6-month Age Research Articles

Impact of Commercial Inactive Yeast Derivatives on Antiradical Properties, Volatile and Sensorial Profiles of Grašac Wines

This study shows the impact of three different commercial inactive yeast derivatives (IYDs) (Opti Less™, Noblesse™, Optimum White™, Lallemand, Canada and Oenolees MP™ Lafort, USA) during the 6-month aging period on the volatile profile, sensory attributes and antiradical activity, including polyphenols and the total free sulfhydryl (-SH groups) content, of Grašac wines made in sequential fermentation with native Hanseniaspora uvarum S-2 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae QA23. The addition of IYDs helped in maintaining the constant values of antiradical activity during aging by increasing polyphenolic values and mitigating the decrease in -SH groups. HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis showed that esters were the major volatile compounds, with ethyl-acetate and 2-phenyl-ethyl-acetate being the most abundant among all the samples, followed by ethyl-dodecaonate, ethyl-decanoate and 3-methyl-butyl-octanoate, all of them contributing to fruity and floral aromas in wine. As the concentration of IYDs increased, a corresponding rise in the levels of certain volatiles, such as 2-methyl-1-propanol, phenyl-ethyl-alcohol and ethyl-octanoate, was observed. Sensory analysis showed that the addition of IYDs generally improved the taste and odor profile of the wine by reducing astringency and increasing fullness and complexity, regardless of the IYD type. The results demonstrated that different IYDs may have varying effects on wine, with each product having its specific purposes, providing the tools for winemakers to carefully regulate and obtain the desired sensory profile of the wine.

Productive and reproductive performance of Dawuro highland sheep managed under community-based breeding program in Ethiopia.

The objective of this study was to evaluate growth and reproductive performance of highland Dawuro sheep population managed under a community-based breeding program in Ethiopia. Records used in the study were collected over 6 years (2017-2022). In the current study, 3554 records were considered. Studied traits were birth weight (BWT), 3-month weight (WWT), 6-month weight (SMWT), daily gain from birth to weaning (ADG0-3), daily gains from weaning to 6-month age(ADG3-6), litter size(LS), lambing interval (LI), and annual reproductive rates(ARR). The data were analyzed using general linear models of SAS software. The overall least squares mean (LSM± SE) for BWT, WWT, SMWT, ADG0-3, and ADG3-6 were 2.69±0.02; 14.6±0.49, 22.8±0.22 kg, 128.05±2.27 gram (g), and 71.5±0.23 gram respectively. Site difference exerted significantly on BWT, WWT, and SMWT. The result of WWT and SMWT results of Dawuro sheep were comparable with previously reported known Ethiopian sheep breeds. The overall least squares mean ± standard error of LS, LI and, ARR were 1.67±0.04 lambs, 239±31.91 days, and 2.19±0.06 lambs, respectively. WWT and SMWT traits showed good responses to selection. The general implication of the result to future improvement program was continue selection, strengthening the existing breeder cooperatives, integration of full animal health, feed packages, conservation of prolific flocks, improving the management of animals, expanding the current CBBP to adjacent potential kebele, create market linkage and scaling out the existing best practice to a new sites.

Long-Term In Vitro Adhesive Properties of Two Universal Adhesives to Dentin.

The composition of universal adhesives, as well as the adhesive strategy, may influence bonding effectiveness and durability. This study aimed to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and nanoleakage (NL), immediately and after 6-month aging, and in situ degree of conversion (DC), of two universal adhesives (Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, SBU; Xeno Select, XEN) applied with etch-and-rinse (ER) and self-etch (SE) strategies, in comparison with a two-step SE adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond, CSE). Dentin surfaces of fifty human third molars were randomly assigned to the following adhesives: two universal adhesives, SBU and XEN, applied in ER or SE mode and CSE, used as control. Teeth were sectioned into beams to be tested under µTBS, half of them after 24 h, and the rest after 6 months of water aging. Selected beams from each tooth were used for NL evaluation and in situ DC quantification. SBU and CSE showed significantly higher mean µTBS and lower nanoleakage than XEN, regardless of the evaluation time and adhesion strategy. XEN-SE yielded the lowest degree of conversion. Therefore, adhesive properties of universal adhesives to dentin are material dependent, regardless of the adhesion strategy, exhibiting XEN a significantly worse performance than SBU.

Effect of Carbodiimide (EDC) on the Bond Strength Longevity of Epoxy Resin-based Endodontic Sealer to Root Dentin: An In-Vitro Study.

EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride) can increase dentin bonding longevity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of final irrigation of the root canal with EDC on the bond strength (BS) longevity of an epoxy resin-based root-canal sealer. Twenty maxillary canines were sectioned and standardized for root length at 17 mm. Roots were instrumented and distributed into 2 groups according to the final irrigation protocol: EDTA 17%+NaOCl 2.5% (C) and EDTA 17%+NaOCl 2.5%+EDC 0.5M (EDC). The canals were dried and filled with AH Plus (Dentsply Sirona). Three slices were obtained per third, and the first slice from each third was used for the immediate push-out test (i) followed by analysis of the failure pattern (n = 10); the second slice from each third was used for the push-out test after 6-month aging (A) followed by analysis of the failure pattern (n = 10); the third slice from each third was used to examine the adhesive interface under confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) (n = 10). Data were analyzed with ANOVA, Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Higher BSs were found for EDC-A (5.6 ± 1.9) than for EDC-I (3.3 ± 0.7), C-i (2.5 ± 1.0) and C-i (2.6 ± 1.0) (p = 0.0001), while C-A values were in some cases similar to C-i and in others similar to EDC-i. No statistically significant difference was observed between the thirds (p > 0.05), except for EDC-i, which showed lower BS for the cervical (2.79 ± 0.46) compared to the apical third (3.8 ± 0.5), while the middle third in some cases had values similar to those of the apical and in others to the cervical third (3.2 ± 0.7) (p = 0.032). More mixed adhesive failures were found in the cervical third, and more adhesive failures to the sealer occurred in the middle and apical thirds (p = 0.014). A significant difference was observed between treatments in terms of adaptation of the adhesive interface, with a higher percentage of good adaptation using EDC (66.7%) than using C (40%), and a lower percentage of poor adaptation with EDC (10%) compared to C (20%) (p < 0.05). Root canal irrigation with EDC increased the longevity of the adhesive interface of an epoxy resin-based root-canal sealer.

The economic burden of RSV-associated illness in children aged < 5 years, South Africa 2011–2016

BackgroundData on the economic burden of RSV-associated illness will inform decisions on the programmatic implementation of maternal vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. We estimated the cost of RSV-associated illness in fine age bands to allow more accurate cost-effectiveness models to account for a limited duration of protection conferred by short- or long-acting interventions.MethodsWe conducted a costing study at sentinel sites across South Africa to estimate out-of-pocket and indirect costs for RSV-associated mild and severe illness. We collected facility-specific costs for staffing, equipment, services, diagnostic tests, and treatment. Using case-based data we calculated a patient day equivalent (PDE) for RSV-associated hospitalizations or clinic visits; the PDE was multiplied by the number of days of care to provide a case cost to the healthcare system. We estimated the costs in 3-month age intervals in children aged < 1 year and as a single group for children aged 1–4 years. We then applied our data to a modified version of the World Health Organization tool for estimating the mean annual national cost burden, including medically and non-medically attended RSV-associated illness.ResultsThe estimated mean annual cost of RSV-associated illness in children aged < 5 years was US dollars ($)137,204,393, of which 76% ($111,742,713) were healthcare system incurred, 6% ($8,881,612) were out-of-pocket expenses and 13% ($28,225,.801) were indirect costs. Thirty-three percent ($45,652,677/$137,204,393) of the total cost in children aged < 5 years was in the < 3-month age group, of which 52% ($71,654,002/$137,204,393) were healthcare system incurred. The costs of non-medically attended cases increased with age from $3,307,218 in the < 3-month age group to $8,603,377 in the 9–11-month age group.ConclusionsAmong children < 5 years of age with RSV in South Africa, the highest cost burden was in the youngest infants; therefore, interventions against RSV targeting this age group are important to reduce the health and cost burden of RSV-associated illness.

Occurrence, risk assessment, and in vitro and in vivo toxicity of antibiotics in surface water in China

Antibiotics have been widely detected in the water environment and thus pose a potential threat to human health. Although antibiotics have health-promoting properties, whether and how they affect health at environmental concentrations remains uncharacterised. We detected antibiotics in surface water and groundwater in China. Sulfonamides (851 ng/L) and tetracyclines (1322 ng/L) showed the highest concentrations in surface water, while the highest concentration of sulfonamides detected in groundwater was 250 ng/L. We analysed the distribution of four classes of antibiotics (sulfonamides, tetracyclines, macrolides, and quinolones) and evaluated the associated health risks in the surface water of seven cities. We found that antibiotic pollution caused health risks to the 0–3-months age group, but not to other age groups. We further demonstrated that simulated long-term exposure to environmental concentrations of antibiotics had concentration-dependent toxic effects on L-02 hepatocytes, affected cell proliferation, and induced oxidative damage and DNA damage. Chronic exposure to mixed sulfonamides affected growth, caused liver damage, and reduced the abundance of intestinal flora in mice. Under exposure to antibiotics, the abundance of Helicobacter pylori in the gut flora significantly increased and posed a health risk to humans. These results indicated that exposure to antibiotics at environmental concentrations can cause oxidative damage and inflammation both in vitro and in vivo. These findings add to the body of basic data on the distribution of antibiotics in the water environment, and provide a scientific basis for the evaluation of antibiotic toxicity.

Development of an Arabic test for assessment of semantics for the Arabic-speaking children: the Arabic semantic test

BackgroundSemantics is the study of meaning, and it pertains to the meanings of linguistic expressions such as words, phrases, grammatical forms, and sentences. Studying semantic development for preschool children has several applications in research design, assessment, and intervention. In English and most Indo-European languages, there is a long tradition of examining aspects of child language by computing different developmental indices from spontaneous language samples and by applying different language tests. However, for the Arabic language, these aspects are lacking in this valuable area of research. Thus, this study aimed to develop and standardize a comprehensive test for assessing semantic language development suitable for preschool children in Arabic-speaking countries. The constructed Arabic semantic test (AST) was administered to 120 typically developed Egyptian Arabic-speaking children between the ages of 2 to ≤ 4 years divided into 4 age groups, with a 6-month age interval between each group. Children’s responses were statistically analyzed to assess the test’s validity and reliability. Ranks of percentiles were calculated to describe the semantic language development in preschool Egyptian Arabic-speaking children.ResultsA statistically significant difference was found over the scores of the Arabic semantic test in both receptive and expressive aspects of semantics among the 4 participating age groups. Semantic growth was positively correlated to the chronological age of the participating children, with good validity and reliability of the test.ConclusionsThe Arabic semantic test is a valid and reliable test that can be applied to assess semantic development among preschool Arabic-speaking children.

Characterizing the Impact of Package Type on Beer Stability

The brewing industry is highly competitive, driving the importance of beer stability. Brewers use both aluminum cans and glass bottles to distribute products; however, a direct comparison of the impact of these two package types on beer stability has yet to be conducted. Here, a non-targeted metabolomics approach was used to characterize changes in the metabolite profile of amber ale (AA) and India pale ale (IPA) packaged in cans and bottles over a 6-month aging period. A strong correlation by package type was observed for AA but not for IPA over all time points. Baseline differences in amino acids (glycine, tyrosine, and asparagine) and esters (isobutyl isobutyrate, 2-methylbutyl butyrate, and ethyl decanoate) were also observed in AA. Hop terpenes (humulene, pinocarvone, and α-calacorene) demonstrated package-dependent changes over time which appear to be influenced by metabolite water solubility. Overall, the results demonstrate that beer metabolites, and thus stability, are significantly impacted by package type.

Mechanical properties and dentin bonding of semi-direct restorations produced with a diatomite-based resin composite

Diatomite is a silica that may be used as a resin composite filler. However, mechanical properties and dentin bonding behavior of semi-direct restorations produced with a diatomite-based resin composite are still unknown. PurposeThe study aimed to evaluate the bottom/top microhardness ratio (B/T), bond strength (BS), failure mode (FM), flexural strength (FS), and elastic modulus (EM) of semi-direct restorations with a diatomite-based resin composite. MethodsBovine incisors were used to produce dentin cavities (n = 136), which were restored with resin composites [Filtek One Bulk Fill (BF), Filtek Z250 XT (Z250), Filtek Z350 XT (Z350), and Zirconfill (ZF), which contains diatomite] through semi-direct technique. The BT, BS and FM were evaluated in the same restorations. Standardized sticks (10 mm × 1 mm x 2 mm) were fabricated (n = 10) for FS and EM analyses. All specimens were water stored in an incubator at 37 °C for 24 h or 6-month, except B/T that was stored and evaluated only after 24 h water storage. ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences among the resin composites for B/T. At 24 h, ZF provided values statistically higher than Z250 and BF. For Z350, 6-month aging was statistically higher values than 24-h. Mixed failures were predominant for all resin composites at both time points. For FS, only Z250 provided a lower value at 6-months analysis and no increase at six months. The diatomite-based resin composite showed similar mechanical properties and dentin bonding to traditional resin composites using semi-direct restorations. Clinical significanceThe proper mechanical performance of a new diatomite-based resin composite, whose raw material is available in nature, shows a promising alternative for the dental market.

The Change in Social Eating over Time in People with Head and Neck Cancer Treated with Primary (Chemo)Radiotherapy: The Role of Swallowing, Oral Function, and Nutritional Status

This study aimed at investigating the change in social eating problems from diagnosis to 24 months after primary (chemo)radiotherapy and its associations with swallowing, oral function, and nutritional status, in addition to the clinical, personal, physical, psychological, social, and lifestyle dimensions. Adult patients from the NETherlands QUality of life and BIomedical Cohort (NET-QUBIC) treated with curative intent with primary (chemo)radiotherapy for newly-diagnosed HNC and who provided baseline social eating data were included. Social eating problems were measured at baseline and at 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up, with hypothesized associated variables at baseline and at 6 months. Associations were analyzed through linear mixed models. Included patients were 361 (male: 281 (77.8%), age: mean = 63.3, SD = 8.6). Social eating problems increased at the 3-month follow-up and decreased up to 24 months (F = 33.134, p < 0.001). The baseline-to-24 month change in social eating problems was associated with baseline swallowing-related quality of life (F = 9.906, p < 0.001) and symptoms (F = 4.173, p = 0.002), nutritional status (F = 4.692, p = 0.001), tumor site (F = 2.724, p = 0.001), age (F = 3.627, p = 0.006), and depressive symptoms (F = 5.914, p < 0.001). The 6-24-month change in social eating problems was associated with a 6-month nutritional status (F = 6.089, p = 0.002), age (F = 5.727, p = 0.004), muscle strength (F = 5.218, p = 0.006), and hearing problems (F = 5.155, p = 0.006). Results suggest monitoring social eating problems until 12-month follow-up and basing interventions on patients' features.

Impact of silanization of different bioactive glasses in simplified adhesives on degree of conversion, dentin bonding and collagen remineralization.

To analyze simplified adhesive containing pure or silanized bioglass 45S5 (with calcium) or Sr-45S5 (strontium-substituted) fillers applied on dentin and to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS), interface nanoleakage, degree of conversion of adhesive, collagen degradation and remineralization. Ambar Universal adhesive (FGM) was doped with 10wt% bioactive glasses to form following groups: Control (no bioglass), 45S5 (conventional bioglass 45S5), Sr-45S5 (Sr-substituted bioglass 45S5), Sil-45S5 (silanized bioglass 45S5) and Sil-Sr-45S5 (silanized bioglass Sr-45S5). Adhesives were applied after dentin acid-etching using phosphoric acid at extracted human molars. Resin-dentin sticks were obtained and tested for µTBS, nanoleakage at 24h or 6 months. Degree of conversion was measured using micro-Raman spectroscopy. Dentin remineralization was assessed by FTIR after 6-month storage in PBS. Hydroxyproline (HYP) release was surveyed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Regarding µTBS, Sr-45S5 and 45S5 presented higher and stable results (p>0.05). Control (p=0.018) and Sil-Sr-45S5 (p<0.001) showed µTBS reduction after 6-month aging. Sil-Sr-45S5 showed higher HYP release than that obtained in the 45S5 group. Sil-45S5 showed mineral deposition and increase in µTBS (p=0.028) after 6-months. All experimental adhesives exhibited higher degree of conversion compared to Control group, except for 45S5. All adhesives created gap-free interfaces, with very low silver impregnation, except for Sil-Sr-45S5. The incorporation of silanized 45S5 bioglass into the universal adhesive was advantageous in terms of dentin remineralization, bonding performance and adhesive polymerization. Conversely, Sil-Sr-45S5 compromised the µTBS, interface nanoleakage and had a negative impact on HYP outcomes.

Dynamics of live weight and insulin concentration in the blood of growing heifers of different breeds

Purpose: The study of the dynamics of insulin in the blood of growing heifers of different breeds.Materials and methods. The object of the study were heifers of the Calledinized Black-Black-Avoid, Simumal, Aberdeine-Anga and brown heifers obtained as a result of the intersection of Simmental х Aberdine –angus rocks in each group. The study of animals was grown in the same conditions. Blood for the study of insulin was taken from the tail vein until morning feeding at birth, aged 3, 6, 12 and 15 months. Weighing experimental animals was also carried out at the indicated time.Results. At birth, the golpinized black festival, simulars and place-codes in live weight significantly exceeded the peers of Aberdin-Angus. The differences in relation to Aberdin-Anguss were statistically reliable (p_ 0.05). At the age of 15, due to the black and qualified breed, statistically reliable differences at this age were noted in Aberdin Anges and Montflowers (P&lt;0.05). Statistically reliable differences (P&lt;0.05) were also noted between the five property and Simmental. The average daily growth of blacks and pollen from birth to 15 months was 875.7 g, in the Simmental 902.1 g, in Aberdina-Angus 911.7 g, for estates of 947.5 g. The level of bloodshed at birth was almost the same in all in all animal breeds. Thus, in black heels it was 7.4 ± 0.5, in Simmental-7.2 ± 4.4, in Aberdine-Angas-7.0 ± 4.8, in estates-7.2 ± 3.4 MKM/ml. By 3 months, the level of insulin increased in all experimental groups of heifers. In the future, with an increase in the age of the animals, the concentration of this hormone in the blood has not changed. At the age of the 3rd and 6-month age between the heifers of the simultaneous, Aberdin-Angus, animals, as well as breeds with black sand, a statistically reliable difference is established (P&lt;0.05). In the future, under the age of 15 months, the concentration of insulin in the blood changes illegally, but it should be noted that a relatively low concentration during all growth periods was noted in the heifers of the black and qualifying department of the breed.

Meat Productivity of Kazakh and Tuva Horses

The research aims to study the meat productivity of Kazakh and Tuva horses in a comparative age aspect. The objects of the research are the local populations of horses of the Kazakh breed in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Tuva native breed in the Republic of Tyva of the Russian Federation. All animals were clinically healthy. It has been established that in Kazakh foals, the pre-slaughter weight at 6 months of age was 195.5 kg, at 12 months 268.6 kg, 18 months 319.0 kg, 24 months 327.5 kg, 30 months 388.3 kg, and the Tuva breed 174-210-290-310 and 342 kg, respectively. The relative weight of the organs of the digestive tract from the pre-slaughter weight of animals in Kazakh colts of 6-month age is minimal, taking 6.4%, at 12 months 7.09%, 18 months 6.72%, 24 months 6.76% and 30 months 5.85%. The research results showed that in Kazakh colts, although the internal vital organs grow and develop in absolute terms with the age of the animals, in a comparative aspect with the pre-slaughter live weight, their percentage decreases. Thus, the liver of a 6-month old Kazakh colt weighs 4.0 kg, which is 2.0% of the pre-slaughter weight, at 12 months 5.5 kg (2.1%), at 18 months 5.7 kg (1.81%), at 24 months 5.8 kg (1.79%), and 30 months 5.8 kg (1.52%). A similar picture is observed for the lungs, heart, and kidneys. It was found that in Tuva colts from 6 to 24 months of age, the coefficient of meatiness varied from 6.0 to 6.3.

Anthropometric assessment of schoolchildren from the La Mancha-Centro health area. Comparison with the Spanish Cross-Sectional Growth Study 2010.

To determine weight, height and body mass index (BMI) of schoolchildren from the La Mancha-Centro health area and compare them with those determined by the Spanish Cross-sectional Growth Study 2010 (SCGS-2010). Cross-sectional study of 954 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years. Mean, standard deviation, and percentile distributions of weight, height, and BMI by gender and age were obtained. Differences in each 6-month age group were analyzed. There was a progressive increase in BMI with age, which was significant in girls from nine years of age on and in boys from 8.5 years on. From age 10, average BMI was 2.3 kg/m2 higher than at younger ages (p < 0.001). The biggest difference between genders occurred at age 12: 2 ± 0.98 kg/m2 higher in boys (p = 0.042). Overall, no significant differences were found in weight, height and BMI vs. SCGS-2010, although mean weight of male children from La Mancha-Centro aged between 8.5 and 11.5 years was 3.9 kg higher than that of the rest of Spanish male children. Anthropometric parameters of schoolchildren from La Mancha-Centro do not significantly differ from national standards; however, preadolescent males from La Mancha-Centro weigh almost 4 kg more.

Sensory properties of 6- and 18-month-stored wines made with pectinase-producing non-Saccharomyces yeasts.

Recently, the use and commercial availability of non-Saccharomyces yeasts (NSY) in winemaking to reduce alcohol content have increased. However, research exploring the influence on sensory quality of the wine, particularly during storage, is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the sensory profiles of Merlot and Chardonnay wines made with pectinase-producing NSY, with added substrate, that is, pectin. Apple pectin (0 or 0.5g/L) was added to Merlot and Chardonnay grape musts after inoculation with (a) only Saccharomyces cerevisiae or (b) a three species mixture of NSY; after 3days, S. cerevisiae was added. Addition of NSY with added pectin resulted in higher concentrations of d-galacturonic acid and glycerol concentration in the wines after 6months of aging. However, mouthfeel (viscosity or weight) of wines with or without added pectin as determined by a sensory evaluation panel was not altered by the presence of these yeasts. Significant interactions among the yeast utilized, pectin addition, and 6-month aging affected some flavors (solvent) of Merlot, while addition of NSY increased other attributes (cherry) during aging. No sensory differences were perceived among Chardonnay samples due to NSY; however, aging from 6 to 18 months increased the intensity of 40 sensory attributes. Though mouthfeel was not specifically affected, the utilization of NSY may be a useful tool to alter wine quality in Merlot by increasing specific aromas during storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: We found that must fermented with pectinase-producing non-Saccharomyces yeasts (NSY) modified the chemical composition of the final young wine. After one additional year of aging, an increase in cherry flavor was observed in Merlot wines made with NSY, which may increase perceived quality. Thus, the use of these pectinase-producing NSY may be a useful tool for winemakers.

Coverage of vitamin A supplementation, deworming and immunisations: Associations with nutritional status among urban children younger than 5 years in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Background. Even though immunisation coverage is tracked through the district health system in South Africa (SA), limited information is available regarding interventions linked to the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) and the impact on the nutritional status of children &lt;5 years of age. &#x0D; Objectives. To describe coverage of immunisations, vitamin A supplementation and deworming among children &lt;5 years old in an urban area of Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape Province, SA. A secondary objective was to investigate whether a history of missed immunisations, vitamin A supplementation or deworming was associated with wasting or stunting in children. &#x0D; Methods. A descriptive study was conducted between September 2015 and February 2016, where cross-sectional anthropometrical data were collected from 1 513 children in 32 pre-schools, together with a retrospective analysis of the participants’ Road-to-Health/clinic cards to collect data on immunisation, vitamin A and deworming. Participants were categorised into 3-month age intervals to facilitate data analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the Nelson Mandela University Research Ethics Committee (Human). &#x0D; Results. Data of 1 496 children were included in the analysis. The prevalence of underweight was 2.5% (n=37), while 11.2% (n=167) were stunted and 1.1% (n=16) were wasted. There were associations between age category and delayed vitamin A supplementation (χ2=32.105; df=19; n=836; p=0.03) and deworming (χ2= 45.257; df=17; n=558; p&lt;0.001), but there was no association between delayed vaccinations and age category. There were no significant differences in anthropometrical indicators for children with delayed vitamin A supplementation, deworming and vaccinations compared with children in this sample who were up to date regarding the relevant indicators. However, weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height z-scores and stunting risk were associated with low birthweight (LBW) (odds ratio (OR) 4.658; p&lt;0.001). &#x0D; Conclusion. Coverage of vitamin A supplementation and deworming but not immunisations was poorer among children in older age categories. A history of delayed vitamin A, deworming and vaccinations was not associated with the anthropometrical status of children. Children with LBW should be considered for more rigorous follow-up, as they are at higher risk of stunting.

Broccoli-shaped Cu-BTC/biochar composite with enhanced water stability for toluene adsorption: Influence of humid air aging

Insufficient water stability is an important problem restricting the practical application of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in the field of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) adsorption. In this work, a copper(II) benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate MOF (Cu-BTC)/biochar composite with improved water stability was obtained by a facile one-pot method for toluene adsorption applications. Different from the traditional regular octahedral configuration, Cu-BTC was scattered on biochar in the form of broccoli-shaped microspheres. The influence of humid air aging on the physiochemical and toluene adsorption properties of Cu-BTC and Cu-BTC/biochar composites under different periods were explored. The results show that the inner structure of Cu-BTC degrades with the micropores transformed into meso-macropores under the humid air aging. Moreover, the BET surface area was reduced by 63.2 % and 94.7 % after 3-month and 6-month aging, respectively, which could eventually lead to a serious decline (76.3 % and 96.5 %) in the adsorption capacities of toluene. It can also be found that compared to traditional octahedral Cu-BTC, the degradation process of broccoli-shaped Cu-BTC/biochar is effectively slowed down, which shows better moisture stability. The retention rates of toluene adsorption capacities for broccoli-shaped Cu-BTC/biochar were 57.7 % and 17.1 % after 3-month and 6-month aging, respectively. This study is helpful for better improving the water stability of MOFs materials used for VOCs adsorption.

Characterization of circular RNA expression profiles in the age-related thymic involution of Magang goose

The thymus is a vital immune organ, but its function gradually declines with age. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are related to the development of tissues and organs. In this study, bioinformatics analysis showed that 1329, 755, and 417 circRNAs were differentially expressed between the comparison groups of 6-month age (M6) and 20-embryo age (E20), 3-day post-hatch (P3), and 3-month age (M3) Magang geese, respectively. Among them, 167 circRNAs were differentially co-expressed between thymic development (E20, P3, and M3) and involution (M6). Functional analysis showed significant enrichment of phosphorylation and positive regulation of GTPase activity. Furthermore, pathway analysis has shown that glycerolipid metabolism and the Wnt signaling pathway are critical pathways in the thymic involution process. Finally, we constructed the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. The results of this study suggest that circRNAs may be involved in the age-related thymic involution of the Magang goose.

Genetic Variation in the Calpastatin Gene and its Association with Growth Traits in Batur Sheep

The present study aimed to investigate the association of the CAST genotype and growth traits in Batur sheep. Batur lambs were reared under an intensive feeding system. Bodyweight is measured monthly after weaning until six months of age. Blood representing thirty head were collected, genomic DNA was extracted as samples, and then 200 µl of whole blood samples were used. Specific primers were designed to amplify the CAST gene, samples were sequenced, then the researchers used the BioEdit program to identify any mutation. Calculation of genotypes, gene and allele frequencies, heterozygosities, and Chi-square test was performed. The analysis revealed a total of sixteen polymorphic sites in the CAST coding region. There are four alleles observed (A, G, C, and T), trans-versions at c.92T&lt;G and c.285G&gt;T loci, and transitions at c.214G&gt;A, c.280G&gt;A, c.301C&lt;T, and c.371A&gt;G. One individual disrupted the reading frame in the whole CAST sequenced. The genotype frequency analysis showed the highest predominance of the (TT, GG, CC, and AA) genotypes with frequencies (66.7 %, 62.9 %, 59.3 %, 66.7 %, and 55.6 %) as homozygous. In contrast, the heterozygous (TG, GA, GT, CT, and AG) genotypes were present at lower frequencies (29.6 %, 33.3 %, 37 %, 29.6 %, and 37 %), respectively with four difference alleles (T, G, C, and A). Post-weaning bodyweight till 6-month age of Batur sheep for the heterozygous genotypes at loci (c.92T&lt;G, c.214G&gt;A, c.280G&gt;A, and c.301C&lt;T) was slightly more massive than those carrying homozygous wild-type genotypes (c.285G&gt;T and c.371A&gt;G) with no significant differences (p &gt; 0.5). The lambs with the heterozygous genotype had a significantly higher muscle percentage as a whole, compared to the other genotypes. Polymorphic sites were present in Batur sheep for the first time about the association with the CAST gene. However, the CAST gene might not be a useful marker for developing future selection programs in Batur sheep unless further investigation of the CAST gene and its interactions with other genes involving muscle growth and carcass traits are analyzed through association studies at a large scale.&#x0D; Keywords: genetic variation, CAST gene, association, Batur sheep, growth traits

Modification of glass-ionomer cement properties by quaternized chitosan-coated nanoparticles

Glass ionomers (GICs), because of their qualities, are in a good position to be modified to resist masticatory stresses as permanent posterior restoration and prevent recurrent caries. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of adding quaternized chitosan-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HTCC@MSNs) to conventional GIC on its mechanical properties, antimicrobial activity and fluoride release and the effect of 1- and 3-month water aging on the studied properties. HTCC@MSNs was synthesized, added to commercially available conventional GIC at 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight forming three experimental groups and compared with plain GIC as a control group. Flexural strength, modulus, Vickers microhardness and wear volumes were evaluated. Antibacterial activity was tested against Streptococcus mutans and fluoride release in de-ionized water was measured. All properties were evaluated before and after one- and three-month aging (n = 10 specimens per test/per time). Two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Characterization confirmed successful preparation of HTCC@MSNs. The flexural strength, modulus, hardness and wear resistance of the GICs improved significantly by adding 1–3% HTCC@MSNs, while 5% HTCC@MSNs group showed no significant difference compared to control group. Bacterial inhibition zones and fluoride release increased proportionally to the amount of filler added. Mechanical properties were improved by artificial aging. Fluoride release values, and bacterial inhibition zones decreased with aging for all groups. HTCC@MSNs as a filler with the optimized proportion provides strengthening and antibacterial effect. In addition, aging is an important factor to be considered in evaluating experimental fillers.