Changes In Body Length Research Articles

Development of Sarcophaga dux (diptera: Sarcophagidae) at constant temperatures and differential gene expression for age estimation of the pupae.

Sarcophaga dux (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a necrophagous flesh fly species with potential forensic value for estimating minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). The basic developmental data and precise age estimates of the pupae are significant for PMImin estimation in forensic investigations. In the present study, we investigated the development data of that species at seven constant temperatures varying from 16°C to 34°C, including body length changes of the larve, developmental duration and accumulated degree hours of the preadults. Several reference genes for relative quantification of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were firstly selected and evaluated in the pupae of different ages under different temperatures. The DEGs of the insects during the pupal period at different constant temperatures (34, 25 and 16°C) were further analyzed for more precise age estimation. The results showed that the developmental durations of the preadults at 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31 and 34°C were 1478.6±18.3h, 726.1±15.8h, 538.5±0.9h, 394.1±9.5h, 375.6±10.8h, 284.1±7.3h, and 252.5±6.1h, respectively. The developmental threshold temperature the flies was 12.27±0.35°C, and the thermal summation constant was 5341.71±249.29° hours. The most reliable reference genes during the pupal period at different temperatures were found: GST1 and 18S rRNA for the 34°C group, GST1 and RPL49 for 25°C, and 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA for 16°C. The four differential expression genes (Hsp60, A-alpha, ARP, and RPL8) have the potential to be used for more precise age estimation of pupal S. dux. This work provides important basic developmental data and a more precise age estimation method for pupal S. dux, and improves the value of this species for PMImin estimation in forensic investigations.

Residual molecular and behavioral effects of the phenylpyrazole pesticide fipronil in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) following a pulse embryonic exposure

Pesticides are typically applied to crops as acute applications, and residual effects of such intermittent exposures are not often characterized in developing fish. Fipronil is an agricultural pesticide that inhibits γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA) gated chloride channels. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed for 48 h (starting at ~3 h post fertilization, hpf) to various concentrations of fipronil (0.02 μg/L up to 4000 μg/L). Following this acute exposure, a subset of fish was transferred to clean water for a 7-day depuration phase. We hypothesized that a pulse exposure to fipronil during critical periods of central nervous system development would adversely affect fish later in life. After a 48 hour pulse exposure, survival was reduced in embryos exposed to 2 μg fipronil/L or greater. However, there was no further mortality during the depuration phase, nor were there changes in body length nor notochord length in larvae 9 dpf (days post-fertilization) compared to controls. Additional experiments were carried out at higher concentrations over 96 h (up to 4 dpf) to also elucidate developmental effects and teratogenicity of fipronil (43.7 μg/L up to 4370 μg/L). Fipronil at these higher concentrations significantly impacted the development of zebrafish, and the following morphometric and teratogenic effects were observed in 4 dpf fish; reduced body length, yolk sac and pericardial edema, reduced midbrain length, reduced optic and otic diameter, and truncation of the lower jaw. In depurated fish, we hypothesized that there would exist residual effects of exposure at the molecular level. Transcriptome profiling was therefore conducted on 9 dpf depurated larvae exposed initially for 48 h to one dose of either 0.2 μg/L, 200 μg/L or 2000 μg/L fipronil. The expression of gene networks associated with glycogen and omega-3-fatty acid metabolism were decreased in larvae exposed to each of the three concentrations of fipronil, suggesting metabolic disruption. Moreover, transcriptomics revealed that fipronil suppressed gene networks related to light-dark adaptation, photoperiod sensing, and circadian rhythm. Based on these data, we tested fish for altered behavioral responses in a Light-Dark preference test. Larvae exposed to >200 μg fipronil/L as embryos showed fewer number of visits (20–30% less) to the dark zone compared to controls. Larvae also spent a lower amount of time in the dark zone compared to controls, suggesting that fipronil strengthened dark avoidance behavior which is indicative of anxiety. This study demonstrates that a short pulse exposure to fipronil can affect transcriptome networks for metabolism, circadian rhythm, and response to light in fish after depuration, and these molecular responses are hypothesized to be related to aberrant behavioral effects observed in the light-dark preference test.

Continuous versus intermittent bolus milk feeding in preterm infants: a meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo analyze the evidence comparing the benefits and risks of continuous versus intermittent milk feeding in low birth weight (LBW) infants.MethodsThree electronic databases were searched and screened to identify randomized controlled trials of continuous and intermittent milk feeding of LBW infants up to October 2016.ResultsEight trials were included in this meta-analysis. Continuous feeding had no effect on days to full feeds and time to regain birth weight. There were no significant differences in the number of apneas, invasive ventilation, changes in body length, occipitofrontal circumference, skinfold thickness, and total protein, and in the number of stools between the two feeding strategies. Continuous feeding was associated with higher gastric residual volume, noninvasive ventilation, weight gain, increase in bilirubin, and longer nil by mouth. There were no significant differences in adverse events and confounders between the two feeding strategies.ConclusionsContinuous milk feeding was superior to intermittent feeding in LBW infants in terms of weight gain. However, continuous feeding was also associated with increased nil by mouth duration, increased bilirubin, increased noninvasive support, and increased gastric residuals. Continuous feeding thus confers advantages in terms of weight gain, but also has disadvantages compared with bolus feeding.

Development of Hydrotaea spinigera (Diptera: Muscidae) at Constant Temperatures and Its Significance for Estimating Postmortem Interval.

Hydrotaea spinigera Stein is a necrophagous species, widely distributed in Oriental and Australasian regions. Considering that the postfeeding larvae or puparia of this species can still be found in abundance at the advanced decomposition stage or even the skeleton stage of remains, it can serve as a good supplementary indicator for estimating the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). This could also extend the range of PMImin when the primary colonizers are no longer associated with the corpse or have emerged as adults. This study investigated the development duration, accumulated degree hours, and larval body length changes of H. spinigera at seven constant temperatures ranging from 16 to 34°C, and established three development models for estimating PMImin, including isomorphen diagram, isomegalen diagram, and thermal summation model. At 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34°C, the development durations of H. spinigera from egg to adult stage were 1,412.6 ± 62.9, 867.4 ± 14.9, 657.1 ± 22.9, 532.3 ± 10.1, 418.8 ± 21.3, 379.8 ± 16.6, and 340.0 ± 20.3 h, respectively. The lower developmental threshold L0 was estimated as 10.50 ± 0.20°C, and the thermal summation constant K was 7,648.83 ± 146.74 degree hours. Using regression analysis, equations were obtained modeling the change of larval body length with time after hatching at different temperatures. This study provided basic data based on the growth and development of H. spinigera for the estimation of PMImin in forensic science.

Organ-specific toxicity evaluation of stearamidopropyl dimethylamine (SAPDMA) surfactant using zebrafish embryos

Surfactants are widely used in the industry of detergents, household products, and cosmetics. SAPDMA is a cationic surfactant that is used mostly in cosmetics, conditioning agents and has recently gained attention as a corrosion inhibitor in the sea pipelines industry. In this regard, literature concerning the ecotoxicological classification of SAPDMA on aquatic animals is lacking. This study aims to evaluate the potential ecotoxicity of SAPDMA using the aquatic zebrafish embryo model. The potential toxic effects of SAPDMA were assessed by different assays. This includes (i) mortality/survival assay to assess the median lethal concentration (LC50); (ii) teratogenicity assay to assess the no observed effect concentration (NOEC); (iii) organ-specific toxicity assays including cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity (using locomotion assay), hematopoietic toxicity (hemoglobin synthesis using o-dianisidine staining), hepatotoxicity (liver steatosis and yolk retention using Oil Red O (ORO) stain); (iv) cellular cytotoxicity (mitochondrial membrane potential) by measuring the accumulation of JC-1 dye into mitochondria. Exposure of embryos to SAPDMA caused mortality in a dose-dependent manner with a calculated LC50 of 2.3 mg/L. Thus, based on the LC50 value and according to the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Acute Toxicity Rating Scale, SAPDMA is classified as “moderately toxic”. The No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) concerning a set of parameters including scoliosis, changes in body length, yolk, and eye sizes was 0.1 mg/L. At the same NOEC concentration (0.1 mg/L), no organ-specific toxicity was detected in fish treated with SAPDMA, except hepatomegaly with no associated liver dysfunctions. However, higher SAPDMA concentrations (0.8 mg/L) have dramatic effects on zebrafish organ development (eye, heart, and liver development). Our data recommend a re-evaluation of the SAPDMA employment in the industry setting and its strictly monitoring by environmental and public health agencies.

Individual growth rate (IGR) and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARS) activity as individual-based indicators of growth rate of North Pacific krill, Euphausia pacifica

We investigated aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARS) activity and individual growth rate (IGR) as individual-based in situ indicators of growth in adult krill, Euphausia pacifica. AARS enzymes catalyze the first step in protein synthesis while the IGR method is based on changes in body length during molting. Growth rates of field-collected krill were measured via the IGR method and individuals were subsequently preserved for AARS analysis to yield paired measurements. Our results show that conditions during the IGR incubation period influenced AARS activity in these individuals precluding a direct comparison but revealing the different timescales across which these two measures integrate. Importantly, they show that AARS activity provides a snap-shot image of an organism's metabolism, while IGR of krill is thought to integrate their environmental experience over several days. Each method would require repeated measurements to estimate population growth rates integrated over seasonal or generational time scales. As part of this project, we investigated how specific the AARS assay is to protein synthesis by testing a modified protocol that includes an additional blank and found evidence that the current assay may be measuring other cellular processes in addition to its intended signal. Our results suggest that a new NADH Blank might be optimized to improve the specificity of the assay.

Postembryonic development of Holaspulus tenuipes (Berlese, 1904) (Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata: Parholaspididae)

ABSTRACTHolaspulus tenuipes was studied under laboratory conditions using a video recording of living individuals reared on nematodes (Panagrellus sp.) at 20–21°C. We report the duration of juvenile stages and intra-stage changes in body length and width in juveniles (within male and female ontogenies) and male and female adults. Duration of the larva was the shortest and duration of the deutonymph was the longest. Duration of juveniles did not differ significantly between male and female ontogenies. The size of protonymphs and deutonymphs significantly increased from the first day of life to the last day before moulting. Adults increased their size significantly during the first 15 days of life. The increase in length and width from the final size of earlier instar to the initial size of the next instar was in most cases statistically significant. There were no significant differences in body length between equally aged protonymphs of both ontogenies in the first day of life while on the last day before moult female protonymphs were significantly longer. Female deutonymphs were significantly longer and wider than equally aged deutonymphs of male ontogeny. Newly emerged females were significantly longer and wider than males and a similar result was obtained after 15 days of life in adults.

Characterization of an intestine-specific GH receptor knockout (IntGHRKO) mouse

ObjectiveGrowth hormone (GH) has been reported to enhance the intestinal barrier; as such, recombinant GH has been administered for several intestinal diseases. However, excess GH action has been implicated in increasing the risk of intestinal dysfunction. The goal of this study was to examine the direct effects of GH on the small and large intestines to clarify the role GH plays in intestinal function through the use of a mouse model. DesignAn intestinal epithelial-specific GH receptor (GHR) knockout (IntGHRKO) mouse line was generated using Cre-lox with the villin promoter driving Cre expression. The generated mice were characterized with respect to growth and intestinal phenotypes. ResultsIntGHRKO mice showed no significant changes in body length, weight, or composition compared to floxed controls. Male IntGHRKO mice had significantly shorter large intestines at 4 and 12 months of age. Intestinal barrier function was assessed by measuring the expression of tight junction related genes, as well as levels of serum endotoxin and fecal albumin. Results showed sex differences as males had an increase in occludin levels but normal serum endotoxin and fecal albumin; while, females had changes in fecal albumin levels with normal occludin and serum endotoxin. Evaluation of glucose tolerance and fat absorption also showed sex differences as females were glucose intolerant, while males had impaired fat absorption. Histopathology revealed a trend towards decreased villus height in males, which could explain the sex difference in glucose homeostasis. ConclusionsOverall, the data demonstrate that disruption of GH on the intestinal epithelial cells modestly affects the intestinal gross anatomy, morphology, and function in a sex-specific manner.

Adverse effects of p-TSA-doped polypyrrole particulate exposure during zebrafish (Danio rerio) development.

Nanomaterials have been attracting attention due to the wide range of applications in nanomedicine. Polypyrrole (PPy), a conductive polymer, has been employed in the biomedical field due to its stimulus-responsive properties, although in vivo studies to assess its potential undesirable effects are limited. This study evaluated the effects of PPy doped with p-toluene sulfonic acid ((p-TSA); PPy/p-TSA) exposure (at 25, 100, 250 and 500 μg/mL) during six consecutive days on mortality, hatching, spontaneous movement, heart rate, morphology and locomotion behavior of zebrafish embryos/larvae. Additionally, PPy/p-TSA envelopment of developing embryo chorions and gene expression of a hypoxia-related marker in this context were also evaluated. No significant mortality was found; however, altered heart rate and early hatching was identified in all exposed groups at 48 hours post-fertilization (hpf). Surprisingly, with the 500 μg/mL dose, hatching initiated as early as 24 hpf. PPy/p-TSA adhered to and enveloped the chorion of embryos in a time- and dose-dependent fashion; morphological changes in body length and ocular distance were found with higher concentrations. PPy/p-TSA-exposed animals showed locomotor behavioral alterations compatible with hypoactivity. A significant increase in the turn angle with a concomitant reduction in meander was also verified at higher concentrations. Taken together, these results emphasize the adverse effects of PPy/p-TSA on zebrafish development and behavior. Some effects of PPy/p-TSA exposure were dose-dependent, and indicate specific adverse effects of PPy/p-TSA on zebrafish development and behavior.

Postembryonic development of Trichouropoda ovalis (C. L. Koch, 1839) (Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata: Trematuridae) with notes on factors influencing the ontogeny in Uropodina

ABSTRACTTrichouropoda (= Oodinychus) ovalis (C. L. Koch, 1839) was studied using video recording of living individuals reared on yeast in the laboratory at 20–21°C. We report the duration of juvenile stages and intra-stage changes in body length and width in juveniles and male and female adults. The duration of larva was the shortest and duration of the deutonymph was the longest. Duration of female deutonymphs was significantly longer than in males. All juveniles increased their size significantly. The change from the final size of earlier instar to the initial size of the next instar was in most cases statistically significant. During the first 10 days of life, only females decreased significantly on average in width while decrease in width in males and length in both sexes was insignificant. The equally aged larvae of both ontogenies were not significantly different in size. Female protonymphs were significantly longer just prior to moult when compared with equally aged protonymphs of male ontogeny. Female deutonymphs were significantly longer and wider when compared with equally aged deutonymphs of male ontogeny. Newly emerged females were significantly longer and wider than males, while after 10 days of life, their body size was not significantly different.

The effect of Yarrowia lipolytica culture on growth performance, ruminal fermentation and blood parameters of dairy calves

Yeast cultures have been widely investigated as feed additives to improve growth and health of animals. However, most of the research has focused on Saccharomyces cerevisiae products, whereas effects of non-conventional species such as Yarrowia lipolytica are not yet known. Y. lipolytica is a non-pathogenic yeast which can metabolize glycerol among other important industrial byproducts and is rich in fat and many other nutritional and bioactive compounds. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Y. lipolytica culture added to colostrum and milk replacer on reticuloruminal fermentation, biochemical blood indices, and growth rate of calves. During the first 56 d of life, 24 Polish Holstein-Friesian calves were grouped by sex (equal numbers of bulls and heifers) and parity (equal numbers of calves born to primiparous and multiparous cows) and assigned randomly to 2 treatments: yeast culture (YL, Y. lipolytica yeast, n = 12) or control (CON, without yeast additive, n = 12). Y. lipolytica yeast culture was incorporated into colostrum or milk replacer at a dosage of 30 g/d (15 g/feeding; 108 CFU/g). Calves fed YL had higher body weight on d 28 (P = 0.012) and on d 56 (P = 0.011). In the same group, higher average daily gain from d 3 to 28 (P = 0.012), from d 29 to 56 (P = 0.033), and for the entire experimental period (P = 0.011) were noted. From d 3 to 56, the YL increased changes in body length (P = 0.024), hip width (P = 0.029) and heart girth (P < 0.001). Calves fed YL had higher counts of Entodiniomorphida, Holotricha and total bacteria in reticulorumen (P < 0.001). Both age of calves and treatment affected all biochemical blood indices considered in this study with the exception of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), which level did not change over time. In the YL group, lower level of blood Mg (P < 0.001) and higher blood concentrations of BHBA (P = 0.001), non-esterified fatty acids (P < 0.001), blood urea nitrogen on d 14 and 42 (P = 0.009), and Ca (P < 0.001) were noted. No effect of YL was observed on reticuloruminal fluid pH, and concentrations of ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, butyrate and valerate, as well as acetate to propionate ratio (P > 0.05).

Synergistic Effects of Metformin and Captopril on C. elegans

There are over 400 million patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and over 1 billion suffering from hypertension. Pharmaceuticals commonly used by these patients include Metformin for type 2 diabetes and Captopril for hypertension. Considering that the two diseases are interrelated, and can both be seen in an individual, Metformin and Captopril take part in combination therapies for many people. However, the synergistic effects of these active ingredients have not been previously documented. This study examines the effects of Metformin and Captopril using model organisms called Caenorhabditis elegans nematode worms. Concentrations of Metformin were 25mM, 50mM and 100mM, while those of Captopril were 2mM, 4mM, 6mM and 20mM. The combination group contained Metformin and Captopril synchronised as 25mM-2mM, 50mM-4mM, and 100mM-6mM, respectively. The independent variable is the concentration of active ingredients, whereas the dependent variable is the change in body length of C. elegans nematodes. The experiment involved the picking of the worms from the containing petri dishes under a stereomicroscope and measuring their body lengths with the software of a digital microscope. The results showed up to 25% decrease in average body lengths of the worms exposed to Metformin solely. Captopril caused 5% decrease in average body length of the worms. When Metformin and Captopril were combined, an increase of up to 11% in average body length was recorded. C. elegans body size is regulated by the TGF-β signal pathway, and the possible outcomes of the manipulation of body length by Metformin and Captopril are further discussed.

Effects of long-term preservation on amphibian body conditions: implications for historical morphological research.

Measurements of historical specimens are widely applied in studies of taxonomy, systematics, and ecology, but biologists often assume that the effects of preservative chemicals on the morphology of amphibian specimens are minimal in their analyses. We compared the body length and body mass of 182 samples of 13 live and preserved (up to 10 years) anuran species and found that the body length and body mass of preserved specimens significantly decreased by 6.1% and 24.8%, respectively, compared to those measurements of their live counterparts. The changes in body length and mass also exhibited highly significant variations between species. Similarly, there were significant differences in shrinkage of body length and body mass between sexes, where males showed greater shrinkage in body length and body mass compared to females. Preservation distorted the magnitude of the interspecific differences in body length observed in the fresh specimens. Overall, the reduction in body length or mass was greater in longer or heavier individuals. Due to the effects of preservation on amphibian morphology, we propose two parsimonious conversion equations to back-calculate the original body length and body mass of studied anurans for researchers working with historical data, since morphological data from preserved specimens may lead to incorrect biological interpretations when comparing to fresh specimens. Therefore, researchers should correct for errors due to preservation effects that may lead to the misinterpretation of results.

Postembryonic development of Sejus togatus CL Koch, 1836 (Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata: Sejida) with notes on moulting behaviour

ABSTRACTSejus togatus CL Koch, 1836 was studied using video recording of living individuals reared on nematodes in the laboratory at 20–21°C. We report the duration of juvenile stages and intra-stage changes in body length and width in juveniles and male and female adults. We describe the moulting behaviour and three-dimensional arrangement of selected setae in living larvae and protonymphs. In both males and females, the larva was the shortest (♀: 5.7 days, ♂: 6.6 days), and duration of the deutonymph was the longest (♀: 13.3 days, ♂: 11.6 days). Most juveniles increased their size significantly from the first day of life to the last day before moulting. There was no change in size from the final size of one instar to the initial size of the next instar. During the first 15 days after the last moult, males increased significantly in width, and females in length. Eventually, females were significantly longer and slightly wider than males.

Feeding a calf starter containing highly digestible corn may improve calf growth.

New corn hybrids have been developed by Masters Choice (MC) that vary in energy density due to an altered starch structure that improves ruminal and intestinal starch digestibility. Twenty-nine (1 to 3 d old; 40.6 ± 1.72 kg) Holstein heifer and 2 Holstein bull calves (31 total) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 calf starters (CS) to measure growth performance of Holstein calves through 8 wk of age. Treatments were: 1) Control CS (CN): containing 40% conventional ground corn dry matter (DM) basis and 2) MC CS: containing 40% MC corn (DM basis). Calf starters were formulated to contain 24% crude protein (CP; DM basis) and were fed for ad libitum consumption as a pellet starting on d 1. The study was conducted from April 22 through August 1, 2013. Body weights and body measurements were collected weekly. All calves were fed a 28% CP, 18% fat accelerated milk replacer (all milk protein) twice daily in 2 equal feedings at the rate of 0.64 kg/d from 0 to 14 d, 0.96 kg/d from 15 to 42 d and fed once daily at 0.48 kg/d from d 42 to 49. Data were analyzed using mixed procedure of SAS version 9.4. Body weight gains (26.2 and 28.8 kg for CN and MC, respectively) were similar (P > 0.10) between treatments. No significant (P > 0.10) differences in frame growth parameters as measured by change in body length (8.1 and 7.8 cm), heart girth (12.1 and 12.9 cm), hip height (10.9 and 11.1 cm), and wither height (10.9 and 10.9 cm). Calves fed MC CS were similar (P > 0.10) in ADG compared to calves fed CN CS (0.46 and 0.51 kg/d). Calves fed MC CS tended to have greater (P < 0.10) feed efficiency then calves fed CN CS. Calves fed MC CS demonstrated greater (P < 0.05) total tract nutrient digestibility of several nutrients, which lead to the cost of gain being more economical for calves fed MC when corn is priced the same. The use of new corn hybrids has the potential to improve nutrient digestion and animal performance.

Photoperiod induced developmental effects on silkmoth, Bombyx mori

Bombyx mori is most common silkmoth used for the commercial production of the silk. The different environmental conditions may affect development of silkmoth and hence the output of silkworm. Present study investigated effects of different photoperiodic conditions on the development of silkmoth. Three experiments were performed on newly hatched larvae. In experiment1, larvae were divided into three groups; group 1, 8L:16D (8 h light and 16 h dark), group 2, 12L:12D (12 h light and 12 h dark) and group 3, 16L:8D (16 h light and 8 h dark). In experiment 2, larvae were exposed to either continuous light or continuous dark. In experiment 3, larvae were divided into three groups. Each group received light of similar duration (16L:8D) and intensity (1.1 ± 0.1 PAR) but of different wavelengths; i.e. long wavelength red light (640 nm), short wavelength blue light (450 nm) and white light. Larvae were fed on young mulberry (Morus alba) leaves. Temperature and humidity were maintained at 26 (±2) °C and 75 (±5)%, respectively, throughout the study. Observations on change in body length of larvae were made on every alternate day. We also calculated the shell ratio, time taken in cocoon formation and emergence. Results from experiment show that the larvae underwent significant change in body length but with faster growth rate under 12L:12D photoperiod in comparison to 8L:16D and 16L:8D. Time taken in cocoon formation and hatching was significantly less, while shell ratio was significantly higher in 12L:12D in comparison to other groups. We did not observe much effect of monochromatic light on the development of silkmoth.

Development of the green bottle fly Lucilia illustris at constant temperatures

Lucilia illustris (Meigen 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a cosmopolitan species that commonly colonizes carcasses and occasionally acts as parasites of humans or livestock, making it an insect of significant importance in forensic, medical, and veterinary entomology. However, only a few studies have documented the development of L. illustris. Here, we studied the developmental duration and larval body length changes of L. illustris under nine constant temperatures ranging from 15.0 to 35.0°C. Using these results, we generated an isomorphen diagram, thermal summation model, and isomegalen diagram for L. illustris. Simulation equations of the variation in the larval body length with time after hatching and variation in time after hatching with the body length were also obtained. L. illustris could complete its life cycle in 15.0–32.5°C, while its development was incomplete at 35.0°C, where the pupae failed to transform into adults. The development duration was 955.5±16.9, 625.7±16.9, 509.3±18.3, 410.0±17.0, 346.7±12.2, 290.2±6.7, 257.1±8.9, and 234.8±3.2h at 15.0, 17.5, 20.0, 22.5, 25.0, 27.5, 30.0, and 32.5°C, respectively. The developmental threshold temperature and thermal constant were 9.30±0.19°C and 5367.2±98.3°Ch, respectively. These results provide an important basis for the use of L. illustris development-based estimation of the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) in forensic entomology.

Body Measurements and Their Correlation Between, Slaughter Weight and Hot Carcass Weight of Sudanese Desert Goats as Affect by Feeding Regimen and Castration

The experiment was conducted on desert male goats to evaluate the effect feeding regimen and castration on body measurements and their relationship between carcass measurements, slaughter weight and hot carcass weight. Seventy two (72) male desert goats aged 4-5 months and weighing 12.1 Kg (11.7-12.4 Kg) were used in these experiments. Goats were divided randomly into three groups; each group (24 males) was divided into two sub groups (12 males) in Factorial experimental randomized design. The results revealed that nutrition had significant (p<0.01) effect on all body measurements (body length, belly girth, heart girth, height at wither, width of hips and height at rump), on the other hand castration and interaction of (feeding regimen and castration) had significant (p<0.01) effect on total change in body length and total change in height at wither. Correlation coefficients between slaughter weight and body measurements were significant in all feeding regime except heart girth and belly girth in grazing with supplementation and zero grazing goats respectively were significant. All correlation coefficients between hot carcass weight and body measurements were significant in all feeding regime except the wither height in free grazing goats and wither height and rump height in zero grazing goats were significant. DOI: 10.20448/journal.504/2016.3.2/504.2.30.33

How much more would KNM-WT 15000 have grown?

Because of its completeness, the juvenile Homo ergaster/erectus KNM-WT 15000 has played an important role in studies of the evolution of body form in Homo. Early attempts to estimate his adult body size used modern human growth models. However, more recent evidence, particularly from the dentition, suggests that he may have had a more chimpanzee-like growth trajectory. Here we re-estimate his adult stature and body mass using ontogenetic data derived from four African ape taxa: Pan troglodytes troglodytes, Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, Pan paniscus, and Gorilla gorilla gorilla. The average percentage change in femoral and tibial lengths and femoral head breadth between individuals at the same stage of dental development as KNM-WT 15000 – eruption of M2s but not M3s – and adult individuals with fully fused long bone epiphyses, was determined. Results were then applied to KNM-WT 15000, and his adult size estimated from skeletal dimensions using modern human prediction formulae. Using this approach, adult stature best estimates of 176–180 cm and body mass best estimates of 80–83 kg were obtained. These estimates are close to those estimated directly from longitudinal changes in body length and body mass between 8 and 12 years of age in chimpanzees, the suggested chronological equivalent to KNM-WT 15000's remaining growth period. Thus, even using an African ape growth model, it is likely that KNM-WT 15000 would have attained close to 180 cm in stature (without a slight reduction for his lower cranial height) and 80 kg in body mass as an adult. Other evidence from the East African Early Pleistocene indicates that KNM-WT 15000 was not unusually large-bodied for his time period.

Is the secular trend reflected in early stages of human ontogenesis?

There are a limited number of studies on secular changes in the neonatal period, and the majority of them concern research related to childhood and puberty The objective of our study was to carry out a comparative analysis of body weight and length at birth in neonates born in Wrocław in subsequent decades since 1950 to find out if these parameters are subject to secular trend, and what values they attained during the studied period of 50 years.&#x0D; The study was carried out in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and in 2000 to analyse changes in body length, body weight and Rohrer index over time. The sample studied consisted of 7510 neonates, 3882 males and 3628 females, born in Wroclaw. Secular changes were tested using one-way variance analysis. The values of F statistics were compared to the critical values of the F Snedecor distribution. Changes in the features of neonates in subsequent study years were analysed using the modified z-score. Data were normalised for standard deviation in decade increments.&#x0D; Results demonstrated very slight, though statistically insignificant increase in body weight at birth. Over the 50-year period the mean body weight of neonates was in the range of 3.3–3.4 kg, regardless of sex. Results demonstrated very slight, though statistically insignificant increase in body weight at birth. Over the 50-year period the mean body weight of neonates was in the range of 3.3–3.4 kg, regardless of sex. The acceleration in the body length of neonates caused a gradual decrease in the mean values of the Rohrer index.&#x0D; No secular trend in body weight was found in Wrocław neonates over the 50-year period between 1950 and 2000 With regard to body length at birth, four waves of deceleration and acceleration were found: period 1 (1950s): deceleration in the increase of the analysed body parameters of neonates; period 2 (1960s): acceleration in neonates’ growth; period 3 (1970s and 1980s): economic crisis and political transformations in Poland; this is reflected by the stable mean values of body dimensions in neonates. The secular trend clearly decelerated, and period 4 (1990s and 2000) – very intense acceleration in both body weight and length and the Rohrer index.