Body Mass Research Articles

The efficacy of crossbreeding on reproductive and productive performance in New Zealand White and Flemish Giant rabbits

Crossbreeding is a well-established practice in livestock production aimed at improving reproductive and productive traits. This study evaluated the effects of crossbreeding on rabbits, focusing on comparisons between purebred Flemish Giant (n = 10), New Zealand White (n = 23), and their crossbred offspring (n = 27). Various parameters, including litter size, body weight, growth rate, and mortality, were assessed. The results demonstrated that crossbred rabbits presented a 15% faster growth rate than purebred rabbits, along with the lowest mortality rate and highest total meat output. This phenomenon, attributed to hybrid vigour, effectively blends the large frame of the Flemish Giant with the good litter size of the New Zealand White. Furthermore, statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Tukey‒Kramer’s honestly significant test, confirmed the significant effects of breed class on productivity, body weight, and carcass yield. Growth curves estimated using the Gompertz model highlighted the superior performance of crossbred rabbits under semiarid conditions. Notably, crossbreeding resulted in offspring with the highest dressing percentage and overall improved performance, offering potential advantages for rabbit producers worldwide.

Alleviating effect of whey protein supplementation on oxidative stress in hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is one of the most prevalent thyroid pathologies, which causes oxidative stress by disrupting antioxidant mechanisms. In mammals, the thyroid glands regulate metabolism, development, and growth. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland can result in hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. Whey protein is a widely consumed protein supplement containing abundant sulphur-containing amino acids and bioactive peptides. Here, we analysed the effect of whey protein on oxidative stress in hypothyroidism. In vivo studies were conducted in two phases for 30 and 90 days, respectively. Hypothyroidism was induced in Wistar albino rats by administering 0.05% propylthiouracil (PTU) through drinking water. Five hypothyroid groups and the normal control group were maintained in the first 30 day phase of the study. Among these, one group served as the induced control group, three groups received whey protein at different concentrations (100, 300, and 500 mg per kg body weight), and the last group received L-thyroxine (2 μg per 100 g body weight) as a positive medication. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase, were analysed, and the levels of total antioxidants, glutathione, and malondialdehyde were determined. Ca2+ ATPase and Na+/K+ ATPase activities were detected by estimating the inorganic phosphate content. Histopathological analysis was carried out on the thyroid and liver tissues of all groups. Antioxidant activity was notably increased for higher doses of whey protein compared to that in the diseased control group (p < 0.05). From this initial study, the dose that achieved the desired therapeutic effect was 500 mg kg-1, which was considered for the next 90 day phase of the study. The 90 day phase of the study was conducted with five groups: normal, whey protein-supplemented, hypothyroid, whey protein-supplemented hypothyroid, and levothyroxine-supplemented hypothyroid. All the PTU-treated groups showed degenerative alterations in thyroid histology. Whey protein supplementation causes a considerable decrease in MDA levels with an increase in the major antioxidant enzyme and ATPase activities, with p < 0.05. As a nutritional supplement, whey protein, at a 500 mg kg-1 dose, effectively boosts antioxidant activity without causing any toxicological concerns in long-term use.

GDF15 knockout does not substantially impact perinatal body weight or neonatal outcomes in mice.

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15) increases in circulation during pregnancy and has been implicated in food intake, weight loss, complications of pregnancy, and metabolic illness. We used a Gdf15 knockout mouse model (Gdf15-/-) to assess the role of GDF15 in body weight regulation and food intake during pregnancy. We found that Gdf15-/- dams consumed a similar amount of food and gained comparable weight during the course of pregnancy compared to Gdf15+/+ dams. Insulin sensitivity on gestational day 16.5 was also similar between genotypes. In the postnatal period, litter size, and survival rates were similar between genotypes. There was a modest reduction in birth weight of Gdf15-/- pups, but this difference was no longer evident postnatal day 3.5 to 14.5. We observed no detectable differences in milk volume production or milk fat percentage. These data suggest that GDF15 is dispensable for changes in food intake, and body weight as well as insulin sensitivity during pregnancy in a mouse model.

Poliumoside inhibits apoptosis, oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation to prevent intracerebroventricular Streptozotocin-induced cognitive dysfunction in Sprague-Dawley Rats: in in-vivo, in-vitro and in-silico study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe neurological illness causes cognitive decline and mortality if not treated early. However, the current therapeutic modalities are inefficient to manage the cognitive dysfunction of AD. Therefore, in the present manuscript, we have enumerated the pharmacological benefit of Poliumoside in the Streptozotocin-induced cognitive dysfunction in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Initially, the cognitive dysfunction in rats was induced by the intracerebroventricular administration of Streptozotocin, then rats received PMD (5 mg and 10 mg/kg body weight) was given. Various behavioural analysis, such as Morris water maze (MWM), and object recognition tests (ORT), and locomotor analysis was conducted in PMD treated group. Various biochemical analysis was conducted to analyze the effect of PMD on hippocampus oxidative-nitrosative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. MTT assay and annexin V/PI staining was performed to analyse the effect of PMD on the cell viability and neuronal toxicity of PC12 cells, respectively. Molecular docking analysis was also conducted with crystal structure of human AChE. PMD treatment improved cognitive capacity in rats in MWM and ORT. Compared to STZ rats, PMD-treated rats had significantly higher locomotor activity and lower AChE activity. PMD also restores dopamine, 5-HT, and NE levels and reduces metabolic their deactivation as evidenced by increased levels of DOPAC, HVA, 5-HIAA. Nitrite, MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH levels were restored near normal in PMD-treated rats, reducing hippocampus oxidative-nitrosative stress. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were similarly lowered in PMD-treated rats. In in-vitro studies, PMD did not affect PC12 cell survival at the maximal dose of 10 µM. In addition, PMD concentration-dependently prevents H₂O₂-induced neuronal death in PC12 cells. The in-silico docking analysis showed that the PMD fit snugly into the active site of human AChE by engaging with the anionic domain and the catalytic triad of Trp86, Tyr337, Phe338, and Gly121 residues. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that PMD have significant impact on AD by inhibiting ACheE and restoring neurotransmitter levels, which enhances Ach levels in rats and improves cognitive impairment in STZ rats.

Exploring the longitudinal expression dynamics of midguts in adult female Amblyomma americanum ticks

BackgroundFemale ticks remain attached to their host for multiple days to complete a blood meal. This prolonged feeding period is accompanied by a significant increase in the tick’s size and body weight, paralleled by noteworthy changes to the tick midgut. While the midgut is recognized for its established role in blood storage and processing, its importance extends to playing a crucial role in the acquisition, survival, and proliferation of pathogens. Despite this, our overall understanding of tick midgut biology is limited.ResultsOur transcriptome analysis identified 15,599 putative DNA coding sequences (CDS), which were classified into 26 functional groups. Dimensional and differential expression analyses revealed four primary transcriptional profiles corresponding to unfed, slow-feeding, transitory (from slow- to rapid-feeding), and rapid-feeding stages. Additionally, comparing the current dataset with previously deposited transcriptome from other tick species allowed the identification of commonly expressed transcripts across different feeding stages.ConclusionOur findings provide a detailed temporal resolution of numerous metabolic pathways in the midgut of A. americanum adult females throughout the feeding process, highlighting the dynamic transcriptional regulation of the tick’s midgut as feeding progresses. Furthermore, we identified conserved transcripts across three different tick species that exhibit similar expression patterns. This knowledge not only enhances our understanding of the physiological processes within the tick midgut but also opens up potential avenues for developing control methods that target multiple tick species.

Influence of Bacterial Nanocellulose Consumption on the Content of Macronutrients and Trace Elements in the Organs of Rats.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) prepared by the methods of "green" bionanotechnological synthesis is considered a promising food additive and food ingredient. At the same time, the risk of reducing the bioavailability of minerals due to their adsorption on BNC fibers having a high specific surface area and high adsorption and ion exchange capacity cannot be excluded. We studied the effect of oral administration of BNC on the accumulation of macronutrients and trace elements included in the diet in the liver and kidneys of laboratory animals. Male Wistar rats received BNC at doses of 0 (control), 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg body weight as part of their diet for 8 weeks. The content of 30 macronutrients and trace elements in the liver and kidneys was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. It was found that BNC at all doses did not significantly change the content of the main essential macronutrients and trace elements in the organs (Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Se, and Zn), which indicates the absence of a negative effect on their bioavailability. Among other elements, a statistically significant decrease in the content of As, B, Cd, Co, and Pb in the liver and an increase in Al, B, Ba, Ni, and Pb in the kidneys were revealed (more than 20% of the control). The revealed decrease in the bioaccumulation of cobalt can indicate inhibition of assimilation of certain chemical forms of this trace element under the action of BNC.

RNA-seq and whole-genome re-sequencing reveal Micropterus salmoides growth-linked gene and selection signatures under carbohydrate-rich diet and varying temperature

This study was performed on Micropterus salmoides to determine growth-linked gene and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers under carbohydrate diet and varying temperature through RNA-seq and whole-genome re-sequencing. The results showed that growth-related genes were primarily enriched in the fat digestion and absorption signaling pathway, playing a role in lipid transport and metabolism. Fatty acid binding protein 6, bile salt-activated lipase-like, lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2, phospholipase A2, minor isoenzyme-like, and phospholipase A2, group IB (pancreas) were identified as the crucial genes. The differentially expressed genes between high and low temperatures were enriched in the pentose phosphate pathway, with carbohydrate transport and metabolism were most affected by temperature. Major facilitator superfamily domain containing 10, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1a, and spinster homolog 3 transcript variant X1(spns3) were the shared genes affected by temperature. From all the common genes, 10 growth-associated SNP markers were identified. The TT genotype at rs7781 was associated with lower body weight, while AA genotype at rs31434173 and CC genotype at rs31435313 showed positive correlation with body weight. Analogously, the GG genotype at rs31436887 and AA genotype at rs31438769 also found to characterize better growth performance. At low temperature, individuals with the AA genotype at rs11506587 and rs31435313 exhibited the slowest growth. For the genotypes labeled with rs11510589, the GG individual grew faster than the AA individual, whereas the opposite phenomenon occurred in these genotypes when labeled with rs11511314. The genotypes at rs32970704 and rs32967921 showed no growth correlation. The AA genotype at rs31435313 in spns3 had the slowest growth under a carbohydrate-rich diet regardless of the temperature. Our study presents candidate genes and SNP markers associated with growth influenced by carbohydrate and temperature, providing basis for the development of M. salmoides strain that better accepts carbohydrate diets at varying temperature.

Assessment of cell-binding capacity of shed rAAV particles after gene therapy vector administration: implications for environmental risk and hygiene recommendations

ABSTRACT Background Currently, adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are the most commonly used in vivo gene therapy (GT) vector platform. Risks posed to the environment, including the public, have not been well studied in the past. There is uncertainty concerning the necessary level of biocontainment and appropriate hygiene behavior for the handling of secreta/excreta of GT patients during the shedding phase. Research design and methods Here, feces and urine samples from non-human primates, treated with an AAV9-based vector at 2 × 1013 vector genomes per kilogram body weight (vg/kg), were analyzed for vector presence and subsequently analyzed for their capacity to bind to cells. Results Both sample types contained particles which bound to cells at concentrations in the range of ~104 (and higher) vg/mL of culture medium. Novel control rAAV vector displayed a ~2-3 orders of magnitude higher affinity to cells than shed particles. Conclusions The lower binding capacity of the shed vector particles speaks in favor of a more relaxed containment and hygiene approach in the context of GT. It is recommended that current hygiene and contact-avoidance-based containment measures after GT administration are reduced. The results also support the efforts to achieve a simplification of the regulatory review process of medicinal genetically modified organisms.

Comparison of repeated toxicity of polyhexamethyleneguanidine phosphate, a causative agent of humidifier disinfectant tragedy, in young and adult mice

Some drugs or chemicals exhibit different safety profiles in newborns/young children compared to adults. Polyhexamethyleneguanidine phosphate (PHMG-P) has been implicated in the humidifier disinfectant tragedy in 2011. There are limited reports on the toxicity of PHMG-P in neonatal animals. This study aimed to assess the toxicity of PHMG-P in neonates and to compare toxicity between young and adult mice. Mice aged 7–10 days and 8 weeks were anesthetized with isoflurane and then intranasally instilled with 0.9 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg PHMG-P once weekly for 4 weeks. The control group was given a corresponding volume of saline intranasally. Approximately 20 h after the 4th instillation, all mice (juveniles aged 28‒31 days and adults aged 11 weeks) were euthanized. Assessments included body weights, organ weights, cytokine production, and histopathological examinations. Both juvenile and adult mice exhibited significant pulmonary toxicity. There were no significant changes in body weight in either male or female juveniles, whereas adult mice experienced 5.0‒22.2% weight loss. However, lung weights increased in both age groups, accompanied by rises in cytokines and chemokines. Histopathological analyses revealed significant lung changes in both juvenile and adult mice, including immune cell infiltration, foamy macrophage, and granulomatous inflammation. PHMG-P is known to cause inflammation and fibrotic changes in rodents and humans that persist even during long recovery periods. Further research is required to explore the long-term health effects of PHMG-P following repeated early-life exposure.

Drugs used in psychiatry causing an increase in body weight in children-a review.

Body weight gain is a prevalent adverse effect observed in psychiatric medication therapy. With the notable increase in mental health diagnoses among children and adolescents over the last decade, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of medications associated with weight gain poses an additional risk for obesity development. This study aimed to identify psychiatric drugs that may induce weight gain in children as a side effect. Twenty-nine publications were included in this systematic review, investigating the effects of nineteen different drugs on children's weight. The majority of these drugs belonged to atypical antipsychotics and anticonvulsants. Nearly all included articles reported that the examined substances resulted in weight gain in children. As childhood obesity has become a significant problem with various metabolic, psychological and social consequences, it is crucial to carefully consider therapy options. In addition to evaluating effectiveness, it is important to also assess the potential for weight gain. Clinicians and nutrition specialists should individually evaluate patients' nutritional needs, evaluate obesity risk, and provide appropriate dietary guidance to minimalize the risk of weight gain.

Model-Informed Approach to Recommend Burosumab Dosing Regimens for Pediatric and Adult Patients With the Ultrarare Disease Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia.

Burosumab is approved for the treatment of hypophosphatemia in persistent tumor-induced osteomalacia. This work exemplifies a model-informed drug development approach that evaluated burosumab pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics in the ultrarare tumor-induced osteomalacia population to support adult and pediatric dosing. Data from tumor-induced osteomalacia participants were combined with data from X-linked hypophosphatemia to understand pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics and covariates specific to tumor-induced osteomalacia. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic simulations were performed using final models to support dosing recommendations for adults and extrapolation to pediatric patients. Burosumab pharmacokinetics were described using a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and body weight as a significant covariate. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships were described using a sigmoidal Emax model with significant covariates of baseline fibroblast growth factor 23 on baseline fasting serum phosphate and potency of burosumab response and tumor-induced osteomalacia disease state resulting in a steep slope of response; however, the covariates are not clinically meaningful. Simulations demonstrated that, in pediatric patients, starting doses of burosumab 0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg every 2 weeks at steady state would achieve normal serum phosphate levels in ≥ 30% of patients with relatively low risk of hyperphosphatemia (< 3%). In adults, burosumab 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg every 4 weeks achieves similar percentages of responders and a relative low risk of hyperphosphatemia (< 7%). Serum phosphate titration-based burosumab dosing increased the probability of achieving normal serum phosphate levels. The models supported a model-informed drug development approach for global approvals of titration-based burosumab dosing, guided by monitoring fasting serum phosphate levels.

Safety of the reduced fixed dose of mycophenolate mofetil confirmed via therapeutic drug monitoring in de novo kidney transplant recipients.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is usually prescribed with a reduced fixed dose in Asian kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). However, the clinical efficacy and safety of the fixed dose have not yet been investigated via therapeutic drug monitoring. We evaluated whether reduced fixed-dose MMF is an optimal dosing strategy to achieve the therapeutic target of mycophenolic acid (MPA) exposure in Korean KTRs. This open-label, prospective study enrolled 50 de novo KTRs prescribed with tacrolimus, corticosteroid, and fixed-dose MMF (1.0-1.5 g/day). The trough level (C0) and area under the curve (AUC0-12 hr) of MPA were measured at 1 and 24 weeks after kidney transplantation (KT). The relationship of body weight (BW)-adjusted MMF dose with MPA C0 and MPA AUC0-12 hr was assessed using linear regression analysis. The initial fixed dose of MMF of 1.44 ± 0.16 g/day was adjusted in 24 patients (48.0%) and then reduced to a mean dose of 1.19 ± 0.31 g/day at 24 weeks after KT. Most patients (≥84.0%) attained the minimum required MPA C0 of 1.0 μg/mL and MPA AUC0-12 hr of 30 μg × hr/mL at 1 and 24 weeks. The BW-adjusted MMF dose demonstrated significant positive correlations with MPA C0 and MPA AUC0-12 hr at 1 and 24 weeks after KT. Moreover, 14 patients (28.0%) reported MPA-related adverse events that were predictable based on MPA AUC0-12 hr (cutoff level, 46.4 μg × hr/mL). The current reduced fixed-dose MMF strategy can help achieve the therapeutic target of MPA exposure in tacrolimus-treated Korean KTRs during the early posttransplant period.

Lysophospholipid Supplementation in Broiler Breeders’ Diet Benefits Offspring’s Productive Performance, Blood Parameters, and Hepatic β-Oxidation Genes

The present study aimed to investigate whether supplementation of modified lysophospholipids (LPLs) in the diet of broiler breeders can benefit their offspring. A total of 264 49-week-old breeders (Ross 308) were allocated and fed based on a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two levels of dietary energy (normal energy = 2800 kcal/kg and low energy = 2760 kcal/kg) and two LPL levels (0 and 0.5 g/kg) for periods of 8 and 12 weeks. The offspring were assessed for growth performance, serum parameters, hepatic antioxidative capability, and expression of genes involved in liver β-oxidation at 7 days old. The LPL inclusion improved (p &lt; 0.01) average body weight (ABW), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The offspring of 61-week-old breeders fed with LPL exhibited reduced serum triglyceride levels (p &lt; 0.01) but an increase in hepatic glutathione peroxidase (p &lt; 0.05). The LPL increased (p &lt; 0.001) the mRNA expression of the PGC-1α gene in the liver. Supplementing LPL in low-energy diets resulted in higher FABP1 gene expression (p &lt; 0.05) in the intestine. In conclusion, LPL supplementation in the breeders’ diet improved offspring performance by enhancing fatty acid absorption, hepatic indices, and the expression of genes involved in liver β-oxidation.

Toxicological assessment of the aqueous extract of Juniperus oxycedrus L. on acute and subacute toxicities in rats

Juniperus oxycedrus L. (J. oxycedrus) has a rich historical background in herbal remedies to treating digestive system abnormalities. However, no comprehensive evaluation of its potential toxic effects has been conducted. The current investigation aimed to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of an aqueous extract of J. oxycedrus (AEJO). AEJO was prepared by the conventional Moroccan methods by decoction the arial part of the plant. The acute and subacute toxicity tests were conducted in mice and rats, respectively. Acute toxicity tests showed that the extract was not toxic even at high doses of 5000 mg/kg. In the subacute study, no detectable indications of toxicity or mortality were observed and there were no notable deviations in food intake or water consumption among all rats. However, changes in body weight of animals treated with 1000 and 2000 mg/kg underwent a significant decrease. AEJO administration decreased platelet number, elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, and reduced albumin levels. Histological examination revealed normal renal parenchyma despite increased creatinine. It also showed binucleation, and hepatocyte vacuolation. The results indicate that AEJO has considerable tolerance for consumption, but repeated use can affect hepatocytes and kidneys. Therefore, additional analyses, such as subchronic, chronic, and neurotoxic studies, are required before using this plant in clinical research.

Effects of Krill Oil and Coconut Oil on Inflammatory Processes in Rats With Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depression and Obesity Model.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of two different types of fat (krill oil [KO] and coconut oil [CO]) on obesity, behavioral tests, and some inflammatory markers when consumed with a high-fat or control diet in rats with depression. The study was conducted mainly in two phases: the induction of depression (37 days) and the dietary intervention (60 days). After the induction of depression by chronic unpredictable mild stress, dietary intervention started. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups with 10 rats in each group: (1) standard diet (SD), (2) SD + 5% KO, (3) SD + 5% medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)* (*CO to contain 5% MCT), (4) high-fat diet (HFD), (5) HFD + 5% KO, and (6) HFD + 5% MCT*. The open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), and sucrose preference test were performed at baseline, end of the depression induction, and dietary intervention to observe behavioral changes in rats. After the final behavioral test, animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses C-reactive protein (milligram per liter), cortisol (microgram per deciliter), and insulin (micro-international units per milliliter) to assess inflammatory changes in the blood. All data were analyzed under two headings: baseline, end of depression induction, end of dietary intervention, and dietary intervention groups. Body weight gain was highest in the SD+KO and lowest in the SD+MCT group (P < .05). When behavioral tests were evaluated according to dietary intervention, it was found that the SD+MCT group spent the most time in the center, the least time in the periphery, and the lowest immobilization time (P < .05). In FST, the SD+KO with the highest weight gain was the most immobile group (P < .05). The study indicates that the weight-reducing effects of MCTs resulted in positive behavioral responses, particularly in OFT and FST. Through these properties, MCTs can be used medicinally in the prevention and treatment of behavioral changes due to depression.

Evaluation of a novel robotic testing method for stability and kinematics of total knee arthroplasty.

This work developed a novel preclinical test of total knee replacements (TKRs) in order to explain TKR instability linked to patient dissatisfaction. It was hypothesized that stability tests on the isolated moving prostheses would provide novel comparative data on the stability and kinematics among TKR designs. Three TKR designs, DePuy Synthes Attune MS, Stryker Triathlon and Zimmer Biomet Persona MC, were assessed using a robotic arm while flexing-extending 0-140°. Tests imposed 710 N body weight combined with three tibial loads: no anterior-posterior (AP) force, 90 N anterior or 90 N posterior force. Other load effects were minimized and the kinematics was recorded. Each implant was tested six times to investigate the repeatability of the method. Data were analysed using statistical parametric mapping with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). If significance was found (p < 0.05), post hoc t tests with Bonferroni correction were used to contrast groups. Significant differences were found throughout flexion-extension. Femoral rollback, AP stability, coupled internal-external rotation and AP position (roll-back) were all influenced by implant design. AP stability of the TKRs reduced with flexion reaching Attune 15 mm, Persona 13 mm and Triathlon 21 mm at 140° flexion. Tractive rolling significantly affected kinematics in the less congruent Triathlon design, with 6 mm different paths between flexion and extension motion (p < 0.05 across 5-100°). Paradoxical anterior femoral sliding in early flexion (0-40°) occurred in Persona and Triathlon designs. The novel testing technique provides, for the first time, comparative data on the inherent stability and kinematics of the TKR implants themselves across the arc of flexion-extension, independent of variables including soft tissue behaviour and surgical technique. The data show how much each prosthesis can contribute to the stability and motion of the implanted knee. Similar data from a wider range of designs will enable more informed decisions regarding implant design choice, aiming to reduce the prevalence of TKR instability in patients. Controlled laboratory study.

Sex differences in the adrenal circadian clock: A role for BMAL1 in the regulation of urinary aldosterone excretion and renal electrolyte balance in mice.

Brain and muscle ARNT-Like 1 (BMAL1) is a circadian clock transcription factor that regulates physiological functions. Male adrenal-specific Bmal1 (ASCre/+::Bmal1) KO mice displayed blunted serum corticosterone rhythms, altered blood pressure rhythm, and altered timing of eating, but there is a lack of knowledge in females. This study investigates the role of adrenal BMAL1 in renal electrolyte handling and urinary aldosterone levels in response to low salt in male and female mice. Mice were placed in metabolic cages to measure 12-hour urinary aldosterone after a standard diet and 7 days low salt diet, as well as daily body weight, 12-hour food and water intake, and renal sodium and potassium balance. Adrenal glands and kidneys were collected at ZT0 or ZT12 to measure expression of aldosterone synthesis genes and clock genes. Compared to littermate controls, ASCre/+::Bmal1 KO male and female mice displayed increased urinary aldosterone in response to a low salt diet, although mRNA expression of aldosterone synthesis genes was decreased. Timing of food intake was altered in ASCre/+::Bmal1 KO male and female mice, with a blunted night/day ratio. ASCre/+::Bmal1 KO female mice displayed decreases in renal sodium excretion in response to low salt, but both male and female KO mice had changes in sodium balance that were time-of-day-dependent. In addition, sex differences were found in adrenal and kidney clock gene expression. Notably, this study highlights sex differences in clock gene expression that could contribute to sex differences in physiological functions.

Mesona chinensis Benth. Extract Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice and Rats by Regulating the Gut Microbiota

Mesona chinensis Benth. (or Platostoma palustre (Blume) A. J. Paton), an edible and medicinal plant, is the main ingredient in black jelly, Hsian-tsao tea, and beverages, and its processed products are popular in China as well as in Southeast Asian countries. Previous studies have shown that the alcohol extract of Mesona chinensis Benth. (MC) can reduce the accumulation of oleic acid and ameliorate hyperlipidemia. However, researchers have not yet determined whether it could improve intestinal permeability and metabolic dysfunction by controlling gut microbial dysbiosis and thus reducing hyperlipidemia. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism by which MC regulates metabolic function disorders in hyperlipidemic high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats and mice from the perspective of gut microbiota. This study analyzed the effects of MC on metabolic indices related to hyperlipidemia in HFD-fed rats and the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota via 16S rRNA V3–4 region pyrosequencing to investigate the regulation of the gut microbiota by MC. We further confirmed that MC ameliorates hyperlipidemia by regulating the gut microbiota by simultaneously administering antibiotics and MC to C57BL/6 mice and measuring their metabolic indices. These results indicate that MC reduces the lipid concentration in the serum of HFD-fed rats, thereby significantly alleviating hyperlipidemia, and regulates the abundance ratio and diversity of the gut microbiota, thereby exerting a beneficial effect on hyperlipidemia. Our further antibiotic experiments in mice revealed that the administration of MC was unable to reduce body weight or serum and organ lipid concentrations in the antibiotic-treated group of hyperlipidemic mice. This study provides evidence that the microbiota is an alternative target for the antihyperlipidemic effect of MC.

Timing determines programming of energy homeostasis by maternal PM2.5 exposure in mouse models

Maternal exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) is believed to be a risk factor of developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), but its effect on offspring's susceptibility to obesity, a common target disease of DOHaD, remains controversial. To pinpoint the effect of maternal PM2.5 exposure on offspring's energy homeostasis, female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to filtered air (FA) or concentrated ambient PM2.5 (CAP) for 12 weeks and mated with normal male mice to produce offspring. After parturition, a cross-fostering strategy was exploited to determine whether prenatal and/or postnatal mothering by CAP-exposed dams program offspring's energy homeostasis and susceptibility to obesity. Moreover, oocytes were collected from FA- or CAP-exposed mice and subjected to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to determine whether maternal pre-conceptional exposure to PM2.5 programs energy homeostasis. Results showed that prenatal mothering by CAP-exposed dams increased suckling's milk intake and weight gain, decreased normal diet (ND)-fed offspring's adulthood food intake and body weight, and did not influence offspring's diet-induced obesity (DIO). Postnatal mothering by CAP-exposed dams did not influence suckling's milk intake and weight gain, increased ND-fed offspring's adulthood food intake and body weight and did not influence offspring's DIO. Prenatal plus postnatal mothering by CAP-exposed dams increased suckling's milk intake and weight gain, increased ND-fed offspring's adulthood food intake and body weight, and aggravated offspring's DIO. IVF study revealed that male offspring derived from CAP-exposed mice versus controls had significantly decreased adulthood food intake and body weight. RNA sequencing showed that CAP exposure influenced oocyte estrogen signaling and histone methylation. This study thus clearly reveals that timing determines programming of energy homeostasis by maternal PM2.5 exposure.

Morphobiometric characterization of donkey resources in Katsina state

This study was conducted to assess the morphological characteristics of the donkey (Equus asinus) population in Katsina State, Nigeria. One hundred and three (103) donkeys (39 female and 64 male), randomly selected, were grouped into three age categories for this study. Data collected included: body weight and ten (10) body measurements. The statistical analysis of variance was applied for estimation the effects of sex and age on the studied parameters. Variance Inflation Factors (VIF), as a multicollinearity diagnostic tool of the independent variables, were incorporated in the regression models. The principal component analysis with a variance maximizing the orthogonal rotation was used to extract the components. The factor analysis identified four (4) principal components (PCs) of morphometric traits which explained about 70.392% of the total variance, with a PC1 accounted for 37.912%. The results showed that the body weight was correlated with HG, PG, BL, RH, SH, EL, TL and NC (ranging from 0.464 to 0.946; p&lt;0.01) and body weight correlated to NL (r = 0.402; p&lt;0.05) and HL (r = 0.375; P&lt;0.05). The best predictors of body weight (BWT) in female and male revealed that the combination of heart girth, body length and rump height featured prominently in the prediction of BWT. Keywords: body weight, donkeys, morphological, prediction, regression