17.5 % respectively. At all time points, non-Hispanic white children had lower rates of high-weight for length than Hispanic and non-Hispanic black children. NFP infants were also found to have higher rates of ever being breastfed than WIC infants (P < 0.0001). Conclusions for Practice Infant and toddler populations served by NFP or WIC were found to be at increased risk for high weight-for-length. This study found NFP participation was associated with a small, but significant, protective impact on weight-for-length status at 24 months. Continued efforts need to be made in addressing weight-related racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities during early childhood.

49 CFR 232.111 - Train handling information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... train crew taking charge of a train be informed of: (1) The total weight and length of the train, based... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Train handling information. 232.111 Section 232... TRAINS AND EQUIPMENT; END-OF-TRAIN DEVICES General Requirements § 232.111 Train handling information. (a...

Body weight and composition dynamics of fall migrating canvasbacks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Serie, J.R.; Sharp, D.E.

1989-01-01

We studied body weights and composition of canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) during fall migration 1975-77 on stopover sites along the upper Mississippi River near La Crosse, Wisconsin (Navigational Pools 7 and 8) and Keokuk, Iowa (Navigational Pool 19). Body weights varied (P < 0.001) by age and sex without interaction. Weights varied by year (P < 0.001) on Pools 7 and 8. Mean weights increased (P < 0.01) within age and sex classes by date and averaged 3.6 and 2.7 g daily on Pools 7 and 8 and Pool 19, respectively. Percent fat was highly correlated (P < 0.001) with carcass weight for each age and sex. Live weight was a good predictor of total body fat. Mean estimated total body fat ranged from 200 to 300 g and comprised 15-20% of live weights among age and sex classes. Temporal weight patterns were less variable for adults than immatures, but generally increased during migration. Length of stopover varied inversely with fat reserves among color-marked adult males. Variation in fat condition of canvasbacks during fall may explain the mechanism regulating population ingress and egress on stopover sites. Fat reserves attained by canvasbacks during fall stopover may have adaptive significance in improving survival by conditioning for winter.

Occurrence, size, and tag retention of sneaker male hatchery rainbow trout

USGS Publications Warehouse

Isely, J.J.; Grabowski, T.B.

2004-01-01

One alternative reproductive tactic involving early-maturing, cryptic males is referred to as "sneaking." Although sneakers tend to be easily detectable upon close inspection, little is known about the proportion of a fish population consisting of sneakers. We examined 15,400 age-1 rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in a hatchery. Total length (mm), wet weight (g), and sex (sneaker male or unknown) were recorded for each fish. We also individually tagged each sneaker male with soft visual implant alphanumeric (VIalpha) tags that were sequentially numbered and held the fish for 25 d before inspection. Sneakers constituted 2.8% of the hatchery rainbow trout population and were smaller in total length and weight than typical rainbow trout of the same age. Retention of the VIalpha tags in sneakers was 58.9%, significantly lower than has been reported under similar circumstances. We found that sneaker males may contribute substantially to hatchery populations. Reduced tag retention in sneakers may bias studies evaluating the effect of hatchery fish on wild populations. We believe that hatchery-produced sneaker males have the potential to contribute importantly to the genetic composition of wild populations.

Proposed standard-weight (W(s)) equations for kokanee, golden trout and bull trout

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hyatt, M.H.; Hubert, W.A.

2000-01-01

We developed standard-weight (W(s)) equations for kokanee (lacustrine Oncorhynchus nerka), golden trout (O. aguabonita), and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) using the regression-line-percentile technique. The W(s) equation for kokanee of 120-550 mm TL is log10 W(s) = -5.062 + 3.033 log10 TL, when W(s) is in grams and TL is total length in millimeters; the English-unit equivalent is log10 W(s) = -3.458 + 3.033 log10 TL, when W(s) is in pounds and TL is total length in inches. The W(s) equation for golden trout of 120-530 mm TL is log10 W(s) = -5.088 + 3.041 log10 TL, with the English-unit equivalent being log10 W(s) = -3.473 + 3.041 log10 TL. The W(s) equation for bull trout of 120-850 mm TL is log10 W(s) = -5.327 + 3.115 log10 TL, with the English-unit equivalent being log10 W(s) = -3.608 + 3.115 log10 TL.

Mercury Concentrations in Pacific Angel Sharks (Squatina californica) and Prey Fishes from Southern Gulf of California, Mexico.

PubMed

Escobar-Sánchez, O; Ruelas-Inzunza, J; Moreno-Sánchez, X G; Romo-Piñera, A K; Frías-Espericueta, M G

2016-01-01

Concentrations of mercury (Hg) were quantified in muscle tissues of the Pacific angel shark, Squatina californica sampled from Southern Gulf of California, Mexico, considering total length, sex, diet and the dietary risk assessment. High Hg levels are typically associated with carnivorous fishes, however S. californica showed low Hg concentrations (<1.0 µg g(-1)) in muscle (0.24 ± 0.27 µg g(-1) wet weight; n = 94). No effect of sex, total length and weight on Hg concentrations were observed in the shark (p > 0.05). Hg concentrations were highest in the darkedge mishipman: Porichthys analis (0.14 ± 0.08 µg g(-1)) and red-eye round herring Etrumeus teres (0.13 ± 0.05 µg g(-1)) relative to other prey species, which could suggest that Hg concentrations in S. californica were influenced by these species. Given the relatively low concentration of Hg across age-classes and sex, consumption of S. californica's muscle tissue poses limited risk to humans.

Optimization of multimagnetometer systems on a spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neubauer, F. M.

1975-01-01

The problem of optimizing the position of magnetometers along a boom of given length to yield a minimized total error is investigated. The discussion is limited to at most four magnetometers, which seems to be a practical limit due to weight, power, and financial considerations. The outlined error analysis is applied to some illustrative cases. The optimal magnetometer locations, for which the total error is minimum, are computed for given boom length, instrument errors, and very conservative magnetic field models characteristic for spacecraft with only a restricted or ineffective magnetic cleanliness program. It is shown that the error contribution by the magnetometer inaccuracy is increased as the number of magnetometers is increased, whereas the spacecraft field uncertainty is diminished by an appreciably larger amount.

Total mercury concentrations in fillets of bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and other fishes from Lake Natoma, Sacramento County, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Saiki, M.K.; Martin, B.A.; May, T.W.; Alpers, Charles N.

2005-01-01

This study was conducted during September-October 2002 to verify preliminary findings of elevated total mercury concentrations in skinless fillets of sportfishes inhabiting Lake Natoma. Although we measured total mercury concentrations, most mercury in fish flesh occurs in the methylated form. In August 2000, other investigators collected a small number of fish containing mercury concentrations that exceeded 0.30 ??g/g wet weight, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) tissue residue criterion derived from a reference dose for methylmercury that may cause undesirable neurological abnormalities in human infants exposed in utero when pregnant women consume mercury-contaminated foods. During our study, skinless fillets of bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, contained as much as 0.19 ??g Hg/g wet weight (1.06 ??g Hg/g dry weight); redear sunfish, L. microlophus, contained as much as 0.39 ??g Hg/g wetweight (1.99 ??g Hg/g dry weight); and largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, contained as much as 0.86 ??g Hg/g wet weight (3.85 ??g Hg/g dry weight). Maximum concentrations of mercury in other fish species varied from 0.097 ??g/g wet weight (0.537 ??g/g dry weight) in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, to 0.56 ??g/g wet weight (3.07 ??g/g dry weight) in white catfish, Ameiurus catus. Altogether, 1 of 20 redear sunfish, 14 of 61 largemouth bass, 1 of 1 brown builhead, A. nebulosus, 2 of 3 spotted bass, M. punctulatus, and 1 of 1 white catfish exceeded the USEPA fish tissue methylmercury residue criterion. Only bluegill and largemouth bass exhibited significant correlations between fish total length (TL), weight, and age, and total mercury concentration in fillets. Judging from a best-fit power-curve equation, largemouth bass measuring 273 mm TL (roughly 292g) or larger are estimated to contain total mercury concentrations in their fillets that exceed the USEPA fish tissue methylmercury criterion. These results confirmed that some fish species inhabiting Lake Natoma are contaminated with undesirably high concentrations of mercury in their skinless fillets.

Relationship of blood corticosterone, immunoglobulin and haematological values in young crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) to water temperature, clutch of origin and body weight.

PubMed

Turton, J A; Ladds, P W; Manolis, S C; Webb, G J

1997-02-01

To examine whether sub-optimal temperature induced stress and immunosuppression in farmed saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) hatchlings. A clinico-pathological study. A total of 140 hatchlings were used. Body weight and length, plasma corticosterone and immunoglobulin concentrations and total and differential white blood cell counts were measured in 140 hatchlings from five clutches divided between five water temperature treatment groups. Initially all groups were housed at 32 degrees C for 10 weeks, then two groups (L, LC) were changed to low temperature (28 degrees C) and two groups (H, HC) to high temperature (36 degrees C), while one group (C) remained at 32 degrees C. The LC and HC groups were maintained at these temperatures for 10 days, after which the water temperature of both groups was returned to 32 degrees C. Blood samples were collected twice (at 6 and 9 weeks of age) before the initial temperature change, and at 10 days and 4 weeks after the initial temperature change (at 11.5 and 14 weeks of age). Except for an increase in plasma corticosterone in the HC group and a decrease in the L group when the temperature change was first introduced, changes in plasma corticosterone were not significant. There were no significant changes in immunoglobulin concentrations. There were, however, significant decreases in the total white cell and lymphocyte counts in the LC group after the temperature was decreased to 28 degrees C, and an increase in these counts after water temperature was returned to 32 degrees C. Clutch of origin had significant effects on body weight and length gains, and there were negative relationships between body weight and corticosterone concentrations and between body weight and immunoglobulin concentrations. As haematological changes indicative of stress were not associated with significant changes in serum corticosterone, immunosuppression in young crocodiles may be independent of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortical axis.

Comparison of neonatal nurse practitioners' and pediatric residents' care of extremely low-birth-weight infants.

PubMed

Karlowicz, M G; McMurray, J L

2000-11-01

To compare outcomes and charges of health care delivery to extremely low-birth-weight infants by neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP) and pediatric residents. Retrospective cohort study. A 56-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a university teaching hospital. Study population included all infants with birth weights less than 1000 g who were admitted to the NICU during the 2-year period between September 1, 1994, and August 31, 1996. Infants who died earlier than 12 hours of age, or who were admitted after 1 week of age or with major malformations, chromosomal abnormalities, or congenital infections were excluded. There were separate teams of NNPs and residents providing care around the clock. The study group included 201 infants with birth weights of less than 1000 g. The NNP team cared for 94 infants and the resident team cared for 107 infants. Survival, length of stay, and total charges. Survival to discharge occurred for 71 NNP team infants (76%) and 82 resident team infants (77%) (P =.87). The median total length of stay was 87 days (range, 39-230 days) for NNP team infants and 88 days (range, 41-365 days) for resident team infants (P =.54). There were no significant differences between NNP infants and resident team infants in the prevalence of severe intracranial hemorrhage, threshold retinopathy of prematurity, or chronic lung disease at 36 weeks postconceptual age. Median total NICU hospital charges were $141,624 (range, $52,020-$693,018) for NNP team infants and $139,388 (range, $50,178-$990,865) for resident team infants (P =.89). There were no significant differences between NNP team infants and resident team infants in NICU charges for laboratory, radiology, or pharmacy services. Neonatal nurse practitioners and pediatric residents provided comparable patient care to extremely low-birth-weight infants, with similar outcomes and similar charges.

Bioassessment of mercury, cadmium, polychlorinated biphenyls, and pesticides in the upper Mississippi river with Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cope, W. Gregory; Bartsch, Michelle; Rada, Ronald G.; Balogh, Steven J.; Rupprecht, John E.; Young, R. David; Johnson, D. Kent

1999-01-01

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were sampled from artificial substrates deployed from May 30 to October 19, 1995, at 19 locks and dams from Minneapolis, MN, to Muscatine, IA. Analyses of composite tissue samples of zebra mussels (10−20-mm length) revealed accumulation of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during a 143-d exposure period. Concentrations of total Hg ranged from 2.6 to 6.1 ng/g wet weight and methylmercury (CH3Hg) from 1.0 to 3.3 ng/g wet weight. About 50% (range 30−70%) of the mean total Hg in zebra mussels was CH3Hg. Cadmium ranged from 76 to 213 ng/g wet weight. Concentrations of total PCBs (Aroclor 1254) in zebra mussels varied longitudinally (range 1000−7330 ng/g lipid weight), but the composition of PCB congeners (total of 21 measured) was similar throughout the river. Chlordane and dieldrin were the only two pesticides detected of the 15 analyzed. Zebra mussels are sentinels of contaminant bioavailability in the Upper Mississippi River and may be an important link in the trophic transfer of contaminants in the river because of their increasing importance in the diets of certain fish and waterfowl.

Waardenburg syndrome with extended aganglionosis: report of 3 new cases.

PubMed

Karaca, Irfan; Turk, Erdal; Ortac, Ragip; Kandirici, Aliye

2009-06-01

The Waardenburg-Shah syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease with varied penetration where Hirschsprung's disease and the Waardenburg syndrome are seen together. Although the length of the involved intestinal segment varies in this syndrome, most patients had total colonic aganglionosis with or without small bowel involvement. We present in this study 2 siblings and one first-degree relative for a total of 3 male patients with Waardenburg syndrome and total colonic aganglionosis with or without small bowel involvement, together with their clinical characteristics and treatment methods. The patients who presented with intestinal obstruction findings within the first 48 hours after birth were operated on with 2 patients under elective conditions and 1 as an emergency. The ganglionic segment lengths were 6, 8, and 20 cm, respectively. Aganglionic enterostomy was performed, and the Ziegler operation was used for these patients. The enterostomies started to function on the third postoperative week, and they started to gain weight. However, all died because of sepsis on the 5th to 12th month. Waardenburg-Shah syndrome patients have a higher incidence of total colonic aganglionosis with or without small bowel involvement. The Ziegler operation may be used in patients with inadequate ganglionic bowel length to gain some time for the child to grow and to decrease total parenteral nutrition complications.

Effect of DHA-containing formula on growth of preterm infants to 59 weeks postmenstrual age.

PubMed

Ryan, Alan S.; Montalto, Michael B.; Groh-Wargo, Sharon; Mimouni, Francis; Sentipal-Walerius, Joan; Doyle, Jeanine; Siegman, Joel S.; Thomas, Alicia J.

1999-01-01

Between May 1993, and September 1994, a randomized, blinded clinical trial was conducted to evaluate measures of growth and body composition in 63 (32 males; 31 females) healthy, low-birth-weight infants (940-2250 g) who were randomly assigned to an infant formula with docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3, DHA, 0.2 wt%) from fish oil or to a control formula. A preterm formula with or without DHA was fed beginning at 7-10 days prior to hospital discharge through 43 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Then, from 43-59 weeks PMA, infants were fed a term infant formula with or without a corresponding amount of DHA. Growth (weight, length, head circumference), regional body fatness (triceps, subscapular, suprailiac skinfold thicknesses), circumferences (arm, abdominal, chest), and estimates of body composition determined by total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) (fat-free mass [FFM]) were evaluated. Growth was slower in males fed the DHA formula. They had significantly (P < 0.05) smaller gains in weight, length, and head circumference between study enrollment to 59 weeks PMA than those fed the control formula. At 51 weeks PMA, males in the DHA group had significantly smaller head circumferences (P < 0.05) and lower FFM (P < 0.05). At 59 weeks PMA, males in the DHA group weighed less (P < 0.05), had shorter recumbent lengths (P < 0.01), smaller head circumferences (P < 0.05), and lower FFM (P < 0.01) than those fed the control formula. Energy intakes from formula (kcal/d), however, were lower at 51 weeks (P < 0.05) and 59 weeks (P < 0.05) PMA in males fed the DHA formula. Adjusted for body weight (kcal/kg/d), mean energy intakes from formula at 51 and 59 weeks PMA were not significantly different between feeding groups. The differences in recumbent length, head circumference, and FFM remained statistically significant after controlling for energy and protein intakes (P < 0.01). For all males, neither FFM nor total body fat (TBF), when expressed as a percentage of total body weight, differed significantly between feeding groups. Among females, there were no significant differences between the feeding groups in measures of growth, body composition, or energy intake. The results indicated that infant formula with fish oil containing DHA and EPA in a 5:1 ratio had a significant, negative effect on growth and body composition in males during the first 6 months of life. It is not clear why the growth deficits were limited to males and not females. The eicosanoids, bioactive metabolites of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, may mediate several important growth hormones. The present results do not support the addition of DHA alone in infant formulas. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 11:457-467, 1999. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Seasonal, locational and size variations in mercury and selenium levels in striped bass (Morone saxatilis) from New Jersey

PubMed Central

Gochfeld, Michael; Burger, Joanna; Jeitner, Christian; Donio, Mark; Pittfield, Taryn

2014-01-01

We examined total mercury and selenium levels in muscle of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) collected from 2005 to 2008 from coastal New Jersey. Of primary interest was whether there were differences in mercury and selenium levels as a function of size and location, and whether the legal size limits increased the exposure of bass consumers to mercury. We obtained samples mainly from recreational anglers, but also by seine and trawl. For the entire sample (n = 178 individual fish), the mean (± standard error) for total mercury was 0.39 ± 0.02 μg/g (= 0.39 ppm, wet weight basis) with a maximum of 1.3 μg/g (= 1.3 ppm wet weight). Mean selenium level was 0.30 ± 0.01 μg/g (w/w) with a maximum of 0.9 μg/g). Angler-caught fish (n = 122) were constrained by legal size limits to exceed 61 cm (24 in.) and averaged 72.6 ± 1.3 cm long; total mercury averaged 0.48 ± 0.021 μg/g and selenium averaged 0.29 ± 0.01 μg/g. For comparable sizes, angler-caught fish had significantly higher mercury levels (0.3 vs 0.21 μg/g) than trawled fish. In both the total and angler-only samples, mercury was strongly correlated with length (Kendall tau = 0.37; p < 0.0001) and weight (0.38; p < 0.0001), but was not correlated with condition or with selenium. In the whole sample and all subsamples, total length yielded the highest r2 (up to 0.42) of any variable for both mercury and selenium concentrations. Trawled fish from Long Branch in August and Sandy Hook in October were the same size (68.9 vs 70.1 cm) and had the same mercury concentrations (0.22 vs 0.21 ppm), but different selenium levels (0.11 vs 0.28 ppm). The seined fish (all from Delaware Bay) had the same mercury concentration as the trawled fish from the Atlantic coast despite being smaller. Angler-caught fish from the North (Sandy Hook) were larger but had significantly lower mercury than fish from the South (mainly Cape May). Selenium levels were high in small fish, low in medium-sized fish, and increased again in larger fish, but overall selenium was correlated with length (tau = 0.14; p = 0.006) and weight (tau = 0.27; p < 0.0001). Length-squared contributed significantly to selenium models, reflecting the non-linear relationship. Inter-year differences were explained partly by differences in sizes. The selenium:mercury molar ratio was below 1:1 in 20% of the fish and 25% of the angler-caught fish. Frequent consumption of large striped bass can result in exposure above the EPA’s reference dose, a problem particularly for fetal development. PMID:22226733

Higher Pre-pregnancy BMI and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain are Risk Factors for Rapid Weight Gain in Infants.

PubMed

Subhan, Fatheema Begum; Colman, Ian; McCargar, Linda; Bell, Rhonda C

2017-06-01

Objective To describe the effects of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on infant anthropometrics at birth and 3 months and infant growth rates between birth and 3 months. Methods Body weight prior to and during pregnancy and infant weight and length at birth and 3 months were collected from 600 mother-infant pairs. Adherence to GWG was based on IOM recommendations. Age and sex specific z-scores were calculated for infant weight and length at birth and 3 months. Rapid postnatal growth was defined as a difference of >0.67 in weight-for-age z-score between birth and 3 months. Relationships between maternal and infant characteristics were analysed using multilinear regression. Results Most women (65%) had a normal pre-pregnancy BMI and 57% gained above GWG recommendations. Infants were 39.3 ± 1.2 weeks and 3431 ± 447.9 g at birth. At 3 months postpartum 60% were exclusively breast fed while 38% received breast milk and formula. Having a pre-pregnancy BMI >25 kg/m 2 was associated with higher z-scores for birth weight and weight-for-age at 3 months. Gaining above recommendations was associated with higher z-scores for birth weight, weight-for-age and BMI. Infants who experienced rapid postnatal growth had higher odds of being born to women who gained above recommendations. Conclusion for Practice Excessive GWG is associated with higher birth weight and rapid weight gain in infants. Interventions that optimize GWG should explore effects on total and rates of early infant growth.

Stipe Length as an Indicator of Reproductive Maturity in the Kelp Ecklonia cava

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sangil; Youn, Suk Hyun; Oh, Hyun-Ju; Choi, Sun Kyeong; Kang, Yun Hee; Kim, Tae-Hoon; Lee, Hyuk Je; Choi, Kwang-Sik; Park, Sang Rul

2018-05-01

We conducted testing to determine whether stipe length is a useful indicator of reproductive maturity in the kelp Ecklonia cava, a species that plays a pivotal role in ecosystem functioning and services in subtidal areas. Approximately 100 sporophytes with stipes of various lengths were collected during the fertile period (July-November, 2013). We investigated the relationships between stipe length and other morphological characteristics to determine whether stipe length could indicate the age of reproductive maturity. Primary blade length, longest blade length, thallus height, and total length showed significant relationships with stipe length. The length of the primary and longest blades gradually declined as stipe length increased above 125 mm. Zoosporangial sori were found on the blades of more than 70% of individuals with stipes longer than 125 mm, but on only 8% of individuals with stipes less than 125 mm long. Stipe length therefore seems to be an acceptable proxy for reproductive maturity. Another factor to consider, however, is that all specimens with zoosporangial sori, regardless of stipe length, had a dry weight of 80 g or more; thus, individual biomass may also be an important parameter influencing the initiation of reproduction.

Physical body parameters of red-crowned cranes Grus japonensis by sex and life stage in eastern Hokkaido, Japan.

PubMed

Inoue, Masako; Shimura, Ryoji; Uebayashi, Akiko; Ikoma, Shinobu; Iima, Hiroko; Sumiyoshi, Takashi; Teraoka, Hiroki; Makita, Kohei; Hiraga, Takeo; Momose, Kunikazu; Masatomi, Hiroyuki

2013-01-01

Red-crowned (or Japanese) cranes Grus japonensis are native to eastern Hokkaido, Japan--the island population, and mainland Asia--the continental population that migrates from breeding grounds along the Amur River Basin to winter in east China and the Korean Peninsula. The island population was reduced to about 50-60 birds in early part of the 20th century. Since 1950s, the population has increased to more than 1,300 as a consequence of human-provided food in winter, resulted in change of their habitats and food resource. From the carcasses of 284 wild cranes from the island population, collected in Hokkaido since 1976 until 2010, we measured six physical parameters (body weight and lengths of body, wing, tarsus, tail and exposed culmen) and divided into groups by sex and three developmental stages (juvenile, yearling and adult). All parameters of males were larger than those of females at the same stage. Total body length of females tends to grow up earlier than males, in contrast to body weight. Obvious time trends were not observed in these all parameters during 34 years for these six categories measured, except total length of male juveniles, which showed a significant increasing trend. These results provide the first extensive data on body size and mass in the wild red-crowned cranes.

High-temperature superconductors for space power transmission lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hull, John R.; Myers, Ira T.

1989-08-01

Analysis of high temperature superconductors (HTS) for space power transmission lines shows that they have the potential to provide low weight alternatives to conventional power distribution systems, especially for line lengths greater than 100 m. The use of directional radiators, combined with the natural vacuum of space, offers the possibility of reducing or eliminating the heat flux from the environment that dominates loss in terrestrial systems. This leads to scaling laws that favor flat conductor geometries. From a total launch weight viewpoint, HTS transmission lines appear superior, even with presently attainable values of current density.

Reproductive biology of Hyphessobrycon eques (Characiformes: Characidae) in Southern Pantanal, Brazil.

PubMed

Santana, C A; Tondato, K K; Súarez, Y R

2018-03-12

Population and reproductive aspects allow the knowledge and understanding of population dynamics and the influence of environmental factors, in addition to ensure the success of a species continuity. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze population and reproductive traits of the species Hyphessobrycon eques in southern Pantanal, Brazil. Monthly samplings were conducted from February/2009 to January/2011, with 617 individuals analyzed, being 365 females and 262 males. A similar form of distribution in length and weight between the sexes was observed. There was no significant variation in sex ratio over time, with higher proportion of females during the entire sampled period. Both sexes presented a angular coefficient of Weight/Length (b) relationship greater than 3, with speed of increase in weight greater than in length. For females, a long reproductive period was observed, with greater reproductive intensity from January through June. No significant correlation was observed between the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and the average temperature, rainfall and river level, despite the fact that reproductive activity occurs in autumn/winter, when there are favorable conditions due to flooding. The size at first maturation (L50) was 20.2 mm, with confidence interval varying from 19.7 through 20.7 mm. The average fecundity was 191.9 oocytes/females and was significantly related to the standard length and total weight (g), demonstrating a relation with energy accumulation to invest in reproduction. The long reproductive period, intensified by partial spawning, higher proportion of females and low L50, show that the species has strategies necessary for survival and rapid population growth, common in small species characterized as r-strategists.

The Influence of Different Caregivers on Infant Growth and Development in China.

PubMed

Li, Qinrui; Liang, Furong; Liang, Weilan; Zhang, Jing; Niu, Manman; Han, Ying

2017-01-01

An increasing number of parents in China ask grandparents or babysitters to care for their children. Modern parents are often the only child in their family because of China's One-Child Policy and thus may lack interaction with siblings. Accordingly, the present study aimed to explore whether different caregivers affect the physical and development of infants in China. In total, 2,514 infants were enrolled in our study. We assessed their weight-for-age, supine length-for-age, weight-for-length, occipital-frontal circumference, and Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) results and recorded their general parental information and their primary caregivers. The weights and lengths of 12-month-old infants under the care of babysitters were significantly lower than those of infants under the care of parents or grandparents ( P  < 0.05). Additionally, 12-month-old infants under the care of babysitters had the lowest DDST pass rate (75%) among the three groups (χ 2  = 11.819, P  = 0.012), especially for the fine motor-adaptive and language domains. Compared to 12-month-old infants under the care of parents and babysitters, infants under the care of grandparents were more likely to be overweight or obese ( P  < 0.001). The study showed that caregivers had a dominant role in the physical and cognitive development of the infants. Specifically, compared with infants raised by grandparents and parents, 12-month-old infants under the care of babysitters had partially suppressed lengths and weights and lagged cognitively. The 12-month-old infants under the care of grandparents were more overweight than those cared for by parents and babysitters.

Anthropometric growth study of the ear in a Chinese population.

PubMed

Zhao, Shichun; Li, Dianguo; Liu, Zhenzhong; Wang, Yibiao; Liu, Lei; Jiang, Duyin; Pan, Bo

2018-04-01

A large number of anthropometric studies of the auricle have been reported in different nations, but little data were available in the Chinese population. The aim of this study was to analyze growth changes in the ear by measuring the width and length of ears in a Chinese population. A total of 480 participants were enrolled and classified into 1-, 3-, 5-, 7-, 9-, 12-, 14-, and 18-year groups (half were boys and half were girls in each group). Ear length, ear width, body weight, and body length were measured and recorded; ear index was calculated according to ear length and ear width. The growth of auricle and differences between genders were analyzed. Growth of ear in relation to body height and weight and the degree of emphasis on the length and width of the auricle were also analyzed. Ear length and width increased with age. Ear length achieved its mature size in both 14-year-old males and females. Ear width reached its mature size in males at 7 years and in females at 5 years. Different trends of ear index were shown between males and females. People in this population paid more attention to the length than the width of the auricle. The data indicated that ear development followed increase in age. There were gender and ethnic difference in the development of ear. These results may have potential implications for the diagnosis of congenital malformations, syndromes, and planning of ear reconstruction surgery. Copyright © 2017 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Vestibular Stimulation and Development of the Small Premature Infant.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neal, Mary V.

This study was designed to explore the effects of vestibular stimulation on the developmental behavior, respiratory functioning, weight and length gains, and morbidity and mortality rates of premature infants. A total of 20 infants participated in this study in 4 groups of 5 infants each. Group A infants were placed in a motorized hammock within…

Comparative effects of constant versus fluctuating thermal regimens on yellow perch growth, feed conversion and survival

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The effects of fluctuating or constant thermal regimens on growth, mortality, and feed conversion were determined for juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Yellow perch averaging 156mm total length and 43g body weight were held in replicate 288L circular tanks for 129 days under: 1) a diel therm...

Conservation status of an endangered annual fish Hypsolebias antenori (Rivulidae) from Northeastern Brazil.

PubMed

Nascimento, W S; Yamamoto, M E; Chellappa, N T; Rocha, O; Chellappa, S

2015-05-01

This work presents information regarding the biology and state of conservation of an endangered annual fish Hypsolebias antenori. Fish were captured from small seasonal pools located in Northeastern Brazil. The total body length, body mass, sex ratio, first sexual maturity were investigated. The sampled population showed sexual dimorphism. There was a predominance of females (60%) over males (40%) with a sex ratio of 1: 1.4 and males were bigger and heavier than the females. Amplitude of total length of males ranged from 2.6 to 7.1cm (4.1 ± 1.15) and that of females from 2.2 to 5.4 cm (3.6 ± 0.9). Amplitude of body mass of males varied from 0.25 to 7 g (1.3 g ± 1.4) and that of females from 0.12 to 2.1g (0.7 g ± 0.5). The total weight-length equation of males was Wt = 0.0108Lt3.172 with r = 0.9826 and of females was Wt = 0.0122Lt3.0114 with r = 0.9608. Females attained first sexual maturity at 3.2 cm (± 0.25) total length and males at 3.3 cm (± 0.08) total length. All temporary pools surveyed in Northeastern Brazil were in a high degree of degradation, suffering due to anthropogenic action. Reduced rainfall resulting from global climate change prevents the filling up of these pools, thus preventing the completion of the reproductive cycle of annual fishes. One factor hindering development of conservation strategies is limited literature on biology and conservation status of annual fishes. There is a need for conservation measures to protect annual fish populations, especially creation of protected areas in the Brazilian semiarid region.

Fish consumption during pregnancy, prenatal mercury exposure, and anthropometric measures at birth in a prospective mother-infant cohort study in Spain.

PubMed

Ramón, Rosa; Ballester, Ferran; Aguinagalde, Xabier; Amurrio, Ascensión; Vioque, Jesús; Lacasaña, Marina; Rebagliato, Marisa; Murcia, Mario; Iñiguez, Carmen

2009-10-01

Birth size has been shown to be related to maternal fish intake, although the results are inconsistent. The objective was to assess the association of consumption of different types of fish and prenatal mercury exposure with birth weight, birth length, and classification as small for gestational age (SGA) in newborns. Cord blood total mercury was measured in 554 newborns in a population-based cohort born from 2004 to 2006. Fish consumption was classified in 4 frequency categories (<1 portion/mo, 1-3 portions/mo, 1 portion/wk, and > or =2 portions/wk). When multivariate models were adjusted, newborns in the higher quartile of total mercury weighed 143.7 g less (95% CI: -251.8, -35.6; P for trend = 0.02) and had higher odds of being SGA for length (odds ratio: 5.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 23.9; P from likelihood ratio test = 0.03) without a linear relation (P for trend = 0.13) compared with those in the lowest quartile. Mothers consuming >/=2 portions/wk of canned tuna had newborns who weighed more than those who consumed <1 portion/mo (P for trend = 0.03) and a lower risk of having infants who were SGA for weight (P for trend = 0.01). Consumption of > or =2 portions/wk of large oily fish was associated with a higher risk of being SGA for weight and consumption of lean fish with a lower risk of being SGA for length compared with the consumption of <1 portion/mo, but in neither case was there a linear relation (P for trend >0.05). The role of fish in fetal growth depends on the amount and type of fish consumed. The findings for mercury warrant further investigation in other settings.

Outcome after Surgery for Aortic Dissection Type A in Morbidly Obese Patients.

PubMed

Kreibich, Maximilian; Rylski, Bartosz; Bavaria, Joseph E; Branchetti, Emanuela; Dohle, Daniel; Moeller, Patrick; Vallabhajosyula, Prashanth; Szeto, Wilson Y; Desai, Nimesh D

2018-04-16

The number of obese patients is increasing and more obese patients are likely to present for surgical repair of aortic dissection Type A (ADA). We evaluated the effect of this procedure on mortality and morbidity of patients based on their body-mass-index (BMI; kg*m -2 ). A total of 667 patients that underwent surgical repair of ADA between 2003 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into four groups according to BMI: normal weight (18≤BMI<25; n=186), overweight (25≤BMI<30; n=238), obese (30≤BMI<35, n=144), and morbidly obese (BMI≥35; n=99). We compared clinical features and outcomes. There was no statistical difference regarding clinical presentation or proximal or distal aortic repair. Postoperative complications were similar among all groups. While the rate for reintubation, tracheotomy, and the length of stay in the intensive care unit tended to be similar, the time to extubation and the total length of hospital stay were significantly longer in morbidly obese patients. Significantly more blood was transfused and replaced in the normal weight patients compared to the obese patients: in median 69% of the calculated blood volume was replaced in the normal weight patients compared to 32% in the morbidly obese patients (p<0.001). In-hospital mortality and late survival were similar among all weight groups. Despite the comorbidities that are associated with obesity, obese patients undergoing surgical repair of ADA are not at greater risk of death or other adverse outcomes. An immediate surgical approach should be considered in all patients independent of weight. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A Numerical Model of Laser-Induced Fluorescence in a Hydrogen Plasma

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-10

cross-sections. Lee, et al., cited screened Coulomb potential calculations by several groups to place an up- per limit of 30 A on the Debye length...intensity: RL(t)(1/sec) = B,,(cir 2/erg . sec) . (J,)(erg/sec .cm -. liz) (3.5) 35 The Einstein coefficients are related by the statistical weights of the...impact processes.) These rate matrices were then added together to obtain the total rate matrix for both groups of electrons. The total electron density

Ecological Differences in Weight, Length, and Weight for Length of Mexican American Children in the WIC Program

PubMed Central

Ritsema, Melanie

2016-01-01

PURPOSE Examine factors common in the environments of children who obtain services from a WIC program to determine if differences in ecological/environmental factors can be found in the children who differ in weight, length, and weight for length. DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional study of 300 children, 100 each who were stunted, normal weight for length, or overweight. Instruments used were NCATS, ARSMA II, 24-hr diet recall, and Baecke Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS Significant differences were present in children’s diet, parents’ BMI, parents’ generation in United States, parents’ activity levels, and maternal–child relationship. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Encourage parents to adopt family approaches to encourage normal body size in children. PMID:18638046

A smartphone application to determine body length for body weight estimation in children: a prospective clinical trial.

PubMed

Wetzel, Oliver; Schmidt, Alexander R; Seiler, Michelle; Scaramuzza, Davide; Seifert, Burkhardt; Spahn, Donat R; Stein, Philipp

2018-06-01

The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and accuracy of a smartphone application to measure the body length of children using the integrated camera and to evaluate the subsequent weight estimates. A prospective clinical trial of children aged 0-<13 years admitted to the emergency department of the University Children's Hospital Zurich. The primary outcome was to validate the length measurement by the smartphone application «Optisizer». The secondary outcome was to correlate the virtually calculated ordinal categories based on the length measured by the app to the categories based on the real length. The third and independent outcome was the comparison of the different weight estimations by physicians, nurses, parents and the app. For all 627 children, the Bland Altman analysis showed a bias of -0.1% (95% CI -0.3-0.2%) comparing real length and length measured by the app. Ordinal categories of real length were in excellent agreement with categories virtually calculated based upon app length (kappa = 0.83, 95% CI 0.79-0.86). Children's real weight was underestimated by physicians (-3.3, 95% CI -4.4 to -2.2%, p < 0.001), nurses (-2.6, 95% CI -3.8 to -1.5%, p < 0.001) and parents (-1.3, 95% CI -1.9 to -0.6%, p < 0.001) but overestimated by categories based upon app length (1.6, 95% CI 0.3-2.8%, p = 0.02) and categories based upon real length (2.3, 95% CI 1.1-3.5%, p < 0.001). Absolute weight differences were lowest, if estimated by the parents (5.4, 95% CI 4.9-5.9%, p < 0.001). This study showed the accuracy of length measurement of children by a smartphone application: body length determined by the smartphone application is in good agreement with the real patient length. Ordinal length categories derived from app-measured length are in excellent agreement with the ordinal length categories based upon the real patient length. The body weight estimations based upon length corresponded to known data and limitations. Precision of body weight estimations by paediatric physicians and nurses were comparable and not different to length based estimations. In this non-emergency setting, parental weight estimation was significantly better than all other means of estimation (paediatric physicians and nurses, length based estimations) in terms of precision and absolute difference.

BMI curves for preterm infants.

PubMed

Olsen, Irene E; Lawson, M Louise; Ferguson, A Nicole; Cantrell, Rebecca; Grabich, Shannon C; Zemel, Babette S; Clark, Reese H

2015-03-01

Preterm infants experience disproportionate growth failure postnatally and may be large weight for length despite being small weight for age by hospital discharge. The objective of this study was to create and validate intrauterine weight-for-length growth curves using the contemporary, large, racially diverse US birth parameters sample used to create the Olsen weight-, length-, and head-circumference-for-age curves. Data from 391 681 US infants (Pediatrix Medical Group) born at 22 to 42 weeks' gestational age (born in 1998-2006) included birth weight, length, and head circumference, estimated gestational age, and gender. Separate subsamples were used to create and validate curves. Established methods were used to determine the weight-for-length ratio that was most highly correlated with weight and uncorrelated with length. Final smoothed percentile curves (3rd to 97th) were created by the Lambda Mu Sigma (LMS) method. The validation sample was used to confirm results. The final sample included 254 454 singleton infants (57.2% male) who survived to discharge. BMI was the best overall weight-for-length ratio for both genders and a majority of gestational ages. Gender-specific BMI-for-age curves were created (n = 127 446) and successfully validated (n = 126 988). Mean z scores for the validation sample were ∼0 (∼1 SD). BMI was different across gender and gestational age. We provide a set of validated reference curves (gender-specific) to track changes in BMI for prematurely born infants cared for in the NICU for use with weight-, length-, and head-circumference-for-age intrauterine growth curves. Copyright © 2015 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Comparison of impact strength of acrylic resin reinforced with kevlar and polyethylene fibres.

PubMed

Kamath, G; Bhargava, K

2002-01-01

The present study was done to evaluate the impact strengths of heat-activated acrylic resins reinforced with Kevlar fibres, polyethylene fibres and unreinforced heat activated acrylic resin. Each of three groups had 25 specimens. Brass rods of uniform length of 40 mm and diameter of 8 mm were used to prepare the moulds. A combination of long fibres (40 mm length) and short fibres (6 mm length) were used. The total amount of fibres incorporated was limited to 2% by weight of the resin matrix. Short and long fibres of equal weight were incorporated. The short fibres were mixed with polymer and monomer and packed into the mould, while, the long axis of the specimen, perpendicular to the applied force. The specimens were then processed. Impact strength testing was done on Hounsfield's impact testing machine. Kevlar fibre reinforced heat activated acrylic resin specimens recorded higher mean impact strength of 0.8464 Joules, while polyethylene fibres reinforced heat activated acrylic resin recorded mean impact strength of 0.7596 joules. The unreinforced heat activated acrylic resin recorded mean impact strength of 0.3440 Joules.

Body weight status and telomere length in U.S. middle-aged and older adults.

PubMed

An, Ruopeng; Yan, Hai

Telomere length has been proposed as a biomarker of biological aging. This study examined the relationship between body weight status and telomere length in U.S. middle-aged and older adults. Nationally representative data (N=2749) came from the Health and Retirement Study. Linear regressions were performed to examine the relationship between baseline body weight status reported in 1992 and telomere length measured in 2008 in the overall sample and by sex and racial/ethnic groups, adjusted for individual characteristics. Baseline overweight (25kg/m 2 ≤body mass index [BMI]<30kg/m 2 ) and obesity (BMI≥30kg/m 2 ) status positively predicted telomere length 17 years later. Compared with their normal weight counterparts, telomere length ratio was on average 0.062 (95% confidence interval=0.016, 0.109) and 0.125 (0.048, 0.202) larger among overweight and obese adults, respectively. In comparison to women and racial/ethnic minorities, the estimated positive associations between overweight and obesity status and telomere length were more salient among men and non-Hispanic whites, respectively. The positive association between body weight status and telomere length found in this study was opposite to what existing biological model predicts, and could partially relate to the nonlinear relationship between body weight status and telomere length across age cohorts, and/or the lack of reliability of BMI as an indicator for adiposity in the older population. Large-scale longitudinal studies with baseline telomere length measures are warranted to replicate this study finding and explore the potential heterogeneous relationship between body weight status and telomere length. Copyright © 2016 Asia Oceania Association for the Study of Obesity. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

QTL Mapping of Kernel Number-Related Traits and Validation of One Major QTL for Ear Length in Maize.

PubMed

Huo, Dongao; Ning, Qiang; Shen, Xiaomeng; Liu, Lei; Zhang, Zuxin

2016-01-01

The kernel number is a grain yield component and an important maize breeding goal. Ear length, kernel number per row and ear row number are highly correlated with the kernel number per ear, which eventually determines the ear weight and grain yield. In this study, two sets of F2:3 families developed from two bi-parental crosses sharing one inbred line were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for four kernel number-related traits: ear length, kernel number per row, ear row number and ear weight. A total of 39 QTLs for the four traits were identified in the two populations. The phenotypic variance explained by a single QTL ranged from 0.4% to 29.5%. Additionally, 14 overlapping QTLs formed 5 QTL clusters on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 7, and 10. Intriguingly, six QTLs for ear length and kernel number per row overlapped in a region on chromosome 1. This region was designated qEL1.10 and was validated as being simultaneously responsible for ear length, kernel number per row and ear weight in a near isogenic line-derived population, suggesting that qEL1.10 was a pleiotropic QTL with large effects. Furthermore, the performance of hybrids generated by crossing 6 elite inbred lines with two near isogenic lines at qEL1.10 showed the breeding value of qEL1.10 for the improvement of the kernel number and grain yield of maize hybrids. This study provides a basis for further fine mapping, molecular marker-aided breeding and functional studies of kernel number-related traits in maize.

Effect of surgical subspecialty training on patent ductus arteriosus ligation outcomes.

PubMed

Markush, Dor; Briden, Kelleigh E; Chung, Michael; Herbst, Katherine W; Lerer, Trudy J; Neff, Stephen; Wu, Amy C; Campbell, Brendan T

2014-05-01

Surgical outcomes data for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation come primarily from single institution case series. The purpose of this study was to evaluate national PDA ligation trends, and to compare outcomes between pediatric general (GEN) and pediatric cardiothoracic (CT) surgeons. The Pediatric Health Information System database was queried to identify neonates who underwent PDA ligation from 2006 through 2009. Outcomes evaluated included surgical morbidity, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and total charges. Outcomes were compared between pediatric general and pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons. The records of 1,482 neonates who underwent PDA ligation were identified and analyzed. Overall mean gestational age was 26 ± 3 weeks and birth weight was 888 ± 428 g. The majority of patients among both surgeons had birth weights of ≤1,000 g (77.2%) and were born at ≤27-week gestation (81.5%). Most of the PDA ligations were performed by pediatric CT surgeons (n = 1,196, 80.7%). The mortality rate did not differ by surgeon subspecialty training (GEN = 5.2%, CT 7.9%, p = 0.16). Neonates in the cardiothoracic surgeon cohort showed lower length of stay (p < 0.001-0.05) and total hospital charges (p < 0.05) among patients with birth weight ≤1,200 g. Proxy measures of surgical morbidity-gastrostomy, fundoplication, and tracheostomy-showed no significant differences between the two surgical subspecialists overall or across birth weight subgroups (p > 0.05). These data provide a contemporary snapshot of PDA ligation outcomes at American children's hospitals. Pediatric general surgeons achieve comparable outcomes performing PDA ligation compared to pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons.

33 CFR 401.4 - Maximum length and weight.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Maximum length and weight. 401.4 Section 401.4 Navigation and Navigable Waters SAINT LAWRENCE SEAWAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SEAWAY REGULATIONS AND RULES Regulations Condition of Vessels § 401.4 Maximum length and weight...

Relationship between axial length of the emmetropic eye and the age, body height, and body weight of schoolchildren.

PubMed

Selović, Alen; Juresa, Vesna; Ivankovic, Davor; Malcic, Davor; Selović Bobonj, Gordana

2005-01-01

This report assesses the relationship of axial length of emmetropic (without refractive error) eyes to age, height, and weight in 1,600 Croatian schoolchildren. Axial eye lengths were determined by an ultrasonic eye biometry (A scan). Axial length of both eyes increases with age, height, and weight but shows a closer correlation to height and weight than to age. Boys have a significantly longer axial eye length than girls (P < 0.01). Boys or girls of similar or nearing body height and body weight and with emmetropic eyes have close linear measures of anatomic eye structures within their sex, regardless their age. Body height demonstrates the closest correlation to the growth and development of the emmetropic eye. Copyright 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Shorter sleep duration in early pregnancy is associated with birth length: a prospective cohort study in Wuhan, China.

PubMed

Wang, Weiye; Zhong, Chunrong; Zhang, Yu; Huang, Li; Chen, Xi; Zhou, Xuezhen; Chen, Renjuan; Li, Xiating; Xiao, Mei; Hao, Liping; Yang, Xuefeng; Yang, Nianhong; Wei, Sheng

2017-06-01

To examine the association between sleep duration in early pregnancy and fetal growth in a prospective cohort study of 3567 Chinese women. Pregnant women at 8-16 weeks of gestation were interviewed using a semi-quantitative questionnaire to assess sleep duration. Birth weight and birth length were measured by a midwife in the delivery room at birth; low birth weight (LBW) was defined as birth weight <2500 g and small for gestational age (SGA) was defined as <10th customized centile. The average age of participants was 28.21 ± 3.38 years old. The mean sleep duration was 8.39 ± 1.13 h/day. A total of 1290 women sleeping ≥9 h/day, 1563 sleeping 8 to <9 h/day, 550 sleeping 7 to <8 h/day, and 164 sleeping <7 h/day. Compared to the sleeping 8 to <9 h/day group, birth length and birth weight of the sleeping <7 h/day group decreased by 2.42 mm (95% CI: -4.27, -0.58, p = 0.010) and 42.70 g (95% CI: -103.02, 17.62, p = 0.165), respectively; and risk of LBW and SGA of the sleeping <7 h/day group increased by 83% (95% CI: 0.59, 5.73, p = 0.297) and 56% (95% CI: 0.84, 2.92, p = 0.159), respectively; birth length of the sleeping <7 h/day group was decreased more in male babies, and among mothers without a midday napping habit or with a history of abortion (all p for interaction <0.05). Shorter sleep duration in early pregnancy was associated with birth length. Our findings indicate that midday napping may be a protective factor for birth length among pregnant women with shorter sleep duration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of lead exposure before pregnancy and dietary calcium during pregnancy on fetal development and lead accumulation.

PubMed Central

Han, S; Pfizenmaier, D H; Garcia, E; Eguez, M L; Ling, M; Kemp, F W; Bogden, J D

2000-01-01

Millions of women of child-bearing age have substantial bone lead stores due to lead exposure as children. Dietary calcium ingested simultaneously with lead exposure can reduce lead absorption and accumulation. However, the effects of dietary calcium on previously accumulated maternal lead stores and transfer to the fetus have not been investigated. We studied the effects of lead exposure of female rats at an early age on fetal development during a subsequent pregnancy. We gave 5-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats lead as the acetate in their drinking water for 5 weeks; controls received equimolar sodium acetate. This was followed by a 1-month period without lead exposure before mating. We randomly assigned pregnant rats (n = 39) to diets with a deficient (0.1%) or normal (0.5%) calcium content during pregnancy. A total of 345 pups were delivered alive. Lead-exposed dams and their pups had significantly higher blood lead concentrations than controls, but the concentrations were in the range of those found in many pregnant women. Pups born to dams fed the calcium-deficient diet during pregnancy had higher blood and organ lead concentrations than pups born to dams fed the 0. 5% calcium diet. Pups born to lead-exposed dams had significantly (p<0.0001) lower mean birth weights and birth lengths than controls. There were significant inverse univariate associations between dam or pup organ lead concentrations and birth weight or length. The 0.5% calcium diet did not increase in utero growth. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that greater litter size and female sex were significantly associated with reduced pup birth weight and length. However, lead exposure that ended well before pregnancy was significantly (p<0.0001) associated with reduced birth weight and length, even after litter size, pup sex, and dam weight gain during pregnancy were included in the regression analysis. The data demonstrate that an increase in dietary calcium during pregnancy can reduce fetal lead accumulation but cannot prevent lead-induced decreases in birth weight and length. The results provide evidence that dietary nutrients can influence the transfer of toxins to the fetus during pregnancy. If these results are applicable to women, an increase in diet calcium during pregnancy could reduce the transfer of lead from prepregnancy maternal exposures to the fetus. Images Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1 Figure 2 PMID:10856026

Comparative Effect of Massage Therapy versus Kangaroo Mother Care on Body Weight and Length of Hospital Stay in Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants.

PubMed

Rangey, Priya Singh; Sheth, Megha

2014-01-01

Background. Massage therapy (MT) and kangaroo mother care (KMC) are both effective in increasing the weight and reducing length of hospital stay in low birth weight preterm infants but they have not been compared. Aim. Comparison of effectiveness of MT and KMC on body weight and length of hospital stay in low birth weight preterm (LBWPT) infants. Method. 30 LBWPT infants using convenience sampling from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, V.S. hospital, were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Group 1 received MT and Group 2 received KMC for 15 minutes, thrice daily for 5 days. Medically stable babies with gestational age < 37 weeks and birth weight < 2500 g were included. Those on ventilators and with congenital, orthopedic, or genetic abnormality were excluded. Outcome measures, body weight and length of hospital stay, were taken before intervention day 1 and after intervention day 5. Level of significance was 5%. Result. Data was analyzed using SPSS16. Both MT and KMC were found to be effective in improving body weight (P = 0.001, P = 0.001). Both were found to be equally effective for improving body weight (P = 0.328) and reducing length of hospital stay (P = 0.868). Conclusion. MT and KMC were found to be equally effective in improving body weight and reducing length of hospital stay. Limitation. Long term follow-up was not taken.

Seasonal variations of arsenic in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klarić, Sanja; Pavičić-Hamer, Dijana; Lucu, Čedomil

2004-10-01

Total arsenic concentration in the edible part of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis was evaluated seasonally in the coastal area of Rijeka Bay (North Adriatic Sea, Croatia). Sampling stations were located close to the City of Bakar with no industrial facilities (site 1), in the vicinity of the oil refinery and oil thermoelectric power plant (Urinj, site 2), and 4 miles away from the Plomin coal thermoelectric power plant (Brseč village, site 3). Additionally, the concentration of arsenic in the tail muscle of the lobster Nephrops norvegicus, collected in Rijeka Bay, was studied. During winter at sites 2 and 3, the total arsenic in the edible part of the mussels was 16.4 mg As/kg FW (FW=fresh weight) and 4.38 mg As/kg FW, respectively, and increased during springtime at site 2 (6.5 mg As/kg FW) compared to the rest of the year, when individual total arsenic concentration at all sites ranged from 1.7 to 3.7 mg As/kg FW. In the winter (sites 2 and 3) and springtime (site 2) there was no correlation between the length of the mussel shell and the arsenic concentration in the edible part of the mussels. In the other seasons, at sites 1, 2 and 3, there was a correlation between arsenic in the edible part of mussels and shell length in most cases (correlation coefficients r varied from 0.64 to 0.85; P <0.05 to P <0.01). Correlation between shell length (in the narrow range of shell lengths from 3.4 to 5.0 cm) and arsenic in the edible part of the mussels shows linearity with a high regression coefficient (r =0.914; P <0.001). The increase of arsenic in the mussels during winter and spring was suggested at least partially as a result of a low nutritional status, i.e. reduced weight of the mussels' edible part during winter. In addition, a linear relationship was found between body length and arsenic concentration in the tail muscle (mean 17.11±4.48 mg As/kg FW) of the Norway lobster.

Helminth fauna of Megaleporinus obtusidens (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from Lake Guaíba: analysis of the parasite community.

PubMed

Wendt, E W; Monteiro, C M; Amato, S B

2018-06-01

Structure of the helminth community of Megaleporinus obtusidens collected in Lake Guaíba was evaluated, and the results indicated that the diversity of helminth species was probably determined by fish behavior and eating habits. The influence of sex, weight, and standard length of hosts for parasitic indices was also analyzed. Sixteen helminth species were found parasitizing M. obtusidens, including the following: platyhelminths, with the highest richness, represented by one species of Aspidobothrea; four species of Digenea; and eight species of Monogenea; the latter, presented the highest prevalence. Rhinoxenus arietinus, found in nasal cavities, had the greater abundance, and was the only species classified as core. The prevalence of Urocleidoides paradoxus was significantly influenced by the sex of the host; females had the highest values. Abundance was weakly influenced by fish weight and the body length of the hosts. Urocleidoides sp. had its abundance weakly influenced by the host weight. The other helminths were not influenced by biometric characteristics of the hosts. The total species richness was similar between male and female fish, and both had 14 helminth species of parasites.

The fish fauna in tropical rivers: the case of the Sorocaba River basin, São Paulo, Brazil.

PubMed

Smith, Welber Senteio; Petrere Júnior, Miguel; Barrella, Walter

2003-01-01

A survey was carried out on the fish species in the Sorocaba River basin, the main tributary of the left margin of the Tietê River, located in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The species were collected with gill nets. After identification of the specimens, their relative abundance, weight and standard length were determined. Up to the present moment there are not any studies that focus this subject in this hydrographic basin. Fifty-three species, distributed in eighteen families and six orders were collected. Characiformes were represented by twenty-eight species, Siluriformes by seventeen species, the Gymnotiformes by three species, Perciformes and Cyprinodontiformes by two species, and the Synbranchiformes by one species. Among the collected species there were two exotic. The most abundant species were Astyanax fasciatus and Hypostomus ancistroides. In relation to total weight the most representative species were Hoplias malabaricus and Hypostomus ancistroides. Cyprinus carpio, Prochilodus lineatus, Schizodon nasutus and Hoplias malabaricus were the most representative species in relation to average weight. Largest standard length were recorded for Sternopygus macrurus, Steindachnerina insculpta, Eigenmannia aff. virescens and Cyprinus carpio.

Maternal overweight predicts infant caloric intake from complimentary foods and weight-for-length at age 6 months

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We assessed the role of maternal overweight on infant dietary intake and body size during the first 6 months of life. Participants were from the Beginnings study, an on-going, longitudinal cohort. Trained research assistants measured infant weight and length; weight-for-length percentiles (WL perc...

Anthropometric evaluation of pediatric patients with nonprogressive chronic encephalopathy according to different methods of classification☆

PubMed Central

Teixeira, Jéssica Socas; Gomes, Mirian Martins

2014-01-01

Objective: To perform anthropometric assessment of patients with quadriplegic, chronic non-progressive encephalopathy, comparing two distinct references of nutritional classification and to compare the estimated height to the length measured by stadiometer. Method: Cross-sectional study including 0-3-year children with quadriplegic chronic non-progressive encephalopathy in secondary public hospital. Length, weight, arm circumference, triceps skinfold and knee height were measured. The arm muscle circumference and estimated height were calculated. The following relations were evaluated: weight-for-age, length-for-age and weight-for-length, using as reference the charts of the World Health Organization (WHO) and those proposed by Krick et al. Results: Fourteen children with a mean age of 21 months were evaluated. Assessment of anthropometric indicators showed significant difference between the two classification methods to assess nutritional indicators length/age (p=0.014), weight/age (p=0.014) and weight/length (p=0.001). There was significant correlation between measured length and estimated height (r=0.796, p=0.001). Evaluation of arm circumference and triceps skinfold showed that most patients presented some degree of malnutrition. According to arm muscle circumference, most were eutrophic. Conclusions: Specific curves for children with chronic non-progressive encephalopathy appear to underestimate malnutrition when one takes into account indicators involving weight. Curves developed for healthy children can be a good option for clinical practice and weight-for-length indicator and body composition measurements should be considered as complementary tools. PMID:25479849

Objectively measured physical activity and bone strength in 9-year-old boys and girls.

PubMed

Sardinha, Luís B; Baptista, Fátima; Ekelund, Ulf

2008-09-01

The purpose of this work was to analyze the relationship between intensity and duration of physical activity and composite indices of femoral neck strength and bone-mineral content of the femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total body. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometry in 143 girls and 150 boys (mean age: 9.7 years). Measurement of bone-mineral content, femoral neck bone-mineral density, femoral neck width, hip axis length, and total body fat-free mass was performed with dual-energy radiograph absorptiometry. Compressive [(bone-mineral density x femoral neck width/weight)] and bending strength [(bone-mineral density x femoral neck width(2))/(hip axis length x weight)] express the forces that the femoral neck has to withstand in weight bearing, whereas impact strength [(bone-mineral density x femoral neck width x hip axis length)/(height x weight)] expresses the energy that the femoral neck has to absorb in an impact from standing height. Analysis of covariance (fat-free mass and age adjusted) showed differences between boys and girls of approximately 9% for compressive, 10% for bending, and 9% for impact strength. Stepwise regression analysis using time spent at sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity as predictors revealed that vigorous physical activity explained 5% to 9% of femoral neck strength variable variance in both genders, except for bending strength in boys, and approximately 1% to 3% of total body and femoral neck bone-mineral content variance. Vigorous physical activity was then used to categorize boys and girls into quartiles. Pairwise comparison indicated that boys in the third and fourth quartiles (accumulation of >26 minutes/day) demonstrated higher compressive (11%-12%), bending (10%), and impact (14%) strength than boys in the first quartile. In girls, comparison revealed a difference between the fourth (accumulation of >25 minutes/day) and first quartiles for bending strength (11%). We did not observe any relationship between physical activity and lumbar spine strength. Femoral neck strength is higher in boys than girls. Vigorous intensity emerged as the main physical activity predictor of femoral neck strength but did not explain gender differences. Daily vigorous physical activity for at least approximately 25 minutes seems to improve femoral neck bone health in children.

[Renal length measured by ultrasound in adult mexican population].

PubMed

Oyuela-Carrasco, J; Rodríguez-Castellanos, F; Kimura, E; Delgado-Hernández, R; Herrera-Félix, J P

2009-01-01

Renal length estimation by ultrasound is an important parameter in clinical evaluation of kidney disease and healthy donors. Changes in renal volume may be a sign of kidney disease. Correct interpretation of renal length requires the knowledge of normal limits, these have not been described for Latin American population. To describe normal renal length (RL) by ultrasonography in a group of Mexican adults. Ultrasound measure of RL in 153 healthy Mexican adults stratified by age. Describe the association of RL to several anthropometric variables. A total of 77 males and 76 females were scanner. The average age for the group was 44.12 +/- 15.44 years. The mean weight, body mass index (BMI) and height were 68.87 +/- 11.69 Kg, 26.77 +/- 3.82 kg/m2 and 160 +/- 8.62 cm respectively. Dividing the population by gender, showed a height of 166 +/- 6.15 cm for males and 154.7 +/- 5.97 cm for females (p =0.000). Left renal length (LRL) in the whole group was 105.8 +/- 7.56 mm and right renal length (RRL) was 104.3 +/- 6.45 mm (p = 0.000.) The LRL for males was 107.16 +/- 6.97 mm and for females was 104.6 +/- 7.96 mm. The average RRL for males was 105.74 +/- 5.74 mm and for females 102.99 +/- 6.85 mm (p = 0.008.) We noted that RL decreased with age and the rate of decline accelerates alter 60 years of age. Both lengths correlated significantly and positively with weight, BMI and height. The RL was significantly larger in males than in females in both kidneys (p = 0.036) in this Mexican population. Renal length declines after 60 years of age and specially after 70 years.

A portable high power microwave source with permanent magnets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Wei; Zhang, Jun; Li, Zhi-qiang

A high power microwave source with permanent magnets is proposed in this paper. The source has the length 330 mm, maximum diameter 350 mm, and total weight 50 kg, including 25 kg of permanent magnets. 1 GW of microwave power with Gaussian radiation pattern and 24% of microwave power generation efficiency in a pulse duration of 75 ns are obtained in the experiment. Operating frequency of the source is 2.32 GHz. Such a small size, light weight, and highly stable in operation source will be used in portable repetitive high power microwave generation systems.

In Preterm Infants, Length Growth below Expected Growth during Hospital Stay Predicts Poor Neurodevelopment at 2 Years.

PubMed

Simon, Laure; Théveniaut, Camille; Flamant, Cyril; Frondas-Chauty, Anne; Darmaun, Dominique; Rozé, Jean-Christophe

2018-05-30

In preterm infants, neonatal weight growth is associated with neurodevelopmental outcome but is a poor indicator of growth quality. The aim of this work was to measure the relationship between neonatal length growth and the 2-year neurological outcome in preterm infants. A total of 2,403 infants enrolled in the LIFT cohort with gestational age less than 34 weeks were studied. Neonatal observed length growth (OLG) was calculated as the change in length Z-score between birth and discharge. Expected length growth (ELG) was estimated based on gestational age, birth weight Z-score, birth length Z-score, gender, and observed neonatal weight growth. The difference between OLG and ELG (∆OLG-ELG) was calculated as OLG - ELG, and infants were ranked into 3 classes depending on their ∆OLG-ELG (≤-0.5, -0.49 to 0.49, ≥0.50 Z-score). We explored the relationship between ∆OLG-ELG and 2-year neurodevelopmental outcome (n = 2,036), and, in a subgroup (n = 85), between ∆OLG-ELG and body composition at discharge. ELG was strongly predicted from the above-mentioned parameters (R2 = 0.73, p = 0.001). OLG correlated closely with gestational age (p = 0.001) but ∆OLG-ELG did not (p = 1.0). OLG was not associated with a 2-year nonoptimal outcome after adjustment for gestational age, but ∆OLG-ELG ≤-0.5 was; the crude and adjusted odds ratios were 1.63 and 1.56, respectively. ∆OLG-ELG correlated negatively with fat mass (R2 = 0.29, p = 0.006) before and after adjustment for gestational age. ∆OLG-ELG is a marker of neonatal growth that does not depend on gestational age, and may reflect quality of growth. A ∆OLG-ELG ≤-0.5 Z-score is associated with a higher risk for 2-year nonoptimal neurodevelopmental outcome. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Early biometric lag in the prediction of small for gestational age neonates and preeclampsia.

PubMed

Schwartz, Nadav; Pessel, Cara; Coletta, Jaclyn; Krieger, Abba M; Timor-Tritsch, Ilan E

2011-01-01

An early fetal growth lag may be a marker of future complications. We sought to determine the utility of early biometric variables in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this retrospective cohort study, the crown-rump length at 11 to 14 weeks and the head circumference, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length, humerus length, transverse cerebellar diameter, and estimated fetal weight at 18 to 24 weeks were converted to an estimated gestational age using published regression formulas. Sonographic fetal growth (difference between each biometric gestational age and the crown-rump length gestational age) minus expected fetal growth (number of days elapsed between the two scans) yielded the biometric growth lag. These lags were tested as predictors of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates (≤10th percentile) and preeclampsia. A total of 245 patients were included. Thirty-two (13.1%) delivered an SGA neonate, and 43 (17.6%) had the composite outcome. The head circumference, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and estimated fetal weight lags were identified as significant predictors of SGA neonates after adjusted analyses (P < .05). The addition of either the estimated fetal weight or abdominal circumference lag to maternal characteristics alone significantly improved the performance of the predictive model, achieving areas under the curve of 0.72 and 0.74, respectively. No significant association was found between the biometric lag variables and the development of preeclampsia. Routinely available biometric data can be used to improve the prediction of adverse outcomes such as SGA. These biometric lags should be considered in efforts to develop screening algorithms for adverse outcomes.

Variation in the life-history traits of a Schilbid catfish, Clupisoma garua (Hamilton, 1822) in the coastal waters of southern Bangladesh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siddik, Muhammad Abu Bakar; Chaklader, Md Reaz; Hanif, Md Abu; Nahar, Ashfaqun; Ilham, Ilham; Cole, Anthony; Fotedar, Ravi

2017-09-01

For the first time, the present study reports the life-history traits, comprising length-frequency distribution (LFD), sex ratio (SR), length-weight relationships (LWRs), condition factors (CFs), and relative growth ( W R), of Clupisoma garua in the coastal waters of Bangladesh. A total of 150 specimens ranging from 8.60 to 25.20 cm total length (TL) and 4.26 to 128.80 g body weight (BW) were collected using traditional fishing gear from August 2013 to July 2014. The overall sex ratio of males to females in the study did not differ significantly from the expected value of 1:1 (χ2 =0.96, P <0.05) but there were significant sex differences ( P <0.05) in the intercepts and slopes of graphs characterizing traits in C. garua. The calculated b values for the LWRs were 2.955, 2.893 and 2.927 for males, females and combined sexes, respectively, and there was negative allometric growth in all cases ( b <3). The condition factors ( K A , K F , K R ) and relative growth ( W R ) also did not differ significantly ( P <0.05) between the sexes. This study provides a useful tool for fishery specialists to evaluate the relative condition of fish and to initiate early management strategies and regulations for the sustainable management of the remaining stocks of this species in the entire coastal region of southern Bangladesh.

Examination of rare earth element concentration patterns in freshwater fish tissues.

PubMed

Mayfield, David B; Fairbrother, Anne

2015-02-01

Rare earth elements (REEs or lanthanides) were measured in ten freshwater fish species from a reservoir in Washington State (United States). The REE distribution patterns were examined within fillet and whole body tissues for three size classes. Total concentrations (ΣREE) ranged from 0.014 to 3.0 mg kg(-1) (dry weight) and averaged 0.243 mg kg(-1) (dry weight). Tissue concentration patterns indicated that REEs accumulated to a greater extent in organs, viscera, and bone compared to muscle (fillet) tissues. Benthic feeding species (exposed to sediments) exhibited greater concentrations of REEs than pelagic omnivorous or piscivorous fish species. Decreasing REE concentrations were found with increasing age, total length or weight for largescale and longnose suckers, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Concentration patterns in this system were consistent with natural conditions without anthropogenic sources of REEs. These data provide additional reference information with regard to the fate and transport of REEs in freshwater fish tissues in a large aquatic system. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of body mass index, the mandible, and dental alveolar arch factors in prediction of mandibular third molar impaction: a pilot study.

PubMed

Akinbami, Babatunde O; Didia, Blessing C

2010-12-01

The aim of this study was to determine how some physical characteristics can be used to predict the occurrence of impacted mandibular third molars. While the concept of prophylactic removal of the asymptomatic erupting or impacted mandibular third molar has generated much controversy over the years, new theories of therapeutic surgical removal of the erupting tooth and therapeutic agenesis of the tooth bud are emerging. However, there are a few studies that address the anthropometric factors that could predict an impacted mandibular third molar. The study included Nigerian patients of both genders who were at least 16 years of age. A total of 83 subjects participated in the study; there were 44 (53 percent) females and 39 (47 percent) males. Eighty-one (97.6 percent) of the participants were between 16 and 23 years old, while 2 (2.4 percent) were between 30 and 39 years old, of which 44 (53 percent) were women and 39 (47 percent) were men. There were 38 (45.8 percent) cases of impaction and 45 (54.2 percent) cases of unimpacted third molar. The mean and standard deviation values of BMI for the two groups in males and females were 21.10±1.90, 22.40±2.70 and 22.00±2.40, 22.30±1.99 respectively, with no significant difference, p>0.05, CI 95%. The two determinant factors of impaction were mandibular length and the difference between alveolar arch length (p=0.04) and total teeth size. Both of these variables had significant inverse correlations with impaction values of p=0.04 and p=0.003, respectively. The prediction values were 59 percent for mandibular length and 81.9 percent for differences between mandibular length and teeth sizes, respectively. The synthesized prediction value by the two determinant factors is 75.6 percent.The subjects were divided into two categories: presence of impaction (Group 1) and absence of impaction (Group 2). Impaction of the mandibular third molar was assessed by clinical and radiographic evaluation. Body mass index (BMI) of each subject was determined by measuring the body weight (BW) and body height (BH), then dividing the weight of the body by the square of the height. The mandibular index (MI) was assessed by measuring the length and width of the mandible (MW). It was calculated by dividing the width of the mandible by the length of the mandible. The mandibular length (ML) consisted of the total teeth sizes of the three anterior teeth, the two premolars, and the first and second molars. These dimensions were measured with a divider/ruler and recorded. The anterior-posterior distance of the arch from the midline to the retromolar pad (alveolar arch length) also was measured. The prediction of mandibular third molar impaction was mainly dependent on two factors: the length of the mandible and the difference between arch length and total teeth size. Small mandible, small dental arch, and large teeth are risk factors that are strongly associated with the occurrence of impacted third molars.

Morbidity-mortality and performance evaluation of Brahman calves from in vitro embryo production

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The use of bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP) increases the reproductive potential of genetically superior cows, enabling a larger scale of embryo production when compared with other biotechnologies. However, deleterious effects such as abnormal fetal growth, longer gestation period, increased birth weight, abortion, preterm birth and higher rates of neonatal mortality have been attributed to IVP. The aim of this study was to compare the influence of in vitro embryo production and artificial insemination (AI) on gestation length, complications with birth, birth weight, method of feeding colostrum, passive transfer of immunity, morbidity-mortality, and performance in Brahman calves. Results Whilst gestation length and birth weight were significantly increased in IVP-derived calves, no difference in weaning weight was observed between groups. The passive transfer of immunity (PT), was assessed in IVP (n = 80) and AI (n = 20) groups 24 hours after birth by determination of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and gammaglobulin activity as well as by quantification of the concentration of total protein in serum. No differences in passive transfer or incidences of dystocia and diseases at weaning were observed between groups. Birth weight, method of feeding colostrum and dystocia were not correlated with PT in either group. Conclusions In this study, in vitro embryo production did not affect the health status, development, or passive transfer of immunity in Brahman calves. PMID:22136315

Influence of pellet diameter and length on the quality of pellets and performance, nutrient utilisation and digestive tract development of broilers fed on wheat-based diets.

PubMed

Abdollahi, M R; Ravindran, V; Wester, T J; Ravindran, G; Thomas, D V

2013-06-01

1. The influence of pellet diameter and length on the quality of pellets and performance, nutrient utilisation and digestive tract development of broilers given wheat-based diets was examined from 10 to 42 d of age. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluating two pellet diameters (3 and 4.76 mm) and two pellet lengths (3 and 6 mm). From 0 to 9 d of age, all birds were offered a common starter diet pelleted with a 3-mm diameter die and 3-mm length. Broiler grower (d 10 to 21) and finisher (d 22 to 42) diets, based on wheat, were formulated and then subjected to the 4 different treatments. 2. In grower diets, increasing pellet diameter and pellet length reduced the gelatinised starch (GS) content of the diets. In finisher diets, GS content of 3-mm diameter pellets did not change with increasing pellet length but decreased in 4.76-mm diameter pellets. 3. In grower and finisher diets, increments in intact pellet weight, pellet durability index and pellet hardness with increasing pellet length were greater in 3-mm diameter pellets than those with 4.76-mm diameter. 4. Increasing pellet length from 3 to 6 mm increased apparent metabolisable energy values. Neither the interaction nor main effects were significant for the ileal digestibility of nitrogen and starch. 5. During the grower period (d 10 to 21), birds given pellets of 6-mm length had greater body-weight gain than those given 3-mm length pellets. Feeding 6-mm length pellets decreased feed per body-weight gain compared to 3-mm length pellets. During the finisher (d 22 to 42) and whole grow-out (d 10 to 42) periods, while different pellet lengths had no effect on feed per body-weight gain values at 3-mm pellet diameter, increasing the pellet length decreased feed per body-weight gain at 4.76-mm pellet diameter. 6. Increasing pellet diameter and pellet length reduced the relative length of duodenum. Birds given 3-mm diameter pellets had heavier proventriculus compared to those given 4.76-mm diameter pellets. 7. Overall, the data suggest that increasing the pellet length from 3 to 6 mm improved the body-weight gain and feed per body-weight gain during the grower period (d 10 to 21). While the positive effect on body-weight gain disappeared as the birds grew older, improvements in feed per body-weight gain were maintained over the finisher and whole grow-out periods only in 4.76-mm diameter pellets. Small diameter die holes and longer pellet lengths may be considered as potential manipulations to manufacture high-quality pellets under low conditioning temperatures.

23 CFR 658.16 - Exclusions from length and width determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... TRAFFIC OPERATIONS TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT, ROUTE DESIGNATIONS-LENGTH, WIDTH AND WEIGHT LIMITATIONS § 658.16 Exclusions from length and width determinations. (a) Vehicle components not excluded by law or regulation shall be included in the measurement of the length and width of commercial motor vehicles. (b) The...

Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ASB15 gene and their associations with chicken growth and carcass traits.

PubMed

Wang, Y C; Jiang, R R; Kang, X T; Li, Z J; Han, R L; Geng, J; Fu, J X; Wang, J F; Wu, J P

2015-09-25

ASB15 is a member of the ankyrin repeat and suppressor of cytokine signaling box family, and is predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle. In the present study, an F2 resource population of Gushi chickens crossed with Anka broilers was used to investigate the genetic effects of the chicken ASB15 gene. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs315759231 A>G and rs312619270 T>C) were identified in exon 7 of the ASB15 gene using forced chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing. One was a missense SNP (rs315759231 A>G) and the other was a synonymous SNP (rs312619270 T>C). The rs315759231 A>G polymorphism was significantly associated with body weight at birth, 12-week body slanting length, semi-evisceration weight, evisceration weight, leg muscle weight, and carcass weight (P < 0.05). The rs312619270 T>C polymorphism was significantly associated with body weight at birth, 4, 8, and 12-week body weight, 8-week shank length, 12-week breast bone length, 8 and 12-week body slanting length, breast muscle weight, and carcass weight (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that the ASB15 gene profoundly affects chicken growth and carcass traits.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on seed germination, microbial quality, anatomy-morphology and physiological characteristics of garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seedlings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

İşlek, Cemil; Murat Altuner, Ergin; Çeter, Talip; Alpas, Hami

2013-06-01

High hydrostatic pressure is a non-thermal food processing technology that is found to increase the percentage of germination, decrease the germination time and improve the microbial quality of seeds. In this study, pressures of 100-400 MPa for 10 min at 30°C are used to compare the percentage of germination, the microbial quality of seeds, chlorophyll a and b, and total phenolic compounds concentrations in seedlings, and the anatomy-morphology characteristics of garden cress. Enhanced reductions of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total and fecal coliforms, and yeast and mould populations in seeds were observed, especially at 300 MPa. In addition, the percentage of germination, chlorophyll content and phenolic compounds concentrations, fresh and dry weights, and hypocotyl lengths of the seedlings are higher than those of all samples, where the percentage of germination is equal to controls but higher than other samples, and radicula length is lower than controls but higher than others.

Growth performance and certain body measurements of ostrich chicks as affected by dietary protein levels during 2-9 weeks of age.

PubMed

Mahrose, Kh M; Attia, A I; Ismail, I E; Abou-Kassem, D E; El-Hack, M E Abd

2015-01-01

The present work was conducted to examine the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) levels (18, 21 and 24%) on growth performance (Initial and final body weight, daily body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion and protein efficiency ratio) during 2-9 weeks of age and certain body measurements (body height, tibiotarsus length and tibiotarsus girth) at 9 weeks of age. A total of 30 African Black unsexed ostrich chicks were used in the present study in simple randomized design. The results of the present work indicated that initial and final live body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion of ostrich chicks were insignificantly affected by dietary protein level used. Protein efficiency ratio was high in the group of chicks fed diet contained 18% CP. Results obtained indicated that tibiotarsus girth was decreased (P≤0.01) with the increasing dietary protein level, where the highest value of tibiotarsus girth (18.38 cm) was observed in chicks fed 18% dietary protein level. Body height and tibiotarsus length were not significantly different. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that ostrich chicks (during 2-9 weeks of age) could grow on diets contain lower levels of CP (18%).

Growth performance and certain body measurements of ostrich chicks as affected by dietary protein levels during 2–9 weeks of age

PubMed Central

Mahrose, Kh.M.; Attia, A.I.; Ismail, I.E.; Abou-Kassem, D.E.; El-Hack, M.E. Abd

2015-01-01

The present work was conducted to examine the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) levels (18, 21 and 24%) on growth performance (Initial and final body weight, daily body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion and protein efficiency ratio) during 2-9 weeks of age and certain body measurements (body height, tibiotarsus length and tibiotarsus girth) at 9 weeks of age. A total of 30 African Black unsexed ostrich chicks were used in the present study in simple randomized design. The results of the present work indicated that initial and final live body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion of ostrich chicks were insignificantly affected by dietary protein level used. Protein efficiency ratio was high in the group of chicks fed diet contained 18% CP. Results obtained indicated that tibiotarsus girth was decreased (P≤0.01) with the increasing dietary protein level, where the highest value of tibiotarsus girth (18.38 cm) was observed in chicks fed 18% dietary protein level. Body height and tibiotarsus length were not significantly different. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that ostrich chicks (during 2-9 weeks of age) could grow on diets contain lower levels of CP (18%). PMID:26623373

Effect of hydrocortisone on total body calcium in rats. [/sup 47/Ca and /sup 85/Sr tracer techniques

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yasumura, S.; Ellis, K.J.; Cohn, S.H.

Administration of 5 mg. of hydrocortisone acetate to rats every other day for 2 weeks resulted in growth retardation and weight loss as indicated by body weights of experimental animals, which averaged 33 percent lower than those of the controls, and a significant decrease in the length of the tibiae and femurs (p less than 0.01 for treated vs controls). However, despite the smaller size of the treated animals, the values for total body calcium (TBCa) and the calcium in the tibia and femur did not differ significantly from control values. Thus, there was more calcium per unit length ofmore » bone, resulting in an increase in the skeletal density of treated rats. This finding was confirmed by x-ray examination of these bones. The net intestinal absorption of calcium (rate of initial entry) calculated from plasma levels following an oral and intravenous dose of /sup 47/Ca and /sup 85/Sr, respectively, was not significantly different in hydrocortisone-treated rats compared to controls. This would indicate that the rate of intestinal absorption of calcium is unimpaired despite the administration of massive doses of corticosteroids. When the animals were placed on a calcium-deficient diet, both TBCa and tibia and femur calcium levels were decreased. Subsequent administration of hydrocortisone did not alter the calcium values. The results of this study are compatible with the hypothesis that hydrocortisone promotes weight loss, retards growth, but inhibits the rate of bone resorption.« less

Supine Length, Weight and Head Circumference at Birth in Central Iran

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ayatollahi, S. M. T.; Rafiei, Mohammad

2007-01-01

Supine length, weight and head circumferences of 10,241 neonates (5241 boys, 5000 girls, sex ratio 105) born in Arak (central Iran) in 2004 are reported. The mean plus or minus standard deviation of boys' and girls' (p value for sex difference) supine length (mm), weight (g) and head circumference (mm) were estimated as 501 plus or minus 30 and…

Revisional bariatric surgery: who, what, where, and when?

PubMed

Radtka, John F; Puleo, Frances J; Wang, Li; Cooney, Robert N

2010-01-01

Revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) outcomes have been poorly characterized. We compared the RBS and primary bariatric surgery (PBS) outcomes at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in the United States. A total of 72 RBS cases from 2000 to 2007 were reviewed and grouped by indication: failure of weight loss, gastrojejunal complications, or other. The RBS patients were compared with the 856 PBS patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The mean follow-up time was 12.6 ± 1.2 months for the RBS group and 16 ± 0.5 months for the PBS group. Weight loss was analyzed as the kilograms lost and patients with ≥ 50% excess body weight loss (EBWL). Outcomes included mortality, leaks, surgical site infections, and length of stay. The weight loss was 23 ± 2.8 kg after RBS and 41.3 ± 0.7 kg after PBS (P <.05 versus PBS). The post-RBS weight loss varied by surgical indication: failure of weight loss, 27.1 ± 2 kg; gastrojejunal complications, 8.7 ± 3.4 kg; and other 23.5 ± 10.6 kg. Also, 29% of the RBS patients had ≥ 50% excess body weight loss (versus the prerevision weight) and 61% (versus the initial weight) compared with 52.7% after PBS. Only age ≤ 50 years was associated with ≥ 50% excess body weight loss after RBS for the failure of weight loss group. No RBS patients died. However, leaks, surgical site infections, and length of stay were increased after RBS. The results of our study have shown that weight loss after RBS varies with the surgical indication and is affected by age >50 years. Although the RBS patients had decreased weight loss and increased complications compared with the PBS patients, ≥ 50% EBWL was achieved by a significant number of RBS patients. Copyright © 2010 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Growth and change in blood haemoglobin concentration among underweight Malawian infants receiving fortified spreads for 12 weeks: a preliminary trial.

PubMed

Kuusipalo, Heli; Maleta, Kenneth; Briend, André; Manary, Mark; Ashorn, Per

2006-10-01

Fortified spreads (FSs) have proven effective in the rehabilitation of severely malnourished children. We examined acceptability, growth and change in blood haemoglobin (Hb) concentration among moderately underweight ambulatory infants given FS. This was a randomised, controlled, parallel-group, investigator-blind clinical trial in rural Malawi. Six- to 17-month-old underweight infants (weight for age < -2), whose weight was greater than 5.5 kg and weight-for-height z score greater than -3 received for 12 weeks at home 1 of 8 food supplementation schemes: nothing, 5, 25, 50, or 75 g/day milk-based FS or 25, 50, or 75 g/day soy-based FS. Outcome measures included change in weight, length and blood Hb concentration. A total of 126 infants started and 125 completed the intervention. All infants accepted the spread well, and no intolerance was recorded. Average weight and length gains were higher among infants receiving daily 25 to 75 g FS than among those receiving only 0 to 5 g FS. Mean Hb concentration remained unchanged among unsupplemented controls but increased by 10 to 17 g/L among infants receiving any FS. All average gains were largest among infants receiving 50 g of FS daily: mean difference (95% confidence interval) in the 12-week gain between infants in 50 g milk-based FS group and the unsupplemented group was 290 g (range, -130 to 700 g), 0.9 cm (range, -0.3 to 2.2 cm), and 17 g/L (range, 0 to 34 g/L) for weight, length and blood Hb concentration, respectively. In soy- vs milk-based FS groups, average outcomes were comparable. Supplementation with 25 to 75 g/day of highly fortified spread is feasible and may promote growth and alleviate anaemia among moderately malnourished infants. Further trials should test this hypothesis.

Heavy metal exposure has adverse effects on the growth and development of preschool children.

PubMed

Zeng, Xiang; Xu, Xijin; Qin, Qilin; Ye, Kai; Wu, Weidong; Huo, Xia

2018-04-25

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn) in the PM 2.5 and blood and physical growth, and development parameters including birth length and weight, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), head circumference, and chest circumference in preschool children from Guiyu (e-waste exposure area) and Haojiang (the reference area). A total of 470 preschool children from Guiyu and Haojiang located in southeast coast of China were recruited and required to undergo physical examination and blood tests during the study period. Birth length and weight were obtained by birth records and questionnaire. Pb and Cd in both PM 2.5 and blood were significantly higher in Guiyu than Haojiang. Remarkably, the children of Guiyu had significantly lower birth weight and length, BMI, and chest circumference when compare to their peers from the reference area (all p value < 0.05). Spearman correlation analyses showed that blood Pb was negatively correlated with height (r = -0.130, p < 0.001), weight (r = -0.169, p < 0.001), BMI (r = -0.100, p < 0.05), head circumference (r = -0.095, p < 0.05), and chest circumference (r = -0.112, p < 0.05). After adjustment for the potential confounders in further linear regression analyses, blood Pb was negatively associated with height (β = -0.066, p < 0.05), weight (β = -0.119, p < 0.001), head circumference (β = -0.123, p < 0.01), and chest circumference (β = -0.104, p < 0.05), respectively. No significant association between blood Cd, Cr, or Mn was found with any of our developmental outcomes. Taken together, lead exposure limits or delays the growth and development of preschool children.

Association of placenta organotin concentrations with growth and ponderal index in 110 newborn boys from Finland during the first 18 months of life: a cohort study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Humans are exposed to tributyltin (TBT), previously used as an antifouling paint in ships, mainly through fish consumption. As TBT is a known obesogen, we studied the association of placenta TBT and other organotin compounds (OTCs) with ponderal index (PI) and growth during the first 18 months of life in boys. Methods In a prospective Finnish study, 110 placenta samples were collected from mothers of boys born in 1997–1999 with (n = 55) and without (n = 55) cryptorchidism. To account for the original study design, linear regression, weighted for sampling fractions of boys with (121/55) and without (5677/55) cryptorchidism from the total cohort, was used to study the association between placenta OTCs and children’s weight, length, growth rates and PI up to 18 months of age. Results Placenta TBT concentrations were above the limit of quantification (LOQ) in 99% of the samples. However, monobutyltin (MBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and triphenyltin (TPhT) concentrations were below LOQ in 90%, 35% and 57% of samples, respectively. Placenta TBT was positively associated (p = 0.024) with weight gain during the first three months of life, but no other significant associations were observed for weight or length gain. Also, no significant associations between placenta OTC concentrations and child length, weight or PI at any time point were found. Conclusions We observed a trend towards higher weight gain from birth to 3 months of age with increasing placenta TBT concentration. These results should be interpreted with caution because obesogenic effects in animal experiments were seen after in-utero TBT exposures to doses that were orders of magnitude higher. Also the number of study subjects included in this study was limited. PMID:24899383

The fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene variant rs324420 AA/AC is not associated with weight loss in a 1-year lifestyle intervention for obese children and adolescents.

PubMed

Knoll, N; Volckmar, A-L; Pütter, C; Scherag, A; Kleber, M; Hebebrand, J; Hinney, A; Reinehr, T

2012-01-01

Adult obese carriers of the A allele of SNP rs324420 in the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene lose more weight and improve associated phenotypes better than non-carriers during an intervention. We aimed to replicate this finding in obese children and adolescents undergoing a one year lifestyle intervention (Obeldicks program). A total of 453 overweight and obese children and adolescents (10.8±2.6 years, BMI-SDS 2.4±0.5; 55% girls) were genotyped for rs324420 (C/A) by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Participants were prescribed a balanced diet, containing 55 En% carbohydrates, 30 En% fat, and 15 En% proteins. Moreover, they took part in an exercise therapy once a week. Blood was taken at baseline and after 1 year of intervention. Anthropometric (height, weight, BMI, and BMI-SDS) and plasma parameters (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerides, glucose, insulin, and HOMA) as well as blood pressure were measured. Both mean BMI and BMI-SDS improved significantly. The mean systolic blood pressure was also lowered and concentrations of HDL-cholesterol increased significantly. However, none of the measured changes were associated with FAAH rs324420 AA/AC genotype. We did not detect evidence for an association of FAAH genotypes with weight reduction in overweight and obese children and adolescents. Hence, the previous finding in adults could not be confirmed. As the length (1 year as compared to 3 months) and mode of treatment (hypocaloric diet in adults vs. physical activity plus balanced meals) of the interventions varied, these parameters might have influenced the inconsistent results. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Determining an anthropometric surrogate measure for identifying low birth weight babies in Uganda: a hospital-based cross sectional study.

PubMed

Elizabeth, Nabiwemba L; Christopher, Orach Garimoi; Patrick, Kolsteren

2013-04-12

Achieving Millennium Development Goal 4 is dependent on significantly reducing neonatal mortality. Low birth weight is an underlying factor in most neonatal deaths. In developing countries the missed opportunity for providing life saving care is mainly a result of failure to identify low birth weight newborns. This study aimed at identifying a reliable anthropometric measurement for screening low birth weight and determining an operational cut-off point in the Uganda setting. This simple measurement is required because of lack of weighing scales in the community, and sometimes in the health facilities. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study. Two midwives weighed 706 newborns and measured their foot length, head, chest, thigh and mid-upper arm circumferences within 24 hours after birth.Data was analysed using STATA version 10.0. Correlation with birth weight using Pearson's correlation coefficient and Receiver Operating Characteristics curve analysis were done to determine the measure that best predicts birth weight. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for a range of measures to obtain operational cut-off points; and Likelihood Ratios and Diagnostic Odds Ratio were determined for each cut-off point. Birth weights ranged from 1370-5350 grams with a mean of 3050 grams (SD 0.53) and 85 (12%) babies weighed less than 2500 grams. All anthropometric measurements had a positive correlation with birth weight, with foot length showing the strongest (r = 0.76) and thigh circumference the weakest (r = 0.62) correlations. Foot length had the highest predictive value for low birth weight (AUC = 0.97) followed by mid-upper arm circumference (AUC = 0.94). Foot length and chest circumference had the highest sensitivity (94%) and specificity (90%) respectively for screening low birth weight babies at the selected cut-off points. Chest circumference had a significantly higher positive likelihood ratio (8.7) than any other measure, and foot length had the lowest negative likelihood ratio. Chest circumference and foot length had diagnostic odds ratios of 97% and 77% respectively. Foot length was easier to measure and it involved minimal exposure of the baby to cold. A cut-off of foot length 7.9 cm had sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 83% for predicting low birth weight. This study suggests foot length as the most appropriate predictor for low birth weight in comparison to chest, head, mid-upper arm and thigh circumference in the Uganda setting. Use of low cost and easy to use tools to identify low birth weight babies by village health teams could support community efforts to save newborns.

Effect of enzyme addition on the nutritive value of high oleic acid sunflower seeds in chicken diets.

PubMed

Brenes, A; Centeno, C; Viveros, A; Arija, I

2008-11-01

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of enzyme addition in chicken diets containing high oleic acid sunflower seeds (HOASS). In the first experiment (4 to 21 d of age), enzyme addition (lipase, phospholipase, and a combination of these) was used at the inclusion level of 1 g/kg in diets containing HOASS (250 g/kg) compared with a control corn-soybean diet. Weight gain, feed consumption, relative liver weight, fat digestibility, and amylase, lipase, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activities were reduced, and feed conversion, relative duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and ceca lengths, plasma uric acid, cholesterol, and glucose concentrations were increased in the unsupplemented HOASS diet compared with the control diet. The addition of enzymes to the HOASS diet increased weight gain, feed consumption, relative pancreas and liver weights, fat digestibility, amylase and lipase activities, plasma uric acid, calcium, serum LDH and CPK, and total protein concentration and reduced feed conversion, relative spleen weight, relative duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and ceca lengths, plasma cholesterol, and glucose compared with the unsupplemented HOASS diet. In the second experiment (0 to 21 d of age), the same enzymes (0.5 g/kg each) were included in diets containing 150 g/kg of HOASS compared with a conventional sunflower meal diet (150 g/kg). The HOASS diet did not affect performance but reduced relative pancreas and abdominal fat weights and relative duodenum and ceca lengths, and increased crude fat, CP, and essential and nonessential amino acid digestibilities (except Ser, which was reduced) compared with the control diet. The addition of enzymes in the HOASS diet increased weight gain, feed consumption, and relative pancreas weight and reduced feed conversion, CP, and essential and nonessential amino acid digestibilities compared with the unsupplemented HOASS diet. In conclusion, the addition of 250 g of HOASS/kg in the diets caused a negative effect on performance, digestive organ sizes, fat and protein digestibilities, and pancreatic enzymes and modified blood parameters. However, the inclusion of HOASS at 150 g/kg improved some of these parameters and amino acid digestibilities. The enzyme addition counteracted some of these effects.

Parenteral selenium and vitamin E supplementation to lambs: hematology, serum biochemistry, performance, and relationship with other trace elements.

PubMed

Mohri, Mehrdad; Ehsani, Abdollah; Norouzian, M A; Bami, Mohammad Heidarpour; Seifi, Hesam A

2011-03-01

Most regions in Iran are generally selenium (Se) deficient and all mineral premixes which used in farm animals contain Se in the form of sodium selenite. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of injected Se and vitamin E (vit E) on hematology, serum proteins, and performance of lambs during the period which the animals are at risk of Se and/or vit E deficiency. The study also aims to determine the relationship between selenium injection and the levels of other trace elements in blood serum of lambs. A total of 16 lambs of Baloochi breed (age, 70 ± 7 days and weight, 15.2 ± 1.4) were enrolled in the study. The animals were divided into two groups. In the test group, vit E and Se injected at a dose of 0.2 ml/kg BW (Vetoquinol, Selepherol®, Lure Cedex, France, α-tocopherol acetate 3.82 g/100 ml plus sodium selenite 0.023 g/100 ml) at the enrollment. Control lambs were received equal amounts of normal saline as placebo. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein at the beginning of the study (enrollment, before injection of vit E and selenium and saline) and at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of experiment. The amounts of total serum protein, albumin, glucose, iron, copper, zinc, creatine kinase (CK), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Se were measured. The concentration of globulin was calculated as the difference between total serum protein and albumin. For evaluation of growth and health, body weight of all the lambs was measured at day 0 of the experiment and the sampling times and days of treatment for each lamb were recorded. Treatment with Se and vit E decreased the activities of CK and AST compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Age (sampling time) had significant effects on the values of Se, iron, zinc, AST, hemoglobin, total protein, glucose, weight, height, and length (p < 0.05). Significant interactions between sampling time and group were seen for CK, AST, iron, glucose, weight, and length. No significant differences were seen for total weight gain (control, 3.48 ± 0.75 kg; test, 3.85 ± 0.9 kg), and average daily gain (control, 0.12 ± 0.03 kg; test, 0.14 ± 0.03 kg) between trial groups.

Parametric studies of North East Corridor rail passenger service between New York City and Washington, D. C.. [propulsive efficiency studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stallkamp, J. A.

1977-01-01

Speed profiles of rail passenger service between New York City and Washington, D.C. were developed and showed progressively fewer speed restrictions and increasing maximum speeds. The significant equipment characteristics include the portion of the total weight on driven axles, i.e., multiple unit (MU) cars versus locomotive hauled trains, and the short term tractive effort rating of the motors. The ratio of acceleration plus braking time to total time is provided for validation of the use of the short term propulsion equipment ratings. Absolute trip times are shown to be determined primarily by the allowed speed profile. Locomotive hauled train weights and lengths and the locomotive capabilities and characteristics that are required to make the performance of this type of train comparable to that of MU trains are given.

Relationship between the surrogate anthropometric measures, foot length and chest circumference and birth weight among newborns of Sarlahi, Nepal.

PubMed

Mullany, L C; Darmstadt, G L; Khatry, S K; Leclerq, S C; Tielsch, J M

2007-01-01

Classification of infants into low birth weight (LBW, <2500 g) or very low birth weight (VLBW, <2000 g) categories is a crucial step in targeting interventions to high-risk infants. To compare the validity of chest circumference and foot length as surrogate anthropometric measures for the identification of LBW and VLBW infants. Newborn infants (n=1640) born between March and June 2004 in 30 Village Development Committees of Sarlahi district, Nepal. Chest circumference, foot length and weight (SECA 727, precise to 2 g) of newborns were measured within 72 h after birth. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for a range of cutoff points of the anthropometric measures were estimated using the digital scale measurements as the gold standard. Among LBW infants (469/1640, 28.6%), chest circumference measures <30.3 cm were 91% sensitive and 83% specific. Similar levels of sensitivity for foot length were achieved only with considerable loss of specificity (<45%). Foot length measurements <6.9 cm were 88% sensitive and 86% specific for the identification of VLBW infants. Chest circumference was superior to foot length in classification of infants into birth weight categories. For the identification of VLBW infants, foot length performed well, and may be preferable to chest circumference, as the former measure does not require removal of infant swaddling clothes. In the absence of more precise direct measures of birth weight, chest circumference is recommended over foot length for the identification of LBW infants.

Robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy in obese and morbidly obese women.

PubMed

Rebeles, Sonia A; Muntz, Howard G; Wieneke-Broghammer, Carrie; Vason, Emily S; McGonigle, Kathryn F

2009-10-01

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) in obese patients is challenging. We sought to evaluate whether total laparoscopic hysterectomies using the da Vinci robotic system in obese patients, in comparison with non-obese patients, is a reasonable surgical approach. One-hundred consecutive robot-assisted TLHs were performed over a 17-month period. Obesity was not a contraindication to robotic surgery, assuming adequate respiratory function to tolerate Trendelenburg position and, for cancer cases, a small enough uterus to allow vaginal extraction without morcellation. Data were prospectively collected on patient characteristics, total operative time, hysterectomy time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, and complications. Outcomes with non-obese and obese women were compared. The median age, weight, and BMI of the 100 patients who underwent robot-assisted TLH was 57.6 years (30.0-90.6), 82.1 kg (51.9-159.6), and 30.2 kg/m(2) (19.3-60.2), respectively. Fifty (50%) patients were obese (BMI ≥ 30); 22 patients were morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40). There was no increase in complications (p = 0.56) or blood loss (p = 0.44) with increasing BMI. While increased BMI was associated with longer operative times (p = 0.05), median time increased by only 36 min when comparing non-obese and morbidly obese patients. Median length of stay was one day for all weight categories (p = 0.42). Robot-assisted TLH is feasible and can be safely performed in obese patients. More data are needed to compare robot-assisted TLH with other hysterectomy techniques in obese patients. Nonetheless, our results are encouraging. Robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy may be the preferred technique for appropriately selected obese patients.

Echocardiographic measurements of cardiac dimensions correlate better with body length than with body weight or body surface area.

PubMed

Motz, R; Schumacher, M; Nürnberg, J; Viemann, M; Grafmüller, S; Fiedler, K; Claus, M; Kronberg, K

2014-12-01

Looking after children means caring for very small infants up to adult-sized adolescents, with weights ranging from 500 g to more than 100 kg and heights ranging from 25 to more than 200 cm. The available echocardiographic reference data were drawn from a small sample, which did not include preterm infants. Most authors have used body weight or body surface area to predict left ventricular dimensions. The current authors had the impression that body length would be a better surrogate parameter than body weight or body surface area. They analyzed their echocardiographic database retrospectively. The analysis included all available echocardiographic data from 6 June 2001 to 15 December 2011 from their echocardiographic database. The authors included 12,086 of 26,325 subjects documented as patients with normal hearts in their analysis by the examining the pediatric cardiologist. For their analysis, they selected body weight, length, age, and aortic and pulmonary valve diameter in two-dimensional echocardiography and left ventricular dimension in M-mode. They found good correlation between echocardiographic dimensions and body surface area, body weight, and body length. The analysis showed a complex relationship between echocardiographic measurements and body weight and body surface area, whereas body length showed a linear relationship. This makes prediction of echo parameters more reliable. According to this retrospective analysis, body length is a better parameter for evaluating echocardiographic measurements than body weight or body surface area and should therefore be used in daily practice.

Action-oriented colour-coded foot length calliper for primary healthcare workers as a proxy for birth weight & gestational period.

PubMed

Pratinidhi, Asha K; Bagade, Abhijit C; Kakade, Satish V; Kale, Hemangi P; Kshirsagar, Vinayak Y; Babar, Rohini; Bagal, Shilpa

2017-03-01

Foot length of the newborn has a good correlation with the birth weight and is recommended to be used as a proxy measure. There can be variations in the measurement of foot length. A study was, therefore, carried out to develop a foot length calliper for accurate foot length measurement and to find cut-off values for birth weight and gestational age groups to be used by primary healthcare workers. This study was undertaken on 645 apparently healthy newborn infants with known gestational age. Nude birth weight was taken within 24 h of birth on a standard electronic weighing machine. A foot length calliper was developed. Correlation between foot length and birth weight as well as gestational age was calculated. Correctness of cut-off values was tested using another set of 133 observations on the apparently healthy newborns. Action-oriented colour coding was done to make it easy for primary healthcare workers to use it. There was a significant correlation of foot length with birth weight (r=0.75) and gestational age (r=0.63). Cut-off values for birth weight groups were 6.1, 6.8 and 7.3 cm and for gestational age of 6.1, 6.8 and 7.0 cm. Correctness of these cut-off values ranged between 77.1 and 95.7 per cent for birth weight and 60-93.3 per cent for gestational age. Considering 2.5 kg as cut-off between normal birth weight and low birth weight (LBW), cut-off values of 6.1, 6.8 and 7.3 were chosen. Action-oriented colour coding was done by superimposing the colours on the scale of the calliper, green indicating home care, yellow indicating supervised home care, orange indicating care at newborn care units at primary health centres and red indicating Neonatal Intensive Care Unit care for infants. A simple device was developed so that the primary health care workers and trained Accredited Social Health Activist workers can identify the risk of LBW in the absence of accurate weighing facilities and decide on the type of care needed by the newborn and take action accordingly.

Effects of Nitrogen and Desferal Treatments on CROTALARIA's (Crotalaria juncea Roth) Biomass Production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

László Phd, M., ,, Dr.

2009-04-01

Presently sustainable agriculture is vital to achieving food security poverty alleviation and environmental protection because land degradation and desertification has occurred in all the world over cutting across a broad spectrum of contrasts in climate, ecosystem types, land uses and socio/economic settings. For this reason improving integrated soil fertility management is appreciationed and has become a major issue of concern on the development plant nutrition and plant production agendas. On plant nutrition level mineral macronutrients so nitrogen and chelating agents of different microelements so Desferal- deferoxamin-methansulfonic are essential for plant growth and development. Crotalari juncea L. is a well-known nutrient indicator fodder and green manure crop with a high yield potential. Field experiment was carried out on a chernozem meadow soil (Kunság- region of Hungary, Kunmadaras) in partly of experiment series (6 years) in 2001. The ploughed layer of region soils contained with about 2.6-3.4% humus and 40-42% clay, had a humus stability index of 0.9-2.5 by Márton (1997), pH (H2O) of 6.5-7.7, pH (KCl) of 5.3-6.8, y1 of 6.7-13.3. The topsoil was poorly supplied with all five macronutrients (N-NO3 1 mg 100 g-1, AL-soluble P2O5 14 mg 100 g-1, AL-K2O 36 mg 100 g-1, Ca 330 mg 100 g-1, Mg 43 mg 100 g-1) and with all four micronutrients (0.5m HNO3 soluble Cu 1 mg kg-1, Zn 1 mg kg-1, Mn 9 mg kg-1, Fe 80 mg kg-1) according to soil analysis. The groundwater depth was 2-3 m. Nitrogen x Desferal (Novartis Pharma AG Basie, Switzerland, Suiza 500mg) x Genotype (Brazíl-EMBRAPA/CNPH, Brazilia-DF, India-University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore) x Time experiment involved 4Nx2Dx2Gx3T=48 treatments in 3 replications giving a total of 144 plots. The N levels were 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 year-1, and desferal levels 0 and 20 kg ha-1 year-1 with a 100 kg ha-1 year-1 P2O5 and 120 kg ha-1 year-1 K2O basic fertilisation. The plot size had an area of 4x2=8 m2 with 920-920 individual plants. Experimental datas were estimated by MANOVA of SPSS. The most important results can be summarised as follows: a., As the N supplies improved the root length (cm), plant height (cm), mean scores (1-5), fresh root weight (t ha-1), green straw+leaf weight (t ha-1), total green biomass weight (t ha-1), air dry root weight (t ha-1), air dry straw+leaf weight (t ha-1), and total air dry biomass weight (t ha-1) increased with an 1.4, 1.3, 4.3, 1.3, 1.8, 1.6, 2.1, 1.9 and 2.0 times compared to the control by the start of flowering. b., As the N doses rised the root length, plant height, mean scores, fresh root weight, green straw+leaf weight, total green biomass weight, air dry root weight, air dry straw+leaf weight and total air dry biomass weight reaching 34.3 cm, 168.0 cm, 4.3, 14.8 t ha-1, 51.7 t ha-1, 66.5 t ha-1, 7.4 t ha-1, 16.5 t ha-1 and 23.9 t ha-1. c., About three-fourth of the total green biomass and total air dry biomass production at harvest was given by the straw+leaf yield, which ranged between 29.0-51.7 t ha-1 and 8.7-16.5 t ha-1, depending on the N-treatment applied. d., The root length, plant height, mean scores, fresh root weight, green straw+leaf weight, total green biomass weight, air dry root weight, air dry straw+leaf weight and total air dry biomass weight was increased in average with an 14, 15, 21, 157, 30, 63, 102, 28 and 51% by N+Desferal treatments compared to mean of N doses effects. e., By N+Desferal treatments the root length, plant height, mean scores, fresh root weight, green straw+leaf weight, total green biomass weight, air dry root weight, air dry straw+leaf weight and total air dry biomass weight achieved 37.0 cm, 173.3 cm, 4.3, 37.8 t ha-1, 64.4 t ha-1, 102.2 t ha-1, 13.8 t ha-1, 19.3 t ha-1 and 33.1 t ha-1. f., Approximately two-third of the total green biomass and total air dry biomass production at harvest was given by the straw+leaf yield, which ranged between 44.7-64.4 t ha-1 and 24.1-33.1 t ha-1, depending on the N+Desferal treatment rates. g. On the given soil the highest quantity of 300 kg ha-1 year-1 N mineral fertilizer + 20 kg ha-1 year-1 Desferal chelating agent seemed to give already over fertilization and lowered in its tendency mainly the total green biomass yield and verifiable the total air dry biomass yield. By experimental results can be summarised that we was able to increase with a great rate Crotalaria juncea L. total green biomass yield and total air dry biomass yield by N and Desferal treatments. As well as so we can show and offer our results to different sustainable farming managements with nutrition system of low, mean and high input in the next future. Keywords: nitrogen, desferal, crotalaria, soil fertility, sustainable agriculture management Introduction Presently sustainable agriculture is vital to achieving food security poverty alleviation and environmental protection because land degradation and desertification has occurred in all the world over cutting across a broad spectrum of contrasts in climate, ecosystem types, land uses and socio/economic settings. For this reason improving integrated soil fertility management is appreciationed and has become a major issue of concern on the development plant nutrition and plant production agendas. On plant nutrition level mineral macronutrients so nitrogen and chelating agents of different microelements so Desferal- deferoxamin-methansulfonic are essential for plant growth and development. Crotalari juncea L. is a well-known nutrient indicator fodder and green manure crop with a high yield potential. The complexity of the desertification phenomenon has drawn our attention to categorize, inventory, monitor and repair the condition of the land (Arnalds and Archer 1999). Therefore, farmers are constantly being subjected to soil fertility changes that are beyond their control on account of factors that affect the viability and profitability their farming enterprise. They must acquire the capacity to respond to these changing situations and opportunities in order to maximise production. Grower need to be helped to develop this capability by encouraging their innovations and by involving them in a learning process in which they are exposed to new knowledge and technologies. The functioning of soils and their ability to supply nutrients, store water, release greenhouse gases, modify pollutants, resist physical degradation and produce crops within a sustainable management system. Mineral fertilization is determined in the first place by the needs of plants for nutrients but due attention must also by given to soil process. Nitrogen is essential to the growth and reproduction of crops. It plays a major role in the development and functions of protoplasm, being an essential constituent of all proteins. Crotalaria has a high demand for nitrogen. The problem of the nitrogen nutrition in case of this plant is much more difficult than those of phosphatic or potassic nutrition because production is limited by nitrogen deficiency more often than by that of any other nutrient. The omission of no other element causes such a drastic decline in yield and growth. Nitrogen is therefore without question the most important fertilizer nutrient for this crop. The essential micronutrients -also called trace or minor elements- or elements taken up by plants in very much smaller amounts, are iron, boron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum and chlorine. Deficiencies in the supply of these elements to crops may be due to their absence or scarcity in the soil or to their being present in the soil but unavailable because of certain soil conditions -in very calcareous or in overlimed soils, in very old acidic, leached soils etc. Each of these nutrient elements has a definite key function also within the plant. Some of these functions are still imperfectly understood. In many early studies on plant utilization of microelement chelated (for example Fe chelated) with a high stability constant in solution by various synthetic or natural chelates were assumed to be more efficient as micronutrient suppliers to plants than the uncelated micronutriens. Primary criterion for microelement complexes is a high complex stability. Various siderophores and synthetic chelates stability constants are well documented in many papers (Shenker at al. 1996). Desferal -chelating agent deferoxamin-methansulfonic- is a well know chelator with a high stability constant and micronutrient supplier potential to plant nutrition. Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) is one of the earliest, important and most distinctly named animal fodder and green manure plant. There is one of the most widely grown crop throughout the tropics, subtropics and temperate climate conditions. It is grown in rotation with rice, maize, tobacco, cotton, sugar cane, pineapples, coffee, orchard and in other crops. It is characterized by its rapid growth and high biomass production potential of green (60 t ha-1) and dry (20 t ha-1) material (Kiyoko 1996). As a green manure for example has been the key element in the maintenance of soil organic matter content, of soil fertility (Márton 2001). Crop is ploughed in after 2 months when the plants begin to flower as it decomposes more rapidly at this stage. The mentioned above yields wich on decomposition may add 80-100 kg ha-1 of N to the soil. Materials and Methods Field experiment was carried out on a chernozem meadow soil (Kunság- region of Hungary, Kunmadaras) in partly of experiment series (6 years) in 2001. The ploughed layer of region soils contained with about 2.6-3.4% humus and 40-42% clay, had a humus stability index of 0.9-2.5 by Márton (1997), pH (H2O) of 6.5-7.7, pH (KCl) of 5.3-6.8, y1 of 6.7-13.3. The topsoil was poorly supplied with all five macronutrients (N-NO3 1 mg 100 g-1, AL-soluble P2O5 14 mg 100 g-1, AL-K2O 36 mg 100 g-1, Ca 330 mg 100 g-1, Mg 43 mg 100 g-1) and with all four micronutrients (0.5m HNO3 soluble Cu 1 mg kg-1, Zn 1 mg kg-1, Mn 9 mg kg-1, Fe 80 mg kg-1) according to soil analysis. The groundwater depth was 2-3 m. Nitrogen x Desferal (Novartis Pharma AG Basie, Switzerland, Suiza 500mg) x Genotype (Brazíl-EMBRAPA/CNPH, Brazilia-DF, India-University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore) x Time experiment involved 4Nx2Dx2Gx3T=48 treatments in 3 replications, giving a total of 144 plots. The N levels were 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 year-1, and desferal levels 0 and 20 kg ha-1 year-1 with a 100 kg ha-1 year-1 P2O5 and 120 kg ha-1 year-1 K2O basic fertilisation (Table 1.) in the form of 34% NH4NO3, 18% superphosphate and 60% potassium chloride. The plot size had an area of 4x2=8 m2 with 920-920 individual plants. Forecrop over 2 years was crotalaria. Plant samples were taken and measured (green and air dry matter weight) during the vegetation grown period at least 3 times (07.07.2001., 23.08.2001. and 20.10.2001.), using 5-5 plants plot-1 randomly. Experimental datas were estimated by MANOVA of SPSS. The main goal of the whole research programme was described earlier by Márton (1999). This paper reports results of Nitrogen x Desferal x Indian genotype experimental combinations at stage the start of flowering of 23.08.2001. Results and Discussion Improving soil fertility in all the world over farming systems has become a major issue of concern on the development plant nutrition and plant production agendas. A number of international initiatives and programmes have been established which aim to address the problem of soil fertility decline, and would imply major investment of soil researches. This research reports on the nitrogen x desferal nutrition and potential use of Crotalaria juncea L. as a nonwood source of animal fodder and green manure under temperate climate conditions to soil fertility maintenance. The most important results can be summarised as follows. As the N supplies improved the root length (cm), plant height (cm), mean scores (1-5), fresh root weight (t ha-1), green straw+leaf weight (t ha-1), total green biomass weight (t ha-1), air dry root weight (t ha-1), air dry straw+leaf weight (t ha-1), and total air dry biomass weight (t ha-1) increased 1.4, 1.3, 4.3, 1.3, 1.8, 1.6, 2.1, 1.9 and 2.0 times compared to the control (Table 2.) by the start of flowering. As the N doses rised the root length, plant height, mean scores, fresh root weight, green straw+leaf weight, total green biomass weight, air dry root weight, air dry straw+leaf weight and total air dry biomass weight reaching 34.3 cm, 168.0 cm, 4.3, 14.8 t ha-1, 51.7 t ha-1, 66.5 t ha-1, 7.4 t ha-1, 16.5 t ha-1 and 23.9 t ha-1. About three-fourth of the total green biomass and total air dry biomass production at harvest was given by the straw+leaf yield, which ranged between 29.0-51.7 t ha-1 and 8.7-16.5 t ha-1, depending on the N-treatment applied. The root length, plant height, mean scores, fresh root weight, green straw+leaf weight, total green biomass weight, air dry root weight, air dry straw+leaf weight and total air dry biomass weight was increased in average with an 14, 15, 21, 157, 30, 63, 102, 28 and 51% by N+Desferal treatments compared to mean of N doses effects. By N+Desferal treatments the root length, plant height, mean scores, fresh root weight, green straw+leaf weight, total green biomass weight, air dry root weight, air dry straw+leaf weight and total air dry biomass weight achieved 37.0 cm, 173.3 cm, 4.3, 37.8 t ha-1, 64.4 t ha-1, 102.2 t ha-1, 13.8 t ha-1, 19.3 t ha-1 and 33.1 t ha-1. Approximately two-third of the total green biomass and total air dry biomass production at harvest was given by the straw+leaf yield, which ranged between 44.7-64.4 t ha-1 and 24.1-33.1 t ha-1, depending on the N+Desferal treatment rates. On the given soil the highest quantity of 300 kg ha-1 year-1 N mineral fertilizer + 20 kg ha-1 year-1 Desferal chelating agent seemed to give already over fertilization and lowered in its tendency mainly the total green biomass yield and verifiable the total air dry biomass yield. By experimental results can be summarised that we was able to increase with a great rate Crotalaria juncea L. total green biomass yield and total air dry biomass yield by N and Desferal treatments. As well as so we can show and offer different nutrition systems -with input of low, mean, high level- to different sustainable farming managements next future. Acknowledgements This research was supported by Research Institute for Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest Hungary, National Vegetable Crops Research Centre, Brazília-DF Brazíl and University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore India References Arnalds, O. and Archer, S. 1999. Case studies of Rangeland desertification. Rala report 200. Agricultural Research Institute. Reykjavik Kiyoko, H. 1996. Study of the utilization of sunn hemp, Crotalaria juncea, in different sowing dates, 1995 and 1996, Okinawa-II, Santa Cruz, Bolivia. CETABOL. Santa Cruz. Bolivia Márton, L. 1997. Soil conservation research in a long term field experiment. Work paper. UAD. Karcag Márton, L. 1999. Diseases information of an alternative -Crotalaria juncea L.- crop. Plant Protection. 35:529-531. Márton, L. 2001. Effects of Crotalaria juncea L. and Crotalaria spectabilis ROTH on soil fertility and soil conservation in Hungary. Acta Agronomica Óváriensis. 43:1-8. Shenker, M., Hadar, Y. and Chen, Y. 1996. Stability Constants of the Fungal Siderophore Rhizoferrin with Various Microelements and Calcium. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 60:1140-1144.

The influence of life history trade-offs and the size of the incubation gravels on egg size variation in sockeye salmon Onchorhynchus nerka

USGS Publications Warehouse

Quinn, Thomas P.; Hendry , Andrew P.; Wetzel, Lisa A.

1995-01-01

Egg size is a critical life history trait, reflecting female investment and affecting off- spring fitness. We investigated several factors which may influence variation in egg weight for sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Comparisons were based on col- lections from 18 Alaskan populations, among which adult migration distance and ju- venile rearing habitat were similar but the size composition of incubation gravels was different. Among populations, most of the variation in egg weight could be explained by a positive correlation with different measures of the size composition of incubation gravels (Pearson's r = 0.45-0.91). In contrast, egg weight was poorly correlated with female body length and with female snout length, a morphological feature used during intra-sexual competition. Within each of the Alaskan populations, however, egg weight and snout length were positively correlated with female body length and hence with each other. A positive association between snout length and egg weight was still evident even after the effects of covariance with body size were removed using resid- uals analysis: for all of the fish pooled and within 6 of the 16 populations. A signifi- cant relationship was not detected in the other populations but the trend was neverthe- less positive in 8 of the other 10. Examination of reproductive traits (gonad weight, egg weight, egg number, snout length and hump size) within another population iden- tified a trade-off between egg weight and egg number for females of a given body length. In contrast, positive correlations between reproductive traits were more com- mon, suggesting that energy-rich individuals produce large eggs and large secondary sexual characteristics rather than sacrificing one for the other.

Biometric studies on the bivalves Astarte elliptica, A. borealis and A. montagui in Kiel Bay (Western Baltic Sea)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaefer, R.; Trutschler, K.; Rumohr, H.

1985-09-01

The three Astarte species were studied in June 1983 at two sites in Kiel Bay, “Süderfahrt” and “Schleimünde”, at 20 m depth. Shell length to live wet weight correlations are given for all three species; for A. elliptica also shell-free dry weight, shell dry weight, ash-free dry weight of the soft body and ash-free dry weight of the shell are recorded as functions of the shell length. In the logarithmic length/weight regression analysis the coefficients of slope for A. elliptica and A. borealis are 3. For A. montagui, that coefficient is significantly greater than 3. Weight conversion factors, calculated for A. elliptica, revealed a mean weight composition of 31.5 % water in the mantle cavity and tissue water, 64.5 % shell ash, 2.1 % organic content of shell, 1.7 % organic content of the soft body and 0.4 % ash of the soft body. An isometric growth of shell length and shell breadth is confirmed for A. borealis, while A. montagui exhibits positive allometric shell growth and changes its shape during life.

Estimating moisture content of tree-length roundwood

Treesearch

Alexander Clark; Richard F. Daniels

2000-01-01

The green weight of southern pine tree-length roundwood delivered to the pulp mill is generally known. However, for optimum mill efficiency it is desirable to know dry weight. The moisture content of tree-length pine logs is quite variable. The moisture content of pine tree-length logs increases significantly with increasing stem height. Moisture content also varies...

[Growth in terms of length of Chilean infants of low socioeconomic status: 1978-1992].

PubMed

Pizarro, F; Olivares, M; Hertrampf, E; Walter, T

1996-06-01

In Chile infant malnutrition is better reflected by the length/age indicator than by weight/length. In this study we will present the progression of length during the first year of life from the year 1978 through 1992 of infants of low socioeconomic status. We selected healthy infants with > 3000 g birth weight and birth length > 0.5 z. According to type of milk feedings they were defined as CM (cow milk) those who were weaned before 4 months of life and EM (exclusive breast milk) those who continued exclusive breast milk (as only source of milk solids permitted) past 6 months. Infants CM of the 1978-80 cohort had a length at birth z +0.21 reaching 1 year with z -0.65, a loss of 0.86 z. Infants from the cohorts of 1982-86 and 1988-92 fell from z +0.15 to z -0.37 (a loss of -0.52 z) and +0.16 to -0.19 (a loss of -0.45 z) between birth and 12 months respectively. EBM infants length also fell significantly (delta z: -1.12, -0.69 and 0.59 respectively). Proteincalorie nutrition was adequate confirmed with weight/age or length/weight curves with means of +0.52 throughout the first year. Analysis of the length curves by regression shows that the slopes of the 3 cohorts are significantly different (< 0.01) for CM and EBM favoring the most recent cohorts. Multiple regression analysis identified association of length at 1 year with birth weight (p < 0.05), birth length (p < 0.01) and socioeconomic index (p < 0.01). We suggest that there is an improvement in the trend of Chilean infants growth in length for the past 20 years, likely due to improvement in socioeconomic level.

Effects of in ovo feeding of cationic amino acids on hatchability, hatch weights, and organ developments in domestic pigeon squabs (Columba livia).

PubMed

Zhang, X Y; Li, L L; Miao, L P; Zhang, N N; Zou, X T

2018-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of in ovo feeding of cationic amino acids on hatchability, hatch weights, and organ developments in pigeon squabs. Two experiments were conducted in this study. Eggs in Exp. 1 were subjected to modification of in ovo feeding in pigeons. Optimal time was determined by checking amniotic fluid volume, and suitable length was confirmed through ink injection. Results showed that the optimum time of in ovo feeding was on d 13 of embryonic development, and the suitable injected length was 20 mm to reach the amniotic cavity of the embryo. Eggs in Exp. 2 were transferred to access in ovo feeding of cationic amino acids. A total of 75 fertile pigeon eggs was randomly distributed into 5 treatments of 15 replicate eggs. Treatments in Exp. 2 consisted of non-injected controls (Control), a sterile buffered solution (0.75% saline), or a cationic amino acid mixture (> 98.5% purity crystalline L-arginine, > 98% purity crystalline L-lysine, and > 98.5% purity L-histidine) containing 0.1, 1, or 10% concentration (Conc.), which were relative to their total content in the eggs, respectively. The crystalline amino acids were dissolved in 200 μL buffered solution prior to in ovo feeding. After hatching, hatch weight (HW) and organ weight (OW) of the squabs were measured immediately. In ovo feeding of cationic amino acids increased the proportions of yolk-free hatch weight to hatch weight (YFHW/HW) (quadratic P = 0.01), and those of OW to YFHW including the heart (quadratic P = 0.01), kidney (quadratic P < 0.01), and liver (quadratic P = 0.02) compared to the control group, and the levels of those ratios were maximized in the 1% Conc group. Also, a proportion of small intestine weight to YFHW improved (linear P = 0.02, quadratic P = 0.05) after in ovo feeding. The organ weight of the head, leg, heart, lung, kidney, proventriculus, pancreas, liver, and small intestine correlated with YFHW positively (0.4 < correlation coefficient < 0.8, P < 0.05). In conclusion, cationic amino acids injection into amnion can improve the embryonic development, which may be mediated by the increment of relative organ weight. © 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Tag retention, growth, and survival of red swamp crayfish marked with a visible implant tag

USGS Publications Warehouse

Isely, J.J.; Stockett, P.E.

2001-01-01

Eighty juvenile (means: 42.4 mm total length, 1.6 g) red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii were implanted with sequentially numbered visible implant tags and held in the laboratory. Tags were injected transversely into the musculature just beneath the exoskeleton of the third abdominal segment from the cephalothorax; tags were visible upon inspection. An additional 20 crayfish were left untagged and served as controls. After 150 d, tag retention was 80% and all tags were readable. No tagged crayfish died during the study, and no differences in total length or weight were detected between tagged and control crayfish. All individuals molted at least three times during the 150-d study, and some individuals molted up to six times, suggesting that most tags would be permanently retained. The readability in the field without specialized equipment makes the visible implant tag ideal for studies of crayfish ecology, management, and culture.

Creation and validation of the Singapore birth nomograms for birth weight, length and head circumference based on a 12-year birth cohort.

PubMed

Poon, Woei Bing; Fook-Chong, Stephanie M C; Ler, Grace Y L; Loh, Zhi Wen; Yeo, Cheo Lian

2014-06-01

Both gestation and birth weight have significant impact on mortality and morbidity in newborn infants. Nomograms at birth allow classification of infants into small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) categories, for risk stratification and more intensive monitoring. To date, the growth charts for preterm newborn infants in Singapore are based on the Fenton growth charts, which are constructed based on combining data from various Western growth cohorts. Hence, we aim to create Singapore nomograms for birth weight, length and head circumference at birth, which would reflect the norms and challenges faced by local infants. Growth parameters of all babies born or admitted to our unit from 2001 to 2012 were retrieved. Following exclusion of outliers, nomograms for 3 percentiles of 10th, 50th, and 90th were generated for the gestational age (GA) ranges of 25 to 42 weeks using quantile regression (QR) combined with the use of restricted cubic splines. Various polynomial models (second to third degrees) were investigated for suitability of fit. The optimum QR model was found to be a third degree polynomial with a single knotted cubic spline in the mid-point of the GA range, at 33.5 weeks. Check for goodness of fit was done by visual inspection first. Next, check was performed to ensure the correct proportion: 10% of all cases fall above the upper 90th percentile and 10% fall below the lower 10th percentile. Furthermore, an alternative formula-based method of nomogram construction, using mean, standard deviation (SD) and assumption of normality at each gestational age, was used for counterchecking. A total of 13,403 newborns were included in the analysis. The new infant-foetal growth charts with respect to birth weight, heel-crown length and occipitofrontal circumference from 25 to 42 weeks gestations with the 10th, 50th and 90th were presented. Nomograms for birth weight, length and head circumference at birth had significant impact on neonatal practice and validation of the Singapore birth nomograms against Fenton growth charts showed better sensitivity and comparable specificity, positive and negative predictive values.

Intrauterine position affects fetal weight and crown-rump length throughout gestation.

PubMed

Jang, Y D; Ma, Y L; Lindemann, M D

2014-10-01

To investigate the effect of intrauterine positions on fetal growth throughout gestation, data from a total of 65 gilts (n = 784 fetuses) that were slaughtered at assigned days of gestation (d 43, 58, 73, 91, 101, and 108) on a project to evaluate fetal mineral deposition were used. Placenta units were removed from the uterus, and position, sex, weight, and crown-rump length (CRL) of each fetus were recorded. Fetuses were classified into 5 categories within a uterine horn for the absolute intrauterine position: the ovarian end (OE) of the uterine horn, next to the ovarian end (NOE), the middle (MD), next to the cervical end (NCE), and the cervical end (CE), and also classified for the relative fetal position with respect to the sex of adjacent fetuses. Fetuses at the OE and NOE of the uterine horn tended to be heavier (P = 0.06) and longer (P < 0.05) than those at the MD of the uterine horn at d 58 of gestation. Fetuses at the OE of the uterine horn were also heavier and longer than those at the MD and NCE of the uterine horn at d 101 and 108 of gestation (P < 0.05). Fetuses at the CE of the uterine horn were intermediate in weight and length. There were no major effects of adjacent fetal sex (fetuses surrounded by the opposite sexes) in weight or length. Male fetuses were heavier than female fetuses at d 43, 58, 73, and 108 of gestation (P < 0.05) and longer than female fetuses at d 58 (P = 0.06), 73 (P < 0.05), 101 (P = 0.07), and 108 (P < 0.05) of gestation. Fetal weight was highly correlated with CRL at all gestational ages (P < 0.01). These results indicate that 1) the absolute intrauterine position affects fetal growth more than the sex of the adjacent fetus in the uterine horn, 2) each end of the uterine horn (OE and CE) has heavier fetuses than the MD, and 3) male pigs grow faster than female pigs even before birth.

77 FR 4754 - Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-31

... recreational annual catch limits (ACLs) have been met before the end of the fishing year for the past 3 fishing... lb (1,134 kg), round weight; and (3) the South Atlantic Unlimited Snapper-Grouper Permit must have... minimum size limit from 12 inches (30.5 cm), total length (TL) to 13 inches (33 cm), TL, and to increase...

Effect of waterlogging at different growth stages on some morphological traits of wheat varieties.

PubMed

Ghobadi, Mohammad Eghbal; Ghobadi, Mokhtar; Zebarjadi, Alireza

2017-04-01

Excess rainfalls may be the cause of waterlogging in soil, which affects the growth and development of wheat. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to examine the effects of waterlogging on shoot and root growth and physiological characteristics of wheat. Three experiments were conducted: experiment 1 (E1): evaluation of seedling growth on ten Iranian winter wheat varieties with waterlogging periods (1-4, 4-8, 8-12, and 12-16 days starting from seed germination). Seminal roots and plumule were investigated at seedling. The others are E2: pretreatment of waterlogging (15 days) at tillering and stem elongation stages and its effects on shoot and root growth at anthesis stage and experiment 3 (E3): pretreatment of waterlogging (15 days) at tillering and jointing stages and its effects on yield and yield components and also evaluation of stress tolerance indexes. The results of the seedling growth test (E1) showed that 1-4- and 4-8-day waterlogging severity reduced seminal root length (94.5 to 93.7 %) and plumule length (86.2 to 50.0 %) compared to control. Results of E2 indicated that waterlogging stress decreased shoot dry weight, root dry weight, total secondary root length, and chlorophyll a + b content of flag leaf by 28-31, 44-35, 20-31, and 28-35 %, respectively. Also, result of E3 showed that the grain yields of wheat varieties at two conditions of stress were different in base tolerance indexes. In general, the responses of wheat varieties to waterlogging were different at the three experiments. The varieties that had the most of dry weight and length of the root were tolerant. Thus, it is possible to use these characteristics as an index for selecting the varieties with tolerance to waterlogging.

Effect of waterlogging at different growth stages on some morphological traits of wheat varieties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghobadi, Mohammad Eghbal; Ghobadi, Mokhtar; Zebarjadi, Alireza

2017-04-01

Excess rainfalls may be the cause of waterlogging in soil, which affects the growth and development of wheat. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to examine the effects of waterlogging on shoot and root growth and physiological characteristics of wheat. Three experiments were conducted: experiment 1 (E1): evaluation of seedling growth on ten Iranian winter wheat varieties with waterlogging periods (1-4, 4-8, 8-12, and 12-16 days starting from seed germination). Seminal roots and plumule were investigated at seedling. The others are E2: pretreatment of waterlogging (15 days) at tillering and stem elongation stages and its effects on shoot and root growth at anthesis stage and experiment 3 (E3): pretreatment of waterlogging (15 days) at tillering and jointing stages and its effects on yield and yield components and also evaluation of stress tolerance indexes. The results of the seedling growth test (E1) showed that 1-4- and 4-8-day waterlogging severity reduced seminal root length (94.5 to 93.7 %) and plumule length (86.2 to 50.0 %) compared to control. Results of E2 indicated that waterlogging stress decreased shoot dry weight, root dry weight, total secondary root length, and chlorophyll a + b content of flag leaf by 28-31, 44-35, 20-31, and 28-35 %, respectively. Also, result of E3 showed that the grain yields of wheat varieties at two conditions of stress were different in base tolerance indexes. In general, the responses of wheat varieties to waterlogging were different at the three experiments. The varieties that had the most of dry weight and length of the root were tolerant. Thus, it is possible to use these characteristics as an index for selecting the varieties with tolerance to waterlogging.

Effects of fluoride on development and growth of Rana chensinensis embryos and larvae.

PubMed

Chai, Lihong; Dong, Suiming; Zhao, Hongfeng; Deng, Hongzhang; Wang, Hongyuan

2016-04-01

The present study examined the adverse effects of fluoride exposure on embryos and larvae of Rana chensinensis. Survival, morphological abnormalities, growth and development, time to metamorphosis and size at metamorphic climax of R. chensinensis were examined. Our results showed that embryos malformation occurred in all fluoride treatments. Morphological abnormalities of embryos are characterized by axial flexures, the extrusion of fin axis, edema, and ruffled dorsal and ventral fin. Additionally, 4.1mg F(-)/L and above could significantly inhibit embryos growth and development. On day 15, total length and weight of tadpole were significantly lower in 19.6 and 42.4 mg F(-)/L treatments compared to control. However, significant reductions in total length and weight were observed only at 42.4 mg F(-)/L on day 30. Moreover, significant metamorphic delay and decrease in the size at metamorphic climax were found in larvae exposed to 42.4 mg F(-)/L. Taken together, embryos of R. chensinensis are more vulnerable to fluoride exposure than their tadpoles. Our results suggested that the presence of high concentrations fluoride might increase mortality risk and a reduction in juvenile recruitment in the field by increasing embryos malformation, delaying metamorphosis and decreasing size at metamorphosis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Morphometric relations in the grey eel catfish Plotosus canius in the coastal waters of Port Dickson, Peninsular Malaysia.

PubMed

Usman, B I; Amin, S M N; Arshad, A; Kamarudin, M S

2016-07-01

Samples of grey eel catfish Plotosus canius were collected from the coastal waters of Port Dickson, Malaysia from January to December, 2012. A total of 341 specimens (172 males and 169 females) were used to estimate the length-weight relationship parameters. Mean population size of females were 0.72 cm taller than the males, however difference was not significant (t-test, P > 0.05). The overall relationship equations between total length (TL) and body weight (BW) were established for males as Log TW = 2.71 Log TL - 1.85 (R2 = 0.95) and for females as Log TW = 2.88 Log TL-2.10 (R2 = 0.95). The estimated relative growth co-efficient (b) values were 2.71 for males and 2.88 for females. It is revealed that growth pattern of the species showed negative allometry. In both males and females, relationship between TL and SL gave highest regression coefficient (0.99). While relationship between TL and EL gave lowest regression coefficient in both males and females (0.87 and 0.81 respectively). The findings from this study contributed first information on morphometric relations of the fish from Malaysian coastal waters and could be useful for sustainable management options of P. canius in Malaysia.

The Segmental Morphometric Properties of the Horse Cervical Spinal Cord: A Study of Cadaver

PubMed Central

Bahar, Sadullah; Bolat, Durmus; Selcuk, Muhammet Lutfi

2013-01-01

Although the cervical spinal cord (CSC) of the horse has particular importance in diseases of CNS, there is very little information about its segmental morphometry. The objective of the present study was to determine the morphometric features of the CSC segments in the horse and possible relationships among the morphometric features. The segmented CSC from five mature animals was used. Length, weight, diameter, and volume measurements of the segments were performed macroscopically. Lengths and diameters of segments were measured histologically, and area and volume measurements were performed using stereological methods. The length, weight, and volume of the CSC were 61.6 ± 3.2 cm, 107.2 ± 10.4 g, and 95.5 ± 8.3 cm3, respectively. The length of the segments was increased from C 1 to C 3, while it decreased from C 3 to C 8. The gross section (GS), white matter (WM), grey matter (GM), dorsal horn (DH), and ventral horn (VH) had the largest cross-section areas at C 8. The highest volume was found for the total segment and WM at C 4, GM, DH, and VH at C 7, and the central canal (CC) at C 3. The data obtained not only contribute to the knowledge of the normal anatomy of the CSC but may also provide reference data for veterinary pathologists and clinicians. PMID:23476145

Subclinical Enteric Parasitic Infections and Growth Faltering in Infants in São Tomé, Africa: A Birth Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Garzón, Marisol; Seixas, Jorge; Papoila, Ana Luísa; Alves, Marta

2018-01-01

The associations between enteric pathogenic parasites and growth in infants in São Tomé were explored using a refined anthropometric approach to recognize early growth faltering. A birth cohort study was conducted with follow-up to 24 months of age. Microscopic examination for protozoa and soil-transmitted helminths was performed. Anthropometric assessments included: z-scores for weight-for-length (WLZ), length-for-age (LAZ), weight (WAVZ) and length velocities (LAVZ), length-for-age difference (LAD), and wasting and stunting risk (≤−1 SD). Generalized additive mixed effects regression models were used to explore the associations between anthropometric parameters and enteric parasitic infections and cofactors. A total of 475 infants were enrolled, and 282 completed the study. The great majority of infants were asymptomatic. Giardia lamblia was detected in 35.1% of infants in at least one stool sample, helminths in 30.4%, and Cryptosporidium spp. in 14.7%. Giardia lamblia and helminth infections were significantly associated with mean decreases of 0.10 in LAZ and 0.32 in LAD, and of 0.16 in LAZ and 0.48 in LAD, respectively. Cryptosporidium spp. infection was significantly associated with a mean decrease of 0.43 in WAVZ and 0.55 in LAVZ. The underestimated association between subclinical parasitic enteric infections and mild growth faltering in infants should be addressed in public health policies. PMID:29621166

Growth performance of affluent Indian children is similar to that in developed countries.

PubMed Central

Bhandari, Nita; Bahl, Rajiv; Taneja, Sunita; de Onis, Mercedes; Bhan, Maharaj K.

2002-01-01

OBJECTIVE: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in order to determine whether an affluent population in south Delhi had a growth performance similar to that in developed countries and to identify socioeconomic factors that militated against optimal growth in this group. METHODS: The weights and lengths of 395 children aged 12-23 months and the heights of 331 mothers and 153 grandmothers were measured and information was obtained on family socioeconomic status and child-feeding practices. Children born prematurely, i.e. before 37 weeks of gestation, and those with illness adversely affecting growth, were excluded from the analysis, as with the NCHS/WHO reference population. RESULTS: In 341 children included in the analysis, the mean Z-scores for weight-for-age, length-for-age and weight-for-length were -0.45, -0.28 and -0.32 respectively. About 6% of the children were underweight (weight-for-age Z-score < or =-2), 3% were stunted (length-for-age Z-score < or =-2), and 4% were wasted (weight-for-length Z-score < or =-2). The factors that were significantly associated with higher length-for-age were one or both parents having 17 years or more of education (mean length-for-age Z-score -0.17) and non-vegetarian diet (mean length-for-age Z-score - 0.18). No socioeconomic factors were associated with mean weight-for-length. CONCLUSION: The children in this affluent population were close to the NCHS/WHO reference population with regard to anthropometric indicators. The subpopulation with higher parental education had even better growth. It is intended to include this subpopulation in the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study. PMID:11984604

The status and management of the lionfish, Pterois sp. in Trinidad and Tobago.

PubMed

Alemu I, Jahson B

2016-08-15

Trinidad and Tobago was the last Caribbean island to be invaded by the lionfish and since its invasion in 2012 they have spread to most coral reef and hard bottom environments. Standard reef fish surveys were used to assess lionfish population densities and size distributions from 2013-2015. Total lengths ranged between 6.2-40.4cm and 2.2-950g in weight. The length-weight relationship was described by W=0.0002L(2.5654). Fish densities were highest in the northeast Tobago at 326lionfish/ha and the lowest in the southwest Tobago at 10.5lionfish/ha. In order to curtail the spread of this invasive species, a culling programme was initiated at selected reefs to regularly remove lionfish at monthly intervals. On the selected reefs 26-30% reduction in mean lionfish biomass and 25-27% reduction in abundance was noted compared to control sites (p<0.05). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Maternal weight loss during exclusive breastfeeding is associated with reduced weight and length gain in daughters of HIV-infected Malawian women.

PubMed

Widen, Elizabeth M; Bentley, Margaret E; Kayira, Dumbani; Chasela, Charles S; Jamieson, Denise J; Tembo, Martin; Soko, Alice; Kourtis, Athena P; Flax, Valerie L; Ellington, Sascha R; van der Horst, Charles M; Adair, Linda S

2013-07-01

Maternal weight loss during exclusive breastfeeding may influence the growth of exclusively breast-fed infants through impaired quality or quantity of breast milk. This study evaluated how maternal weight loss from 2 to 24 wk postpartum was related to infant weight and length gain in 1309 lactating HIV-infected mothers and their exclusively breast-fed infants. Malawian mother-infant pairs in the Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals, and Nutrition Study were randomized with a 2 × 3 factorial design to a 2-arm nutritional intervention with a lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS), meeting nutritional needs of lactation, or no LNS and a 3-arm antiretroviral (ARV) intervention (maternal, infant, or no ARV regimen). Linear regression models were used to relate maternal weight loss (weight loss vs. no weight loss) to infant weight and length gain from birth to 24 mo, stratifying by gender and controlling for maternal BMI at 2 wk (mean ± SD: 23.2 ± 3.0 kg/m(2)) and interacting maternal BMI with weight loss. In adjusted models, compared with daughters of women who did not lose weight, length and weight gain were lower in daughters whose mothers had a lower BMI at 2 wk postpartum coupled with the weight loss. For example, among mothers with an initial BMI of 18 kg/m(2), daughters of those who lost weight gained less weight [β = -0.29 kg (95% CI: -0.53, -0.06)] and length [β = -0.88 cm (95% CI: -1.52, -0.23)] from birth to 24 wk than daughters of those who gained weight. Though effects were only observed in girls, suggesting possible gender differences in suckling and feeding behavior, these findings indicate that maternal weight loss with low energy reserves represents a risk factor for poor infant growth outcomes.

Maternal Weight Loss during Exclusive Breastfeeding Is Associated with Reduced Weight and Length Gain in Daughters of HIV-Infected Malawian Women123

PubMed Central

Widen, Elizabeth M.; Bentley, Margaret E.; Kayira, Dumbani; Chasela, Charles S.; Jamieson, Denise J.; Tembo, Martin; Soko, Alice; Kourtis, Athena P.; Flax, Valerie L.; Ellington, Sascha R.; van der Horst, Charles M.; Adair, Linda S.

2013-01-01

Maternal weight loss during exclusive breastfeeding may influence the growth of exclusively breast-fed infants through impaired quality or quantity of breast milk. This study evaluated how maternal weight loss from 2 to 24 wk postpartum was related to infant weight and length gain in 1309 lactating HIV-infected mothers and their exclusively breast-fed infants. Malawian mother-infant pairs in the Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals, and Nutrition Study were randomized with a 2 × 3 factorial design to a 2-arm nutritional intervention with a lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS), meeting nutritional needs of lactation, or no LNS and a 3-arm antiretroviral (ARV) intervention (maternal, infant, or no ARV regimen). Linear regression models were used to relate maternal weight loss (weight loss vs. no weight loss) to infant weight and length gain from birth to 24 mo, stratifying by gender and controlling for maternal BMI at 2 wk (mean ± SD: 23.2 ± 3.0 kg/m2) and interacting maternal BMI with weight loss. In adjusted models, compared with daughters of women who did not lose weight, length and weight gain were lower in daughters whose mothers had a lower BMI at 2 wk postpartum coupled with the weight loss. For example, among mothers with an initial BMI of 18 kg/m2, daughters of those who lost weight gained less weight [β = −0.29 kg (95% CI: −0.53, −0.06)] and length [β = −0.88 cm (95% CI: −1.52, −0.23)] from birth to 24 wk than daughters of those who gained weight. Though effects were only observed in girls, suggesting possible gender differences in suckling and feeding behavior, these findings indicate that maternal weight loss with low energy reserves represents a risk factor for poor infant growth outcomes. PMID:23700341

Height and relative leg length as indicators of the quality of the environment among Mozambican juveniles and adolescents.

PubMed

Padez, Cristina; Varela-Silva, Maria Inês; Bogin, Barry

2009-01-01

The growth status of Mozambique adolescents was assessed to test the hypothesis that relative leg length is a more sensitive indicator of the quality of the environment than the total height. The sample comprised 690 boys and 727 girls, aged between 9 and 17 years, from Maputo. It is divided between those living in the Centre of Maputo and those living in the slums on the periphery of the city. Height, weight, and sitting height were measured and the sitting height ratio was calculated. The hypothesis that relative leg length is more sensitive than total stature as an indicator of environmental quality is not uniformly confirmed. Overall, mean stature is greater for the centre group than the slum group, but relative leg length as measured by the sitting height ratio does not differ. Compared with African-American references (NHANES II), all centre girls, 9- to 14-year-old slum girls, all slum boys, and the oldest centre boys show relatively shorter legs. These findings show that within the Mozambique sample, relative leg length is not sensitive enough to distinguish the quality of the living environment. Mozambique was a colony of Portugal until 1975. Civil unrest and warfare characterized the late Colonial period and the postindependence period until a peace settlement was concluded in 1992. It is possible that all socioeconomic status groups within the country suffered sufficiently to reduce relative leg length compared with the better-off African-American reference sample. Possible genetic influences on relative leg length are also discussed.

Trends, Predictors, and Outcomes of Healthcare Resources Used in Patients Hospitalized with Alzheimer's Disease with at Least One Procedure: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

PubMed

Beydoun, May A; Gamaldo, Alyssa A; Beydoun, Hind A; Shaked, Danielle; Zonderman, Alan B; Eid, Shaker M

2017-01-01

We assessed trends, predictors and outcomes of resource utilization in hospital inpatient discharges with a principal diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with at least one procedure. Using Nationwide Inpatient Sample data (NIS, 2002-2012), discharges primarily diagnosed with AD, aged ≥60 y and with ≥1 procedure, were selected (Weighted N = 92,300). Hospital resource utilization were assessed using ICD-9-CM codes, while hospitalization outcomes included total charges (TC, 2012$), length of stay (LOS, days), and mortality risk (MR, %). Brain and respiratory/gastrointestinal procedure utilization both dropped annually by 3-7%, while cardiovascular procedures/evaluations, blood evaluations, blood transfusion, and resuscitation ("CVD/Blood") as well as neurophysiological and psychological evaluation and treatment ("Neuro") procedures increased by 5-8%. Total charges, length of stay, and mortality risk were all markedly higher with use of respiratory/gastrointestinal procedures as opposed to being reduced with use of "Brain" procedures. Procedure count was positively associated with all three hospitalization outcomes. In sum, patterns of hospital resources that were used among AD inpatients changed over-time, and were associated with hospitalization outcomes such as total charges, length of stay, and mortality risk.

BDNF levels in adipose tissue and hypothalamus were reduced in mice with MSG-induced obesity.

PubMed

Jin, Yong Jun; Cao, Peng Juan; Bian, Wei Hua; Li, Ming E; Zhou, Rong; Zhang, Ling Yun; Yang, Mei Zi

2015-01-01

To observe the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hypothalamic and adipose tissue in mice with monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity. The effects of hypothalamic lesions, specifically arcuate nucleus (ARC) lesions, induced by MSG injection were studied in male ICR mice at the neonatal stage. The following parameters were compared: body weight, body length, Lee's index, food intake, body temperature, fat weight, and levels of total cholesterol (CHOL), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and blood glucose (GLU). The BDNF expression levels in hypothalamic and adipose tissue were measured using western blotting. Results Compared with the control group, the model group body had significantly higher weight, Lee's index, food intake, fat weight, CHOL, TG, LDL, HDL, and GLU levels. BDNF expression levels in hypothalamic and adipose tissue were markedly down-regulated in the model group. BDNF may be closely associated with MSG-induced hypothalamic obesity.

Analysis of surface damage in retrieved carbon fiber-reinforced and plain polyethylene tibial components from posterior stabilized total knee replacements.

PubMed

Wright, T M; Rimnac, C M; Faris, P M; Bansal, M

1988-10-01

The performance of carbon fiber-reinforced ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene was compared with that of plain (non-reinforced) polyethylene on the basis of the damage that was observed on the articulating surfaces of retrieved tibial components of total knee prostheses. Established microscopy techniques for subjectively grading the presence and extent of surface damage and the histological structure of the surrounding tissues were used to evaluate twenty-six carbon fiber-reinforced and twenty plain polyethylene components that had been retrieved after an average of twenty-one months of implantation. All of the tibial components were from the same design of total knee replacement. The two groups of patients from whom the components were retrieved did not differ with regard to weight, the length of time that the component had been implanted, the radiographic position and angular alignment of the component, the original diagnosis, or the reason for removal of the component. The amounts and types of damage that were observed did not differ for the two materials. For both materials, the amount of damage was directly related to the length of time that the component had been implanted. The histological appearance of tissues from the area around the component did not differ for the two materials, except for the presence of fragments of carbon fiber in many of the samples from the areas around carbon fiber-reinforced components.

Determining an anthropometric surrogate measure for identifying low birth weight babies in Uganda: a hospital-based cross sectional study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Achieving Millennium Development Goal 4 is dependent on significantly reducing neonatal mortality. Low birth weight is an underlying factor in most neonatal deaths. In developing countries the missed opportunity for providing life saving care is mainly a result of failure to identify low birth weight newborns. This study aimed at identifying a reliable anthropometric measurement for screening low birth weight and determining an operational cut-off point in the Uganda setting. This simple measurement is required because of lack of weighing scales in the community, and sometimes in the health facilities. Methods This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study. Two midwives weighed 706 newborns and measured their foot length, head, chest, thigh and mid-upper arm circumferences within 24 hours after birth. Data was analysed using STATA version 10.0. Correlation with birth weight using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Receiver Operating Characteristics curve analysis were done to determine the measure that best predicts birth weight. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for a range of measures to obtain operational cut-off points; and Likelihood Ratios and Diagnostic Odds Ratio were determined for each cut-off point. Results Birth weights ranged from 1370–5350 grams with a mean of 3050 grams (SD 0.53) and 85 (12%) babies weighed less than 2500 grams. All anthropometric measurements had a positive correlation with birth weight, with foot length showing the strongest (r = 0.76) and thigh circumference the weakest (r = 0.62) correlations. Foot length had the highest predictive value for low birth weight (AUC = 0.97) followed by mid-upper arm circumference (AUC = 0.94). Foot length and chest circumference had the highest sensitivity (94%) and specificity (90%) respectively for screening low birth weight babies at the selected cut-off points. Chest circumference had a significantly higher positive likelihood ratio (8.7) than any other measure, and foot length had the lowest negative likelihood ratio. Chest circumference and foot length had diagnostic odds ratios of 97% and 77% respectively. Foot length was easier to measure and it involved minimal exposure of the baby to cold. A cut-off of foot length 7.9 cm had sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 83% for predicting low birth weight. Conclusions This study suggests foot length as the most appropriate predictor for low birth weight in comparison to chest, head, mid-upper arm and thigh circumference in the Uganda setting. Use of low cost and easy to use tools to identify low birth weight babies by village health teams could support community efforts to save newborns. PMID:23587297

Yield and size of oyster mushroom grown on rice/wheat straw basal substrate supplemented with cotton seed hull.

PubMed

Yang, Wenjie; Guo, Fengling; Wan, Zhengjie

2013-10-01

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) was cultivated on rice straw basal substrate, wheat straw basal substrate, cotton seed hull basal substrate, and wheat straw or rice straw supplemented with different proportions (15%, 30%, and 45% in rice straw substrate, 20%, 30%, and 40% in wheat straw substrate) of cotton seed hull to find a cost effective substrate. The effect of autoclaved sterilized and non-sterilized substrate on growth and yield of oyster mushroom was also examined. Results indicated that for both sterilized substrate and non-sterilized substrate, oyster mushroom on rice straw and wheat basal substrate have faster mycelial growth rate, comparatively poor surface mycelial density, shorter total colonization period and days from bag opening to primordia formation, lower yield and biological efficiency, lower mushroom weight, longer stipe length and smaller cap diameter than that on cotton seed hull basal substrate. The addition of cotton seed hull to rice straw and wheat straw substrate slowed spawn running, primordial development and fruit body formation. However, increasing the amount of cotton seed hull can increase the uniformity and white of mycelium, yield and biological efficiency, and increase mushroom weight, enlarge cap diameter and shorten stipe length. Compared to the sterilized substrate, the non-sterilized substrate had comparatively higher mycelial growth rate, shorter total colonization period and days from bag opening to primordia formation. However, the non-sterilized substrate did not gave significantly higher mushroom yield and biological efficiency than the sterilized substrate, but some undesirable characteristics, i.e. smaller mushroom cap diameter and relatively long stipe length.

[Clinical and biological monitoring of nutritional status in severe burns].

PubMed

Bargues, L; Cottez-Gacia, S; Jault, P; Renard, C; Vest, P

2009-01-01

Burn patients are subject to hypermetabolism and catabolic states. Aim was to evaluate our current practice in nutrition. Twenty-one severely burned patients were prospectively included during three months period. Body weight was measured at least two times in a week during all stay in burn ICU. Biological markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, CRP) and nutrition (prealbumin) were performed weekly. Protocol included early nasogastric feeding, tolerated gastric stasis less than 250 mL at four hours nasogastric aspirations, caloric target value of 40 Kcal/kg per day and measurement of total daily calorie intakes. Patient demographics showed a mean percent total body surface burn of 51.1+/-27 % (range 20-90), age of 38.7+/-13.1 years (range 18-67) and 57.3 % of smoke inhalation. All patients were ventilated and 19 patients survived. Length of stay was 75.7+/-47 days (range 22-184). Patients received only 58.9+/-10 % of calorie intakes recommended by French burn society. Loss of body mass was 15.2+/-9 kg (range 3-31) or 19.1+/-10 % of admission weight (range 5-37). Erosion of body mass was not correlated with burned surface (p=0.08), calorie intakes (p=0.26), smoke inhalation (p=0.46), lengths of stay (p=0.53), lengths of ventilation (p=0.08) or nutrition (p=0.12), days of antibiotic (p=0.72), number of dressing changes (p=0.6) or surgery (p=0.64). Biological parameters showed CRP decreasing and prealbumin improving values. New strategies of nutrition are necessary to improve outcome and reduce body mass loss in burns.

Birth weight and infant growth: optimal infant weight gain versus optimal infant weight.

PubMed

Xiong, Xu; Wightkin, Joan; Magnus, Jeanette H; Pridjian, Gabriella; Acuna, Juan M; Buekens, Pierre

2007-01-01

Infant growth assessment often focuses on "optimal" infant weights and lengths at specific ages, while de-emphasizing infant weight gain. Objective of this study was to examine infant growth patterns by measuring infant weight gain relative to birth weight. We conducted this study based on data collected in a prospective cohort study including 3,302 births with follow up examinations of infants between the ages of 8 and 18 months. All infants were participants in the Louisiana State Women, Infant and Children Supplemental Food Program between 1999 and 2001. Growth was assessed by infant weight gain percentage (IWG%, defined as infant weight gain divided by birth weight) as well as by mean z-scores and percentiles for weight-for-age, length-for-age, and weight-for-length calculated based on growth charts published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). An inverse relationship was noted between birth weight category and IWG% (from 613.9% for infants with birth weights <1500 g to 151.3% for infants with birth weights of 4000 g or more). In contrast, low birth weight infants had lower weight-for-age, weight-for-length z-scores and percentiles compared to normal birth weight infants according to CDC growth charts. Although low birth weight infants had lower anthropometric measures compared to a national reference population, they had significant catch-up growth; High birth weight infants had significant slow-down growth. We suggest that growth assessments should compare infants' anthropometric data to their own previous growth measures as well as to a reference population. Further studies are needed to identify optimal ranges of infant weight gain.

Mercury in fish from the Madeira River and health risk to Amazonian and riverine populations.

PubMed

Soares, José Maria; Gomes, José M; Anjos, Marcelo R; Silveira, Josianne N; Custódio, Flavia B; Gloria, M Beatriz A

2018-07-01

The objective of this study was to quantify total mercury in highly popular Amazonian fish pacu, curimatã, jaraqui, and sardinha from the Madeira River and to estimate the exposure to methylmercury from fish consumption. The samples were obtained from two locations - Puruzinho Igarapé and Santa Rosa - near Humaitá, Amazonia, Brazil in two seasons of 2015 (high and low waters). The fish were identified, weighed and measured, and lipids were quantified. Total mercury was determined by gold amalgamation-atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean levels were used to calculate exposure of Amazonian and riverine populations. There was significant correlation (p < 0.05) between length × weight for all fish; length × lipid and weight × lipid were significant only for pacu. Total mercury levels varied along muscle tissue for the fish, except for sardinha; therefore muscle from the dorsal area along the fish were sampled, homogenized and used for analysis. The levels of total mercury varied from 0.01 to 0.46 mg/kg, with higher median levels in sardinha (0.24 mg/kg), followed by curimatã (0.16 mg/kg), jaraqui (0.13 mg/kg) and pacu (0.04 mg/kg), corresponding with the respective feeding habits along the trophic chain. Total mercury levels were not affected by the location of fish capture and by high and low waters seasons. Total mercury correlated significantly with length and weight for jaraqui and with length for sardinha (negative correlation). Total mercury levels in fish complied with legislation; however, exposures to methylmercury from fish consumption overpassed the safe intake reference dose for sardinha for Amazonians; however, for the riverine communities, all of the fish would cause potential health risk, mainly for children and women of childbearing age. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

First-year growth in children with Noonan syndrome: Associated with feeding problems?

PubMed

Croonen, Ellen A; Draaisma, Jos M T; van der Burgt, Ineke; Roeleveld, Nel; Noordam, Cees

2018-04-01

Children with Noonan syndrome show rapid decline of growth in the first year of life and feeding problems are present in over 50%. The aim of this study was to explore whether growth decelerates because of feeding problems or other Noonan syndrome-related factors. We performed a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of clinically and genetically diagnosed subjects with Noonan syndrome (n = 143). Questionnaires about the phenotypic-genotypic profile and reported feeding problems were sent to eligible subjects. Data on first-year growth was obtained from growth charts. Ninety-one participants were excluded because of different criteria. A total of 52 subjects with Noonan syndrome were included. The largest decline in weight and length standard deviation score (SDS) occurred in the first 2.5 months after birth (-1.93 and -1.15, respectively), with feeding problems causing a decline of 0.57 SDS in the remaining months. At 1 year, children with feeding problems were on average 290 g lighter and 0.8 cm shorter than children without feeding problems. Weight gain was also negatively influenced by having a PTPN11 mutation (n = 39) and a higher gestational age, whereas children of parents with Noonan syndrome and with a higher birth weight gained more weight. Growth in length was reduced by having cardiac surgery and a higher gestational age, but positively influenced by birth length and maternal height. Growth in children with Noonan syndrome is impaired right after birth and only partially associated with feeding problems. In addition, several specific Noonan syndrome-related factors seem to influence growth in the first year. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

An outcomes analysis of patients undergoing body contouring surgery after massive weight loss.

PubMed

Shermak, Michele A; Chang, David; Magnuson, Thomas H; Schweitzer, Michael A

2006-09-15

Although published reports about technical management of massive weight loss patients are beginning to appear, risk factors for complications following body contouring operations are not known. A retrospective analysis of massive weight loss patients who had body contouring operations between March of 1998 and October of 2004 was performed. Demographic and surgical factors were analyzed. Outcome measures included seroma, wound dehiscence, thromboembolic complications, blood transfusion after surgery, and extended lengths of stay (>2 days). A total of 139 patients were analyzed; 82.7 percent of them were female; mean age was 41 years. On multiple logistic regression, male gender was associated with significant risks for wound dehiscence (odds ratio, 6.4; p = 0.01). There were also trends toward increased risk for wound dehiscence with hypothyroidism (odds ratio, 4.3; p = 0.06) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (odds ratio, 18.7; p = 0.05). In terms of risk of blood transfusion, asthma and having three or more procedures were the two variables that emerged with significant association (odds ratio, 16.8 and 13.7, respectively; both p < 0.01). Increased length of stay to greater than 2 days was also significantly associated with having three or more procedures (odds ratio, 4.72; p < 0.01). Male gender, hypothyroidism, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may be risk factors for wound dehiscence following body contour operations for massive weight loss. Asthma may be a marker of poor general health status, and asthmatic patients are at increased risk for requiring blood transfusions. Having three or more procedures is associated with an increased risk of blood transfusion and increased length of stay.

The effect of maternal betel quid exposure during pregnancy on adverse birth outcomes among aborigines in Taiwan.

PubMed

Yang, Mei-Sang; Lee, Chien-Hung; Chang, Shun-Jen; Chung, Tieh-Chi; Tsai, Eing-Mei; Ko, Allen Min-Jen; Ko, Ying-Chin

2008-05-01

In considering documented developmental toxicity and teratogenicity found in earlier research, maternal betel quid chewing may very well be linked to a higher risk of adverse birth outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of betel quid chewing, together with the use of cigarettes or alcohol, either independently or combined, on birth-related outcomes. A total of 1264 aboriginal women who had just given birth in 10 hospitals in Southern and Eastern Taiwan were recruited. Information on their maternal and newborn characteristics was obtained from medical charts and by performing personal interviews using a validated questionnaire. Maternal areca nut chewing during pregnancy was found to be significantly associated with both birth weight loss (-89.54 g) and birth length reduction (-0.43 cm). A significantly lower male newborn rate (aOR=0.62) was observed among aboriginal women with a habit of betel quid chewing during pregnancy. The use of this substance conveyed a 2.40- and 3.67-fold independent risk of low birth weight and full-term low birth weight, respectively. An enhanced risk (aOR=3.26-5.99) of low birth weight was observed among women concomitantly using betel quid, cigarette and alcohol during gestation. Our findings suggest that betel quid chewing during pregnancy has a substantial effect on a number of birth outcomes, including sex ratio at birth, lower birth weight and reduced birth length.

Laboratory measurements of physical, chemical, and optical characteristics of Lake Chicot sediment waters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witte, W. G.; Whitlock, C. H.; Usry, J. W.; Morris, W. D.; Gurganus, E. A.

1981-01-01

Reflectance, chromaticity, diffuse attenuation, beam attenuation, and several other physical and chemical properties were measured for various water mixtures of lake bottom sediment. Mixture concentrations range from 5 ppm to 700 ppm by weight of total suspended solids in filtered deionized tap water. Upwelled reflectance is a nonlinear function of remote sensing wave lengths. Near-infrared wavelengths are useful for monitoring highly turbid waters with sediment concentrations above 100 ppm. It is found that both visible and near infrared wavelengths, beam attenuation correlates well with total suspended solids ranging over two orders of magnitude.

Spatio-Temporal Variation in Length-Weight Relationships and Condition of the Ribbonfish Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758): Implications for Fisheries Management

PubMed Central

Garcia de Leaniz, Carlos; King, Andrew J.

2016-01-01

Knowledge of length-weight relationships for commercially exploited fish is an important tool for assessing and managing of fish stocks. However, analyses of length-weight relationship fisheries data typically do not consider the inherent differences in length-weight relationships for fish caught from different habitats, seasons, or years, and this can affect the utility of these data for developing condition indices or calculating fisheries biomass. Here, we investigated length-weight relationships for ribbonfish Trichiurus lepturus in the waters of the Arabian Sea off Oman collected during three periods (2001–02, 2007–08, and 2014–15) and showed that a multivariate modelling approach that considers the areas and seasons in which ribbonfish were caught improved estimation of length-weight relationships. We used the outputs of these models to explore spatio-temporal variations in condition indices and relative weights among ribbonfish, revealing fish of 85–125 cm were in the best overall condition. We also found that condition differed according to where and when fish were caught, with condition lowest during spring and pre-south-west monsoon periods and highest during and after the south-west monsoons. We interpret these differences to be a consequence of variability in temperature and food availability. Based on our findings, we suggest fishing during seasons that have the lowest impact on fish condition and which are commercially most viable; such fishery management would enhance fisheries conservation and economic revenue in the region. PMID:27579485

Spatio-Temporal Variation in Length-Weight Relationships and Condition of the Ribbonfish Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758): Implications for Fisheries Management.

PubMed

Al Nahdi, Abdullah; Garcia de Leaniz, Carlos; King, Andrew J

2016-01-01

Knowledge of length-weight relationships for commercially exploited fish is an important tool for assessing and managing of fish stocks. However, analyses of length-weight relationship fisheries data typically do not consider the inherent differences in length-weight relationships for fish caught from different habitats, seasons, or years, and this can affect the utility of these data for developing condition indices or calculating fisheries biomass. Here, we investigated length-weight relationships for ribbonfish Trichiurus lepturus in the waters of the Arabian Sea off Oman collected during three periods (2001-02, 2007-08, and 2014-15) and showed that a multivariate modelling approach that considers the areas and seasons in which ribbonfish were caught improved estimation of length-weight relationships. We used the outputs of these models to explore spatio-temporal variations in condition indices and relative weights among ribbonfish, revealing fish of 85-125 cm were in the best overall condition. We also found that condition differed according to where and when fish were caught, with condition lowest during spring and pre-south-west monsoon periods and highest during and after the south-west monsoons. We interpret these differences to be a consequence of variability in temperature and food availability. Based on our findings, we suggest fishing during seasons that have the lowest impact on fish condition and which are commercially most viable; such fishery management would enhance fisheries conservation and economic revenue in the region.

Correlation of cord blood telomere length with birth weight.

PubMed

Lee, Siew-Peng; Hande, Prakash; Yeo, George Sh; Tan, Ene-Choo

2017-09-08

Intrauterine growth restriction affects 3% of newborns; and the lightest 10% of whom are classified as small for gestational age (SGA). These low-birth weight newborns are at increased risk of neonatal morbidity such as hypoxia and hypoglycaemia. In later life, they are at higher risk of several age-related diseases such as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders and dementia. As having short telomeres is also associated with these diseases, we tested if these newborns might already start with shorter telomeres at birth. Relative telomere lengths were determined using quantitative real-time PCR in cord blood samples from 195 newborns of Chinese ancestry. Based on the telomere length normalised to a single copy gene and a reference DNA sample as internal control, we found statistically significant correlations between relative telomere length and both unadjusted and gestational age-adjusted birth weight, with the lighter newborns having shorter telomeres. The SGA birth weight group comprising the bottom 10% of the samples also had the shortest telomeres compared to the medium and heaviest birth weight groups. Our results indicate that there is reduction of cord blood telomere length for newborns with lower birth weight.

Measuring newborn foot length to identify small babies in need of extra care: a cross sectional hospital based study with community follow-up in Tanzania.

PubMed

Marchant, Tanya; Jaribu, Jennie; Penfold, Suzanne; Tanner, Marcel; Armstrong Schellenberg, Joanna

2010-10-19

Neonatal mortality because of low birth weight or prematurity remains high in many developing country settings. This research aimed to estimate the sensitivity and specificity, and the positive and negative predictive values of newborn foot length to identify babies who are low birth weight or premature and in need of extra care in a rural African setting. A cross-sectional study of newborn babies in hospital, with community follow-up on the fifth day of life, was carried out between 13 July and 16 October 2009 in southern Tanzania. Foot length, birth weight and gestational age were estimated on the first day and foot length remeasured on the fifth day of life. In hospital 529 babies were recruited and measured within 24 hours of birth, 183 of whom were also followed-up at home on the fifth day. Day one foot length <7 cm at birth was 75% sensitive (95%CI 36-100) and 99% specific (95%CI 97-99) to identify very small babies (birth weight <1500 grams); foot length <8 cm had sensitivity and specificity of 87% (95%CI 79-94) and 60% (95%CI 55-64) to identify those with low birth weight (<2500 grams), and 93% (95%CI 82-99) and 58% (95%CI 53-62) to identify those born premature (<37 weeks). Mean foot length on the first day was 7.8 cm (standard deviation 0.47); the mean difference between first and fifth day foot lengths was 0.1 cm (standard deviation 0.3): foot length measured on or before the fifth day of life identified more than three-quarters of babies who were born low birth weight. Measurement of newborn foot length for home births in resource poor settings has the potential to be used by birth attendants, community volunteers or parents as a screening tool to identify low birth weight or premature newborns in order that they can receive targeted interventions for improved survival.

Ocular dimensions in relation to auxological data in a sample of Swedish children aged 4-15 years.

PubMed

Raffa, Lina H; Hellström, Ann; Aring, Eva; Andersson, Susann; Grönlund, Marita Andersson

2014-11-01

The purpose was to characterize normal growth patterns of ocular and optical components and to relate them to auxological data in a sample of Swedish children aged 4-15 years. A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 143 Swedish children with a mean age of 9.8 years. Variables including gestational age (GA), weight, length and head circumference (HCF) at birth and at the time of assessment were registered. Visual acuity (VA), cycloplegic refraction and biometric measures were obtained. Palpebral fissure length and inner canthal distance were measured. Optic disc morphology as seen on fundus photographs was analysed. Children born more mature, with male predilection, were found to have deeper anterior and vitreous chamber depths, longer axial lengths and thinner crystalline lens thickness. No correlations were found between ocular biometric measurements and VA or refraction after adjustment for confounding variables. Inner canthal distance was significantly correlated with birth length (p = 0.03), height, weight, BMI and HCF (p = 0.0008, p = 0.0007, p = 0.037, and p = 0.04, respectively) at time of assessment. Total axial length was found to be significantly correlated with GA (p = 0.0226) and length at assessment in girls (p = 0.0084). Right optic disc and rim areas decreased with increasing age (p = 0.0078 and p = 0.0107, respectively); however, optic disc parameters were not dependent on any other variable. These normative values may serve as a basis for the ocular findings and their relationship to auxological data in Caucasian children aged 4-15 years, as well as for future comparison in patients with paediatric ocular pathologies. © 2014 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Describing differences in weight and length growth trajectories between white and Pakistani infants in the UK: analysis of the Born in Bradford birth cohort study using multilevel linear spline models.

PubMed

Fairley, Lesley; Petherick, Emily S; Howe, Laura D; Tilling, Kate; Cameron, Noel; Lawlor, Debbie A; West, Jane; Wright, John

2013-04-01

To describe the growth pattern from birth to 2 years of UK-born white British and Pakistani infants. Birth cohort. Bradford, UK. 314 white British boys, 383 Pakistani boys, 328 white British girls and 409 Pakistani girls. Weight and length trajectories based on repeat measurements from birth to 2 years. Linear spline multilevel models for weight and length with knot points at 4 and 9 months fitted the data well. At birth Pakistani boys were 210 g lighter (95% CI -290 to -120) and 0.5 cm shorter (-1.04 to 0.02) and Pakistani girls were 180 g lighter (-260 to -100) and 0.5 cm shorter (-0.91 to -0.03) than white British boys and girls, respectively. Pakistani infants gained length faster than white British infants between 0 and 4 months (+0.3 cm/month (0.1 to 0.5) for boys and +0.4 cm/month (0.2 to 0.6) for girls) and gained more weight per month between 9 and 24 months (+10 g/month (0 to 30) for boys and +30 g/month (20 to 40) for girls). Adjustment for maternal height attenuated ethnic differences in weight and length at birth, but not in postnatal growth. Adjustment for other confounders did not explain differences in any outcomes. Pakistani infants were lighter and had shorter predicted mean length at birth than white British infants, but gained weight and length quicker in infancy. By age 2 years both ethnic groups had similar weight, but Pakistani infants were on average taller than white British infants.

Increased pericarp cell length underlies a major quantitative trait locus for grain weight in hexaploid wheat.

PubMed

Brinton, Jemima; Simmonds, James; Minter, Francesca; Leverington-Waite, Michelle; Snape, John; Uauy, Cristobal

2017-08-01

Crop yields must increase to address food insecurity. Grain weight, determined by grain length and width, is an important yield component, but our understanding of the underlying genes and mechanisms is limited. We used genetic mapping and near isogenic lines (NILs) to identify, validate and fine-map a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on wheat chromosome 5A associated with grain weight. Detailed phenotypic characterisation of developing and mature grains from the NILs was performed. We identified a stable and robust QTL associated with a 6.9% increase in grain weight. The positive interval leads to 4.0% longer grains, with differences first visible 12 d after fertilization. This grain length effect was fine-mapped to a 4.3 cM interval. The locus also has a pleiotropic effect on grain width (1.5%) during late grain development that determines the relative magnitude of the grain weight increase. Positive NILs have increased maternal pericarp cell length, an effect which is independent of absolute grain length. These results provide direct genetic evidence that pericarp cell length affects final grain size and weight in polyploid wheat. We propose that combining genes that control distinct biological mechanisms, such as cell expansion and proliferation, will enhance crop yields. © 2017 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2017 New Phytologist Trust.

Low PCB concentrations observed in American eel (Anguilla rostrata) in six Hudson River tributaries

USGS Publications Warehouse

Limburg, K.E.; Machut, L.S.; Jeffers, P.; Schmidt, R.E.

2008-01-01

We analyzed 73 eels, collected in 2004 and 2005 above the head of tide in six Hudson River tributaries, for total PCBs, length, weight, age, and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (??15N). Mean total PCB concentration (wet weight basis) was 0.23 ppm ?? 0.08 (standard error), with a range of 0.008 to 5.4 ppm. A majority of eels (84) had concentrations below 0.25 ppm, and only seven eels (10%) had concentrations exceeding 0.5 ppm. Those eels with higher PCB concentrations were ???12 yr; there was a weak correlation of PCB concentration with ??15N and also with weight. Compared to recent (2003) data from the mainstem of the Hudson River estuary, these results indicate that tributaries are generally much less contaminated with PCBs. We hypothesize that those tributary eels with high PCB concentrations were relatively recent immigrants from the mainstem. Given concern over the possible adverse effects of PCBs on eel reproduction, these tributaries may serve as refugia. Therefore, providing improved access to upland tributaries may be critically important to this species. ?? 2008 Northeastern Naturalist.

Cadmium contamination of tissues and organs of delphinids species (Stenella attenuata)--influence of biological and ecological factors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andre, J.M.; Amiard, J.C.; Amiard-Triquet, C.

1990-12-01

Based on a sample of 27 dolphins (Stenella attenuata) captured in the Eastern tropical zone of the Pacific Ocean, this study was carried out to analyze the cadmium accumulation levels and distribution in 12 organs or tissue samples. The average cadmium concentrations were between 0.2 mg Cd.kg-1 in the brain and muscle and 48 mg Cd.kg-1 in the kidneys. For most of organs and tissues the average values were between 1 and 5 mg Cd.kg-1. Kidneys, liver, muscle, and intestine contained almost 85% of the total cadmium burden of all tissues considered in this study. Most of the biological andmore » ecological factors taken into account (age, sex, total weight, and length of the dolphins, weight of the organs, place and date of capture) interacted with the cadmium concentrations and burdens in the collected organs or tissues. Three factors appear to be of prime importance: age, body weight, and geographical location of the area of capture.« less

Effect of breast milk on hospital costs and length of stay among very low-birth-weight infants in the NICU.

PubMed

Parker, Leslie A; Krueger, Charlene; Sullivan, Sandra; Kelechi, Teresa; Mueller, Martina

2012-08-01

Care of the very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infant is associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased hospital costs. Specific complications of prematurity, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), late-onset sepsis (LOS), and feeding intolerance, contribute to increased cost and length of hospitalization in this population. The provision of breast milk to VLBW infants has been associated with decreased incidence of NEC and LOS as well as fewer days required to achieve full enteral feedings. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of breast milk on length of hospitalization and hospital costs among VLBW infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A total of 80 infants weighing less than 1500 g, born prior to 32 weeks' gestation and who remained in the home hospital until discharge. This descriptive comparative study examined cost of hospitalization and length of stay between 2 groups of VLBW premature infants fed either exclusively formula (n = 40) or at least 50% breast milk (n = 40) during their hospitalization. A retrospective chart review was used to collect information concerning patient demographics, discharge information, and nutritional variables. Information regarding hospital costs was obtained from the hospital's patient accounting office. Independent t tests were used to compare demographic data, length of hospitalization, and cost of care between the 2 groups. No statistically significant differences in length of stay or cost of care were found between infants fed at least 50% breast milk and those who were exclusively formula fed. Descriptive data concerning length of stay and cost of care for VLBW infants and those infants weighing less than 1000 g are presented. This article presents a descriptive comparative study on the effect of providing at least 50% breast milk feedings compared with formula feeding on days to discharge and cost of hospitalization in VLBW infants in the NICU. It also provides information concerning cost of care and length of stay in VLBW and infants weighing less than 1000 g.

Action-oriented colour-coded foot length calliper for primary healthcare workers as a proxy for birth weight & gestational period

PubMed Central

Pratinidhi, Asha K.; Bagade, Abhijit C.; Kakade, Satish V.; Kale, Hemangi P.; Kshirsagar, Vinayak Y.; Babar, Rohini; Bagal, Shilpa

2017-01-01

Background & objectives: Foot length of the newborn has a good correlation with the birth weight and is recommended to be used as a proxy measure. There can be variations in the measurement of foot length. A study was, therefore, carried out to develop a foot length calliper for accurate foot length measurement and to find cut-off values for birth weight and gestational age groups to be used by primary healthcare workers. Methods: This study was undertaken on 645 apparently healthy newborn infants with known gestational age. Nude birth weight was taken within 24 h of birth on a standard electronic weighing machine. A foot length calliper was developed. Correlation between foot length and birth weight as well as gestational age was calculated. Correctness of cut-off values was tested using another set of 133 observations on the apparently healthy newborns. Action-oriented colour coding was done to make it easy for primary healthcare workers to use it. Results: There was a significant correlation of foot length with birth weight (r=0.75) and gestational age (r=0.63). Cut-off values for birth weight groups were 6.1, 6.8 and 7.3 cm and for gestational age of 6.1, 6.8 and 7.0 cm. Correctness of these cut-off values ranged between 77.1 and 95.7 per cent for birth weight and 60-93.3 per cent for gestational age. Considering 2.5 kg as cut-off between normal birth weight and low birth weight (LBW), cut-off values of 6.1, 6.8 and 7.3 were chosen. Action-oriented colour coding was done by superimposing the colours on the scale of the calliper, green indicating home care, yellow indicating supervised home care, orange indicating care at newborn care units at primary health centres and red indicating Neonatal Intensive Care Unit care for infants. Interpretation & conclusions: A simple device was developed so that the primary health care workers and trained Accredited Social Health Activist workers can identify the risk of LBW in the absence of accurate weighing facilities and decide on the type of care needed by the newborn and take action accordingly. PMID:28749397

Relationship between the surrogate anthropometric measures, foot length and chest circumference and birth weight among newborns of Sarlahi, Nepal

PubMed Central

Mullany, LC; Darmstadt, GL; Khatry, SK; LeClerq, SC; Tielsch, JM

2008-01-01

Background Classification of infants into low birth weight (LBW, <2500 g) or very low birth weight (VLBW, <2000 g) categories is a crucial step in targeting interventions to high-risk infants. Objective To compare the validity of chest circumference and foot length as surrogate anthropometric measures for the identification of LBW and VLBW infants. Subjects and setting Newborn infants (n = 1640) born between March and June 2004 in 30 Village Development Committees of Sarlahi district, Nepal. Design Chest circumference, foot length and weight (SECA 727, precise to 2 g) of newborns were measured within 72 h after birth. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for a range of cutoff points of the anthropometric measures were estimated using the digital scale measurements as the gold standard. Results Among LBW infants (469/1640, 28.6%), chest circumference measures <30.3 cm were 91% sensitive and 83% specific. Similar levels of sensitivity for foot length were achieved only with considerable loss of specificity (<45%). Foot length measurements <6.9 cm were 88% sensitive and 86% specific for the identification of VLBW infants. Conclusion Chest circumference was superior to foot length in classification of infants into birth weight categories. For the identification of VLBW infants, foot length performed well, and may be preferable to chest circumference, as the former measure does not require removal of infant swaddling clothes. In the absence of more precise direct measures of birth weight, chest circumference is recommended over foot length for the identification of LBW infants. Sponsorship The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; the Saving Newborn Lives Initiative, Save the Children – US and the Office of Heath and Nutrition, United States Agency for International Development (see Acknowledgements). PMID:16885929

[Intrauterine growth curves for body weight, body length, head circumference, chest circumference, and crown-rump length in 16 887 neonates with a gestational age of 27-42 weeks in Shenzhen, China].

PubMed

Huang, Xiao-Yun; Liu, Hui-Long; Lei, Min; Mai, Hui-Fen; Lian, Chao-Hui; Li, You-Cong

2017-08-01

To establish the intrauterine growth curves of neonates in Shenzhen, China and to investigate the intrauterine growth of neonates in Shenzhen. Cross-sectional cluster sampling was performed for an on-the-spot investigation of 16 887 neonates (9 418 males and 7 469 females) with a gestational age of 27-42 weeks who were born in two hospitals in Shenzhen from April 2013 to September 2015. The Lambda Mu Sigma (LMS) method was used for the curve fitting of body weight, body length, head circumference, chest circumference, and crown-rump length. The 3rd-97th percentile intrauterine growth curves for body weight, body length, head circumference, chest circumference, and crown-rump length were plotted for the neonates with a gestational age of 27-42 weeks who were divided into three groups (male, female, and mixed). The male neonates had significantly higher curves for the five indices than the female counterparts. The pattern and changing trend of body weight curves of these neonates were basically consistent with those in China Neonatal Network. The percentile intrauterine growth curves for body weight, body length, head circumference, chest circumference, and crown-rump length in neonates with a gestational age of 27-42 weeks in Shenzhen which has been established can provide a reference for clinical practice in the department of neonatology.

Maize varieties released in different eras have similar root length density distributions in the soil, which are negatively correlated with local concentrations of soil mineral nitrogen.

PubMed

Ning, Peng; Li, Sa; White, Philip J; Li, Chunjian

2015-01-01

Larger, and deeper, root systems of new maize varieties, compared to older varieties, are thought to have enabled improved acquisition of soil resources and, consequently, greater grain yields. To compare the spatial distributions of the root systems of new and old maize varieties and their relationships with spatial variations in soil concentrations of available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), two years of field experiments were performed using six Chinese maize varieties released in different eras. Vertical distributions of roots, and available N, P and K in the 0-60 cm soil profile were determined in excavated soil monoliths at silking and maturity. The results demonstrated that new maize varieties had larger root dry weight, higher grain yield and greater nutrient accumulation than older varieties. All varieties had similar total root length and vertical root distribution at silking, but newer varieties maintained greater total root length and had more roots in the 30-60 cm soil layers at maturity. The spatial variation of soil mineral N (Nmin) in each soil horizon was larger than that of Olsen-P and ammonium-acetate-extractable K, and was inversely correlated with root length density (RLD), especially in the 0-20 cm soil layer. It was concluded that greater acquisition of mineral nutrients and higher yields of newer varieties were associated with greater total root length at maturity. The negative relationship between RLD and soil Nmin at harvest for all varieties suggests the importance of the spatial distribution of the root system for N uptake by maize.

Maize Varieties Released in Different Eras Have Similar Root Length Density Distributions in the Soil, Which Are Negatively Correlated with Local Concentrations of Soil Mineral Nitrogen

PubMed Central

Ning, Peng; Li, Sa; White, Philip J.; Li, Chunjian

2015-01-01

Larger, and deeper, root systems of new maize varieties, compared to older varieties, are thought to have enabled improved acquisition of soil resources and, consequently, greater grain yields. To compare the spatial distributions of the root systems of new and old maize varieties and their relationships with spatial variations in soil concentrations of available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), two years of field experiments were performed using six Chinese maize varieties released in different eras. Vertical distributions of roots, and available N, P and K in the 0–60 cm soil profile were determined in excavated soil monoliths at silking and maturity. The results demonstrated that new maize varieties had larger root dry weight, higher grain yield and greater nutrient accumulation than older varieties. All varieties had similar total root length and vertical root distribution at silking, but newer varieties maintained greater total root length and had more roots in the 30–60 cm soil layers at maturity. The spatial variation of soil mineral N (Nmin) in each soil horizon was larger than that of Olsen-P and ammonium-acetate-extractable K, and was inversely correlated with root length density (RLD), especially in the 0–20 cm soil layer. It was concluded that greater acquisition of mineral nutrients and higher yields of newer varieties were associated with greater total root length at maturity. The negative relationship between RLD and soil Nmin at harvest for all varieties suggests the importance of the spatial distribution of the root system for N uptake by maize. PMID:25799291

Musical training generalises across modalities and reveals efficient and adaptive mechanisms for reproducing temporal intervals.

PubMed

Aagten-Murphy, David; Cappagli, Giulia; Burr, David

2014-03-01

Expert musicians are able to time their actions accurately and consistently during a musical performance. We investigated how musical expertise influences the ability to reproduce auditory intervals and how this generalises across different techniques and sensory modalities. We first compared various reproduction strategies and interval length, to examine the effects in general and to optimise experimental conditions for testing the effect of music, and found that the effects were robust and consistent across different paradigms. Focussing on a 'ready-set-go' paradigm subjects reproduced time intervals drawn from distributions varying in total length (176, 352 or 704 ms) or in the number of discrete intervals within the total length (3, 5, 11 or 21 discrete intervals). Overall, Musicians performed more veridical than Non-Musicians, and all subjects reproduced auditory-defined intervals more accurately than visually-defined intervals. However, Non-Musicians, particularly with visual stimuli, consistently exhibited a substantial and systematic regression towards the mean interval. When subjects judged intervals from distributions of longer total length they tended to regress more towards the mean, while the ability to discriminate between discrete intervals within the distribution had little influence on subject error. These results are consistent with a Bayesian model that minimizes reproduction errors by incorporating a central tendency prior weighted by the subject's own temporal precision relative to the current distribution of intervals. Finally a strong correlation was observed between all durations of formal musical training and total reproduction errors in both modalities (accounting for 30% of the variance). Taken together these results demonstrate that formal musical training improves temporal reproduction, and that this improvement transfers from audition to vision. They further demonstrate the flexibility of sensorimotor mechanisms in adapting to different task conditions to minimise temporal estimation errors. © 2013.

Burden of Obesity on Pediatric Inpatients with Acute Asthma Exacerbation in the United States.

PubMed

Okubo, Yusuke; Nochioka, Kotaro; Hataya, Hiroshi; Sakakibara, Hiroshi; Terakawa, Toshiro; Testa, Marcia

Obesity and asthma are common health problems in the United States. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and economic burdens of obesity on hospitalized children with acute asthma exacerbation in 2012. Hospital discharge records of patients aged 2 to 18 years with a diagnosis of asthma were obtained from the 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database, wherein the data were compiled by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The discharge records were weighted to estimate the number of hospitalizations because of asthma exacerbations in the United States. To classify whether the patient was obese or not, we used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 278.0x. We compared the odds of using noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, mean total charges for inpatient service, and length of hospital stay between obese and nonobese patients. A total of 74,338 patient discharges were extracted. Of these, 3,494 discharges were excluded because of chronic medical conditions. Using discharge weight variables, we estimated a total of 100,157 hospitalizations with asthma exacerbations among children aged between 2 and 18 years in 2012. Obesity was significantly associated with higher odds of using mechanical ventilation (odds ratio 1.59, 95% CI 1.28-1.99), higher mean total hospital charges (adjusted difference: $1588, 95% CI $802-$2529), and longer mean length of hospital stay (0.24 days, 95% CI 0.17-0.32 days) compared with nonobesity. These findings suggest that obesity is a significant risk factor of severe asthma exacerbation that requires mechanical ventilation, and obesity is an economically complicating factor. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reduced Hospital Mortality With Surgical Ligation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature, Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants: A Propensity Score-matched Outcome Study.

PubMed

Tashiro, Jun; Perez, Eduardo A; Sola, Juan E

2016-03-01

To evaluate outcomes after surgical ligation (SL) of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature, extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Optimal management of PDA in this specialized population remains undefined. Currently, surgical therapy is largely reserved for infants failing medical management. To date, a large-scale, risk-matched population-based study has not been performed to evaluate differences in mortality and resource utilization. Data on identified premature (<37 weeks) and ELBW (<1000  g) infants with PDA (International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification, 747.0) and respiratory distress (769) were obtained from Kids' Inpatient Database (2003-2009). Overall, 12,470 cases were identified, with 3008 undergoing SL. Propensity score-matched analysis of 1620 SL versus 1584 non-SL found reduced mortality (15% vs 26%) and more routine disposition (48% vs 41%) for SL (P < 0.001). SL had longer length of stay and higher total cost (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, SL mortality predictors were necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC; surgical odds ratio, 5.95; medical odds ratio, 4.42) and sepsis (3.43) (P < 0.006). Length of stay increased with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD; 1.77), whereas total cost increased with surgical NEC (1.82) and sepsis (1.26) (P < 0.04). Non-SL mortality predictors were NEC (surgical, 76.3; medical, 6.17), sepsis (2.66), and intraventricular hemorrhage (1.97) (P < 0.005). Length of stay increased with BPD (2.92) and NEC (surgical, 2.04; medical, 1.28) (P < 0.03). Total cost increased with surgical NEC (2.06), medical NEC (1.57), sepsis (1.43), and BPD (1.30) (P < 0.001). Propensity score-matched analysis demonstrates reduced mortality in premature/ELBW infants with SL for PDA. NEC and sepsis are predictors of mortality and resource utilization.

Otolith Length-Fish Length Relationships of Eleven US Arctic Fish Species and Their Application to Ice Seal Diet Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, K. L.; Norcross, B.

2016-02-01

The Arctic ecosystem has moved into the spotlight of scientific research in recent years due to increased climate change and oil and gas exploration. Arctic fishes and Arctic marine mammals represent key parts of this ecosystem, with fish being a common part of ice seal diets in the Arctic. Determining sizes of fish consumed by ice seals is difficult because otoliths are often the only part left of the fish after digestion. Otolith length is known to be positively related to fish length. By developing species-specific otolith-body morphometric relationships for Arctic marine fishes, fish length can be determined for fish prey found in seal stomachs. Fish were collected during ice free months in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas 2009 - 2014, and the most prevalent species captured were chosen for analysis. Otoliths from eleven fish species from seven families were measured. All species had strong linear relationships between otolith length and fish total length. Nine species had coefficient of determination values over 0.75, indicating that most of the variability in the otolith to fish length relationship was explained by the linear regression. These relationships will be applied to otoliths found in stomachs of three species of ice seals (spotted Phoca largha, ringed Pusa hispida, and bearded Erignathus barbatus) and used to estimate fish total length at time of consumption. Fish lengths can in turn be used to calculate fish weight, enabling further investigation into ice seal energetic demands. This application will aid in understanding how ice seals interact with fish communities in the US Arctic and directly contribute to diet comparisons among and within ice seal species. A better understanding of predator-prey interactions in the US Arctic will aid in predicting how ice seal and fish species will adapt to a changing Arctic.

Effects of Diagnosis by Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis on Weight and Length in the First Year of Life.

PubMed

Leung, Daniel H; Heltshe, Sonya L; Borowitz, Drucy; Gelfond, Daniel; Kloster, Margaret; Heubi, James E; Stalvey, Michael; Ramsey, Bonnie W

2017-06-01

Since the implementation of universal newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF), the timing and magnitude of growth deficiency or its association with correlates of disease among infants with CF who underwent NBS has not been well described. To examine incremental weight gain, linear growth, and clinical features in the first year of life among infants with CF who underwent NBS. The Baby Observational and Nutrition Study (BONUS), a multicenter, longitudinal, observational cohort study, was conducted during regular CF clinic visits in the first 12 months of life at 28 US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited Care Centers from January 7, 2012, through May 31, 2015. Participants included 231 infants younger than 3.5 months who underwent NBS and had confirmed CF, with a gestational age of at least 35 weeks, birth weight of at least 2.5 kg, and toleration of full oral feeds. Of these, 222 infants (96.1%) had follow-up beyond 6 months of age and 215 (93.1%) completed 12 months of follow-up. Cystic fibrosis. Attained weight and length for age and World Health Organization normative z scores at ages 1 to 6 and 8, 10, and 12 months (defined a priori). Of the 231 infants enrolled, 110 infants (47.6%) were female and 121 (52.4%) were male, with a mean (SD) age of 2.58 (0.69) months. BONUS infants had lower than mean birth weights (mean z score, -0.15; 95% CI, -0.27 to -0.04) and higher birth lengths (mean z score, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.62). They achieved normal weight by 12 months, a significant improvement over a prescreening cohort of newborns with CF from 20 years before the contemporary cohort (mean z score increase, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37-0.77). However, length was lower than the mean at 12 months (mean z score, -0.56; 95% CI, -0.70 to -0.42). Only 30 infants (13.6%) were at less than the 10th percentile of weight for age, whereas 53 (23.9%) were at less than the 10th percentile of length for age at more than half their visits. Male sex, pancreatic insufficiency, meconium ileus, histamine blocker use, and respiratory Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection were associated with lower weight or length during the first year. Insulinlike growth factor 1 levels were significantly lower among low-length infants. Persistently low-weight infants consumed significantly more calories, and weight and length z scores were negatively correlated with caloric intake. Since initiation of universal NBS for CF, significant improvement has occurred in nutritional status, with normalization of weight in the first year of life. However, length stunting remains common.

Mapping QTLs for drought tolerance in a SEA 5 x AND 277 common bean cross with SSRs and SNP markers.

PubMed

Briñez, Boris; Perseguini, Juliana Morini Küpper Cardoso; Rosa, Juliana Santa; Bassi, Denis; Gonçalves, João Guilherme Ribeiro; Almeida, Caléo; Paulino, Jean Fausto de Carvalho; Blair, Matthew Ward; Chioratto, Alisson Fernando; Carbonell, Sérgio Augusto Morais; Valdisser, Paula Arielle Mendes Ribeiro; Vianello, Rosana Pereira; Benchimol-Reis, Luciana Lasry

2017-01-01

The common bean is characterized by high sensitivity to drought and low productivity. Breeding for drought resistance in this species involves genes of different genetic groups. In this work, we used a SEA 5 x AND 277 cross to map quantitative trait loci associated with drought tolerance in order to assess the factors that determine the magnitude of drought response in common beans. A total of 438 polymorphic markers were used to genotype the F8 mapping population. Phenotyping was done in two greenhouses, one used to simulate drought and the other to simulate irrigated conditions. Fourteen traits associated with drought tolerance were measured to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The map was constructed with 331 markers that covered all 11 chromosomes and had a total length of 1515 cM. Twenty-two QTLs were discovered for chlorophyll, leaf and stem fresh biomass, leaf biomass dry weight, leaf temperature, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight, days to flowering, dry pod weight and total yield under well-watered and drought (stress) conditions. All the QTLs detected under drought conditions showed positive effects of the SEA 5 allele. This study provides a better understanding of the genetic inheritance of drought tolerance in common bean.

Optimizing fish sampling for fish - mercury bioaccumulation factors

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scudder Eikenberry, Barbara C.; Riva-Murray, Karen; Knightes, Christopher D.; Journey, Celeste A.; Chasar, Lia C.; Brigham, Mark E.; Bradley, Paul M.

2015-01-01

Fish Bioaccumulation Factors (BAFs; ratios of mercury (Hg) in fish (Hgfish) and water (Hgwater)) are used to develop Total Maximum Daily Load and water quality criteria for Hg-impaired waters. Both applications require representative Hgfish estimates and, thus, are sensitive to sampling and data-treatment methods. Data collected by fixed protocol from 11 streams in 5 states distributed across the US were used to assess the effects of Hgfish normalization/standardization methods and fish sample numbers on BAF estimates. Fish length, followed by weight, was most correlated to adult top-predator Hgfish. Site-specific BAFs based on length-normalized and standardized Hgfish estimates demonstrated up to 50% less variability than those based on non-normalized Hgfish. Permutation analysis indicated that length-normalized and standardized Hgfish estimates based on at least 8 trout or 5 bass resulted in mean Hgfish coefficients of variation less than 20%. These results are intended to support regulatory mercury monitoring and load-reduction program improvements.

The age, growth, and feeding habits of the whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis (Mitchell), of Lake Champlain

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Oosten, John; Deason, Hilary J.

1939-01-01

This study is based on 120 whitefish collected in northern Lake Champlain (Missisquoi Bay) in 1930 and on 175 whitefish taken in southern Lake Champlain in 1931. Since the whitefish population had not been exploited commercially after 1912 in United States waters and after 1915 in Canadian waters, its study should be of interest in showing the characteristics of a population practically untouched by man. Data have been presented on length frequencies, age composition, growth, coefficient of condition, sex ratio, standard length-total length relationship, and feeding habits. The data indicated that the Missisquoi Bay population was disturbed (probably by the early fall seining of 1930) before our samples were taken so that the original length distributions no longer existed. The southern Lake Champlain material, however, showed a consistency which indicated that the population had not been exploited to any extensive degree, if at all. When the northern population was compared with the southern the former was found to differ from the latter in the following respects, which differences pointed to some disturbance of the northern stock in the lake 1. By possession of lower modes and smaller grand averages of length. 2. By absence of very old individuals. 3. By absence of a series of equally abundant age groups or, in other words, by the presence of a decided dominance of one or two age groups. 4. By a radical disagreement between the sexes in their age-frequency distribution. 5. By a disagreement between the sexes with respect to maximum lengths attained. All of the differences between the two collections could, however, not be attributed to exploitation. The following characteristics indicated the presence of two distinct populations in the lake 1. Presence of a spawning ground at each end of the lake. 2. Differences in calculated lengths and increments of length (growth rates). 3. Differences in the actual lengths and weights of corresponding age groups at capture. 4. Differences in the coefficient of condition and the length-weight relationship. The discovery of the presence of apparently two separate populations of whitefish in Lake Champlain was wholly unexpected by us.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children participation and infants' growth and health: a multisite surveillance study.

PubMed

Black, Maureen M; Cutts, Diana B; Frank, Deborah A; Geppert, Joni; Skalicky, Anne; Levenson, Suzette; Casey, Patrick H; Berkowitz, Carol; Zaldivar, Nieves; Cook, John T; Meyers, Alan F; Herren, Tim

2004-07-01

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is the largest food supplement program in the United States, serving almost 7 500 000 participants in 2002. Because the program is a grant program, rather than an entitlement program, Congress is not mandated to allocate funds to serve all eligible participants. Little is known about the effects of WIC on infant growth, health, and food security. To examine associations between WIC participation and indicators of underweight, overweight, length, caregiver-perceived health, and household food security among infants < or =12 months of age, at 6 urban hospitals and clinics. A multisite study with cross-sectional surveys administered at urban medical centers in 5 states and Washington, DC, from August 1998 though December 2001. A total of 5923 WIC-eligible caregivers of infants < or =12 months of age were interviewed at hospital clinics and emergency departments. Weight-for-age, length-for-age, weight-for-length, caregiver's perception of infant's health, and household food security. Ninety-one percent of WIC-eligible families were receiving WIC assistance. Of the eligible families not receiving WIC assistance, 64% reported access problems and 36% denied a need for WIC. The weight and length of WIC assistance recipients, adjusted for age and gender, were consistent with national normative values. With control for potential confounding family variables (site, housing subsidy, employment status, education, and receipt of food stamps or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and infant variables (race/ethnicity, birth weight, months breastfed, and age), infants who did not receive WIC assistance because of access problems were more likely to be underweight (weight-for-age z score = -0.23 vs 0.009), short (length-for-age z score = -0.23 vs -0.02), and perceived as having fair or poor health (adjusted odds ratio: 1.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.29-2.87), compared with WIC assistance recipients. Rates of overweight, based on weight-for-length of >95th percentile, varied from 7% to 9% and did not differ among the 3 groups but were higher than the 5% expected from national growth charts. Rates of food insecurity were consistent with national data for minority households with children. Families that did not receive WIC assistance because of access problems had higher rates of food insecurity (28%) than did WIC participants (23%), although differences were not significant after covariate control. Caregivers who did not perceive a need for WIC services had more economic and personal resources than did WIC participants and were less likely to be food-insecure, but there were no differences in infants' weight-for-age, perceived health, or overweight between families that did not perceive a need for WIC services and those that received WIC assistance. Infants < or =12 months of age benefit from WIC participation. Health care providers should promote WIC utilization for eligible families and advocate that WIC receive support to reduce waiting lists and eliminate barriers that interfere with access.

[Reproductive biology of Lutjanus guttatus (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) in Utria National Park, Colombian Pacific].

PubMed

Correa-Herrera, Tatiana; Jiménez-Segura, Luz Fernanda

2013-06-01

Protected areas are important for natural population conservation since they work as refuge, feeding and breeding areas, where specimens should be exempt from human pressure. The generation of better criteria for management decisions and conservation of fishery resources, is based on the reproductive aspects of species that support fishing activities, since this information is related to the abundance, size and frequency of capture. With this aim, the reproductive biology of the spotted snapper Lutjanus guttatus was studied from April 2008 and February 2009 at the Utría National Park, Colombian Pacific. For this, we analyzed the volume of catch, size structure, sex ratio, fecundity, maturity size, breeding areas and seasons (n = 278), of daily landings of 21 units of artisanal fisheries in ten fishing grounds in the Park. Form all landings, we evaluated a total of 4319 individuals belonging to 84 species. Based on the number of individuals, Lutjanus guttatus ranked third in catches representing 6.4% (278 individuals), and 16th with 1.8% (95.79kg), based on catch biomass. The average weight was 0.34 kg +/- 0.25 kg, while 29 cm +/- 6.4 cm for total length. The total length-weight relationship had the best fit (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.05, n = 272) with the equation P(T) = 0.00000885* LT3.09. The occurrence of mature fish and high condition factors suggested a spawning season in June, September and October in sandy and rocky shores. This species showed an asynchronical gonadal development, with a mean sexual maturity size estimated in 23.5cm total length, and an absolute fecundity of 156 253.11 oocytes (mode of 4 microm diameter). We concluded that L. guttatus medium sizes observed indicated a fishing pressure on small size specimens (the minimum size being 18cm); thus, we recommend the implementation of minimum catch sizes based on the criterion of size at maturity LT100 (25.5 cm) and to apply seasonal fishing closures during the highest reproductive activity (June-October). However, it is necessary to obtain additional biological information with multi-year monitoring to improve fisheries management criteria in the area.

Estimation of stature from sternal lengths. A correlation meta-analysis.

PubMed

Yammine, Kaissar; Assi, Chahine

2017-01-01

Methods based on the positive linear relationship existing between stature and long bones are most commonly used to estimate living stature in forensic anthropology. The length of the sternum and its parts has been advanced as a plausible alternative to estimate stature when such long bones are missing or damaged. This meta-analysis aims to quantify evidence on the correlation between the sternum/sternal parts length and stature. Nine studies were included with 1118 sternal bones. Analyses showed that the length of the meso-sternum (manubrium + body) yielded the best correlation with stature; 53.5% and 55.42% for men and women, respectively. The second best variable is the total sternal length with correlations of 44.3% and 55% for men and women, respectively. Subgroup analysis of autopsy studies demonstrated even a higher correlation of 58.2% for the meso-sternal length. Manubrium and body lengths showed the least correlation values. Except for the body length, females exhibit a better correlation than man between all other sternal lengths and stature. While the meso-sternal length is found to be the most correlated variable with stature, all sternal lengths are to be considered with caution when estimating stature. The relatively low values of the weighted correlation results should raise the question of reliability and limit the use of sternal length when long bones are available. Future research using larger samples from different populations and taking into account the fusion status of the sternum are needed.

Analysis and design of coaxial three-mirror anastigmat with long effective focal length and full two-dimensional field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Han; Baoqi, Mao; Wen, Sun; Weimin, Shen

2016-10-01

There is a race to develop spaceborne high-resolution video cameras since Skybox's success. For low manufacture cost and adaption to micro and small satellites, it is urgent to design and develop compact long focal length optical system with not only small volume, light weight and easy implementation, and also two dimensional field. Our focus is on the Coaxial Three-Mirror Anastigmat (CTMA) with intermediate real image for its no need outer hood and compactness and for its easy alignment, low-order aspheric surface and low cost. The means to deflect its image space beam for accessibility of focal plane array detector and to eliminate its inherent secondary obscuration from its primary mirror central hole and deflection flat mirror is discussed. The conditions to satisfy the above-mentioned requirements are presented with our derived relationship among its optical and structural parameters based on Gaussian optics and geometry. One flat mirror near its exit pupil can be used to deflect its image plane from its axis. And its total length can be decreased with other some flat mirrors. Method for determination of its initial structure with the derived formulae is described through one design example. Furthermore, optimized CTMA without secondary obscuration and with effective focal length (EFFL) of 10m is reported. Its full field, F-number and total length are respectively 1.1°×1°, F/14.3, and one eighth of its EFFL. And its imaging quality is near diffraction limit.

Genetic Map Construction and Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) Detection of Growth-Related Traits in Litopenaeus vannamei for Selective Breeding Applications

PubMed Central

Andriantahina, Farafidy; Liu, Xiaolin; Huang, Hao

2013-01-01

Growth is a priority trait from the point of view of genetic improvement. Molecular markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been regarded as useful for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in complex traits as growth. Using an intermediate F2 cross of slow and fast growth parents, a genetic linkage map of Pacific whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeusvannamei , based on amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers was constructed. Meanwhile, QTL analysis was performed for growth-related traits. The linkage map consisted of 451 marker loci (429 AFLPs and 22 SSRs) which formed 49 linkage groups with an average marker space of 7.6 cM; they spanned a total length of 3627.6 cM, covering 79.50% of estimated genome size. 14 QTLs were identified for growth-related traits, including three QTLs for body weight (BW), total length (TL) and partial carapace length (PCL), two QTLs for body length (BL), one QTL for first abdominal segment depth (FASD), third abdominal segment depth (TASD) and first abdominal segment width (FASW), which explained 2.62 to 61.42% of phenotypic variation. Moreover, comparison of linkage maps between L . vannamei and Penaeus japonicus was applied, providing a new insight into the genetic base of QTL affecting the growth-related traits. The new results will be useful for conducting MAS breeding schemes in L . vannamei . PMID:24086466

Comparative effects of in ovo versus subcutaneous administration of the Marek's disease vaccine and pre-placement holding time on the early post-hatch quality of Ross × Ross 708 broiler chicks.

PubMed

Peebles, E D; Barbosa, T M; Cummings, T S; Dickson, J; Womack, S K

2016-09-01

Effects of method of administration [moa; in ovo (i.o.) or s.c.] of the Marek's disease vaccine and pre-placement holding time (pht) on early post-hatch male broiler chick quality was investigated. Sixty-five Ross × Ross 708 broiler hatching eggs were randomly set in each of 15 replicate trays (blocks) belonging to each of 4 pre-assigned moa and pht treatment combinations (3,900 total eggs) in a single stage Jamesway incubator. Eggs that were i.o.-vaccinated received injections at 18 d of incubation and male chicks from eggs that were not i.o.-injected were vaccinated by s.c. injection at hatch. The i.o. injections (50 μL) were delivered by a commercial multi-egg injector and the s.c. injections (200 μL) were delivered by an automatic pneumatic s.c. injector. Male chicks from each moa group also were subjected to either a 4 or 18 h pht. At hatch and placement total and yolk-free BW; body length; body mass index; yolk sac weight; yolk-free body and yolk sac weights as percentages of total BW; and yolk-free body and yolk moisture concentrations were determined. Chick BW also was determined at 7 d of age. Hatchability of fertile eggs was not affected by i.o. injection. However, at hatch, body length was increased and body mass index was decreased in response to i.o. injection. No main effect of moa or an interactive effect with pht was observed for the above variables at placement. However, body length was longer and body mass was lower in the 18 h than in the 4 h pht chicks. Placement yolk sac and body weights, and the 7 d BW of 18 h pht chicks was also lower than that of 4 h pht chicks. In conclusion, prolonging pht for 14 h adversely affected early chick quality, whereas i.o. injection did not negatively affect the early post-hatch quality of Ross × Ross 708 broiler chicks whether or not they were held for 4 or 18 h prior to placement. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Comparison of spring measures of length, weight, and condition factor for predicting metamorphosis in two populations of sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) larvae

USGS Publications Warehouse

Henson, Mary P.; Bergstedt, Roger A.; Adams, Jean V.

2003-01-01

The ability to predict when sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) will metamorphose from the larval phase to the parasitic phase is essential to the operation of the sea lamprey control program. During the spring of 1994, two populations of sea lamprey larvae from two rivers were captured, measured, weighed, implanted with coded wire tags, and returned to the same sites in the streams from which they were taken. Sea lampreys were recovered in the fall, after metamorphosis would have occurred, and checked for the presence of a tag. When the spring data were compared to the fall data it was found that the minimum requirements (length ≥ 120 mm, weight ≥ 3 g, and condition factor ≥ 1.50) suggested for metamorphosis did define a pool of larvae capable of metamorphosing. However, logistic regressions that relate the probability of metamorphosis to size are necessary to predict metamorphosis in a population. The data indicated, based on cross-validation, that weight measurements alone predicted metamorphosis with greater precision than length or condition factor in both the Marengo and Amnicon rivers. Based on the Akaike Information Criterion, weight alone was a better predictor in the Amnicon River, but length and condition factor combined predicted metamorphosis better in the Marengo River. There would be no additional cost if weight alone were used instead of length. However, if length and weight were measured the gain in predictive power would not be enough to justify the additional cost.

Labor length among overweight and obese women undergoing induction of labor.

PubMed

Hirshberg, Adi; Levine, Lisa D; Srinivas, Sindhu

2014-11-01

Maternal weight is thought to impact labor. With rising rates of obesity and inductions, we sought to evaluate labor times among induced women by body mass index (BMI) category. Retrospective cohort study of term inductions from 2005 to 2010. BMI categories were: normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), and obese (Ob) (18.5-24.9, 25-29.9, ≥30 kg/m(2)). Kruskal-Wallis tests compared median latent labor (LL) length and active labor (AL) length. Chi-square determined associations. Multivariable logistic regression controlled for confounders. Analyses were stratified by parity. A total of 448 inductions were analyzed. For nulliparas, there was no difference in LL by BMI category (p = 0.22). However, OW nulliparas had a longer AL compared to NW and Ob nulliparas (3.2, 1.7, 2.0 h, p = 0.005). For multiparas, NW had the shortest LL (5.5 h, p = 0.025) with no difference in AL among BMI categories (p = 0.42). The overall cesarean rate was 23% with no difference by BMI category (p = 0.95). However, Ob women had a greater percentage of first stage cesareans (41%) and NW had a greater percentage of second stage cesareans (55%), p = 0.06. The association between BMI and labor length among inductions differs by phase of labor and parity. BMI also influences the stage of labor in which a cesarean occurs.

Prenatal Exposure to Traffic Pollution: Associations with Reduced Fetal Growth and Rapid Infant Weight Gain

PubMed Central

Fleisch, Abby F.; Rifas-Shiman, Sheryl L.; Koutrakis, Petros; Schwartz, Joel D.; Kloog, Itai; Melly, Steven; Coull, Brent A.; Zanobetti, Antonella; Gillman, Matthew W.; Gold, Diane R.; Oken, Emily

2014-01-01

Background Prenatal air pollution exposure inhibits fetal growth, but implications for postnatal growth are unknown. Methods We assessed weights and lengths of US infants in the Project Viva cohort at birth and 6 months. We estimated third-trimester residential air pollution exposures using spatiotemporal models. We estimated neighborhood traffic density and roadway proximity at birth address using geographic information systems. We performed linear and logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic variables, fetal growth, and gestational age at birth. Results Mean birth weight-for-gestational age z-score (fetal growth) was 0.17 (SD = 0.97; n=2,114), 0-6 month weight-for-length gain was 0.23 z-units (SD = 1.11; n=689), and 17% had weight-for-length ≥95th percentile at 6 months of age. Infants exposed to the highest (vs. lowest) quartile of neighborhood traffic density had lower fetal growth (−0.13 units [95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.25 to −0.01]), more rapid 0-6 month weight-for-length gain (0.25 units [95% CI = 0.01 to 0.49]), and higher odds of weight-for-length ≥95th percentile at 6 months (1.84 [95% CI = 1.11 to 3.05]). Neighborhood traffic density was additionally associated with an infant being in both the lowest quartile of fetal growth and highest quartile of 0-6 month weight-for-length gain (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 3.01 [95% CI = 1.08 to 8.44]). Roadway proximity and third-trimester black carbon exposure were similarly associated with growth outcomes. For third-trimester PM2.5, effect estimates were in the same direction, but smaller and imprecise. Conclusions Infants exposed to higher traffic-related pollution in early life may exhibit more rapid postnatal weight gain in addition to reduced fetal growth. PMID:25437317

Prenatal exposure to traffic pollution: associations with reduced fetal growth and rapid infant weight gain.

PubMed

Fleisch, Abby F; Rifas-Shiman, Sheryl L; Koutrakis, Petros; Schwartz, Joel D; Kloog, Itai; Melly, Steven; Coull, Brent A; Zanobetti, Antonella; Gillman, Matthew W; Gold, Diane R; Oken, Emily

2015-01-01

Prenatal air pollution exposure inhibits fetal growth, but implications for postnatal growth are unknown. We assessed weights and lengths of US infants in the Project Viva cohort at birth and 6 months. We estimated 3rd-trimester residential air pollution exposures using spatiotemporal models. We estimated neighborhood traffic density and roadway proximity at birth address using geographic information systems. We performed linear and logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic variables, fetal growth, and gestational age at birth. Mean birth weight-for-gestational age z-score (fetal growth) was 0.17 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.97; n = 2,114), 0- to 6-month weight-for-length gain was 0.23 z-units (SD = 1.11; n = 689), and 17% had weight-for-length ≥95th percentile at 6 months of age. Infants exposed to the highest (vs. lowest) quartile of neighborhood traffic density had lower fetal growth (-0.13 units [95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.25 to -0.01]), more rapid 0- to 6-month weight-for-length gain (0.25 units [95% CI = 0.01 to 0.49]), and higher odds of weight-for-length ≥95th percentile at 6 months (1.84 [95% CI = 1.11 to 3.05]). Neighborhood traffic density was additionally associated with an infant being in both the lowest quartile of fetal growth and the highest quartile of 0- to 6-month weight-for-length gain (Q4 vs. Q1, odds ratio = 3.01 [95% CI = 1.08 to 8.44]). Roadway proximity and 3rd-trimester black carbon exposure were similarly associated with growth outcomes. For 3rd-trimester particulate matter (PM2.5), effect estimates were in the same direction, but smaller and imprecise. Infants exposed to higher traffic-related pollution in early life may exhibit more rapid postnatal weight gain in addition to reduced fetal growth.

23 CFR Appendix B to Part 658 - Grandfathered Semitrailer Lengths

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... OPERATIONS TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT, ROUTE DESIGNATIONS-LENGTH, WIDTH AND WEIGHT LIMITATIONS Pt. 658, App. B Appendix B to Part 658—Grandfathered Semitrailer Lengths State Feet and inches Alabama 53-6 Alaska 48-0... 3 48-0 Wyoming 57-4 1 Semitrailers up to 53 feet may also operate without a permit by conforming to...

23 CFR Appendix B to Part 658 - Grandfathered Semitrailer Lengths

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... OPERATIONS TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT, ROUTE DESIGNATIONS-LENGTH, WIDTH AND WEIGHT LIMITATIONS Pt. 658, App. B Appendix B to Part 658—Grandfathered Semitrailer Lengths State Feet and inches Alabama 53-6 Alaska 48-0... 3 48-0 Wyoming 57-4 1 Semitrailers up to 53 feet may also operate without a permit by conforming to...

Birth weight and time spent in outdoor physical activity during adolescence.

PubMed

Gopinath, Bamini; Hardy, Louise L; Baur, Louise A; Burlutsky, George; Mitchell, Paul

2013-03-01

We investigated the association between birth parameters (weight, length, and head circumference) and time spent in physical activity (outdoor and indoor) and screen time (TV viewing, computer, and videogame usage) among adolescents. A longitudinal cohort study surveyed 1794 children in 2004-2005 (median age = 12.7 yr), and 752 were resurveyed 5 yr later in 2009-2010 (age = 17-18 yr). Adolescents completed detailed activity questionnaires. Parents extracted birth parameter data from their child's health record booklet. After adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, gestational age, parental education, home ownership, exposure to passive smoking, and body mass index, 12-yr-old children in the highest compared with the lowest quartile of birth weight spent on average approximately 56 and 62 min more in total (Ptrend = 0.02) and outdoor physical activity (Ptrend = 0.02) per week, respectively. Similarly, 12-yr-old children in the high (>4000 g) versus very low (<2000 g) birth weight group spent approximately 1.3 h·wk more in outdoor activity (Ptrend = 0.02). Among those age 17-18 yr, increasing birth weight (lowest to highest quartile) was associated with greater time spent in outdoor physical activity (∼1 h·wk-1, Ptrend = 0.04). Significant associations were not observed between all birth parameters and recreational screen time. Also, no associations were observed between head circumference or birth length with physical activity and screen time. Birth weight could be a potential determinant of physical activity, but not of screen time during adolescence. Hence, this could be part of the underlying mechanism between prenatal influences and future disease risk and could have possible clinical implications.

Comparative embryotoxicity of a pentabrominated diphenyl ether mixture to common terns (Sterna hirundo) and American kestrels (Falco sparverius)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rattner, Barnett A.; Lazarus, Rebecca S.; Heinz, Gary H.; Karouna-Reiner, Natalie K.; Schultz, Sandra L.; Hale, Robert C.

2013-01-01

Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Forster’s tern (Sterna forsteri) eggs from San Francisco Bay have been reported to range up to 63 μg g−1 lipid weight. This value exceeds the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (1.8 μg g−1 egg wet weight; ∼32 μg−1 lipid weight) reported in an embryotoxicity study with American kestrels (Falco sparverius). As a surrogate for Forster’s terns, common tern (Sterna hirundo) eggs were treated by air cell injection with corn oil vehicle (control) or a commercial penta-BDE formulation (DE-71) at nominal concentrations of 0.2, 2, and 20 μg g−1 egg. As a positive control, kestrel eggs received vehicle or 20 μg DE-71 g−1 egg. In terns, there were no effects of DE-71 on embryonic survival, and pipping or hatching success; however, treated eggs hatched later (0.44 d) than controls. Organ weights, organ-to-body weight ratios, and bone lengths did not differ, and histopathological observations were unremarkable. Several measures of hepatic oxidative stress in hatchling terns were not affected by DE-71, although there was some evidence of oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine; 8-OH-dG). Although DE-71 did not impair pipping and hatching of kestrels, it did result in a delay in hatch, shorter humerus length, and reduced total thyroid weight. Concentrations of oxidized glutathione, reduced glutathione, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and 8-OH-dG in liver were greater in DE-71-treated kestrels compared to controls. Our findings suggest common tern embryos, and perhaps other tern species, are less sensitive to PBDEs than kestrel embryos.

Developmental toxicity of diphenyl ether herbicides in nestling American kestrels

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hoffman, D.J.; Spann, J.W.; LeCaptain, L.J.; Bunck, C.M.; Rattner, B.A.

1991-01-01

Beginning the day after hatching, American kestrel (Falco sparverius) nestlings were orally dosed for 10 consecutive days with 5 microliters/g of corn oil (controls) or one of the diphenyl ether herbicides (nitrofen, bifenox, or oxyfluorfen) at concentrations of 10, 50, 250, or 500 mg/kg in corn oil. At 500 mg/kg, nitrofen resulted in complete nestling mortality, bifenox in high (66%) mortality, and oxyfluorfen in no mortality. Nitrofen at 250 mg/kg reduced nestling growth as reflected by decreased body weight, crownrump length, and bone lengths including humerus, radiusulna, femur, and tibiotarsus. Bifenox at 250 mg/kg had less effect on growth than nitrofen, but crownrump, humerus, radiusulna, and femur were significantly shorter than controls. Liver weight as a percent of body weight increased with 50 and 250 mg/kg nitrofen. Other manifestations of impending hepatotoxicity following nitrofen ingestion included increased hepatic GSH peroxidase activity in all nitrofentreated groups, and increased plasma enzyme activities for ALT, AST, and LDHL in the 250mg/kg group. Bifenox ingestion resulted in increased hepatic GSH peroxidase activity in the 50and 250mg/kg groups. Nitrofen exposure also resulted in an increase in total plasma thyroxine (T4) concentration. These findings suggest that altricial nestlings are more sensitive to diphenyl ether herbicides than young or adult birds of precocial species.

Infection level of the Asian tapeworm (Bothriocephalus acheilognathi) in the cyprinid fish, Schizothorax niger, from Anchar Lake, relative to season, sex, length and condition factor.

PubMed

Zargar, Ummer Rashid; Chishti, M Z; Yousuf, A R; Ahmed, Fayaz

2012-01-01

Various studies have shown that the Asian fish tapeworm, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi causes great economic loss in hatcheries, fish farms as well as in lakes. In order to understand the seasonal variation of infection in a nutrient-enriched lake, parasitological investigation was carried out in the indigenous cyprinid fish, Schizothorax niger Heckel 1838 from September, 2008 to August, 2009. Overall, this study revealed definite seasonality of infection (p < 0.05), with greater infection in summer (prevalence = 39.5%) and lesser in winter (prevalence = 8.1%). The prevalence among different seasons revealed significant differences (p < 0.05). Sex was not an important factor influencing the prevalence of the Asian tapeworm. A strong positive correlation (Pearson's correlation, r = 0.7; p = 0.02) between total length of S. niger and number of Asian fish tapeworms was observed. Similarly, a strong positive correlation existed between weight of fish and number of tapeworms (Pearson's correlation, r = 0.7; p = 0.005). Prevalence and mean abundance were positively and significantly correlated with water temperature (r = 0.8, p < 0.01 and r = 0.8, p < 0.01, respectively). Thus seasonal dynamics, total length and weight of the host significantly influenced the tapeworm infection. The above findings will be useful in devising the appropriate control strategies for the Asian tapeworm in wild fish in Kashmir valley as well as in similar climatic zones of other parts of the world. Also, information from this study will be used to assess the spread and extent of B. acheilognathi which is a potential threat to the indigenous fish fauna of Anchar Lake.

Direct and indirect effects of glomalin, mycorrhizal hyphae, and roots on aggregate stability in rhizosphere of trifoliate orange.

PubMed

Wu, Qiang-Sheng; Cao, Ming-Qin; Zou, Ying-Ning; He, Xin-hua

2014-07-25

To test direct and indirect effects of glomalin, mycorrhizal hyphae, and roots on aggregate stability, perspex pots separated by 37-μm nylon mesh in the middle were used to form root-free hyphae and root/hyphae chambers, where trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings were colonized by Funneliformis mosseae or Paraglomus occultum in the root/hyphae chamber. Both fungal species induced significantly higher plant growth, root total length, easily-extractable glomalin-related soil protein (EE-GRSP) and total GRSP (T-GRSP), and mean weight diameter (an aggregate stability indicator). The Pearson correlation showed that root colonization or soil hyphal length significantly positively correlated with EE-GRSP, difficultly-extractable GRSP (DE-GRSP), T-GRSP, and water-stable aggregates in 2.00-4.00, 0.50-1.00, and 0.25-0.50 mm size fractions. The path analysis indicated that in the root/hyphae chamber, aggregate stability derived from a direct effect of root colonization, EE-GRSP or DE-GRSP. Meanwhile, the direct effect was stronger by EE-GRSP or DE-GRSP than by mycorrhizal colonization. In the root-free hyphae chamber, mycorrhizal-mediated aggregate stability was due to total effect but not direct effect of soil hyphal length, EE-GRSP and T-GRSP. Our results suggest that GRSP among these tested factors may be the primary contributor to aggregate stability in the citrus rhizosphere.

Growth, reproduction, mortality, distribution, and biomass of freshwater drum in Lake Erie

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bur, Michael T.

1984-01-01

Predominant age-groups in the Lake Erie freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunnienspopulation were 3, 4, and 5 as determined from gill net, trap net, bottom trawl, and midwater trawl samples. Age and growth calculations indicated that females grew faster than males. However, the length-weight relation did not differ between sexes and was described by the equation: log W = −5.4383 + 3.1987 log L. Some males became sexually mature at age 2 and all were mature by age 6. Females matured 1 year later than males. Three sizes of eggs were present in ovaries; the average total number was 127,000 per female for 20 females over a length range of 270 to 478 mm. Seasonal analysis of the ovary-body weight ratio indicated that spawning extended from June to August. A total annual mortality rate of 49% for drum aged 4 through 11 was derived from catch-curve analysis. Freshwater drum were widely distributed throughout Lake Erie in 1977–1979, the greatest concentration being in the western basin. They moved into warm, shallow water (less than 10 m deep) during summer, and returned to deeper water in late fall. Summer biomass estimates for the western basin, based on systematic surveys with bottom trawls, were 9,545 t in 1977 and 2,333 t in 1978.

[Effect of positive nutritional support strategy on extrauterine growth restriction in preterm infants].

PubMed

Wang, Xue-Min; Zhu, Yan-Ping; Wang, Li

2013-12-01

To investigate the effects of positive nutritional support in the early stage after birth on the nutritional status during hospitalization and extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) in preterm infants. There were two groups of preterm infants. Group A (n=99) was given the previous nutritional program, while group B (n=101) was given positive nutritional support. The nutritional intake, growth rate and EUGR incidence were compared between the two groups. Compared with group A, group B had significantly higher enteral calorie intake and total calorie intake within one week after birth. Additionally, the age of first feeding, time of regaining birth weight, duration of intravenous nutrition, time to full enteral feeding, and length of hospital stay in group B were all shorter than in group A. Group B also had less physiological weight loss than group A. Among the preterm infants with a gestational age less than 32 weeks, group B had faster increases in body weight, head circumference, and body length and a lower incidence of EUGR compared with group A. Among the preterm infants with a gestational age not less than 32 weeks, group B had faster increases in body weight and a lower incidence of EUGR (evaluated based on body weight and head circumference) compared with group A. During hospitalization, group B had significantly lower incidence of feeding intolerance, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis than group A. Positive nutritional support strategy, applied in preterm infants early after birth, can effectively improve their nutritional status during hospitalization and reduce the incidence of EUGR without increasing the incidence of related complications during hospitalization.

Length-weight relationships and condition factor of the eaglebeak pacu Ossubtus xinguense Jégu, 1992 (Characiformes, Serrasalmidae), an endangered species from Rio Xingu rapids, northern Brazil.

PubMed

Andrade, M C; Jesus, A J S; Giarrizzo, T

2015-08-01

This study reports on the length-weight relationships and condition factor for the endangered rheophilic fish Ossubtus xinguense Jégu from Rio Xingu rapids. This species is threatened by construction of the third largest hydroelectric in the world, the Belo Monte dam close to the city of Altamira, northern Brazil. Specimens were collected in the dry season between July 2012 and September 2012. Male specimens have body length larger than females, atypical in serrasalmid fishes, and different length-weight relationships were found between adult and juvenile specimens. This study presents the first biological characteristics for O. xinguense.

Fish as a bioindicator of heavy metals pollution in aquatic ecosystem of Pluszne Lake, Poland, and risk assessment for consumer's health.

PubMed

Łuczyńska, Joanna; Paszczyk, Beata; Łuczyński, Marek J

2018-05-30

Heavy metals content (Zn, Cu and Hg) were measured in gills, liver, gonads and muscles of perch, Perca fluviatilis (L.) and roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.) from Lake Pluszne (north-eastern Poland). Correlations between heavy metals levels and total length, weight, HSI, GSI and FCF were examined. As expected, muscles contained the significantly highest values of Hg (P ≤ .05). The concentrations of Zn were significantly higher in gills of roach and gonads of perch (P ≤ .05), while the liver of fish accumulated significantly more Cu than other organs (P ≤ .05). In all organs of perch the higher content of mercury was found (P ≤ .05). The value of Zn and Cu was highest in organs of roach (P ≤ .05) (with the exception of Zn in muscles P > .05). Sequence of metals in both species was Zn > Cu > Hg. Only in muscle tissue, Hg was significantly positive correlated with weight of roach (r = 0.811, P = .045) and perch (r = 0.652, P = .041), and total length of roach (r = 0.806, P = .005). A positive relationship was also observed between Zn concentration in gills of perch and their weight (r = 0.634, P = .049). In contrary, Zn in gills of roach decreased with weight (r = -0.693, P = .026)) and length (r = -0.668, P = .035). Cu concentration in liver of perch was statistically positively correlated with HSI (r = 0.717, P = .020), whereas Hg content in muscle tissue of roach with FCF (r = 0.643, P = .045). There was negative relationship between Hg in perch gonads and GSI (r = -0.808, P = .005). Metal pollution index (MPI) in gills, liver, gonads and muscles of roach was 7.68, 7.24, 6.77 and 3.13, respectively, whereas in these organs of perch was 3.25 (gills), 4.75 (liver), 5.84 (gonads) and 4.44 (muscles), therefore the contamination of each tissue ranged from very low contamination to low contamination. The concentration of mercury was lower than the maximum acceptable limit estimated by the Commission Regulation (EC) No 629/2008 of 2 July 2008. The values of HI and THQ were below 1, which means that consumption of these fish is not hazardous to the consumer. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using twig diameters to estimate browse utilization on three shrub species in southeastern Montana

Treesearch

Mark A. Rumble

1987-01-01

Browse utilization estimates based on twig length and twig weight were compared for skunkbush sumac, wax currant, and chokecherry. Linear regression analysis was valid for twig length data; twig weight equations are nonlinear. Estimates of twig weight are more accurate. Problems encountered during development of a utilization model are discussed.

Digitally controlled distributed phase shifter

DOEpatents

Hietala, V.M.; Kravitz, S.H.; Vawter, G.A.

1993-08-17

A digitally controlled distributed phase shifter is comprised of N phase shifters. Digital control is achieved by using N binary length-weighted electrodes located on the top surface of a waveguide. A control terminal is attached to each electrode thereby allowing the application of a control signal. The control signal is either one or two discrete bias voltages. The application of the discrete bias voltages changes the modal index of a portion of the waveguide that corresponds to a length of the electrode to which the bias voltage is applied, thereby causing the phase to change through the underlying portion of the waveguide. The digitally controlled distributed phase shift network has a total phase shift comprised of the sum of the individual phase shifters.

Digitally controlled distributed phase shifter

DOEpatents

Hietala, Vincent M.; Kravitz, Stanley H.; Vawter, Gregory A.

1993-01-01

A digitally controlled distributed phase shifter is comprised of N phase shifters. Digital control is achieved by using N binary length-weighted electrodes located on the top surface of a waveguide. A control terminal is attached to each electrode thereby allowing the application of a control signal. The control signal is either one or two discrete bias voltages. The application of the discrete bias voltages changes the modal index of a portion of the waveguide that corresponds to a length of the electrode to which the bias voltage is applied, thereby causing the phase to change through the underlying portion of the waveguide. The digitally controlled distributed phase shift network has a total phase shift comprised of the sum of the individual phase shifters.

Total edge irregularity strength of (n,t)-kite graph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winarsih, Tri; Indriati, Diari

2018-04-01

Let G(V, E) be a simple, connected, and undirected graph with vertex set V and edge set E. A total k-labeling is a map that carries vertices and edges of a graph G into a set of positive integer labels {1, 2, …, k}. An edge irregular total k-labeling λ :V(G)\\cup E(G)\\to \\{1,2,\\ldots,k\\} of a graph G is a labeling of vertices and edges of G in such a way that for any different edges e and f, weights wt(e) and wt(f) are distinct. The weight wt(e) of an edge e = xy is the sum of the labels of vertices x and y and the label of the edge e. The total edge irregularity strength of G, tes(G), is defined as the minimum k for which a graph G has an edge irregular total k-labeling. An (n, t)-kite graph consist of a cycle of length n with a t-edge path (the tail) attached to one vertex of a cycle. In this paper, we investigate the total edge irregularity strength of the (n, t)-kite graph, with n > 3 and t > 1. We obtain the total edge irregularity strength of the (n, t)-kite graph is tes((n, t)-kite) = \\lceil \\frac{n+t+2}{3}\\rceil .

[Analysis the statue of growth and development of infants and young children aged 6- 23 months in poor rural areas of Hunan Province, China].

PubMed

Fang, Junqun; Luo, Jiayou; Liao, Kai; Wang, Hua; Zhou, Xu; Huang, Guangwen; Xie, Donghua; Peng, Zhonghua; Yang, Wenzhen

2016-11-01

To describe the statue of growth and development among infants and young children aged 6-23 months in poor rural areas of Hunan Province. A total of 15 248 rural infants and young children aged 6-23 months in 54 poor counties of Wuling Mountains and Luoxiao Mountains in Hunan Province were selected by Probability-Proportional-to-Size Sampling( PPS) between 2009 and 2015. Participants' length and weight were tested, WHZ, WAZ, HAZ and BMI Z score were calculated according to The WHO Child Growth Standards, and describe the rate of wasting, underweight, stunting and low BMI, and the physical growth level of children were evaluated according to the WHO standards. The average weight of girls aged 6-23 months in poor rural areas of Hunan Province were 9. 17 kg, lower than boys which were 9. 79 kg. The average length of girls aged 6-23 months were 75. 53 cm, lower than boys which were 77. 19 cm. The average BMI of girls aged 6-23 months were15. 96, lower than boys which were 16. 40( P < 0. 05). The curve of weight-for-length Z scores and weight-for-age Z scores and length-for-age Z scores of infants and young children aged 6-23 months were lower than the WHO standards( P < 0. 05). The rate of wasting, underweight, stunting and low BMI of infants and young children aged 6-23 months were 3. 9%, 5. 1%, 7. 2% and 3. 9%, and boys were higher than girls in the rate of underweight and stunting, the rate of underweight and stunting were increased with the growth of age( P < 0. 05). The problem of growth and development of infants and young children aged 6-23 months in poor rural areas of Hunan Province are serious, and there are lower than the WHO standards. To improve the nutrition and health of infants and young children in poor rural areas, the ability of child health care and the feeding knowledge of caregivers are need to be improved.

Ontogeny of Daucus carota Infected with Meloidogyne hapla

PubMed Central

Slinger, L. A.; Bird, G. W.

1978-01-01

The ontogeny of carrots (Daucus carota cv. 'Spartan Premium') grown under greenhouse conditions in pots of organic soil infected with Meloidogyne hapla was influenced detrimentally as early as 4 days after seeding, as determined through analysis of plant surface area, dry weight, fresh weight, net assimilation rate, relative growth rate, and leaf-area ratio. Only 58% of the diseased carrots were suitable for fresh market, compared with 97% of those grown in nematode-free soil. Growth and development of the shoot system (height, surface area, dry weight, and fresh weight) were retarded by M. hapla as early as 12 days after seeding. During the first 12 days after seeding, root dry weight was greater for diseased plants than for controls. Root growth and development (surface area, dry weight, and fresh weight) associated with this nematode, however, were retarded as early as 16 days after seeding. M. hapla caused a delay in the occurrence of 2nd-, 4th-, and 5th-order roots, and an increase in the occurrence of 6th-order roots in infected plants. Parasitized plants had 44% fewer roots (primary through 6th-order) and 50% less total root length. PMID:19305837

Secretion of anti-Müllerian hormone in the Florida manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris, with implications for assessing conservation status

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, Rhian C.; Reynolds, John E.; Wetzel, Dana L.; Schwierzke-Wade, Leslie; Bonde, Robert K.; Breuel, Kevin F.; Roudebush, William E.

2011-01-01

Environmental and anthropogenic stressors can affect wildlife populations in a number of ways. For marine mammals (e.g. the Florida manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris), certain stressors or conservation risk factors have been identified, but sublethal effects have been very difficult to assess using traditional methods. The development of 'biomarkers' allows us to correlate effects, such as impaired reproduction, with possible causes. A recently developed biomarker (anti-Müllerian hormone, AMH) provides an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of gonadal function. The study objective was to determine AMH levels in wild manatees. In total, 28 male and 17 female manatee serum samples were assayed. Animal demographics included collection date, body weight (kg) and total length (cm). In certain cases, age of individuals was also known. AMH levels ranged from 160 to 2451.85 ng ml-1 (mean = 844.65 ng ml-1) in males and 0.00 to 0.38 ng ml-1 (mean = 0.10 ng ml-1) in females. Linear regression analyses revealed a significant relationship between male AMH levels and body weight (R2 = 0.452; p 2 = 0.338; p < 0.001). Due to the small sample size, regression analyses for female AMH and body weight and length were not significant. This represents the first report of AMH detection in a marine mammal. AMH levels in male manatees are the highest of any species observed to date, whereas levels in females are within reported ranges. Further studies will promote improved conservation decision by assessing AMH levels in the manatee as a function of various stressors including, but not limited to, nutritional status, serious injuries (e.g. watercraft collisions), exposure to biotoxins or contaminants, or disease.

A novel single-nucleotide polymorphism of the visfatin gene and its associations with performance traits in the chicken.

PubMed

Han, R-L; Lan, X-Y; Zhang, L-Z; Ren, G; Jing, Y-J; Li, M-J; Zhang, B; Zhao, M; Guo, Y-K; Kang, X-T; Chen, H

2010-01-01

Visfatin is a peptide that is predominantly expressed in visceral adipose tissue and is hypothesized to be related to obesity and insulin resistance. In this study, a novel silent single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was found in exon 7 of the chicken visfatin gene (also known as PBEF1) by single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequencing. In total, 836 chickens forming an F2 resource population of Gushi chicken crossed with Anka broiler were genotyped by XbaI forced RFLP, and the associations of this polymorphism with chicken growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality were analyzed. Significant associations were found between the polymorphism and 4-week body weight (BW4), 6-week body weight (BW6), 4-week body slanting length (BSL4), fat bandwidth (FBW), breast muscle water loss rate (BWLR) and breast muscle fiber density (BFD) (P < 0.05), as well as 4-week breastbone length (BBL4) (P < 0.01). These observations suggested that the polymorphism in exon7 of the visfatin gene had significant effects on the early growth traits of chicken.

Effect of electroplating factory effluent on the germination and growth of hyacinth bean and mustard. [Dolichos lablab; Brassica compestris

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ajmal, M.; Khan, A.U.

The effect of electroplating factory effluent in different concentrations (viz., 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 4.0%) on the germination and growth of hyacinth beans (Dolichos lablab) and mustard seeds (Brassica compestris) was studied. The germination of seeds was delayed with the increase of effluent concentration and the germination of mustard seeds was totally inhibited at 1.5% effluent concentration while hyacinth bean seeds tolerated the effluent up to 2.5% concentration. The metal content in the hyacinth bean plants increased with increasing effluent concentration but after 1.0% effluent concentration, the concentration of all the metals (Ca,more » Mg, Na, K, Cu, Zn, Fe) decreased in the plants except Cr, which increased throughout. Percentage germination, fresh weight, dry weight, root length, and shoot length of the plants were also analyzed. Cd, Ni, Co, Mn, and Pb were not detectable in the hyacinth bean plants.« less

Age, growth, and size of Lake Superior Pygmy Whitefish (Prosopium coulterii)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stewart, Taylor; Derek Ogle,; Gorman, Owen T.; Vinson, Mark

2016-01-01

Pygmy Whitefish (Prosopium coulterii) are a small, glacial relict species with a disjunct distribution in North America and Siberia. In 2013 we collected Pygmy Whitefish at 28 stations from throughout Lake Superior. Total length was recorded for all fish and weight and sex were recorded and scales and otoliths were collected from a subsample. We compared the precision of estimated ages between readers and between scales and otoliths, estimated von Bertalanffy growth parameters for male and female Pygmy Whitefish, and reported the first weight-length relationship for Pygmy Whitefish. Age estimates between scales and otoliths differed significantly with otolith ages significantly greater for most ages after age-3. Maximum otolith age was nine for females and seven for males, which is older than previously reported for Pygmy Whitefish from Lake Superior. Growth was initially fast but slowed considerably after age-3 for males and age-4 for females, falling to 3–4 mm per year at maximum estimated ages. Females were longer than males after age-3. Our results suggest the size, age, and growth of Pygmy Whitefish in Lake Superior have not changed appreciably since 1953.

Infestation of the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) by Hyalomma aegyptium in Tunisia.

PubMed

Gharbi, Mohamed; Rjeibi, Mohamed Ridha; Rouatbi, Mariem; Mabrouk, Moez; Mhadhbi, Moez; Amairia, Safa; Amdouni, Yosra; Boussaadoun, Mohamed Anis

2015-04-01

We examined 210 spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) for the presence of ticks in Tunisia during May 2014. A total number of 602 adult ticks were collected and identified leading to the estimation of parasitological indicators. All the ticks belonged to a single species: Hyalomma aegyptium. The mean infestation prevalence was 66.2%, mean overall infestation intensity and abundance were 4.33 and 2.86 ticks/tortoise respectively. Our survey showed that tortoises were significantly more infested by male ticks than females (p<0.001). The ticks were mainly present in the posterior limbs compared to other body regions (p<0.05). There was no significance variation of length and weight of tortoises according to sex (p<0.05). There was a significant correlation between the tortoises' size (length and weight) and tick infestation. This study showed high tick burdens of spur-thighed tortoises in Tunisia; further investigations are needed to determine exactly the role of this tick species in the transmission of different zoonotic pathogens. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Effects of Diagnosis by Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis on Weight and Length in the First Year of Life

PubMed Central

Leung, Daniel H.; Heltshe, Sonya L.; Borowitz, Drucy; Gelfond, Daniel; Kloster, Margaret; Heubi, James E.; Stalvey, Michael; Ramsey, Bonnie W.

2017-01-01

IMPORTANCE Since the implementation of universal newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF), the timing and magnitude of growth deficiency or its association with correlates of disease among infants with CF who underwent NBS has not been well described. OBJECTIVE To examine incremental weight gain, linear growth, and clinical features in the first year of life among infants with CF who underwent NBS. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Baby Observational and Nutrition Study (BONUS), a multicenter, longitudinal, observational cohort study, was conducted during regular CF clinic visits in the first 12 months of life at 28 US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation–accredited Care Centers from January 7, 2012, through May 31, 2015. Participants included 231 infants younger than 3.5 months who underwent NBS and had confirmed CF, with a gestational age of at least 35 weeks, birth weight of at least 2.5 kg, and toleration of full oral feeds. Of these, 222 infants (96.1%) had follow-up beyond 6 months of age and 215 (93.1%) completed 12 months of follow-up. EXPOSURE Cystic fibrosis. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES Attained weight and length for age and World Health Organization normative z scores at ages 1 to 6 and 8, 10, and 12 months (defined a priori). RESULTS Of the 231 infants enrolled, 110 infants (47.6%) were female and 121 (52.4%) were male, with a mean (SD) age of 2.58 (0.69) months. BONUS infants had lower than mean birth weights (mean z score, −0.15; 95% CI, −0.27 to −0.04) and higher birth lengths (mean z score, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.62). They achieved normal weight by 12 months, a significant improvement over a prescreening cohort of newborns with CF from 20 years before the contemporary cohort (mean z score increase, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37–0.77). However, length was lower than the mean at 12 months (mean z score, −0.56; 95% CI, −0.70 to −0.42). Only 30 infants (13.6%) were at less than the 10th percentile of weight for age, whereas 53 (23.9%) were at less than the 10th percentile of length for age at more than half their visits. Male sex, pancreatic insufficiency, meconium ileus, histamine blocker use, and respiratory Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection were associated with lower weight or length during the first year. Insulinlike growth factor 1 levels were significantly lower among low-length infants. Persistently low-weight infants consumed significantly more calories, and weight and length z scores were negatively correlated with caloric intake. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Since initiation of universal NBS for CF, significant improvement has occurred in nutritional status, with normalization of weight in the first year of life. However, length stunting remains common. PMID:28437538

Optimum dietary protein requirement of Malaysian mahseer (Tor tambroides) fingerling.

PubMed

Misieng, Josephine Dorin; Kamarudin, Mohd Salleh; Musa, Mazlinda

2011-02-01

The optimum dietary protein requirement of the Malaysian mahseer (Tor tambroides) fingerlings was determined in this study. In this completely randomized designed experiment, formulated diets of five levels of dietary protein (30, 35, 40, 45 and 50%) were tested on the T. tambroides fingerlings (initial body weight of 5.85 +/- 0.40 g), reared in aquarium fitted with a biofiltering system. The fingerlings were fed twice daily at 5% of biomass. The fingerling body weight and total length was taken at every two weeks. Mortality was recorded daily. The dietary protein had significant effects on the body weight gain and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) of the fingerlings. The body weight gain and SGR of fingerlings fed with the diet with the dietary protein level of 40% was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of 30, 35 and 50%. The feed conversion ratio of the 40% dietary protein was the significantly lowest at 2.19 +/- 0.163. The dietary protein level of 40% was the most optimum for T. tambroides fingerlings.

MicroRNAs-1614-3p gene seed region polymorphisms and association analysis with chicken production traits.

PubMed

Li, Hong; Sun, Gui-Rong; Tian, Ya-Dong; Han, Rui-Li; Li, Guo-Xi; Kang, Xiang-Tao

2013-05-01

In the present study, a total of 860 chickens from a Gushi-Anka F2 resource population were used to evaluate the genetic effect of the gga-miR-1614-3p gene. A novel, silent, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, +5 C>T) was detected in the gga-miR-1614-3p gene seed region through AvaII polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and PCR products sequencing methods. Associations between the SNP and chicken growth, meat quality and carcass traits were performed by association analysis. The results showed that the SNP was significantly associated with breast muscle shear force and leg muscle water loss rate, wing weight, liver weight and heart weight (p<0.05), and highly significantly associated with the weight of the abdominal fat (p<0.01). The secondary structure of gga-miR-1614 and the free energy were altered due to the variation predicted by the M-fold program.

Weight compensation characteristics of Armeo®Spring exoskeleton: implications for clinical practice and research.

PubMed

Perry, Bonnie E; Evans, Emily K; Stokic, Dobrivoje S

2017-02-17

Armeo®Spring exoskeleton is widely used for upper extremity rehabilitation; however, weight compensation provided by the device appears insufficiently characterized to fully utilize it in clinical and research settings. Weight compensation was quantified by measuring static force in the sagittal plane with a load cell attached to the elbow joint of Armeo®Spring. All upper spring settings were examined in 5° increments at the minimum, maximum, and two intermediate upper and lower module length settings, while keeping the lower spring at minimum. The same measurements were made for minimum upper spring setting and maximum lower spring setting at minimum and maximum module lengths. Weight compensation was plotted against upper module angles, and slope was analyzed for each condition. The Armeo®Spring design prompted defining the slack angle and exoskeleton balance angle, which, depending on spring and length settings, divide the operating range into different unloading and loading regions. Higher spring tensions and shorter module lengths provided greater unloading (≤6.32 kg of support). Weight compensation slope decreased faster with shorter length settings (minimum length = -0.082 ± 0.002 kg/°; maximum length = -0.046 ± 0.001 kg/°) independent of spring settings. Understanding the impact of different settings on the Armeo®Spring weight compensation should help define best clinical practice and improve fidelity of research.

Effects of progressive backward body weight suppoted treadmill training on gait ability in chronic stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Kim, Kyung Hun; Lee, Kyoung Bo; Bae, Young-Hyeon; Fong, Shirley S M; Lee, Suk Min

2017-10-23

A stroke patient with hemiplegic gait is generally described as being slow and asymmetric. Body weight-supported treadmill training and backward gait training are recent additions to therapeutic gait trainings that may help improve gait in stroke patient with hemiplegic gait. Therefore, we examined the effect of progressive backward body weight-supported treadmill training on gait in chronic stroke patients with hemiplegic gait. Thirty subjects were divided to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group consisted of 15 patients and underwent progressive backward body weight-supported treadmill training. The control group consisted of 15 patients and underwent general treadmill gait training five times per week, for a total of four weeks. The OptoGait was used to analyze gait kinematics, and the dynamic gait index (DGI) and results of the 6-minute walk test were used as the clinical evaluation indicators. A follow-up test was carried out four weeks later to examine persistence of exercise effects. The experimental group showed statistically significant results in all dependent variables week four compared to the control group. However, until the eighth week, only the dependent variables, of affected step length (ASL), stride length (SL), and DGI differed significantly between the two groups. This study verified that progressive bodyweight-supported treadmill training had a positive influence on the temporospatial characteristics of gait and clinical gait evaluation index in chronic stroke patients.

Advances on the determination of thresholds of Cu phytotoxicity in field-contaminated soils in central Chile.

PubMed

Mondaca, Pedro; Catrin, Joanie; Verdejo, José; Sauvé, Sébastien; Neaman, Alexander

2017-04-01

To better determine phytotoxicity thresholds for metals in the soil, studies should use actual field-contaminated soil samples rather than metal-spiked soil preparations. However, there are surprisingly few such data available for Cu phytotoxicity in field-contaminated soils. Moreover, these studies differ from each other with regards to soil characteristics and experimental setups. This study aimed at more accurately estimating Cu phytotoxicity thresholds using field-collected agricultural soils (Entisols) from areas exposed to contamination from Cu mining. For this purpose, the exposure to Cu was assessed by measuring total soil Cu, soluble Cu, free Cu 2+ activity, and Cu in the plant aerial tissues. On the other hand, two bioassay durations (short-term and long-term), three plant species (Avena sativa L., Brassica rapa CrGC syn. Rbr, and Lolium perenne L.), and five biometric endpoints (shoot length and weight, root length and weight, and number of seed pods) were considered. Overall plant growth was best predicted by total Cu content of the soil. Despite some confounding factors, it was possible to determine EC 10 , EC 25 and EC 50 of total Cu in the soil. Brassica rapa was more sensitive than Avena sativa for all endpoints, while Lolium perenne was of intermediate sensitivity. For the short-term bioassay (21 days for all three species), the averaged EC 10 , EC 25 and EC 50 values of total soil Cu (in mg kg -1 ) were 356, 621, and 904, respectively. For the long-term bioassay (62 days for oat and 42 days for turnip), the averaged EC 10 , EC 25 and EC 50 values of total soil Cu (in mg kg -1 ) were 355, 513, and 688, respectively. The obtained results indicate that chronic test is a suitable method for assessing Cu phytotoxicity in field-contaminated soils. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

46 CFR 160.061-2 - Requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... feathers, blade length 13/32 inches, width 15/32 inch, weight 1/20 ounce, polished copper finish 1 ea. 13 Lure, spoon, removable No. 5/0 hook, yellow feathers, blade length 3 inches, width 7/8 inch, weight 2/5...

46 CFR 160.061-2 - Requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... feathers, blade length 13/32 inches, width 15/32 inch, weight 1/20 ounce, polished copper finish 1 ea. 13 Lure, spoon, removable No. 5/0 hook, yellow feathers, blade length 3 inches, width 7/8 inch, weight 2/5...

46 CFR 160.061-2 - Requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... feathers, blade length 13/32 inches, width 15/32 inch, weight 1/20 ounce, polished copper finish 1 ea. 13 Lure, spoon, removable No. 5/0 hook, yellow feathers, blade length 3 inches, width 7/8 inch, weight 2/5...

Optimization of contoured hypersonic scramjet inlets with a least-squares parabolized Navier-Stokes procedure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korte, J. J.; Auslender, A. H.

1993-01-01

A new optimization procedure, in which a parabolized Navier-Stokes solver is coupled with a non-linear least-squares optimization algorithm, is applied to the design of a Mach 14, laminar two-dimensional hypersonic subscale flight inlet with an internal contraction ratio of 15:1 and a length-to-throat half-height ratio of 150:1. An automated numerical search of multiple geometric wall contours, which are defined by polynomical splines, results in an optimal geometry that yields the maximum total-pressure recovery for the compression process. Optimal inlet geometry is obtained for both inviscid and viscous flows, with the assumption that the gas is either calorically or thermally perfect. The analysis with a calorically perfect gas results in an optimized inviscid inlet design that is defined by two cubic splines and yields a mass-weighted total-pressure recovery of 0.787, which is a 23% improvement compared with the optimized shock-canceled two-ramp inlet design. Similarly, the design procedure obtains the optimized contour for a viscous calorically perfect gas to yield a mass-weighted total-pressure recovery value of 0.749. Additionally, an optimized contour for a viscous thermally perfect gas is obtained to yield a mass-weighted total-pressure recovery value of 0.768. The design methodology incorporates both complex fluid dynamic physics and optimal search techniques without an excessive compromise of computational speed; hence, this methodology is a practical technique that is applicable to optimal inlet design procedures.

Using image analysis to predict the weight of Alaskan salmon of different species.

PubMed

Balaban, Murat O; Unal Sengör, Gülgün F; Gil Soriano, Mario; Guillén Ruiz, Elena

2010-04-01

After harvesting, salmon is sorted by species, size, and quality. This is generally manually done by operators. Automation would bring repeatability, objectivity, and record-keeping capabilities to these tasks. Machine vision (MV) and image analysis have been used in sorting many agricultural products. Four salmon species were tested: pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), red (Oncorhynchus nerka), silver (Oncorhynchus kisutch), and chum (Oncorhynchus keta). A total of 60 whole fish from each species were first weighed, then placed in a light box to take their picture. Weight compared with view area as well as length and width correlations were developed. In addition the effect of "hump" development (see text) of pink salmon on this correlation was investigated. It was possible to predict the weight of a salmon by view area, regardless of species, and regardless of the development of a hump for pinks. Within pink salmon there was a small but insignificant difference between predictive equations for the weight of "regular" fish and "humpy" fish. Machine vision can accurately predict the weight of whole salmon for sorting.

The impact of lifestyle on Barrett's Esophagus: A precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Navab, Farhad; Nathanson, Brian H; Desilets, David J

2015-12-01

Barrett's Esophagus (BE), particularly long-segment Barrett's Esophagus, and the age of onset of Barrett's Esophagus are risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, it is unknown if lifestyle factors such as alcohol abuse, tobacco use, weight gains that increase the risk of developing BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma affect its length or age at diagnosis. In a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis, we analyzed 158 newly diagnosed adult BE patients at a 600-bed tertiary care center in the United States from 1999 to 2008. We constructed generalized linear models for the outcomes of BE length and age at diagnosis. Predictors of interest included current or prior alcohol abuse, tobacco use, weight gain over the last 5 years, and body mass index (BMI). 71 (45%) had length ≥ 3 cm. Barrett's Esophagus length was positively correlated with hiatal hernia length (r=0.67, p<0.001) and heartburn duration (r=0.36, p<0.001). Multivariate results showed no significant relationship between alcohol abuse, tobacco use, weight gain or BMI and BE length. Patients with weight gain, current tobacco use, and male gender were diagnosed at a significantly younger age than their peers (for example, the adjusted mean age at diagnosis for current tobacco users vs. non-smokers was 49.2 years vs. 54.7 years, p=0.029). Lifestyle factors did not appear to affect Barrett's Esophagus length but weight gains, smoking, and male gender were associated with a diagnosis at a significantly younger age. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Statistical Mechanical Analysis of Online Learning with Weight Normalization in Single Layer Perceptron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Yuki; Karakida, Ryo; Okada, Masato; Amari, Shun-ichi

2017-04-01

Weight normalization, a newly proposed optimization method for neural networks by Salimans and Kingma (2016), decomposes the weight vector of a neural network into a radial length and a direction vector, and the decomposed parameters follow their steepest descent update. They reported that learning with the weight normalization achieves better converging speed in several tasks including image recognition and reinforcement learning than learning with the conventional parameterization. However, it remains theoretically uncovered how the weight normalization improves the converging speed. In this study, we applied a statistical mechanical technique to analyze on-line learning in single layer linear and nonlinear perceptrons with weight normalization. By deriving order parameters of the learning dynamics, we confirmed quantitatively that weight normalization realizes fast converging speed by automatically tuning the effective learning rate, regardless of the nonlinearity of the neural network. This property is realized when the initial value of the radial length is near the global minimum; therefore, our theory suggests that it is important to choose the initial value of the radial length appropriately when using weight normalization.

Two Upper Bounds for the Weighted Path Length of Binary Trees. Report No. UIUCDCS-R-73-565.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pradels, Jean Louis

Rooted binary trees with weighted nodes are structures encountered in many areas, such as coding theory, searching and sorting, information storage and retrieval. The path length is a meaningful quantity which gives indications about the expected time of a search or the length of a code, for example. In this paper, two sharp bounds for the total…

Loci on Chromosomes 2, 4, 9, and 16 for body weight, body length, and adiposity identified in a genome scan of an F2 intercross between the 129P3/J and C57BL/6ByJ mouse strains

PubMed Central

Reed, Danielle R.; Li, Xia; McDaniel, Amanda H.; Lu, Ke; Li, Shanru; Tordoff, Michael G.; Price, R. Arlen; Bachmanov, Alexander A.

2006-01-01

Mice have proved to be a powerful model organism for understanding obesity in humans. Single gene mutants and genetically modified mice have been used to identify obesity genes, and the discovery of loci for polygenic forms of obesity in the mouse is an important next step. To pursue this goal, the inbred mouse strains 129P3/J (129) and C57BL/6ByJ (B6), which differ in body weight, body length, and adiposity, were used in an F2 cross to identify loci affecting these phenotypes. Linkages were determined in a two-phase process. In the first phase, 169 randomly selected F2 mice were genotyped for 134 markers that covered all autosomes and the X Chromosome (Chr). Significant linkages were found for body weight and body length on Chr 2. In addition, we detected several suggestive linkages on Chr 2 (adiposity), 9 (body weight, body length, and adiposity), and 16 (adiposity), as well as two suggestive sex-dependent linkages for body length on Chrs 4 and 9. In the second phase, 288 additional F2 mice were genotyped for markers near these regions of linkage. In the combined set of 457 F2 mice, six significant linkages were found: Chr 2 (Bwq5, body weight and Bdln3, body length), Chr 4 (Bdln6, body length, males only), Chr 9 (Bwq6, body weight and Adip5, adiposity), and Chr 16 (Adip9, adiposity), as well as several suggestive linkages (Adip2, adiposity on Chr 2; Bdln4 and Bdln5, body length on Chr 9). In addition, there was a suggestive linkage to body length in males on Chr 9 (Bdln4). For adiposity, there was evidence for epistatic interactions between loci on Chr 9 (Adip5) and 16 (Adip9). These results reinforce the concept that obesity is a complex trait. Genetic loci and their interactions, in conjunction with sex, age, and diet, determine body size and adiposity in mice. PMID:12856282

Linear mixed-effects models to describe length-weight relationships for yellow croaker (Larimichthys Polyactis) along the north coast of China.

PubMed

Ma, Qiuyun; Jiao, Yan; Ren, Yiping

2017-01-01

In this study, length-weight relationships and relative condition factors were analyzed for Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) along the north coast of China. Data covered six regions from north to south: Yellow River Estuary, Coastal Waters of Northern Shandong, Jiaozhou Bay, Coastal Waters of Qingdao, Haizhou Bay, and South Yellow Sea. In total 3,275 individuals were collected during six years (2008, 2011-2015). One generalized linear model, two simply linear models and nine linear mixed effect models that applied the effects from regions and/or years to coefficient a and/or the exponent b were studied and compared. Among these twelve models, the linear mixed effect model with random effects from both regions and years fit the data best, with lowest Akaike information criterion value and mean absolute error. In this model, the estimated a was 0.0192, with 95% confidence interval 0.0178~0.0308, and the estimated exponent b was 2.917 with 95% confidence interval 2.731~2.945. Estimates for a and b with the random effects in intercept and coefficient from Region and Year, ranged from 0.013 to 0.023 and from 2.835 to 3.017, respectively. Both regions and years had effects on parameters a and b, while the effects from years were shown to be much larger than those from regions. Except for Coastal Waters of Northern Shandong, a decreased from north to south. Condition factors relative to reference years of 1960, 1986, 2005, 2007, 2008~2009 and 2010 revealed that the body shape of Yellow Croaker became thinner in recent years. Furthermore relative condition factors varied among months, years, regions and length. The values of a and relative condition factors decreased, when the environmental pollution became worse, therefore, length-weight relationships could be an indicator for the environment quality. Results from this study provided basic description of current condition of Yellow Croaker along the north coast of China.

Serum Concentration of Leptin in Pregnant Adolescents Correlated with Gestational Weight Gain, Postpartum Weight Retention and Newborn Weight/Length.

PubMed

Sámano, Reyna; Martínez-Rojano, Hugo; Chico-Barba, Gabriela; Godínez-Martínez, Estela; Sánchez-Jiménez, Bernarda; Montiel-Ojeda, Diana; Tolentino, Maricruz

2017-09-27

Introduction : Gestational weight gain is an important modifiable factor known to influence fetal outcomes including birth weight and adiposity. Leptin is normally correlated with adiposity and is also known to increase throughout pregnancy, as the placenta becomes a source of leptin synthesis. Several studies have reported positive correlations between cord blood leptin level and either birthweight or size for gestational age, as well as body mass index (BMI). Objective : To determine the correlation of prenatal leptin concentration in pregnant adolescents with their gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention, and weight/length of their newborn. Methods : A cohort study was conducted on pregnant Mexican adolescents from Gestational Week 26-28 to three months postpartum ( n = 168 mother-child dyads). An anthropometric assessment was made of each pregnant adolescent, and the serum level of leptin and the intake of energy were determined. The newborn was evaluated each month during postpartum. Clinical records were reviewed to obtain sociodemographic data. Bivariate correlations, tests for repeating measurements and logistic regression models were performed. Results : Leptin concentration gradually increased during the third trimester of pregnancy. At Gestation Week 36, leptin level correlated with gestational weight gain. When comparing adolescents that had the lowest and highest concentration of leptin, the former presented a mean of 6 kg less in gestational weight gain (inter-subject leptin concentration, p = 0.001; inter-subject energy intake, p = 0.497). Leptin concentration and gestational weight gain exerted an effect on the weight of the newborn (inter-subject leptin concentration for Week 32, p = 0.024; inter-subject gestational weight gain, p = 0.011). Newborn length was associated with leptin concentration at Week 28 (leptin effect, p = 0.003; effect of gestational weight gain, p = 0.722). Conclusions : Pregnant adolescents with leptin concentration over 20 ng/mL showed a greater gestational weight gain. Leptin concentration correlated with length and weight of the newborn.

Serum Concentration of Leptin in Pregnant Adolescents Correlated with Gestational Weight Gain, Postpartum Weight Retention and Newborn Weight/Length

PubMed Central

Sámano, Reyna; Martínez-Rojano, Hugo; Godínez-Martínez, Estela; Sánchez-Jiménez, Bernarda; Montiel-Ojeda, Diana; Tolentino, Maricruz

2017-01-01

Introduction: Gestational weight gain is an important modifiable factor known to influence fetal outcomes including birth weight and adiposity. Leptin is normally correlated with adiposity and is also known to increase throughout pregnancy, as the placenta becomes a source of leptin synthesis. Several studies have reported positive correlations between cord blood leptin level and either birthweight or size for gestational age, as well as body mass index (BMI). Objective: To determine the correlation of prenatal leptin concentration in pregnant adolescents with their gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention, and weight/length of their newborn. Methods: A cohort study was conducted on pregnant Mexican adolescents from Gestational Week 26–28 to three months postpartum (n = 168 mother–child dyads). An anthropometric assessment was made of each pregnant adolescent, and the serum level of leptin and the intake of energy were determined. The newborn was evaluated each month during postpartum. Clinical records were reviewed to obtain sociodemographic data. Bivariate correlations, tests for repeating measurements and logistic regression models were performed. Results: Leptin concentration gradually increased during the third trimester of pregnancy. At Gestation Week 36, leptin level correlated with gestational weight gain. When comparing adolescents that had the lowest and highest concentration of leptin, the former presented a mean of 6 kg less in gestational weight gain (inter-subject leptin concentration, p = 0.001; inter-subject energy intake, p = 0.497). Leptin concentration and gestational weight gain exerted an effect on the weight of the newborn (inter-subject leptin concentration for Week 32, p = 0.024; inter-subject gestational weight gain, p = 0.011). Newborn length was associated with leptin concentration at Week 28 (leptin effect, p = 0.003; effect of gestational weight gain, p = 0.722). Conclusions: Pregnant adolescents with leptin concentration over 20 ng/mL showed a greater gestational weight gain. Leptin concentration correlated with length and weight of the newborn. PMID:28953229

Nativity status/length of stay in the US and excessive gestational weight gain in New York City teens, 2008-2010.

PubMed

Huynh, Mary H; Borrell, Luisa N; Chambers, Earle C

2015-02-01

Nativity status/length of stay in the US has been found to be associated with obesity. However, little work has examined the role of nativity status/length of stay in excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) in adolescents. This study utilized New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene birth certificate data in a cross-sectional analysis of 15,715 singleton births to primiparous teen mothers (12-19 years) between 2008 and 2010. Nativity and length of stay in the United States (US) were obtained from birth certificates. EGWG was calculated using weight at delivery and pre-pregnancy weight. Prevalence ratios were calculated through generalized estimating equations to assess the strength of the association between nativity status/length of US residence and EGWG. For US-born teens, 43 % gained more weight than recommended as compared to 32 % for foreign-born teens who have lived in the US for less than 5 years (FB <5 years). Following adjustment for maternal demographics and other factors, US-born teens (adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) (CI) 1.26 [1.18,1.34]), FB 10+ years (APR (CI) 1.17 [1.07,1.28]), and FB 5-10 years (APR (CI) 1.11 [1.01,1.21]) were more likely to have gained weight excessively as compared to FB <5 years. US-born teens and FB teens that have been in the US longer than 5 years are more likely to gain weight excessively during pregnancy as compared to teens with fewer than 5 years in the US. These results identify a critical period when adolescents are in frequent contact with health care providers and can receive counseling regarding healthy weight gain.

Performance of Mentik Wangi rice (Oryza sativa, L.) M2 generation from gamma ray irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yunus, A.; Parjanto; Nandariyah; Wulandari, S.

2018-03-01

The objective of this research is to produce Mentik Wangi rice with shorter flowering age, shorter rice stem and high yield. This research was conducted in Palur Village, Mojolaban Sub-district, Sukoharjo District, from April to August 2016. This research used descriptive method, performed by observing each individual and comparing to the control average. Observational variables included plant height, total number of tillers, number of productive tillers, panicle length, number of grain per panicle, panicle density index, 1,000 filled seed weight, seed weight of cluster, flowering age and M2 mutant selection. The results showed that there were several plants indicated mutation, there were 7 plants indicate short stem mutation with height 85 cm to 97 cm. The plants which indicated short flowering age were 5 weeks after planting up to 6 weeks after planting. The mutated plants indicating of the highest number of productive tillers which were 27 up to 36. Each component result includes total number of tillers, number of productive tillers, number of grain of panicle as well as the weight of 1000 seeds in the plant indicated some mutation that has a high level of diversity in each treatment.

Effects of maternal subtotal nephrectomy on the development of the fetal kidney: A morphometric study.

PubMed

Kondo, Tomohiro; Kitano-Amahori, Yoko; Nagai, Hiroaki; Mino, Masaki; Takeshita, Ai; Kusakabe, Ken Takeshi; Okada, Toshiya

2015-11-01

The present study was designed to explore if maternal subtotal (5/6) nephrectomy affects the development of fetal rat kidneys using morphometric methods and examining whether there are any apoptotic changes in the fetal kidney. To generate 5/6 nephrectomized model rats, animals underwent 2/3 left nephrectomy on gestation day (GD) 5 and total right nephrectomy on GD 12. The fetal kidneys were examined on GDs 16 and 22. A significant decrease in fetal body weight resulting from maternal 5/6 nephrectomy was observed on GD 16, and a significant decrease in fetal renal weight and fetal body weight caused by maternal nephrectomy was observed on GD 22. Maternal 5/6 nephrectomy induced a significant increase in glomerular number, proximal tubular length, and total proximal tubular volume of fetuses on GD 22. Maternal 5/6 nephrectomy resulted in an increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the metanephric mesenchyme of the kidney on GD 16, and in the collecting tubules on GD 22. These findings suggest that maternal 5/6 nephrectomy stimulates the development of the fetal kidney while suppressing fetal growth. © 2015 Japanese Teratology Society.

Can flexibility help you float?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burton, L. J.; Bush, J. W. M.

2012-10-01

We consider the role of flexibility in the weight-bearing characteristics of bodies floating at an interface. Specifically, we develop a theoretical model for a two-dimensional thin floating plate that yields the maximum stable plate load and optimal stiffness for weight support. Plates small relative to the capillary length are primarily supported by surface tension, and their weight-bearing potential does not benefit from flexibility. Above a critical size comparable to the capillary length, flexibility assists interfacial flotation. For plates on the order of and larger than the capillary length, deflection from an initially flat shape increases the force resulting from hydrostatic pressure, allowing the plate to support a greater load. In this large plate limit, the shape that bears the most weight is a semicircle, which displaces the most fluid above the plate for a fixed plate length. Exact results for maximum weight-bearing plate shapes are compared to analytic approximations made in the limits of large and small plate sizes. The value of flexibility for floating to a number of biological organisms is discussed in light of our study.

Leptin and leptin receptor gene polymorphisms are correlated with production performance in the Arctic fox.

PubMed

Zhang, M; Bai, X J

2015-05-25

The polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism technique was employed to measure mononucleotide diversity in the coding region of the leptin and leptin receptor genes in the Arctic fox. The relationships between specific genetic mutations and reproductive performance in Arctic foxes were determined to im-prove breeding strategies. We found that a leptin gene polymorphism was significantly associated with body weight (P < 0.01), abdominal circumference (P < 0.01), and fur length (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a polymorphism in the leptin receptor gene was associated with carcass weight and guard hair length (P < 0.01). Leptin and leptin receptor gene combinatorial genotypes were significantly associated with abdominal circumference, fur length (P < 0.01), and body weight (P < 0.05). The leptin gene is thus a key gene affecting body weight, abdominal circumference, and fur length in Arctic foxes, whereas variations in the leptin receptor mainly affect carcass weight and guard hair. The marker loci identified in this study can be used to assist in the selection of Arctic foxes for breeding to raise the production performance of this species.

A New Family of Solvable Pearson-Dirichlet Random Walks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Caër, Gérard

2011-07-01

An n-step Pearson-Gamma random walk in ℝ d starts at the origin and consists of n independent steps with gamma distributed lengths and uniform orientations. The gamma distribution of each step length has a shape parameter q>0. Constrained random walks of n steps in ℝ d are obtained from the latter walks by imposing that the sum of the step lengths is equal to a fixed value. Simple closed-form expressions were obtained in particular for the distribution of the endpoint of such constrained walks for any d≥ d 0 and any n≥2 when q is either q = d/2 - 1 ( d 0=3) or q= d-1 ( d 0=2) (Le Caër in J. Stat. Phys. 140:728-751, 2010). When the total walk length is chosen, without loss of generality, to be equal to 1, then the constrained step lengths have a Dirichlet distribution whose parameters are all equal to q and the associated walk is thus named a Pearson-Dirichlet random walk. The density of the endpoint position of a n-step planar walk of this type ( n≥2), with q= d=2, was shown recently to be a weighted mixture of 1+ floor( n/2) endpoint densities of planar Pearson-Dirichlet walks with q=1 (Beghin and Orsingher in Stochastics 82:201-229, 2010). The previous result is generalized to any walk space dimension and any number of steps n≥2 when the parameter of the Pearson-Dirichlet random walk is q= d>1. We rely on the connection between an unconstrained random walk and a constrained one, which have both the same n and the same q= d, to obtain a closed-form expression of the endpoint density. The latter is a weighted mixture of 1+ floor( n/2) densities with simple forms, equivalently expressed as a product of a power and a Gauss hypergeometric function. The weights are products of factors which depends both on d and n and Bessel numbers independent of d.

Kinematic and kinetic analysis of the knee joint before and after a PCL retaining total knee replacement during gait and single step ascent.

PubMed

Apostolopoulos, Alexandros; Lallos, Stergios; Mastrokalos, Dimitrios; Michos, Ioannis; Darras, Nikolaos; Tzomaki, Magda; Efstathopoulos, Nikolaos

2011-01-01

The objective of this study was to capture and analyze the kinetics and kinematics and determine the functional performance of the osteoarthritic knee after a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining total knee arthroplasty. Kinematic and kinetic gait analysis of level walking was performed in 20 subjects (12 female and 8 male) with knee ostoarthritis. These patients were free of any neurological diseases that could affect their normal gait. Mean age was 69.6 ± 6.6 years; mean height was 157.6 cm ± 7.6 cm; and mean weight was 77.2 ± 12.1 kg. Full body gait analyses were performed using the BIOKIN 3D motion analysis system before and 9 months after total knee arthroplasty procedures. Single-step ascending kinetic analyses and plantar pressure distribution analyses were also performed for all subjects. International Knee Society Scores (IKSSs) were also assessed pre- and postoperatively. Significant increases were noted postoperatively in average cadence (preoperative mean = 99.26, postoperative mean = 110.5; p < 0.004), step length (preoperative mean = 0.49, postoperative mean = 0.54; p < 0.01) , and walking velocity (preoperative mean = 0.78, preoperatively, postoperative mean = 0.99; p < 0.001). Decreases in stance duration percentage and knee adduction moment were also reported postoperatively. All patients showed a significant improvement of knee kinetics and kinematics after a PCL retaining total knee arthroplasty. Significant differences were found in the cadence, step length, stride length, and walk velocity postoperatively. IKSSs also significantly improved. Further research is warranted to determine the clinical relevance of these findings.

Comparison of ophthalmic measurements obtained via high-frequency ultrasound imaging in four species of snakes.

PubMed

Hollingsworth, Steven R; Holmberg, Bradford J; Strunk, Anneliese; Oakley, Alicia D; Sickafoose, Leann M; Kass, Philip H

2007-10-01

To measure the dimensions of the eyes of living snakes by use of high-frequency ultrasound imaging and correlate those measurements with age, length, and weight. Animals-14 clinically normal snakes. Species, age, length, weight, and horizontal spectacle diameter were recorded, and each snake underwent physical and ophthalmic examinations; ultrasonographic examination of both eyes was performed by use of a commercially available ultrasound unit and a 50-MHz transducer. Ultrasonographic measurements included spectacle thickness, subspectacular space depth, corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous cavity depth, and globe length. All measurements were made along the visual axis. 2 corn snakes, 5 California king snakes, 1 gopher snake, and 6 ball pythons were examined. There were no significant differences within or between the species with regard to mean spectacle thickness, corneal thickness, or subspectacular space depth. However, mean horizontal spectacle diameter, anterior chamber depth, and axial globe length differed among the 4 species; for each measurement, ball pythons had significantly larger values than California king snakes. Spectacle thickness, subspectacular space depth, and corneal thickness were similar among the species of snake examined and did not vary significantly with age, length, or weight. Measurements of these dimensions can potentially serve as baseline values to evaluate snakes of these species with a retained spectacle, subspectacular abscess, or subspectacular fluid accumulation. Anterior chamber depth and axial length appeared variable among species, but axial length did not vary with age, length, or weight in the species studied.

Changes of phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity in canaryseed (Phalaris canariensis L.) during germination.

PubMed

Chen, Zhijie; Yu, Lilei; Wang, Xinkun; Gu, Zhenxin; Beta, Trust

2016-03-01

Canaryseed is an important cereal crop in western Canada. The changes of the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activities, phenolic acid profiles (free and bound) of canaryseed during germination were investigated in the present study. The growth properties also were investigated. Fresh weight, shoot length and root length increased, whereas dry mass of canaryseed decreased during germination. A 22.3% loss of dry matter was observed at 120h of germination. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of free and bound extracts showed a general trend of germinated seeds>raw seeds>soaked seeds. Free, bound and total phenolic content significantly increased 1042%, 120% and 741% at the end of germination as compared to raw seeds (p<0.05). DPPH, ABTS and ORAC assays were employed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of canaryseed. There were high correlations between total phenolic content and antioxidant activities. TPC and ORAC values showed the highest correlation (r=0.9984). Six phenolic acids in free phenolic extracts and seven phenolic acids in bound phenolic extracts were detected, respectively. Bound ferulic acid, the dominant phenolic acid in canaryseed, significantly increased during germination (p<0.05). Study showed that germination provided a new approach to further develop canaryseed as a functional food for human consumption. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determining total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity of loquat cultivars grown in Hatay.

PubMed

Polat, A Aytekin; Calişkan, Oğuzhan; Serçe, Sedat; Saraçoğlu, Onur; Kaya, Cemal; Ozgen, Mustafa

2010-01-01

Several fruit characteristics of five loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) cultivars/selections grown in Dörtyol, Hatay, Turkey were investigated in 2008. The cultivars/selections included 'Baduna 5', Güzelyurt 1, 'Hafif Cukurgöbek', 'Ottaviani,' and Type 1. The characteristics evaluated included fruit weight, width, length, seed number and weight, flesh/seed ratio, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, acidity, total phenolic (TP) content, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The analyses were conducted by three replicates, with 30 fruits in each replicate. The results indicated that there were significant differences among the cultivars, for all the traits tested. For example, 'Hafif Cukurgöbek' and 'Ottaviani' had smaller fruits than others, although 'Hafif Cukurgöbek' had heavier seeds. The flesh/seed ratio was the highest in Type 1, while 'Hafif Cukurgöbek' had the highest pH and high soluble solids. 'Baduna 5' and 'Hafif Cukurgöbek' had the highest acidity. The TP ranged from 129 ('Baduna 5') to 578 ('Hafif Cukurgöbek') mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg fresh fruit (fw). 'Hafif Cukurgöbek' also had the highest FRAP mean (12.1 mmol Trolox Equivalent (TE)/kg fw). The results suggest that loquat cultivars have a variable range of TP content and a relatively high total antioxidant capacity, which is crucial for human health.

Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain on Offspring Overweight in Early Infancy

PubMed Central

Li, Nan; Liu, Enqing; Guo, Jia; Pan, Lei; Li, Baojuan; Wang, Ping; Liu, Jin; Wang, Yue; Liu, Gongshu; Hu, Gang

2013-01-01

Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with anthropometry in the offspring from birth to 12 months old in Tianjin, China. Methods Between 2009 and 2011, health care records of 38,539 pregnant women had been collected, and their children had been measured body weight and length at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age. The independent and joint associations of pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG based on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines with anthropometry in the offspring were examined using General Linear Model and Logistic Regression. Results Prepregnancy BMI and maternal GWG were positively associated with Z-scores for birth weight-for-gestational age, birth length-for-gestational age, and birth weight-for-length. Infants born to mothers with excessive GWG had the greatest changes in Z-scores for weight-for-age from birth to Month 3, and from Month 6 to Month 12, and the greatest changes in Z-scores for length-for-age from birth to months 3 and 12 compared with infants born to mothers with adequate GWG. Excessive GWG was associated with an increased risk of offspring overweight or obesity at 12 months old in all BMI categories except underweight. Conclusions Maternal prepregnancy overweight/obesity and excessive GWG were associated with greater weight gain and length gain of offspring in early infancy. Excessive GWG was associated with increased infancy overweight and obesity risk. PMID:24204979

Uncoupled poroelastic and intrinsic viscoelastic dissipation in cartilage.

PubMed

Han, Guebum; Hess, Cole; Eriten, Melih; Henak, Corinne R

2018-04-26

This paper studies uncoupled poroelastic (flow-dependent) and intrinsic viscoelastic (flow-independent) energy dissipation mechanisms via their dependence on characteristic lengths to understand the root of cartilage's broadband dissipation behavior. Phase shift and dynamic modulus were measured from dynamic microindentation tests conducted on hydrated cartilage at different contact radii, as well as on dehydrated cartilage. Cartilage weight and thickness were recorded during dehydration. Phase shifts revealed poroelastic- and viscoelastic-dominant dissipation regimes in hydrated cartilage. Specifically, phase shift at a relatively small radius was governed by poroviscoelasticity, while phase shift at a relatively large radius was dominantly governed by intrinsic viscoelasticity. The uncoupled dissipation mechanisms demonstrated that intrinsic viscoelastic dissipation provided sustained broadband dissipation for all length scales, and additional poroelastic dissipation increased total dissipation at small length scales. Dehydration decreased intrinsic viscoelastic dissipation of cartilage. The findings demonstrated a possibility to measure poroelastic and intrinsic viscoelastic properties of cartilage at similar microscale lengths. Also they encouraged development of broadband cartilage like-dampers and provided important design parameters to maximize their performance. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Variations in costs for the care of low-birth-weight infants among academic hospitals.

PubMed

Herrod, Henry G; Chang, Cyril F; Steinberg, Stephanie S

2010-05-01

To determine the relative role that academic hospitals (AHs) play in providing neonatal care for low-birth-weight infants within a single state and to determine if there are variations in inpatient costs for neonatal services among AHs. Retrospective analysis of hospital costs for low-birth-weight infants. Cases were identified using 2003-2005 data from the Tennessee Hospital Discharge Data System. A specific focus was discharge data from the 5 AHs that support obstetrical residencies and have a neonatal intensive care unit. Cases included all discharged infants with a birth weight of <2500 grams. The 5 AHs discharged 18% of the total normal-birth-weight infants and 30% of the low-birth-weight infants for the entire state. AHs had higher costs associated with these infants than did other hospitals, with a single exception The difference in costs at this hospital was consistent with the finding of lower utilization rates of hospital services, a shorter average length of stay, and lower costs for infants insured by the state Medicaid program. Academic obstetrical hospitals discharged a disproportionately high percentage of low-birth-weight infants compared with other Tennessee hospitals. The lower costs observed in the Shelby County hospital indicates that other hospitals could potentially lower their costs for the care of low-birth-weight infants.

Radiographic liver size in Pekingese dogs versus other dog breeds.

PubMed

Choi, Jihye; Keh, Seoyeon; Kim, Hyunwook; Kim, Junyoung; Yoon, Junghee

2013-01-01

Differential diagnoses for canine liver disease are commonly based on radiographic estimates of liver size, however little has been published on breed variations. Aims of this study were to describe normal radiographic liver size in Pekingese dogs and to compare normal measurements for this breed with other dog breeds and Pekingese dogs with liver disease. Liver measurements were compared for clinically normal Pekingese (n = 61), normal non-Pekingese brachycephalic (n = 45), normal nonbrachycephalic (n = 71), and Pekingese breed dogs with liver disease (n = 22). For each dog, body weight, liver length, T11 vertebral length, thoracic depth, and thoracic width were measured on right lateral and ventrodorsal abdominal radiographs. Liver volume was calculated using a formula and ratios of liver length/T11 vertebral length and liver volume/body weight ratio were determined. Normal Pekingese dogs had a significantly smaller liver volume/body weight ratio (16.73 ± 5.67, P < 0.05) than normal non-Pekingese brachycephalic breed dogs (19.54 ± 5.03) and normal nonbrachycephalic breed dogs (18.72 ± 6.52). The liver length/T11 vertebral length ratio in normal Pekingese (4.64 ± 0.65) was significantly smaller than normal non-Pekingese brachycephalic breed dogs (5.16 ± 0.74) and normal nonbrachycephalic breed dogs (5.40 ± 0.74). Ratios of liver volume/body weight and liver length/T11 vertebral length in normal Pekingese were significantly different from Pekingese with liver diseases (P < 0.05). Findings supported our hypothesis that Pekingese dogs have a smaller normal radiographic liver size than other breeds. We recommend using 4.64× the length of the T11 vertebra as a radiographic criterion for normal liver length in Pekingese dogs. © 2012 Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound.

Relations between age, weight, refractive error and eye shape by computerized tomography in children.

PubMed

Song, Ha Tae; Kim, Young Jun; Lee, Soo Jung; Moon, Yeon Sung

2007-09-01

To investigate relationships between age, weight, refractive error, and morphologic changes in children's eyes by computerized tomography (CT). Of the 772 eyes of 386 patients under the age of 20 years, who visited our Department of Ophthalmology between January 2005 to August 2006 and underwent CT of the orbit, 406 eyes of 354 patients with clear CT images and normal eyeball contour were enrolled in the present retrospective study. The axial lengths, widths, horizontal and vertical lengths, refractive errors, and body weight of eyes were measured, and relationship between these parameters were investigated. Axial length was found to correlate significantly with eye width (r=0.914), and in emmetropic eyes and myopic eyes, axial lengths and widths were found to increase as age and body weight increased. Axial lengths increased rapidly until age 10, and then increased slowly. In emmetropic eyes, widths/axial lengths increased with age, but in myopic eyes these decreased as age or severity of myopia increased. Moreover, as age increased, the myopic population and severity also increased. The axial length was longer in case of myopia compared to emmetropia in all age groups and there was almost no difference in the increase rate of axial length by the age of myopia and emmetropia. However, the width was wider in case of myopia compared to emmetropia in all age groups and the increase rate of width in myopia by age was smaller than that of emmetropia. Myopia showed decreasing rate of width/axial length with increase of age, from 1.004 in 5 years to 0.971 in 20 years. However, emmetropia showed increasing rate of width/axial length with increase of age, from 0.990 in 5 years to 1.006 in 20 years.

Relations between Age, Weight, Refractive Error and Eye Shape by Computerized Tomography in Children

PubMed Central

Song, Ha Tae; Kim, Young Jun; Lee, Soo Jung

2007-01-01

Purpose To investigate relationships between age, weight, refractive error, and morphologic changes in children's eyes by computerized tomography (CT). Methods Of the 772 eyes of 386 patients under the age of 20 years, who visited our Department of Ophthalmology between January 2005 to August 2006 and underwent CT of the orbit, 406 eyes of 354 patients with clear CT images and normal eyeball contour were enrolled in the present retrospective study. The axial lengths, widths, horizontal and vertical lengths, refractive errors, and body weight of eyes were measured, and relationship between these parameters were investigated. Results Axial length was found to correlate significantly with eye width (r=0.914), and in emmetropic eyes and myopic eyes, axial lengths and widths were found to increase as age and body weight increased. Axial lengths increased rapidly until age 10, and then increased slowly. In emmetropic eyes, widths / axial lengths increased with age, but in myopic eyes these decreased as age or severity of myopia increased. Moreover, as age increased, the myopic population and severity also increased. Conclusions The axial length was longer in case of myopia compared to emmetropia in all age groups and there was almost no difference in the increase rate of axial length by the age of myopia and emmetropia. However, the width was wider in case of myopia compared to emmetropia in all age groups and the increase rate of width in myopia by age was smaller than that of emmetropia. Myopia showed decreasing rate of width/axial length with increase of age, from 1.004 in 5 years to 0.971 in 20 years. However, emmetropia showed increasing rate of width/axial length with increase of age, from 0.990 in 5 years to 1.006 in 20 years. PMID:17804923

Mapping QTLs for drought tolerance in a SEA 5 x AND 277 common bean cross with SSRs and SNP markers

PubMed Central

Briñez, Boris; Perseguini, Juliana Morini Küpper Cardoso; Rosa, Juliana Santa; Bassi, Denis; Gonçalves, João Guilherme Ribeiro; Almeida, Caléo; Paulino, Jean Fausto de Carvalho; Blair, Matthew Ward; Chioratto, Alisson Fernando; Carbonell, Sérgio Augusto Morais; Valdisser, Paula Arielle Mendes Ribeiro; Vianello, Rosana Pereira; Benchimol-Reis, Luciana Lasry

2017-01-01

Abstract The common bean is characterized by high sensitivity to drought and low productivity. Breeding for drought resistance in this species involves genes of different genetic groups. In this work, we used a SEA 5 x AND 277 cross to map quantitative trait loci associated with drought tolerance in order to assess the factors that determine the magnitude of drought response in common beans. A total of 438 polymorphic markers were used to genotype the F8 mapping population. Phenotyping was done in two greenhouses, one used to simulate drought and the other to simulate irrigated conditions. Fourteen traits associated with drought tolerance were measured to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The map was constructed with 331 markers that covered all 11 chromosomes and had a total length of 1515 cM. Twenty-two QTLs were discovered for chlorophyll, leaf and stem fresh biomass, leaf biomass dry weight, leaf temperature, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight, days to flowering, dry pod weight and total yield under well-watered and drought (stress) conditions. All the QTLs detected under drought conditions showed positive effects of the SEA 5 allele. This study provides a better understanding of the genetic inheritance of drought tolerance in common bean. PMID:29064511

Midupper arm circumference and weight-for-length z scores have different associations with body composition: evidence from a cohort of Ethiopian infants.

PubMed

Grijalva-Eternod, Carlos S; Wells, Jonathan C K; Girma, Tsinuel; Kæstel, Pernille; Admassu, Bitiya; Friis, Henrik; Andersen, Gregers S

2015-09-01

A midupper arm circumference (MUAC) <115 mm and weight-for-height z score (WHZ) or weight-for-length z score (WLZ) less than -3, all of which are recommended to identify severe wasting in children, often identify different children. The reasons behind this poor agreement are not well understood. We investigated the association between these 2 anthropometric indexes and body composition to help understand why they identify different children as wasted. We analyzed weight, length, MUAC, fat-mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) data from 2470 measurements from 595 healthy Ethiopian infants obtained at birth and at 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, and 6 mo of age. We derived WLZs by using 2006 WHO growth standards. We derived length-adjusted FM and FFM values as unexplained residuals after regressing each FM and FFM against length. We used a correlation analysis to assess associations between length, FFM, and FM (adjusted and nonadjusted for length) and the MUAC and WLZ and a multivariable regression analysis to assess the independent variability of length and length-adjusted FM and FFM with either the MUAC or the WLZ as the outcome. At all ages, length showed consistently strong positive correlations with the MUAC but not with the WLZ. Adjustment for length reduced observed correlation coefficients of FM and FFM with the MUAC but increased those for the WLZ. At all ages, both length-adjusted FM and FFM showed an independent association with the WLZ and MUAC with higher regression coefficients for the WLZ. Conversely, length showed greater regression coefficients for the MUAC. At all ages, the MUAC was shown to be more influenced than was the WLZ by the FM variability relative to the FFM variability. The MUAC and WLZ have different associations with body composition, and length influences these associations differently. Our results suggest that the WLZ is a good marker of tissue masses independent of length. The MUAC acts more as a composite index of poor growth indexing jointly tissue masses and length. This trial was registered at www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN46718296. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Evaluation of total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of 18 Korean onion cultivars: a comparative study.

PubMed

Sharma, Kavita; Assefa, Awraris D; Kim, Seol; Ko, Eun Young; Lee, Eul Tai; Park, Se Won

2014-06-01

Onion is undoubtedly one of the major sources of flavonoids. However, there exists a varietal difference in composition, concentration and beneficial activities of onion, on the basis of cultivars, day length sensitivity/ripening and types. To characterise such differences, 18 onion cultivars from Korean were evaluated for their total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. Simultaneous quantification of quercetin, quercetin-3,4'-O-diglucoside, quercetin-4'-O-monoglucoside and isorhamnetin-3-glucoside was made in methanol and 75% ethanol. Total phenolic content was examined spectrophotometrically with the Folin-Ciocalteu phenol reagent and total antioxidant activity were studied by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) methods. The cultivar 'Sunpower' showed the highest level of total phenolics [5016 ± 30.0 µg gallic acid equivalents g(-1) dry weight (DW)] and flavonoids (2873.95 ± 60.01 µg Q g(-1) DW) among the 18 cultivars in methanol. However, there were fewer total phenolics and flavonoids in ethanol extracts. The antioxidant activity for cultivar Sunpower was highest in ethanol extracts 24.12 ± 1.00 and 16.13 ± 0.35 µmol L(-1) Trolox equivalents g(-1) DW with FRAP and DPPH, respectively. Among the 18 cultivars, Sunpower is the most promising in terms of total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity. Our results suggest that day length sensitivity/ripening among the cultivars do not play any significant role for high values of total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of egg storage on hatchability, chick quality, performance and immunocompetence parameters of broiler chickens.

PubMed

Goliomytis, Michael; Tsipouzian, Theofania; Hager-Theodorides, Ariadne L

2015-09-01

Pre-incubation egg storage is a necessity for the poultry industry. This study evaluated the effects of pre-incubation storage length of broiler eggs on hatchability, 1-day-old chick quality, subsequent performance, and immunocompetence. To this end, a total of 360 hatching eggs were stored for 4, 12, or 16 d prior to incubation. Hatchability and chick quality were assessed at hatch, and growth performance and immunocompetence parameters were assessed during a 35 d rearing period. Hatchability of set and fertile eggs, and embryonic mortality, were not affected by egg storage. On the contrary, 1-day-old chick BW and length were linearly negatively correlated with egg storage length (P-linear<0.05). Nevertheless, BW corrected for egg weight prior to setting was unaffected, and corrected chick length was positively affected by storage length. One-day-old chick Tona score, navel quality, and post-hatch growth performance (BW at 7 and 35 d, cumulative feed intake, and feed conversion ratio at 35 d) were unaffected by egg storage (P, P-linear>0.05). Lymphoid organ weights at 2 and 35 d, the titre of maternal anti-NDV antibodies, most of the thymocyte subpopulations defined by CD3, CD4, and CD8 cell surface expression in the thymus of 2-d-old chicks, cellular responses to the PHA skin test, humoral responses to primary SRBC, and NDV immunizations were also not influenced by length of storage (P, P-linear>0.05). On the contrary, the length of egg storage was found to negatively influence the abundance of CD3+CD4-CD8- thymocytes that represent the majority of γδ-T cells in the thymus of 2-day-old chicks, as well as the humoral response to booster NDV immunization of the birds. In brief, pre-incubation storage of broiler hatching eggs for up to 16 d did not affect most developmental and growth parameters investigated, except for BW and length at hatch. Egg storage was found to suppress some aspects of the immunocompetence of the birds, particularly aspects of acquired immunity. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Role of anthropometric data in the prediction of 4-stranded hamstring graft size in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PubMed

Ho, Sean Wei Loong; Tan, Teong Jin Lester; Lee, Keng Thiam

2016-03-01

To evaluate whether pre-operative anthropometric data can predict the optimal diameter and length of hamstring tendon autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This was a cohort study that involved 169 patients who underwent single-bundle ACL reconstruction (single surgeon) with 4-stranded MM Gracilis and MM Semi-Tendinosus autografts. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), gender, race, age and -smoking status were recorded pre-operatively. Intra-operatively, the diameter and functional length of the 4-stranded autograft was recorded. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the anthropometric measurements and the length and diameter of the implanted autografts. The strongest correlation between 4-stranded hamstring autograft diameter was height and weight. This correlation was stronger in females than males. BMI had a moderate correlation with the diameter of the graft in females. Females had a significantly smaller graft both in diameter and length when compared with males. Linear regression models did not show any significant correlation between hamstring autograft length with height and weight (p>0.05). Simple regression analysis demonstrated that height and weight can be used to predict hamstring graft diameter. The following regression equation was obtained for females: Graft diameter=0.012+0.034*Height+0.026*Weight (R2=0.358, p=0.004) The following regression equation was obtained for males: Graft diameter=5.130+0.012*Height+0.007*Weight (R2=0.086, p=0.002). Pre-operative anthropometric data has a positive correlation with the diameter of 4 stranded hamstring autografts but no significant correlation with the length. This data can be utilised to predict the autograft diameter and may be useful for pre-operative planning and patient counseling for graft selection.

Ambient temperature effects on growth of milkfish (Chanos chanos) at aquaculture scale in Blanakan, West Java

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

A'yun, Q.; Takarina, N. D.

2017-07-01

Growth and survival of fishes can be influenced by temperature [1]. Variation among size like weight and length could be the preference how temperature works on growth of fishes [2]. This could be key factor in determining in production as well as market demand since people like heavy and large fishes. The main purpose of this study was to determine the effects of temperature on the growth of milkfish (Chanos Chanos) on weight and length parameters in fish farms Blanakan. This study conducted to assess the optimal temperature for the growth of fish of different sizes to optimize the culture conditions for raising milkfishes in scale cultivation in Blanakan, West Java. Milkfishes were reared in the aquaculture Blanakan ponds because they can adapt very well. The weight and length of milkfishes were measured together with water temperature. The results showed the temperature min (tmin) and max (tmax) were ranged from 29-35 °C. Based on the result, there were significant differences in mean weight (p = 0.00) between temperature with the fish reared in tmax group having the lowest mean weight (99.87±11.51 g) and fish reared in tmin group having the highest mean weight (277.17±33.76 g). Likewise, the significant differences were also observed in mean length (p = 0.00) between temperature with the fish reared in tmax group having the lowest mean length (176.50±12.50 mm) and fish reared in tmin group having the highest mean length (183.60±23.86 mm). Therefore, this paper confirmed the significant effects of temperature on the fish growth reared in aquaculture ponds. More, maintaining aquaculture to lower temperature can be considered as way to keep growth of milkfish well.

Are gestational age, birth weight, and birth length indicators of favorable fetal growth conditions? A structural equation analysis of Filipino infants.

PubMed

Bollen, Kenneth A; Noble, Mark D; Adair, Linda S

2013-07-30

The fetal origins hypothesis emphasizes the life-long health impacts of prenatal conditions. Birth weight, birth length, and gestational age are indicators of the fetal environment. However, these variables often have missing data and are subject to random and systematic errors caused by delays in measurement, differences in measurement instruments, and human error. With data from the Cebu (Philippines) Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, we use structural equation models, to explore random and systematic errors in these birth outcome measures, to analyze how maternal characteristics relate to birth outcomes, and to take account of missing data. We assess whether birth weight, birth length, and gestational age are influenced by a single latent variable that we call favorable fetal growth conditions (FFGC) and if so, which variable is most closely related to FFGC. We find that a model with FFGC as a latent variable fits as well as a less parsimonious model that has birth weight, birth length, and gestational age as distinct individual variables. We also demonstrate that birth weight is more reliably measured than is gestational age. FFGCs were significantly influenced by taller maternal stature, better nutritional stores indexed by maternal arm fat and muscle area during pregnancy, higher birth order, avoidance of smoking, and maternal age 20-35 years. Effects of maternal characteristics on newborn weight, length, and gestational age were largely indirect, operating through FFGC. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Do South Indian newborn babies have higher fat percentage for a given birth weight?

PubMed

Kv, Radha Krishna; Hemalatha, Rajkumar; Mamidi, Raja Sriswan; Jj, Babu Geddam; Balakrishna, N

2016-05-01

India is experiencing rapidly escalating epidemics of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. High fat percent in Indian adults may have its origins at birth (Fetal origin hypothesis). Conflicting evidence from India have shown increased or similar fat mass in Indian newborn babies compared to western countries. To compare body composition of term infants with data from similar studies in India and developed countries. Cross-sectional study in newborn infants at the antenatal ward of a tertiary care hospital in South India. 626 mothers and their newborn babies. Maternal body weight and height, baby weight, length, head circumference, skin folds at three sites. Body fat, arm muscle area and arm muscle index were calculated based on known methods. Mean (SD) birth weight of newborn babies was 2.80 (0.37) kg and 43% of them were small for gestational age. Birth weight was significantly related to subscapular (r=0.445; p<0.001) and triceps (r=0.567; p<0.001) skin fold thickness. Mean (CI) Subscapular skin fold thickness and total body fat % was 3.81mm (3.74-3.97) and 10.5% (10.2-10.8). Mean total body fat % for small for gestational age (SGA) (9.57%) was significantly lower than appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies (11.7%). The mean body fat percent in AGA infants was similar to that of studies reported on term infants of developed countries, suggesting that South Indian babies may accumulate similar fat mass with increasing birth weight and gestational age. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Weight gain and nutritional efficacy in anorexia nervosa.

PubMed

Dempsey, D T; Crosby, L O; Pertschuk, M J; Feurer, I D; Buzby, G P; Mullen, J L

1984-02-01

To evaluate the usefulness of interval weight change in assessing nutritional support efficacy, we studied four anorexia nervosa patients (52% ideal body weight) requiring long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for 63 +/- 18 days. Fluid and electrolyte deficits were corrected before the initiation of nutritional support. Resting energy expenditure was measured before the initiation of TPN and weekly thereafter, using indirect calorimetry. Daily caloric expenditure was estimated at 1.1 X resting energy expenditure, based on previous studies of continuous heart rate monitoring in this patient population. Daily excess calories were calculated as caloric intake minus caloric expenditure. Each patient was weighed daily and linear regression analysis (excess calories versus weight change) was performed for individual patients and the group over intervals of varying length. There was no individual or group correlation between excess calories and weight gain on a daily or weekly interval basis. Cumulative weight changes over the long-term course of TPN correlated significantly with cumulative excess calories for each patient and the whole group (r = +0.82, p less than 0.01). The excess calories required to gain a kilogram body weight ranged from 5569 to 15619 kcal/kg with a mean of 9768. Cumulative long-term weight changes during nutritional repletion in anorexia nervosa are meaningful indicators of caloric balance, but short interval weight changes (daily, weekly) are not. The caloric cost of weight gain is variable in this population.

The effects of additional arm weights on arm-swing magnitude and gait patterns in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Yoon, Jiyeon; Park, Jinse; Park, Kunbo; Jo, Geunyeol; Kim, Haeyu; Jang, Wooyoung; Kim, Ji Sun; Youn, Jinyoung; Oh, Eung Seok; Kim, Hee-Tae; Youm, Chang Hong

2016-01-01

Recently, arm facilitation has been interested in gait rehabilitation. However, there have been few studies concerning arm facilitation in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of increasing arm weights on gait pattern in patients with PD. Twenty-seven patients with PD were enrolled, and they underwent gait analysis using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Sandbags were applied to the distal forearms in all participants. We compared gait parameters including arm swing, pelvic motion, spatiotemporal data, and relative rotational angle between the weighted and unweighted gaits. The total arm-swing amplitude and pelvic rotation were significantly higher when walking with additional arm weights than without arm weights. Cadence, walking speed, stride length, and swing phase were significantly higher, whereas stride time, double-support time, and stance phase were significantly lower, when walking with additional arm weights than without arm weights. We conclude that adding weights to the arm during walking may facilitate arm and pelvic movements, which results in changes to gait patterns. The therapeutic use of additional arm weights could be considered for gait rehabilitation in PD to improve gait impairment. Arm-swing facilitation using weight load improved gait in Parkinson's disease. Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Response and recovery of the macrophytes Elodea canadensis and Myriophyllum spicatum following a pulse exposure to the herbicide iofensulfuron-sodium in outdoor stream mesocosms.

PubMed

Wieczorek, Matthias V; Bakanov, Nikita; Lagadic, Laurent; Bruns, Eric; Schulz, Ralf

2017-04-01

Interest in stream mesocosms has recently revived for higher tier aquatic macrophyte risk assessment of plant protection products mainly because 1) the highest predicted environmental concentrations for the assessment of effects are frequently derived from stream scenarios, and 2) they allow an effect assessment using stream-typical pulse exposures. Therefore, the present stream mesocosm study used an herbicide pulse exposure and evaluated the responses of Elodea canadensis and Myriophyllum spicatum. Macrophytes were exposed for 24 h to 1 μg/L, 3 μg/L, 10 μg/L, and 30 μg/L of the herbicide iofensulfuron-sodium with a subsequent recovery period of 42 d. Biological endpoints were growth rates of the main, side, and total shoot length, the shoot number, the maximum root length, and the dry weight. The total shoot length was identified as the most sensitive endpoint; the growth rate of the total shoot length was inhibited by up to 66% and 45% in M. spicatum and E. canadensis, respectively. The lowest no observed effect concentrations (NOECs) were observed at day 7 and/or day 14 after herbicide treatment and were 1 μg/L for M. spicatum and 3 μg/L for E. canadensis. The no-observed-ecologically-adverse-effect concentrations (NOEAECs) were 10 μg/L and 30 μg/L for M. spicatum and E. canadensis, respectively. Such or similar mesocosm designs are useful to simulate typical stream exposures and estimate herbicide effects on aquatic macrophytes in stream systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1090-1100. © 2016 SETAC. © 2016 SETAC.

Relationship between the tensile strengths and diameters of human umbilical cords.

PubMed

Fernando, D M G; Gamage, S M K; Ranmohottige, S; Weerakkody, I; Abeyruwan, H; Parakrama, H

2018-05-01

Mothers of alleged infanticides might claim that umbilical cord broke during precipitate delivery causing injuries detected on baby at autopsy. There is paucity of evidence regarding this possibility. The objective of the study was to determine relationship between tensile strength and diameter or weight per unit length of cord. Diameters and weights per unit length of fresh umbilical cords were determined. Tensile strengths were measured by Hounsfield Testing Machine. Relationship between tensile strength versus cord diameter and weight per unit length were analyzed. Of 122 cords, average tensile strength, diameter and weight per centimeter were 50.4 N, 7.73 mm and 6.87 g respectively. The tensile strengths were directly proportional to diameter. There was no association between tensile strength and weight per centimeter. Measurement of the diameter of cord is important during autopsy to predict tensile strength and thereby to presume whether cord could have broken by the weight of the baby. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of some cooking banana (Musa spp.) for boiling and frying process.

PubMed

Belayneh, M; Workneh, T S; Belew, D

2014-12-01

Experiments were conducted to study physicochemical properties of four cooking banana varieties (Cardaba, Nijiru, Matoke and Kitawira) and to determine their suitability for chips processing and boiling quality. A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed. Pulp to peel ratio, pulp firmness (before and after), total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, ease of peeling, pulp water absorption, duration of cooking (or boiling) and dry matter are the most important parameters to evaluate the quality of cooking banana including plantain. The different variety affected the fruit physical characteristics significantly (P ≤ 0.05). The Cardaba varieties fruit was found to be the heaviest and the longest. The Kitawira and Nijiru varieties had the smallest, shortest and thinnest fruit. The Cardaba contained 88 % more edible portions per unit fresh weight than the peel. The Nijiru, Matoke and Kitawira contained more pulp weight than peel weight. Most fruit chemical quality parameters were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by the varieties. Similarly, the boiling and chips qualities were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by varieties. Among others, the Cardaba variety was found to have high fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit volume, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, dry matter and low total titratable acidity. Thus, Cardaba provided the best quality boiled pulp which can serve for diversified culinary purposes. Generally, the Nijiru, Kitawira and Matoke varieties were found to be superior to produce acceptable quality chips. These varieties are recommended for chips development by food processors in Ethiopia.

[Malnutrition in children admitted to hospital. Results of a national survey].

PubMed

Moreno Villares, José Manuel; Varea Calderón, Vicente; Bousoño García, Carlos

2017-05-01

Malnutrition on admission is closely related to a longer hospital stay and a higher morbidity. The prevalence of hospital malnutrition has been reported as almost as high as 50%, with 6% being the lowest. DHOSPE study investigates nutrition status in Spanish hospitals and its outcome during the hospital stay. A longitudinal, multicentre, descriptive, cross-sectional study, with a short follow-up period was conducted in 32 hospitals during 2011. A total of 991 patients were included, with ages from 0 to 17 years. Each patient was measured at admission (weight, length, weight for length -W/L-, length for age -L/A-), and at 7 and 14 days. The STAMP nutritional screening tool was completed on admission. Anthropometric measurements were reported as z-score, and nutrition status classified according to W/L and L/A for acute and chronic malnutrition, respectively. The prevalence of malnutrition was 7.1% for moderate, and 0.7% for severe acute malnutrition. For chronic malnutrition, it was 2.7% moderate, and 1.4% severe. There were significant differences according to the underlying condition but not according to age. Results of STAMP show that around 75% of patients had a moderate to high risk of malnutrition. Nutritional status changed during admission for weight, as well as W/L and L/A. A worst nutritional status at admission and a higher STAMP score were positively correlated with the need for nutrition support. The prevalence of undernutrition was slightly lower (<8%) than previously reported, probably in relation to the variety of hospitals in the survey. Nevertheless, nutritional risk when evaluated with STAMP showed a high risk of malnutrition. Copyright © 2015 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Length-weight relationship and a relative condition factor equation for lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) from the St. Clair River system (Michigan, USA)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Craig, Jaquelyn M.; Thomas, Michael V.; Nichols, Susan Jerrine

2005-01-01

Several USA state, federal, and Canadian agencies study lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) within the St Clair River and Lake St Clair, collectively referred to hereafter as the St Clair River (SCR) system. Previously, there has been no set standard for determining condition for SCR system lake sturgeon. Condition measures the variation from the expected weight for length as an indicator of fatness, general well-being, gonad development, etc. The aim of this project was to determine the length–weight relationship of lake sturgeon caught from the SCR system, from which a relative condition factor (Kn) equation could be derived. Total length (TL, mm) and weight (W, kg) were measured for 1074 lake sturgeon (101 males and 16 females were identifiable) collected by setline and bottom trawl from the SCR system in May–September, 1997–2002. Analysis of covariance found no difference in the length–weight relationship between sampling gear or sex. Least-squares regression of log10W × log10TL produced the overall equation logW = 3.365logTL − 9.320. Using the exponential form of the slope and y-intercept, relative condition factor for lake sturgeon from the SCR system can be calculated as Kn = W/[(4.786 × 10−10)(TL3.365)]. Equations for males and females were also developed. Overall, body condition was significantly correlated with both age and girth; no significant difference in Kn by sex was found. In general, the SCR lake sturgeon population was near the upper ends of growth and condition ranges listed in the literature, comparable with those populations that are at similar latitudes. Although condition factors should be interpreted with caution, proper use of a standard equation provides a non-lethal measure of overall fish health that can be used by biologists and managers in ongoing efforts to restore lake sturgeon throughout the Great Lakes.

Variability and interaction of some egg physical and eggshell quality attributes during the entire laying hen cycle.

PubMed

Sirri, F; Zampiga, M; Berardinelli, A; Meluzzi, A

2018-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the variability and relationships between some egg physical (egg weight, width, length, shape index, and surface area) and eggshell parameters (weight and percentage, thickness, breaking strength, and L*, a*, and b* values) during the entire laying hen cycle. A total of 8,000 eggs was collected every 5 wk, from 30 to 81 wk of hen age (10 samplings of 400 eggs/house), in 2 identical poultry houses equipped with enriched cages. For the statistical analysis, ANOVA, Bivariate Correlation, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis were used. An increase of egg weight, length, and eggshell lightness (L*) associated with a reduction of eggshell percentage, breaking strength, and redness (a*) was observed as the hen aged (P < 0.05). Overall, the coefficients of variation resulted in <5% in width, length, shape index, and egg surface area; from 5 to 10% of egg weight, shell weight, shell percentage, shell thickness, L*, and b*; and >10% of eggshell breaking strength and a*. According to the PCA, the highest changes during the laying cycle are related to egg physical parameters (32%) and to eggshell breaking strength, percentage, and thickness (26%). The egg physical parameters appeared to be strongly correlated to each other, whereas a slight correlation between eggshell breaking strength and color attributes were evidenced (-0.231 and 0.289, respectively, for L* and a*; P < 0.01). Hierarchical cluster analysis, based on principal components of the overall egg attributes, is hereby considered, and evidenced dissimilarities for eggs laid from peak production up for 39 wk of hen age from the eggs laid afterwards. The latter group could also be divided into 2 subgroups, one comprising eggs laid from 44 and 53 wk of hen age and the other from 58 wk to the end. In conclusion, the large dataset created in this study allowed to extrapolate some robust information regarding the variability and correlations of the egg physical and eggshell quality attributes throughout the entire laying hen cycle.

In Utero Exposure to Antiretroviral Drugs: Effect on Birth Weight and Growth Among HIV-Exposed Uninfected Children in Brazil

PubMed Central

Hofer, Cristina Barroso; Keiser, Olivia; Zwahlen, Marcel; Lustosa, Carla Sepulveda; CisneFrota, Ana Cristina; de Oliveira, Ricardo Hugo; Abreu, Thalita F; Carvalho, Alice Weber; Araujo, Lucia Evangelista; Egger, Matthias

2015-01-01

Context There are concerns about the effects of in utero exposure to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) on the development of HIV exposed but uninfected (HEU) children. Objectives To evaluate whether in utero exposure to ARVs is associated with lower birth weight/height and reduced growth during the first two years of life. Design Cohort study of HEU infants. Setting Tertiary children's hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Study population HEU infants born 1996-2010. Main outcome measures Weight measured by mechanical scale, height measured by measuring board. Z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ) and weight-for-length (WLZ) were calculated. We modeled trajectories by mixed-effects models and adjusted for mother's age, CD4 cell count, viral load, year of birth and family income. Results A total of 588 HEU infants were included of whom 155 (26%) were not exposed to ARVs, 114 (19%) were exposed early (first trimester) and 319 (54%) later. WAZ were lower among infants exposed early compared to infants exposed later: adjusted differences were −0.52 (95% CI −0.99 to −0.04, P=0.02) at birth and −0.22 (95% CI −0.47 to 0.04, P=0.10) during follow-up. LAZ were lower during follow-up: −0.35 (95% CI −0.63 to −0.08, P=0.01). There were no differences in WLZ scores. Z-scores of infants exposed late during pregnancy were similar to unexposed infants. Conclusions In HEU children early exposure to ARVs was associated with lower WAZ at birth and lower LAZ up to 2 years of life. Growth of HEU children needs to be monitored closely. PMID:26741583

Prevalence of toddler, child and adolescent overweight and obesity derived from primary care electronic medical records: an observational study

PubMed Central

Biro, Suzanne; Barber, Dave; Williamson, Tyler; Morkem, Rachael; Khan, Shahriar; Janssen, Ian

2016-01-01

Background: Population monitoring and surveillance of objectively measured child weight data in Canada is limited to national surveys with poor regional applicability, and no healthy weight data are available for children less than 2 years of age. We aimed to determine the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity using objective measures derived from primary care electronic medical records. Methods: Observational data included all height and weight records for children less than 20 years of age, between 2004 and 2013, from 3 Ontario primary care research networks. We calculated body mass index (BMI)-for-age and weight-for-length using the World Health Organization Growth Standards and Reference to assign growth status indicator categories by age group. Descriptive data and prevalence estimates were generated for 2013. We also compared weight-for-length for children less than 2 years of age with a corresponding billing code for known well-child visits. Results: Our study included 8261 children with a corresponding growth status indicator, a sample close to 4 times larger than the national survey sample. In 2013, 28.4% of children aged 5-19 years, and 6% of children aged 0-5 years, were categorized as overweight or obese. Between 2008 and 2013, the total number of 18-month well baby visit billing codes was 1152; 6.9% of this group were categorized as overweight or obese; 19.2% were categorized as having risk of overweight. Interpretation: Primary care electronic medical records show good potential for ongoing population monitoring of overweight and obesity, particularly for very young children for whom early intervention is likely to show the greatest positive health impact. PMID:27730118

Enhancement of germination, growth, and photosynthesis in soybean by pre-treatment of seeds with magnetic field.

PubMed

Shine, M B; Guruprasad, K N; Anand, Anjali

2011-09-01

Experiments were conducted to study the effect of static magnetic fields on the seeds of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. var: JS-335) by exposing the seeds to different magnetic field strengths from 0 to 300 mT in steps of 50 mT for 30, 60, and 90 min. Treatment with magnetic fields improved germination-related parameters like water uptake, speed of germination, seedling length, fresh weight, dry weight and vigor indices of soybean seeds under laboratory conditions. Improvement over untreated control was 5-42% for speed of germination, 4-73% for seedling length, 9-53% for fresh weight, 5-16% for dry weight, and 3-88% and 4-27% for vigor indices I and II, respectively. Treatment of 200 mT (60 min) and 150 mT (60 min), which were more effective than others in increasing most of the seedling parameters, were further explored for their effect on plant growth, leaf photosynthetic efficiency, and leaf protein content under field conditions. Among different growth parameters, leaf area, and leaf fresh weight showed maximum enhancement (more than twofold) in 1-month-old plants. Polyphasic chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) transients from magnetically treated plants gave a higher fluorescence yield at the J-I-P phase. The total soluble protein map (SDS-polyacrylamide gel) of leaves showed increased intensities of the bands corresponding to a larger subunit (53 KDa) and smaller subunit (14 KDa) of Rubisco in the treated plants. We report here the beneficial effect of pre-sowing magnetic treatment for improving germination parameters and biomass accumulation in soybean. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Telomere shortening unrelated to smoking, body weight, physical activity, and alcohol intake: 4,576 general population individuals with repeat measurements 10 years apart.

PubMed

Weischer, Maren; Bojesen, Stig E; Nordestgaard, Børge G

2014-03-01

Cross-sectional studies have associated short telomere length with smoking, body weight, physical activity, and possibly alcohol intake; however, whether these associations are due to confounding is unknown. We tested these hypotheses in 4,576 individuals from the general population cross-sectionally, and with repeat measurement of relative telomere length 10 years apart. We also tested whether change in telomere length is associated with mortality and morbidity in the general population. Relative telomere length was measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cross-sectionally at the first examination, short telomere length was associated with increased age (P for trend across quartiles = 3 × 10(-77)), current smoking (P = 8 × 10(-3)), increased body mass index (P = 7 × 10(-14)), physical inactivity (P = 4 × 10(-17)), but not with increased alcohol intake (P = 0.10). At the second examination 10 years later, 56% of participants had lost and 44% gained telomere length with a mean loss of 193 basepairs. Change in leukocyte telomere length during 10 years was associated inversely with baseline telomere length (P<1 × 10(-300)) and age at baseline (P = 1 × 10(-27)), but not with baseline or 10-year inter-observational tobacco consumption, body weight, physical activity, or alcohol intake. Prospectively during a further 10 years follow-up after the second examination, quartiles of telomere length change did not associate with risk of all-cause mortality, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, or ischemic heart disease. In conclusion, smoking, increased body weight, and physical inactivity were associated with short telomere length cross-sectionally, but not with telomere length change during 10 years observation, and alcohol intake was associated with neither. Also, change in telomere length did not associate prospectively with mortality or morbidity in the general population.

Telomere Shortening Unrelated to Smoking, Body Weight, Physical Activity, and Alcohol Intake: 4,576 General Population Individuals with Repeat Measurements 10 Years Apart

PubMed Central

Weischer, Maren; Bojesen, Stig E.; Nordestgaard, Børge G.

2014-01-01

Cross-sectional studies have associated short telomere length with smoking, body weight, physical activity, and possibly alcohol intake; however, whether these associations are due to confounding is unknown. We tested these hypotheses in 4,576 individuals from the general population cross-sectionally, and with repeat measurement of relative telomere length 10 years apart. We also tested whether change in telomere length is associated with mortality and morbidity in the general population. Relative telomere length was measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cross-sectionally at the first examination, short telomere length was associated with increased age (P for trend across quartiles = 3×10−77), current smoking (P = 8×10−3), increased body mass index (P = 7×10−14), physical inactivity (P = 4×10−17), but not with increased alcohol intake (P = 0.10). At the second examination 10 years later, 56% of participants had lost and 44% gained telomere length with a mean loss of 193 basepairs. Change in leukocyte telomere length during 10 years was associated inversely with baseline telomere length (P<1×10−300) and age at baseline (P = 1×10−27), but not with baseline or 10-year inter-observational tobacco consumption, body weight, physical activity, or alcohol intake. Prospectively during a further 10 years follow-up after the second examination, quartiles of telomere length change did not associate with risk of all-cause mortality, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, or ischemic heart disease. In conclusion, smoking, increased body weight, and physical inactivity were associated with short telomere length cross-sectionally, but not with telomere length change during 10 years observation, and alcohol intake was associated with neither. Also, change in telomere length did not associate prospectively with mortality or morbidity in the general population. PMID:24625632

Self-latching eccentric cam for dual stroke compressor or pump

DOEpatents

Sisk, Francis J.

1985-01-01

For a dual capacity refrigerant compressor of the type which has an eccentric cam rotatable on a crankpin between two opposite positions which changes the total eccentricity of the crankpin and cam so as to obtain two different stroke lengths, the rotation of the cam on the crankpin being effected by a reversal of motor operation, the cam moves through an angle of about 270.degree. around the crankpin so that a centrifugal force torque tending to hold the cam in place is available at least in the reduced stroke length position of the cam, and by providing lightening cavities and eccentric weightings, the center of mass 74 of the cam can be shifted to obtain the centrifugal torque in the proper direction at both the maximum and reduced stroke positions.

Self-latching eccentric cam for dual stroke compressor or pump

DOEpatents

Sisk, F.J.

1985-01-22

For a dual capacity refrigerant compressor of the type which has an eccentric cam rotatable on a crankpin between two opposite positions which changes the total eccentricity of the crankpin and cam so as to obtain two different stroke lengths, the rotation of the cam on the crankpin being effected by a reversal of motor operation, the cam moves through an angle of about 270[degree] around the crankpin so that a centrifugal force torque tending to hold the cam in place is available at least in the reduced stroke length position of the cam, and by providing lightening cavities and eccentric weightings, the center of mass of the cam can be shifted to obtain the centrifugal torque in the proper direction at both the maximum and reduced stroke positions. 7 figs.

Nodal distances for rooted phylogenetic trees.

PubMed

Cardona, Gabriel; Llabrés, Mercè; Rosselló, Francesc; Valiente, Gabriel

2010-08-01

Dissimilarity measures for (possibly weighted) phylogenetic trees based on the comparison of their vectors of path lengths between pairs of taxa, have been present in the systematics literature since the early seventies. For rooted phylogenetic trees, however, these vectors can only separate non-weighted binary trees, and therefore these dissimilarity measures are metrics only on this class of rooted phylogenetic trees. In this paper we overcome this problem, by splitting in a suitable way each path length between two taxa into two lengths. We prove that the resulting splitted path lengths matrices single out arbitrary rooted phylogenetic trees with nested taxa and arcs weighted in the set of positive real numbers. This allows the definition of metrics on this general class of rooted phylogenetic trees by comparing these matrices through metrics in spaces M(n)(R) of real-valued n x n matrices. We conclude this paper by establishing some basic facts about the metrics for non-weighted phylogenetic trees defined in this way using L(p) metrics on M(n)(R), with p [epsilon] R(>0).

How does bone quality differ between healthy-weight and overweight adolescents and young adults?

PubMed

Hoy, Christa L; Macdonald, Heather M; McKay, Heather A

2013-04-01

Overweight youth have greater bone mass than their healthy-weight peers but sustain more fractures. However, it is unclear whether and how excess body fat influences bone quality in youth. We determined whether overweight status correlated with three-dimensional aspects of bone quality influencing bone strength in adolescent and young adult females and males. We categorized males (n=103; mean age, 17 years) and females (n=85; mean age, 18 years) into healthy-weight and overweight groups. We measured lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We used high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT to assess the distal radius (7% site) and distal tibia (8% site). Bone quality measures included total bone mineral density (Tt.BMD), total area (Tt.Ar), trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), separation (Tb.Sp), and thickness (Tb.Th). We used multiple regression to compare bone quality between healthy-weight and overweight adolescents adjusting for age, ethnicity, limb length, LM, and FM. Overweight males had higher (10%-21%) Tt.BMD, BV/TV, and Tb.N and lower Tb.Sp at the tibia and lower Tt.Ar at the radius than healthy-weight males. No differences were observed between overweight and healthy-weight females. LM attenuated the differences in bone quality between groups in males while FM negatively predicted Tt.BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th. Our data suggest overweight males have enhanced bone quality compared with healthy-weight males; however, when group differences are interpreted in the context of the mechanostat theory, it appears bone quality of overweight adolescents adapts to LM and not to greater FM.

High-density ddRAD linkage and yield-related QTL mapping delimits a chromosomal region responsible for oil content in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

PubMed

Chen, Jun; Wang, Bo; Zhang, Yueli; Yue, Xiaopeng; Li, Zhaohong; Liu, Kede

2017-06-01

Rapeseed ( Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops almost all over the world. Seed-related traits, including oil content (OC), silique length (SL), seeds per silique (SS), and seed weight (SW), are primary targets for oil yield improvement. To dissect the genetic basis of these traits, 192 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were derived from two parents with distinct oil content and silique length. High-density linkage map with a total length of 1610.4 cM were constructed using 1,329 double-digestion restriction site associated DNA (ddRAD) markers, 107 insertion/deletions (INDELs), and 90 well-distributed simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers. A total of 37 consensus quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected for the four traits, with individual QTL explained 3.1-12.8% of the phenotypic variations. Interestingly, one OC consensus QTL ( cqOCA10b ) on chromosome A10 was consistently detected in all three environments, and explained 9.8% to 12.8% of the OC variation. The locus was further delimited into an approximately 614 kb genomic region, in which the flanking markers could be further evaluated for marker-assisted selection in rapeseed OC improvement and the candidate genes targeted for map-based cloning and genetic manipulation.

Direct and indirect effects of glomalin, mycorrhizal hyphae, and roots on aggregate stability in rhizosphere of trifoliate orange

PubMed Central

Wu, Qiang-Sheng; Cao, Ming-Qin; Zou, Ying-Ning; He, Xin-hua

2014-01-01

To test direct and indirect effects of glomalin, mycorrhizal hyphae, and roots on aggregate stability, perspex pots separated by 37-μm nylon mesh in the middle were used to form root-free hyphae and root/hyphae chambers, where trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings were colonized by Funneliformis mosseae or Paraglomus occultum in the root/hyphae chamber. Both fungal species induced significantly higher plant growth, root total length, easily-extractable glomalin-related soil protein (EE-GRSP) and total GRSP (T-GRSP), and mean weight diameter (an aggregate stability indicator). The Pearson correlation showed that root colonization or soil hyphal length significantly positively correlated with EE-GRSP, difficultly-extractable GRSP (DE-GRSP), T-GRSP, and water-stable aggregates in 2.00–4.00, 0.50–1.00, and 0.25–0.50 mm size fractions. The path analysis indicated that in the root/hyphae chamber, aggregate stability derived from a direct effect of root colonization, EE-GRSP or DE-GRSP. Meanwhile, the direct effect was stronger by EE-GRSP or DE-GRSP than by mycorrhizal colonization. In the root-free hyphae chamber, mycorrhizal-mediated aggregate stability was due to total effect but not direct effect of soil hyphal length, EE-GRSP and T-GRSP. Our results suggest that GRSP among these tested factors may be the primary contributor to aggregate stability in the citrus rhizosphere. PMID:25059396

Pollution level and reusability of the waste soil generated from demolition of a rural railway.

PubMed

Han, Il; Wee, Gui Nam; No, Jee Hyun; Lee, Tae Kwon

2018-09-01

Railways are typically considered polluted from years of train operation. However, the pollution level of railway in a rural area, which is less exposed to hazardous material from trains and freights, is rarely assessed. This study evaluated common railway pollutants such as heavy metals, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their chemical properties in the waste soil generated from the renovation of an old railway in rural area of Wonju, South Korea. Furthermore, lab-scale cultivation tests of peas (Pisum sativum) were performed to assess reusability of the waste soil as a soil amendment. Carbonaceous materials were found in the upper layer of the railway (0 to -40 cm) and the concentration of common railway pollutants was comparable to those of the agricultural land nearby. Specifically, total aromatic and aliphatic TPHs were below detection limit; and total PAHs < 1.0 mg kg -1 was 1000-times less than railway functional parts. Applying the carbonaceous waste soil improved the water holding capacity of soil by approximately 10% and sprouts formed on the soil with 10% waste soil composition had greater fresh weight, stem length, and root length than the control. Although this investigation was confined to a small length of the railway route, the results confirm environmental safety and the potential value of the waste generated from rural railways for the first time. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Developmental toxicity of diphenyl ether herbicides in nestling American kestrels.

PubMed

Hoffman, D J; Spann, J W; LeCaptain, L J; Bunck, C M; Rattner, B A

1991-11-01

Beginning the day after hatching, American kestrel (Falco sparverius) nestlings were orally dosed for 10 consecutive days with 5 microliters/g of corn oil (controls) or one of the diphenyl ether herbicides (nitrofen, bifenox, or oxyfluorfen) at concentrations of 10, 50, 250, or 500 mg/kg in corn oil. At 500 mg/kg, nitrofen resulted in complete nestling mortality, bifenox in high (66%) mortality, and oxyfluorfen in no mortality. Nitrofen at 250 mg/kg reduced nestling growth as reflected by decreased body weight, crown-rump length, and bone lengths including humerus, radius-ulna, femur, and tibiotarsus. Bifenox at 250 mg/kg had less effect on growth than nitrofen, but crown-rump, humerus, radius-ulna, and femur were significantly shorter than controls. Liver weight as a percent of body weight increased with 50 and 250 mg/kg nitrofen. Other manifestations of impending hepatotoxicity following nitrofen ingestion included increased hepatic GSH peroxidase activity in all nitrofen-treated groups, and increased plasma enzyme activities for ALT, AST, and LDH-L in the 250-mg/kg group. Bifenox ingestion resulted in increased hepatic GSH peroxidase activity in the 50- and 250-mg/kg groups. Nitrofen exposure also resulted in an increase in total plasma thyroxine (T4) concentration. These findings suggest that altricial nestlings are more sensitive to diphenyl ether herbicides than young or adult birds of precocial species.

Improving Growth for Infants ≤1250 Grams Receiving an Exclusive Human Milk Diet.

PubMed

Huston, Robert K; Markell, Andrea M; McCulley, Elizabeth A; Gardiner, Stuart K; Sweeney, Sean L

2018-02-16

An exclusive human milk diet (EHM) fortified with human milk-based fortifier decreases necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) compared to maternal milk supplemented with preterm formula and bovine fortifier (PTF). Growth has been less with EHM and also maternal milk supplemented with donor human milk and bovine fortifier (HMBF). The objective was to evaluate the effect of a standardized feeding protocol on the growth of infants ≤1250 g birth weight supported with EHM and HMBF. The effect on the incidence of NEC was also evaluated. A retrospective study of growth before and after implementation of a feeding protocol for infants who received either EHM or HMBF. Primary outcomes were weight, length, and head circumference gain velocities from birth to discharge. The incidence of NEC was also recorded. Analysis of covariance for 379 total infants showed that earlier day of life for fortification to 24 Kcal/oz was associated with increased weight gain (p = 0.0166) and length gain (p = 0.0064). Implementation of the feeding protocol was associated with increased head circumference gain (p = 0.006). EHM was associated with decreased incidence of NEC (p = 0.0302). Implementation of a standardized feeding protocol including earlier fortification of maternal milk was associated with improved growth for infants receiving human milk feedings. EHM significantly decreased NEC. Earlier fortification had no effect on NEC. © 2018 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Costs of measuring leaf area index of corn

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daughtry, C. S. T.; Hollinger, S. E.

1984-01-01

The magnitude of plant-to-plant variability of leaf area of corn plants selected from uniform plots was examined and four representative methods for measuring leaf area index (LAI) were evaluated. The number of plants required and the relative costs for each sampling method were calculated to detect 10, 20, and 50% differences in LAI using 0.05 and 0.01 tests of significance and a 90% probability of success (beta = 0.1). The natural variability of leaf area per corn plant was nearly 10%. Additional variability or experimental error may be introduced by the measurement technique employed and by nonuniformity within the plot. Direct measurement of leaf area with an electronic area meter had the lowest CV, required that the fewest plants be sampled, but required approximately the same amount of time as the leaf area/weight ratio method to detect comparable differences. Indirect methods based on measurements of length and width of leaves required more plants but less total time than the direct method. Unless the coefficients for converting length and width to area are verified frequently, the indirect methods may be biased. When true differences in LAI among treatments exceed 50% of mean, all four methods are equal. The method of choice depends on the resources available, the differences to be detected, and what additional information, such as leaf weight or stalk weight, is also desired.

'Ogura'-based 'CMS' lines with different nuclear backgrounds of cabbage revealed substantial diversity at morphological and molecular levels.

PubMed

Parkash, Chander; Kumar, Sandeep; Singh, Rajender; Kumar, Ajay; Kumar, Satish; Dey, Shyam Sundar; Bhatia, Reeta; Kumar, Raj

2018-01-01

A comprehensive study on characterization and genetic diversity analysis was carried out in 16 'Ogura'-based 'CMS' lines of cabbage using 14 agro-morphological traits and 29 SSR markers. Agro-morphological characterization depicted considerable variations for different horticultural traits studied. The genotype, ZHA-2, performed better for most of the economically important quantitative traits. Further, gross head weight (0.76), head length (0.60) and head width (0.83) revealed significant positive correlation with net head weight. Dendrogram based on 10 quantitative traits exhibited considerable diversity among different CMS lines and principle component analysis (PCA) indicated that net and gross head weight, and head length and width are the main components of divergence between 16 CMS lines of cabbage. In molecular study, a total of 58 alleles were amplified by 29 SSR primers, averaging to 2.0 alleles in each locus. High mean values of Shannon's Information index (0.62), expected (0.45) and observed (0.32) heterozygosity and polymorphic information content (0.35) depicted substantial polymorphism. Dendrogram based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient constructed two major groups and eight sub-groups, which revealed substantial diversity among different CMS lines. In overall, based on agro-morphological and molecular studies genotype RRMA, ZHA-2 and RCA were found most divergent. Hence, they have immense potential in future breeding programs for the high-yielding hybrid development in cabbage.

Sex difference in PCB concentrations of a catostomid fish

USGS Publications Warehouse

Madenjian, Charles P.; Stevens, Andrew L.; Stapanian, Martin A.; Batterman, Stuart A.; Chernyak, Sergei M.; Menczer, Jordan E.; McIntyre, Peter B.

2017-01-01

Unraveling the complexities associated with the relative differences in contaminant concentrations between the sexes of mature fish may provide insights into important behavioral and physiological differences between the sexes of not just fish but higher vertebrates as well. Whole-fish polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were determined in 25 mature female white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) and 26 mature male white suckers caught during their spawning run in the Kewaunee River, a tributary to Lake Michigan. Total length and weight were measured for each fish, and age of each fish was estimated from thin-sectioned otoliths. PCB concentration significantly increased with increasing total length, weight, and age. Consequently, three analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models were fitted to the data to assess the effect of sex on white sucker PCB concentration. Based on model averaging, estimates of mean PCB concentrations in female and male white suckers were 185 and 219 ng/g, respectively. Thus, males were 18% greater in PCB concentration than females. We conclude that this difference between the sexes was most likely mainly driven by a higher rate of energy expenditure in males compared with females. Greater energy expenditure, owing to greater swimming activity and a higher resting metabolic rate, resulted in a higher rate of food consumption, which in turn led to a greater rate of PCB accumulation. Higher whole-fish PCB concentration in males compared with females has now been shown in nine different fish species. Our study represented the first documentation of this type of sex difference in a catostomid fish.

Comparison of Transferred Versus Nontransferred Pediatric Patients Admitted for Sepsis.

PubMed

Hsu, Benson S; Schimelpfenig, Michelle; Lakhani, Saquib

2016-01-01

Little is known about the characteristics of pediatric patients transferred for medical care. Thus, we aimed to compare pediatric patients admitted for sepsis as transfers versus those who were not admitted as transfers. Retrospective study using The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 2009 Kids' Inpatient Database. Inclusion diagnosis of sepsis based on an All Patient Refined Diagnosis-Related Group of 720: Septicemia & Disseminated Infections resulted in 16,894 patients. Transfer status was based on admission codes. Weighted statistical analysis was conducted using STATA 12.1 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX). Institutional review board approval was obtained. Weighted analysis found significant differences between transferred versus nontransferred patients in the following areas: highest severity of illness subclass (45.1% vs. 18.7%, P < .001), number of chronic conditions (2.0 vs. 1.5, P < .001), teaching hospital status (85.9% vs. 54.8%, P < .001), length of stay (10.8 vs. 6.5, p<.001), number of procedures (2.9 vs. 1.4, P < .001), mortality (8.4% vs. 3.2%, P < .001), total costs ($30,626 vs. $13,677, P < .001), and daily costs ($2,901 vs. $1,887, P < .001). Our study found that patients diagnosed with sepsis and transferred are more severely ill with a higher number of chronic conditions, longer lengths of stay, more procedures performed, higher mortality, and higher total and daily costs. Copyright © 2016 Air Medical Journal Associates. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Calories count. Improved weight gain with dietary intervention in congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Unger, R; DeKleermaeker, M; Gidding, S S; Christoffel, K K

1992-09-01

We assessed the nutritional status of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) to evaluate the role of dietary intake in impaired weight for patient length. Underweight patients with CHD underwent nutritional counseling to evaluate the role of this intervention in improvement of weight for length. We prospectively evaluated a clinical protocol for nutritional assessment and counseling in patients with CHD. Eligible patients were enrolled from a cardiology clinic during a 13-month period. Initial anthropometric measurements and measurements of dietary intake of underweight and normal-weight patients were compared. Initial and follow-up measurements of underweight patients who received nutritional counseling were compared. Nineteen underweight patients with CHD and 16 normal-weight patients with CHD, aged 1 month to 2 years, were studied. Exclusion criteria included noncardiac factors that could affect growth (eg, low birth weight, Down syndrome, gastrointestinal deficit, and any severe abnormality of the central nervous system). Seventeen of the 19 underweight patients underwent nutritional counseling in the presence of a parent every 2 months for 6 months. Caloric and protein intakes were maximized using high-calorie formulas. Baseline dietary intake was lower in underweight patients than in normal-weight patients (mean percentage of the recommended daily allowance of calories, 89% vs 108%). Follow-up evaluation in normal-weight patients showed no change in percentage of ideal body weight for length. Follow-up evaluation in underweight patients showed improvement in mean dietary intake (from 90% to 104% of the recommended daily allowance of calories) and in mean percentage of ideal body weight for length after intervention (from 83.1% to 88.3%). Nutritional evaluation of patients with CHD demonstrated that underweight children had inadequate diets. Underweight patients with CHD who received nutritional counseling showed increased dietary intake and improved anthropometric measurements on follow-up.

Food preference of red devil (Amphilophus labiatus) in the Sermo Reservoir, Kulon Progo Regency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ariasari, A.; Helmiati, S.; Setyobudi, E.

2018-03-01

Food preference is one of the important information that can be used to know the food chain in order to manage fisheries resources. This study aims to determine the food habits and preference of red devil (Amphilophus labiatus) in the Sermo Reservoir, Kulon Progo Regency. Samples were collected randomly each month from September 2013 to February 2014. Each sample collected was measured its total length, body weight, and determined sex, then dissected to measure the gut length and to observe gut contents. Results showed that red devil is omnivorous (relative gut length = 3.83) with food composition consisted of fish, crustaceans, detritus, phytoplankton, zooplankton, plants, insects, insect’s larvae, Chironomus sp., and annelids. A change occurred in the food preference of red devil, i.e. the young fish prefers to feed Chironomus sp. larvae (86.02 %) whereas the adult fish prefers fish/fish chunk (81.82 %). Trophic level status of red devil showed as carnivorous and niche overlapping between male and female of the adult.

Ichthyouris voltagrandensis n.sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) from Myleus tiete Eigenmann & Norris, 1900 (Osteichthyes: Characidae) in the Volta Grande Reservoir, MG, Brazil.

PubMed

Martins, M L; Yoshitoshi, E R; Umekita, H

2001-05-01

The present work studied helminth parasites of "pacu-manteiga", Myleus tiete (Osteichthyes: Characidae) from Volta Grande Reservoir, MG, Brazil. Fishes with 142.6 +/- 24.7 g weight and 17.3 +/- 1.0 cm total length were collected. Five out six analysed fish (prevalence 83.3%) were parasitized in the intestine with an average of 535.6 +/- 334.6 oxyurid nematodes per fish. The helminth was identified as Ichthyouris voltagrandensis n.sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae). It differs from I. brasiliensis (Moravec et al., 1992a) by the absence of lateral alae, higher measures of tail and caudal alae of males, esophageal isthmus length, distance of excretory pore from anterior end and spicule length. In addition, eggs were provided by two long filaments in just one pole and by the first time the authors observed flagellate spermatozoa from dissected males. The authors exposes comparative table of measures of the five described species of the genus Ichthyouris.

The impact of body habitus on the surgical outcomes of transaxillary single-incision robotic thyroidectomy in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients.

PubMed

Lee, Sohee; Park, Seulkee; Lee, Cho Rok; Son, Haiyoung; Kim, Jungwoo; Kang, Sang-Wook; Jeong, Jong Ju; Nam, Kee-Hyun; Chung, Woong Youn; Park, Cheong Soo

2013-07-01

Robotic applications have achieved safe and precise thyroidectomy with notable cosmetic and functional benefits. This study was designed to document the influence of body habitus on robotic thyroidectomy in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. From July 2009 to February 2010, 352 patients underwent robotic thyroidectomy using a gasless, transaxillary single-incision approach at Yonsei University Health System. Body habitus was described using body mass index category (normal weight, overweight, obese), neck length, shoulder width, and shoulder width to neck length ratios. The impact of body habitus on surgical outcomes was analyzed with respect to operation time, number of retrieved central nodes, bleeding amount, and postoperative complications. Of the 352 patients, 217 underwent less than total thyroidectomy and 135 underwent total thyroidectomy. Operative variables (i.e. operation times, bleeding amounts, and numbers of retrieved central nodes) showed no significant differences between three BMI groups for less than total thyroidectomy. However, total operation and working space times were longer for obese patients during total thyroidectomy. In particular, shoulder width was positively correlated with total operation time, working space time, console time, and number of retrieved central nodes. On the other hand, postoperative complications were not significantly different in the three BMI groups and showed no significant correlation with the other indices of body habitus. Standardized robotic thyroidectomy can be performed safely and feasibly in patients with a large body habitus despite longer operation times.

Low-maintenance energy requirements of obese dogs after weight loss.

PubMed

German, Alexander J; Holden, Shelley L; Mather, Nicola J; Morris, Penelope J; Biourge, Vincent

2011-10-01

Weight rebound after successful weight loss is a well-known phenomenon in humans and dogs, possibly due to the fact that energy restriction improves metabolic efficiency, reducing post-weight-loss maintenance energy requirements (MER). The aim of the present study was to estimate post-weight-loss MER in obese pet dogs that had successfully lost weight and did not subsequently rebound. A total of twenty-four obese dogs, successfully completing a weight management programme at the Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic, University of Liverpool (Wirral, UK), were included. In all dogs, a period of >14 d of stable weight ( < 1 % change) was identified post-weight loss, when food intake was constant and activity levels were stable (assessed via owners' diary records). Post-weight-loss MER was indirectly estimated by determining dietary energy consumption during this stable weight period. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify factors that were associated with post-weight-loss MER. The mean length of stable weight after weight loss was 54 (SD 34.1) d. During this time, MER was 285 (SD 54.8) kJ/kg(0.75) per d. The rate of prior weight loss and food intake during the weight-loss phase was positively associated with post-weight-loss MER, while the amount of lean tissue lost was negatively associated with post-weight-loss MER. MER are low after weight loss in obese pet dogs (typically only 10 % more than required during weight-loss MER), which has implications for what should constitute the optimal diet during this period. Preserving lean tissue during weight loss may maximise post-weight-loss MER and help prevent rebound.

Body composition at birth and its relationship with neonatal anthropometric ratios: the newborn body composition study of the INTERGROWTH-21st project

PubMed Central

Villar, José; Puglia, Fabien A; Fenton, Tanis R; Cheikh Ismail, Leila; Staines-Urias, Eleonora; Giuliani, Francesca; Ohuma, Eric O; Victora, Cesar G; Sullivan, Peter; Barros, Fernando C; Lambert, Ann; Papageorghiou, Aris T; Ochieng, Roseline; Jaffer, Yasmin A; Altman, Douglas G; Noble, Alison J; Gravett, Michael G; Purwar, Manorama; Pang, Ruyan; Uauy, Ricardo; Kennedy, Stephen H; Bhutta, Zulfiqar A

2017-01-01

Background We aimed to describe newborn body composition and identify which anthropometric ratio (weight/length; BMI; or ponderal index, PI) best predicts fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). Methods Air-displacement plethysmography (PEA POD) was used to estimate FM, FFM, and body fat percentage (BF%). Associations between FFM, FM, and BF% and weight/length, BMI, and PI were evaluated in 1,019 newborns using multivariate regression analysis. Charts for FM, FFM, and BF% were generated using a prescriptive subsample (n=247). Standards for the best-predicting anthropometric ratio were calculated utilizing the same population used for the INTERGROWTH-21st Newborn Size Standards (n=20,479). Results FFM and FM increased consistently during late pregnancy. Differential FM, BF%, and FFM patterns were observed for those born preterm (34+0−36+6 weeks’ gestation) and with impaired intrauterine growth. Weight/length by gestational age (GA) was a better predictor of FFM and FM (adjusted R2=0.92 and 0.71, respectively) than BMI or PI, independent of sex, GA, and timing of measurement. Results were almost identical when only preterm newborns were studied. We present sex-specific centiles for weight/length ratio for GA. Conclusions Weight/length best predicts newborn FFM and FM. There are differential FM, FFM, and BF% patterns by sex, GA, and size at birth. PMID:28445454

Body composition at birth and its relationship with neonatal anthropometric ratios: the newborn body composition study of the INTERGROWTH-21st project.

PubMed

Villar, José; Puglia, Fabien A; Fenton, Tanis R; Cheikh Ismail, Leila; Staines-Urias, Eleonora; Giuliani, Francesca; Ohuma, Eric O; Victora, Cesar G; Sullivan, Peter; Barros, Fernando C; Lambert, Ann; Papageorghiou, Aris T; Ochieng, Roseline; Jaffer, Yasmin A; Altman, Douglas G; Noble, Alison J; Gravett, Michael G; Purwar, Manorama; Pang, Ruyan; Uauy, Ricardo; Kennedy, Stephen H; Bhutta, Zulfiqar A

2017-08-01

BackgroundWe aimed to describe newborn body composition and identify which anthropometric ratio (weight/length; BMI; or ponderal index, PI) best predicts fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM).MethodsAir-displacement plethysmography (PEA POD) was used to estimate FM, FFM, and body fat percentage (BF%). Associations between FFM, FM, and BF% and weight/length, BMI, and PI were evaluated in 1,019 newborns using multivariate regression analysis. Charts for FM, FFM, and BF% were generated using a prescriptive subsample (n=247). Standards for the best-predicting anthropometric ratio were calculated utilizing the same population used for the INTERGROWTH-21 st Newborn Size Standards (n=20,479).ResultsFFM and FM increased consistently during late pregnancy. Differential FM, BF%, and FFM patterns were observed for those born preterm (34 +0 -36 +6 weeks' gestation) and with impaired intrauterine growth. Weight/length by gestational age (GA) was a better predictor of FFM and FM (adjusted R 2 =0.92 and 0.71, respectively) than BMI or PI, independent of sex, GA, and timing of measurement. Results were almost identical when only preterm newborns were studied. We present sex-specific centiles for weight/length ratio for GA.ConclusionsWeight/length best predicts newborn FFM and FM. There are differential FM, FFM, and BF% patterns by sex, GA, and size at birth.

Total mercury concentrations in lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Huge, Dane H.; Schofield, Pamela J.; Jacoby, Charles A.; Frazer, Thomas K.

2014-01-01

Strategies to control invasive lionfish in the western Atlantic and Caribbean are likely to include harvest and consumption. Until this report, total mercury concentrations had been documented only for lionfish from Jamaica, and changes in concentrations with increasing fish size had not been evaluated. In the Florida Keys, total mercury concentrations in dorsal muscle tissue from 107 lionfish ranged from 0.03 to 0.48 ppm, with all concentrations being less than the regulatory threshold for limited consumption. Mercury concentrations did not vary consistently with standard lengths or wet weights of lionfish. In 2010, lionfish from the upper Keys had mean concentrations that were 0.03–0.04 ppm higher than lionfish from the middle Keys, but mean concentrations did not differ consistently among years and locations. Overall, total mercury concentrations in lionfish were lower than those in several predatory fishes that support commercial and recreational fisheries in Florida.

Age and growth of the kiyi, Leucichthys kiyi Koelz, in Lake Michigan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Deason, Hilary J.; Hile, Ralph

1947-01-01

Ages were determined and individual growth histories were calculated from the examination and measurement of the scales of 1,649 kiyis captured at seven localities in Lake Michigan in 1931 and 1932. The numbers of individuals employed for the investigation of other phases of the life history (such as length-frequency distributions, length-weight relationship, and sex ratio) varied according to the amount of data available or required. Age-group IV was dominant in the 1931 collections from Racine, Port Washington, and Kewaunee, Wisconsin, and age-group V dominated the 1932 samples from the Fox Islands and from three localities southward of Manistique, Michigan. A trend was noticeable toward an increase in average age from south to north. Among the explanations suggested for the observed differences in age composition were: Variation with latitude in the natural span of life; differences in fishing intensity; fluctuations in the strength of year classes (to account possibly for the shift in the dominant age group from 1931 to 1932). The oldest male kiyi belonged to the VII group and the oldest female was a member of the X group. The possible distorting effects of such factors as gear selection traceable to differences in the mesh sizes of nets fished in 1931 and 1932, selection by nets on the basis of the condition (K) of the fish, and local variations in fishing intensity and hence in the selective destruction of rapidly growing individuals in the fishery were held to be sufficiently great to render doubtful the significance of most of the observed local differences in growth rate. Kiyis from all samples were combined to determine the general growth in length. The growth in weight of the Fox Islands fish, however, was considered separately as these fish were consistently lighter than kiyis of corresponding length from other localities. The Lake Michigan kiyi grows slowly, with the females growing slightly more rapidly than the males. The grand average calculated lengths indicated, for example, that the females did not attain a total length of 10 inches until the fifth year of life or the males until the sixth. Similarly, the calculated weight of 4 ounces was not reached until the fifth or sixth year (with the actual time varying with sex and locality). The season's growth of the kiyi probably begins sometime in May and most or all of the growth is completed by the end of August. The calculated lengths of the age groups exhibited large discrepancies that differed from “Lee's phenomenon” as ordinarily observed in that the data for the later rather than the earlier years of life were affected most severely. Chief among the factors held responsible for these discrepancies were gear selection and the selective destruction of the more rapidly growing individuals in the fishery. Errors inherent in the (direct-proportion) method of computing growth from scale measurements were considered to have been unimportant. The Lake Michigan kiyi exhibits growth compensation–the tendency for the smaller of the young fish to have the more rapid growth in the later years of life. Comparisons with the average lengths and weights of the age groups of the Lake Ontario kiyi given by Pritchard (1931) indicated the Lake Michigan fish to be the larger at the earlier ages (age-groups II and III) and the smaller at the later ages (age-groups IV to VI). The length-frequency distributions of the age groups exhibited extensive overlap. As many as eight age groups were represented in a single centimeter interval of length. The length frequencies and average lengths of all fish collected, arranged according to the mesh sizes of the gill nets by which they were captured, revealed that the selective action of these nets in the taking of kiyis was much more obvious in the numbers of fish in the catch than in their average size. As an illustration, in 1930–1931, the 2 3/4-inch mesh nets took fish that were only 0.1 inch longer than those in 2 1/2-inch meshes but captured less than one fourth as many. Gill nets fished in northern Lake Michigan in 1932 captured kiyis that averaged 0.2 to 0.4 inch longer than those taken in the same meshes in southern Lake Michigan in 1930–1931. Because of the more slender form of kiyis from the northeastern island region of Lake Michigan, data on the general length weight relationship were compiled separately for fish of that area and for those of the great central basins of the lake. In both regions the weight increased to a power slightly greater than the cube of the length. Available information on condition indicated that the coefficient (K) was higher in August and early September than in May, June, and July. Condition declined from early September to October and early November–the latter period the time of most active spawning. Spawning itself was accompanied by an additional loss of about 12 per cent of the body weight of females and of somewhat less than 2 per cent of the weight of males. Analysis of the variations of K within a group that was homogeneous with respect to age, sex, maturity, and time of collection revealed that a net of a particular mesh size tends to take the heavier of the shorter fish and the lighter of the longer fish within its range of effectiveness. Among fish of the same length the values of K tended to increase with increase in the mesh size of the nets employed for their capture. Practically all fish in the samples were mature (only 11 immature in more than 6,000). These “immature” fish were probably “non-functional” since all of them approached or exceeded the average length of the mature kiyis. Females were strongly predominant in the collections at all seasons but were relatively more plentiful during the summer (90 per cent of the total) than during the spawning period (75 per cent). Possible factors contributing to this predominance of females and to the change in the sex ratio at the spawning season were discussed. A decrease in the relative abundance of males with increase in age appears to be characteristic of the kiyi. This decrease indicates a differential mortality of th sexes (greater relative destruction of males in the spawning period when they are unusually abundant or a greater natural mortality rate for the males). Current fishery regulations on mesh size and closed seasons afford the kiyi good protection but offer no guarantee against depletion from too intensive fishing.

Measuring New Born Foot Length to Identify Small Babies in Need of Extra Care: a Cross-Sectional Hospital Based Study

PubMed Central

Mukherjee, Satarupa; Roy, Prithwish; Mitra, Souvik; Samanta, Moumita; Chatterjee, Sukanta

2013-01-01

Objective The neonatal mortality rate (NMR) continues to remain quite high, one important cause being preterm deliveries. The main obstacle in the pathway towards decreasing NMR is identification of babies in need of extra care. To analyze the utility of newborn foot length as a proxy measure for birth weight and gestational age. Methods A cross-sectional study done in a hospital of eastern India with 351 babies during 4 months. Right foot length of each recorded using a plastic, stiff ruler. Findings 48.1% babies were preterm, 51.8% low birth weight (LBW) and 33.3% very low birth weight (VLBW). Foot length less than 7.75 cm has 92.3% sensitivity and 86.3% specificity for identification of preterm neonates. For identification of LBW babies (<2500 gm) a foot length less than 7.85cm has 100% sensitivity and 95.3% specificity. Foot length less than 6.85 cm has 100% sensitivity and 94.9% specifity for identification of VLBW babies (<1500 gm). Conclusion Foot length may be used in the identification of LBW and preterm babies who are in need of extra care. PMID:24800008

Lower airway dimensions in pediatric patients-A computed tomography study.

PubMed

Szelloe, Patricia; Weiss, Markus; Schraner, Thomas; Dave, Mital H

2017-10-01

The aim of this study was to obtain lower airway dimensions in children by means of computed tomography (CT). Chest CT scans from 195 pediatric patients (118 boys/77 girls) aged 0.04-15.99 years were analyzed. Tracheal and bronchial lengths, anterior-posterior and lateral diameters, as well as cross-sectional area were assessed at the following levels: mid trachea, right proximal and distal bronchus, proximal bronchus intermedius, and left proximal and distal bronchus. Mediastinal angles of tracheal bifurcation were measured. Data were analyzed by means of linear and polynomial regression plots. The strongest correlations were found between tracheal and bronchial diameters and age as well as between tracheal and bronchial lengths and body length. All measured airway parameters correlated poorly to body weight. Bronchial angles revealed no association with patient's age, body length, or weight. This comprehensive anatomical database of lower airway dimensions demonstrates that tracheal and bronchial diameters correlate better to age, and that tracheal and bronchial length correlate better to body length. All measured airway parameters correlated poorly to body weight. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Age and growth of the lake whitefish, Coregonus clupeaformis (Mitchill), in Lake Erie

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Oosten, John; Hile, Ralph

1949-01-01

Although the whitefish has by no means ranked first from the standpoint of production, it has always been an important commercial species in Lake Erie. Trends in the output of whitefish have differed in the United States and Canadian waters of the lake. The 1893–1946 average annual yield of 1,201,000 pounds in the United States was only 38.3 percent of the 1879–1890 mean of 3,133,000 pounds, whereas in Canada the more recent (1907–1946) average annual take of 1,397,000 pounds has been 5.48 times the 1871–1906 mean of 255,000 pounds. The United States fishery was centered in the western part of Lake Erie (61.5 percent of the production in Michigan and Ohio) before 1921 and in the eastern part (62.6 percent in Pennsylvania and New York) in 1921–1946. The eastern part of Lake Erie (east of Port Burwell) dominated the Canadian production in 1900–1909 (65.4 percent) and in 1922–1946 (57.2 percent) but the western end was the more productive in 1871–1899 (79.8 percent) and 1910–1921 (69.7 percent). Ages were determined and individual growth histories calculated from the examination and measurement of the scales of 3,399 Lake Erie whitefish captured off four ports (Sandusky, Lorain, and Conneaut, Ohio, and Erie, Pennsylvania) over the period, 1927–1930. The number of specimens used for the investigation of other phases of the life history varied according to the amount of data available or required. Age-group III was typically (but not invariably) dominant in random samples from gear employed for the commercial production of whitefish (trap nets, pound nets, and large-mesh gill nets). The same age group also dominated most samples of the marketable catch (that is, whitefish that equalled or exceeded the minimum legal weight of 1 3/4 pounds) taken in late summer, autumn, and early winter. Age-group IV, however, was strongest among marketable fish from trap nets in early July although the III group was dominant in the random samples from the same nets. Apparently the members of a year class normally dominate the commercial catch about one year but this year extends over parts of two years of life (latter part of the fourth and early part of the fifth). The oldest whitefish in the collections were in the seventeenth year (age-group XVI). The year classes of 1922 and 1926 were much stronger than average whereas the 1923 year class seems to have been exceptionally weak. No correlation was detected between limnological-meteorological conditions and the strength of the year classes. Whitefish collected off different ports exhibited differences of growth rate that were at times rather large. The distorting effects of such factors as selection on the basis of maturity, annual fluctuations in growth rate (in combination with differences in the year of capture), and gear selection were held to be sufficiently great, however, to render doubtful the real biological significance of the observed variations in growth. Consequently the data for all samples were combined to obtain general growth curves. Female whitefish averaged longer and heavier than male fish of corresponding age. The advantage of the females with respect to calculated lengths tended to increase during the first three years of life and thereafter remained nearly constant at about one-half inch total length (10 millimeters of standard length). The advantages of the females with respect to weight increased consistently from 0.01 pound at the end of the first year to 0.36 pound at the end of the eighth, dropped to 0.32 pound in the ninth year, and increased again to a maximum of 0.47 pound at the end of 12 years. The maximum growth in length (sexes combined) occurred in the first year of life (calculated growth of 6.9 inches, total length). From this value the calculated annual increments declined rapidly to 0.7 inch in the seventh year. The later increments varied irregularly, ranging from 0.7 inch in the eighth and ninth years down to only 0.3 inch in the fifteenth and sixteenth years. The Lake Erie whitefish was a foot long in a little less than 2 years, 18 inches in about 4 years, and 2 feet in slightly under 12 years. At the end of 16 years the calculated length was 25.6 inches. The calculated annual increments of growth in weight increased from 0.10 pound in the first year to a maximum of 0.76 pound in the third. In the succeeding years the increment decreased consistently to 0.33 pound in the twelfth year. The values in the thirteenth to sixteenth years varied irregularly, ranging from 0.22 to 0.34 pound. The minimum legal weight of 1 3/4 pounds was attained toward the middle of the fourth growing season. The Lake Erie whitefish reached the weight of 4 pounds in between 7 and 8 years, and of 6 pounds in about 13 years. At the end of 16 years the calculated weight was 6.87 pounds. Analyses of the annual increments of length revealed that the growth of whitefish captured from the spawning run off Sandusky and Lorain rose from 3.2 percent above the 1924–1930 mean in 1924 to a peak of 15.0 percent above average in 1927 and then declined to a minimum of 25.0 percent below average in 1930. There is evidence that these annual fluctuations in growth rate were correlated negatively with fluctuations in the turbidity of the water off Erie, Pennsylvania (to our best knowledge the whitefish spends the summer months in the eastern part of the lake), in certain months (especially May and June) and/or correlated positively with the amount of rainfall in July and August at the same locality. Comparisons with data on the growth of the Lake Huron whitefish revealed that Lake Erie fish were the longer during the first 5 years of life and the shorter at the end of the sixth and later years. The Lake Huron whitefish did not, however, gain the advantage in weight until the seventh year. Whitefish grew much more slowly in both length and weight in Lake Ontario than in either Lake Huron or Lake Erie. The weight of the Lake Erie whitefish increased to the 3.1523 power of the length. Agreement between empirical weights and those computed from the length-weight equation was reasonably good at lengths represented by fair numbers of fish. The total length corresponding to the minimum legal weight of 1 3/4 pounds was calculated as 16.9 inches. The rather limited data on the monthly fluctuations in condition indicated that the coefficient K of immature fish declined continuously from August to December. A similar though less pronounced decline of K of mature fish occurred from August to October. At spawning in November and December, female whitefish lost an additional 11 percent of their body weight. No loss of weight at spawning could be demonstrated for the males. The available records indicated the relative abundance of the sexes to be approximately equal in samples collected in the summer and early autumn. Males were strongly predominant (78.6 percent), however, in spawning-run samples. In these collections the percentage of males decreased markedly with increase in age. No trend could be detected in the variation of the sex ratio within the spawning season over the period of time (nearly 4 weeks) for which there were records. Although exceptional individuals of either sex may mature at the end of 2 years of life (age-group I) male whitefish do not mature in appreciable numbers until the end of the third year (age-group II) or females until the end of the fourth (age-group III). Apparently most or all males are mature as age-group III, but there is evidence that considerable numbers of females (possibly a majority) are first mature as members of the IV group (end of fifth year of life). Whether Lake Erie whitefish are ever immature as the V group or older is not known. Spawning commenced during the second week of November and was continuing actively at the time of collection of the last samples at the end of the first week of December

One-year postpartum outcomes following a weight management intervention in pregnant women with obesity

PubMed Central

Vesco, Kimberly K.; Leo, Michael C.; Karanja, Njeri; Gillman, Matthew W.; McEvoy, Cindy T.; King, Janet C.; Eckhardt, Cara L.; Smith, K. Sabina; Perrin, Nancy; Stevens, Victor J.

2016-01-01

Objective This analysis focuses on 1-year maternal and infant follow-up of a randomized trial that tested a weight management intervention conducted during pregnancy. Methods We randomly assigned 114 women with obesity (mean BMI 36.7 kg/m2) at a mean of 15 weeks’ gestation to a weight management intervention or usual care control condition. The intervention ended at delivery and resulted in less gestational weight gain and a lower proportion of large-for-gestational age newborns among intervention compared to control participants. The primary outcome at 12 months postpartum was maternal weight. Secondary outcomes included infant weight-for-age and weight-for-length z-scores. Results At 1 year, mothers in the intervention group weighed 96.3±18.6 kg, and in the control group, 99.7±19.2 kg. There was no significant difference between groups in change in weight from randomization to 1-year postpartum (b=-0.47, 95% CI [-4.03, 3.08]. There was a significant main effect of group for infant weight-for-age z-score (b=-0.40, 95% CI [-0.75,-0.05]) but not infant weight-for-length z-scores (b=-0.20, 95% CI [-0.59,0.20]. Conclusions A gestational weight management intervention did not influence maternal weight or infant weight-for-length at 1-year postpartum. Future studies may be warranted to determine if extending prenatal interventions into the postpartum period would be beneficial for maternal and infant outcomes. PMID:27670399

Morphological changes and allometric growth in hatchery-reared Chinese loach Paramisgurnus dabryanus (Dabry de Thiersant, 1872)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yunlong; Wu, Qiaowan; Hu, Weihua; Wang, Fan; Shao, Weihan; Zhang, Chengming; Zhao, Zhongbo; He, Hui; Fan, Qixue; Gu, Zemao

2016-07-01

The length-weight relationship and allometric growth patterns of hatchery-reared Chinese loach, Paramisgurnus dabryanus (Dabry de Thiersant, 1872), were determined from hatching to 60 days after hatching. A best power model was estimated for the length-weight relationship during the early life stages. Positive allometric growth for the head segment, trunk length, tail length and eye diameter was also found in the early life stages, while body depth, tail depth, tail fin length, pectoral fin length and barbel length displayed a negative coefficient. During the subsequent early developmental stage, the growth coefficients showed a clear and common tendency towards isometry for all measured body ratios. The allometric growth changes in Chinese loach during the early stage are possibly the result of selective organogenesis directed towards survival priorities.

An approach of traffic signal control based on NLRSQP algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Yuan-Yang; Hu, Yu

2017-11-01

This paper presents a linear program model with linear complementarity constraints (LPLCC) to solve traffic signal optimization problem. The objective function of the model is to obtain the minimization of total queue length with weight factors at the end of each cycle. Then, a combination algorithm based on the nonlinear least regression and sequence quadratic program (NLRSQP) is proposed, by which the local optimal solution can be obtained. Furthermore, four numerical experiments are proposed to study how to set the initial solution of the algorithm that can get a better local optimal solution more quickly. In particular, the results of numerical experiments show that: The model is effective for different arrival rates and weight factors; and the lower bound of the initial solution is, the better optimal solution can be obtained.

An atypical bHLH protein encoded by POSITIVE REGULATOR OF GRAIN LENGTH 2 is involved in controlling grain length and weight of rice through interaction with a typical bHLH protein APG.

PubMed

Heang, Dany; Sassa, Hidenori

2012-06-01

Grain size is an important yield component in rice, however, genes controlling the trait remain poorly understood. Previously, we have shown that an antagonistic pair of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins, POSITIVE REGULATOR OF GRAIN LENGTH 1 (PGL1) and ANTAGONIST OF PGL1 (APG), is involved in controlling rice grain length. Here, we report the involvement of another atypical bHLH protein gene, POSITIVE REGULATOR OF GRAIN LENGTH 2 (PGL2), in the regulation of rice grain length. Over-expression of PGL2 in the lemma/palea increased grain length and weight in correlation with the level of transgene expression. Observation of the inner epidermal cells of lemma of PGL2-overexpressing lines revealed that the long grain size is caused by an increase in cell length. PGL2 interacts with a typical bHLH protein APG, a negative regulator of rice grain length and weight, in vitro and in vivo. It was reported that overexpression of BU1 (BRASSINOSTEROID UPREGULATED 1), the closest homolog of PGL2, caused an increase in grain length. However, we detected no interaction between BU1 and APG. These findings suggest that PGL2 and PGL1 redundantly suppress the function of APG by forming heterodimers to positively regulate the rice grain length, while the pathway through which BU1, the closest homolog of PGL2, controls grain length is independent of APG.

An atypical bHLH protein encoded by POSITIVE REGULATOR OF GRAIN LENGTH 2 is involved in controlling grain length and weight of rice through interaction with a typical bHLH protein APG

PubMed Central

Heang, Dany; Sassa, Hidenori

2012-01-01

Grain size is an important yield component in rice, however, genes controlling the trait remain poorly understood. Previously, we have shown that an antagonistic pair of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins, POSITIVE REGULATOR OF GRAIN LENGTH 1 (PGL1) and ANTAGONIST OF PGL1 (APG), is involved in controlling rice grain length. Here, we report the involvement of another atypical bHLH protein gene, POSITIVE REGULATOR OF GRAIN LENGTH 2 (PGL2), in the regulation of rice grain length. Over-expression of PGL2 in the lemma/palea increased grain length and weight in correlation with the level of transgene expression. Observation of the inner epidermal cells of lemma of PGL2-overexpressing lines revealed that the long grain size is caused by an increase in cell length. PGL2 interacts with a typical bHLH protein APG, a negative regulator of rice grain length and weight, in vitro and in vivo. It was reported that overexpression of BU1 (BRASSINOSTEROID UPREGULATED 1), the closest homolog of PGL2, caused an increase in grain length. However, we detected no interaction between BU1 and APG. These findings suggest that PGL2 and PGL1 redundantly suppress the function of APG by forming heterodimers to positively regulate the rice grain length, while the pathway through which BU1, the closest homolog of PGL2, controls grain length is independent of APG. PMID:23136524

Age structure and mortality of walleyes in Kansas reservoirs: Use of mortality caps to establish realistic management objectives

USGS Publications Warehouse

Quist, M.C.; Stephen, J.L.; Guy, C.S.; Schultz, R.D.

2004-01-01

Age structure, total annual mortality, and mortality caps (maximum mortality thresholds established by managers) were investigated for walleye Sander vitreus (formerly Stizostedion vitreum) populations sampled from eight Kansas reservoirs during 1991-1999. We assessed age structure by examining the relative frequency of different ages in the population; total annual mortality of age-2 and older walleyes was estimated by use of a weighted catch curve. To evaluate the utility of mortality caps, we modeled threshold values of mortality by varying growth rates and management objectives. Estimated mortality thresholds were then compared with observed growth and mortality rates. The maximum age of walleyes varied from 5 to 11 years across reservoirs. Age structure was dominated (???72%) by walleyes age 3 and younger in all reservoirs, corresponding to ages that were not yet vulnerable to harvest. Total annual mortality rates varied from 40.7% to 59.5% across reservoirs and averaged 51.1% overall (SE = 2.3). Analysis of mortality caps indicated that a management objective of 500 mm for the mean length of walleyes harvested by anglers was realistic for all reservoirs with a 457-mm minimum length limit but not for those with a 381-mm minimum length limit. For a 500-mm mean length objective to be realized for reservoirs with a 381-mm length limit, managers must either reduce mortality rates (e.g., through restrictive harvest regulations) or increase growth of walleyes. When the assumed objective was to maintain the mean length of harvested walleyes at current levels, the observed annual mortality rates were below the mortality cap for all reservoirs except one. Mortality caps also provided insight on management objectives expressed in terms of proportional stock density (PSD). Results indicated that a PSD objective of 20-40 was realistic for most reservoirs. This study provides important walleye mortality information that can be used for monitoring or for inclusion into population models; these results can also be combined with those of other studies to investigate large-scale differences in walleye mortality. Our analysis illustrates the utility of mortality caps for monitoring walleye populations and for establishing realistic management goals.

Telomere length elongation after weight loss intervention in obese adults.

PubMed

Carulli, L; Anzivino, C; Baldelli, E; Zenobii, M F; Rocchi, M B L; Bertolotti, M

2016-06-01

Telomeres may be considered markers of biological aging, shorter telomere length is associated with some age-related diseases; in several studies short telomere length has also been associated to obesity in adults and adolescents. However the relationship between telomere complex functions and obesity is still not clear. Aim of the study was to assess telomere length (TL) in adults' obese subjects before and after weight loss obtained by placement of bioenteric intragastric balloon (BIB) for 6months. We enrolled 42 obese subjects before and after BIB placement as weight loss intervention. Blood samples were collected in order to obtain DNA from leukocyte to measure TL by quantitative PCR. Data were analyzed only in 37 subjects with complete data; all presented important body weight loss (124.06±26.7 vs 105.40±23.14, p<0.001) and more interesting they presented a significant increase in TL (3.58±0.83 vs 5.61±3.29, p<0.001). Moreover we observed a significant positive correlation between TL elongation and weight loss (r=0.44, p=0.007) as well as an inverse correlation between TL at baseline and TL elongation (r=-0.35, p=0.03).The predictors of TL elongation were once again weight loss and short TL at baseline (respectively p=0.007 and p=0.003). Our study shows that weight loss is associated to telomere lengthening in a positive correlation: the greater weight loss the greater telomere lengthening; moreover telomere lengthening is more significant in those subjects with shortest telomeres at baseline. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ileus Following Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.

PubMed

Durand, Wesley M; Ruddell, Jack H; Eltorai, Adam E M; DePasse, J Mason; Daniels, Alan H

2018-05-23

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication after spine surgery, with particularly high rates after adult spinal deformity surgery (ASD). Few investigations have been conducted, however, on predictors of POI following ASD. The objective of this investigation was to determine risk factors for POI in patients undergoing ASD. We also sought to determine the association between POI and in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and total charges. Data were obtained from the National/Nationwide Inpatient Sample, years 2010 - 2014. ASD patients aged ≥26 years-old were selected using ICD-9-CM codes. Multiple logistic and linear regression were utilized. In total, 59,410 patients were included in the analysis. 7.4% of patients experienced POI. On adjusted analysis, the following variables were associated with increased risk of POI: male sex (OR 1.43, CI 1.10 - 1.85), anterior surgical approach (OR 1.78, CI 1.22 - 2.60), 9+ levels fused (OR 1.84, CI 1.24 - 2.73), electrolyte disorders (OR 2.70, CI 2.15 - 3.39), and pathologic weight loss (OR 1.94, CI 1.08 - 3.46). POI was associated with significantly longer length of stay (+39%, CI 29% - 51%) and higher total charges (+23%, CI 14% - 31%). Risk factors for POI were identified. Patients suffering from ileus exhibited 2.9 days longer length of stay and ∼$80,000 higher total charges. These results may be applied clinically to identify patients at risk of POI and to consider addressing modifiable risk factors preoperatively. Future studies should be conducted with additional data to develop models capable of accurately predicting and preventing POI. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The impact of solid organ transplant history on inpatient complications, mortality, length of stay, and cost for primary total shoulder arthroplasty admissions in the United States.

PubMed

Malcolm, Tennison L; Chatha, Kiran; Breceda, Adam P; Guo, Eric; Friedman, Darren J; Sabesan, Vani J; Barsoum, Wael K

2018-05-04

There is a growing population of patients with history of solid organ transplant (SOT) surgery among total joint patients. Patients with history of SOT have been found to have longer lengths of stay and higher inpatient hospital costs and complications rates after hip and knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this is true for shoulder arthroplasty in SOT patients. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried to describe relative demographic, hospital, and clinical characteristics, perioperative complications, length of stay, and total costs for patients with a history of SOT (International Classification of Diseases-9th Edition-Clinical Modificiation V42.0, V42.1, V42.7, V42.83) undergoing shoulder arthroplasty (81.80, 81.88) from 2004 to 2014. A weighted total of 843 patients (unweighted frequency = 171) and 382,773 patients (unweighted frequency = 77,534) with and without history of SOT, respectively, underwent shoulder arthroplasty. SOT patients were more often younger and more likely to be male, have Medicare, and undergo surgery in a large teaching institution in the Midwest or Northeast (P < .001). SOT patients had higher or similar comorbid disease prevalence for 27 of 29 Elixhauser comorbidities. The risk of any complication was significantly higher among SOT patients (15.5% vs. 9.3%, P = .007). SOT patients experienced inpatient admissions an average 0.27 days longer (P < .001) and $1103 more costly (P = .06) than non-SOT patients. Patients with history of SOT undergoing shoulder arthroplasty appear to remain a unique population due to their specific vulnerability to minor complications and inherently increased inpatient resource utilization. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Phytoextraction of cadmium by Ipomoea aquatica (water spinach) in hydroponic solution: effects of cadmium speciation.

PubMed

Wang, Kai-Sung; Huang, Lung-Chiu; Lee, Hong-Shen; Chen, Pai-Ye; Chang, Shih-Hsien

2008-06-01

Phytoextraction is a promising technique to remediate heavy metals from contaminated wastewater. However, the interactions of multi-contaminants are not fully clear. This study employed cadmium, Triton X-100 (TX-100), and EDTA to investigate their interactions on phytotoxicity and Cd phytoextraction of Ipomoea aquatica (water spinach) in simulated wastewater. The Cd speciation was estimated by a chemical equilibrium model and MINEQL+. Statistic regression was applied to evaluate Cd speciation on Cd uptake in shoots and stems of I. aquatica. Results indicated that the root length was a more sensitive parameter than root weight and shoot weight. Root elongation was affected by Cd in the Cd-EDTA solution and TX-100 in the Cd-TX-100 solution. Both the root length and the root biomass were negatively correlated with the total soluble Cd ions. In contrast, Cd phytoextraction of I. aquatic was correlated with the aqueous Cd ions in the free and complex forms rather than in the chelating form. Additionally, the high Cd bioconcentration factors of I. aquatica (375-2227 l kg(-1) for roots, 45-144 l kg(-1) for shoots) imply that I. aquatica is a potential aquatic plant to remediate Cd-contaminated wastewater.

Methylmercury in fish from the South China Sea: geographical distribution and biomagnification.

PubMed

Zhu, Aijia; Zhang, Wei; Xu, Zhanzhou; Huang, Liangmin; Wang, Wen-Xiong

2013-12-15

We conducted a large-scale investigation of methylmercury (MeHg) in a total of 628 marine wild fish covering 46 different species collected from the South China Sea between 2008 and 2009. Biological and ecological characteristics such as size (length and wet weight), feeding habit, habitat, and stable isotope (δ(15)N) were examined to explain MeHg bioaccumulation in marine fish and their geographical distribution. MeHg levels in the muscle tissues of the 628 individuals ranged from 0.010 to 1.811 μg/g dry wt. Log10MeHg concentration was significantly related to their length and wet weight. Feeding habit and habitat were the primary factors influencing MeHg bioaccumulation. Demersal fish were more likely to be contaminated with MeHg than the epipelagic and mesopelagic varieties. Linear relationships were obtained between Log10(MeHg) and δ(15)N only for one location, indicating that biomagnification was site-specific. Results from this study suggest that dietary preference and trophic structure were the main factors affecting MeHg bioaccumulation in marine fish from the South China Sea. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High density culture of white bass X striped bass fingerlings in raceways using power plant heated effluent

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Collins, C.M.; Burton, G.L.; Schweinforth, R.L.

1983-06-01

White bass (Morone chrysops) X striped bass (M. saxatilis) hybrids weighing 1691/lb were initially stocked in five 24 ft/sup 3/ floating screen cages for 20 days. Hybrids averaging one inch in total length and 361 fish/lb were released in four 614 ft/sup 3/ concrete raceways. Two stocking densities, 2.6 and 5.1 fish/ft/sup 3/, were evaluated in the 94-day study using a flow rate of 300 gpm/raceway. Water temperatures averaged 79/sup 0/F and water quality was adequate throughout the production period. Fish were hand fed to satiation daily. Columnaris and Aeromonas hydrophila caused the most serious disease problems. Gas supersaturation wasmore » suspect in high mortality levels during cage culture of hybrid bass fry. Cannibalism may have been responsible for unaccountable losses prior to raceway stocking and at harvest. The study yielded 5773 hybrids weighing 658 lb. The high density treatment showed greater weight gain, average weight, average length and percent survival as well as improved food conversion. Results suggest that higher stocking densities and periodic grading may increase production and suppress cannibalism. 10 references, 3 figures, 3 tables.« less

Effect of cold plasma treatment on seedling growth and nutrient absorption of tomato

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiafeng, JIANG; Jiangang, LI; Yuanhua, DONG

2018-04-01

The effects of cold plasma (CP) treatment on seed germination, seedling growth, root morphology, and nutrient uptake of a tomato were investigated. The results showed that 80 W of CP treatment significantly increased tomato nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) absorption by 12.7% and 19.1%, respectively. CP treatment significantly improved the germination potential of tomato seed by 11.1% and the germination rate by 13.8%. Seedling growth characteristics, including total dry weight, root dry weight, root shoot rate, and leaf area, significantly increased after 80 W of CP treatment. Root activity was increased by 15.7% with 80 W of CP treatment, and 12.6% with 100 W of CP treatment. CP treatment (80 W) markedly ameliorated tomato root morphology, and root length, surface area, and volume, which increased 21.3%, 23.6%, and 29.0%, respectively. Our results suggested that CP treatment improved tomato N and P absorption by promoting the accumulation of shoot and root biomass, increasing the leaf area and root activity, and improving the length, surface area, and volume of root growth. Thus, CP treatment could be used in an ameliorative way to improve tomato nutrient absorption.

Growth, feeding and reproduction of the catfish Eremophilus mutisii (Pisces: Trichomycteridae), from artificial reservoirs in Colombia.

PubMed

Pinilla, Gabriel; Abril, Maritza; González, Esperanza

2006-06-01

The catfish, Eremophilus mutisii, was cultured under different densities in artificial rainfall reservoirs at Caldas, Boyacá, Colombia. At capture, the average total length of the animals was 10 cm and the weight ranged between 9 and 10 g. These fish were in initial stages of sexual development. After a year in the reservoirs, they had increased in length and weight as follows (densities in parentheses): 5.22 cm and 27.23 g (0.5 individuals/m2); 1.98 cm and 8.79 g (1 individual/m2), and 2.45 cm and 0.82 g (2 individuals/m2). They were at the early stages of sexual maturity, and their condition factor fluctuated between 0.61 and 0.96. They preferably ingested insect larvae that were found in benthic and littoral communities of the reservoirs. The benthos was dominated by ephippia of Daphnia, lumbriculids, and chironomid larvae. The biomass of benthic organisms ranged between 0.1126 and 1.3847 g/m2. In the littoral community aquatic insects were the most important component, especially the hemipterans. The biomass of the littoral fauna ranged between 0.14 and 4.05 g/m2.

Topological analysis of long-chain branching patterns in polyolefins.

PubMed

Bonchev, D; Markel, E; Dekmezian, A

2001-01-01

Patterns in molecular topology and complexity for long-chain branching are quantitatively described. The Wiener number, the topological complexity index, and a new index of 3-starness are used to quantify polymer structure. General formulas for these indices were derived for the cases of 3-arm star, H-shaped, and B-arm comb polymers. The factors affecting complexity in monodisperse polymer systems are ranked as follows: number of arms > arm length > arm central position approximately equal to arm clustering > total molecular weight approximately equal to backbone molecular weight. Topological indices change rapidly and then plateau as the molecular weight of branches on a polyolefin backbone increases from 0 to 5 kD. Complexity calculations relate 2-arm or 3-arm comb structures to the corresponding 3-arm stars of equivalent complexity but much higher molecular weight. In a subsequent paper, we report the application of topological analysis for developing structure/property relationships for monodisperse polymers. While the focus of the present work is on the description of monodisperse, well-defined architectures, the methods may be extended to the description of polydisperse systems.

[Role of donor human milk feeding in preventing nosocomial infection in very low birth weight infants].

PubMed

Bi, Hong-Juan; Xu, Jing; Wei, Qiu-Fen

2018-02-01

To investigate the role of donor human milk in the prevention of nosocomial infection in very low birth weight infants. MeETHODS: A total of 105 hospitalized preterm infants with a very low birth weight were enrolled. They were classified into mother's own milk feeding group, donor human milk feeding group, and preterm formula feeding group, with 35 infants in each group. The three groups were compared in terms of incidence rates of nosocomial infection, necrotizing enterocolitis, and feeding intolerance, time to full enteral feeding, and early growth indices. Compared with the preterm formula feeding group, the donor human milk feeding group and the mother's own milk feeding group had significantly lower incidence rates of nosocomial infection and necrotizing enterocolitis and shorter time to full enteral feeding (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in head circumference, body length, and weight growth velocity among the three groups. Donor human milk can be used in case of a lack of mother's own milk and may help to reduce nosocomial infection.

Physicochemical characterization of cactus pads from Opuntia dillenii and Opuntia ficus indica.

PubMed

Méndez, Lorena Pérez; Flores, Fidel Tejera; Martín, Jacinto Darias; Rodríguez Rodríguez, Elena M; Díaz Romero, Carlos

2015-12-01

Physicochemical characteristics (weight, length, width, thickness, moisture, Brix degree, total fiber, protein, ash, pH, acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds, P, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Cr) were determined in cactus pads from Opuntia dillenii and Opuntia ficus indica. The physicochemical characteristics of both species were clearly different. There were important differences between the orange and green fruit pulp of O. ficus indica; the cactus pads of O. dillenii could be differentiated according to the region (North and South). Consumption of cactus pads contributes to the intake of dietary fiber, total phenolic compounds, K, Mg, Mn and Cr. Applying factor and/or discriminant analysis, the cactus pad samples were clearly differentiated according to the species, the fruit pulp color and production region. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Short-Chain Chitin Oligomers: Promoters of Plant Growth

PubMed Central

Winkler, Alexander J.; Dominguez-Nuñez, Jose Alfonso; Aranaz, Inmaculada; Poza-Carrión, César; Ramonell, Katrina; Somerville, Shauna; Berrocal-Lobo, Marta

2017-01-01

Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer in nature after cellulose, and it forms an integral part of insect exoskeletons, crustacean shells, krill and the cell walls of fungal spores, where it is present as a high-molecular-weight molecule. In this study, we showed that a chitin oligosaccharide of lower molecular weight (tetramer) induced genes in Arabidopsis that are principally related to vegetative growth, development and carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Based on plant responses to this chitin tetramer, a low-molecular-weight chitin mix (CHL) enriched to 92% with dimers (2mer), trimers (3mer) and tetramers (4mer) was produced for potential use in biotechnological processes. Compared with untreated plants, CHL-treated plants had increased in vitro fresh weight (10%), radicle length (25%) and total carbon and nitrogen content (6% and 8%, respectively). Our data show that low-molecular-weight forms of chitin might play a role in nature as bio-stimulators of plant growth, and they are also a known direct source of carbon and nitrogen for soil biomass. The biochemical properties of the CHL mix might make it useful as a non-contaminating bio-stimulant of plant growth and a soil restorer for greenhouses and fields. PMID:28212295

Short-Chain Chitin Oligomers: Promoters of Plant Growth.

PubMed

Winkler, Alexander J; Dominguez-Nuñez, Jose Alfonso; Aranaz, Inmaculada; Poza-Carrión, César; Ramonell, Katrina; Somerville, Shauna; Berrocal-Lobo, Marta

2017-02-15

Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer in nature after cellulose, and it forms an integral part of insect exoskeletons, crustacean shells, krill and the cell walls of fungal spores, where it is present as a high-molecular-weight molecule. In this study, we showed that a chitin oligosaccharide of lower molecular weight (tetramer) induced genes in Arabidopsis that are principally related to vegetative growth, development and carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Based on plant responses to this chitin tetramer, a low-molecular-weight chitin mix (CHL) enriched to 92% with dimers (2mer), trimers (3mer) and tetramers (4mer) was produced for potential use in biotechnological processes. Compared with untreated plants, CHL-treated plants had increased in vitro fresh weight (10%), radicle length (25%) and total carbon and nitrogen content (6% and 8%, respectively). Our data show that low-molecular-weight forms of chitin might play a role in nature as bio-stimulators of plant growth, and they are also a known direct source of carbon and nitrogen for soil biomass. The biochemical properties of the CHL mix might make it useful as a non-contaminating bio-stimulant of plant growth and a soil restorer for greenhouses and fields.

Standard weight (Ws) equations for four rare desert fishes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Didenko, A.V.; Bonar, Scott A.; Matter, W.J.

2004-01-01

Standard weight (Ws) equations have been used extensively to examine body condition in sport fishes. However, development of these equations for nongame fishes has only recently been emphasized. We used the regression-line-percentile technique to develop standard weight equations for four rare desert fishes: flannelmouth sucker Catostomus latipinnis, razorback sucker Xyrauchen texanus, roundtail chub Gila robusta, and humpback chub G. cypha. The Ws equation for flannelmouth suckers of 100-690 mm total length (TL) was developed from 17 populations: log10Ws = -5.180 + 3.068 log10TL. The Ws equation for razorback suckers of 110-885 mm TL was developed from 12 populations: log 10Ws = -4.886 + 2.985 log10TL. The W s equation for roundtail chub of 100-525 mm TL was developed from 20 populations: log10Ws = -5.065 + 3.015 log10TL. The Ws equation for humpback chub of 120-495 mm TL was developed from 9 populations: log10Ws = -5.278 + 3.096 log 10TL. These equations meet criteria for acceptable standard weight indexes and can be used to calculate relative weight, an index of body condition.

Maximum Likelihood Factor Analysis of the Effects of Chronic Centrifugation on the Structural Development of the Musculoskeletal System of the Rat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amtmann, E.; Kimura, T.; Oyama, J.; Doden, E.; Potulski, M.

1979-01-01

At the age of 30 days female Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on a 3.66 m radius centrifuge and subsequently exposed almost continuously for 810 days to either 2.76 or 4.15 G. An age-matched control group of rats was raised near the centrifuge facility at earth gravity. Three further control groups of rats were obtained from the animal colony and sacrificed at the age of 34, 72 and 102 days. A total of 16 variables were simultaneously factor analyzed by maximum-likelihood extraction routine and the factor loadings presented after-rotation to simple structure by a varimax rotation routine. The variables include the G-load, age, body mass, femoral length and cross-sectional area, inner and outer radii, density and strength at the mid-length of the femur, dry weight of gluteus medius, semimenbranosus and triceps surae muscles. Factor analyses on A) all controls, B) all controls and the 2.76 G group, and C) all controls and centrifuged animals, produced highly similar loading structures of three common factors which accounted for 74%, 68% and 68%. respectively, of the total variance. The 3 factors were interpreted as: 1. An age and size factor which stimulates the growth in length and diameter and increases the density and strength of the femur. This factor is positively correlated with G-load but is also active in the control animals living at earth gravity. 2. A growth inhibition factor which acts on body size, femoral length and on both the outer and inner radius at mid-length of the femur. This factor is intensified by centrifugation.

Geodesy by radio interferometry: Water vapor radiometry for estimation of the wet delay

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Elgered, G.; Davis, J.L.; Herring, T.A.

1991-04-10

An important source of error in very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) estimates of baseline length is unmodeled variations of the refractivity of the neutral atmosphere along the propagation path of the radio signals. The authors present and discuss the method of using data from a water vapor readiometer (WVR) to correct for the propagation delay caused by atmospheric water vapor, the major cause of these variations. Data from different WVRs are compared with estimated propagation delays obtained by Kalman filtering of the VLBI data themselves. The consequences of using either WVR data of Kalman filtering to correct for atmospheric propagation delay atmore » the Onsala VLBI site are investigated by studying the repeatability of estimated baseline lengths from Onsala to several other sites. The lengths of the baselines range from 919 to 7,941 km. The repeatability obtained for baseline length estimates shows that the methods of water vapor radiometry and Kalman filtering offer comparable accuracies when applied to VLBI observations obtained in the climate of the Swedish west coast. The use of WVR data yielded a 13% smaller weighted-root-mean-square (WRMS) scatter of the baseline length estimates compared to the use of a Kalman filter. It is also clear that the best minimum elevation angle for VLBI observations depends on the accuracy of the determinations of the total propagation delay to be used, since the error in this delay increases with increasing air mass. For use of WVR data along with accurate determinations of total surface pressure, the best minimum is about 20{degrees}; for use of a model for the wet delay based on the humidity and temperature at the ground, the best minimum is about 35{degrees}.« less

Demonstration of Reduced False Alarm Rates using Simulated L-Band Polarimetric SAR Imagery of Concealed Targets

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-04-14

of Joensuu, Finland. These take the form of collections of dielectric cylinders, with detailed information concerning sapwood and heartwood dimensions...centre, and at 3km height above the minimum height of the DEM. The imaged area was 91m square, with pixels spaced at 0.5m. A Hamming weighted PSF was...correlation length was 0.1510m. Wood permittivity ranged from 2.2-i0.4 (deadwood) to 26.8-i5.3 ( sapwood ) via 6.7-i1.9 (heartwood). Total attenuation

A Language-Independent Approach to Automatic Text Difficulty Assessment for Second-Language Learners

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-01

best-suited for regression. Our baseline uses z-normalized shallow length features and TF -LOG weighted vectors on bag-of-words for Arabic, Dari...length features and TF -LOG weighted vectors on bag-of-words for Arabic, Dari, English and Pashto. We compare Support Vector Machines and the Margin...football, whereas they are much less common in documents about opera). We used TF -LOG weighted word frequencies on bag-of-words for each document

Nutritional risk and anthropometric evaluation in pediatric liver transplantation.

PubMed

Zamberlan, Patrícia; Leone, Cláudio; Tannuri, Uenis; Carvalho, Werther Brunow de; Delgado, Artur Figueiredo

2012-12-01

To analyze the nutritional status of pediatric patients after orthotopic liver transplantation and the relationship with short-term clinical outcome. Anthropometric evaluations of 60 children and adolescents after orthotopic liver transplantation, during the first 24 hours in a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit. Nutritional status was determined from the Z score for the following indices: weight/age height/age or length/age, weight/height or weight/length, body mass index/age, arm circumference/age and triceps skinfold/age. The severity of liver disease was evaluated using one of the two models which was adequated to the patients' age: 1. Pediatric End-stage Liver Disease, 2. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease. We found 50.0% undernutrition by height/age; 27.3% by weight/age; 11.1% by weight/height or weight/ length; 10.0% by body mass index/age; 61.6% by arm circumference/age and 51.0% by triceps skinfold/age. There was no correlation between nutritional status and Pediatric End-stage Liver Disease or mortality. We found a negative correlation between arm circumference/age and length of hospitalization. Children with chronic liver diseases experience a significant degree of undernutrition, which makes nutritional support an important aspect of therapy. Despite the difficulties in assessment, anthropometric evaluation of the upper limbs is useful to evaluate nutritional status of children before or after liver transplantation.

Amniotic Fluid Arginine from Gestational Weeks 13 to 15 Is a Predictor of Birth Weight, Length, and Head Circumference.

PubMed

Bjørke-Jenssen, Astrid; Ueland, Per Magne; Bjørke-Monsen, Anne-Lise

2017-12-14

Arginine is a constituent of proteins and a precursor for polyamines and nitric oxide, and is essential for placentation, angiogenesis, and growth. Maternal plasma arginine concentrations are found to be lower in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction, and arginine supplementation in later pregnancy is reported to increase birth weight. We measured arginine and the metabolites asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in the amniotic fluid obtained in pregnancy weeks 13 to 15 from 363 pregnancies with a documented normal outcome and related the concentrations to birth weight, length, and head circumference. Arginine was higher in the amniotic fluid from female (mean 40.8 (SD 10.6) µmol/L) compared to male fetuses (37.4 (SD 11.2) µmol/L, p = 0.003). Despite the gender difference, arginine in the amniotic fluid from gestational weeks 13-15 was the strongest predictor for birth weight, length, and head circumference. ADMA was a strong predictor for birth weight and length, SDMA for birth weight, while Arg/ADMA and Arg/SDMA only predicted head circumference in multiple linear regression models. Due to increased arginine demands, pregnancy is considered a state of relative arginine deficiency. Our findings reflect the importance of a good maternal arginine status in early pregnancy, an observation that should be evaluated in an intervention study.

Gestational weight gain and predicted changes in offspring anthropometrics between early infancy and 3 years

PubMed Central

Deierlein, Andrea L.; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria; Herring, Amy H.; Adair, Linda S.; Daniels, Julie L.

2011-01-01

Objective To determine how gestational weight gain (GWG), categorized using the 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations, relates to changes in offspring weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ), and weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) between early infancy and 3 years. Methods Women with singleton infants were recruited from the third cohort of the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study (2001-2005). Term infants with at least one weight or length measurement during the study period were included (n=476). Multivariable linear mixed effects regression models estimated longitudinal changes in WAZ, LAZ, and WLZ associated with GWG. Results In early infancy, compared to infants of women with adequate weight gain, those of women with excessive weight gains had higher WAZ, LAZ, and WLZ. Excessive GWG≥200% of the recommended amount was associated with faster rates of change in WAZ and LAZ and noticeably higher predicted mean WAZ and WLZ that persisted across the study period. Conclusions GWG represents a modifiable behavioral factor that is associated with offspring anthropometric outcomes. More longitudinal studies that utilize maternal and pediatric body composition measures are necessary to understand the nature of this association. PMID:22434753

Growth charts for Australian children with achondroplasia.

PubMed

Tofts, Louise; Das, Sandeep; Collins, Felicity; Burton, Karen L O

2017-08-01

Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant disorder, the most common genetic cause of short stature in humans. Reference curves for head circumference, weight, height, and BMI are needed in clinical practice but none exist for the Australian population. This study aimed to produce head circumference, height, weight, and BMI reference percentile curves for Australian children and adolescents with achondroplasia. Measurements of head circumference, height and weight taken at clinical visits were retrospectively extracted from the electronic medical record. Age was corrected for prematurity. Patients were excluded from head circumference analysis if they had significant neurosurgical complications and from the weight and BMI analysis when they had a clinical diagnosis of overweight. Measurements were available on 138 individuals (69 males and 69 females) taken between 1970 and 2015, with over 50% collected since 2005. A total of 3,352 data points were available. The LMS method was used to produce growth charts with estimated centiles (10, 25, 50, 75, and 90th) separately for males and females. For females birth weight was 3 kg (2.5-3.5 kg), birth length 48 cm (44-50 cm) and head circumference 37.5 cm (36-39 cm), adult height was 125 cm (116-132 cm), weight 42 kg (34-54 kg), and head circumference 58 cm (55.5-60.5 cm) all 50th centile (10-90th). For males birth weight was 3.5 kg (3-4 kg), length 49 cm (46-52 cm) and head circumference 38.5 cm (36-41 cm), adult height was 134 cm (125-141 cm), weight 41 kg (24.5-57 kg) and head circumference 61 cm (58-64 cm). The curves are similar to previously published reference data from the USA and have expected population wide variation from curves from an Argentinian population. Despite limitations of our curves for adolescents (12 years and older) due to data paucity, these Australian growth charts for children and adolescents with achondroplasia will be a useful reference in clinical practice. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

ALLOMETRIC LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIPS FOR BENTHIC PREY OF AQUATIC WILDLIFE IN COASTAL MARINE HABITATS

EPA Science Inventory

We developed models to estimate the soft tissue content of benthic marine invertebrates that are prey for aquatic wildlife. Allometric regression models of tissue wet weight with shell length for 10 species of benthic invertebrates had r2 values ranging from 0.29 for hermit crabs...

The silver nanowires synthesized using different molecule weight of polyvinyl pyrrolidone for controlling diameter and length by one-pot polyol method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Junaidi, E-mail: junaidi.1982@fmipa.unila.ac.id; Departement of Physics, Lampung University, Bandar Lampung; Triyana, K., E-mail: triyana@ugm.ac.id

In this paper, we report our investigation on the effect of the molecular weight and molar ratio of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and silver nitrate (AgNO{sub 3}) for controlling diameter and length of the silver nanowires synthesized with a high-aspect-ratio. The silver nanowires synthesized by one-pot polyol method at a constant temperature oil bath of 130°C. Different molecule weights of PVP, i.e. 55 K, 360 K, and 1300 K were used combined with different molar ratios of [PVP:Ag]. The UV–vis spectrophotometry and Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were employed to characterize the silver nanowires. The results show that the molecular weightmore » and molar ratio of [PVP:Ag] are very important for controlling growth and properties of the silver nanowires. The diameter and length of silver nanowires are obtained 80 to 140 nm and 30 to 70 µm, respectively. The higher molecular weight of PVP, the greater diameter and length of silver nanowires.« less

Age and growth of flathead catfish, Pylodictus olivaris rafinesque, in the Altamaha River system, Georgia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grabowski, T.B.; Isely, J.J.; Weller, R.R.

2004-01-01

Flathead catfish were introduced to the Altamaha River system, Georgia in the 1970's. We determined the length-weight relationship, Von Bertalanffy growth parameters, and back calculated lengths by examining the sagittal otoliths of 331 individuals captured from this population. We found that there were no sex related differences in length weight relationship or Von Bertalanffy growth parameters. Flathead catfish in the Altamaha River system grow at about the same rate as individuals in other introduced populations.

Effects of breastfeeding on weight loss and recovery of pregestational weight in adolescent and adult mothers.

PubMed

Sámano, Reyna; Martínez-Rojano, Hugo; Godínez Martínez, Estela; Sánchez Jiménez, Bernarda; Villeda Rodríguez, Gilda Paulina; Pérez Zamora, Julieta; Casanueva, Esther

2013-06-01

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in adolescent mothers has been associated with greater postpartum maternal weight loss. To assess the associations between EBF and weight loss in adolescent and adult mothers and between EBF and weight and length gain of their children. A cohort of 68 adolescent mothers (15 to 19 years), 64 adult mothers (20 to 29 years), and their infants were studied. Anthropometric measurements were performed at 15, 90, 180, and 365 days postpartum in the mothers and children. EBF was defined as consumption of human milk without supplementation of any type (water, juice, nonhuman milk, or food) for 4 months. Sixty-five percent of mothers sustained EBF for 4 months. There were no significant differences in the weight or length of the infants of adolescent and adult mothers at 365 days postpartum. Among infants of adult mothers, there was a significant difference between the weight gain of those were exclusively breastfed and those who were not exclusively breastfed (6,498 +/- 1,060 vs 6,096 +/- 1,035 g, p < .050) at 365 days postpartum, according to the parameters for weight gain and length established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Among both adult and adolescent mothers, those who practiced EBF lost more weight than those who did not practice EBF (-2.9 kg, 95% interquartile range, -5.7 to 0.8 kg, vs -1.8 kg 95% interquartile range -2.8 to 2.2 kg; p = .004). Gestational weight gain, duration of EBF, and recovery menstruation explained 21% of the variance (F = 28.184, p = .001) in change in postpartum maternal weight (in kilograms) from 0 to 365 days postpartum in all mothers. Pregestational weight, duration of EBF, and maternal age were factors that explained 14% (F = 22.759, p = .001) of the change in the weight and length of the infants from 0 to 365 days of life. EBF in adolescent and adult mothers influences postpartum weight loss and provides adequate infant growth in accordance with the WHO 2006 standards.

Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Liza subviridis (Valenciennes, 1836) of Parangipettai waters, southeast coast of India.

PubMed

Ashiq Ur Rahman, M; Khan, S Ajmal; Lyla, P S; Kadharsha, K; Chander, P Mohan; John, B Akbar

2013-04-01

Determination of Length-weight Relationship (LWR) of any commercially important fish is crucial to validate the wild stock level, to predict their wellbeing in the natural habitat and for various sustainable fishery management practices. Liza subviridis (Valenciennes) is noted to be highly abundant along the coast of Parangipettai, South east coast of India. Hence, the present study was aimed to establish Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Greenback mullet, Liza subviridis (Valenciennes) occurring in Vellar estuary, Parangipettai (lat. 11 degrees 30' N, long. 79 degrees 46' E) using least square method. To determine the actual relationship between length and weight of L. subviridis exponent coefficient or equilibrium constant (b) and relative condition factor (Kn) analysis were adopted. The females were found to be heavier than males at similar length. The equilibrium constant 'b' was found to be 2.7106 in males and 2.8927 in females. The corresponding parabolic representation for male was W = 0.0462L(2.7106) and for female W = 0.0382L(2.8927). The equilibrium constant did not obey the cube law as it deviated significantly from 3 in the case of males. The relative condition factor around 1 and little over it revealed the well-being of L. subviridis in Parangipettai waters.

Oxygen and Air Nanobubble Water Solution Promote the Growth of Plants, Fishes, and Mice

PubMed Central

Ebina, Kosuke; Shi, Kenrin; Hirao, Makoto; Hashimoto, Jun; Kawato, Yoshitaka; Kaneshiro, Shoichi; Morimoto, Tokimitsu; Koizumi, Kota; Yoshikawa, Hideki

2013-01-01

Nanobubbles (<200 nm in diameter) have several unique properties such as long lifetime in liquid owing to its negatively charged surface, and its high gas solubility into the liquid owing to its high internal pressure. They are used in variety of fields including diagnostic aids and drug delivery, while there are no reports assessing their effects on the growth of lives. Nanobubbles of air or oxygen gas were generated using a nanobubble aerator (BUVITAS; Ligaric Company Limited, Osaka, Japan). Brassica campestris were cultured hydroponically for 4 weeks within air-nanobubble water or within normal water. Sweetfish (for 3 weeks) and rainbow trout (for 6 weeks) were kept either within air-nanobubble water or within normal water. Finally, 5 week-old male DBA1/J mice were bred with normal free-chaw and free-drinking either of oxygen-nanobubble water or of normal water for 12 weeks. Oxygen-nanobubble significantly increased the dissolved oxygen concentration of water as well as concentration/size of nanobubbles which were relatively stable for 70 days. Air-nanobubble water significantly promoted the height (19.1 vs. 16.7 cm; P<0.05), length of leaves (24.4 vs. 22.4 cm; P<0.01), and aerial fresh weight (27.3 vs. 20.3 g; P<0.01) of Brassica campestris compared to normal water. Total weight of sweetfish increased from 3.0 to 6.4 kg in normal water, whereas it increased from 3.0 to 10.2 kg in air-nanobubble water. In addition, total weight of rainbow trout increased from 50.0 to 129.5 kg in normal water, whereas it increased from 50.0 to 148.0 kg in air-nanobubble water. Free oral intake of oxygen-nanobubble water significantly promoted the weight (23.5 vs. 21.8 g; P<0.01) and the length (17.0 vs. 16.1 cm; P<0.001) of mice compared to that of normal water. We have demonstrated for the first time that oxygen and air-nanobubble water may be potentially effective tools for the growth of lives. PMID:23755221

Oxygen and air nanobubble water solution promote the growth of plants, fishes, and mice.

PubMed

Ebina, Kosuke; Shi, Kenrin; Hirao, Makoto; Hashimoto, Jun; Kawato, Yoshitaka; Kaneshiro, Shoichi; Morimoto, Tokimitsu; Koizumi, Kota; Yoshikawa, Hideki

2013-01-01

Nanobubbles (<200 nm in diameter) have several unique properties such as long lifetime in liquid owing to its negatively charged surface, and its high gas solubility into the liquid owing to its high internal pressure. They are used in variety of fields including diagnostic aids and drug delivery, while there are no reports assessing their effects on the growth of lives. Nanobubbles of air or oxygen gas were generated using a nanobubble aerator (BUVITAS; Ligaric Company Limited, Osaka, Japan). Brassica campestris were cultured hydroponically for 4 weeks within air-nanobubble water or within normal water. Sweetfish (for 3 weeks) and rainbow trout (for 6 weeks) were kept either within air-nanobubble water or within normal water. Finally, 5 week-old male DBA1/J mice were bred with normal free-chaw and free-drinking either of oxygen-nanobubble water or of normal water for 12 weeks. Oxygen-nanobubble significantly increased the dissolved oxygen concentration of water as well as concentration/size of nanobubbles which were relatively stable for 70 days. Air-nanobubble water significantly promoted the height (19.1 vs. 16.7 cm; P<0.05), length of leaves (24.4 vs. 22.4 cm; P<0.01), and aerial fresh weight (27.3 vs. 20.3 g; P<0.01) of Brassica campestris compared to normal water. Total weight of sweetfish increased from 3.0 to 6.4 kg in normal water, whereas it increased from 3.0 to 10.2 kg in air-nanobubble water. In addition, total weight of rainbow trout increased from 50.0 to 129.5 kg in normal water, whereas it increased from 50.0 to 148.0 kg in air-nanobubble water. Free oral intake of oxygen-nanobubble water significantly promoted the weight (23.5 vs. 21.8 g; P<0.01) and the length (17.0 vs. 16.1 cm; P<0.001) of mice compared to that of normal water. We have demonstrated for the first time that oxygen and air-nanobubble water may be potentially effective tools for the growth of lives.

Nationwide epidemiological survey of childhood IgA vasculitis associated hospitalization in the USA.

PubMed

Okubo, Yusuke; Nochioka, Kotaro; Sakakibara, Hiroshi; Hataya, Hiroshi; Terakawa, Toshiro; Testa, Marcia; Sundel, Robert P

2016-11-01

At the national level, IgA vasculitis-related hospitalizations among children in the USA are scarce. Furthermore, nationwide epidemiology and hospital course of children with IgA vasculitis have not been fully described in the USA, and disparities by race/ethnicity remain unknown. Hospital discharge records of patients aged 19 years or younger were obtained from the 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database, and they were weighted to estimate the annual hospitalization rates with respect to age, gender, and race/ethnicity in the USA. Annual hospitalization rates were calculated using weighted case estimates and US census data. Negative binomial regression was used to ascertain the factors associated with length of hospital stay. Total annual hospitalization rates showed a significant decreasing trend, ranging from 2.45 per 100,000 children in 2003 to 1.89 per 100,000 children in 2012 (p < 0.001). The peak ages of the hospitalized children with IgA vasculitis were 2 and 7 years, and male-to-female ratios were 1.38-1.44. Factors associated with length of hospital stay were patients' ages (10-14 and 15-19 years), race/ethnicity (Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander), comorbid electrolyte abnormality, GI hemorrhage, intussusception, renal symptoms, and GI symptoms. The annual hospitalization rates for IgA vasculitis are declining in the USA across multiple age groups. GI and renal manifestations are associated with increased length of hospital stay.

Design, development and calibration of HTS wire based LOX level sensor probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karunanithi, R.; Jacob, S.; Nadig, D. S.; Prasad, M. V. N.; Gour, A. S.; Gowthaman, M.; Deekshith, P.; Shrivastava, V.

2014-01-01

For space applications, the weight of the liquid level sensors are of major concern as they affect the payload fraction and hence the cost. An attempt is made to design and test a light weight High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) wire based liquid level sensor for Liquid Oxygen (LOX) tank used in the cryostage of the spacecraft. The total resistance value measured of the HTS wire is inversely proportional to the liquid level. A HTS wire (SF12100) of 12mm width and 2.76m length without copper stabilizer has been used in the level sensor. The developed HTS wire based LOX level sensor is calibrated against a discrete diode array type level sensor. Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) and LOX has been used as cryogenic fluid for the calibration purpose. The automatic data logging for the system has been done using LabVIEW11. The net weight of the developed sensor is less than 1 kg.

A lexicographic weighted Tchebycheff approach for multi-constrained multi-objective optimization of the surface grinding process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalilpourazari, Soheyl; Khalilpourazary, Saman

2017-05-01

In this article a multi-objective mathematical model is developed to minimize total time and cost while maximizing the production rate and surface finish quality in the grinding process. The model aims to determine optimal values of the decision variables considering process constraints. A lexicographic weighted Tchebycheff approach is developed to obtain efficient Pareto-optimal solutions of the problem in both rough and finished conditions. Utilizing a polyhedral branch-and-cut algorithm, the lexicographic weighted Tchebycheff model of the proposed multi-objective model is solved using GAMS software. The Pareto-optimal solutions provide a proper trade-off between conflicting objective functions which helps the decision maker to select the best values for the decision variables. Sensitivity analyses are performed to determine the effect of change in the grain size, grinding ratio, feed rate, labour cost per hour, length of workpiece, wheel diameter and downfeed of grinding parameters on each value of the objective function.

Quantitative Macroscopic Anatomy of the Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) Digestive Tract.

PubMed

Sauer, C; Bertelsen, M F; Lund, P; Weisbjerg, M R; Clauss, M

2016-10-01

Quantitative data on digestive anatomy of the world's largest ruminant, the giraffe, are scarce. Data were collected from a total of 25 wild-caught and 13 zoo-housed giraffes. Anatomical measures were quantified by dimension, area or weight and analysed by allometric regression. The majority of measures scaled positively and isometrically to body mass. Giraffes had lower tissue weight of all stomach compartments and longer large intestinal length than cattle. When compared to other ruminants, the giraffe digestive tract showed many of the convergent morphological adaptations attributed to browsing ruminants, for example lower reticular crests, thinner ruminal pillars and smaller surface area of the omasal laminae. Salivary gland weight of the giraffe, however, resembled that of grazing ruminants. This matches a previous finding of similarly small salivary glands in the other extant giraffid, the okapi (Okapia johnstoni), suggesting that not all convergent characteristics need be expressed in all species and that morphological variation between species is a combination of phylogenetic and adaptational signals. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

The effect of a short course of moderate pressure sunflower oil massage on the weight gain velocity and length of NICU stay in preterm infants.

PubMed

Taheri, Peymaneh Alizadeh; Goudarzi, Zahra; Shariat, Mamak; Nariman, Shahin; Matin, Elahe Nikzinat

2018-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of five-day course of sunflower oil massage with moderate pressure on the weight gain and length of NICU stay in preterm infants. Forty-four healthy preterm infants with a corrected gestational age of 30-36 weeks at the time of the study, were randomly assigned to the study group receiving body massage with sunflower oil and the control group receiving only routine NICU care. The massage was performed three times per day, each session including three consecutive five-minute stages, for five days. The primary outcome was to evaluate the efficacy of a short course of moderate pressure sunflower oil massage on the weight gain velocity. The secondary outcome was to compare the length of NICU stay between the two groups. During the study period, the increase in the average daily and fifth-day weight gain was significant in the intervention group. The length of NICU stay was shorter in the intervention group significantly. Our findings suggest that even a short course of body massage with sunflower oil for only five days increases preterm infants' weight gain and decreases their duration of NICU stay significantly. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Relationship of the length of the first stage of labor to the length of the second stage.

PubMed

Nelson, David B; McIntire, Donald D; Leveno, Kenneth J

2013-07-01

To evaluate the relationship between the lengths of the first and second stages of labor. In this observational study of women delivering at our hospital, the onset of the first stage of labor was defined as admission at 3-cm to 4-cm dilatation in the presence of uterine contractions with or without rupture of membranes. This study was limited to nulliparous women with a singleton, cephalic live birth at 37 0/7 weeks of gestation or more. Women presenting with more advanced cervical dilatation (greater than 4 cm), prior cesarean delivery, diabetes, hypertension, and placental accidents were excluded. Each woman was analyzed based on her specific lengths of first and second stages of labor, that is, paired observations for each woman. Between January 1, 2001, and June 30, 2012, a total of 172,522 women were delivered and 12,523 (7.3%) met the inclusion criteria. The 95 percentile was 15.6 and 2.9 hours for the first and second stages, respectively. Women with first stages greater than the 95 percentile had a 16.3% rate of a second-stage length greater than the 95 percentile compared with 4.5% (P<.001) in women with first stages less than the 95 percentile. This relationship persisted when analyzed for variables influencing labor to include neonate birth weight, epidural analgesia, or maternal size. Overall, the length of the second stage significantly increased concomitantly with increasing length of the first stage (P<.001). II.

The Effect of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Noise on the Habituation of Neonatal Chicks

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-05-01

loss is 0.1% in healthy term newborns (Simmons, 1980), 9% to 12.4% of all low birth weight infants develop a hearing deficit (Abramovich et al., 1979...chi-square analysis, mean birth weight , mean gestational age, mean length of incubator care, and use of ototoxic drugs were not significantly...As with the previous study, 9% of the subjects had a hearing deficit. Also, mean birth weight , mean gestational age, mean length of incubator care

Effect of textile waste water on tomato plant, Lycopersicon esculentum.

PubMed

Marwari, Richa; Khan, T I

2012-09-01

In this study Sanganer town, Jaipur was selected as study area. The plants of Lycopersicon esculentum var. K 21(Tomato) treated with 20 and 30% textile wastewater were analyzed for metal accumulation, growth and biochemical parameters at per, peak and post flowering stages. Findings of the study revealed that chlorophyll content was most severely affected with the increase in metal concentration. Total chlorophyll content showed a reduction of 72.44% while carbohydrate, protein and nitrogen content showed a reduction of 46.83, 71.65 and 71.65% respectively. With the increase in waste water treatment the root and shoot length, root and shoot dry weight and total dry weight were reduced to 50.55, 52.06, 69.93, 72.42, 72.10% respectively. After crop harvesting, the fruit samples of the plants treated with highest concentration of textile waste water contained 2.570 mg g(-1)d.wt. of Zn, 0.800 mg g(-1) d.wt. Cu, 1.520 mg g(-1) d.wt. Cr and 2.010 mg g(-1) d.wt. Pb.

Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Attained Size Among Children in the First 2 Years of Life.

PubMed

Strobino, Donna M; Ahmed, Saifuddin; Mistry, Kamila; Wasserman, Ellen; Hossain, Mian B; Minkovitz, Cynthia

2016-01-01

To evaluate the relation of maternal depressive symptoms with attained size and whether it is stronger for young children in low-income families. Secondary analysis was performed of longitudinal data from enrollment and parents surveys from the Healthy Steps for Young Children National Evaluation among 4745 children who made at least one visit to a Healthy Steps site. Length and weight data from medical records were converted to z scores and percentiles for length for age and weight for length at 6, 12, and 24 months using 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth standards. Analyses evaluated the relation of maternal depressive symptoms at 2 to 4 months using a modified 14-item Center for Epidemiologic Depression Scale with attained size and child, maternal, and family characteristics. Regression models estimated the relation of symptoms with z scores and logistic regression the relation for short stature (below 10th percentile for length for age), adjusted for covariates. Maternal depressive symptoms were associated with z scores for length for age at 6, 12, and 24 months and short stature at 6 and 24 months for children in low/middle-income families. The z scores at 24 months remained significantly lower for children in low/middle-income families whose mothers reported depressive symptoms, after adjustment for covariates. The odds of short stature were significantly increased at 6 months in the total sample and among low/middle-income families for children whose mothers reported symptoms. Other measures of attained size were not associated with depressive symptoms. The link between maternal symptoms and young children's risk of short stature reinforces recommendations for increased screening for postpartum depressive symptoms and for clinicians to review growth charts with parents for impaired/unfavorable patterns. Copyright © 2016 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Can insertion length for a double-lumen endobronchial tube be predicted?

PubMed

Dyer, R A; Heijke, S A; Russell, W J; Bloch, M B; James, M F

2000-12-01

It has been suggested that the appropriate length of insertion for double-lumen tubes can be estimated by external measurement. This study examined the accuracy of external measurement in estimating the actual length of insertion required in 130 patients. It also examined the relationship between the length inserted and the patient's height in 126 patients and their weight in 125 patients. Although there was a fair correlation between the measured external length and the final inserted length (r = 0.61), the 95% confidence intervals of slope and intercept allowed a large variation and the prediction was too wide to be clinically useful. Height was reasonably well correlated with the final length (r = 0.51) but an equally wide 95% confidence interval rendered it of little clinical value. There was no correlation between weight and final tube length. It is concluded that external measurement alone is not adequate to predict a clinically acceptable position of the double-lumen tube.

Prediction of leaf area in individual leaves of cherrybark oak seedlings (Quercus pagoda Raf.)

Treesearch

Yanfei Guo; Brian Lockhart; John Hodges

1995-01-01

The prediction of leaf area for cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) seedlings is important for studying the physiology of the species. Linear and polynomial models involving leaf length, width, fresh weight, dry weight, and internodal length were tested independently and collectively to predict leaf area. Twenty-nine cherrybark oak seedlings were...

Reference curves of birth weight, length, and head circumference for gestational ages in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

PubMed

Haksari, Ekawaty L; Lafeber, Harrie N; Hakimi, Mohammad; Pawirohartono, Endy P; Nyström, Lennarth

2016-11-21

The birth weight reference curve to estimate the newborns at risk in need of assessment and monitoring has been established. The previous reference curves from Indonesia, approximately 8 years ago, were based on the data collected from teaching hospitals only with limited gestational ages. The aims of the study were to update the reference curves for birth weight, supine length and head circumference for Indonesia, and to compare birth weight curves of boys and girls, first child and later children, and the ones in the previous studies. Data were extracted from the Maternal-Perinatal database between 1998-2007. Only live singletons with recorded gestational ages of 26 to 42 weeks and the exact time of admission to the neonatal facilities delivered or referred within 24 h of age to Sardjito Hospital, five district hospitals and five health centers in Yogyakarta Special Territory were included. Newborns with severely ill conditions, congenital anomaly and chromosomal abnormality were excluded. Smoothening of the curves was accomplished using a third-order polynomial equation. Our study included 54,599 singleton live births. Growth curves were constructed for boys (53.3%) and girls (46.7%) for birth weight, supine length, and head circumference. At term, mean birth weight for each gestational age of boys was significantly higher than that of girls. While mean birth weight for each gestational age of first-born-children, on the other hand was significantly lower than that of later-born-children. The mean birth weight was lower than that of Lubchenco's study. Compared with the previous Indonesian study by Alisyahbana, no differences were observed for the aterm infants, but lower mean birth weight was observed in preterm infants. Updated neonatal reference curves for birth weight, supine length and head circumference are important to classify high risk newborns in specific area and to identify newborns requiring attention.

Effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on respiratory quotient of infants with chronic lung disease.

PubMed

Suteerojntrakool, Orapa; Sanguanrungsirikul, Sompol; Sritippayawan, Suchada; Jantarabenjakul, Watsamon; Sirimongkol, Pathama; Chomtho, Sirinuch

2015-01-01

To compare the respiratory quotient in infants with chronic lung disease before and after receiving a modular diet with slightly lower carbohydrate content. Infants with chronic lung disease from the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were enrolled and assessed for nutritional status, severity of chronic lung disease and dietary intake. Indirect calorimetry was performed using a custom-made airtight canopy with O2 and CO2 sensors. Respiratory quotient (RQ) was calculated from VCO2/VO2 during the period they were fed low carbohydrates (37% of total calories) for at least 24 hours vs. a standard diet (47% carbohydrate). These two formulas were similar in terms of caloric density and protein content. Each patient received at least 100-150 kcal/ kg/day during the study period. Respiratory quotients of the same patient receiving the two diets were compared by using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A total of 14 patients (median age 7 months, range 1-26 months) were recruited. Twelve children had weight for age Z-score below-2SD. Their median weight for age Z-score, length for age Z-score and weight for length Z-score were -2.89, -3.08 and -1.24, respectively. The median RQ measured during the low carbohydrate diet was 0.96 (interquartile range 0.95-0.97), significantly lower than the median RQ during the standard diet, which was 1.04 (0.97-1.10). However, the respiratory rate revealed no significant difference. Two participants with underlying gastroesophageal reflux disease showed higher RQ after low carbohydrate formula feeding, which might be a result of hypersecretion due to its high fat content. Diet with slightly lower carbohydrate content can reduce the RQ in infants with chronic lung disease compared to the standard enteral formula. A 10-percent reduction of carbohydrate content may provide a sizeable effect in this group of patients. Nevertheless, the clinical significance of this finding requires further investigation.

Colonization and Maize Growth Promotion Induced by Phosphate Solubilizing Bacterial Isolates.

PubMed

Li, Yongbin; Liu, Xiaomeng; Hao, Tianyi; Chen, Sanfeng

2017-06-29

Phosphorus (P) limits the production of maize, one of the major food crops in China. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) have the capacity to solubilize phosphate complexes into plant absorbable and utilizable forms by the process of acidification, chelation, and exchange reactions. In this study, six bacteria, including one Paenibacillus sp. B1 strain, four Pseudomonas sp. strains (B10, B14, SX1, and SX2) and one Sphingobium sp. SX14 strain, were those isolated from the maize rhizosphere and identified based on their 16S rRNA sequences. All strains could solubilize inorganic P (Ca₃(PO₄)₂, FePO₄ and AlPO₄), and only B1 and B10 organic P (lecithin). All strains, except of SX1, produced IAA, and SX14 and B1 showed the highest level. B1 incited the highest increase in root length and the second increase in shoot and total dry weight, shoot length, and total P and nitrogen (N), along with increased root length. In addition, by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), we found that green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled B1 mainly colonized root surfaces and in epidermal and cortical tissue. Importantly, B1 can survive through forming spores under adverse conditions and prolong quality guarantee period of bio-fertilizer. Therefore, it can act as a good substitute for bio-fertilizer to promote agricultural sustainability.

A High Density Genetic Map Derived from RAD Sequencing and Its Application in QTL Analysis of Yield-Related Traits in Vigna unguiculata

PubMed Central

Pan, Lei; Wang, Nian; Wu, Zhihua; Guo, Rui; Yu, Xiaolu; Zheng, Yu; Xia, Qiuju; Gui, Songtao; Chen, Chanyou

2017-01-01

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is an annual legume of economic importance and widely grown in the semi-arid tropics. However, high-density genetic maps of cowpea are still lacking. Here, we identified 34,868 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that were distributed in the cowpea genome based on the RAD sequencing (restriction-site associated DNA sequencing) technique using a population of 170 individuals (two cowpea parents and 168 F2:3 progenies). Of these, 17,996 reliable SNPs were allotted to 11 consensus linkage groups (LGs). The length of the genetic map was 1,194.25 cM in total with a mean distance of 0.066 cM/SNP marker locus. Using this map and the F2:3 population, combined with the CIM (composite interval mapping) method, eleven quantitative trait loci (QTL) of yield-related trait were detected on seven LGs (LG4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11) in cowpea. These QTL explained 0.05–17.32% of the total phenotypic variation. Among these, four QTL were for pod length, four QTL for thousand-grain weight (TGW), two QTL for grain number per pod, and one QTL for carpopodium length. Our results will provide a foundation for understanding genes related to grain yield in the cowpea and genus Vigna. PMID:28936219

Waist circumference is superior to weight and BMI in predicting sexual symptoms, voiding symptoms and psychosomatic symptoms in men with hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction.

PubMed

Yassin, A A; Nettleship, J E; Salman, M; Almehmadi, Y

2017-05-01

Waist circumference is considered a useful predictor of obesity-associated cardiovascular risk, but its use as an indicator of sexual health status and quality of life (QoL) in hypogonadal men is unknown. We investigated whether three measurements of obesity, weight, body mass index and waist circumference, correlate with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaires. A total of 261 patients were enrolled in a prospective study on hypogonadism treatment with intramuscular long-acting testosterone undecanoate. Patients with total testosterone ≤3.5 ng ml -1 were enrolled, and baseline demographic data were recorded. Patient's response to IIEF, IPSS and AMS standardised questionnaires was recorded to evaluate health-related QoL. The mean length of treatment and follow-up was 4.7 years (max 6 years). ANOVA regression analysis showed that waist circumference was significantly inversely proportional to IIEF-5 and directly proportional to AMS and IPSS. Weight was inversely proportional to IIEF and directly proportional to IPSS but not associated with AMS. BMI had no proportionality to measurements of sexual function and quality of life. These results suggest that among weight, BMI and waist circumference, the latter is the best predictor of health-related QoL in men with hypogonadism. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Accurate low-dose iterative CT reconstruction from few projections by Generalized Anisotropic Total Variation minimization for industrial CT.

PubMed

Debatin, Maurice; Hesser, Jürgen

2015-01-01

Reducing the amount of time for data acquisition and reconstruction in industrial CT decreases the operation time of the X-ray machine and therefore increases the sales. This can be achieved by reducing both, the dose and the pulse length of the CT system and the number of projections for the reconstruction, respectively. In this paper, a novel generalized Anisotropic Total Variation regularization for under-sampled, low-dose iterative CT reconstruction is discussed and compared to the standard methods, Total Variation, Adaptive weighted Total Variation and Filtered Backprojection. The novel regularization function uses a priori information about the Gradient Magnitude Distribution of the scanned object for the reconstruction. We provide a general parameterization scheme and evaluate the efficiency of our new algorithm for different noise levels and different number of projection views. When noise is not present, error-free reconstructions are achievable for AwTV and GATV from 40 projections. In cases where noise is simulated, our strategy achieves a Relative Root Mean Square Error that is up to 11 times lower than Total Variation-based and up to 4 times lower than AwTV-based iterative statistical reconstruction (e.g. for a SNR of 223 and 40 projections). To obtain the same reconstruction quality as achieved by Total Variation, the projection number and the pulse length, and the acquisition time and the dose respectively can be reduced by a factor of approximately 3.5, when AwTV is used and a factor of approximately 6.7, when our proposed algorithm is used.

A sutureless technique using cyanoacrylate adhesives when creating a stoma for extremely low birth weight infants.

PubMed

Nose, Satoko; Sasaki, Takashi; Saka, Ryuta; Minagawa, Kyoko; Okuyama, Hiroomi

2016-01-01

Intestinal perforation and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are neonatal intestinal emergencies that are especially common in premature infants. While prompt surgical intervention, including stoma creation, is often required, the optimal surgical treatment has been controversial because of the substantial risks related to the stoma creation and management. The use of a tissue adhesive may have some advantages over the use of sutures when creating an intestinal stoma in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. The purpose of this report was to present a novel approach for creating a stoma using a tissue adhesive in ELBW infants. A total of eight ELBW infants that underwent laparotomy with the creation of intestinal stomas using cyanoacrylate adhesive at our institution between 2009 and 2014 were enrolled. The clinical parameters, including the length of the operation, intra- and postoperative complications and the outcomes were evaluated. The median body weight and gestational age at birth were 630 g and 24.3 weeks, respectively. The median age at referral was 11.5 days. The median length of the procedure was 58.5 min, including the inspection and resection of the intestine. All procedures were completed without any intraoperative complications. There were no postoperative complications associated with the stoma. Two patients died of the associated septic status. Sutureless enterostomy using cyanoacrylate adhesive is a simple technique which has the potential to reduce the incidence of complications related to the intestinal stoma in ELBW infants.

The effects of bariatric surgical procedures on the improvement of metabolic syndrome in morbidly obese patients: Comparison of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

PubMed

Kafalı, Mehmet Ertuğrul; Şahin, Mustafa; Ece, İlhan; Acar, Fahrettin; Yılmaz, Hüseyin; Alptekin, Hüsnü; Ateş, Leyla

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in terms of weight loss, metabolic parameters, and postoperative complications. Data on patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with a diagnosis of morbid obesity between January 2012 and June 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were compared in terms of age, sex, body mass index, duration of operation, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, perioperative complications, length of hospital stay, and long term follow-up results. During the study period, 91 patients (45 laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 46 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy) underwent bariatric surgery. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of preoperative patient characteristics. Both groups showed statistically significant weight loss and improvement in co-morbidities when compared with the preoperative period. Weight loss and improvement in metabolic parameters were similar in both groups. The duration of operation and hospital stay was longer in the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group. Furthermore, the rate of total complications was significantly lower in the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy group. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective method with a significantly lower complication rate and length of hospital stay than laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, with similar improvement rates in metabolic syndrome.

[Nutritional risk screening and its clinical significance in 706 children hospitalized in the surgical department].

PubMed

Peng, Lu-Ting; Li, Rong; Zhao, Wei-Hua; Chen, Yin-Hua; Li, Xiao-Mei; Chen, Meng-Ying; Cao, Jia; Li, Xiao-Nan

2013-10-01

To investigate nutritional risk and its relationship with clinical outcome in children hospitalized in the surgical department, and to provide a scientific basis for clinical nutrition management. Nutritional risk screening was performed on 706 children hospitalized in the surgical department using the Screening Tool for Risk on Nutritional Status and Growth. The data on nutritional support during hospitalization, incidence of infectious complications, length of hospital stay, post operative length of hospital stay and total hospital expenses were recorded. Of the 706 cases, 11.5% had high nutritional risk, 46.0% had moderate nutritional risk, and 42.5% had low nutritional risk. Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, intestinal obstruction and congenital heart disease were the three most common types of high nutritional risk. The incidence of high nutritional risk was significantly higher in infants than in other age groups (P<0.01). Fifty-two (64.2%) of the eighty-one children with high nutritional risk received parenteral nutrition. Children with high nutritional risk were significantly more likely to have weight loss than children with low nutritional risk (P<0.05). Children with high nutritional risk had significantly increased incidence of infectious complications, length of hospital stay, post operative length of hospital stay and total hospital expenses compared with those with moderate or low nutritional risk (P<0.01). Moderate or high nutritional risk is seen in children hospitalized in the surgical department. Nutritional risk score is correlated with clinical outcome. Nutritional support for these children is not yet properly provided. Nutritional risk screening and standard nutritional support should be widely applied among hospitalized children.

Responses to two-way selection on growth in mass-spawned F1 progeny of Argopecten irradians concentricus (Say)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hui; Liu, Jin; Li, Yanhong; Zhu, Xiaowen; Liu, Zhigang

2014-03-01

In the present study, the effect of one-generation divergent selection on the growth and survival of the bay scallop ( Argopecten irradians concentricus) was examined to evaluate the efficacy of a selection program currently being carried out in Beibu Bay in the South China Sea. A total of 146 adult scallops were randomly selected from the same cultured population of A. i. concentricus, and divided into two groups in shell length (anterior-posterior measurement): large (4.91-6.02 cm, n=74) and small (3.31-4.18 cm, n=72). At the same time, a control group was also randomly sampled (4.21-4.88 cm, n =80). Mass-spawned F 1 progenies from the three size groups were obtained and reared under identical conditions at all growth phases. The effects of two-way (or upward-downward) selection on fertilization rate, hatching rate, survival rate, daily growth in shell length and body weight were assessed in the three size groups. Results show that significant differences ( P<0.01) were found in hatching rate, survival rate and daily growth of F1 progenies, but not in fertilization rate ( P>0.05), among the three groups. The hatching rate, survival rate and daily growth of the progeny of large-sized parents were greater than those of the control group ( P<0.05), which in turn were larger than those of small-sized group ( P<0.05). Responses to selection by shell length and body weight were 0.32 ± 0.04 cm and 2.18 ± 0.05 g, respectively, for the upward selection, and -0.14 ± 0.03 cm and -2.77 ± 0.06 g, respectively, for the downward selection. The realized heritability estimates of shell length and body weight were 0.38 ± 0.06 cm and 0.22 ± 0.07 g for the upward selection, and 0.24 ± 0.06 cm and 0.37 ± 0.09 g for the downward selection, respectively. The change in growth by bidirectional selection suggests that high genetic variation may be present in the cultured bay scallop population in China.

Effects of marketing group and production focus on quality and variability of adipose tissue and bellies sourced from a commercial processing facility.

PubMed

Overholt, M F; Arkfeld, E K; Wilson, K B; Mohrhauser, D A; King, D A; Wheeler, T L; Dilger, A C; Shackelford, S D; Boler, D D

2016-12-01

Objectives were to determine the effects of marketing group on quality and variability of belly and adipose tissue quality traits of pigs sourced from differing production focuses (lean vs. quality). Pigs ( = 8,042) raised in 8 barns representing 2 seasons (cold and hot) were used. Three groups were marketed from each barn with 2 barns per production focus marketed per season. Data were collected on 7,684 carcasses at a commercial abattoir. Fresh belly characteristics, American Oil Chemists' Society iodine value (AOCS-IV), and near-infrared iodine value were measured on a targeted 50, 10, and 100% of carcasses, respectively. Data were analyzed as a split-plot design in the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with production focus as the whole-plot factor and marketing group as the split-plot factor. Barn (block), season, and sex were random variables. A multivariance model was fit using the REPEATED statement with the marketing group × production focus interaction as the grouping variable. Variances for production focus and marketing groups were calculated using the MEANS procedure. Homogeneity of variance was tested on raw data using the Levene's test of the GLM procedure. Among quality focus carcasses, marketing group 3 bellies weighed less ( ≤ 0.03) than those from either marketing group 1 or 2, but there was no difference ( ≥ 0.99) among marketing groups of the lean focus carcasses. There was no effect ( ≥ 0.11) of production focus on fresh belly measures, SFA, or iodine value (IV), but lean focus carcasses had decreased ( = 0.04) total MUFA and increased ( < 0.01) total PUFA compared with quality focus carcasses. Marketing group did not affect ( ≥ 0.10) fresh belly dimensions, total SFA, total MUFA, total PUFA, or IV. Belly weight, flop score, width, and all depth measurements were less variable ( ≤ 0.01); whereas, belly length, total SFA, and total MUFA were more variable ( < 0.0001) in lean focus carcasses than in quality focus carcasses. There was no difference ( ≥ 0.17) in total PUFA or AOCS-IV variability between production focuses. Variance of flop score, total MUFA, and total PUFA were not equal ( ≤ 0.01) among marketing groups. Belly weight, length, width, and depth measurements; SFA; or IV variance did not differ ( ≥ 0.06) among marketing groups. Although a multiple-marketing strategy was effective at minimizing differences in belly characteristics, differences in the variability of these traits exist among marketing groups and are likely dependent on the production system used.

Chronic toxicity of copper on embryo development in Chinese toad, Bufo gargarizans.

PubMed

Xia, Kun; Zhao, Hongfeng; Wu, Minyao; Wang, Hongyuan

2012-06-01

This study examined the effects of copper exposure on embryonic development of Chinese toad, Bufo gargarizans. Firstly, the LC(50) values from 24 to 96 h of exposure were 3.61×10(-6) M, by means of a 4 d toxicity test with B. gargarizans embryos. Secondly, Chinese toad embryos were exposed to 10(-9)-10(-6) M copper from mid gastrula stage to operculum completion stage. Measurements included mortality, tadpole weight, tadpole total length, growth retardation, duration of different embryo stages and malformation. Embryonic survival was not affected by copper. Relative to control tadpoles, significantly decreased weight and total length were found at 10(-9)-10(-6) M reduced percentage of the embryos in right operculum stage after 10 d exposure to copper and reduced percentage of embryos in operculum completion stage after 12 d exposure to copper were also observed. Moreover, the duration of embryonic development increased at neural, circulation and operculum development stage in copper-treated groups. For the scanning microscope and histological observation, the abnormalities were malformation of wavy dorsal fin, flexural tail, curvature body axis, yolk sac oedema and reduced pigmentation in the yolk sac. Histopathological changes in olfactory, retinal epithelium and skin were also observed. DNA strand breaks exposed to the copper were analyzed by DNA ladder. In conclusion, copper induced toxic effects on B. gargarizans embryos. The present study indicated chronic toxicity tests may provide more accurate way in formulating the "safe levels" of heavy metals to amphibian. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Financial, Resource Utilization and Mortality Impacts of Teaching Hospital Status on Pediatric Patients Admitted for Sepsis.

PubMed

Hsu, Benson S; Meyer, Benjamin D; Lakhani, Saquib A

2017-08-01

With the changing healthcare landscape in the United States, teaching hospitals face increasing pressure to provide medical education as well as cost-effective care. Our study investigated the financial, resource utilization and mortality impact of teaching hospital status on pediatric patients admitted with sepsis. We conducted a retrospective, weighted statistical analysis of hospitalized children with the diagnosis of sepsis. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 2009 Kids' Inpatient Database provided the data for analysis. Diagnosis of sepsis and severity of illness levels were based on All Patient Refined Diagnosis-Related Groups of 720: Septicemia and Disseminated Infections. Teaching hospital status was based on presence of training programs. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA 12.1 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX). Weighted analysis revealed 17,461 patients with sepsis-9982 in teaching and 7479 in nonteaching hospitals. When comparing all patients, length of stay (8.2 vs. 4.8, P < 0.001), number of procedures received (2.03 vs. 0.87, P < 0.001), mortality (4.7% vs. 1.6%, P < 0.001), costs per day ($2326 vs. $1736, P < 0.001) and total costs ($20,428 vs. $7960, P < 0.001) were higher in teaching hospitals. Even when stratified by severity classes, length of stay, number of procedures received and total costs were higher in teaching hospitals with no difference in mortality. Our study suggested that teaching hospitals provide pediatric inpatient care for sepsis at greater costs and resource utilization without a clear improvement in overall mortality rates in comparison with nonteaching hospitals.

The Impacts of Rising Temperatures on Aircraft Takeoff Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coffel, Ethan; Thompson, Terence R.; Horton, Radley M.

2017-01-01

Steadily rising mean and extreme temperatures as a result of climate change will likely impact the air transportation system over the coming decades. As air temperatures rise at constant pressure, air density declines, resulting in less lift generation by an aircraft wing at a given airspeed and potentially imposing a weight restriction on departing aircraft. This study presents a general model to project future weight restrictions across a fleet of aircraft with different takeoff weights operating at a variety of airports. We construct performance models for five common commercial aircraft and 19 major airports around the world and use projections of daily temperatures from the CMIP5 model suite under the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emissions scenarios to calculate required hourly weight restriction. We find that on average, 10 - 30% of annual flights departing at the time of daily maximum temperature may require some weight restriction below their maximum takeoff weights, with mean restrictions ranging from 0.5 to 4% of total aircraft payload and fuel capacity by mid- to late century. Both mid-sized and large aircraft are affected, and airports with short runways and high temperatures, or those at high elevations, will see the largest impacts. Our results suggest that weight restriction may impose a non-trivial cost on airlines and impact aviation operations around the world and that adaptation may be required in aircraft design, airline schedules, and/or runway lengths.

The Impact of Rising Temperatures on Aircraft Takeoff Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coffel, E.; Horton, R. M.; Thompson, T. R.

2017-12-01

Steadily rising mean and extreme temperatures as a result of climate change will likely impact the air transportation system over the coming decades. As air temperatures rise at constant pressure, air density declines, resulting in less lift generation by an aircraft wing at a given airspeed and potentially imposing a weight restriction on departing aircraft. This study presents a general model to project future weight restrictions across a fleet of aircraft with different takeoff weights operating at a variety of airports. We construct performance models for five common commercial aircraft and 19 major airports around the world and use projections of daily temperatures from the CMIP5 model suite under the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emissions scenarios to calculate required hourly weight restriction. We find that on average, 10-30% of annual flights departing at the time of daily maximum temperature may require some weight restriction below their maximum takeoff weights, with mean restrictions ranging from 0.5 to 4% of total aircraft payload and fuel capacity by mid- to late century. Both mid-sized and large aircraft are affected, and airports with short runways and high tempera- tures, or those at high elevations, will see the largest impacts. Our results suggest that weight restriction may impose a non-trivial cost on airlines and impact aviation operations around the world and that adaptation may be required in aircraft design, airline schedules, and/or runway lengths.

Cost analytic model to determine the least costly inpatient erythropoiesis stimulating therapy regimen.

PubMed

Sikand, Harminder; Decter, Adam; Greco, Tina; Watson, Sue H; Kang, Yoon Jun; Mody, Samir H; Piech, Catherine Tak; Duh, Mei Sheng; Naeem, Ayesha

2008-01-01

Unlike in outpatient settings, the comparative costs of epoetin alpha (EPO) and darbepoetin alpha (DARB) have not been evaluated broadly from the inpatient hospital perspective. To develop a cost analytic model comparing hospital inpatient costs for erythropoiesis stimulating therapies within the nephrology and oncology settings. A cost analytic model incorporating erythropoietic drug, pharmacy, and nursing costs was developed from the inpatient hospital perspective to evaluate comparative costs of EPO and DARB. Erythropoietic drug costs were calculated using unit wholesale acquisition cost multiplied by the number of units or micrograms while comparing the following dosing regimens: EPO 3 times weekly, EPO once weekly, and DARB once weekly. Pharmacy costs included dispensing and delivery costs, while nursing costs incorporated administration time costs; all were calculated by estimated fractional hours per activity multiplied by hourly wages. The total frequency of erythropoiesis stimulating therapy administrations was determined based on the average hospital length of stay. The first erythropoiesis stimulating therapy dose was assumed to occur on day 3 of hospitalization. For total inpatient costs, a weighted average was calculated across disease states. One-way sensitivity analyses were conducted by varying length of stay, day of initial erythropoiesis stimulating therapy dose, pharmacy and nursing costs, and once-weekly DARB dose. EPO 3 times weekly was the least costly regimen across all disease states evaluated. Threshold analysis indicated that the cost of once-weekly DARB regimens would have to be reduced by 37% to equal the cost of EPO 3 times weekly for an average length of stay. Sensitivity analyses did not considerably affect the results. EPO 3 times weekly was found to be the least costly erythropoiesis stimulating therapy regimen for nephrology and oncology inpatients for the average length of stay as well as most other lengths of stay considered. Once-weekly EPO was the least costly erythropoiesis stimulating therapy regimen for several other lengths of stay, while once-weekly DARB was never found to be the least costly regimen.

Associations of dietary protein intake on subsequent decline in muscle mass and physical functions over four years in ambulant older Chinese people.

PubMed

Chan, R; Leung, J; Woo, J; Kwok, T

2014-01-01

To examine the association of dietary protein intake with 4-year change in physical performance measures and muscle mass in Chinese community-dwelling older people aged 65 and older in Hong Kong. Prospective cohort study design. Hong Kong, People's of Republic of China. There were 2,726 (1411 male, 1315 female) community-dwelling older people aged 65 and older. Baseline total, animal and vegetable protein intakes were collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Relative protein intake expressed as g/kg body weight was calculated and divided into quartiles for data analysis. Baseline and 4-year physical performance measures (normal and narrow 6-meters walking speed and step length in a 6-meters walk) were measured and 4-year change in appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) from baseline was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Univariate analysis identified age and sex as significant factors associated with change in physical performance measures or ASM, thus adjustments for these factors were made for subsequent analysis of covariance. Median relative total protein intake was 1.3 g/kg body weight in men and 1.1 g/kg body weight in women. After adjustment for age and sex, relative total protein intake and animal protein intake were not associated with change in physical performance measures and ASM. In contrast, participants in the highest quartile (>0.72 g/kg body weight) of relative vegetable protein intake lost significantly less ASM over 4-year than those in the lowest quartile of relative vegetable protein intake (<=0.40 g/kg body weight) (adjusted mean ± SE: 0.270 ± 0.029 vs. 0.349 ± 0.030 kg, ptrend=0.025). There was no association between relative vegetable protein intake and change in physical performance measures. Higher protein intake from vegetable source was associated with reduced muscle loss in Chinese community-dwelling older people in Hong Kong whereas no association between total and animal protein intake and subsequent decline in muscle mass or physical performance measures was observed in this sample.

Feeding chronology of juvenile piranhas, Pygocentrus notatus, in the Venezuelan llanos

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nico, L.G.

1990-01-01

During the 1988 rainy season, I studied the 24 h feeding chronology of juvenile (40–68 mm standard length) piranhas, Pygocentrus notatus (Characidae: Serrasalminae) from a natural population inhabiting a small savanna stream in Apure State, Venezuela. Stomach contents analyses, supported by laboratory determinations of digestion rate, showed that these fish are primarily diurnal carnivores. Predatory activity on 4–5 August 1988 increased markedly after sunrise, peaked around 1100 h, and essentially stopped after sunset. Means of stomach content weight-to-fish weight ratios among the periods sampled were significantly different. Small fish were the major prey at all hours (81% of total prey volume). Underlying factors responsible for the observed 24 h feeding patterns were not investigated, but avoidance of predation by adult piranhas, which were very active near sunset, may have been important.

Hospital cost analysis of neuromuscular scoliosis surgery.

PubMed

Diefenbach, Christopher; Ialenti, Marc N; Lonner, Baron S; Kamerlink, Jonathan R; Verma, Kushagra; Errico, Thomas J

2013-01-01

A retrospective review of 74 consecutive, surgical patients with neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS). This study evaluates the distribution of hospital and operating room costs incurred during surgical correction of NMS. Recent studies have demonstrated that surgical treatment improves both medical outcomes and the quality of life in patients with progressive NMS. Characterization of the costs incurred at the time of surgery and hospitalization will facilitate the identification of opportunities for cost reduction. Demographic data collected included gender, age, preoperative height, weight, and BMI. Major coronal curvatures and T5-T12 kyphosis were assessed from radiographs. Construct type and number of screws, hooks, and wires implanted were recorded. Surgical costs were calculated based on cost of surgical correction, hospital stay, and postoperative care. Mean age was 15.8 ± 7.3 years; 57% were male. Comorbidities included cerebral palsy (28%) and familial dysautonomia (14%). The mean preoperative major curve magnitude was 60°; minor curve magnitude was 33°. Posterior approach (76%) and pedicle screws (75%) were predominantly utilized. The average length of hospitalization was 8 days (range: 3 to 47). There were six major complications (8%). The total surgical cost was $50,096 ± $23,998. The highest individual cost was for implants ($13,916; 24% of total costs). The second highest was inpatient room and ICU costs ($12,483; 22%); bone grafts were the third ($6,398; 11%). Increased major and minor structural curve, increased total (A/P) levels fused, and increased length of hospital stay predicted an increase in total cost. Major contributors to cost in NMS surgery are implants, inpatient room and ICU costs, and bone grafts. Independent predictors of higher cost are the degree of major and minor structural curve, total number of A/P levels fused, and length of hospital stay. These conclusions provide insight into costs associated with care for a medically fragile and challenging patient population.

Genetic determinism of bone and mineral metabolism in meat-type chickens: A QTL mapping study.

PubMed

Mignon-Grasteau, Sandrine; Chantry-Darmon, Céline; Boscher, Marie-Yvonne; Sellier, Nadine; Chabault-Dhuit, Marie; Le Bihan-Duval, Elisabeth; Narcy, Agnès

2016-12-01

Skeletal integrity in meat-type chickens is affected by many factors including rapid growth rate, nutrition and genetics. To investigate the genetic basis of bone and mineral metabolism, a QTL detection study was conducted in an intercross between two lines of meat-type chickens divergently selected for their high (D +) or low (D -) digestive efficiency. Tibia size (length, diameter, volume) and ash content were determined at 3 weeks of age as well as phosphorus (P) retention and plasma concentration. Heritability of these traits and their genetic correlations with digestive efficiency were estimated. A QTL mapping study was performed using 3379 SNP markers. Tibia size, weight, ash content and breaking strength were highly heritable (0.42 to 0.61). Relative tibia diameter and volume as well as P retention were strongly and positively genetically correlated with digestive efficiency (0.57 to 0.80). A total of 35 QTL were identified (9 for tibia weight, 13 for tibia size, 5 for bone strength, 5 for bone mineralization, 2 for plasma P concentration and 1 for P retention). Six QTL were genome-wide significant, and 3 QTL for tibia relative volume, weight and ash weight on chromosome 6 were fixed, the positive allele coming from the D-line. For two QTL for ash content on chromosome 18 and relative tibia length on chromosome 26, the confidence intervals were small enough to identify potential candidate genes. These findings support the evidence of multiple genetic loci controlling bone and mineral metabolism. The identification of candidate genes may provide new perspectives in the understanding of bone regulation, even beyond avian species.

Maternal perception of weight status in first-born Australian toddlers aged 12-16 months--the NOURISH and SAIDI cohorts.

PubMed

Byrne, R; Magarey, A; Daniels, L

2016-05-01

The preference amongst parents for heavier infants is in contrast to obesity prevention efforts worldwide. Parents are poor at identifying overweight in older children, but few studies have investigated maternal perception of weight status amongst toddlers and none in the Australian setting. Mothers (n = 290) completed a self-administered questionnaire at child age 12-16 months, defining their child's weight status as underweight, normal weight, somewhat overweight or very overweight. Weight-for-length z-score was derived from measured weight and length, and children categorized as underweight, normal weight, at risk overweight or obese (WHO standards). Objective classification was compared with maternal perception of weight status. Mean weight-for-length z-score was compared across categories of maternal perception using one-way ANOVA. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine child or maternal characteristics associated with inaccurate weight perception. Most children (83%) were perceived as normal weight. Twenty nine were described as underweight, although none were. Sixty-six children were at risk of overweight, but 57 of these perceived as normal weight. Of the 14 children who were overweight, only 4 were identified as somewhat overweight by their mother. Compared with mothers who could accurately classify their normal weight child, mothers who were older had higher odds of perceiving their normal weight child as underweight, while mothers with higher body mass index had slightly higher odds of describing their overweight/at risk child as normal weight. The leaner but healthy weight toddler was perceived as underweight, while only the heaviest children were recognized as overweight. Mothers unable to accurately identify children at risk are unlikely to act to prevent further excess weight gain. Practitioners can lead a shift in attitudes towards weight in infants and young children, promoting routine growth monitoring and adequate but not rapid weight gain. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Longer biopsy cores do not increase prostate cancer detection rate: A large-scale cohort study refuting cut-off values indicated in the literature

PubMed Central

Yılmaz, Hasan; Yavuz, Ufuk; Üstüner, Murat; Çiftçi, Seyfettin; Yaşar, Hikmet; Müezzinoğlu, Bahar; Uslubaş, Ali Kemal; Dillioğlugil, Özdal

2017-01-01

Objective Only a few papers in the literature aimed to evaluate biopsy core lengths. Additionally, studies evaluated the core length with different approaches. We aimed to determine whether prostate cancer (PCa) detection is affected from core lengths according to three different approaches in a large standard cohort and compare our cut-off values with the published cut-offs. Material and methods We retrospectively analyzed 1,523 initial consecutive transrectal ultrasound-guided 12-core prostate biopsies. Biopsies were evaluated with respect to total core length (total length of each patients’ core) average core length (total core length divided by total number of cores in each patient), and mean core length (mean length of all cores pooled), and compared our cut-off values with the published cut-offs. The prostate volumes were categorized into four groups (<30, 30–59.99, 60–119.99, ≥120 cm3) and PCa detection rates in these categories were examined. Results PCa was found in 41.5% patients. There was no difference between benign and malignant mean core lengths of the pooled cores (p>0.05). Total core length and average core length were not significantly associated with PCa in multivariate logistic regression analyses (p>0.05). The core lengths (mean, average and total core lengths) increased (p<0.001) and PCa rates decreased (p<0.001) steadily with increasing prostate volume categories. PCa percentages decreased in all categories above the utilized cut-offs for mean (p>0.05), average (p<0.05), and total core lengths (p>0.05). Conclusion There was no difference between mean core lengths of benign and malignant cores. Total core length and average core length were not significantly associated with PCa. Contrary to the cut-offs used for mean and average core lengths in the published studies, PCa rates decrease as these core lengths increase. Larger studies are necessary for the determination and acceptance of accurate cut-offs. PMID:28861301

Birth weight and optic nerve head parameters.

PubMed

Samarawickrama, Chameen; Huynh, Son C; Liew, Gerald; Burlutsky, George; Mitchell, Paul

2009-06-01

To assess the relationship of birth weight, birth length, and head circumference as proxy markers of intrauterine growth, cup/disc ratio, and other optic disc parameters measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Population-based cross sectional analysis. The Sydney Childhood Eye Study examined 2353 primarily 12-year-old children from 21 randomly selected secondary schools during 2003 to 2005. Of 2353 children examined, 2134 (90.7%) had OCT scans (Zeiss Stratus OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) and are included in this study. The "fast" optic disc scan protocol was used. Birth weight, birth length, and head circumference were ascertained from health records. Height and weight were measured using standardized protocols, body mass index (BMI) was defined as weight (kilograms)/ height squared (meters), and sociodemographic information was collected in a questionnaire completed by parents. Low birth weight was defined as birth weight

Gestational weight gain and predicted changes in offspring anthropometrics between early infancy and 3 years.

PubMed

Deierlein, A L; Siega-Riz, A M; Herring, A H; Adair, L S; Daniels, J L

2012-04-01

To determine how gestational weight gain (GWG), categorized using the 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations, relates to changes in offspring weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ) and weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) between early infancy and 3 years. Women with singleton infants were recruited from the third cohort of the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study (2001-2005). Term infants with at least one weight or length measurement during the study period were included (n = 476). Multivariable linear mixed effects regression models estimated longitudinal changes in WAZ, LAZ and WLZ associated with GWG. In early infancy, compared with infants of women with adequate weight gain, those of women with excessive weight gains had higher WAZ, LAZ and WLZ. Excessive GWG ≥ 200% of the recommended amount was associated with faster rates of change in WAZ and LAZ and noticeably higher predicted mean WAZ and WLZ that persisted across the study period. GWG is associated with significant differences in offspring anthropometrics in early infancy that persisted to 3 years of age. More longitudinal studies that utilize maternal and paediatric body composition measures are necessary to understand the nature of this association. © 2012 The Authors. Pediatric Obesity © 2012 International Association for the Study of Obesity.

Gender differences in normal left ventricle of adult FVB/N mice due to variation in interleukins and natriuretic peptides expression levels.

PubMed

Haroon, Javeria; Foureaux, Giselle; Martins, Almir S; Ferreira, Anderson J; Reis, Adelina M; Javed, Qamar

2015-01-01

This study examined the sex differences for physical, morphological, histological, mRNA, and protein expression levels changes for interleukins and natriuretic peptides in left ventricle (LV) of two groups of adult FVB/N mice; males (WM) and females (WF). LV morphological, histological, reverse transcription and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and immunohistochemical (IHC) alterations were determined in FVB/N mice at 34-35 weeks on gender basis. Confirming the gender dimorphism, FVB/N males (WM) illustrated a significant reduction in ANP and IL1-A levels as well as significantly increased body weight (BW (gm)), tibia length (TL (mm)), heart weight (HW (mg)), heart weight-to-body weight (HW/BW (mg/gm)) ratio, heart weight-to-tibia length (HW/TL (mg/mm)) ratio, left ventricle weight (LV (mg)), left ventricle-to-body weight (LV/BW (mg/gm)) ratio, and left ventricle-to-tibia length (LV/TL (mg/mm)) ratio, left ventricular (LV) cardiomyocyte diameter, high BNP, NPRA, IL-1B, and IL1R1 expression in comparison with FVB/N females (WF). Gender differences in relation to left ventricle (LV) may be due to differences in the interleukins and natriuretic peptides levels as an outcome of sex related hormones. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abdominal girth, vertebral column length, and spread of spinal anesthesia in 30 minutes after plain bupivacaine 5 mg/mL.

PubMed

Zhou, Qing-he; Xiao, Wang-pin; Shen, Ying-yan

2014-07-01

The spread of spinal anesthesia is highly unpredictable. In patients with increased abdominal girth and short stature, a greater cephalad spread after a fixed amount of subarachnoidally administered plain bupivacaine is often observed. We hypothesized that there is a strong correlation between abdominal girth/vertebral column length and cephalad spread. Age, weight, height, body mass index, abdominal girth, and vertebral column length were recorded for 114 patients. The L3-L4 interspace was entered, and 3 mL of 0.5% plain bupivacaine was injected into the subarachnoid space. The cephalad spread (loss of temperature sensation and loss of pinprick discrimination) was assessed 30 minutes after intrathecal injection. Linear regression analysis was performed for age, weight, height, body mass index, abdominal girth, vertebral column length, and the spread of spinal anesthesia, and the combined linear contribution of age up to 55 years, weight, height, abdominal girth, and vertebral column length was tested by multiple regression analysis. Linear regression analysis showed that there was a significant univariate correlation among all 6 patient characteristics evaluated and the spread of spinal anesthesia (all P < 0.039) except for age and loss of temperature sensation (P > 0.068). Multiple regression analysis showed that abdominal girth and the vertebral column length were the key determinants for spinal anesthesia spread (both P < 0.0001), whereas age, weight, and height could be omitted without changing the results (all P > 0.059, all 95% confidence limits < 0.372). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the combination of a patient's 5 general characteristics, especially abdominal girth and vertebral column length, had a high predictive value for the spread of spinal anesthesia after a given dose of plain bupivacaine.

Growth reference for Saudi preschool children: LMS parameters and percentiles.

PubMed

Shaik, Shaffi Ahamed; El Mouzan, Mohammad Issa; AlSalloum, Abdullah Abdulmohsin; AlHerbish, Abdullah Sulaiman

2016-01-01

Previous growth charts for Saudi children have not included detailed tables and parameters needed for research and incorporation in electronic records. The objective of this report is to publish the L, M, and S parameters and percentiles as well as the corresponding growth charts for Saudi preschool children. Community-based survey and measurement of growth parameters in a sample selected by a multistage probability procedure. A stratified listing of the Saudi population. Raw data from the previous nationally-representative sample were reanalyzed using the Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) methodology to calculate the L, M, and S parameters of percentiles (from 3rd to 97th) for weight, length/height, head circumference, and body mass index-for-age, and weight for-length/height for boys and girls from birth to 60 months. Length or height and weight of Saudi preschool children. There were 15601 Saudi children younger than 60 months of age, 7896 (50.6 %) were boys. The LMS parameters for weight for age from birth to 60 months (5 years) are reported for the 3rd, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th, and 97th percentiles as well as the corresponding graphs. Similarly, the LMS parameters for length/height-for-age, head circumference-for-age, weight-for-length/height and body mass index-for-age (BMi) are shown with the corresponding graphs for boys and girls. Using the data in this report, clinicians and researchers can assess the growth of Saudi preschool children. The report does not reflect interregional variations in growth.

Prenatal ambient air pollution exposure, infant growth and placental mitochondrial DNA content in the INMA birth cohort.

PubMed

Clemente, Diana B P; Casas, Maribel; Janssen, Bram G; Lertxundi, Aitana; Santa-Marina, Loreto; Iñiguez, Carmen; Llop, Sabrina; Sunyer, Jordi; Guxens, Mònica; Nawrot, Tim S; Vrijheid, Martine

2017-08-01

The association between prenatal air pollution exposure and postnatal growth has hardly been explored. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), as a marker of oxidative stress, and growth at birth can play an intermediate role in this association. In a subset of the Spanish birth cohort INMA we assessed first whether prenatal nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) exposure is associated with infant growth. Secondly, we evaluated whether growth at birth (length and weight) could play a mediating role in this association. Finally, the mediation role of placental mitochondrial DNA content in this association was assessed. In 336 INMA children, relative placental mtDNA content was measured. Land-use regression models were used to estimate prenatal NO 2 exposure. Infant growth (height and weight) was assessed at birth, at 6 months of age, and at 1 year of age. We used multiple linear regression models and performed mediation analyses. The proportion of mediation was calculated as the ratio of indirect effect to total effect. Prenatal NO 2 exposure was inversely associated with all infant growth parameters. A 10µg/m³ increment in prenatal NO 2 exposure during trimester 1 of pregnancy was significantly inversely associated with height at 6 months of age (-6.6%; 95%CI: -11.4, -1.9) and weight at 1 year of age (-4.2%; 95%CI: -8.3, -0.1). These associations were mediated by birth length (31.7%; 95%CI: 34.5, 14.3) and weight (53.7%; 95%CI: 65.3, -0.3), respectively. Furthermore, 5.5% (95%CI: 10.0, -0.2) of the association between trimester 1 NO 2 exposure and length at 6 months of age could be mediated by placental mtDNA content. Our results suggest that impaired fetal growth caused by prenatal air pollution exposure can lead to impaired infant growth during the first year of life. Furthermore, molecular adaptations in placental mtDNA are associated with postnatal consequences of air pollution induced alterations in growth. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Impoundment on Mercury Bioaccumulation in Fish Downstream from a Newly Constructed Reservoir, Wujiang River, Southwest China.

PubMed

Li, Sixin; Zhou, Lianfeng; Chang, Jianbo; Yang, Zhi; Hu, Juxiang; Hongjun, Wang

2017-11-01

Mercury concentrations in fish were investigated downstream from a newly impounded subtropical reservoir in August 2008. After 6-7 months of reservoir impoundment, mean mercury concentration in fish from downstream is significantly increased by 1.9 times. Not only carnivorous fish but also benthic fish had significantly higher total mercury concentrations than others. No significant correlation was found between total mercury concentrations and body length or weight of 13 fish species. Compared with the pre-impoundment, total mercury in fish from downstream is significantly increased by reservoir impoundment, but the increased rate is lower than those in subarctic and temperate areas. Fish samples surpassed the Chinese hygienic standard for tolerances of mercury in foods increased by 4.3%. More attention should be given to fish mercury levels from downstream sites to prevent possible adverse effects on the health of local people.

Circulating Prostate-Specific Antigen and Telomere Length in a Nationally Representative Sample of Men Without History of Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Wulaningsih, Wahyu; Astuti, Yuliana; Matsuguchi, Tetsuya; Anggrandariyanny, Putri; Watkins, Johnathan

2017-01-01

We investigated the association of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with leukocyte telomere length, which may be altered in preclinical prostate malignancies. This study was based on the 2001-2002 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A subsample of 1,127 men aged 40-85 years without prior history of prostate cancer who provided informed consent and blood samples were selected. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) relative to standard DNA reference (T/S ratio) was quantified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Survey-weighted multivariable linear regression was performed to examine T/S ratio across quintiles of total and free PSA and free-to-total PSA ratio (%fPSA). A sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding men dying from prostate cancer during follow-up through to December 31, 2006. Stratification analyses were carried out to assess any effect modification by age group, race, body mass index (BMI), and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation. Higher total PSA levels were associated to longer LTL, with approximately 8% increase in log-transformed T/S ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2-13%) among men in the highest quintile of total PSA compared to the lowest in the fully adjusted model (P trend  = 0.01). No significant association was found for free PSA or %fPSA, although nonlinearity between all PSA measures and T/S ratio was indicated. Similar results were found after excluding men who died from prostate cancer during follow-up. We also found the associations between total PSA and T/S ratio to be strongest among non-Hispanic blacks, non-obese men (BMI <30 kg/m 2 ), and those with low CRP. However, a significant interaction was only found between total PSA and race/ethnicity (P interaction  = 0.01). Total PSA levels were strongly associated to LTL, particularly among non-Hispanic blacks. Our findings support a potential link between PSA and specific mechanisms contributing to prostate cancer development. Prostate 77:22-32, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Moment and maximum likelihood estimators for Weibull distributions under length- and area-biased sampling

Treesearch

Jeffrey H. Gove

2003-01-01

Many of the most popular sampling schemes used in forestry are probability proportional to size methods. These methods are also referred to as size biased because sampling is actually from a weighted form of the underlying population distribution. Length- and area-biased sampling are special cases of size-biased sampling where the probability weighting comes from a...

Nucleotide supplementation and the growth of term small for gestational age infants.

PubMed Central

Cosgrove, M.; Davies, D. P.; Jenkins, H. R.

1996-01-01

A double blind randomised controlled trial in small for gestational age (SGA) infants, whose intestinal mucosa was shown to be functionally impaired as a result of intrauterine undernutrition, was carried out to investigate the hypothesis that nucleotide supplementation of a milk formula could improve catchup growth. Anthropometric data were collected on 74 infants, 39 randomly allocated to the nucleotide supplemented group (group N) and 35 to a standard formula group (group S). From study entry to 2 months of age, infants in group N had significantly higher mean rates of weight gain (106.3 compared with 94.7 g/kg baseline weight/week) and length gain (21.8 v 19.7 mm/m baseline length/week). Over the whole six months for which the trial formula was provided group N had significantly higher mean rates of gain of weight (80.1 compared with 71.8 g/kg baseline weight/week), length (16.2 compared with 15.0 mm/m baseline length/week), and head circumference (11.8 compared with 10.8 mm/m baseline head circumference/week). Catchup growth in SGA infants is therefore improved by nucleotide supplementation of infant formula. PMID:8777659

Pregnancy rates and gravid uterine parameters in single, twin and triplet pregnancies in naturally bred ewes and ewes after transfer of in vitro produced embryos.

PubMed

Grazul-Bilska, Anna T; Pant, Disha; Luther, Justin S; Borowicz, Pawel P; Navanukraw, Chainarong; Caton, Joel S; Ward, Marcy A; Redmer, Dale A; Reynolds, Lawrence P

2006-05-01

The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the pregnancy rates after transfer of embryos produced in the presence or absence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) during in vitro maturation, and (2) compare several variables of the gravid uterus on day 140 after fertilization in single, twin and triplet pregnancies in ewes (n = 12) bred naturally and in ewes (n = 18) after transfer of embryos produced in vitro. Oocytes collected from FSH-treated ewes (n = 18) were collected from all visible follicles and cultured in maturation medium with or without EGF. Oocytes were then fertilized in vitro by frozen-thawed semen. On day 5 after fertilization, embryos with > or = 16 cells were transferred to recipient ewes (n = 39). In addition 12 ewes were bred naturally. Pregnancy was verified by real-time ultrasonography on day 45 or later after embryo transfer (ET) or breeding. On day 140 of pregnancy, the reproductive tract was collected from all ewes and the following parameters were determined: the number, sex, weight and crown to rump length (CRL) of fetuses, weights of gravid uterus and fetal membranes, and weight and number of placentomes. Presence of EGF in maturation medium increased (P < 0.04) cleavage rates (78% versus 59%) and percentage of > or = 16 cell embryos on day 5 after fertilization (62% versus 40%). Pregnancy rates tended to be greater (P < 0.1) after transfer of embryos matured in the presence of EGF (52%) than in the absence of EGF (39%). EGF presence in maturation medium did not affect any variables of gravid uterus or fetal weight. For single pregnancies in naturally bred ewes and ewes after ET all uterine variables were similar. For twin pregnancies, weight of gravid uterus, weight of uterus plus fetal membranes, total weight of placentomes/ewe, mean weight of individual placentome, mean weight of fetus, total fetal weight/ewe and CRL were greater (P < 0.0001-0.04) for ewes after ET than for ewes bred naturally. The weights of gravid uterus, fluid, uterus plus fetal membranes, fetal membranes, total placentomes/ewe, mean weight of individual placentome and total fetal weight/ewe were greater (P < 0.0001-0.08) for triplet pregnancies in ewes after ET than single and twin pregnancies in ewes naturally bred or after ET. The number of placentomes/fetus was greatest (P < 0.0001-0.06) in single pregnancies in ewes bred naturally and after ET fewer in twin pregnancies in ewes bred naturally and after ET and fewest in triplet pregnancies in ewes after ET. The total number of placentomes/ewe was greatest (P < 0.0001-0.06) for twin pregnancies in ewes naturally bred, fewer in single pregnancies in ewes naturally bred and twin and triplet pregnancies after ET, and fewest in single pregnancies in ewes after ET. The mean weight of fetus was greater (P < 0.0001-0.07) in single pregnancies in ewes naturally bred or after ET than in twin or triplet pregnancies in ewes naturally bred or after ET. The CRL was the lowest (P < 0.01) in twin pregnancies in ewes bred naturally. For pregnancies after natural breeding and after ET, the number of fetuses/ewe was negatively correlated (P < 0.03-0.0001) with the weight of placentomes/fetus, the number of placentomes/fetus, the mean weight of the fetus and CRL, and was positively correlated (P < 0.0001-0.05) with weight of gravid uterus, the total number of placentomes/ewe and total fetal weight/ewe. These data demonstrate that the presence of EGF in maturation medium increases the rates of cleavage and early embryonic development, and has a tendency to enhance rates of pregnancy but does not affect variables of the gravid uteri in ewes after transfer of in vitro produced embryos. Transfer of embryos produced in vitro affected some uterine variables in twin but not single pregnancies to compare with pregnancies after natural breeding. In addition, culture conditions in the present experiment did not create large offspring syndrome. The low number of placentomes/fetus seen in triple pregnancies appears to be compensated for by the increase in the weight of each individual placentome.

[Secular variation of births, weight and length at birth: Local perspective].

PubMed

Amigo, Hugo; Bustos, Patricia; Vargas, Claudio; Iglesias, Pablo

2015-01-01

To analyse the outcomes of births and anthropometric measurements at birth of children born between 1974 and 2011 at Limache Hospital (Valparaíso, Chile). Times series were constructed of births, weight and length at birth, and low weight and length at birth. The trend was modelled with linear and logistical regressions using splines to represent breaks in the trend by decade. The series includes 17,574 births. There was an increase in births per year in the 1970s (30/year) and declines in them to 17 and 22 births/year in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively (P<.001), with no significant trend thereafter. Newborns from 2000 to 2011 weighed 266 grams more than those in the 1970s (P<.001), and have now reached a mean weight of 3,530 g. Low birthweight fell from 8% in the 1970s to 1.1% after 2000. Birth length increased by 1cm in the 37 years studied, with a reduction of low birth length from 7.6% to 2.1% during the period. Live births in the Limache Hospital declined, and anthropometric measurements at birth improved in the years analysed. This information is useful in developing interventions, taking into account the possible selection biases that could distort these estimates and their interpretation. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

[Total mercury in muscle of the shark Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758) and swordfish Xiphias gladius Linnaeus, 1758, from the South-Southeast coast of Brazil and the implications for public health].

PubMed

Dias, Adriana C L; Guimarães, Jean R D; Malm, Olaf; Costa, Paulo A S

2008-09-01

Total mercury (THg) was analyzed in muscle tissue from the blue shark Prionace glauca and the swordfish Xiphias gladius, obtained from the South and Southeast coast of Brazil, to verify compliance with current limits for human consumption. Samples were obtained through the REVIZEE Program and a commercial fishery in Itajaí, Santa Catarina State. A total of 95 specimens were analyzed (48 X. gladius and 47 P. glauca), and correlations were checked between THg and fish length and weight. THg ranged from 0.13 to 2.26 microgg-1 (fresh weight), and there was no significant difference between the means for P. glauca, 0.76 +/- 0.48 microgg-1 (f.w.) and X. gladius, 0.62 +/- 0.31 (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.05). In 16 % of samples, THg was above the limits set by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), namely 1 microgg-1, and 62% exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) limit of 0.5 microgg-1. The ingestion of 100 g/ day-1 of P. glauca or X. gladius would result in a daily THg intake of more than twice the WHO (1990) suggested limit.

Antagonistic Actions of HLH/bHLH Proteins Are Involved in Grain Length and Weight in Rice

PubMed Central

Heang, Dany; Sassa, Hidenori

2012-01-01

Grain size is a major yield component in rice, and partly controlled by the sizes of the lemma and palea. Molecular mechanisms controlling the sizes of these organs largely remain unknown. In this study, we show that an antagonistic pair of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins is involved in determining rice grain length by controlling cell length in the lemma/palea. Overexpression of an atypical bHLH, named POSITIVE REGULATOR OF GRAIN LENGTH 1 (PGL1), in lemma/palea increased grain length and weight in transgenic rice. PGL1 is an atypical non-DNA-binding bHLH and assumed to function as an inhibitor of a typical DNA-binding bHLH through heterodimerization. We identified the interaction partner of PGL1 and named it ANTAGONIST OF PGL1 (APG). PGL1 and APG interacted in vivo and localized in the nucleus. As expected, silencing of APG produced the same phenotype as overexpression of PGL1, suggesting antagonistic roles for the two genes. Transcription of two known grain-length-related genes, GS3 and SRS3, was largely unaffected in the PGL1-overexpressing and APG-silenced plants. Observation of the inner epidermal cells of lemma revealed that are caused by increased cell length. PGL1-APG represents a new grain length and weight-controlling pathway in which APG is a negative regulator whose function is inhibited by PGL1. PMID:22363621

Early life history of the yellow perch, Perca flavescens (Mitchill), in the Red Lakes, Minnesota

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pycha, Richard L.; Smith, Lloyd L.

1955-01-01

The early life history of the yellow perch, an important commercial species in the Red Lakes, Minnesota, has been studied with special reference to length at scale formation, growth rate during first season of life, and food habits as they relate to growth and survival. Scales are fully imbricated in the area of 12th to 14th lateral line scales at 24 millimeters total length. There is a wide annual varition in first season's growth which is not correlated with growth in older fish. Body-scale relationship is rectilinear from 24 to 280 millimeters. Length-weight relationship during the first year is expressed by the equation W = 0.6198 × 10−5 L3.1251 which is very similar to that describing the relationship in later years. Stomach analysis indicates food is primarily plankton but in some seasons fish may be strongly dependent on bottom forms. Variations in food availability appear to be associated with changes in growth and may have a major influence on survival.

[Chronologic, structural and biometric study of the egg and its development of the small spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) raised in artificial seawater].

PubMed

Foulley, M M; Mellinger, J

1980-01-01

The eggs of the small spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula), developed in artificial sea water at 14 degrees C, pre-hatched after 3 to 3 1/2 months (total embryo length: 31 to 38 mm). Hatching occurred after 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 months (length of newborn: 80 to 95 mm). Egg weight first increased for 12 days and then remained constant until pre-hatching. A biometric study of the whole egg, egg case and albumen chamber showed very little variation in egg width, while egg length varied widely. As laying occurs in pairs, the secretory activity in each nidamental gland was observed to adapt to the extra volume of egg case contents in two cases where a double egg was laid with a normal one. However, the size and shape of the normal eggs of each female were generally distinctive, regardless of the contents or the external conditions. The egg case wall had three separate layers, as shown by microscopy of fresh material and experimental studies with various dyes.

Physico-chemical characterization of products from vacuum oil under delayed coking process by infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meléndez, L. V.; Cabanzo, R.; Mejía-Ospino, E.; Guzmán, A.

2016-02-01

Eight vacuum residues and their delayed coking liquids products from Colombian crude were study by infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and principal component analysis (PCA). For the samples the structural parameters of aromaticity factor (fa), alifaticity (A2500-3100cm-1), aromatic condensation degree (GCA), length of aliphatic chains (LCA) and aliphatic chain length associated with aromatic (LACAR) were determined through the development of a methodology, which includes the previous processing of spectroscopy data, identifying the regions in the IR spectra of greatest variance using PCA and molecules patterns. The parameters were compared with the results obtained from proton magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and 13C-NMR. The results showed the influence and correlation of structural parameters with some physicochemical properties such as API gravity, weight percent sulphur (% S) and Conradson carbon content (% CCR)

The Genetic Basis of Natural Variation in Kernel Size and Related Traits Using a Four-Way Cross Population in Maize.

PubMed

Chen, Jiafa; Zhang, Luyan; Liu, Songtao; Li, Zhimin; Huang, Rongrong; Li, Yongming; Cheng, Hongliang; Li, Xiantang; Zhou, Bo; Wu, Suowei; Chen, Wei; Wu, Jianyu; Ding, Junqiang

2016-01-01

Kernel size is an important component of grain yield in maize breeding programs. To extend the understanding on the genetic basis of kernel size traits (i.e., kernel length, kernel width and kernel thickness), we developed a set of four-way cross mapping population derived from four maize inbred lines with varied kernel sizes. In the present study, we investigated the genetic basis of natural variation in seed size and other components of maize yield (e.g., hundred kernel weight, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per row). In total, ten QTL affecting kernel size were identified, three of which (two for kernel length and one for kernel width) had stable expression in other components of maize yield. The possible genetic mechanism behind the trade-off of kernel size and yield components was discussed.

The Genetic Basis of Natural Variation in Kernel Size and Related Traits Using a Four-Way Cross Population in Maize

PubMed Central

Liu, Songtao; Li, Zhimin; Huang, Rongrong; Li, Yongming; Cheng, Hongliang; Li, Xiantang; Zhou, Bo; Wu, Suowei; Chen, Wei; Wu, Jianyu; Ding, Junqiang

2016-01-01

Kernel size is an important component of grain yield in maize breeding programs. To extend the understanding on the genetic basis of kernel size traits (i.e., kernel length, kernel width and kernel thickness), we developed a set of four-way cross mapping population derived from four maize inbred lines with varied kernel sizes. In the present study, we investigated the genetic basis of natural variation in seed size and other components of maize yield (e.g., hundred kernel weight, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per row). In total, ten QTL affecting kernel size were identified, three of which (two for kernel length and one for kernel width) had stable expression in other components of maize yield. The possible genetic mechanism behind the trade-off of kernel size and yield components was discussed. PMID:27070143

Influence of H-HOPE intervention for premature infants on growth, feeding progression and length of stay during initial hospitalization.

PubMed

White-Traut, R C; Rankin, K M; Yoder, J C; Liu, L; Vasa, R; Geraldo, V; Norr, K F

2015-08-01

To examine whether premature infants receiving the maternally administered H-HOPE (Hospital to Home Transition-Optimizing Premature Infant's Environment) intervention had more rapid weight gain and growth, improved feeding progression and reduced length of hospital stay, compared with controls. Premature infants born at 29-34 weeks gestational age and their mothers with at least two social-environmental risk factors were randomly assigned to H-HOPE intervention (n=88) or an attention control (n=94) groups. H-HOPE consists of a 15-min multisensory intervention (Auditory, Tactile, Visual and Vestibular stimuli) performed twice daily prior to feeding plus maternal participatory guidance on preterm infant behavioral cues. H-HOPE group infants gained weight more rapidly over time than infants in the control group and grew in length more rapidly than control infants, especially during the latter part of the hospital stay. For healthy preterm infants, the H-HOPE intervention appears to improve weight gain and length over time from birth to hospital discharge.

Ecological aspects of the occurrence of asian tapeworm, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 infection in the largemouth yellowfish, Labeobarbus kimberleyensis ( Gilchrist and Thompson, 1913) in the Vaal Dam, South Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Retief, N.-R.; Avenant-Oldewage, A.; du Preez, H. H.

Infection of fish by the Asian tapeworm can damage intestines and cause abnormal growth. Eighty largemouth yellowfish Labeobarbus kimberleyensis were collected in the Vaal Dam (26°52.249‧S, 28°10.249‧E) with the aid of gill nets during a study between April 2005 and February 2006. The fish were killed and the weight and length determined. Thereafter the intestines were removed, the length determined and the intestines opened to expose the tapeworms. The distance between the beginning of the intestine and the attachment position of the first tapeworm was measured, and thereafter all the worms were collected. The prevalence, abundance and mean intensity was calculated for all the surveys. Seasonality and intensity of tapeworms were compared to the intestine and total lengths of the fish. All the tapeworms were identified as the Asian Tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934. The position of the first tapeworm was located between 10% and 20% from the anterior end of the intestine in close proximity to the bile opening. A total of 100% prevalence was recorded for all the surveys and the highest mean intensity of 231.1 was recorded during the autumn survey. The lowest mean intensity of 73.7 was recorded during the summer survey. Although the infection rates were very high, the fish condition was good and apparently the fecundity of the fish was not negatively affected as young fish fry was collected during the summer survey. Parasite numbers are higher and differ from a study conducted in 2000 and this is attributed to water temperature and water quality. No correlation was observed between parasite intensity and total length of each fish. This indicates that intensity is not dependant on host size and that infection is not the result of a buildt of over years.

Determining total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity of loquat cultivars grown in Hatay

PubMed Central

Polat, A. Aytekin; Çalişkan, Oğuzhan; Serçe, Sedat; Saraçoğlu, Onur; Kaya, Cemal; Özgen, Mustafa

2010-01-01

Several fruit characteristics of five loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) cultivars/selections grown in Dörtyol, Hatay, Turkey were investigated in 2008. The cultivars/selections included ‘Baduna 5’, Güzelyurt 1, ‘Hafif Çukurgöbek’, ‘Ottaviani,’ and Type 1. The characteristics evaluated included fruit weight, width, length, seed number and weight, flesh/seed ratio, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, acidity, total phenolic (TP) content, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The analyses were conducted by three replicates, with 30 fruits in each replicate. The results indicated that there were significant differences among the cultivars, for all the traits tested. For example, ‘Hafif Çukurgöbek’ and ‘Ottaviani’ had smaller fruits than others, although ‘Hafif Çukurgöbek’ had heavier seeds. The flesh/seed ratio was the highest in Type 1, while ‘Hafif Çukurgöbek’ had the highest pH and high soluble solids. ‘Baduna 5’ and ‘Hafif Çukurgöbek’ had the highest acidity. The TP ranged from 129 (‘Baduna 5’) to 578 (‘Hafif Çukurgöbek’) mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg fresh fruit (fw). ‘Hafif Çukurgöbek’ also had the highest FRAP mean (12.1 mmol Trolox Equivalent (TE)/kg fw). The results suggest that loquat cultivars have a variable range of TP content and a relatively high total antioxidant capacity, which is crucial for human health. PMID:20548929

Total mercury concentrations in lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, USA.

PubMed

Huge, Dane H; Schofield, Pamela J; Jacoby, Charles A; Frazer, Thomas K

2014-01-15

Strategies to control invasive lionfish in the western Atlantic and Caribbean are likely to include harvest and consumption. Until this report, total mercury concentrations had been documented only for lionfish from Jamaica, and changes in concentrations with increasing fish size had not been evaluated. In the Florida Keys, total mercury concentrations in dorsal muscle tissue from 107 lionfish ranged from 0.03 to 0.48 ppm, with all concentrations being less than the regulatory threshold for limited consumption. Mercury concentrations did not vary consistently with standard lengths or wet weights of lionfish. In 2010, lionfish from the upper Keys had mean concentrations that were 0.03-0.04 ppm higher than lionfish from the middle Keys, but mean concentrations did not differ consistently among years and locations. Overall, total mercury concentrations in lionfish were lower than those in several predatory fishes that support commercial and recreational fisheries in Florida. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Comparison of stomach contents of haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) from the 1981 and 1991 North Sea International Stomach Sampling Projects

USGS Publications Warehouse

Adlerstein, S.A.; Temming, A.; Mergardt, N.

2002-01-01

This study analyses data from over 20 000 haddock stomachs collected during the 1981 and 1991 Stomach Sampling Projects of the North Sea. Sampling was within the framework of the Multispecies Virtual Population Analysis (MSVPA) for fisheries stock assessment. In 1981 stomachs were collected to calculate input feeding parameters from main predators. During 1991 the sampling exercise was repeated to test stability of the parameters in the region. We investigate stability of haddock stomach content weight between years accounting for ontogenic, spatial and temporal variations within the scope of the survey resolution. Analysis using generalized linear and additive models is performed for weight of the stomach content including and excluding empty stomachs and also for proportion of stomachs without food. Results indicate that haddock stomach contents varied significantly between years, quarters and North Sea roundfish areas. Content weights were overall higher in 1981 than in 1991. In 1981 levels were high from spring to fall and in 1991 mostly in spring. During both years levels were lowest in the central North Sea and in winter. Most of the deviance in modelling the stomach weight is explained by the length of the predator. Stomachs sampled in 1981 were most frequently empty in spring and those sampled in 1991 in winter. In both years, proportions decreased with fish length except in winter when levels increased. Proportion of empty stomachs was highest in the central region of the North Sea. Most of the proportion variation is explained by quarterly fluctuation. Variation of content weight can be related to prey composition found in the stomachs. High stomach contents are generally associated with high contribution of fish prey to the total stomach content, mainly sandeels. We propose that sandeels were more vulnerable to predation in 1981 than in 1991 due to colder temperatures. ?? 2002 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Origins of food reinforcement in infants.

PubMed

Kong, Kai Ling; Feda, Denise M; Eiden, Rina D; Epstein, Leonard H

2015-03-01

Rapid weight gain in infancy is associated with a higher risk of obesity in children and adults. A high relative reinforcing value of food is cross-sectionally related to obesity; lean children find nonfood alternatives more reinforcing than do overweight/obese children. However, to our knowledge, there is no research on how and when food reinforcement develops. This study was designed to assess whether the reinforcing value of food and nonfood alternatives could be tested in 9- to 18-mo-old infants and whether the reinforcing value of food and nonfood alternatives is differentially related to infant weight status. Reinforcing values were assessed by using absolute progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement, with presentation of food and nonfood alternatives counterbalanced in 2 separate studies. Two nonfood reinforcers [Baby Einstein-Baby MacDonald shows (study 1, n = 27) or bubbles (study 2, n = 30)] were tested against the baby's favorite food. Food reinforcing ratio (FRR) was quantified by measuring the reinforcing value of food (Food Pmax) in proportion to the total reinforcing value of food and a nonfood alternative (DVD Pmax or BUB Pmax). Greater weight-for-length z score was associated with a greater FRR of a favorite food in study 1 (FRR-DVD) (r = 0.60, P < 0.001) and FRR of a favorite food in study 2 (FRR-BUB) (r = 0.49, P = 0.006), primarily because of the strong association between greater weight-for-length z score and lower DVD Pmax (r = -0.71, P < 0.0001) and BUB Pmax (r = -0.53, P = 0.003). Infant monthly weight gain was positively associated with FRR-DVD (r = 0.57, P = 0.009) and FRR-BUB (r = 0.37, P = 0.047). Our newly developed paradigm, which tested 2 different nonfood alternatives, demonstrated that lean infants find nonfood alternatives more reinforcing than do overweight/obese infants. This observation suggests that strengthening the alternative reinforcers may have a protective effect against childhood obesity. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Menstrual function among women exposed to polybrominated biphenyls: A follow-up prevalence study

PubMed Central

Davis, Stephanie I; Blanck, Heidi Michels; Hertzberg, Vicki S; Tolbert, Paige E; Rubin, Carol; Cameron, Lorraine L; Henderson, Alden K; Marcus, Michele

2005-01-01

Background Alteration in menstrual cycle function is suggested among rhesus monkeys and humans exposed to polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and structurally similar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The feedback system for menstrual cycle function potentially allows multiple pathways for disruption directly through the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and indirectly through alternative neuroendocrine axes. Methods The Michigan Female Health Study was conducted during 1997–1998 among women in a cohort exposed to PBBs in 1973. This study included 337 women with self-reported menstrual cycles of 20–35 days (age range: 24–56 years). Current PBB levels were estimated by exponential decay modeling of serum PBB levels collected from 1976–1987 during enrollment in the Michigan PBB cohort. Linear regression models for menstrual cycle length and the logarithm of bleed length used estimated current PBB exposure or enrollment PBB exposure categorized in tertiles, and for the upper decile. All models were adjusted for serum PCB levels, age, body mass index, history of at least 10% weight loss in the past year, physical activity, smoking, education, and household income. Results Higher levels of physical activity were associated with shorter bleed length, and increasing age was associated with shorter cycle length. Although no overall association was found between PBB exposure and menstrual cycle characteristics, a significant interaction between PBB exposures with past year weight loss was found. Longer bleed length and shorter cycle length were associated with higher PBB exposure among women with past year weight loss. Conclusion This study suggests that PBB exposure may impact ovarian function as indicated by menstrual cycle length and bleed length. However, these associations were found among the small number of women with recent weight loss suggesting either a chance finding or that mobilization of PBBs from lipid stores may be important. These results should be replicated with larger numbers of women exposed to similar lipophilic compounds. PMID:16091135

A Large Tracking Detector In Vacuum Consisting Of Self-Supporting Straw Tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wintz, P.

2004-02-01

A novel technique to stretch the anode wire simply by the gas over-pressure inside straw drift tubes reduces the necessary straw weight to an absolute minimum. Our detector will consist of more than 3000 straws filling up a cylindrical tracking volume of 1m diameter and 30cm length. The projected spatial resolution is 200μm. The detector with a total mass of less than 15kg will be operated in vacuum, but will have an added wall thickness of 3mm mylar, only. The detector design, production experience and first results will be discussed.

Atypical antipsychotics, insulin resistance and weight; a meta-analysis of healthy volunteer studies.

PubMed

Burghardt, Kyle J; Seyoum, Berhane; Mallisho, Abdullah; Burghardt, Paul R; Kowluru, Renu A; Yi, Zhengping

2018-04-20

Atypical antipsychotics increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease through their side effects of insulin resistance and weight gain. The populations for which atypical antipsychotics are used carry a baseline risk of metabolic dysregulation prior to medication which has made it difficult to fully understand whether atypical antipsychotics cause insulin resistance and weight gain directly. The purpose of this work was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of atypical antipsychotic trials in healthy volunteers to better understand their effects on insulin sensitivity and weight gain. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the occurrence of insulin resistance with or without weight gain and with treatment length by using subgroup and meta-regression techniques. Overall, the meta-analysis provides evidence that atypical antipsychotics decrease insulin sensitivity (standardized mean difference=-0.437, p<0.001) and increase weight (standardized mean difference=0.591, p<0.001) in healthy volunteers. It was found that decreases in insulin sensitivity were potentially dependent on treatment length but not weight gain. Decreases in insulin sensitivity occurred in multi-dose studies <13days while weight gain occurred in studies 14days and longer (max 28days). These findings provide preliminary evidence that atypical antipsychotics cause insulin resistance and weight gain directly, independent of psychiatric disease and may be associated with length of treatment. Further, well-designed studies to assess the co-occurrence of insulin resistance and weight gain and to understand the mechanisms and sequence by which they occur are required. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of antioxidant therapy with dl-alpha-tocopherol on cardiovascular structure in experimental renal failure.

PubMed

Amann, Kerstin; Törnig, Johannes; Buzello, Mareike; Kuhlmann, Alexander; Gross, Marie-Luise; Adamczak, Marcin; Buzello, Moriz; Ritz, Eberhard

2002-09-01

Chronic renal failure is characterized by remodeling of the structure of the heart and the vasculature, for example, left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, capillary/myocyte mismatch, as well as thickening of intramyocardial arteries and of peripheral arteries and veins. Furthermore, uremia is a state of increased oxygen stress. It was the purpose of this study to examine whether these findings are interrelated. To investigate whether antioxidative therapy with dl-alpha-tocopherol (Toco; vitamin E) interferes with the development of abnormal cardiovascular structure in experimental renal failure, 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to partial renal ablation (subtotal nephrectomy, SNX) or to sham operation (sham). SNX were either left untreated or received the antioxidant Toco (2 x 1500 IE/kg BW/week in the pellets). Blood pressure was measured using tail plethysmography. The experiment was terminated after 12 weeks. Heart and left ventricular weight were determined and the following parameters were measured using morphometry and stereology: volume densities of cardiomyocytes, capillaries and non-vascular interstitium; length density and total length of cardiac capillaries, wall thickness of intramyocardial arterioles and of the aorta. Systolic blood pressure and body weight were comparable in all groups. Treatment with Toco led to significantly increased plasma concentrations of Toco. Left ventricular weight and wall thickness of intramyocardial arteries were significantly higher in both SNX groups compared to sham controls. Volume density of the cardiac interstitial tissue was significantly higher in untreated SNX than in Toco treated SNX and sham control rats. Length density of capillaries was significantly lower in untreated SNX than in control rats; however, the values were significantly higher, and even higher than in sham controls, when SNX were treated with Toco. Treatment with the antioxidant dl-alpha-tocopherol prevented cardiomyocyte/capillary mismatch, and to some extent also myocardial fibrosis in rats with renal failure. The results point to a role of oxidative stress in the genesis of myocardial interstitial fibrosis and capillary deficit of the heart.

Development of gene-based markers for use in construction of the chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genetic linkage map and identification of QTLs associated with seed weight and plant height.

PubMed

Gupta, Shefali; Kumar, Tapan; Verma, Subodh; Bharadwaj, Chellapilla; Bhatia, Sabhyata

2015-11-01

Seed weight and plant height are important agronomic traits and contribute to seed yield. The objective of this study was to identify QTLs underlying these traits using an intra-specific mapping population of chickpea. A F11 population of 177 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between SBD377 (100-seed weight--48 g and plant height--53 cm) and BGD112 (100-seed weight--15 g and plant height--65 cm) was used. A total of 367 novel EST-derived functional markers were developed which included 187 EST-SSRs, 130 potential intron polymorphisms (PIPs) and 50 expressed sequence tag polymorphisms (ESTPs). Along with these, 590 previously published markers including 385 EST-based markers and 205 genomic SSRs were utilized. Of the 957 markers tested for analysis of parental polymorphism between the two parents of the mapping population, 135 (14.64%) were found to be polymorphic. Of these, 131 polymorphic markers could be mapped to the 8 linkage groups. The linkage map had a total length of 1140.54 cM with an average marker density of 8.7 cM. The map was further used for QTL identification using composite interval mapping method (CIM). Two QTLs each for seed weight, qSW-1 and qSW-2 (explaining 11.54 and 19.24% of phenotypic variance, respectively) and plant height, qPH-1 and qPH-2 (explaining 13.98 and 12.17% of phenotypic variance, respectively) were detected. The novel set of genic markers, the intra-specific linkage map and the QTLs identified in the present study will serve as valuable genomic resources in improving the chickpea seed yield using marker-assisted selection (MAS) strategies.

Wisconsin truck size and weight study.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-06-01

2007 AB 238 requires the Department of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive study to review the system of : motor vehicle weight limits on Wisconsin's highways and bridges. Laws regarding allowable weight limits, lengths, and : widths of commerc...

Effect of dietary fat on the distribution of mucosal mass and cell proliferation along the small intestine.

PubMed Central

Jenkins, A P; Thompson, R P

1992-01-01

This study investigated how substitution of long chain triglycerides for glucose in a mixed diet affects the overall small intestinal mucosal mass and the distribution of mucosal mass and cell proliferation along the small intestine. Four groups of eight female Wistar rats (180-200 g) were isocalorically fed mixed diets containing the essential fatty acid rich oil Efamol substituted for glucose at concentrations of 1.2%, 10%, 25%, and 50% total calories for 20 to 23 days. The small intestine was divided into three equal length segments and whole gut weights, mucosal weights, protein and DNA determined. Cell proliferation was estimated from the two hour accumulation of vincristine arrested metaphases in microdissected crypts at points 0%, 17%, 33%, 50%, 66%, and 100% small intestinal length. There were no differences between groups in parameters of overall small intestinal or distal segment mucosal mass. With increasing levels of fat, however, there was a significant trend for the mucosal mass of the proximal segment to fall and that of the middle segment to rise. The pattern of two hour metaphase accumulation reflected these changes. These regional changes in mucosal mass and cell proliferation may reflect differences in the sites of absorption of fat and glucose. PMID:1541418

Normal axial alignment of the lower extremity and load-bearing distribution at the knee.

PubMed

Hsu, R W; Himeno, S; Coventry, M B; Chao, E Y

1990-06-01

Based on a series of 120 normal subjects of different gender and age, the geometry of the knee joint was analyzed using a full-length weight-bearing roentgenogram of the lower extremity. A special computer program based on the theory of a rigid body spring model was applied to calculate the important anatomic and biomechanical factors of the knee joint. The tibiofemoral mechanical angle was 1.2 degrees varus. Hence, it is difficult to rationalize the 3 degree varus placement of the tibial component in total knee arthroplasty suggested by some authors. The distal femoral anatomic valgus (measured from the lower one-half of the femur) was 4.2 degrees in reference to its mechanical axis. This angle became 4.9 degrees when the full-length femoral anatomic axis was used. When simulating a one-legged weight-bearing stance by shifting the upper-body gravity closer to the knee joint, 75% of the knee joint load passed through the medial tibial plateau. The knee joint-line obliquity was more varus in male subjects. The female subjects had a higher peak joint pressure and a greater patello-tibial Q angle. Age had little effect on the factors relating to axial alignment of the lower extremity and load transmission through the knee joint.

Incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in the United States: 1997 through 2005.

PubMed

Lad, Eleonora M; Hernandez-Boussard, Tina; Morton, John M; Moshfeghi, Darius M

2009-09-01

To determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) based on a national database and to identify baseline characteristics, demographic information, comorbidities, and surgical interventions. Retrospective study based on the National Inpatient Sample from 1997 through 2005. The National Inpatient Sample was queried for all newborn infants with and without ROP. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict risk factors for ROP. Thirty-four million live births were recorded during the study period. The total ROP incidence was 0.17% overall and 15.58% for premature infants with length of stay of more than 28 days. Our results conclusively demonstrated the importance of low birth weight as a risk for ROP development in infants with length of stay of more than 28 days, as well as association with respiratory conditions, fetal hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and blood transfer. An interesting finding was the protective effect conferred by hypoxia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and hemolytic disease of the newborn. Infants with ROP had a higher incidence of undergoing laser photocoagulation therapy, pars plana vitrectomy, and scleral buckle surgery. The current study represents a large, retrospective analysis of newborns with ROP. The multivariate analysis emphasizes the role of birth weight in extended-stay infants, as well as respiratory conditions, fetal hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and blood transfer.

Free testosterone levels in umbilical-cord blood predict infant head circumference in females.

PubMed

Whitehouse, Andrew J O; Maybery, Murray T; Hart, Roger; Sloboda, Deborah M; Stanley, Fiona J; Newnham, John P; Hickey, Martha

2010-03-01

Fetal androgens influence fetal growth as well as postnatal neurocognitive ability. However, to our knowledge, no published study has prospectively examined the impact of early-life androgens on infant brain growth. We report the association between circulating fetal androgen levels, measured from umbilical-cord blood at birth, and a proxy measure of brain growth: head circumference. Participants were 82 unselected female infants from a large representative birth cohort (mean gestational age 39.4 wks, SD 1.7). Umbilical-cord blood was obtained at birth and analysed for androgen concentrations (total testosterone, androstenedione, dehyrdroepiandrosterone, and its sulphated metabolite). Head circumference and two other measures of growth - weight (mean 3311.4 g, SD 461.3) and length - were measured within 3 days of birth and again at approximately 1 year of age (mean age 13.1 mo, SD 1.1). Multivariate linear regressions found an inverse association between levels of free testosterone and growth in head circumference (correlation=-.24), even when adjusting for sociodemographic/obstetric covariates and head size at birth. Growth in weight and length could not be predicted by free testosterone concentration. This is the first report of an association between prenatal androgen levels and postnatal growth in head circumference. These findings suggest that early-life androgens may impact brain development during infancy.

Patent ductus arteriosus and indomethacin treatment as independent risk factors for plus disease in retinopathy of prematurity.

PubMed

Tsui, Irena; Ebani, Edward; Rosenberg, Jamie B; Lin, Juan; Angert, Robert M; Mian, Umar

2013-01-01

To examine whether clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or indomethacin treatment are associated with plus disease or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring treatment. Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Charts were reviewed for gestational age, birth weight, birth head circumference, birth length, maternal characteristics, gender, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neurologic comorbidities, PDA and its treatments, gastrointestinal comorbidities, blood transfusions, and sepsis. Main outcome measures were increased rates of plus disease or ROP requiring treatment. A total of 450 premature infants screened for ROP in a mid-sized, urban neonatal intensive care unit were included. On univariate analysis, gestational age, birth weight, birth head circumference, birth length, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neurologic comorbidities, PDA and its treatments, gastrointestinal comorbidities, and sepsis were significantly correlated to plus disease and ROP requiring treatment. PDA was significantly associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neurologic comorbidities, sepsis, and blood transfusions (P < .0001). With type 3 multivariate analysis, only gestational age and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were independent risk factors for ROP. PDA and indomethacin were associated with plus disease and ROP requiring treatment on univariate analysis but this was not significant after adjusting for other risk factors. PDA was also strongly related to bronchopulmonary dysplasia and blood transfusions, which may explain its effect on ROP. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.

Effect of dietary fat on the distribution of mucosal mass and cell proliferation along the small intestine.

PubMed

Jenkins, A P; Thompson, R P

1992-02-01

This study investigated how substitution of long chain triglycerides for glucose in a mixed diet affects the overall small intestinal mucosal mass and the distribution of mucosal mass and cell proliferation along the small intestine. Four groups of eight female Wistar rats (180-200 g) were isocalorically fed mixed diets containing the essential fatty acid rich oil Efamol substituted for glucose at concentrations of 1.2%, 10%, 25%, and 50% total calories for 20 to 23 days. The small intestine was divided into three equal length segments and whole gut weights, mucosal weights, protein and DNA determined. Cell proliferation was estimated from the two hour accumulation of vincristine arrested metaphases in microdissected crypts at points 0%, 17%, 33%, 50%, 66%, and 100% small intestinal length. There were no differences between groups in parameters of overall small intestinal or distal segment mucosal mass. With increasing levels of fat, however, there was a significant trend for the mucosal mass of the proximal segment to fall and that of the middle segment to rise. The pattern of two hour metaphase accumulation reflected these changes. These regional changes in mucosal mass and cell proliferation may reflect differences in the sites of absorption of fat and glucose.

Toxicity of combined chromium(VI) and phenanthrene pollution on the seed germination, stem lengths, and fresh weights of higher plants.

PubMed

Hu, Shuangqing; Gu, Hairong; Cui, Chunyan; Ji, Rong

2016-08-01

Studies of the interaction and toxicity of pollutant combinations such as heavy metals and PAHs are of practical importance in the remediation and monitoring of the industrial soil environment. This study investigated the single and combined toxicity of chromium(VI) and phenanthrene on three important higher plants: mung beans (Phaseolus aureus), pakchoi cabbage (Brassica chinensis), and rice (Oryza sativa). In experiments using artificial soil matrix, the EC10 and EC20 of the two pollutants, alone and in combination, were analyzed with respect to seed germination, stem length, and above-ground fresh weight of these higher plants. The additive index method was used to evaluate the combined biological toxicity of chromium(VI) and phenanthrene. The results showed that the EC20 of chromium(VI) on the stem lengths of mung beans, pakchoi cabbage, and rice was 289, 248, and 550 mg kg(-1), respectively. The corresponding EC20 values for the fresh weights of the three plants were 334, 307, and 551 mg kg(-1). The EC20 of phenanthrene on the stem lengths of mung beans, pakchoi cabbage, and rice was 528, 426, and 628 mg kg(-1), respectively. The corresponding EC20 values for the fresh weights of the three plants were 696, 585, and 768 mg kg(-1). The EC20 of a combination of chromium(VI) and phenanthrene on the stem lengths of mung beans, pakchoi cabbage, and rice was 192, 173, and 279 mg kg(-1), respectively, and 200, 205, and 271 mg kg(-1) for the fresh weights of the three plants. The single and combined exposure of soil to chromium(VI) and phenanthrene had deleterious effects on plants in the early stage of growth. Overall, pakchoi cabbage was more sensitive than mung beans and rice. The two pollutants exerted synergistic effects on the stem lengths and above-ground fresh weights of both mung beans and rice but antagonistic effects on pakchoi cabbage. The results of this study also suggested pakchoi cabbage as a sensitive indicator of soil pollution.

Maternal urinary iodine concentration up to 1.0 mg/L is positively associated with birth weight, length, and head circumference of male offspring.

PubMed

Rydbeck, Filip; Rahman, Anisur; Grandér, Margaretha; Ekström, Eva-Charlotte; Vahter, Marie; Kippler, Maria

2014-09-01

Adequate iodine status in early life is crucial for neurodevelopment. However, little is known about the effects of maternal iodine status during pregnancy on fetal growth. The present study investigated the potential impact of maternal iodine status during pregnancy on offspring birth size. This large prospective cohort study was nested in a Bangladeshi population-based randomized supplementation trial in pregnant women [MINIMat (Maternal and Infant Nutrition Interventions in Matlab)]. Urine samples obtained at 8 wk of gestation from 1617 women were analyzed for iodine and other elements, such as arsenic and cadmium, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Anthropometric measurements at birth included weight, length, and head and chest circumference. Maternal urinary iodine concentrations (UICs) ranged from 0.020 to 10 mg/L, with a median of 0.30 mg/L. Below ∼1.0 mg/L, UIC was significantly positively associated with birth weight and length. Birth weight and length increased by 9.3 g (95% CI: 2.9, 16) and 0.042 cm (95% CI: 0.0066, 0.076), respectively, for each 0.1-mg/L increase in maternal UIC. No associations were observed between UIC and head or chest circumference. When we stratified the analyses by newborn sex, the positive associations between maternal UIC (<1 mg/L) and measurements of size at birth were restricted to boys, with no evidence in girls. Among boys, the mean weight, length, and head circumference increased by 70 g (P = 0.019), 0.41 cm (P = 0.013), and 0.28 cm (P = 0.031) for every 0.5-mg/L increase in maternal UIC. Maternal iodine status was positively associated with weight, length, and head circumference in boys up to ∼1 mg/L, which is well above the recommended maximum concentration of 0.5 mg/L. The associations leveled off at UIC ≥ 1 mg/L. Our findings support previous conclusions that the advantages of correcting potential iodine deficiency outweigh the risks of excess exposure. © 2014 American Society for Nutrition.

Bigger is not always better for overwintering young-of-year steelhead

USGS Publications Warehouse

Connolly, P.J.; Petersen, J.H.

2003-01-01

Many fishes occur across broad ranges of latitude and elevation, where winter temperatures can vary from mild to harsh. We conducted a laboratory experiment with three sizes of age-0 steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss to examine growth, condition, and energy reserves under low rations at three levels of water temperature typical of this species' distribution during winter. At the end of the 111-d experiment, all three starting sizes of age-0 steelhead (small, 2-3 g; medium, 3-4 g; large, 4-5 g) held in 3??C water had lower total lipid weight than those held in 6??C and 9??C water. Large fish had higher total lipid weight than small fish at the onset of the experiment and retained higher amounts at the end. However, large fish had either the lowest percentage increases or the highest percentage decreases in fork length, biomass, condition factor, total lipid weight, and percent lipids within all thermal treatments. The magnitude of the differences between small and large fish was highest in the warmest (9??C) water. We used bioenergetics simulations of juvenile steelhead growth to examine fish response to initial size, winter temperature, and food availability. Relatively warm water temperatures in winter, coupled with limited food availability, may present more of a physiological challenge to larger age-0 steelhead than to smaller fish. Our results suggest that achievement of large size before the start of a steelhead's first winter can have a cost under episodic conditions found across the wide ranges of latitude and elevation within this species' distribution.

Morphological characteristics of renal artery and kidney in rats.

PubMed

Yoldas, Atilla; Dayan, Mustafa Orhun

2014-01-01

The gross anatomy and morphometry of the kidney and renal arteries were studied in the strains of laboratory rat: Sprague-Dawley (Sp) and Wistar (W) rats. Total of 106 three-dimensional endocasts of the intrarenal arteries of kidney that were prepared using standard injection-corrosion techniques were examined. A single renal artery was observed in 100% of the cases. The renal arteries were divided into a dorsal and a ventral branch. The dorsal and ventral branches were divided into two branches, the cranial and caudal branch. Renal arteries were classified into types I and II, depending on the cranial and caudal branches and their made of branching. The present study also showed that the right kidney was slightly heavier than the left one and that the kidney of the male was generally larger than that of the female. The mean live weights of the Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats were found to be 258.26 ± 5.9 and 182.4 ± 19.05 g, respectively. The kidney weights were significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with body weights. The kidney weights were not found significantly correlated (P > 0.01) with the length of renal arteries.

Morphological Characteristics of Renal Artery and Kidney in Rats

PubMed Central

Yoldas, Atilla; Dayan, Mustafa Orhun

2014-01-01

The gross anatomy and morphometry of the kidney and renal arteries were studied in the strains of laboratory rat: Sprague-Dawley (Sp) and Wistar (W) rats. Total of 106 three-dimensional endocasts of the intrarenal arteries of kidney that were prepared using standard injection-corrosion techniques were examined. A single renal artery was observed in 100% of the cases. The renal arteries were divided into a dorsal and a ventral branch. The dorsal and ventral branches were divided into two branches, the cranial and caudal branch. Renal arteries were classified into types I and II, depending on the cranial and caudal branches and their made of branching. The present study also showed that the right kidney was slightly heavier than the left one and that the kidney of the male was generally larger than that of the female. The mean live weights of the Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats were found to be 258.26 ± 5.9 and 182.4 ± 19.05 g, respectively. The kidney weights were significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with body weights. The kidney weights were not found significantly correlated (P > 0.01) with the length of renal arteries. PMID:24737971

A comparison of methods for organ-weight data adjustment in chicks.

PubMed

Brown, D R; Southern, L L; Baker, D H

1985-02-01

An experiment was conducted with 168 Arbor Acre X Peterson unsexed, crossbred broiler chicks to compare methods of expressing organ-weight data and to assess changes in organ weights and physiological parameters as body weight (97 to 791 g) and age (5 to 26 days) increased. Actual wet weight of liver, heart, intestine, spleen, and pancreas and percent bone ash increased (P less than .01) as age and body weight increased. Tibia length-to-width ratio decreased (P less than .01) as age and body weight increased. Blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, and plasma protein were not affected (P greater than .1) by age or by body weight. Liver, heart, and intestinal weight decreased (P less than .01) and spleen weight increased (P less than .01) as body weight and age increased when these tissue weights were expressed as percent of body weight. Liver weight adjusted for body weight by covariance analysis, however, remained constant; adjusted heart and intestinal weights decreased (P less than .01), and adjusted spleen weights increased (P less than .01) with increasing age and body weight. The covariate, body weight, was not significant (P greater than .1) for pancreas weight, tibia length-to-width ratio, and percent bone ash. Except for spleen, adjustment by covariance analysis more effectively reduced variation due to body weight than did expression as percent of body weight.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Common determinants of body size and eye size in chickens from an advanced intercross line.

PubMed

Prashar, Ankush; Hocking, Paul M; Erichsen, Jonathan T; Fan, Qiao; Saw, Seang Mei; Guggenheim, Jeremy A

2009-06-15

Myopia development is characterised by an increased axial eye length. Therefore, identifying factors that influence eye size may provide new insights into the aetiology of myopia. In humans, axial length is positively correlated to height and weight, and in mice, eye weight is positively correlated with body weight. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between eye size and body size in chickens from a genetic cross in which alleles with major effects on eye and body size were segregating. Chickens from a cross between a layer line (small body size and eye size) and a broiler line (large body and eye size) were interbred for 10 generations so that alleles for eye and body size would have the chance to segregate independently. At 3 weeks of age, 510 chicks were assessed using in vivo high resolution A-scan ultrasonography and keratometry. Equatorial eye diameter and eye weight were measured after enucleation. The variations in eye size parameters that could be explained by body weight (BW), body length (BL), head width (HW) and sex were examined using multiple linear regression. It was found that BW, BL and HW and sex together predicted 51-56% of the variation in eye weight, axial length, corneal radius, and equatorial eye diameter. By contrast, the same variables predicted only 22% of the variation in lens thickness. After adjusting for sex, the three body size parameters predicted 45-49% of the variation in eye weight, axial length, corneal radius, and eye diameter, but only 0.4% of the variation in lens thickness. In conclusion, about half of the variation in eye size in the chickens of this broiler-layer advanced intercross line is likely to be determined by pleiotropic genes that also influence body size. Thus, mapping the quantitative trait loci (QTL) that determine body size may be useful in understanding the genetic determination of eye size (a logical inference of this result is that the 20 or more genetic variants that have recently been shown to influence human height may also be found to influence axial eye length). Furthermore, adjusting for body size will be essential in mapping pure eye size QTL in this chicken population, and may also have value in mapping eye size QTL in humans.

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and anthropometric measures in the first year of life: Results from the Duisburg Birth Cohort.

PubMed

Alkhalawi, Eman; Kasper-Sonnenberg, Monika; Wilhelm, Michael; Völkel, Wolfgang; Wittsiepe, Jürgen

2016-01-01

In the context of the Duisburg Birth Cohort, this retrospective cohort study provides results of internal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) in 156 mother-child pairs, and investigates whether and to what extent in utero exposure of these chemicals at German background levels exerts an effect on newborn and infant weight and length, and weight in relation to length expressed by ponderal index, in order to examine whether any reduction in weight is disproportionate to length. The levels of PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS were determined in 81 maternal and 83 umbilical cord stored frozen plasma samples and 105 umbilical cord blood samples. Calculated factors were used to convert umbilical cord values to maternal levels. Weights and lengths were retrieved at birth and at 1, 4, 6, and 12 mo from examination booklets and ponderal index (kg/m 3 ) was calculated. Subsequently, correlations were assessed using multiple linear regressions and generalized estimation equations with each of the measures as a continuous outcome variable and with PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS concentration quartiles as categorized predictor variables, while adjusting for relevant covariates. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS were generally within German background exposure levels. There was a significant association between PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS concentration quartiles and decrease in ponderal index at birth but not weight or height. A nonsignificant negative association between exposure to all three compounds and birth weight was noted. Follow-up showed no sustained effect of the PFAA on anthropometric measures during the first year.

Opposing effects of external gibberellin and Daminozide on Stevia growth and metabolites.

PubMed

Karimi, Mojtaba; Hashemi, Javad; Ahmadi, Ali; Abbasi, Alireza; Pompeiano, Antonio; Tavarini, Silvia; Guglielminetti, Lorenzo; Angelini, Luciana G

2015-01-01

Steviol glycosides (SVglys) and gibberellins are originated from the shared biosynthesis pathway in Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni). In this research, two experiments were conducted to study the opposing effects of external gibberellin (GA3) and Daminozide (a gibberellin inhibitor) on Stevia growth and metabolites. Results showed that GA3 significantly increased the stem length and stem dry weight in Stevia. Total soluble sugar content increased while the SVglys biosynthesis was decreased by external GA3 applying in Stevia leaves. In another experiment, the stem length was reduced by Daminozide spraying on Stevia shoots. The Daminozide did not affect the total SVglys content, while in 30 ppm concentration, significantly increased the soluble sugar production in Stevia leaves. Although the gibberellins biosynthesis pathway has previously invigorated in Stevia leaf, the Stevia response to external gibberellins implying on high precision regulation of gibberellins biosynthesis in Stevia and announces that Stevia is able to kept endogenous gibberellins in a low quantity away from SVglys production. Moreover, the assumption that the internal gibberellins were destroyed by Daminozide, lack of Daminozide effects on SVglys production suggests that gibberellins biosynthesis could not act as a competitive factor for SVglys production in Stevia leaves.

Influence of footwear and equipment on stride length and range of motion of ankle, knee and hip joint.

PubMed

Schulze, Christoph; Lindner, Tobias; Woitge, Sandra; Schulz, Katharina; Finze, Susanne; Mittelmeier, Wolfram; Bader, Rainer

2014-01-01

Footwear and equipment worn by military personnel is of importance for them to be able to meet the physical demands specific to their profession daily activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate by means of gait analysis how army-provided footwear and equipment influence the range of motion of hip, knee and ankle joints as well as stride length. Thirty-two soldiers were subjected to gait analysis on a treadmill by way of video recordings and goniometric measurements. The stride length increased when military shoes are worn. We found no influence on stride length in connection to increased loading. The weight of the shoes represents the decisive factor. Neither shoes nor equipment changed the range of motion of the knee joint. Weight of equipment affected range of motion of the hip joint. The range of motion of the upper and lower ankle joints was mainly influenced by the properties of the shoes. Military footwear and weight of equipment influence stride length and range of motion of joints of the lower extremities in a specific way. Shape of material is the decisive factor.

Serum biochemical reference intervals for free-living Sand Tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus) from east Australian waters.

PubMed

Otway, Nicholas M

2015-06-01

Sharks are top-order predators in ocean food chains and the star attractions in aquaria worldwide. Unfortunately, blood biochemistry reference intervals (RI) have been determined for few species. The study aims to establish serum biochemical RI for free-living Sand Tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus) off eastern Australia. Thirty-seven sharks were captured and their sex, length, weight, reproductive maturity, and health status were recorded. After blood collection, serum analytes were quantified using standard analytical and statistical methods. Reference intervals, means, medians, and 90% confidence intervals were generated. Physiologic data from live and necropsied sharks were used to enhance the study results. Thirty healthy sharks were included in the study. Albumin could not be detected. With the exception of ALP activity, values were unaffected by sex, length, weight, age, and life-history stage. The means (RI) were: sodium 258 (249-267) mmol/L, potassium 5.0 (4.3-5.7) mmol/L, chloride 242 (227-257) mmol/L, inorganic phosphate 1.8 (1.7-2.0) mmol/L, total calcium 3.9 (3.3-4.4) mmol/L, magnesium 1.9 (1.6-2.2) mmol/L, glucose 2.7 (2.2-3.2) mmol/L, urea 377 (360-394) mmol/L, ALP 20 (8-31) U/L, ALT 3 U/L (no RI), AST 29 (13-45) U/L, CK 42 (5-79) U/L, total protein 30 (24-36) g/L, triglyceride 0.3 (0.1-0.6) mmol/L, cholesterol 1.4 (0.9-2.1) mmol/L, creatinine 32 μmol/L (no RI), total bilirubin 1.5 μmol/L (no RI), and osmolarity 1082 (1027-1136) mmol/L. These preliminary RI will assist with the clinical evaluation and treatment of captive and free-living Sand Tiger sharks worldwide. Studies with more animals will increase the precision of upper and lower reference limits. © 2015 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

Low pH affects survival, growth, size distribution, and carapace quality of the postlarvae and early juveniles of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii de Man

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawamura, Gunzo; Bagarinao, Teodora; Yong, Annita Seok Kian; Chen, Chiau Yu; Noor, Siti Norasidah Mat; Lim, Leong Seng

2015-06-01

Acidification of rain water caused by air pollutants is now recognized as a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems. We examined the effects of low pH (control pH 7.5, pH 6, pH 5, pH 4) on the survival, growth, and shell quality of Macrobrachium rosenbergii postlarvae and early juveniles in the laboratory. Hatcheryproduced postlarvae (PL 5) were stocked at 250 PL per aquarium, acclimated over 7 d to experimental pH adjusted with hydrochloric acid, and reared for 30 d. Dead specimens were removed and counted twice a day. After 27 d rearing, all specimens were measured for total length and body weight. Carapace quality was assessed by spectrophotometry. Survival of juveniles was highest at pH 6 (binomial 95% confidence interval 79 - 89%) followed by control pH 7.5 (56 - 68%) and pH 5 (50 - 60%) and was lowest for unmetamorphosed postlarvae and juveniles at pH 4 (43 - 49%). The final median total length and body weight of juveniles were similar at control pH 7.5 (18.2 TL, 50.2 mg BW) and pH 6 (17.7 mm TL, 45.0 mg BW) but significantly less at pH 5 (16.7 mm TL, 38.2 mg BW); at pH 4, the postlarvae did not metamorphose and measured only 9.8 mm TL, 29.3 mg BW. Length frequency distribution showed homogeneous growth at pH 6, positive skew at control pH 7.5 and pH 5, and extreme heterogeneity at pH 4. The carapace showed different transmittance spectra and lower total transmittance (i.e. thicker carapace) in juveniles at pH 7.5, pH 6, and pH 5 than in unmetamorphosed postlarvae and juveniles with thinner carapace at pH 4. Thus, survival, growth, size distribution, and carapace quality of M. rosenbergii postlarvae and early juveniles were negatively affected by pH 5 and especially pH 4. The thinner carapace of the survivors at pH 4 was mostly due to their small size and failure to metamorphose. Natural waters affected by acid rain could decimate M. rosenbergii populations in the wild.

A method for trace element determination of single Daphnia specimens using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mages, Margarete; Woelfl, Stefan; v. Tümpling jun, Wolf

2001-11-01

Two new preparation techniques for total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) element determination of single freshwater crustacean specimens (dry weight: 3-40 μg ind -1) have been developed and tested using Daphnia pulex from a deep, oligotrophic freshwater lake located in southern Chile. Dry method: Specimens were washed with 0.2 μm filtered lake water and frozen in liquid nitrogen. The freeze-dried Daphnia specimens were weighed using an ultra-fine microbalance and placed on quartz glass carriers for TXRF analysis. Wet method: Specimens were washed with 0.2 μm filtered lake water and placed on quartz glass carriers for TXRF analysis and dried in air. The dry weight was determined using the previously established body length-dry weight relationship. Method validation for both the dry and the wet preparation method in combination with TXRF spectrometry for the element determination in small single freshwater crustaceans showed that both methods can be used for routine investigations. There were no significant differences between the dry and the wet methods concerning the elements Ca, K, Fe, Zn, Br, P, Cu, but the determination of Mn, S and Sr revealed significant differences between the two methods. It seems that the dry method yields more precise results, but the wet method is easier to handle in the field when samples cannot be fixed with liquid nitrogen.

Postnatal growth outcomes and influence of maternal gestational weight gain: a prospective cohort study in rural Vietnam.

PubMed

Hanieh, Sarah; Ha, Tran T; Simpson, Julie A; Thuy, Tran T; Khuong, Nguyen C; Thoang, Dang D; Tran, Thach D; Tuan, Tran; Fisher, Jane; Biggs, Beverley-Ann

2014-09-30

Suboptimal weight gain during pregnancy may result in adverse outcomes for both the mother and child, including increased risk of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, delivery of low birth weight and small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants, and preterm delivery. The objectives of this study were to identify maternal predictors of rate of weight gain in pregnancy, and to evaluate the association of gestational weight gain with infant postnatal growth outcomes. We conducted a prospective cohort study of infants born to women who had previously participated in a double-blind cluster randomized controlled trial of antenatal micronutrient supplementation, in Ha Nam province, Vietnam. Pregnant women (n = 1258) were seen at enrolment and 32 weeks gestation, and infants (n = 965) were followed until 6 months of age. Primary outcome was infant anthropometric indicators at 6 months of age (weight for age, length for age, weight for height z scores), and infant weight gain velocity during the first 6 months of life. Low body mass index (<18.5 kg/m2) was present in 26% of women, and rate of gestational weight gain was 0.4 kg per week [SD 0.12]. Rate of weight gain during pregnancy was significantly associated with infant weight-for-age (MD 1.13, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.68), length-for-age (MD 1.11, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.55), weight-for-length z scores (MD 0.63, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.19), and infant weight gain velocity during the first 6 months of life (MD 93.6 g per month, 95% CI 8.2 to 179.0). Rate of gestational weight gain is predictive of postnatal growth at six months of age in this setting. Public health programs should be targeted towards improving body mass index and weight gain in pregnant women in rural Vietnam.

[Influence of functional dependence on the case mix in a geriatric unit].

PubMed

González-Guerrero, José Luis; Alonso-Fernández, Teresa; Gálvez, Noemí; García-Mayolín, Nieves

2008-01-01

To determine the influence of pre-admission functional status on the case mix in a geriatric unit, after adjustment by the diagnosis-related groups (DRG) patient classification system. We performed a retrospective observational study in patients admitted to the geriatric unit of a general hospital over a 2-year period. Patients with a length of stay of less than 2 days and transfers from other medical services and hospitals were excluded. The following data were obtained from the minimum data set and from chart review: age, sex, place of residence before admission, Charlson comorbidity index, pre-admission functional status and mobility, cognitive status, length of hospital stay, rate of in-hospital mortality, and the DRG (and DRG weight) for each patient. A total of 1065 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 84 years (64-102), and 64% were women. Patients with lower functional status were more often female (67.1 vs 55.8%; P< .01), more frequently admitted from nursing homes (35.8 vs 14.7%; P< .01) and had higher mortality (19.3 vs 10.1%; P< .01). These patients also had a higher mean length of stay (12.7 vs 11.9), higher comorbidity scores (P< .01), greater cognitive impairment (P< .01) and higher DRG weight (P=.03). Once the more frequent DRG were reviewed, patients who were dependent had a greater number of respiratory infections and renal problems and had fewer cerebrovascular diseases. Some clinical characteristics differ in patients with functional dependence. This finding could influence the clinical management of medical services that treat more dependent patients.

Unilateral total hip replacement patients with symptomatic leg length inequality have abnormal hip biomechanics during walking.

PubMed

Li, Junyan; McWilliams, Anthony B; Jin, Zhongmin; Fisher, John; Stone, Martin H; Redmond, Anthony C; Stewart, Todd D

2015-06-01

Symptomatic leg length inequality accounts for 8.7% of total hip replacement related claims made against the UK National Health Service Litigation authority. It has not been established whether symptomatic leg length inequality patients following total hip replacement have abnormal hip kinetics during gait. Hip kinetics in 15 unilateral total hip replacement patients with symptomatic leg length inequality during gait was determined through multibody dynamics and compared to 15 native hip healthy controls and 15 'successful' asymptomatic unilateral total hip replacement patients. More significant differences from normal were found in symptomatic leg length inequality patients than in asymptomatic total hip replacement patients. The leg length inequality patients had altered functions defined by lower gait velocity, reduced stride length, reduced ground reaction force, decreased hip range of motion, reduced hip moment and less dynamic hip force with a 24% lower heel-strike peak, 66% higher mid-stance trough and 37% lower toe-off peak. Greater asymmetry in hip contact force was also observed in leg length inequality patients. These gait adaptions may affect the function of the implant and other healthy joints in symptomatic leg length inequality patients. This study provides important information for the musculoskeletal function and rehabilitation of symptomatic leg length inequality patients. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Which Anthropometric Measure Best Correlates with Neonatal Fat Mass at Birth?

PubMed

Dubnov-Raz, Gal; Gal, Moran; Landau-Helman, Yeela; Biderman, Lihi; Nir, Romy; Maayan-Metzger, Ayala

2016-07-01

Objective Body composition provides additional information than weight alone. There is currently no accepted anthropometric measure of adiposity in infants, yet weight and length data allow calculations of a wide array of indices. The study objective was to identify the anthropometric index which best correlates with neonatal adiposity, by examining the associations between neonatal fat mass and several anthropometric indices of newborn infants. Study Design The sum of skinfolds (SSF), birth weight, and birth length were measured in 94 healthy infants (58% males) born at term to healthy mothers. Several anthropometric indices were calculated, and their relationship with SSF was assessed using linear regression adjusting for gestational age and sex. Results SSF at birth was significantly higher in females compared with males (20.7 ± 3.3 vs. 18.8 ± 4.1 mm, p = 0.019). Birth weight, birth weight-for-gestational-age percentile, birth weight percentile, and weight/length ratio had the highest associations with SSF, yet R (2) values were very low, ranging from 16 to 18%. Body mass index (BMI), BMI percentile, ponderal index, and the symmetry index had even lower associations. Conclusion No anthropometric measure can confidently assess fat mass in infants at birth, in accordance with previous research. When body composition data are needed, they should be directly measured. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The effects of antenatal dietary and lifestyle advice for women who are overweight or obese on neonatal health outcomes: the LIMIT randomised trial.

PubMed

Dodd, Jodie M; McPhee, Andrew J; Turnbull, Deborah; Yelland, Lisa N; Deussen, Andrea R; Grivell, Rosalie M; Crowther, Caroline A; Wittert, Gary; Owens, Julie A; Robinson, Jeffrey S

2014-10-13

Overweight and obesity during pregnancy represents a considerable health burden. While research has focused on interventions to limit gestational weight gain, there is little information describing their impact on neonatal health. Our aim was to investigate the effect on a range of pre-specified secondary neonatal outcomes of providing antenatal dietary and lifestyle advice to women who are overweight or obese. We report a range of pre-specified secondary neonatal outcomes from a large randomised trial in which antenatal dietary and lifestyle advice was provided to women who were overweight or obese. Pregnant women were eligible for participation with a body mass index of 25 kg/m(2) or over, and singleton gestation between 10(+0) and 20(+0) weeks. Outcome measures included gestational age at birth; Apgar score below 7 at 5 minutes of age; need for resuscitation at birth; birth weight above 4.5 kg or below 2.5 kg; birth weight, length and head circumference (and Z-scores); admission to the nursery; respiratory distress syndrome; and postnatal length of stay. Data relating to the primary outcome (large for gestational age infants defined as birth weight above the 90th centile) and birth weight above 4 kg have been reported previously. Analyses used intention-to-treat principles. In total, 2,142 infants were included in the analyses. Infants born to women following lifestyle advice were significantly less likely to have birth weight above 4.5 kg (2.15% versus 3.69%; adjusted risk ratio (aRR)=0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36 to 0.98; P=0.04), or respiratory distress syndrome (1.22% versus 2.57%; aRR=0.47; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.90; P=0.02), particularly moderate or severe disease, and had a shorter length of postnatal hospital stay (3.94±7.26 days versus 4.41±9.87 days; adjusted ratio of means 0.89; 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97; P=0.006) compared with infants born to women who received Standard Care. For women who are overweight or obese, antenatal dietary and lifestyle advice has health benefits for infants, without an increase in the risk of harm. Continued follow-up into childhood will be important to assess the longer-term effects of a reduction in high infant birth weight on risk of child obesity. Please see related articles: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/12/161 and http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/12/201 . Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12607000161426 ).

Age- and sex-dependent regression models for predicting the live weight of West African Dwarf goat from body measurements.

PubMed

Sowande, O S; Oyewale, B F; Iyasere, O S

2010-06-01

The relationships between live weight and eight body measurements of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were studied using 211 animals under farm condition. The animals were categorized based on age and sex. Data obtained on height at withers (HW), heart girth (HG), body length (BL), head length (HL), and length of hindquarter (LHQ) were fitted into simple linear, allometric, and multiple-regression models to predict live weight from the body measurements according to age group and sex. Results showed that live weight, HG, BL, LHQ, HL, and HW increased with the age of the animals. In multiple-regression model, HG and HL best fit the model for goat kids; HG, HW, and HL for goat aged 13-24 months; while HG, LHQ, HW, and HL best fit the model for goats aged 25-36 months. Coefficients of determination (R(2)) values for linear and allometric models for predicting the live weight of WAD goat increased with age in all the body measurements, with HG being the most satisfactory single measurement in predicting the live weight of WAD goat. Sex had significant influence on the model with R(2) values consistently higher in females except the models for LHQ and HW.

Development of a New Growth Standard for Breastfed Chinese Infants: What Is the Difference from the WHO Growth Standards?

PubMed

Huang, Xiaona; Chang, Jenjen; Feng, Weiwei; Xu, Yiqun; Xu, Tao; Tang, He; Wang, Huishan; Pan, Xiaoping

2016-01-01

The objectives of this longitudinal study were to examine the trajectory of breastfed infants' growth in China to update growth standards for early childhood, and to compare these updated Chinese growth standards with the growth standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2006.This longitudinal cohort study enrolled 1,840 healthy breastfed infants living in an "optimal" environment favorable to growth and followed up until one year of age from 2007 to 2010. The study subjects were recruited from 60 communities in twelve cities in China. A participating infant's birth weight was measured within the first hour of the infant's life, and birth length and head circumference within 24 hours after birth. Repeated weekly and monthly anthropometric measurements were also taken. Multilevel (ML) modelling via MLwiN2.25 was fitted to estimate the growth curves of weight-for-age (WFA), length-for-age (LFA), and head circumference-for-age (HFA) for the study sample as a whole and by child sex, controlling for mode of delivery, the gravidity and parity of the mother, infant's physical measurements at birth, infant's daily food intaking frequency per day, infant's medical conditions, the season when the infant's physical measurement was taken, parents' ages, heights, and attained education, and family structure and income per month. During the first four weeks after birth, breastfed infants showed an increase in weight, length, and head circumference of 1110g, 4.9 cm, and 3.2 cm, respectively, among boys, and 980 g, 4.4 cm, and 2.8 cm, respectively, among girls. Throughout infancy, the total growth for these three was 6930 g, 26.4 cm, and 12.5 cm, respectively, among boys, and 6480 g, 25.5 cm, and 11.7 cm, respectively, among girls. As expected, there was a significant sex difference in growth during the first year. In comparison with the WHO growth standards, breastfed children in our study were heavier in weight, longer in length, and bigger in head circumference, with the exception of a few age points during the first two to four months on the upper two percentile curves.Our data suggested the growth curves for breastfed infants in China were significantly different in comparison with those based on the WHO standards. The adoption of the WHO infant growth standards among Chinese infants, as well as the methods used in the development of such growth standards in China, need careful and coordinated consideration.

Development of a New Growth Standard for Breastfed Chinese Infants: What Is the Difference from the WHO Growth Standards?

PubMed Central

Chang, Jenjen; Feng, Weiwei; Xu, Yiqun; Xu, Tao; Tang, He; Wang, Huishan; Pan, Xiaoping

2016-01-01

The objectives of this longitudinal study were to examine the trajectory of breastfed infants’ growth in China to update growth standards for early childhood, and to compare these updated Chinese growth standards with the growth standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2006.This longitudinal cohort study enrolled 1,840 healthy breastfed infants living in an "optimal" environment favorable to growth and followed up until one year of age from 2007 to 2010. The study subjects were recruited from 60 communities in twelve cities in China. A participating infant’s birth weight was measured within the first hour of the infant’s life, and birth length and head circumference within 24 hours after birth. Repeated weekly and monthly anthropometric measurements were also taken. Multilevel (ML) modelling via MLwiN2.25 was fitted to estimate the growth curves of weight-for-age (WFA), length-for-age (LFA), and head circumference-for-age (HFA) for the study sample as a whole and by child sex, controlling for mode of delivery, the gravidity and parity of the mother, infant’s physical measurements at birth, infant’s daily food intaking frequency per day, infant’s medical conditions, the season when the infant’s physical measurement was taken, parents’ ages, heights, and attained education, and family structure and income per month. During the first four weeks after birth, breastfed infants showed an increase in weight, length, and head circumference of 1110g, 4.9 cm, and 3.2 cm, respectively, among boys, and 980 g, 4.4 cm, and 2.8 cm, respectively, among girls. Throughout infancy, the total growth for these three was 6930 g, 26.4 cm, and 12.5 cm, respectively, among boys, and 6480 g, 25.5 cm, and 11.7 cm, respectively, among girls. As expected, there was a significant sex difference in growth during the first year. In comparison with the WHO growth standards, breastfed children in our study were heavier in weight, longer in length, and bigger in head circumference, with the exception of a few age points during the first two to four months on the upper two percentile curves.Our data suggested the growth curves for breastfed infants in China were significantly different in comparison with those based on the WHO standards. The adoption of the WHO infant growth standards among Chinese infants, as well as the methods used in the development of such growth standards in China, need careful and coordinated consideration. PMID:27977706

Influence of time off feed on broiler viscera weight, diameter, and shear.

PubMed

Buhr, R J; Northcutt, J K; Lyon, C E; Rowland, G N

1998-05-01

The influence of time off feed on broiler viscera weight, intestinal diameter, and shear was studied by subjecting market-age male broilers (42, 44, or 48 d) to incremental feed withdrawal periods (0, 6, 12, 18, or 24 h). Body weight was determined prior to feed withdrawal and at the time of processing. After slaughter, scalding, and defeathering, the abdominal cavity was opened. Diameter and shear of the proventriculus-ventriculus junction, jejunum, and ileum segments were measured, as were gallbladder length and width. Thoracic and abdominal viscera, liver, and ventriculus weights were determined, and liver surface color was measured. Percentage body weight loss increased with longer feed withdrawal periods, as viscera, liver, and ventriculus weights decreased. Gallbladder length increased with time off feed, whereas its width did not change. Diameter of the proventriculus-ventriculus junction, jejunum, and ileum decreased with longer feed withdrawal periods. Shear values for the proventriculus-ventriculus junction, jejunum, and ileum were not influenced by time off feed. Positive correlations (P < 0.05 and r > 0.4) between viscera weight and intestinal diameter were detected. Correlations between all measured parameters and shear values were not significant. Liver color measurements indicated that longer feed withdrawal periods resulted in significant linear decreases in L* (lightness), +a* (redness), and +b* (yellowness). Longer feed withdrawal periods decreased viscera weight and intestinal diameter, which would lower the potential for cutting the intestine during automated evisceration. However, the resulting greater gallbladder length (5 mm) would increase the possibility of bile contamination during evisceration.

Comparison of isothiocyanate yield from wasabi rhizome tissues grown in soil or water.

PubMed

Sultana, Tamanna; Porter, N G; Savage, G P; McNeil, D L

2003-06-04

The isothiocyanate (ITC) yield of wasabi, the Japanese horseradish (Wasabi japonica), was measured on its release from glucosinolates in the rhizomes of plants grown in two traditional ways. Mature plants of 18 months old were harvested from two different commercial farms located in the South Island of New Zealand. At one farm, the plants were grown in raised soil beds, while the plants at the other farm were grown in gravel irrigated by river water. Following harvest, the rhizomes from each growth medium were divided into five size groups based on the weight and length of the rhizomes. The different sized rhizomes were also subdivided into proximal, medial, and distal portions of the rhizomes and each portion was further subdivided into epidermis plus cortex, and vascular plus pith. The individual and total ITC contents of each portion (proximal, medial, and distal) of the rhizomes were measured using dichloromethane extraction followed by the GC-FPD. The total ITC content of the rhizomes grown in soil increased (13 times) linearly from 6 to 114 g of rhizome weight, while the mean ITC content of the water-grown wasabi increased (10 times) nonlinearly for similar sized rhizomes. Water-grown rhizomes in the weight range from 18 to 45 g gave significantly (P = 0.030) higher total ITC (1-2 times) than similarly sized soil-grown rhizomes. Analysis of the tissues showed that the total and the individual ITCs were found in significantly higher levels (73 and 64%, respectively) in the skin and cortex tissue compared to the vascular and pith tissues. Analysis of the ITC content of the different locations of the wasabi rhizome showed that the distal portion of the rhizome contained significantly higher levels of both total and individual ITCs compared to the medial and proximal portions of the rhizome.

Effects of 8 Weeks of Balance or Weight Training for the Independently Living Elderly on the Outcomes of Induced Slips

PubMed Central

Kim, Sukwon; Lockhart, Thurmon

2010-01-01

The study was conducted to evaluate if balance or weight training could alter gait characteristics of older adults contributing to a reduction in the likelihood of slip-induced falls. A total of 18 older adults were evaluated for the study. The results indicated decreases in heel contact velocities and the friction demand characteristics after eight weeks of training although fundamental gait characteristics such as walking velocity and step length were not changed. The results also indicated an increase in transitional acceleration of the whole body center of mass. The number of falls after eight weeks was reduced in training groups. These findings were found in conjunction with the improvements in knee flexor muscle and plantarflexor muscle strength. In conclusion, after training, older adults were less likely to initiate slips and more likely to recover from slips. PMID:19773670

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the treatment of large leiomyomas: laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy versus abdominal hysterectomy.

PubMed

Mittapalli, Raja; Fanning, James; Flora, Robert; Fenton, Bradford W

2007-05-01

The purpose of this study was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the treatment of large leiomyomas by laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) versus abdominal hysterectomy (AH). Twenty consecutive LAVH were compared to 20 consecutive AH for leiomyoma > or = 250 g. Hospital costs were obtained through Healthcare cost accounting system. The 6 principles of cost-effectiveness analysis were used. The groups were similar in respect to age, weight, race, medical comorbidities, blood loss, and operative time. Median uterine weight (513 g) was approximately 20% > for LAVH. Length of stay and pain was significantly less for LAVH. Total hospital cost for AH was approximately 12% less expensive ($4394 vs $5023, P = .18). Because of multiple benefits of LAVH versus AH and no significant difference in cost, we believe LAVH is an acceptable treatment for large leiomyoma.

Designing mark-recapture studies to reduce effects of distance weighting on movement distance distributions of stream fishes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Albanese, B.; Angermeier, P.L.; Gowan, C.

2003-01-01

Mark-recapture studies generate biased, or distance-weighted, movement data because short distances are sampled more frequently than long distances. Using models and field data, we determined how study design affects distance weighting and the movement distributions of stream fishes. We first modeled distance weighting as a function of recapture section length in an unbranching stream. The addition of an unsampled tributary to one of these models substantially increased distance weighting by decreasing the percentage of upstream distances that were sampled. Similarly, the presence of multiple tributaries in the field study resulted in severe bias. However, increasing recapture section length strongly affected distance weighting in both the model and the field study, producing a zone where the number of fish moving could be estimated with little bias. Subsampled data from the field study indicated that longer median (three of three species) and maximum distances (two of three species) can be detected by increasing the length of the recapture section. The effect was extreme for bluehead chub Nocomis leptocephalus, a highly mobile species, which exhibited a longer median distance (133 m versus 60 m), a longer maximum distance (1,144 m versus 708 m), and a distance distribution that differed in shape when the full (4,123-m recapture section) and subsampled (1,978-m recapture section) data sets were compared. Correction factors that adjust the observed number of movements to undersampled distances upwards and those to oversampled distances downwards could not mitigate the distance weighting imposed by the shorter recapture section. Future studies should identify the spatial scale over which movements can be accurately measured before data are collected. Increasing recapture section length a priori is far superior to using post hoc correction factors to reduce the influence of distance weighting on observed distributions. Implementing these strategies will be especially important in stream networks where fish can follow multiple pathways out of the recapture section.

Walking velocity and step length adjustments affect knee joint contact forces in healthy weight and obese adults.

PubMed

Milner, Clare E; Meardon, Stacey A; Hawkins, Jillian L; Willson, John D

2018-04-28

Knee osteoarthritis is a major public health problem and adults with obesity are particularly at risk. One approach to alleviating this problem is to reduce the mechanical load at the joint during daily activity. Adjusting temporospatial parameters of walking could mitigate cumulative knee joint mechanical loads. The purpose of this study was to determine how adjustments to velocity and step length affects knee joint loading in healthy weight adults and adults with obesity. We collected three-dimensional gait analysis data on 10 adults with a normal body mass index and 10 adults with obesity during over ground walking in nine different conditions. In addition to preferred velocity and step length, we also conducted combinations of 15% increased and decreased velocity and step length. Peak tibiofemoral joint impulse and knee adduction angular impulse were reduced in the decreased step length conditions in both healthy weight adults (main effect) and those with obesity (interaction effect). Peak knee joint adduction moment was also reduced with decreased step length, and with decreased velocity in both groups. We conclude from these results that adopting shorter step lengths during daily activity and when walking for exercise can reduce mechanical stimuli associated with articular cartilage degenerative processes in adults with and without obesity. Thus, walking with reduced step length may benefit adults at risk for disability due to knee osteoarthritis. Adopting a shorter step length during daily walking activity may reduce knee joint loading and thus benefit those at risk for knee cartilage degeneration. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:XX-XX, 2018. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Relation between in Utero Arsenic Exposure and Birth Outcomes in a Cohort of Mothers and Their Newborns from New Hampshire

PubMed Central

Gilbert-Diamond, Diane; Emond, Jennifer A.; Baker, Emily R.; Korrick, Susan A.; Karagas, Margaret R.

2016-01-01

Background: Studies suggest that arsenic exposure influences birth outcomes; however, findings are mixed. Objective: We assessed in utero arsenic exposure in relation to birth outcomes and whether maternal prepregnancy weight and infant sex modified the associations. Methods: Among 706 mother–infant pairs exposed to low levels of arsenic through drinking water and diet, we assessed in utero arsenic exposure using maternal second-trimester urinary arsenic, maternal prepregnancy weight through self-report, and birth outcomes from medical records. Results: Median (interquartile range) of total urinary arsenic [tAs; inorganic arsenic (iAs) + monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) + dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)] was 3.4 μg/L (1.7–6.0). In adjusted linear models, each doubling of tAs was associated with a 0.10-cm decrease (95% CI: –0.19, –0.01) in head circumference. Results were similar for MMA and DMA. Ln(tAs) and ln(DMA) were positively associated with birth length in infant males only; among males, each doubling of tAs was associated with a 0.28-cm increase (95% CI: 0.09, 0.46) in birth length (pinteraction = 0.04). Results were similar for DMA. Additionally, arsenic exposure was inversely related to ponderal index, and associations differed by maternal weight. Each ln(tAs) doubling of tAs was associated with a 0.55-kg/m3 lower (95% CI: –0.82, –0.28, p < 0.001) ponderal index for infants of overweight/obese, but not normal-weight, mothers (pinteraction < 0.01). Finally, there was a significant interaction between maternal weight status, infant sex, and arsenic exposure on birth weight (pinteraction = 0.03). In girls born of overweight/obese mothers, each doubling of tAs was associated with a 62.9-g decrease (95% CI: –111.6, –14.2) in birth weight, though the association was null in the other strata. Conclusions: Low-level arsenic exposure may affect fetal growth, and the associations may be modified by maternal weight status and infant sex. Citation: Gilbert-Diamond D, Emond JA, Baker ER, Korrick SA, Karagas MR. 2016. Relation between in utero arsenic exposure and birth outcomes in a cohort of mothers and their newborns from New Hampshire. Environ Health Perspect 124:1299–1307; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1510065 PMID:26955061

Relation between in Utero Arsenic Exposure and Birth Outcomes in a Cohort of Mothers and Their Newborns from New Hampshire.

PubMed

Gilbert-Diamond, Diane; Emond, Jennifer A; Baker, Emily R; Korrick, Susan A; Karagas, Margaret R

2016-08-01

Studies suggest that arsenic exposure influences birth outcomes; however, findings are mixed. We assessed in utero arsenic exposure in relation to birth outcomes and whether maternal prepregnancy weight and infant sex modified the associations. Among 706 mother-infant pairs exposed to low levels of arsenic through drinking water and diet, we assessed in utero arsenic exposure using maternal second-trimester urinary arsenic, maternal prepregnancy weight through self-report, and birth outcomes from medical records. Median (interquartile range) of total urinary arsenic [tAs; inorganic arsenic (iAs) + monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) + dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)] was 3.4 μg/L (1.7-6.0). In adjusted linear models, each doubling of tAs was associated with a 0.10-cm decrease (95% CI: -0.19, -0.01) in head circumference. Results were similar for MMA and DMA. Ln(tAs) and ln(DMA) were positively associated with birth length in infant males only; among males, each doubling of tAs was associated with a 0.28-cm increase (95% CI: 0.09, 0.46) in birth length (pinteraction = 0.04). Results were similar for DMA. Additionally, arsenic exposure was inversely related to ponderal index, and associations differed by maternal weight. Each ln(tAs) doubling of tAs was associated with a 0.55-kg/m3 lower (95% CI: -0.82, -0.28, p < 0.001) ponderal index for infants of overweight/obese, but not normal-weight, mothers (pinteraction < 0.01). Finally, there was a significant interaction between maternal weight status, infant sex, and arsenic exposure on birth weight (pinteraction = 0.03). In girls born of overweight/obese mothers, each doubling of tAs was associated with a 62.9-g decrease (95% CI: -111.6, -14.2) in birth weight, though the association was null in the other strata. Low-level arsenic exposure may affect fetal growth, and the associations may be modified by maternal weight status and infant sex. Gilbert-Diamond D, Emond JA, Baker ER, Korrick SA, Karagas MR. 2016. Relation between in utero arsenic exposure and birth outcomes in a cohort of mothers and their newborns from New Hampshire. Environ Health Perspect 124:1299-1307; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1510065.

Infant growth patterns in the slums of Dhaka in relation to birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, and prematurity.

PubMed

Arifeen, S E; Black, R E; Caulfield, L E; Antelman, G; Baqui, A H; Nahar, Q; Alamgir, S; Mahmud, H

2000-10-01

Relations between size and maturity at birth and infant growth have been studied inadequately in Bangladesh, where the incidence of low birth weight is high and most infants are breast-fed. This study was conducted to describe infant growth patterns and their relations to birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, and prematurity. A total of 1654 infants born in selected low-socioeconomic areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh, were enrolled at birth. Weight and length were measured at birth and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo of age. The infants' mean birth weight was 2516 g, with 46.4% weighing <2500 g; 70% were small for gestational age (SGA) and 17% were premature. Among the SGA infants, 63% had adequate ponderal indexes. The mean weight of the study infants closely tracked the -2 SD curve of the World Health Organization pooled breast-fed sample. Weight differences by birth weight, SGA, or preterm categories were retained throughout infancy. Mean z scores based on the pooled breast-fed sample were -2.38, -1. 72, and -2.34 at birth, 3 mo, and 12 mo. Correlation analysis showed greater plasticity of growth in the first 3 mo of life than later in the first year. Infant growth rates were similar to those observed among breast-fed infants in developed countries. Most study infants experienced chronic intrauterine undernourishment. Catch-up growth was limited and weight at 12 mo was largely a function of weight at birth. Improvement of birth weight is likely to lead to significant gains in infant nutritional status in this population, although interventions in the first 3 mo are also likely to be beneficial.

Predictive Blood Chemistry Parameters for Pansteatitis-Affected Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

PubMed Central

Chapman, Robert W.; Somerville, Stephen E.; Guillette, Matthew P.; Botha, Hannes; Hoffman, Andre; Luus-Powell, Wilmien J.; Smit, Willem J.; Lebepe, Jeffrey; Myburgh, Jan; Govender, Danny; Tucker, Jonathan; Boggs, Ashley S. P.

2016-01-01

One of the largest river systems in South Africa, the Olifants River, has experienced significant changes in water quality due to anthropogenic activities. Since 2005, there have been various “outbreaks” of the inflammatory disease pansteatitis in several vertebrate species. Large-scale pansteatitis-related mortality events have decimated the crocodile population at Lake Loskop and decreased the population at Kruger National Park. Most pansteatitis-related diagnoses within the region are conducted post-mortem by either gross pathology or histology. The application of a non-lethal approach to assess the prevalence and pervasiveness of pansteatitis in the Olifants River region would be of great importance for the development of a management plan for this disease. In this study, several plasma-based biomarkers accurately classified pansteatitis in Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) collected from Lake Loskop using a commercially available benchtop blood chemistry analyzer combined with data interpretation via artificial neural network analysis. According to the model, four blood chemistry parameters (calcium, sodium, total protein and albumin), in combination with total length, diagnose pansteatitis to a predictive accuracy of 92 percent. In addition, several morphometric traits (total length, age, weight) were also associated with pansteatitis. On-going research will focus on further evaluating the use of blood chemistry to classify pansteatitis across different species, trophic levels, and within different sites along the Olifants River. PMID:27115488

Ileal transposition surgery produces ileal length-dependent changes in food intake, body weight, gut hormones and glucose metabolism in rats.

PubMed

Ramzy, A R; Nausheen, S; Chelikani, P K

2014-03-01

Enhanced stimulation of the lower gut is hypothesized to play a key role in the weight loss and resolution of diabetes following bariatric surgeries. Ileal transposition (IT) permits study of the effects of direct lower gut stimulation on body weight, glucose homeostasis and other metabolic adaptations without the confounds of gastric restriction or foregut exclusion. However, the underlying mechanisms and the length of the ileum sufficient to produce metabolic benefits following IT surgery remain largely unknown. To determine the effects of transposing varying lengths of the ileum to upper jejunum on food intake, body weight, glucose tolerance and lower gut hormones, and the expression of key markers of glucose and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=9/group) were subjected to IT surgery with translocation of 5, 10 or 20 cm of the ileal segment to proximal jejunum or sham manipulations. Daily food intake and body weight were recorded, and an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed. Blood samples were assayed for hormones and tissue samples for mRNA (RT-qPCR) and/or protein abundance (immunoblotting) of regulatory metabolic markers. We demonstrate that IT surgery exerts ileal length-dependent effects on multiple parameters including: (1) decreased food intake and weight gain, (2) improved glucose tolerance, (3) increased tissue expression and plasma concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY), and decreased leptin concentrations and (4) upregulation of key markers of glucose metabolism (glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), hexokinase (HK) and phosphofructokinase (PFK)) together with a downregulation of lipogenic markers (fatty acid synthase (FAS)) in muscle and adipose tissue. Together, our data demonstrate that the reduction in food intake and weight gain, increase in lower gut hormones, glycemic improvements and associated changes in tissue metabolic markers following IT surgery are dependent on the length of the transposed ileum.

Genetic analysis of a red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) population undergoing three generations of selection for increased body weight at harvest.

PubMed

Hamzah, Azhar; Thoa, Ngo Phu; Nguyen, Nguyen Hong

2017-11-01

Quantitative genetic analysis was performed on 10,919 data records collected over three generations from the selection programme for increased body weight at harvest in red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.). They were offspring of 224 sires and 226 dams (50 sires and 60 dams per generation, on average). Linear mixed models were used to analyse body traits (weight, length, width and depth), whereas threshold generalised models assuming probit distribution were employed to examine genetic inheritance of survival rate, sexual maturity and body colour. The estimates of heritability for traits studied (body weight, standard length, body width, body depth, body colour, early sexual maturation and survival) across statistical models were moderate to high (0.13-0.45). Genetic correlations among body traits and survival were high and positive (0.68-0.96). Body length and width exhibited negative genetic correlations with body colour (- 0.47 to - 0.25). Sexual maturity was genetically correlated positively with measurements of body traits (weight and length). Direct and correlated genetic responses to selection were measured as estimated breeding values in each generation and expressed in genetic standard deviation units (σ G ). The cumulative improvement achieved for harvest body weight was 1.72 σ G after three generations or 12.5% per generation when the gain was expressed as a percentage of the base population. Selection for improved body weight also resulted in correlated increase in other body traits (length, width and depth) and survival rate (ranging from 0.25 to 0.81 genetic standard deviation units). Avoidance of black spot parent matings also improved the overall red colour of the selected population. It is concluded that the selective breeding programme for red tilapia has succeeded in achieving significant genetic improvement for a range of commercially important traits in this species, and the large genetic variation in body colour and survival also shows that there are prospects for future improvement of these traits in this population of red tilapia.

Food security, maternal feeding practices and child weight-for-length.

PubMed

Barroso, Cristina S; Roncancio, Angelica; Moramarco, Michael W; Hinojosa, Martha B; Davila, Yolanda R; Mendias, Elnora; Reifsnider, Elizabeth

2016-02-01

Over consumption of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods may contribute to childhood obesity. We hypothesized that greater than recommended servings of sugar sweetened beverages and foods, indicators of food security, and a high maternal recumbent weight-for-length are positively associated with high percentages of child overweight/obesity. This secondary data analysis consisted of a sample of 240 mother-child dyads. The original studies were designed to examine the effect of a public health nursing intervention on optimal childhood growth for low-income, minority children. Eligibility to participate included: 1) mothers self-identified as Hispanic; 2) children were 12-24 months old; and 3) children were enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); and 4) children were free of any major disease. Multivariate logistic regression examined the association between child weight, weight-for-length, maternal recumbent weight-for-length, child's eating schedule, maternal attitudes on feeding, food security, and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, desserts and fatty meats. Receiving SNAP was positively associated with child weight-for-length (WL). Children whose mothers reported ever having received SNAP were 2.01 times more likely to be overweight compared to children whose mothers did not report ever having received SNAP (95% CI=1.04-3.90). Children who consumed desserts were 2.87 times more likely to be overweight compared to children who did not consume desserts (95% CI=1.19-6.88). Also, child's caloric intake was significantly associated with child WL. Children who consumed more calories were 1.00 times more likely to be overweight compared to children who consumed fewer calories (95% CI=1.00-1.00). Research on food security and children's weight has reported mixed findings. Methodological issues have been identified as contributory to the inconsistent findings. Of paramount importance to these studies is the measurement of low food security. Children in this sample who were food insecure, as indicated by SNAP recipients, were more likely to have a higher WL measurement. Future studies should focus on the correlation between food security and hunger/satiety cues. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Maternal breastfeeding, early introduction of non-breast milk, and excess weight in preschoolers.

PubMed

Nascimento, Viviane Gabriela; da Silva, Janaína Paula Costa; Ferreira, Patrícia Calesco; Bertoli, Ciro João; Leone, Claudio

2016-12-01

Investigate associations between excess weight in preschool children, breastfeeding duration and age of non-breast milk introduction. Cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 817 preschool children, aged 2 to 4 years, attending municipal day care centers in the city of Taubaté. The weight and height of children were measured in the day care centers in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The body mass index z-score (BMIz) was calculated and children were classified as risk of overweight (BMIz≥1 to<2) or excess weight (BMIz≥2). Data analysis was carried out by comparison of proportions, coefficient of correlation and multivariate linear regression. The prevalence of risk of overweight was 18.9% and of excess weight (overweight or obesity) was 9.3%. The median duration of breastfeeding and age of introduction of non-breast milk was 6 months. The child's BMIz showed direct correlation with birth weight (r=0.154; p<0.001) and maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) (r=0.113; p=0.002). The correlation was inverse with the total duration of breastfeeding (r=-0.099; p=0.006) and age at non-breast milk introduction (r=-0.112; p=0.002). There was no correlation between the child's BMIz with birth length, duration of exclusive breastfeeding and mother's age. The earlier the introduction of non-breast milk, the higher the correlation with excess weight at preschool age. Copyright © 2016. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda.

Maternal breastfeeding, early introduction of non-breast milk, and excess weight in preschoolers

PubMed Central

Nascimento, Viviane Gabriela; da Silva, Janaína Paula Costa; Ferreira, Patrícia Calesco; Bertoli, Ciro João; Leone, Claudio

2016-01-01

Abstract Objective: Investigate associations between excess weight in preschool children, breastfeeding duration and age of non-breast milk introduction. Methods: Cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 817 preschool children, aged 2-4 years, attending municipal day care centers in the city of Taubaté. The weight and height of children were measured in the day care centers in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The body mass index z-score (BMIz) was calculated and children were classified as risk of overweight (BMIz≥1 to<2) or excess weight (BMIz≥2). Data analysis was carried out by comparison of proportions, coefficient of correlation and multivariate linear regression. Results: The prevalence of risk of overweight was 18.9% and of excess weight (overweight or obesity) was 9.3%. The median duration of breastfeeding and age of introduction of non-breast milk was 6 months. The child's BMIz showed direct correlation with birth weight (r=0.154; p<0.001) and maternal body mass index (BMI) (r=0.113; p=0.002). The correlation was inverse with the total duration of breastfeeding (r=−0.099; p=0.006) and age at non-breast milk introduction (r=−0.112; p=0.002). There was no correlation between the child's BMIz with birth length, duration of exclusive breastfeeding and mother's age. Conclusions: The earlier the introduction of non-breast milk, the higher the correlation with excess weight at preschool age. PMID:27452430

DNA Polymorphism of Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding Protein-3 Gene and Its Association with Cashmere Traits in Cashmere Goats

PubMed Central

Liu, Haiying; Liu, Chao; Yang, Guiqin; Li, Hui; Dai, Jin; Cong, Yuyan; Li, Xuejian

2012-01-01

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) gene is important for regulation of growth and development in mammals. The present investigation was carried out to study DNA polymorphism by PCR-RFLP of IGFBP-3 gene and its effect on fibre traits of Chinese Inner Mongolian cashmere goats. The fibre traits data investigated were cashmere fibre diameter, combed cashmere weight, cashmere fibre length and guard hair length. Four hundred and forty-four animals were used to detect polymorphisms in the hircine IGFBP-3 gene. A 316-bp fragment of the IGFBP-3 gene in exon 2 was amplified and digested with HaeIII restriction enzyme. Three patterns of restriction fragments were observed in the populations. The frequency of AA, AB and BB genotypes was 0.58, 0.33 and 0.09 respectively. The allelic frequency of the A and B allele was 0.75 and 0.25 respectively. Nucleotide sequencing revealed a C>G transition in the exon 2 region of the IGFBP-3 gene resulting in R158G change which caused the polymorphism. Least squares analysis revealed a significant effect of genotypes on cashmere weight (p<0.0001), cashmere fibre length (p<0.001) and hair length (p<0.05) of the animals. The effect of genotypes on cashmere fibre diameter was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The animals of AB and BB genotypes showed higher cashmere weight, cashmere fibre length and hair length than the animals possessing AA genotype. These results suggested that polymorphisms in the hircine IGFBP-3 gene might be a potential molecular marker for cashmere weight in cashmere goats. PMID:25049511

Growth and nutritional status of preschool children in India: a study of two recent time periods.

PubMed

Sen, Pronab; Bharati, Susmita; Som, Suparna; Pal, Manoranjan; Bharati, Premananda

2011-06-01

Preschool children call for focused attention in India because India has the highest percentage of undernourished children in the world. To compare the growth and nutritional status of Indian preschool children for the periods 1998/99 and 2005/06, Using data on weight and length/height as well as the sociodemographic background of preschool children from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) from 1998/99 and 2005/06, we determined the distribution of weight and length/height and their association with sociodemographic variables. The distributions of weight and length/height around the mean remained remarkably stable over age but were much greater in India than the international norms. The rates of growth of mean weight and length/ height were far lower in India than the international norms up to the age of 2 years. The temporal trend indicates declines in the percentages of undernourished (low weight-for-age) and stunted (low height-for-age) children over the 7-year period, although the degree of improvement was far better for stunting than for underweight. Mother's educational status is the only variable that has been found to influence child nutrition. The level of mothers' education needs urgent attention with top priority to reduce the prevalence of underweight and stunting of children. This also implies that, for future benefit, girls should be given more facilities for better education. Breastfeeding and weaning practices also need special attention.

Newborn length predicts early infant linear growth retardation and disproportionately high weight gain in a low-income population.

PubMed

Berngard, Samuel Clark; Berngard, Jennifer Bishop; Krebs, Nancy F; Garcés, Ana; Miller, Leland V; Westcott, Jamie; Wright, Linda L; Kindem, Mark; Hambidge, K Michael

2013-12-01

Stunting is prevalent by the age of 6 months in the indigenous population of the Western Highlands of Guatemala. The objective of this study was to determine the time course and predictors of linear growth failure and weight-for-age in early infancy. One hundred and forty eight term newborns had measurements of length and weight in their homes, repeated at 3 and 6 months. Maternal measurements were also obtained. Mean ± SD length-for-age Z-score (LAZ) declined from newborn -1.0 ± 1.01 to -2.20 ± 1.05 and -2.26 ± 1.01 at 3 and 6 months respectively. Stunting rates for newborn, 3 and 6 months were 47%, 53% and 56% respectively. A multiple regression model (R(2) = 0.64) demonstrated that the major predictor of LAZ at 3 months was newborn LAZ with the other predictors being newborn weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), gender and maternal education∗maternal age interaction. Because WAZ remained essentially constant and LAZ declined during the same period, weight-for-length Z-score (WLZ) increased from -0.44 to +1.28 from birth to 3 months. The more severe the linear growth failure, the greater WAZ was in proportion to the LAZ. The primary conclusion is that impaired fetal linear growth is the major predictor of early infant linear growth failure indicating that prevention needs to start with maternal interventions. © 2013.

Spontaneous growth in growth hormone deficiency from birth until 7 years of age: development of disease-specific growth curves.

PubMed

Mayer, M; Schmitt, K; Kapelari, K; Frisch, H; Köstl, G; Voigt, M

2010-01-01

Little is known about spontaneous growth of growth hormone (GH)-deficient children during infancy and childhood. Retrospectively, we calculated disease-specific pretreatment percentiles for height, weight, BMI and growth velocity of 113 GH-deficient boys and 41 GH-deficient girls from birth until 7 years of age, by mean and standard deviation. Infants with idiopathic GH deficiency (GHD) grow in disease-specific percentile channels. There is a significant difference in length and weight from birth onward compared to regional reference (p<0.001). Boys' birth length was 48.7+/-2.9 cm (p<0.001; -1.31+/-1.11 SDS), birth weight was 3.09+/-0.61 kg (p<0.01; -0.92+/-1.19 SDS), and BMI at birth was 12.9+/-1.7. Girls' birth length was 48.1+/-3.4 cm (p<0.05; -1.17+/-1.51 SDS), birth weight was 2.92+/-0.60 kg (p=0.05; -1.08+/-1.19 SDS), and BMI at birth was 12.6+/-2.2. There was a continuous loss of growth velocity, despite a wide variance in the first years, so height deficit became more evident with increasing age. GHD is a congenital disease no matter when height deficit becomes clinically evident, because GH-deficient children grow in disease-specific percentile channels with a highly significantly reduced length and weight, which demonstrates that GH is essential for adequate growth in infancy and early childhood. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Comparison of growth and nutritional status in infants receiving goat milk-based formula and cow milk-based formula: a randomized, double-blind study.

PubMed

Xu, Meihong; Wang, Yibin; Dai, Zhiyong; Zhang, Yanchun; Li, Yong; Wang, Junbo

2015-01-01

To compare the growth and nutritional status of infants fed goat milk-based formula (GMF) and cow milk-based formula (CMF). The study was conducted in Beijing, China. It was a double-blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 79 infants aged 0-3 months old were recruited and randomized in GMF or CMF group. The infants were fed the allocated formula to 6 months. The weight, length, and head circumference were measured at the enrolment, 3 and 6 months. The start time and types of solid food were recorded. Blood elements, urinal, and fecal parameters were also tested. The average weight of infants in the GMF group (mean±SD) was 4.67±0.99 kg and in the CMF group 4.73±1.10 kg at enrolment, and 8.75±0.98 kg (GMF) and 8.92±0.88 kg (CMF) at 6 months. There were no differences in the adjusted intention-to-treat analyses of weight, length, head circumference, and BMI z-scores between the two formula-fed groups over the 6-month study. Similarly, there were no remarkable differences in the timing and types of solid food, blood elements, urinal, and feces parameters, between the GMF and CMF group. No group differences have been shown in bowel motion consistency, duration of crying, ease of settling, or frequency of adverse events. GMF-provided growth and nutritional outcomes did not differ from those provided by CMF.

Placental vascular dysfunction, fetal and childhood growth, and cardiovascular development: the generation R study.

PubMed

Gaillard, Romy; Steegers, Eric A P; Tiemeier, Henning; Hofman, Albert; Jaddoe, Vincent W V

2013-11-12

Suboptimal fetal nutrition may influence early growth and cardiovascular development. We examined whether umbilical and uterine artery resistance indices, as measures of feto-placental and utero-placental vascular function, respectively, are associated with fetal and childhood growth and cardiovascular development. This study was embedded in a population-based prospective cohort study among 6716 mothers and their children. Umbilical artery pulsatility index and uterine artery resistance index and fetal growth were measured in third trimester. Childhood growth was repeatedly assessed from birth to the age of 6 years. We measured body fat distribution, left ventricular mass, and blood pressure at the age of 6 years. Higher third trimester umbilical and uterine artery vascular resistance were associated with lower fetal length and weight growth in third trimester resulting in a smaller size at birth among boys and girls (P values < 0.05). These differences in length and weight growth became smaller from the age of 6 months onwards, but were still present at the age of 6 years. Higher third trimester umbilical artery vascular resistance, but not uterine artery vascular resistance, was associated with higher childhood body mass index, total fat mass, android/gynoid fat mass ratio, and systolic blood pressure, and with a lower left ventricular mass (P values<0.05). These associations were not explained by birth weight. Stronger associations tended to be present among girls as compared with boys. Higher third trimester feto-placental vascular resistance, but not utero-placental vascular resistance, was associated with slower fetal growth rates and cardiovascular adaptations in childhood.

Morphological variations of the vermiform appendix in Iranian cadavers: a study from developing countries.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Shabnam; Hedjazi, Arya; Sajjadian, Maryam; Rahmani, Mahboobeh; Mohammadi, Maryam; Moghadam, Maliheh Dadgar

2017-03-29

The vermiform appendix is a worm like tube containing a large amount of lymphoid follicles. In our knowledge, there is a little standard data about the vermiform appendix in Iranian population. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the normal appendix size in Iranian cadavers. A cross-sectional study was undertaken between June 2014 and July 2015, in the autopsy laboratory, Legal Medicine Organization, Razavi Khorasan province, Iran. A total of 693 cadavers with the mean age of 40.46±20.99 years were divided into 10 groups. After writing down position of the appendix, the length, diameter and weight of appendix were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. The mean values of the demographic characteristics included: age= 40.46 ± 20.99 years; weight = 63.47 ± 17.84 kg; height = 159.95 ± 28.23 cm. The mean values of the appendix length, diameter, weight and index in the cadavers were 8.52 ± 2.99 cm, 12.17 ± 4.53 mm, 6.43 ± 3.26 grams and 0.013 ± 0.01, respectively. The most common position of appendix was retrocecal in 71.7% of cases. A significant correlations were evident between the value of demographic data and appendix size (P<0.05). The diameter (P=0.002) and index of appendix (P=0.003) showed significant difference between males and females. Having standard data on the vermiform appendix is useful for clinicians as well as anthropologists. The findings of the present study can provide information about morphologic variations of the appendix in Iranian population.

[Reproductive effort, fattening index and yield of Arca zebra (Filibranchia: Arcidae) by length and its association with environmental variables, Sucre, Venezuela].

PubMed

Lista, María; Velásquez, Carlos; Prieto, Antulio; Longart, Yelipza

2016-06-01

Arca zebra is a mollusk of commercial value and a major socioeconomic fishery in Northeastern Venezuela. The present study aimed to evaluate the reproductive effort (RE), fattening index (FI) and yield (Y) in different size groups of A. zebra from the morro Chacopata, Venezuela. For this, monthly samplings from June 2008 and June 2009, were undertaken, and the bivalves obtained were distributed in three length groups: I (30.1 to 50.0 mm), II (50.1 to 70.0 mm) and III (> 70.0 mm). Monthly RE, FI and Y were determined based on bivalve changes in volume of fresh meat (VFM), intervalvar volume (IV), dry gonad biomass (DW), dry biomass of the organism without gonad (DWs), fresh biomass of meat (FBM) and total biomass including shell (TBIS). Besides, environmental variables such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, total organic and inorganic seston and chlorophyll a were measured monthly. There was great variation in the DW between length groups (relevant for II and III): increased from June until late September 2008, was followed by a marked decrease in October 2008, recovered in the following months, and decreased in January 2009, with a slight increase until May 2009; these changes were associated with variations in sea temperature. The weight of the gonad (DW) influenced the RE, FI and Y, as these reached their peaks in the months where there was higher gonadal production, indicating the influence of temperature on A. zebra reproduction.