Final Length Research Articles

Haplotype-resolved genome assembly provides new insights into the genomic origin of purple colour in Prunus mume.

Prunus mume, an important ornamental woody plant in the Rosaceae family, contains many interspecific hybridizations. Purple colour is a breeding trait of aesthetic value for P. mume, but little is known about the origin and genetic architecture of this trait. Here we address these issues by producing a haplotype-resolved genome from an interspecific hybrid cultivar of P. mume (M) and P. cerasifera 'Pissardii' (C), named P. mume 'Meiren', followed by a detailed molecular characterization. The final length of the diploid genome is 499.47 Mb, with 250.66 Mb of haplotype M (HM) and 248.79 Mb of haplotype C (HC). Approximately 95.42% (476.61 Mb) of the phased assembly is further anchored to 16 homologous chromosomes. Based on the genomic variation, we identify a 1.8 Mb large-fragmented inversion (INV) on chromosome 1b of HC, which co-segregates with purple colour traits of 'Meiren' inherited from its purple C parent 'Pissardii'. We find that a MYB transcription factor, PmmMYB10.5b, resides at the distal breakpoint of the INV, which displays consistent allele-specific expression (ASE). By directly binding to the promoter of anthocyanin synthetic alleles, PmmMYB10.5b serves as a co-activator to promote anthocyanin accumulation in 'Meiren' organs. Notably, the INV identified in 'Meiren' is generated from 'Pissardii' rather than P. cerasifera, which alters the promoter sequence of PmmMYB10.5b, activates its expression and results in the purple colour trait. Results from this study shed light on the evolutionary origin of purple colour in 'Meiren' and could potentially provide guidance on the genetic improvement of colour traits in ornamental woody plants.

Application of orthodontic force in autotransplanted teeth: a longitudinal study.

To longitudinally follow up a cohort of patients with autotransplanted teeth, assessing how the timing of starting orthodontic treatment impacts root length. Patients under 18 with at least one open-apex autotransplanted premolar (AP) replaced to a central incisor position were included. Root/crown ratio (RCR) was calculated on periapical radiographs taken at intervals of 3-6 months after transplantation. The RCR of AP in patients without orthodontic treatment and patients where orthodontic treatment was initiated at different time points (3,6,9,12,18 months) were compared. 52 autotransplanted premolars were included and 315 peri-apical radiographs were collected. The median timespan between autotransplantation and the start of orthodontic force (OF) application was 8.5 (IQR 2-23) months, with a mean follow-up period of 32 (IQR 9-46) months. Early OF post-autotransplantation correlated with early stagnation of root development. When OF was delayed, AP tended to show more root lengthening. Delayed OF was linked to a higher incidence of External Apical Root Resorption (EARR) once forces were introduced, ultimately resulting in root lengths comparable to those with early OF. The presence or absence of OF is the factor most notably influencing the final root length of AP. The timing of OF application did not compromise the final root length of autotransplanted teeth. Early OF to prevent ankylosis is feasible without affecting root length. Future research should utilize 3D imaging to provide a deeper understanding of orthodontic treatment's effects on autotransplanted teeth. The study underscores the importance of tailored orthodontic intervention timing in autotransplanted teeth, balancing early force application to avoid ankylosis against the risk of EARR.

Zinc-L-Selenomethionine Improves Growth and Hemato-Biochemical Parameters at Low but not at High Stocking Density for Nile Tilapia Males.

The study aimed to examine the interaction between diets supplemented with zinc-L-selenomethionine (ZnSeMet) and two stocking densities (SD) on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) males. Four extruded diets were formulated: 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0mg ZnSeMet kg-1. Fish (58.00g) were reared at a low SD (LSD) (15 fish tank-1 or 4,35kgm-3) and a high SD (HSD) (45 fish tank-1 or 13,05kgm-3). They were randomly distributed in eight treatments in triplicate in a recirculatory aquaculture system (200 L) and were fed until apparent satiation thrice daily for 65days. The interaction between LSD and 1.0 or 2.0mg ZnSeMet kg-1 was better than other treatments for final weight (116.50-174.83 vs. 97.33-139.17g), weight gain (108.83.50-116.83 vs. 39.00-80.83g), relative weight gain (188.03-201.18 vs. 66.25-139.40%), total final length (20.12-20.63 vs. 17.33-19.00cm), specific growth rate (1.76-1.83 vs. 0.85-1.45% day-1) (p < 0.05). In general, the interaction between LSD and 1.0mg ZnSeMet kg-1 compared to several treatments, showed an increase in plasma total protein (3.23 vs. 2.67-2.78g dL-1) and total cholesterol (93.67 vs. 68.50-76.67mg dL-1) levels and a reduction in aspartate aminotransferase activity (14.83 vs. 145.67-155.17 U L-1) (p < 0.05). The highest values for albumin (0.83 vs. 0.57g dL-1), glucose (56.00 vs. 45.09mg dL-1), and triglycerides (122.33 vs. 68.87mg dL-1) in the plasma, erythrocytes (2.22 vs. 2.13 × 106 µL-1), hemoglobin (9.82 vs. 9.26g dL-1), and hematocrit (33.09 vs. 30.21%) were observed in LSD than HSD-reared fish (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adding 1.0mg ZnSeMet kg-1 at LSD improved fish growth and hemato-biochemical parameters, but it was not effective at HSD.

A Surgical Technique Guide for Percutaneous Screw Fixation for Metastatic Pelvic Lesions.

The pelvis is one of the most common areas for metastatic bone disease. We recently described the use of a minimally invasive percutaneous screw fixation of metastatic non-periacetabular pelvic lesions, with excellent results. The procedure can be completed in a standard operating theater without the need for special instruments. In our video we describe the appropriate intraoperative patient positioning, surgical equipment, surgical approach, and obtainment of the necessary fluoroscopic views for placement of various pelvic percutaneous screws. Alternative treatments include surgical procedures such as curettage, cement packing, and modified Harrington total hip arthroplasty through extensive open approaches. Additionally, as an alternative to standard fluoroscopy, intraoperative navigation and an O-arm could be utilized for the placement of screws. In our experience, intraoperative navigation has been helpful for confirmation of final screw placement and length. Overreliance on intraoperative navigation in the setting of poor bone quality and an abandonment of tactile feedback and the various tips described in this video article can lead to inadvertent extraosseous screw placement and injury. Furthermore, as navigation involves only a virtually computed image, we have found it challenging to utilize in complex, curved bones, such as the superior pubic ramus. Percutaneous screw fixation is safe and effective for the treatment of metastatic non-periacetabular pelvic lesions. Given the simplicity of the technique and instrumentation, and the tolerance of concomitant treatments, this approach is worthy of broader consideration. In our recent study, 22 consecutive patients with painful non-periacetabular pelvic metastatic cancer underwent percutaneous screw fixation. There were no surgical complications. Postoperatively, there was significant improvement in visual analog scale pain scores and functional Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores, as compared with baseline3. Despite the simplicity of the intraoperative set-up and instrumentation, the procedure is technically demanding. Obtaining the correct fluoroscopic views and troubleshooting intraoperative hurdles can be challenging. CT = computed tomographyASIS = anterior superior iliac spineGT = greater trochanterAP = anteroposteriorAIIS = anterior inferior iliac spineSI = sacroiliacTSTI = transsacral-transiliacVAS = visual analog scaleECOG = Eastern Cooperative Oncology GroupDVT = deep vein thrombosis.

Performance Efficiency of Selected Medium Culture and Raft Systems for Waste Removal in a Small‐Scale Aquaponics Production System

Aquaponics systems integrate aquaculture and hydroponics to create a sustainable method for food production by recycling nutrients. However, nutrient waste management in aquaponics systems remains a challenge, particularly in achieving optimal growth for both fish and plants while minimizing environmental impacts. This study compared the effectiveness of raft and selected medium culture systems in removing waste from a small‐scale aquaponics production system that included leafy vegetable crops (Brassica oleracea) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The aquaponics systems comprised of four hydroponics systems: three media based (charcoal, perlite, and pumice) and one raft system in a completely randomized design. The crops were cultivated in the hydroponic units, while O. niloticus fingerlings were reared in the fish tanks for 22 weeks. To compare the various hydroponics systems, growth metrics for the fish (weight and length) and plants growth parameters such as leaf index and biomass, as well as nutrient analysis were monitored and documented. Physicochemical parameters of the culture water were also monitored. Fish grown in the perlite medium had significantly higher mean final length and weight compared to other aquaponics setups in the study (p &lt; 0.05). Plants grown on pumice had significantly more total biomass than other media (p &lt; 0.05) and had the highest crude protein (CP) content, while those planted on perlite had the highest crude lipid content (p &lt; 0.05). The charcoal medium was the most effective, lowering total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) levels by up to 67.1%. Pumice showed the highest total suspended solids (TSSs) retention capacity (p &lt; 0.05), resulting in a 25.9% drop in TSS levels. The raft system was the least effective at reducing aquaculture nutrient waste. This study demonstrated that the choice of hydroponics media is important in optimizing aquaponics systems for both plant and fish growth.

Novel Study of Reaction Kinetics and Mass Transfer in Bioreactor Modelling: Prediction of Bioethanol Fermentation Performance by Saccharomyces cerevisiae on Continuous Fixed Bed Biofilm Plug Flow Reactor

Bioethanol implementation as a renewable fuel has yielded economic, social, and environmental benefits, including reduced fossil fuel consumption, enhanced energy diversity and supply security, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support for agricultural communities. These impacts underscore the importance of advancing innovation and optimizing processes to increase bioethanol production. Therefore, basic knowledge of chemical engineering in bioethanol fermentation is important to be learnt as a preliminary study, such as reaction kinetics and transport phenomena. This work studies the reaction kinetics and mass transfer in continuous fixed bed biofilm plug flow reactor modelling to predict anaerobic Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation performance, which is still not studied comprehensively. This modelling provides an overview of the influence of various independent variables, namely temperature, initial substrate concentration, cell concentration, superficial flow rate, reactor diameter, and solid particle diameter on various dependent variables, namely final product concentration, residence time, reactor length, reactor volume, product productivity, and pressure drop. The most sensitive parameters related to product productivity are temperature and cell concentration, so in its implementation, the temperature must be controlled at its optimum temperature, and the inoculum must be prepared with high cell concentration. For the next study, it is recommended to study the optimization of reactor design and operation (i.e. the pumping system, cooling system, and pH control of the reactor) and the implementation of the reactor on the plant scale. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Impacts of Different Salinities on Growth Performance, Stress Response, and Feeding Activity of Shortfin Eel, Anguilla bicolor

Due to the declining wild fishery stock of Shortfin eel (Anguilla bicolor), eel aquaculture has become increasingly important in Southeast Asian countries. Consequently, there is a rising urgency to cultivate A. bicolor as an export commodity due to its high demand and value. However, little is known about the optimum culture conditions to enhance the optimal growth performance of A. bicolor in captivity. Four different salinities (0, 10, 20, 30 ppt) were tested on A. bicolor for 28 days and its growth performance, stress level, and feeding activity were investigated. Findings revealed A. bicolor was able to survive in all salinities without any mortality recorded. Meanwhile, A. bicolor gained significantly higher body weight at 10 ppt (4.33±0.87) compared to those in 0, 20, and 30 ppt despite being insignificant different in the final total length. A. bicolor reared in 10 ppt also attained relatively higher feed intake and low feed conversion ratio indicating its excellent feeding utilization. No significant differences were also found in the stress level of A. bicolor in all salinities indicating its tolerance and adaptation in all salinities. The present study concludes 10 ppt as suggested salinity to further enhance the growth of A. bicolor as it promotes excellent feeding performance, low stress levels, and overall optimal growth.

КОМПЬЮТЕРНОЕ МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ ПРОЦЕССОВ ТЕПЛООБМЕНА

The article considers mathematical models of calculation of thermal conductivity in a constant cross-section rod, change of a liquid temperature along the length of the pipe and calculation of two-dimensional temperature field of liquid under the flow in the pipe. The mathematical model of fluid flow in the tube is realized in the form of a program for computers. The results of modeling of processes of heat conduction and heat exchange are presented. The task of simulation of heat exchange processes using numerical method of solving the Cauchy problem in the form of finite differences is considered in detail. This approach makes it possible to calculate the value of the studied parameter at any point of the object under investigation. The numerical method involves obtaining a system of algebraic equations for unknown variables and an algorithm for solving these equations. The main dependencies describing the process of thermal conductivity in the rod of the final length are given. The results of the calculation of the temperature change by the length of the rod are presented in a graphical presentation. The main dependencies describing the process of temperature change of the liquid flowing through the pipe are given. The results of the calculation of temperature pressure change over the length of the pipe are presented in a graphical presentation. The problem statement and mathematical model of the process of flow of incompressible liquid in the pipe are considered in detail. On the basis of the developed mathematical model, a computer model, implemented in the form of a program for computers, was created. The results of calculation, using the method of running, of two-dimensional temperature field of liquid along the pipe length are presented. The temperature dependence of the liquid in the various nodal points of the pipe section along the length of the pipe is presented in a graphical form.

Performance of juvenile Pangasianodon hypophthalmus cultivated in a recirculating aquaculture system with tanks of different colors

The tanks used in RASs can be manufactured in any color. RAS tank color can have a great influence on fish, with direct impacts on food capture and, consequently, performance and survival. This study investigated the influence of different tank colors on the performance and coloration of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Juvenile were cultivated in tanks of different colors (white, blue, and black) for 60 days.One hundred and forty-four juvenile P. hypophthalmus, weighing 2.18±0.5 g and measuring 6.76±0.17 cm in total length, were distributed among three RASs. Each RAS was equipped with a 200-liter rectangular filter, with mechanical and biological filter, a heating and water pumping system and four 30-liter tanks covered with colored adhesive (white, blue or black) that were filled with 28 liters of water. Therefore, each RAS was considered a color treatment (white, blue or black) with four replicates (tanks), which had a density of 0.43 juveniles per liter (12 juveniles in each replicate). Juveniles cultivated in darker tanks exhibited darker coloration. Juveniles cultivated in blue tanks showed higher final weight (FW), total length (TL), and weight gain (WG) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR). Juveniles cultivated in white tanks had lower TL and higher FCR. In conclusion, P. hypophthalmus juveniles performed better when cultivated in blue tanks.

A New Method of Predicting Final Mandibular Length Based on the Morphology of Cervical Vertebrae.

Methods for predicting final mandibular length have been studied for many years. We aimed to estimate the final mandibular length at the end of the growth period by analyzing changes in cervical vertebral morphology using longitudinal lateral cephalograms. Longitudinal lateral cephalograms of elementary school students aged 6-15 who did not undergo orthodontic treatment, collected between 1965 and 1973, were used. For this analysis, 370 images from 44 female individuals were selected, and cervical vertebral morphology was assessed using the semi-landmark method. Generalized Procrustes analysis and principal component analysis were performed, and changes in maxillofacial skeletal and cervical vertebral morphology were analyzed using a linear mixed model with repeated measures. A predictive formula for estimating final mandibular length was developed based on morphological changes in the fourth cervical vertebra. The difference between the predicted and actual final mandibular lengths using the semi-landmark method was 0.17 ± 0.08 mm. The marginal R2 value of the prediction formula was 0.957, and the conditional R2 was 0.990, demonstrating very high accuracy. The annual increase in mandibular length remained consistent each year but slowed after 14 years of age. Geometric morphometric analysis revealed significant morphological changes in the fourth cervical vertebra at 14 years of age, coinciding with a deceleration in mandibular growth. A highly accurate formula was developed to predict final mandibular length based on morphological changes in the fourth cervical vertebra. Cervical vertebral morphology may provide valuable information related to mandibular growth during adolescence.

A Comparative Study on the Growth and Mortality of Rohu fish, Labeo rohita of the Halda River (Wild) and Induced Hatchery (Artificial) Sources

The growth and mortality rates of Labeo rohitaom the Halda River strain and the hatchery strain were studied under identical water quality and environmental conditions to identify the better performer. 250 Rohu fish fries from the Halda River and the hatchery were reared for this experiment. The rearing trial was performed for 14 weeks in 12 m3 net cages, each with three replica sets in an earthen pond. Fishes were sampled weekly for measuring body weight and length. The final mean weight was significantly higher in the Halda strain (57.46 ± 22.91 g) compared to the hatchery strain (24.20 ± 7.61 g) (p &lt; 0.05), with weight gain in the Halda strain more than twice that of the hatchery strain. In most sampling stages, the growth rate of Labeo rohita was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the Halda strain. The final mean length was also greater in the Halda strain (13.07 ± 1.63 cm) compared to the hatchery strain (10 ± 1.08 cm). Mortality rates were lower in the Halda strain (15.60%) than that of the hatchery strain (31.20%) over the 14 weeks. These findings suggest that the Halda strain significantly outperforms the hatchery strain in growth and survival under controlled conditions. Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci. Vol. 12 (1 &amp; 2): 83-90, 2024

Comparison of Growth Performance and Smoltification of Triploid and Diploid Black Sea Trout (Salmo labrax) in Freshwater and Seawater

This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance and smoltification process of triploid Black Sea trout, produced using the pressure shock method. Length, weight, survival rate (SR), specific growth rate (SGR), condition factor (CF), feed conversion rate (FCR), haematological parameters (WBC, LYM, MID, GRAN, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCH, MCHC, PLT, MPV, PDW), stress responses (cortisol and glucose values), osmoregulatory capacity indicators, Ca, Cl, Na, and K levels in blood serum were examined. The triploid groups showed higher length, weight and specific growth rate in both freshwater and seawater with a salinity of 18 ‰ (P&lt;0.05). After a 90-day growth period, the best growth performance was seen in triploid freshwater group with the mean initial lenght of 13.60±0.06 cm and weight of 26.60±0.45 g. The final length, weight and specific growth rate of this group were 22.10±0.21 cm, 139.32±3.35 g and 1.84±0.13, respectively. Temporal changes in blood Ca, Cl, Na, and K ion levels in blood, cortisol and glucose levels showed that the adaptation ability of triploid fish to seawater might be different from that of diploids. The cortisol values of triploid groups were lower than that of diploid groups in freshwater but higher in seawater, while glucose values showed fluctuations between groups during the whole study period (P&lt;0.05). Ca reached the highest values in triploid freshwater group on day 17, Cl in diploid and triploid seawater groups on day 24 and Na in triploid seawater group on day 17 (P&lt;0.05). K value showed no statistical difference between the groups throughout the study. Understanding the physiological and biological responses of fish to environmental changes during seawater transition and adaptation is expected to enhance the survival and growth performance of diploid and triploid Black Sea trout.

Merging behaviour and fatigue life evaluation of multi-cracks in welds of OSDs

Merging behaviour and fatigue life evaluation of multi-cracks in welds of OSDs

Impact of Full-Spectrum and Infrared Lighting on Growth, Oxidative Stress, and Cecal Microbiota in Broilers.

Lighting is crucial for the development of broilers as it affects their growth performance, oxidative stress, and overall health. This study investigates the impact of full-spectrum light, infrared light, and LED white light exposure on the growth performance, oxidative stress markers, and cecal microbiota of medium-growth yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 216 medium-growth yellow-feathered chicks (Yuhuang No. 5), five days old, were randomly divided into three groups: 72 chicks in each group, with three replicates of 24 chicks. The birds were raised under different lighting conditions, including LED infrared light (II), full-spectrum therapy light (FB), and LED white light (CG) until day 87. This experiment comprised the early growth phase and measured critical hormones such as Melatonin (Mel), Growth Hormone (GH), and Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), as well as Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT). Additionally, this study examined the differences in microbiota diversity and composition. The results demonstrated that LED infrared and full-spectrum light exposure significantly (p < 0.05) increased broiler body weight. Particularly, full-spectrum light was effective in comb redness and reducing final comb length and oxidative stress. Furthermore, full-spectrum light improved microbial prosperity and diversity compared with the other lighting conditions. Overall, the findings suggest that full-spectrum lighting is more beneficial for broiler growth, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting gut health compared with LED infrared lighting. These insights can be applied to optimizing broiler farming practices, thereby improving productivity and animal welfare.

High cycle performance of twisted and coiled polymer actuators

High cycle performance of twisted and coiled polymer actuators

Microstructure and property evolution of aluminium/potassium titanate whiskers composite during Rheo-casting

Microstructure and property evolution of aluminium/potassium titanate whiskers composite during Rheo-casting

A novel 'stop-hole' strategy to extend the fatigue life of orthodontic thermoformed retainers: an in vitro study.

This study aimed to investigate the potential to limit crack propagation in thermoformed retainers (TRs) and extend their fatigue life by placing a 'stop-hole'. Thirty-two TRs, fabricated from 1mm thick, round polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) blanks of ICONIC®, underwent testing within a custom-built fatigue tester. After initial crack growth of 3mm, the TRs were divided into three groups: a control group (C) and two experimental groups based on the stop-hole placement method. In the first experimental group, stop-holes were placed using a 1mm round carbide bur on a slow-speed handpiece (ES), while the second group utilized a heated 1-mm-width ball-ended CPITN probe (EH). Following the placement of a stop-hole at the crack-tip, all 32 TRs resumed testing until the final crack length of 10mm was reached. Stop-hole placement significantly prolonged the delay in crack re-initiation in both experimental groups compared to the control group (P < .001 for both). The mean re-initiation times for the ES and EH groups were 104.50 and 129.50min, respectively, whereas the control group was 28.94min. Consequently, this discrepancy was reflected in the total testing times, with both experimental groups requiring significantly longer time to reach the final crack length (P < .001). There was no significant difference in the testing times between the two experimental groups. This is an in vitro study. The stop-hole methodology significantly extended the fatigue life of a TR in a controlled laboratory environment.

Potassium Fertilization Alters the Morphogenetic, Structural, and Productive Characteristics of Panicum maximum Cultivars

The objective was to evaluate the effects of potassium fertilization on the morphogenetic, structural, and productive characteristics of Panicum maximum (cvs. Tanzania, Quênia, Mombaça, Zuri, Massai, and Tamani). The design was in randomized blocks with four doses of potassium (K) 0, 205, 410, and 820 mg dm−3, divided into 5 applications. The analyzed variables were leaf appearance rate (LAR), leaf elongation rate (LER), stem elongation rate (SER), leaf senescence rate (LSR), leaf life span (LLS), phyllochron (PC), number of live leaves (NLL), final leaf length (FLL), tiller population density (TPD), and forage mass (FM). LAR increased by 0.00216 leaves tiller on day-1 (p = 0.0354) and LER increased by 0.00980 cm tiller on day-1 for each milligram of K (p = 0.0402). There was an increase in FLL of 0.16, 0.08, and 0.07 days for the cultivars Mombaça, Massai, and Tamani, respectively, for each milligram of K applied (p = 0.0034). The TPD of the cultivar Tamani increased linearly by 0.074 tillers/pot for each milligram of K (p = 0.0226), and the cultivar Massai showed a quadratic behavior. The TPD of the other cultivars was not influenced by the increase in the K doses. For forage mass (FM), the cultivars Mombaça and Quênia increased by 0.16 and 0.39 g DM/pot for each milligram of K added to the soil. The cultivars Tanzânia, Zuri, Massai, and Tamani showed maximum point at doses of 261.35, 279.45, 300.57, and 275.86 mg dm−3 K, respectively. Potassium fertilization linearly increased leaf appearance and elongation, with maximum productivity reached at a K dose of 430 mg dm−3, except for the cultivars Mombaça and Quênia, which responded up to a K dose of 820 mg dm−3.

Mediterranean Aquaponics: Fasting and Refeeding in a Polyculture Aquaponic System

The use of Mediterranean euryhaline fish and halophytes in aquaponics presents a sustainable and alternative approach to food production. The present study investigates the effect of compensatory growth on sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and Baltic prawn (Palaemon adspersus) co-cultivated with the halophytic glasswort (Salicornia europaea). Three autonomous systems were established, each containing forty-five sea bass, nine Baltic prawns, and eight glasswort plants, with different feeding regimes for each treatment: (i) daily feeding (treatment A), (ii) three days of feeding per week followed by four days of fasting (treatment B), and (iii) feeding for seven days followed by seven days of fasting (treatment C). The growth performance of the fish was significantly higher in treatment B. Conversely, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was notably higher in treatment A. As for the prawns, their final body weight and length were similar across all treatments. The glasswort plants also demonstrated significantly improved growth in treatment B. These results indicate that the incorporation of feeding and fasting cycles can be an effective feed management strategy for polyculture aquaponic systems. Additionally, food deprivation had a positive impact on the growth performance of both glasswort and prawns.

Are variations in ventricular catheter placement related to design of the catheter? A single-center cohort study.

The use of intracranial catheters is a common procedure used for neurosurgical patients with a variety of pathologies. Despite its frequency of use, shunt failure and revision have been reported to be a common problem. Given that depth of insertion can significantly affect the catheter tip position, a single institution retrospective chart review was performed to examine the accuracy of shunt and external ventricular drain (EVD) placement. Computed tomography (CT) images of the head following shunt or ventriculostomy insertion were analyzed to determine the delta between the final length of the intracranial catheter and the intended depth described in the operative notes. We found that there was a statistically significant difference in the accuracy of placement when comparing EVDs to shunts. The most used EVDs at our institution are marked with a solid black line in increments spaced 2 cm apart. The most used ventricular shunt catheter has a marking at 5 cm and 10 cm from the tip of the catheter. We believe that the visual confirmation that is afforded by metric unit markings on the EVD allows for better final placement of the catheter at the outer table of the calvarium. The addition of regular millimeter metric unit markings by the manufacturer is imperative in decreasing the chances of error in the insertion of ventricular catheters and preventing potential neurovascular injury to the surrounding structures.