Body Weight In Group Research Articles

The influence of hen size and diet nutrient density in early lay on hen performance, egg quality, and hen health in late lay

The effect of hen size and diet nutrient density during early lay on egg production (EP) at 24 and 69 wk of age (WOA) and late lay egg quality and hen health was evaluated. Based on bodyweight (BW) at 18 WOA ISA Brown hens were assigned as heavier (HW; n = 120) or lighter weight (LW; n =120). Sixty birds from each BW group were fed an early-lay diet of higher nutrient density (HND), or lower nutrient density (LND) between 18 and 24 WOA. From 25 WOA all hens received the same early-lay diet and then from 40 WOA the mid-lay diet. Hen average daily feed intake (ADFI), hen-day EP, egg weight (EW), egg mass (EM), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were assessed at 24 and 69 WOA. Between 66 and 70 WOA eggshell and internal egg quality was evaluated and at 70 WOA BW, liver and bone health were assessed. At 24 WOA BW was highest in HW birds and birds receiving the HND diet (P < 0.01). Concurrently ADFI, and FCR were higher and hen-day EP was lower in HW compared to LW birds (P < 0.05). The HND diet resulted in lower ADFI and FCR at 24 WOA, but higher EW and EM compared to the LND diet (P < 0.01). At 69 WOA HW birds had higher ADFI, EW (P < 0.02) and heavier 70 WOA BW compared to LW hens. The lower FCR of the LW birds at 69 WOA was approaching significance (P = 0.054). Hen weight and diet density did not affect 69 WOA egg production. Between 18 and 69 WOA cumulative FI and EM were higher in HW hens (P < 0.01) than LW hens, as was cumulative FCR (P = 0.053). Hen weight and diet density did not alter 66–70 WOA internal egg quality, but the HND diet generated thicker eggshells and higher eggshell breaking strength (P < 0.05). Seventy WOA liver health, keel curvature and femur breaking strength did not differ. Overall LW hens had lower FCR than HW hens and the early-lay HND diet facilitated improved eggshell integrity during late lay compared to the LND diet.

Microbiota Composition of Mucosa and Interactions between the Microbes of the Different Gut Segments Could Be a Factor to Modulate the Growth Rate of Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryThe microbial communities inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of chickens are essential for the gut homeostasis, metabolism, and health status of the host animal. Previous studies exploring the relationship between chicken growth performance and gut microbiota focused mostly on gut content and excreta samples, neglecting the mucosa that promotes colonisation by distinct groups of microorganisms. These observations emphasised the importance of studying the variations between the bacterial communities of the lumen and mucosa throughout the different sections of the GIT. The novelty of this study is that we have evaluated the microbial communities of the jejunum chymus, jejunum mucosa, and caecum chymus of broiler chickens with different growth rates. Besides the bacteriota composition, the interactions between the bacteria were also evaluated. We have confirmed that the microbiota composition is influenced mostly by the sampling place. However, some body weight (BW)-related changes and interactions have also been found. In these cases, the mucosa seems to play a crucial role.The study reported here aimed to determine whether correlations can be found between the intestinal segment-related microbiota composition and the different growing intensities of broiler chickens. The bacterial community structures of three intestinal segments (jejunum chymus—JC, jejunum mucosa—JM, caecum chymus—CC) from broiler chickens with low body weight (LBW) and high body weight (HBW) were investigated. Similar to the previous results in most cases, significant differences were found in the bacteriota diversity and composition between the different sampling places. However, fewer body weight (BW)-related differences were detected. In the JM of the HBW birds, the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio (B/F) was also higher. At the genus level significant differences were observed between the BW groups in the relative abundance of Enterococcus, mainly in the JC; Bacteroides and Ruminococcaceae UCG-010, mainly in the JM; and Ruminococcaceae UCG-013, Negativibacillus, and Alistipes in the CC. These genera and others (e.g., Parabacteroides and Fournierella in the JM; Butyricoccus, Ruminiclostridium-9, and Bilophila in the CC) showed a close correlation with BW. The co-occurrence interaction results in the JC revealed a correlation between the genera of Actinobacteria (mainly with Corynebacterium) and Firmicutes Bacilli classes with different patterns in the two BW groups. In the JM of LBW birds, two co-occurring communities were found that were not identifiable in HBW chickens and their members belonged to the families of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. In the frame of the co-occurrence evaluation between the jejunal content and mucosa, the two genera (Trichococcus and Oligella) in the JC were found to have a significant positive correlation with other genera of the JM only in LBW chickens.

Evaluation of cold tolerance and gene expression patterns associated with low-temperature stress in giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii

The giant freshwater prawn (GFP) Macrobrachium rosenbergii is a commercially important cultured species that originates from tropical and subtropical regions and has poor cold tolerance. This study investigated the species’ cold tolerance and regulation patterns of the related response genes, using GFP juveniles subjected to extreme low-temperature treatment. The water temperature was decreased from 26 °C at a rate of approximately 1 °C every 4 h until all prawns died. The temperatures resulting in lowest LT50 (lethal temperature at which 50% prawn die) and lowest lethal temperature were approximately 12.5 °C and 11.5 °C, respectively. Phenotypic traits and hardness of the exoskeleton generally had little effect on the cold tolerance of the prawns; however, two body-weight groups showed a highly significant difference (P < 0.01) in cold-tolerance ability, with smaller prawns (≤2 g) more susceptible to low temperatures than larger ones. Furthermore, the cold-tolerant group (last 10% of mortalities) had better cold tolerance than the cold-sensitive group (first 10% of mortalities). Additionally, comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed for the cold-tolerant and cold-sensitive groups under low-temperature stress, and for the control group maintained at ~26 °C. Through the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and RT-qPCR validation experiments, several key candidate genes were screened out, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase and laccase1-like protein, which may exert considerable influence on the response of GFP to low-temperature stress. More DEGs were found in hepatopancreas than in muscle, and several key pathways were significantly enriched in hepatopancreas, including folate biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and pancreatic secretion, indicating the hepatopancreas plays a critical role in cold tolerance. Within the pathway of folate biosynthesis, the key upregulated gene is Alkaline phosphatase, suggesting that this gene is critical in response to low temperatures. The present results contribute to understanding the molecular mechanism of cold tolerance in this species.

Effects of nature identical essential oils (carvacrol, thymol and cinnamaldehyde) on growth performance of piglets and non-invasive markers of antioxidant status and calprotectin release

The post-weaning phase is one of the most critical periods in pig production due to many stress factors that may negatively affect the response of the immune system and lead to intestinal gut dysfunction in pigs. The use of products of natural or synthetic origin could support the animals’ health in this stressful situation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nature identical essential oils (SEOs; carvacrol, thymol and cinnamaldehyde) added to post-weaning piglets’ diet on growth performance, fecal antioxidant status and calprotectin (CALP) release. At weaning, a total of 72 crossbred piglets were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: a control group fed with the basal diet (CTR) and treatment groups fed with the basal diet with either a low dosage of SEOs (T1, 50 ppm) or a high dosage of the product SEOs (T2, 100 ppm). The body weight (BW) was measured at 0, 14 and 42 days, and the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed efficiency (FE) were calculated at the end. From fecal samples, we measured the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), by FRAP and ABTS assays, and the CALP release. The ADG was higher in the treated groups (p < 0.05), although there was no significant effect of a treatment x time interaction. No significant differences were detected between the groups for BW, ADFI and FE. As for the antioxidant activity, the FRAP after SEOs administration showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction at the end of the trial, probably due to an accumulation of a complex mixture of antioxidant compounds and a consequent underestimation of the antioxidant capacity. Calprotectin, a marker of gut inflammation, decreased in the SEOs-treated groups with a significant (p < 0.05) time effect after 42 days. The results of this study demonstrate that the use of a natural extract can improve some parameters of growth performance and gut health.

Does a powerlifting inspired exercise programme better compliment pain education compared to bodyweight exercise for people with chronic low back pain? A multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial

Background Contemporary management of chronic low back pain involves combined exercise and pain education. Currently, there is a gap in the literature for whether any exercise mode better pairs with pain education. The purpose of this study was to compare general callisthenic exercise with a powerlifting style programme, both paired with consistent pain education, for chronic low back pain. We hypothesised powerlifting style training may better compliment the messages of pain education. Methods An 8-week single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted comparing bodyweight exercise (n = 32) with powerlifting (n = 32) paired with the same education, for people with chronic low back pain. Exercise sessions were one-on-one and lasted 60-min, with the last 5–15 min comprising pain education. Pain, disability, fear, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression were measured at baseline, 8-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months. Results No significant between-group differences were observed for pain (p≥0.40), or disability (p≥0.45) at any time-point. Within-group differences were significantly improved for pain (p ≤ 0.04) and disability (p ≤ 0.04) at all time-points for both groups, except 6-month disability in the bodyweight group (p = 0.1). Behavioural measures explained 39–60% of the variance in changes in pain and disability at each time-point, with fear and self-efficacy emerging as significant in these models (p ≤ 0.001) Conclusions Both powerlifting and bodyweight exercise were safe and beneficial when paired with pain education for chronic low back pain, with reductions in pain and disability associated with improved fear and self-efficacy. This study provides opportunity for practitioners to no longer be constrained by systematic approaches to chronic low back pain.

Improvement in arterial enhancement using diluted injection of contrast medium in CT angiography.

Arterial enhancement after contrast injection affects the quality of computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. To evaluate whether the dilution of contrast medium (CM) for CTA increases arterial enhancement after the adjustment of iodine concentration as per the patient's body weight (BW). We retrospectively studied 700 patients who underwent coronary CTA. The first 350 consecutive patients underwent standard CTA with a fixed iodine concentration, whereas the remaining 350 underwent CTA with a diluted CM injection. All patients were classified into three groups according to their BW (<55, 55-65, and 66-73 kg). The mean and proportion of contrast enhancements (CEs) in the ascending aorta of ≥350 Hounsfield units (HUs) (CE350) were compared between the standard CTA and diluted CM injection and among the BW groups. The associations between BW and CE were analyzed using linear regression. Receiving diluted CM increased the mean CE in the <55-kg group (403.4 ± 55.4 HU vs. 382.8 ± 59.3 HU; P < 0.01) but not in the groups with heavier BW. The proportion of patients with CE350 increased with BW (<55 kg = 71%, 55-65 kg = 84%, and 66-73 kg = 91%) and increased after dilution (86%, 93%, and 96%, respectively). After CM dilution, the correlation between BW and CE among patients undergoing CTA decreased from 0.37 to 0.22 (P < 0.05). CM dilution for CTA improves arterial enhancement.

Performance and ruminal and intestinal morphometry of Santa Inês sheep submitted to feed restriction and refeeding.

A study was carried out to evaluate the performance and ruminal and intestinal morphology of Santa Inês sheep subjected to feed restriction followed by refeeding. A total of 40 uncastrated lambs with an approximate age of 120 ± 15days and mean body weight (BW) of 17.04 ± 1.18kg were randomly divided into two groups of BW (20 and 25kg of BW), which were subjected to different levels of feed restriction (0%, 25%, and 40% of feed restriction). For performance variables, six treatments were considered (0, 25%, and 40% of feed restriction for both groups (20 and 25kg of BW)) and five treatments for morphometric variables (ad libitum, 25% and 40% for both groups (20 and 25kg of BW)). All animals were slaughtered with 14weeks of experimentation. During the feed restriction phase, the dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (FE), and average daily gain (ADG) decreased (P < 0.05) as the level of restriction increased. During the refeeding phase, lambs with 20kg of body weight subjected to restriction presented lower (P < 0.05) DMI in the ad libitum treatment. However, lambs with 25kg of body weight under feed restriction presented DMI, FE, and ADG similar (P > 0.05) to the group ad libitum. The final body weight of restricted lambs after refeeding (both groups 20 and 25kg of body weight) was lower (P < 0.05) than lambs feed ad libitum. In relation to morphology, restricted lambs showed greater height ruminal papillae and larger (P < 0.05) area of ruminal absorption and intestinal absorption, especially the lambs under treatment 40% of feed restriction. The feed restriction followed by refeeding in sheep provided partial compensatory gain, in addition, caused morphological changes in the rumen and intestine that allowed greater absorption and possibly compensatory gain in periods of greater refeeding.

Protective Role of Different Local Spices on Lambda Cyhalothrin Induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Mice

Aim: This study was aimed at evaluating the protective role of different local spices on lambda cyhalothrin induced nephrotoxicity in male mice&#x0D; Experimental Design: A completely randomized experimental design using standard methods for analysis.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Animal house, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt, Nigeria. GPS 4o47'50''N 6o58'49''E. This study lasted for 35days.&#x0D; Methodology: The experimental animals were separated into 6 groups (A-F) of seven mice each. Group A served as the control and Group B – F served as the test groups. At the end of the 35 day treatment period, feed was withdrawn from the mice 24 hours before termination of the experiment. Blood samples for analysis of kidney function test were collected from each mouse by ocular puncture into plain tubes. The blood was allowed to clot and centrifuged at 2500g to separate the serum from the cells. Total protein was analyzed using the spectrophotometric method of biuret, Bradford and erythrosine – b, albumin was estimated, creatinine and urea was done using enzymatic method. Vital organs were removed and weighed for organosomatic indices. Histological sections of the kidney were mounted on slides, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E). Photomicrographs were generated.&#x0D; Results: There is no significant difference (P=0.05) between the organ weight and bodyweight in group A compared with the treatment groups. The values of Albumin, total protein, urea, creatinine and total bilirubin increased significantly in group B administered lambda cyhalothrin alone but decreased in groups administered the local spices. Histopathological analysis of the kidney shows the regular structure of the kidney architecture in group A, tubular degeneration and several vacuolations were observed in group B. However, less degeneration of the epithelial cells, regeneration of renal tubular epithelium were observed in groups C- F.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the results from liver biomarkers and histological micrographs from this study, pronounced degeneration was observed in the kidney cells exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin only. Moreover, all spices used had a regenerating ability on the kidney tubules. It is advocated therefore that consumption of this spices either singly or in combination should be encouraged especially for those exposed to insecticides poisoning

Impact of family-based selection on growth performance and immune response of Japanese quail.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the growth performance and immune response of three genetic lines of Japanese quails. These lines i.e., selected for 4-week body-weight group (WBS), selected for egg number (EBS), and random-bred control (RBC), were selected for three consecutive generations from a base population of 1125 quails. In total, 2700 four-week-old quails from three selected groups were slaughtered in total of four generations (G0 to G3). Effects of selection and generations as well as their interactions were assessed for growth performance and immune response by applying a two-way analysis of variance. Significant means were compared with Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The statistical analysis showed a significant effect of selection and generations on most of the growth and immune response parameters. WBS in G3 presented significantly higher values of body weight, weight gain, and FCR than RBC and EBS. FCR was better in WBS during G3 than those of EBS and RBC. However, Livability% was highest in RBC while the lowest was noted in G3 of WBS line. Thymus% and spleen% were higher in EBS as compared to RBC and WBS. RBC presented a better B/S ratio and ND titer than those of EBS and WBS. The decreasing trend of ND titer in both lines of WBS and EBS as compared to RBC suggested a decrease in New Castle disease resistance in progressive generations of selection. It was concluded that selection for body weight and egg number has a positive impact on respective traits but negatively affects the immunity in later generations.

Abstract 9290: Relationship Between Body Weight and Pharmacokinetics of Apixaban in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Insights from the ARISTOTLE Trial

Introduction: Apixaban dosing in atrial fibrillation (AF) is 5 mg BID or 2.5 mg BID in patients with ≥2 dose-reduction criteria: age &gt;80 years, weight &lt;60 kg, or creatinine &gt;1.5 mg/dl. There is a question of whether drug monitoring might be useful to guide dosing, particularly in patients with extremely high or low body weight (BW). Previous work has demonstrated that the effects of apixaban versus warfarin are similar across BWs. We aimed to investigate the relationship between BW and exposure to apixaban in patients with AF. Methods: Exposure to apixaban was assessed as area under the curve steady state (AUC SS ) using population pharmacokinetics (PK) data from the Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) trial. The relationship between BW and AUC SS was assessed continuously and by BW categories of ≤60kg, &gt;60-120kg, or &gt;120kg overall and by apixaban dose. Results: Of patients with PK data (n=2924), 8.9% were ≤60kg, and 5.8% &gt;120kg. Compared to the overall group, patients ≤60kg were more likely to be older (74 vs 70 years), female (67 vs 33%), had lower creatinine (0.92 vs 1.02 mg/dL) and higher CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores (3.9 vs 3.4). There was a weak but significant correlation between BW and AUC SS assessed continuously (correlation -0.38, p&lt;0.001) and by BW group: ≤60kg [median AUCSS 4089 (25 th 3073, 75 th 5148 ng•hr/ml)], &gt;60-120kg [3566 (2926, 4286 ng•hr/ml)], and &gt;120kg [2699 (2284, 3226 ng•hr/ml)] (p&lt;0.001) (Figure). This relationship persisted with stratification by apixaban dose (data not shown). Conclusions: There is a significant relationship between body weight and predicted exposure to apixaban, including at the extremes of BW, but with wide variation in exposure at every weight. This variation, and the absence of an association between body weight and apixaban’s observed safety and efficacy compared with warfarin, make it unlikely that routine therapeutic monitoring of apixaban will be clinically useful.

Utilizing Hip Abduction Strength to Body-Weight Ratios in Return to Sport Decision-Making After ACL Reconstruction.

BackgroundDespite the association between hip abduction weakness and non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, hip abduction strength is rarely considered in return to sport decision-making following ACL reconstruction (ACLR).Hypothesis/PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare self-reported function, objective functional test performance, and re-injury rates in patients with high (≥33%) versus low (<33% ) isometric hip abduction strength to body weight (BW) ratios when returning to activity following ACLR.Study DesignCohort studyMethodsData were gathered from a single-surgeon database and included baseline demographics. Clinical outcomes were assessed at the time of release to activity and included self-reported outcomes and a functional testing battery. Isometric hip abduction strength was obtained using a handheld dynamometer. Groups were dichotomized into those with low vs high strength to BW ratios. Two-year follow-up was performed using the single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE). Data were analyzed using univariate general linear models with an alpha level of .05.ResultsOf the 528 enrolled patients, 364 (68.9%) demonstrated a low strength to BW ratio. Baseline comparisons revealed more females and higher BMI (P <.05) in the <33% group. At release to activity, the <33% BW group demonstrated lower International Knee Documentation Committee survey scores (88.2 ± 13.6 vs 93.5 ± 10.3, P<.01), ACL-Return to Sport After Injury (76.2 ± 15.4 vs 88.5 ± 16.9, P<.01) scores, and isokinetic hamstring peak torque (P=.04). At 2-years, the <33% group reported lower SANE scores (83.3 ± 21.1 vs 92.83 ± 11.4, P=.05) with no significant differences in re-injuries.ConclusionPatients with low hip abduction strength to BW ratios demonstrated lower subjective function, psychological readiness, and isokinetic hamstring peak torque when completing functional testing following ACLR. Subjective deficits remained at 2-years.Level of EvidenceLevel 3Key TermsACL injury, hip abduction strength, return to sport, strength ratioClinical RelevanceAssessing isometric hip abduction strength to body weight ratio may be beneficial in determining readiness to return to sport following ACL reconstruction.What is Known About the SubjectThree prospective studies have provided conflicting evidence regarding the relationship between hip abduction strength and ACL injury. A clinical cut-point of hip abduction strength:BW ratio <35.4% has been suggested to identify athletes at risk of sustaining a non-contact ACL injury. To our knowledge no studies have examined isometric hip abduction strength:BW ratios in athletes attempting to return to sport following ACLR.What This Study Adds to Existing KnowledgeThis study examines the potential for hip abduction strength:BW ratio to be included as an additional metric in return to sport testing batteries.

Association of Joint Body Weight Profile and Physical Activity with Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Montana Adults

Background: There is much debate surrounding the fat but fit paradox, namely, questioning the extent to which physical fitness protects obese/overweight populations from premature mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the link between joint body weight (BW) profile and physical activity (PA) (BW.PA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in adults. Methods: Data for this study came from the 2019 Montana Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Participants were firstly assigned to one of three BW groups (normal weight, overweight, obese) using CDC BMI criteria, secondly assigned to one of three PA groups (active, insufficiently active, inactive) using self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and finally assigned to one of the resulting nine joint BW.PA groups. Three main CVD risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes) were used as separate and then combined outcomes. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the odds of having a CVD risk factor for each BW.PA group, relative to “normal weight and active”. Results: A direct linear trend in odds ratios (ORs) was observed across BW.PA groups for each CVD risk factor, from “normal weight and active” to “obese and inactive”. Fully adjusted regression models showed increased odds of having any of the three CVD risk factors (versus having none) for adults “overweight and active” (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.73 – 2.85) and adults “obese and active” (OR = 4.03, 95% CI: 3.08 – 5.27), compared to those “normal weight and active”. Odds were also significantly (p Conclusion: This study found that BW profile was a strong and consistent predictor of three primary CVD risk factors. Obese adults were much more likely to have CVD risk, regardless of PA participation. Hence, fat but fit may not be a paradox among adults in Montana.

Comparative evaluation of carcass characteristics and meat quality attributes of Japanese quail among different lines

The present study evaluated the carcass and meat quality traits of three groups of Japanese quails. These groups {i.e. selected for 4-week body-weight group (WBS), selected for egg number (EBS), and random-bred control (RBC)}, were selected for three consecutive generations from a base population of 1125 quails. In total, 2700 four-week-old quails from three selected lines (225 birds per group per generation) were slaughtered in a total of four generations (G0 to G3). The effects of selection were evaluated on the carcass and meat quality traits in four generations. WBS in G3 presented significantly highest dressing yield, breast yield, thigh yield, percentage of liver, heart, and gizzard than RBC and EBS groups. The ultimate pH of breast meat was higher in G2 of the WBS group. Breast meat lightness was also significantly higher in G2 of the WBS group, while redness was higher in G0 (at 20 min post-slaughter) and G3 (at 24 h post-slaughter) of the RBC group. The quails from G3 of WBS had more tender meat than all EBS and RBC groups. Percentage of drip loss and cooking loss were significantly higher in quails of G3 from the WBS group. It was concluded that body weight and egg based selection practices in Japanese quail had a positive influence on meat yield and quality.

Effect of Supplementation of Fermented Yeast Culture on Hormones and Their Receptors on Exposure to Higher Temperature and on Production Performance after Exposure in Nicobari Chickens.

Heat stress (HS) affects the production performance in chickens and causes economic loss to the producers. Most of the studies have been conducted on and for the welfare of broilers. We still lack information on the physiological parameters being affected during chronic heat stress in layers. To fill this gap, the present study evaluated the effect of heat stress (induced in the chamber) during the prelaying period (21–23 weeks) on plasma levels of the hormones leptin and ghrelin and GH and expression of the respective receptors and heat stress markers. Three groups were considered, one at room temperature (CR) and the other two groups (SH and CH) subjected to heat stress at 39°C for four hours for three weeks (21–23 weeks of age). The SH group (SH) feed was supplemented with fermented yeast culture (FYC, 700 mg/kg), whereas the CH group was devoid of it. After that, all the groups were shifted to shed under natural ambient conditions till 31 weeks of age. Studies were restricted to production performance only. Feed offered without yeast culture (CH group) had a smaller concentration of plasma hormones (P < 0.01) and increased expression fold of the hormone receptors (P < 0.01). Further, the group also presented higher liver AMP kinase enzyme, plasma MDA (malondialdehyde), and cholesterol concentrations. These changes likely explained the decrease in feed intake and the CH group's body weight and further reduced the production performance during the laying period. Supplementation with FYC to birds had an opposite effect on the above-mentioned parameters, reducing HS effects. In summary, supplementation with FYC (700 mg/kg) maintained physiological parameters as in the CR group under HS conditions and negated adverse effects on parameters both before and during laying periods.

Ganoderma lucidum Induces Myogenesis Markers to Avert Damage to Skeletal Muscles in Rats Exposed to Hypobaric Hypoxia.

Jatwani, Arti, and Rajkumar Tulsawani. Ganoderma lucidum induces myogenesis markers to avert damage to skeletal muscles in rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. High Alt Med Biol. 24:287-295, 2023. Background: Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) has been reported to induce skeletal muscle loss and impair myogenesis. Aqueous extract of G. lucidum (AqGL) contains bioactive metabolites attributed to various pharmacological effects. In this study, protective effect of AqGL in ameliorating muscle mass loss following acute HH has been reported. Materials and Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into following five groups of six rats in each group: unexposed control (Group 1), 6 hours of HH exposure (Group 2), 6 hours of HH exposure+AqGL extract 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) (Group 3), 6 hours of HH exposure+AqGL extract 100 mg/kg BW (Group 4), and 6 hours of HH exposure+AqGL extract 200 mg/kg BW (Group 5). Experimental animals from all groups, except Group, 1 were exposed to HH, simulated altitude of 25,000 ft for 6 hours. After exposure period, gastrocnemius muscle was collected, weighed, and morphological, biochemical, and molecular markers were analyzed. Results: HH-exposed rat muscle showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species & malondialdehyde), which was concomitant with decrease in its mass compared to controls. AqGL treatment significantly (p < 0.05) prevented muscle oxidative stress, restored reduced glutathione content, reduced protein carbonyl content and advanced oxidation protein product, and restored muscle mass loss at effective dose of 100 mg/kg BW. Furthermore, AqGL supplementation enhanced Myf5 (p < 0.01), MyoD (p < 0.01), MyoG (p < 0.05), and Mrf4 (nonsignificantly), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (p < 0.01), and interleukin 6 (p < 0.01) expression along with restoration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (p < 0.001) and myostatin (p < 0.05) in hypoxia-exposed muscle, evidencing induction of myogenesis markers. Moreover, histological analysis showed increased myocyte number; nuclei shifted toward the periphery in the treatment group supporting muscle regeneration. Conclusion: AqGL supplementation attenuates muscle mass loss by preventing oxidative stress and inducing modulation in myogenesis markers under HH environment.

Population pharmacokinetics and exposure-response analyses of varenicline in adolescent smokers.

Varenicline is an approved smoking cessation aid in adults. Population pharmacokinetics (popPK) and exposure–response (ER) (continuous abstinence rates [CAR] weeks 9‒12 and nausea/vomiting incidence) for varenicline in adolescent smokers were characterized using data from two phase 1 and one phase 4 studies. A one‐compartment popPK model with first‐order absorption and elimination adequately fitted the observed data. The effect of female sex on apparent clearance was significant. Apparent volume of distribution increased with body weight and decreased by 24%, 15%, and 14% for black race, “other” race, and female sex, respectively. The observed range of exposure in the phase 4 study was consistent with that expected for each dose and body‐weight group from the results obtained in adolescent PK studies, supporting that varenicline dose and administration were appropriate in the study. The relationship between CAR9‒12 and varenicline area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) from 0 to 24 hours (AUC24) was nonsignificant (p = 0.303). Nausea/vomiting incidence increased with AUC24 (p < 0.001) and was higher in females. Varenicline PK and ER for tolerability in adolescent smokers were comparable with adults, while ER for efficacy confirmed the negative results reported in the phase 4 study.

Gestational Monosodium Glutamate Exposure Effects on Anogenital Distance of Male Rat Pups

High-dose Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) expo sure increases the estrogen level in pregnant rats. However, there are limited data available on whether the MSG-related maternal hormonal effects can affect male litters' genitalia phenotype. This study aimed to analyze the impact of MSG on estrogen level in pregnant rats and anogenital distance in male pups. Experiment for this study was performed at the animal facility of Biomedical Laboratory at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, from April 2019 to February 2020. Pregnant Wistar rats were given MSG orally at 2 and 4 mg/g body weight (BW) for 20 days. On day 21, pregnant rats were sacrificed and blood was drawn intracardially. Estradiol serum level was measured by ELISA. Male pups were counted, and the anogenital distance (AGD) was measured. Maternal serum estradiol levels were statistically analyzed by One-Way ANOVA and the AGD of male litters were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results showed that perinatal MSG exposure increased the estradiol level (26.3±4.5 pg/ml; 37.5±6.7 pg/ml; 62.1±8.2 pg/ml in control, 2 mg/g BW, and 4 mg/g BW group, respectively [mean±SD; p=&lt;0.001]) and decreased the AGD (4 mm; 3 mm; 1.5 mm in control, 2 mg/g BW, and 4 mg/gBW group, respectively [median; p=&lt;0.01]) in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, MSG exposure during pregnancy is a risk factor for male rat feminization.

Carcass percentage of male KUB-2 KK chicken on different body weight

KUB2 KK chicken is an improved KUB1 chicken, the improved local chicken created by the Indonesian Research Institute for Animal Production (IRIAP). Carcass percentage is an important indicator to evaluate the productivity of the slaughtered chicken. The objective of this research was to evaluate the carcass percentage of male KUB2 KK chicken on different body weights. 94 heads of ten weeks old male KUB2 KK chicken were used and it was divided into six bodyweight groups (G1: 700 to 799 g, G2: 800 to 899 g, G3: 900 to 999 g, G4: 1,000 to 1,099 g, G5: 1,100 to 1,199 g and G6: 1,200 to 1,299 g). Resulted data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The results showed carcass percentage of G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 and G6 were 61.12 %, 61.62 %, 62.50 %, 63.47 %, 63.72 % and 64.10 %, respectively. The group of body weight resulted significantly different on carcass percentage. Carcass percentage increased with increasing body weight. Thighs were the biggest part of the carcass. It was followed by breast, back, and wings. Abdominal fat had a tendency to increase by an increasing of body weight.

An Epigenomic Signature in Children Born Small for Gestational Age (SGA) With “Catch-up” Growth Is Present From Birth and Predicts Early Adulthood Pre-Hypertension

Abstract Background: Cardiometabolic conditions in adulthood are more common in children born SGA1. The relationship of the transcriptome (gene expression) and epigenome (DNA methylation) to birth size and the future development of cardiometabolic disease has not been characterized. Aims: To identify I) the relationship between epigenome at age 0, 7 and 17 years, transcriptome at age 9 years and birth size in a normal population; II) links between the transcriptome and epigenome in childhood and adult cardiometabolic risk. Study Design: Normal children (n=6487) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were assigned to groups based on birth size using bodyweight (BW) and gestation and divided into groups using the population 10th centile. Adverse cardiometabolic risk at age 17 years was defined by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute criteria of prehypertension using systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as HDL and LDL2. Blood transcriptome at age 9 and blood epigenome at age 0, 7, and 17 years and were available from 980 and 947 children, respectively. Hypernetworks were used to integrate differentially expressed genes in the transcriptome (DEGs) and differentially methylated points (DMPs) in the epigenome, identifying functional links. Random Forest, a machine learning approach, was used to determine the predictive value of ‘omic data presented as the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic. Results: Pre-hypertensive participants at age 17 years were distinguished from normotensive participants and this group was enriched for children born small who caught up by age 7 years (155/611 unhealthy/healthy SGA compared to 1979/12746 in all other BW groups; 1.6-fold, p&amp;lt;1x10-5). This group had a greater height velocity during their catch-up period than the normotensive participants (1.2-fold, p=0.027). Hypernetwork integration of ‘omic data identified a functional relationship between 55 DEGs at age 9 years and DMPs at age 7 years. Random forest analysis was able to accurately predict the presence of pre-hypertensive young adults from the age 9 transcriptome (AUC: 0.973). Using a gene-level contraction of DMPs which map to the 55 DEGs (i.e. cis-DMPs), we demonstrated accurate classification of pre-hypertensive young adults from their blood methylome at age 0 (AUC [95% CI]: 0.92 [0.89-0.95]), 7 (0.90 [0.87-0.93]), and 17 (0.91 [0.88-0.94]) years. Conclusions: Through the integration of transcriptome and epigenome, we have identified a set of genes with an epigenomic and transcriptomic signature which predict pre-hypertension in children born SGA who catch up. Specifically, we have shown that the associated epigenomic signature tracks from birth to early adulthood, indicating the possibility of early detection of risk and primordial prevention. 1 Barker etal. (1988) BMJ 297(6641):134-135. 2 Chobanian etal. (2003) JAMA 289(19):2560-2571.

Fast Focus Ultrasound Liver Technique for the Assessment of Cystic Echinococcosis in Sheep.

Simple SummaryCystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. The liver ultrasonography can be considered as the gold standard for the in vivo diagnosis detection of CE. Nevertheless, control programs against E. granulosus are considered long-term actions that require an integrated approach and the high expenditure of time and financial resources. This parasitosis still causes severe economic losses both in human healthcare and in the entire livestock breeding system, with loss in milk, meat, and wool production. Considering the impact of this zoonosis in the modern sheep’s breeding system, a reliable hepatic ultrasound could represent an innovative strategy to control and even eradicate the disease in sheep farms. Based on these considerations, the present study aimed to evaluate a fast-focused technique for hepatic CE detection in different sheep breeds and compare the performance of the latter with another fast-scan (previously evaluated in Sarda sheep breed), the complete ultrasound liver examination, and the anatomopathological examination.A complete ultrasound examination (cUS) of the liver was performed on 172 female sheep and compared to the performance of a fast-focused ultrasound technique to diagnose echinococcal cysts. The scanned area was divided in: HYP (right hypocondrium), zone (Z)1 from HYP to the 11th intercostal space (IS), Z2 (10th–8th IS) and Z3 (7th–5th IS). Contiguous scans were also examined (HYP + Z1, Z1 + Z2, Z2 + Z3). Furthermore, during the procedures, the sheep were divided into three groups according to the body weight: Group (G) 1 (lighter), G2 (medium), and G3 (heavier). Finally, diagnostic outcomes were compared with necropsy findings. cUS obtained the highest values of sensitivity (Se) (91%), Specificity (Sp) (80%), and positive-zones (124/138, 90%), as compared to the other scans. cUS was also characterized by high values of Se and Sp and was able to identify a great number of positive-zones, when sheep were divided by body-weight groups. Similar performances were obtained in G1 by HYP (Se: 91%–Sp: 82%; 18/20, 90% of positive-zones) and HYP + Z1 scans (Se: 91%–Sp: 82; 90% of positive-zones, 18/20). Thus, in lighter breeds, the examination of HYP and HYP + Z1 scan windows could be considered reliable techniques for identifying the infected animals, while in heavier sheep the cUS still represents the best option.