Adult Weight Research Articles

Characterization of growth in French Saddle horses using non-linear models in the Colombian high tropics

This research was conducted with the aim of characterizing the average growth curve of French saddle horses in the geographical conditions of Eastern Antioquia (Colombia), using non-linear models. To achieve this objective, weight and height measurements were taken monthly, resulting in 1305 measurements from 49 females and 1379 measurements from 53 males of the French Saddle breed raised at the San Isidro farm located in La Ceja, Antioquia. When comparing different models, it was found that the Brody model best fit the weight growth data (AIC=26279.44, BIC=26303.02) and height growth data (AIC=15346.65, BIC=15370.22) of horses. Modelling growth curves for males and females revealed a negative correlation between adult weight and growth rate, and it was also observed that animals stabilized their weight growth at around 36 months, while maximum height growth was reached at 24 months. The main conclusion of this study is that the Brody model best characterizes the growth curve in French Saddle horses raised in the conditions of the Colombian high tropics. In this sense, it is important to understand the growth dynamics in horses raised under Colombian high tropic conditions in order to make informed decisions regarding the initiation of training for these populations of show jumping horses.

Childhood-to-adulthood body size trajectory and cancer risk: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background While excess weight in adulthood and childhood has been associated with increased cancer risk, the link between childhood-to-adulthood body size trajectories and cancer risk requires further investigation. Methods We used data from the UK Biobank, a prospective population-based cohort study. The main exposure was childhood-to-adulthood body size trajectory, constructed from self-reported body at age 10 (categories: thinner, average, and plumper than average) and measured body mass index (BMI) at recruitment (normal weight, overweight, and obese). Primary outcome was obesity-related cancer (13 different cancer types). Results During a median follow-up of 11.7 years, 21,289 participants developed obesity-related cancers. Having a larger body size at age 10 was strongly associated with being overweight or obese in adulthood. Compared to participants with average childhood to normal adulthood body size trajectory, all trajectories ending in overweight or obesity in adulthood were strongly associated with an increased risk of obesity-related cancers. The strength of the association was mostly determined by adulthood BMI, and similar patterns were observed for colorectal, endometrial, kidney, pancreatic and esophageal cancer. However, a larger body size in childhood was associated with a lower risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Conclusions Although a larger body size in childhood predisposes to overweight and obesity in adulthood, it does not necessarily predispose to an increased obesity-related cancer risk if measures to maintain a healthy weight are taken in adulthood. Key messages • While larger body size in childhood predisposes individuals to overweight and obesity in adulthood, maintaining a healthy weight in adulthood may help mitigate the risk of obesity-related cancers. • Our findings highlight the importance of preventing and reducing overweight and obesity in adulthood for primary cancer prevention.

Blood pressure and cardiovascular risk in relation to birth weight and urinary sodium: an individual-participant meta-analysis of European family-based population studies

Abstract Background While the relation of salt intake with blood pressure (BP) is linear, it is U-shaped for mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Purpose This individual-participant meta-analysis explored whether the relation of hypertension, death or CVD with 24 h urinary sodium excretion (UVNA) or sodium-to-potassium (UNAK) ratio was modified by birth weight. Methods Families were randomly enrolled in the Flemish Study on Genes, Environment and Health Outcomes (1985-2004) and the European Project on Genes in Hypertension (1999-2001). Categories of birth weight, UVNA and UNAK (≤2500, >2500-4000, >4000 g; <2.3, 2.3-4.6 and >4.6 g; and <1, 1-2 , >2, respectively) were coded using deviation-from-mean coding and analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival functions and linear and Cox regression. Results The study population was subdivided into the Outcome (n=1945), Hypertension (n=1460) and BP cohorts (n=1039) to analyze the incidence of mortality and cardiovascular endpoints, hypertension and BP changes as function of UVNA changes. The prevalence of low/medium/high birth weight in the Outcome Cohort was 5.8/84.5/9.7%. Over 16.7 years (median), rates were 4.9%, 8.0% and 27.1% for mortality, CVD and hypertension, respectively, but were not associated with birth weight. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios were not significant for any endpoint in any of the BW, UVNA and UNAK strata. Adult body weight tracked with birth weight (P<0.0001). The partial r in the low birth weight group associating changes from baseline to follow-up in UVNA and systolic BP was 0.68 (P=0.023), but not significant in other birth weight groups. Conclusion This study did not substantiate its prior hypothesis, but showed tracking of adult with birth weight and suggest that low birth weight increases salt sensitivity.Figure 1Figure 2

The updated nutrient profile underlying the Nutri-Score label and adult weight gain: A cohort study

Abstract Introduction Nutrient profiling systems are key tools in the development of nutrition-related policies. Their prospective associations with health outcomes are a crucial step in assessing their validity as public health measures. In 2023, the nutrient profiling system underlying the Nutri-Score -a nutrition front-of-pack label used in the European Union- was updated. The present study aims to investigate the updated nutrient profile’s association with weight gain, overweight and obesity. Methods The dietary and anthropometric data of 75,775 participants of the Nutrinet-Santé cohort study was retrieved for this study. Standardized dietary indices derived from both nutrient profiling systems (the 2015 NS-NPM DI (initial profile) and 2023 NS-NPM DI (updated profile)) were computed based on at least 3 24-hour dietary records upon the first two years of inclusion in the cohort. The associations between these indices and the risk of developing overweight and obesity were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models and weight gain using mixed models. Results Participants with a higher 2023 NS-NPM DI (i.e. a poorer nutritional quality of diet) were more likely to gain BMI over time (T3 vs. T1: +0.23% points of BMI/year, p < 0.0001), had a higher risk of developing overweight (HR T3 vs. T1: 1.33 [95% CI: 1.24-1.43]) and obesity (HR T3 vs. T1: 1.29 [95% CI: 1.14-1.45]). Overall, the 2015 NS-NPM DI displayed similar associations and effect sizes with the outcomes and the predictive ability of the two indices on overweight and obesity risk was not significantly different (p = 0.32 for overweight risk, p = 0.09 for obesity risk). Conclusions These results constitute a step in the validation of the recently updated nutrient profiling system and help support its use in public policies for non-communicable diseases prevention. Key messages • The 2023 updated nutrient profiling system underlying the Nutri-Score was associated with weight gain and obesity, two important risk factors in the development of non-communicable diseases. • The 2015 and 2023 NS-NPM DI showed similar prospective associations with overweight and obesity risk.

Gender-Specific DNA Methylation Profiles Associated with Adult Weight in Hezuo Pigs

The Hezuo pig, an important native Tibetan breed in China, exhibits differences in adult body weight, with females typically heavier than males. The underlying mechanisms for this disparity remain unclear. DNA methylation changes are known to influence animal growth and development and regulate Hezuo pig growth by altering gene expression related to these processes, thus differentially affecting adult body weight between genders. This study conducted DNA methylation analysis and expression profiling using pituitary tissues from male and female Hezuo pigs at 3 and 8 months old (M3M, M3F, M8M, and M8F). In total 346, 795, 371, and 839 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were identified in the M3M vs. M3F, M3F vs. M8F, M3M vs. M8M, and M8M vs. M8F groups, respectively. The comparative analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) genes and DEGs (differentially expressed regions) revealed that key genes involved in growth, hormone secretion, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are primarily enriched in signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt, Hippo, and adrenergic. Further analysis combining methylation and transcriptomics identified five candidate methylated genes (CCL2, MYL2, GST, CTSH, and MCH) linked to adult body weight in Hezuo pigs. Additionally, the correlation analysis suggested that these genes influence growth and development in boars and sows by regulating the secretion and synthesis of related hormones, leading to heavier weights in females. In conclusion, variations in adult body weight between male and female pigs may stem from the impact of DNA methylation on gene expression related to growth and development. These findings offer new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation during weight gain in Hezuo pigs.

Weight changes during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners versus fixed appliances: a pilot prospective cohort study.

The aim was to assess adult patients' weight changes during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment (OT) with clear aligner therapy (CAT) versus fixed bracket systems (FBS). This pilot prospective cohort study included systemically-healthy adults who were treated with CAT or FBS. Participants with eating disorders and/or undergoing dietary programs were excluded. Weight was assessed using a calibrated digital scale at the start of OT (T1), 6-8 weeks (T2), and 12-16 weeks (T3) after starting OT. A questionnaire was used to record demographic variables, diet and exercise habits, self-reported compliance and discomfort during OT, and use of analgesics. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess the association between treatment type (FBS versus CT) and time-period (T1, T2, T3) on participants' weight while adjusting for baseline covariates such as age, gender, height, and weight. Forty-two participants (CAT group: 22 and FBS group: 20) were analysed. In the CAT group, there was a slight initial mean weight gain of 0.2 Kg (~ 0.4 pounds) (T2-T1), and 0.8 Kg (~ 1.7 pounds) overall mean weight loss between T1 and T3. For the FBS group, there was a slight initial weight loss of 0.3 Kg (~ 0.7 pounds) (T2-T1) and no overall change between T1 and T3. Treatment type (CAT versus FBS) was not significantly associated with weight changes during the initial phase of OT. There were no significant differences in the weight changes during the initial phase of OT with CAT compared with FBS. Clear aligner therapy should not be advertised as a weight loss strategy.

On-farm multi-location testing of synthetic dual-purpose chicken breed (DZ-white) at Lowland area of Kaffa Zone of Ethiopia

A study evaluated synthetic dual purpose DZ-white’s adaptability and production performance in lowland agro-ecology. A total of 900 day-old chicks were distributed to fifteen (15) participant farmers (sixty chicks per farmer). Vaccines for Newcastle and Gumboro were administered as per veterinarian recommendations. Initially, chicks were supplemented with commercial feed and gradually shifted to locally available feed resources. Data on body weight, age at first egg, egg production, egg weight and farmers’ perception were recorded. On average, the adult male and female chicken body weight recorded at 20 weeks of age were 331.2 grams and 273.3 grams per chicken, respectively. Moreover, in the present study, the adult male and female chicken body weight recorded at 20 weeks of age were 1541.3 grams and 476.9 grams per chicken, respectively. The result also showed that an average egg weight at initial laying stage 5%, 50% and peak production stage were 44.09 grams, 48.33 grams and 55.45 grams, respectively. In the current study, chickens produced 296 eggs annually. Based on the adaptability, production performance and social acceptance, participant farmers preferred synthetic dual purpose DZ- white chicken breed to commonly used local and exotic breeds. As a result of their moderate growth and production performance, scavenging ability and social acceptance, demonstration and scaling up of the breed in the rural smallholder production system are highly recommended.

Exploring body morphometry and weight prediction in Ganjam goats in India through principal component analysis.

The body conformations of 262 adult Ganjam goats were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) with 11 morphometric variables. The results were then used to predict the mature body weight of the goats. Most of the traits were positively correlated, and the correlations were statistically significant. The three main components that the PCA recovered explained 76.12% of the variation in body morphometry overall. The first component accounted for approximately 54.74% of the overall variation and described almost all the traits except ear length and tail length, as indicated by high component loadings. The second component accounted for approximately 11.48% of the variation, mostly accounting for the variation in tail length. The principal component accounted for 9.89% and mostly explained the variation in ear length. The communalities ranged between 0.557 (horn length) and 0.848 (chest circumference) for the first three extracted components. The highest percentage of variability in chest girth was explained by the first three principal components, whereas it was the lowest for the horn length. In the context of predicting body weight through stepwise regression analysis, nine primary variables accounted for 57.3% of the total variance in body weight. Conversely, utilizing the first principal component alongside six additional principal components as independent variables resulted in capturing 56.3% of the variation in the adult live weight of goats while maintaining model comparability with other pertinent parameters. PCA was used efficiently for body weight prediction from major morphometric traits of Ganjam goats addressing the multicollinearity issue.

Accounting for socio-economic inequalities in health to inform SDG decision making: A proof-of-concept study

Most SDG-inequality indices rely on a unidimensional design which cannot reflect how a given health outcome is distributed along the socio-economic spectrum. The concentration index can overcome this limitation. With an application to adult excess weight data, the concentration index was illustrated along with a decomposition method which allowed for key predictors to be identified. An Erreyger's concentration index and Shapley decomposition-based approach provide a relatively simple analytical tool to the monitoring of socio-economic inequalities in health. Such analytical approach should be considered as a monitoring tool by public managers to inform SDG policy and budgetary decisions.

Nutritional Considerations of Plant-Based Diets for People With Food Allergy.

Plant-based diets (PBD) have been reported throughout history, but are increasingly common in current times, likely in part due to considerable emphasis on climate change and human health and wellness. Many dietary organisations around the world endorse well-planned, nutritionally adequate PBD, which exclude some or all forms of animal-based foods. However, special attention must be given to patients who follow PBD and also have food allergy (FA), as avoidance may increase the risk of developing nutritional deficiencies, including poor growth in children, weight loss in adults and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Given the increasing prevalence of both PBD and food allergen avoidance diets, healthcare providers are likely to counsel patients with FA who also follow a PBD. In this review, an overview of PBD in patients with FA is provided, including recent trends, macro- and micronutrient needs, and growth for children and weight gain considerations for adults. With regard to a PBD, special attention should be given to ensure adequate fat and protein intake and improving the bioavailability of several minerals such as iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and magnesium, and vitamins such as A, B2, B12 and D. Although the collective data on growth amongst children following a PBD are varied in outcome and may be influenced in part by the type of PBD, growth must be regularly monitored and in adults weight gain assessed as part of any clinical assessment in those people with FA.

Impact of camptothecin exposures on the development and larval midgut metabolomic profiles of Spodoptera frugiperda

Spodoptera frugiperda is an economic agricultural pest that has invaded many countries around the world and caused huge losses in grain production. Camptothecin (CPT) is one of the botanical compounds with insecticidal activity and has the potential for pest control. However, the effects of CPT on development and metabolism of S. frugiperda remain unknown. In this study, we have investigated the adverse effects of 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg CPT exposures on the growth and development of S. frugiperda. Our results found that 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg CPT treatments altered the parameters of the life cycle, including inducing larval mortality, altering the weight of larvae, pupae, and adults, the larval duration, and decreasing the pupation rate and emergence rate. In addition, comparative metabolomics analysis was performed in the larval midgut of S. frugiperda to explore the toxicity mechanism of CPT. A total of 261 and 348 differential metabolites were identified in the groups with 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg CPT treatments, respectively. Further analysis found that pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, sulfur relay system, selenocompound metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways were significantly altered by 5.0 mg/kg CPT exposure. Our results provided new insight into the toxicological mechanisms of CPT against S. frugiperda and laid the foundation for the field application of CPT in pest control.

Family functioning and the implications for adult weight management.

Strong support for family-based interventions in child and adolescent weight management exists. However, family-based interventions have not been as well documented in adult populations. Given that many adults operate within family systems that could influence their weight management behaviors, research is needed to establish possible family-level variables as intervention targets for adult weight loss programs. This study tested the relationship between family functioning (defined as support and bonding), chaos (defined as disorder in the home), and weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity participating in a behavioral weight-loss program. Participants (N = 118; baseline mean body mass index 33.8 ± 3.7; 69.5% female; 97.5% White; 67.8% with a combined annual income of $75k or above; 90.7% completed some college or above) were from a randomized controlled trial examining weight loss ripple effects (Gorin et al., 2018) in individuals assigned to either 6 months of WW (formerly Weight Watchers) or a self-guided approach. Higher family support and bonding at baseline were associated with greater percent weight loss at 6 months. Family support and bonding at baseline were associated with lower chaos in the home at 6 months. However, this was moderated by condition such that this association was significant in the WW but not the self-guided group. Results provide theoretical support that targeting family dynamics may improve weight loss outcomes in behavioral weight loss programs for adults. Future research should test whether family support, bonding, chaos, or other related variables such as family cohesion and adaptability-focused interventions improve weight loss outcomes for adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Juvenile responses to immune challenges are not carried through to subsequent life stages in an insect

Environmental variability can significantly impact individual survival and reproduction. Meanwhile, high population densities can lead to resource scarcity and increased exposure to parasites and pathogens. Studies with insects can offer valuable insights into eco-immunology, allowing us to explore the connections between these variables. Here we use the moth Anticarsia gemmatalis to examine how increases in population density and immunological challenge during the larval stage shape its investment in immune defence and reproduction. Larvae reared at a high population density exhibited greater lytic activity against bacteria compared to those reared at low density, whilst bacterial challenge (i.e. bacteria-immersed needles) also increased lytic activity. There was no interaction between the variables population density and bacterial challenge, indicating that these are independent. Surprisingly, neither increase in lytic activity carried through to activity in prepupal haemolymph. Rearing of larvae at a high density delayed pupation and decreased pupal weight. The immunological stimulus did not significantly influence pupal development. Lower population density as a larva resulted in greater adult weight, but did not significantly influence lytic activity in the eggs or the number of eggs laid. Negative correlations were found between lytic activity in the eggs and the number of eggs, as well as between adult weight and the number of eggs. Overall, this study demonstrates that high population density and immune challenge trigger increased lytic activity in caterpillars, but this effect is transient, not persisting into later stages. The trade-offs observed, such as delayed pupation and reduced prepupal weights under high density, suggest a balancing act between immune investment and developmental aspects. The findings hint at a short-term adaptive response rather than a sustained strategy. The implications of delayed pupation and smaller adult moths could influence the moth's life history strategy, impacting its role in the ecosystem. Further research tracking larval immune investment and subsequent reproductive success will unveil the evolutionary dynamics of this relationship in changing environments.

Effect of pollen consumption on development and intraguild predation of two predatory Coccinellidae

Many omnivorous predaceous coccinellids consume both pests like aphids and a range of plant-derived foods including pollen. It is critical to understand how plant-derived food like pollen could affect the fitness and interspecific interactions of predaceous coccinellids. This study investigated the effect of pollen consumption on the development, reproduction and intraguild predation (IGP) of two naturally co-existing aphidophagous ladybirds, Harmonia axyridis and Propylea japonica. Both species were provided with three diets including a moist canola pollen, the aphid Myzus persicae, or moist canola pollen together with aphids. The 1st instar larval of both H. axyridis and P. japonica could not survive and develop to the next larval stage when supplied with water alone. When fed on pollen only, 53 % of the H. axyridis larvae and 25 % of the P. japonica larvae successfully developed to adult. Both species exhibited an elongated development time, shorter larval body length and lower adult body weight than when offered with aphids and the mixed diet. In addition, P. japonica could not reproduce when fed on pollen alone. Interestingly, when pollen was provided as additional food, the overall IGP between larvae of H. axyridis and P. japonica was significantly reduced compared with water control or aphid as food alone. The results of this study indicated that pollen not only supports the survival of H. axyridis and P. japonica when prey is scarce, but also could benefit the co-existence of these species. For future study, it is necessary to investigate how pollinivory could benefit the fitness and biological control potential of H. axyridis and P. japonica under field conditions.

Understanding the impact of the pandemic on university students: Changes in sleep, eating patterns, and psychological well-being

BACKGROUND: Covid-19 is one of the world’s major pandemics. It has affected millions of people in various ways. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the influence of pandemic-induced shifts in eating and sleeping behaviors on the psychological well-being of university students. METHODS: The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. A total of 604 students participated in the study. The Personal Form, the Psychological Well-Being Index, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to collect data. The research was conducted between October 2021 and December 2022. RESULTS: The participants reported a mean psychological well-being score of 40.76±9.38, alongside a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score of 7.46±3.30. Analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the mean psychological well-being scores and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (p < 0.01). Throughout the pandemic, the participants experienced a decline in physical activity, an increase in their body weight, and a change in their eating habits. While psychological well-being remained relatively high, sleep quality was notably poor. Notably, improvements in psychological well-being corresponded with enhancements in sleep quality, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between the two variables. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic negatively impacted the physical activity and body weight of young adults. This study highlights the importance of promoting physical activity among university students during pandemics and similar crises to reduce adverse effects on body weight. It also highlights the importance of educating students about the importance of healthy sleep and how to maintain good sleep hygiene.

Enhancing Biological Control Efficacy: Insights into the Feeding Behavior and Fitness of the Omnivorous Pest Lygus lineolaris.

Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae), a true omnivorous insect, poses a significant threat to agriculture in the Neartic region. Understanding the feeding behavior of L. lineolaris is crucial for developing integrated pest management strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different diets on the fitness of L. lineolaris, with a focus on the diet source, feeding regime (phytophagy, zoophagy, and phytozoophagy), and number of diet items. The experimental design in the laboratory investigated the impacts of strawberry, canola and buckwheat flowers, as well as spider mites and aphids to explore relationships found in a conventional strawberry field. Results reveal that diet source, feeding regime, and the number of diet items influence L. lineolaris performance (i.e., survivorship rate, developmental time, and adult weight and length). Improvements in fitness are indicated by higher nymphal survival, shorter developmental time, and larger adults. Immature stages of L. lineolaris show improved fitness when provided with diets rich in canola compared to strawberry flowers and spider mites. Furthermore, the inclusion of multiple diet items in phytozoophagous regimes enhances insect performance. The findings emphasize the significance of understanding L. lineolaris' nutritional requirements and the biodiversity of target ecosystems for modeling energy flows and designing effective IPM strategies against this pest. This research contributes to the knowledge base for biological control programs targeting L. lineolaris in agricultural systems.

Adulthood weight changes, body mass index in youth, genetic susceptibility and risk of atrial fibrillation: a population-based cohort study

BackgroundEpidemiological evidence on weight change and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains limited and inconsistent. Previous studies on body mass index (BMI) in youth and AF rarely considered subsequent BMI. This study aimed to assess the associations of AF with weight change and BMI in youth, as well as modified effect by genetic susceptibility of AF.MethodsThe study included 21,761 individuals (mean age 57.8 years) from the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort. Weight information was obtained at three time points, including recalled weight at age 20 years, measured weight at baseline (middle adulthood), and reported weight at 5-year follow-up examination (late middle adulthood). A weighted genetic risk score of AF was created using 134 variants.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 23.2 years, a total of 4038 participants developed AF. The association between weight change from early to middle adulthood and AF risk was modified by sex (Pinteraction = 0.004); weight loss was associated with a lower AF risk in females, but not in males. Conversely, weight gain was positively associated with AF risk in a linear manner in females, whereas increased AF risk appeared only when weight gain exceeded a threshold in males. Participants with weight gain of > 5 kg from middle to late middle adulthood had a 19% higher risk of AF relative to those with stable weight, whereas weight loss showed a null association. Compared to individuals with a lower BMI at age 20 years, those with a BMI above 25 kg/m2 had an increased risk of AF (HR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.28), after controlling for baseline BMI; this association was more pronounced in males or those with a lower genetic risk of AF.ConclusionsWeight gain in middle adulthood was associated with higher AF risk. Weight loss from early to middle adulthood, but not from middle to late middle adulthood, was associated with a lower risk of AF only in females. Higher BMI in youth was associated with an increased risk of AF, particularly among males or those with a lower genetic risk of AF.

Maternal history of childhood maltreatment and pregnancy weight outcomes.

Childhood maltreatment is associated with elevated adult weight. It is unclear whether this association extends to pregnancy, a critical window for the development of obesity. We examined associations of childhood maltreatment histories with pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain among women who had participated for >20 years in a longitudinal cohort.At age 26-35 participants reported childhood maltreatment (physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; emotional neglect) and, 5 years later, about pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain for previous pregnancies (n=656). Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations of maltreatment history with pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain z-scores, adjusting for sociodemographics. We used Multivariate Imputation by Chained Equations to adjust outcome measures for misclassification using data from an internal validation study. Before misclassification adjustment, results indicated a higher risk of pre-pregnancy BMI ≥30 kg/m2 in women with certain types of maltreatment (e.g., emotional abuse RR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.5, 3.7) compared with women without that maltreatment type. After misclassification adjustment, estimates were attenuated but still modestly elevated (e.g., emotional abuse RR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.7). Misclassification-adjusted estimates for maltreatment associations with gestational weight gain z-scores were close to the null and imprecise. Findings suggest an association of maltreatment with pre-pregnancy BMI ≥30 kg/m2 but not with high gestational weight gain. Results suggest a potential need for equitable interventions that can support all women, including those with maltreatment histories, as they enter pregnancy.

Adolescent exposure to a mixture of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) depletes the ovarian reserve, increases ovarian fibrosis, and alters the Hippo pathway in adult female mice.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals known for their environmental persistence and resistance to biodegradation. This study investigated the impact of adolescent exposure to a PFAS mixture on adult ovarian function. Female CD-1 mice were orally exposed to vehicle control or a PFAS mixture (comprised of perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, undecafluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic acid, and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid) for 15 d. After a 42-d recovery period, reproductive hormones, ovarian fibrosis, and ovarian gene and protein expression were analyzed using ELISA, Picrosirius red staining, qPCR, and immunoblotting, respectively. Results revealed that PFAS exposure did not affect adult body or organ weight, although ovarian weight slightly decreased. PFAS-exposed mice exhibited a disturbed estrous cycle, with less time spent in proestrus than control mice. Follicle counting indicated a reduction in primordial and primary follicles. Serum analysis revealed no changes in steroid hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone, or anti-Müllerian hormone, but a significant increase in luteinizing hormone was observed in PFAS-treated mice. Ovaries collected from PFAS-treated mice had increased mRNA transcripts for steroidogenic enzymes and fatty acid synthesis-related genes. PFAS exposure also increased collagen content in the ovary. Additionally, serum tumor necrosis factor-α levels were higher in PFAS-treated mice. Finally, transcripts and protein abundance for Hippo pathway components were upregulated in the ovaries of the PFAS-treated mice. Overall, these findings suggest that adolescent exposure to PFAS can disrupt ovarian function in adulthood.

Comparison of production performance and meat quality characteristics between Guizhou Black goats and F4 generation hybrids of South African Kalahari Goats

This study spanned 6 years and 4 generations, involving the progressive crossbreeding of South African Kalahari Goat (SK) and Guizhou Black Goat (GB) over three generations, followed by cross fixation F3 with F1 in the fourth generation, accompanied by the use of molecular markers technology to select a high fertility population, resulting in the creation of a hybrid goat, BKF4 (11/16 SK lineage and 5/16 GB lineage). A comparative evaluation of the BKF4 hybrid breed and its parental breeds was conducted. Reproductive and production parameters of GB, SK, and BKF4 goat groups were monitored, including lambing rate (LR), survival rate (SR), daily weight gain at 3 months of age (DWG), and adult body weight (ABW) (n = 110, 106, 112 per group). In addition, dressing percentage (DP) (n = 12 per group) and analyses of amino acids (n = 8, 6, 10 per group) and fatty acids (n = 6 per group) were conducted to evaluate meat quality indicators. Results: (1) Reproductive and production performance: The index of LR reached 199%, significantly higher than GB and SK (p ≤ 0.001), with a SR of 95.0%, markedly higher than SK (p ≤ 0.001); DWG was 276.5 g, ABW reached 56.6 kg and with a dressing percentage (DP) of 54.5%, they are significantly surpassing GB (p ≤ 0.001). (2) Regarding meat quality: pH45-value and crude protein content (CP) increased, while intramuscular fat content increased compared to GB and ash content decreased. The amino acid composition was similar to GB, but the taste was more similar to SK. However, there were some negative impacts on fatty acid composition and functionality. (3) PCA analysis revealed that: BKF4 exhibited superior meat quality compared to GB and SK, influenced by two key factors contributing 83.49% and 16.51% to the explained variance, respectively. The key factors affecting meat quality include intramuscular fat (IMF), nutrient index (NI), PUFAs/MUFAs, n-6FAs, and drip loss (DL).