Increase In Body Length Research Articles

The combination of metformin and high glucose increased longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans a DAF-16/FOXO-independent manner: cancer/diabetic model via C. elegans

IntroductionSedentary lifestyles and diets with high glycemic indexes are considered to be contributing factors to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes in humans. Metformin, a biguanide medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, has been observed to be associated with longevity; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this observation are still unknown.MethodsThe effects of metformin and high glucose, which have important roles in aging-related disease such as diabetes and cancer, were studied in lin-35 worms because they are associated with cancer-associated pRb function in mammals and have a tumour suppressor property.Results and DiscussionAccording to our results, the negative effect of high glucose on egg production of lin-35 worms was greater than that of N2 worms. High glucose shortened lifespan and increased body length and width in individuals of both strains. Metformin treatment alone extended the lifespan of N2 and lin-35 worms by reducing fertilization efficiency. However, when metformin was administered in the presence of high glucose, the lifespan of lin-35 worms was clearly longer compared to N2 worms. Additionally, we conclude that glucose and metformin in lin35 worms can extend life expectancy through a DAF-16/FOXO-independent mechanism. Furthermore, the results of this study will provide a new perspective on extending mammalian lifespan through the model organism C. elegans.

Effects of mercury and magnetic fields on the activity of proteinases and glycosidases in the intestine of common carp Cyprinus carpio.

Aquatic ecosystems are increasingly affected by anthropogenic pollution, including heavy metals like mercury, which accumulate in organisms and cause harmful effects. At the same time, human activities such as industrial operations and the use of electric power lines also alter the magnetic background in natural water bodies. However, the interaction between mercury exposure and magnetic fields remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of mercury and magnetic fields on the digestive enzyme activity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), focusing on the relevance of magnetic fields due to their increasing presence in industrialized environments. Two groups of fish were fed diets with low (0.02mg/kg) or high (0.27mg/kg) mercury content for 6months and exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields or hypomagnetic conditions. Results showed significant differences in mercury accumulation between groups, with higher levels in carps fed with high-mercury content diets. These fish also exhibited increased body length and weight compared to those on a low-mercury diet. The amylolytic activity (total activity of enzymes hydrolyzing starch: α-amylase, glucoamylase, and maltase) and proteolytic activity (total activity of serine proteinases) in the fish intestine were assessed. Magnetic exposure had contrasting effects on enzyme activity, depending on mercury levels in the diet. Fish fed the low-mercury diet exhibited decreased amylolytic activity following magnetic field exposure, while fish on the high-mercury diet showed increased activity. Proteolytic activity followed a similar pattern, with opposite effects observed between the two dietary groups. These findings suggest that mercury accumulation alters the biological response to magnetic fields, possibly through compensatory biochemical mechanisms. Understanding the interactions between toxic substances and magnetic fields is critical for improving environmental risk assessments.

Impact of fluoride and aluminum co-exposure on bone growth and quality in juvenile rats: dose and duration effects

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the dosage and duration of fluoride and aluminum(F and Al) co-exposure on the skeletal growth and bone quality of juvenile rats. Forty-eight 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to normal control, low F and Al exposure, and high F and Al exposure groups, with 45-day and 90-day subgroups established for each. We measured body length, tibia length, conducted bone histomorphometric analysis of the proximal tibia, performed micro-CT scans and three-point bending tests of the femur. Compared to the age-matched control group, the low F and Al group at 45 days exhibited increased bone formation and stiffness; the low F and Al group at 90 days and the high F and Al group at 45 days showed increases in body length, tibia length, growth plate width, longitudinal bone growth rate, bone turnover, and improved microstructure. Notably, bone elastic stress only elevated in the high F and Al group at 45 days. Conversely, the high F and Al exposure group at 90 days experienced decreases in the aforementioned parameters, with the exception of growth plate width, and displayed abnormal hypertrophic chondrocyte morphology in the growth plate. In summary, long-term exposure to low levels of F and Al and short-term exposure to high levels of F and Al promote bone formation followed by bone resorption in juvenile rats, stimulating bone growth and enhancing bone quality. However, long-term exposure to high levels F and Al results in low bone turnover, slow bone growth, and reduced bone property.

The effect of baby touch on premature infants

Objective: Premature infants require special attention during nursing. This study aimed to explore the effects of baby touch on the growth, immunity, sleep and communication in premature infants. Methods: This was a retrospective study. A total of 64 premature infants with a gestational age of 30-36 weeks were selected at Maternity & Child Care Center of Qinhuangdao from June 2022 to May 2023, and randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The control group received routine comprehensive nursing care for newborns, while the experimental group was additionally treated with touch intervention using the international standard touch method. The effects of the three months touch on the growth and development, immunological function, sleep quality, and emotional communication of the premature infants were observed. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in gender, gestational age, birth weight, birth length, or head circumference at birth between the two groups (p> 0.05). In the third month, the increases in body weight, body length and head circumference were significantly more obvious, the immunological function indicators including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, IgG, IgA and IgM were all significantly higher, the sleep time and sleep quality were both significantly superior, and the interaction time and intimacy with parents were significantly superior in the experimental group compared with the control group, with statistically significant differences (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Baby touch can promote growth and development, strengthen immunological function, improve sleep quality and enhance the emotional communication abilities of premature infants, and help them better adapt to the environment and grow. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9275 How to cite this: Du Q, Zhu H, Guo M, Yang Q, Yang H, Ma Y. The effect of baby touch on premature infants. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2256-2260. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9275 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Alternate-day fasting delays pubertal development in normal-weight mice but prevents high-fat diet-induced obesity and precocious puberty

Background/ObjectivesChildhood obesity, particularly in girls, is linked to early puberty onset, heightening risks for adult-onset diseases. Addressing childhood obesity and precocious puberty is vital to mitigate societal burdens. Despite existing costly and invasive medical interventions, introducing lifestyle-based alternatives is essential. Our study investigates alternate-day fasting’s (ADF) impact on pubertal development in normal-weight and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese female mice.MethodsFour groups of female mice were utilized, with dams initially fed control chow during and before pregnancy. Post-parturition, two groups continued on control chow, while two switched to an HFD. Offspring diets mirrored maternal exposure. One control and one HFD group were subjected to ADF. Morphometry and hormone analyses at various time points were performed.ResultsOur findings demonstrate that ADF in normal-weight mice led to reduced body length, weight, uterine, and ovarian weights, accompanied by delayed puberty and lower levels of sex hormones and growth hormone (GH). Remarkably, GH treatment effectively prevented ADF-induced growth reduction but did not prevent delayed puberty. Conversely, an HFD increased body length, induced obesity and precocious puberty, and altered sex hormones and leptin levels, which were counteracted by ADF regimen. Our data indicate ADF’s potential in managing childhood obesity and precocious puberty.ConclusionsADF reduced GH and sex hormone levels, contributing to reduced growth and delayed puberty, respectively. Therefore, parents of normal-weight children should be cautious about prolonged overnight fasting. ADF prevented HFD-induced obesity and precocious puberty, offering an alternative to medical approaches; nevertheless, further studies are needed for translation into clinical practice.

An Internet-Based Developmental Home Care Support Program Improved Maternal Psychological Symptoms and Infant Growth: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To examine the effects of an internet-based Developmental Home Care Support program (DHCSP) to reduce maternal psychological symptoms and improve preterm infants' physical growth outcomes. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The mother-infant dyads (nm=34, np=40) were randomly assigned to either the DHCSP intervention group or the control group. Data were collected at discharge (T0), 1-month corrected age (T1), and 2-month follow-up (T2), including mothers' postpartum depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and mother-proxy infants' body length, weight, and head circumference. There were no significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics between the 2 groups at T0, except for mothers' age and monthly household income (both P =.01). Mothers in the DHCSP group reported significantly higher decreases in depression symptoms (β=-2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], -4.31 to -0.16, P =.03), and their preterm infants showed significantly more increases in body length (β=2.09; 95% CI, 0.30-3.87, P =.02) than the control participants at T2. The 2 groups did not show significant differences in mothers' PTSD symptoms or infants' body weight and head circumference. The internet-based DHCSP intervention was effective in improving mothers' depressive symptoms and infants' body length.

Stressful Effects of Individual and Combined Exposure to Low-Concentration Polylactic Acid Microplastics and Chromium on Marine Medaka Larvae (Oryzias melastigma).

Microplastics and heavy metal pollution frequently co-occur in the marine environment, raising concerns about their potentially harmful impacts on marine fish. This study undertook a comprehensive evaluation of the individual and combined stress effects of polylactide microplastics (PLA-MPs) and chromium (Cr) on marine medaka larvae. Following a 14-day exposure to PLA-MPs (100 μg/L) and Cr (50 μg/L), both individually and in combination, significant increases in heart rate and body length were observed. Notably, the combined exposure to PLA-MPs and Cr caused marked histopathological alterations, including shedding, atrophy, and lysis of the intestinal tissues. Furthermore, both individual and combined exposure induced oxidative stress in fish larvae, leading to changes in various enzyme activity indices. Individual exposure to either PLA-MPs or Cr led to anxious behavior in the larvae, whereas combined exposure not only caused anxious behavior but also altered swimming patterns. These findings suggest that combined exposure to PLA-MPs and Cr can exacerbate the toxic effects on marine medaka larvae.

Влияние кормовой пробиотической добавки «Ветоспорин-Ж» (Bacillus subtilis) и минеральной добавки «Цеолит» (опока) на проявление генотоксических эффектов в клетках крови молоди стерляди (Acipenser ruthenus) в условиях аквакультуры

In modern conditions of declining natural sturgeon populations in the Volga-Caspian basin, the role and importance of aquaculture is increasing. In the Astrakhan region, due to the presence of a large natural water fund, cage farming of fish, including sterlet, is widely developed. Cage farming of sturgeon in natural water bodies is associated with the impact of anthropogenic pollution, in this area it is associated with water pollution in the river delta Volga, and the deterioration of the hydrochemical regime, which directly affects fish farming. One of the factors of the negative impact of these changes in the aquatic environment is genotoxicity, the degree of manifestation of which can be assessed using accessible and modern methods, which include micronuclear and DNA comet tests. A serious consequence of the genotoxic effect of pollution is the formation of damage to the DNA of the fish body. The purpose of this work was to assess the frequency of appearance of micronuclei and the degree of DNA damage in the blood cells of juvenile sterlet, as well as the selection of functional additives in food that will reduce the effects of genotoxic pressure from a natural water source. In a scientific laboratory, a series of experiments was carried out on feeding juvenile sterlet delivered from a fish farm in the Volga delta. All juvenile sterlet, both at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, were characterized by a normal physiological state, low levels of DNA comets, and the number of erythrocytes with micronuclei was slightly higher than normal. As a result of experimental feeding, reliable data were obtained that food with the addition of the probiotic drug “Vetosporin-Zh” based on the bacteria Bacillus subtilis contributed to a significant increase in weight gain and body length. All analyzed indicators of DNA comets were significantly lower in the group that was fed with the introduction of a probiotic (the micronucleus test turned out to be less sensitive in this case). The mineral additive “Zeolite” did not show such effectiveness. Thus, the addition of Bacillus subtilis-based preparations when feeding juvenile sturgeon can be reasonably recommended to effectively reduce genotoxic stress for fish, mainly to reduce DNA damage.

Differences in alternative splicing events in the adaptive strategies of two Daphnia galeata genotypes induced by fish kairomones

BackgroundDaphnia galeata is a suitable model organism for investigating predator-induced defense. Genes and pathways exhibiting differential expression between fish kairomone-treated and untreated groups in D. galeata have been identified. However, understanding of the significance of alternative splicing, a crucial process of the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes, to this mechanism remains limited. This study measured life-history traits and conducted short-read RNA sequencing and long-read isoform sequencing of two Korean D. galeata genotypes (KB1 and KE2) to uncover the genetic mechanism underlying their phenotypic plasticity under predation stress.ResultsKB1 exhibited strategies to enhance fertility and decrease body length when exposed to fish kairomones, while KE2 deployed an adaptive strategy to increase body length. Full-length transcriptomes from KB1 and KE2 yielded 65,736 and 57,437 transcripts, respectively, of which 32 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) were shared under predation stress across both genotypes. Prominent DETs common to both genotypes were related to energy metabolism and the immune system. Additionally, differential alternative splicing (DAS) events were detected in both genotypes in response to fish kairomones. DAS genes shared between both genotypes may indicate their significant role in the post-transcriptional stress response to fish predation. Calpain-3, involved in digestion and nutrient absorption, was identified as a DAS gene in both genotypes when exposed to fish kairomones. In addition, the gene encoding thymosin beta, which is related to growth, was found to be a statistically significant DAS only in KB1, while that encoding ultraspiracle protein, also associated with growth, was only identified in KE2. Moreover, transcripts encoding proteins such as EGF-like domain-containing protein, vitellogenin fused with superoxide dismutase, and others were identified overlapping between DAS events and DETs and potentially elucidating their association with the observed phenotypic variation in each genotype.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the crucial role of alternative splicing in modulating transcriptome landscape under predation stress in D. galeata, emphasizing the requirement for integrating gene expression and splicing analyses in evolutionary adaptation studies.

Lactobacillus fermentum WC2020 increased the longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans via JNK-mediated antioxidant pathway.

Lactobacillus fermentum can exert antiaging effects, but their roles are strain-specific, and little is known about the molecular mechanisms in some strains. This study investigated the antiaging effects of L. fermentum WC2020 (WC2020) isolated from Chinese fermented pickles and the underlying mechanism of the action in Caenorhabditis elegans. WC2020 enhanced the mean lifespan of L1-stage and L4-stage worms by 22.67% and 12.42%, respectively, compared with Escherichia coli OP50 (OP50), a standard food source for C. elegans. WC2020-induced longevity was accompanied by an increase in body length and mitochondrial transmembrane potential and a reduction in lipid accumulation and the production of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. Moreover, WC2020 increased the production of glutathione, superoxide dismutases, and catalases and altered the transcripts of many phenotype-related genes. Furthermore, WC2020-fed jnk-1 rather than akt-2 or pmk-1 loss-of-function mutants showed similar lifespans to OP50-fed worms. Correspondingly, WC2020 significantly upregulated the expression of jnk-1 rather than genes involved in insulin-like, p38 MAPK, bate-catenin, or TGF-beta pathway. Moreover, the increase in body length, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and antioxidant capability and the decrease in lipid accumulation induced by WC2020 were not observed in jnk-1 mutants. Additionally, WC2020 increased the expression of daf-16 and the proportion of daf-16::GFP in the nucleus, and increased lifespan disappeared in WC2020-fed daf-16 loss-of-function mutants. In conclusion, WC2020 activated the JNK/DAF-16 pathway to improve mitochondria function, reduce oxidative stress, and then extend the longevity of nematodes, suggesting WC2020 could be a potential probiotic targeting JNK-mediated antioxidant pathway for antiaging in food supplements and bioprocessing. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Aging has a profound impact on the global economy and human health and could be delayed by specific diets and nutrient resources. This study demonstrated that Lactobacillus fermentum WC2020 could be a potential probiotic strain used in food to promote longevity and health via the JNK-mediated antioxidant pathway.

Reproductive and transgenerational toxicity of bisphenol S exposure in pregnant rats: Insights into hormonal imbalance and steroid biosynthesis pathway disruption

Bisphenol S (BPS) is an alternative chemical to bisphenol A commonly used in food packaging materials. It raises concerns due to potential adverse effects on human health. However, limited evidence exists regarding reproductive toxicity from BPS exposure, and the mechanism of associated transgenerational toxicity remains unclear. In this study, pregnant SD rats were exposed to two different doses of BPS (0.05 or 20 mg/kg) from GD6 to PND21. The objective was to investigate reproductive and transmissible toxicity induced by BPS, explore endocrine effects, and uncover potential underlying mechanisms in rats. Perinatal exposure to BPS in the F0 generation significantly decreased the rate of body weight, ovarian organ coefficient, and growth and development of the F1 generation. Notably, these changes included abnormal increases in body weight and length, estrous cycle disruption, and embryonic dysplasia in F1. 4D-DIA proteomic and PRM analyses revealed that exposure to 20 mg/kg group significantly altered the expression of proteins, such as Lhcgr and Akr1c3, within the steroid biosynthetic pathway. This led to elevated levels of FSH and LH in the blood. The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, responsible for promoting fertility through the cyclic secretion of gonadotropins and steroid hormones, was affected. RT–qPCR and Western blot results demonstrated that the expression of GnRH in the hypothalamus was decreased, the GnRHR in the pituitary gland was decreased, and the expression of FSHβ and LHβ in the pituitary gland was increased. Overall, BPS exposure disrupts the HPO axis, hormone levels, and steroid biosynthesis in the ovaries, affecting offspring development and fertility. This study provides new insights into the potential effects of BPS exposure on the reproductive function of the body and its relevant mechanisms of action.

A true facultative carnivore? Effects of replacing ground chicken carcasses with soybean meal on the growth of captive broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) and its economics implications.

A specific diet for broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris has not been designed despite the value of farm-raised caiman as an aquaculture product. To fill this gap, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance dietary replacement of ground chicken carcasses by of soybean meal (SM) as diet complement for C. latirostris. We conducted a 3-month growth trial to determine effects of graded levels of dietary SM on caiman growth as measured by increase in body length, body weight gain, food consumption (FC) and food conversion rate (FCR). Forty-eight hatchling caimans were fed with diets, composed primarily of practical feed ingredients, with 0, 25, or 40% dietary SM. Diets were fed three times per week for 90 days under temperature controlled. Body lengths and body weights were measured at 30-day intervals, and FC samples were taken between the 31-60-day interval. The results of this study indicate that the inclusion of SM in the diet of C. latirostris at levels of 25% increases in body length, body weight gain, FC and improve the FCR indicated that a concentration of 25% dietary SM (as fed) was adequate for growth of caimans under the conditions of this study. Results suggest that SM have a real nutritional contribution in the diet of broad-snouted caiman and can be used as an ingredient of the diet of the crocodilians raised in captivity, reducing production costs for sustainable use and conservation programs of this species.

Changes in Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen Stable Isotope Ratios and Mercury Concentrations in Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) during and after Lactation

The changes in the stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), oxygen (δ18O), and mercury (Hg) concentrations in muscle and liver tissues during and after lactation were studied in killer whales stranded along the coast of Hokkaido, in the northern area of Japan (n = 16). Calf muscles displayed δ13C- and δ15N-enriched peaks and a δ18O-depleted peak during lactation. The δ13C- and δ15N-enriched peaks appear to reflect the extensive nursing of 13C- and 15N-enriched milk and the onset of weaning, whereas the δ18O-depleted peak may be attributable to the extensive nursing of 18O-depleted milk and the onset of weaning. The δ13C and δ15N values tended to gradually increase after the weaning, whereas the δ18O values tended to decrease. The δ13C and δ15N levels in calves were similar between liver and muscle samples, whereas those in mature animals were higher in liver than in muscle samples. The isotopic turnover rates of C and N may be similar between the liver and muscle tissues in calves, which are rapidly growing animals. The Hg concentrations in muscle tissues were slightly higher in small calves than in large calves, probably due to the Hg transfer across placenta. The Hg concentrations in liver and muscle samples increased with increasing body length, and those in two liver samples from mature animals exceeded the high-risk threshold for marine mammal health effects (82 μg/wet g).

Impact of protein and carnitine consuption on outcomes of care development of full-term newborns with critical perinatal diseases

There were studied results of the impact of increased consumption of proteins and L-carnitine in the nutrition program of full-term newborns with perinatal diseases on the results of physical development and inpatient treatment features. The purpose of the work was to study the correlations between short-term higher consumption of protein and carnitine by full-term newborns and the results of their physical development, the duration of hospital care development. The vital signs of 59 full-term newborns were studied in a randomized controlled trial in the period 2017-2020. The main critical disease of the perinatal period in newborns of both groups was found to be hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy of a moderate degree in 86.7% and 86.2%, without a statistically significant difference. One group (n=30) received nutrition with mother's milk or formula, the second group (n=29) received similar nutrition with fortification with a protein and L-carnitine supplement during the hospital stay. At the beginning and at the end of the treatment, physical development of the newborns was studied and correlations between the obtained data were investigated. Newborns of both groups did not differ in characteristics at the beginning of the study. The proportions of the newborns' weight corresponded to the limits of the 50% percentile. The group with increased consumption of protein and carnitine, fortification group (FG) demonstrated better indicators of physical development, they regained body mass faster. Body mass of the newborns of the fortification group goup was 3966.9±439.1 g, compared to the standard nutrition (SN) group, with indicators being 3554.6±452.3 g, at p=0.003. The rate of increase in body length in FG was twice that of the SN group. Consumption of a larger dose of protein was accompanied by a shorter stay in the intensive care unit – 10.0 (8.0; 12.0) days versus 12.0 (11.0; 16.0) days, with U=235.0; p=0.002; earlier discharge from the hospital – 21.0 (19.0; 27.0) days versus 26.5 (22.0; 31.0) days, with U=267.0, p=0.01. Carnitine supplementation in the FG group led to an increase in the level of free carnitine in the blood plasma samples taken before the discharge from the hospital. The study of correlations revealed a positive correlation between the consumption of a full dose of proteins and the total increase in height (R=0.3, p<0.05), the increase in body weight (R=0.3, p<0.05). A negative correlation was found between the protein level and the duration of treatment in the hospital (R= -0.3, p<0.05). The level of free carnitine had a positive effect on the increase in body length (R=0.51, p<0.05), daily weight gain (R=0.3, p<0.05). A poor increase in body length was associated with a longer duration of respiratory support: the correlation had an inverse direction R= -0.4, p<0.05. Improving nutritional strategies has significant prospects for improving care development of full-term babies with critical perinatal states.

Differential Roles of Diet on Development and Spinal Cord Regeneration in Larval Zebrafish.

The zebrafish is a powerful model organism for studying development and regeneration. However, there is a lack of a standardized reference diet for developmental and regeneration experiments. Most studies evaluate the rate of growth, survival, and fecundity. In this study, we compare three diets and their effects on growth and regeneration after a spinal cord injury (SCI). Fish were fed daily for 1 week with daily measurements of overall length and width of spinal injury. Fish fed a live rotifer diet grew 32%, whereas a commercially available diet only led to a 4% increase in body length. Similarly, differences in rate of regeneration were observed with over 80% of rotifer-fed larvae forming a glial bridge after injury compared to <10% of zebrafish fed with the commercial diet. Our data highlight the need for establishing a standardized diet for regeneration studies to improve research reproducibility.

Efficient agri-food waste valorization using mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) into nutrient-rich biomass for food and feed.

The utilization of yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), for food and feed is gaining interest globally. However, its production is hindered by expensive commercial diets. This study assessed mealworm growth performance, survival, bioconversion, and nutritional composition when fed on wheat bran (WB) with different inclusion levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of Irish potato waste (PW). Results indicated that mealworms fed on diets with 25%-75% PW had increased body length and 1-2 times higher weight gain compared to sole WB and PW diets. The survival rate was 93%-94% across all diets. Mealworms fed on WB had a feed conversion ratio of 3.26, while the efficiency of diet conversion increased with PW inclusion levels. Mealworms fed on diets with 75% PW inclusion had the highest crude fat (48%) and energy levels (598 kcal/100 g), while sole WB produced mealworms with the highest crude protein (55%). The acid detergent fiber achieved using 100% WB was 2- to 3-fold higher, but the crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber did not vary significantly. Considerable amounts of lysine (1.6-2 mg/100 g), methionine (0.5-0.7 mg/100 g), leucine (1.4-2 mg/100 g), and threonine (0.8-1 mg/100 g) were achieved in the mealworm larvae. Our findings revealed that cheap agricultural by-products could be successfully used for the mass production of mealworms, substantially contributing to reduced production costs. Further exploration of the nutrient-dense mealworm larvae for the development of novel food and feed products is crucial.

Comparison of Twin Block appliance and Herbst appliance in the treatment of Class II malocclusion among children: a meta-analysis

BackgroundOur meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of applying Herbst and Twin Block appliances in the treatment of Class II malocclusion among children.MethodsDatabases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China VIP Database (VIP), and Wanfang were thoroughly searched from inception to August 9, 2023. The outcomes included skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was used as the effect indicator, and the effect size was expressed with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity of each outcome effect size was tested, and the heterogeneity statistic I2 ≥ 50% was analyzed by the random-effect model, otherwise, the fixed-effect model was conducted. Sensitivity analysis was performed.ResultsA total of 12 studies involving 574 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Herbst appliance had a statistically significant increase in mandibular body length (WMD: 1.44, 95% CI: 0.93 to 1.96, P < 0.001) compared with the Twin Block appliance. More increases in angle and distance of L1 to mandibular plane (MP) were found in the Herbst appliance compared with the Twin Block appliance. Significant and greater improvements in molar relationship (WMD: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.28 to 1.29, P = 0.002), posterior facial height (WMD: -1.23, 95% CI: -2.08 to -0.38, P = 0.005), convexity angle (WMD: -1.89, 95% CI: -3.12 to -0.66, P = 0.003), and Sella-Nasion plane angle (U1 to SN) (WMD: 3.34, 95% CI: 2.25 to 4.43, P < 0.001) were achieved in the Twin Block appliance. Herbst and Twin Block appliances produced similar effects in the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes including Sella-Nasion-point A (SNA), Sella-Nasion-point B, point A-Nasion-point B (ANB), overjet, and overbite.ConclusionAs the findings revealed both Herbst and Twin Block appliances contributed successfully to the correction of Class II malocclusion. Compared with the Twin Block appliance, the Herbst appliance may have more advantages in mandibular bone movement. Twin Block therapy resulted in more improvement in the aesthetics of the face.

Characterization of runs of homozygosity islands in American mink using whole-genome sequencing data.

The genome-wide analysis of runs of homozygosity (ROH) islands can be an effective strategy for identifying shared variants within a population and uncovering important genomic regions related to complex traits. The current study performed ROH analysis to characterize the genome-wide patterns of homozygosity, identify ROH islands and annotated genes within these candidate regions using whole-genome sequencing data from 100 American mink (Neogale vison). After sequence processing, variants were called using GATK and Samtools pipelines. Subsequent to quality control, 8,373,854 bi-allelic variants identified by both pipelines remained for further analysis. A total of 34,652 ROH segments were identified in all individuals, among which shorter segments (0.3-1 Mb) were abundant throughout the genome, approximately accounting for 84.39% of all ROH. Within these segments, we identified 63 ROH islands housing 156 annotated genes. The genes located in ROH islands were associated with fur quality (EDNRA, FGF2, FOXA2 and SLC24A4), body size/weight (MYLK4, PRIM2, FABP2, EYS and PHF3), immune capacity (IL2, IL21, PTP4A1, SEMA4C, JAK2, CCNA2 and TNIP3) and reproduction (ADAD1, KHDRBS2, INSL6, PGRMC2 and HSPA4L). Furthermore, Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed 56 and 9 significant terms (FDR-corrected p-value < 0.05), respectively, among which cGMP-PKG signalling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and calcium signalling pathway were highlighted due to their functional roles in growth and fur characteristics. This is the first study to present ROH islands in American mink. The candidate genes from ROH islands and functional enrichment analysis suggest possible signatures of selection in response to the mink breeding targets, such as increased body length, reproductive performance and fur quality. These findings contribute to our understanding of genetic characteristics, and provide complementary information to assist with implementation of breeding strategies for genetic improvement in American mink.

Morphometric and Meristic Characters of a Small Indigenous Freshwater Balitorid, Triplophysa marmorata (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae), from Manasbal Lake, Kashmir, India

The current study investigates the morphometric and meristic characteristics of a small indigenous freshwater balitorid, Triplophysa marmorata, thriving in Manasbal Lake, Kashmir, India. The research involved the collection of 360 samples of Triplophysa marmorata from Manasbal Lake. A detailed investigation was carried out on 18 morphometric and 6 meristic characters of Triplophysa marmorata specimen whose length ranged from 28.66 to 164.1 cm. The analysis revealed that the morphometric measurements were dependent on body size and there was a gradual increase in body length. Regression analysis was performed between the independent variables TL and the dependent variables viz. SL, FL, PrAL, PrVL, PrDL, BD, HL, CFL, PFL and PVL as well as between the dependent variables HL and the dependent variables ED, SnL, PrOL and PoL. The results indicated a positive relation between various morphometric characters and both TL and HL, displaying correlations that ranged from medium to high strength. On the other hand the fish showed constant meristic characters where there was no change in meristic counts with the increase of body length. The fin formula is derived as D 6–9; P 8–10; V 6–7; A 4–6; C 13–18. The findings demonstrated characteristic morphometric traits exclusive to Triplophysa marmorata in Manasbal Lake establishing crucial data for future investigations into the biological dynamics and conservation objectives pertaining to the fish.

РАЗМЕРНО-ВЕСОВОЙ СОСТАВ И МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ДЕВЯТИИГЛОЙ КОЛЮШКИ PUNGITIUS PUNGITIUS (GASTEROSTEIDAE) ИЗ ОЗЕРА ПРИЛИВНОГО (ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ КАМЧАТКА) ЗИМОЙ 2022-2023 ГГ

Size-weight composition and morphology of the nine-spined stickleback Pungitius pungitius from Lake Prilivnoe (southeast of Kamchatka) from December 2022 to March 2023 were studied. The average length of fish in 4 months increased from 30.5 to 55.3 mm, and the average individual weight of fish increased from 0.5 to 2.1 g, respectively. The largest scatter of data was observed for the anteanal, antepectoral, antedorsal and anteventral distances, the length of the caudal peduncle and the length of the head. As body length increases relative to body length, head length, anteanal distance, and antepectoral distance increase. The antedorsal distance, anteventral distance and the length of the caudal peduncle decrease with growth relative to the standard body length. As a result of the research, the variability of the morphological characteristics of the nine-spined stickleback that lives in this reservoir and is caught in one place.