Higher Weight Gain Research Articles

An Evaluation of Yeast Culture Supplementation in the Diet of Pseudobagrus ussuriensis: Growth, Antioxidant Activity, Nonspecific Immunity, and Disease Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary yeast culture (YC) supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant activity, nonspecific immunity, and disease resistance of Pseudobagrus ussuriensis (average initial weight6.01±0.01 g). Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain 0 (Y0), 10 (Y1), 20 (Y2), and 30 (Y3) g/kg YC, respectively. After the feeding experiment, the challenge test of injecting Aeromonas hydrophila was executed. Results showed that appropriate YC supplementation level in the diet could improve growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, nonspecific immunity capacity, antioxidant capacity, and disease resistance of P. ussuriensis. And the highest weight gain, feed intake, specific growth rate, and IGF-1 gene expression level were observed in fish fed the Y2 diet. The activities of protease and amylase in intestine in fish fed the Y2 diet were enhanced compared with that in fish fed the Y0 diet significantly (P<0.05). Simultaneously, fish fed the Y2 diet had significantly higher serum lysozyme activity and significantly lower serum alanine amino transferase activity (P<0.05). Dietary 20 g/kg YC supplementation increased the activity of catalase and total antioxidant capacity in liver and reduced malondialdehyde content in the liver and intestine of P. ussuriensis significantly (P<0.05). Fish fed the Y2 diet had the highest disease resistance under the condition of A. hydrophila challenge (P<0.05). The quadratic regression analysis based on weight gain against dietary YC levels indicated that the appropriate dietary YC supplementation level is 13.4 g/kg diet.

Patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior before and during pregnancy and cardiometabolic outcomes

ObjectiveTo assess how physical activity and sedentary behavior change from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy, and if pre-pregnancy and pregnancy physical activity and sedentary behavior are related to gestational weight gain, blood pressure, or blood glucose across pregnancy. DesignSecondary analysis of two prospective cohort studies. SettingPrenatal research centers in Pittsburgh, PA and Iowa City, IA. ParticipantsPregnant individuals (n=131), 18-45 years old, of any BMI, with no medical condition limiting physical activity or use of hypertension/diabetes medications. MethodsParticipants self-reported physical activity and sedentary behavior pre-pregnancy and in each trimester using validated questionnaires. Blood pressure, blood glucose, and weight were obtained from study visits and/or electronic medical records. Multivariable regression examined associations between pre-pregnancy, trimester-specific, and changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior with weight gain and blood pressure outcomes in each trimester, and blood glucose in the second trimester. ResultsCompared to pre-pregnancy, physical activity was lower in each trimester, and sedentary behavior was higher in each trimester (p<0.05). Increasing physical activity from pre-pregnancy levels was associated with lower first trimester SBP (p<0.05). Unexpectedly, higher pre-pregnancy physical activity was associated with higher SBP in the first trimester (p=0.02) and higher weight gain in the third trimester (p=0.02). Higher and increasing sedentary behavior was associated with greater weight gain in the third trimester (p=0.03). ConclusionFuture research should investigate the opportune time (before or during pregnancy) to deliver behavior modification interventions that could prevent excessive gestational weight gain or elevated blood pressure to improve maternal health outcomes.

Risk Factors for Maternal Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain in Twin Pregnancies.

Objective This retrospective cohort study analyzes risk factors for abnormal pre-pregnancy body mass index and abnormal gestational weight gain in twin pregnancies. Methods Data from 10 603/13 682 twin pregnancies were analyzed using uni- and multivariable logistic regression models to determine risk factors for abnormal body mass index and weight gain in pregnancy. Results Multiparity was associated with pre-existing obesity in twin pregnancies (aOR: 3.78, 95% CI: 2.71 – 5.27). Working in academic or leadership positions (aOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.45 – 0.72) and advanced maternal age (aOR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95 – 0.98) were negatively associated with maternal obesity. Advanced maternal age was associated with a lower risk for maternal underweight (aOR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92 – 0.99). Unexpectedly, advanced maternal age (aOR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96 – 0.99) and multiparity (aOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.41 – 0.88) were also associated with lower risks for high gestational weight gain. Pre-existing maternal underweight (aOR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.07 – 2.24), overweight (aOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.39 – 1.86), obesity (aOR: 3.09, 95% CI: 2.62 – 3.65) and multiparity (aOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.23 – 2.18) were all associated with low weight gain. Women working as employees (aOR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.73 – 0.98) or in academic or leadership positions were less likely to have a low gestational weight gain (aOR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.64 – 0.93). Conclusion Risk factors for abnormal body mass index and gestational weight gain specified for twin pregnancies are relevant to identify pregnancies with increased risks for poor maternal or neonatal outcome and to improve their counselling. Only then, targeted interventional studies in twin pregnancies which are desperately needed can be performed.

Early posthatch body temperature, haematology and growth performance in Transylvanian naked neck chicks hatched from eggs stored for different durations

Early posthatch physiological responses and growth performances were assessed in 80 chicks hatched from Transylvanian naked neck (TN) chicken eggs stored in a cold room for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12d before incubation with four replicates per group. The rectal temperature (RT) of birds hatched from 0 and 3d stored eggs were significantly (P < 0.01) lower than in the 9–12d storage groups. There was (P < 0.001) an increase in skin temperature on the breast (STB) as the length of storage increased. Day-old chicks and 28d-old chickens from non-stored eggs had higher (P < 0.05) packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration than eggs stored for 12d. Chickens in 0, 3 and 6d storage groups had (P < 0.01) higher platelet count values than in the 12d group. During d1-28, chicks from 0 to 6d egg storage had (P < 0.001) higher weight gain and final live weight than 9–12d storage. Feed consumption was (P < 0.01) lower in 3d than in 6–12d. Chicks from 0 to 6d storage recorded a lower (P < 0.001) feed conversion ratio than in 9–12d storage. In conclusion, prolonged storage of TN eggs resulted in higher RT and STB, lower PCV and Hb, and lower growth performance during early posthatch age.

Corrosion Degradation Behaviors of Ti6Al4V Alloys in Simulated Marine Environments

Detailed tests and characterizations were used to investigate the corrosion degradation behaviors of Ti6Al4V alloys in simulated marine environments. These alloys suffered from very slight pitting and a miniscule weight loss of 0.018 mg/cm2 during the 50 cycle salt spray exposure but experienced significant oxygen erosion in the high-temperature oxidation test, resulting in a high weight gain of 2.657 mg/cm2 at 400 h. The oxidation and degradation reactions simultaneously occurred during the high-temperature hot salt test. The chlorine (Cl2) induced by the eutectic reaction of the mixed salts accelerated the degradation of the substrate and led to a higher weight gain of 4.265 mg/cm2 at 400 h. In contrast, this alloy suffered from severe corrosion damage during the high-temperature hot salt–water vapor synergy test. The degradation of TiO2, Al2O3, and V2O5 was aggravated by the synergistic action of chlorine salt and water. The reaction forming hydrochloric acid (HCl) further degraded the matrix metal and consequently led to a high weight loss of 16.358 mg/cm2 at 400 h. These current findings provide a comprehensive understanding for the degradation mechanisms of Ti alloys in these specific marine environments.

The Hot-Water Extract of Sargassum sp. as a Feed Ingredient for Spotted Scat (Scatophagus argus Linnaeus, 1766) Reared in Songkhla Lake: Effects on Growth, Feed Efficiency, Hematological Data and Body Composition

The growth performance of Scatophagus argus (25.53 ± 0.89 g) reared in Songkhla Lake, a brackish lagoon, was evaluated after feeding isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing hot-water extract from a seaweed, Sargassum sp., at 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 or 1 g·kg−1. Triplicate groups of fish were reared in 15 net cages (50 × 50 × 60 cm) at a density of 20 fish per cage, and the diets were fed twice a day at a rate of 5% of fish body weight per day for 8 weeks. The final body weight, weight gain (WG), average daily gain, and feed intake (FI) showed significant positive and quadratic responses to the Sargassum extract level. The highest WG (57.97%) and FI (0.34) were recorded in the fish that received the hot-water extract at 0.25–0.5 g·kg−1 of diet. The protein efficiency ratio showed significant positive linear and quadratic responses to the Sargassum extract level, while the hepatosomatic index showed a significant positive linear response to the Sargassum extract level. The body protein and ash contents showed positive, linear and quadratic responses to the Sargassum extract level, and the highest crude protein (49%) was observed in the 0.5 g·kg−1 diet group. There were no significant effects of the Sargassum extract levels on feed conversion ratio, food conversion efficiency, lipid and moisture contents, survival rate, hematocrit, and white or red blood cell counts. However, hematological data between fish in the control group and the Sargassum extract groups tended to be different. Overall, the optimum level of seaweed-extract supplementation for spotted scat under natural conditions was determined to be approximately 0.5 g·kg−1 diet.

Replacement of fish meal by black soldier fly larvae meal in diet for goldfish Carassius auratus: Growth performance, hematology, histology, total carotenoids, and coloration

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM) is a promising animal feed ingredient because of its high protein content and sustainable nature in the aquaculture sector. For the potential application of this ingredient in goldfish culture, five isonitrogenous (42% of crude protein) and isolipidic (9% of crude fat) diets were prepared to replace 0, 43, 84, 145, and 210 g kg−1 fish meal (FM) with BSFLM (termed BSFLM0 – BSFLM210). Triplicate groups of 20 goldfish (approximately 9.35 ± 0.02 g fish−1) per tank were randomly assigned one of the experimental diets and fed three times daily to satiation for 10 weeks. Dietary inclusion of BSFLM linearly increased final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate (P < 0.001), and linearly and quadratically improved feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and protein productive value (P < 0.05). The highest weight gain was observed in the BSFLM145 (15.61 g fish−1) group without a significant difference (P > 0.05) with BSFLM210 (14.76 g fish–1). Organosomatic indexes were similar among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Whole-body moisture and ash contents were not significantly affected (P > 0.05), but crude protein and fat content were affected by BSFLM inclusion (P < 0.05). Regarding muscle fatty acid composition, C12:0 and C14:0 increased linearly and quadratically with BSFLM levels, resulting in an increase in total saturated fatty acids with linear and quadratic effects (P < 0.05). In contrast, C18:3n-3, C20:5n-3, C22:6n-3, total polyunsaturated fatty acids, total n-3, and n-3/n-6 ratio decreased with increasing levels of BSFLM. The color index (a* value) was linearly and quadratically decreased in the abdominal region by BSFLM inclusion, similar to the decrease in L* and a* values in the head region. Total carotenoid contents also decreased in fin, skin, and serum by BSFLM inclusions (P < 0.05). BSFLM inclusion decreased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with linear and quadratic effects (P < 0.05). A mild degree of vacuolization with swollen hepatocellular was observed in the BSFLM84 group, being more abundant in BSFLM145 and BSFLM210 groups. Overall, dietary BSFLM inclusion improved growth performance, feed utilization, and blood biochemistries in goldfish, but it exerted a negative effect on carotenoid content, skin coloration and liver histological integrity.

Comparative efficacies of Eimeria tenella Apical membrane antigen-1 (Etama-1) DNA and live attenuated oocysts vaccines against experimental infection with field isolate of Eimeria tenella in broiler chickens

This study evaluated the efficacy of vaccination of broiler chickens against coccidiosis using Eimeria tenella (EtAMA-1) DNA vaccine in comparison to vaccination using live polyvalent oocyst vaccine (Livacox®). Forty-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 4 groups; group 1 birds were unvaccinated uninfected control, group 2 were unvaccinated infected, group 3 were vaccinated with 0.1ml containing100μg EtAMA-1 vaccine plasmid on the thigh muscle at days 14 and a booster at days 21 of age, while at 10 days old, group 4 birds were administered 0.2ml of Livacox®. At 28 days of age, all chickens except group 1 were inoculated with 1 × 104 sporulated oocysts of the E. tenella and evaluated for weight gain(WG), oocysts production (OP), lesion scoring (LS) and anti coccidial index (ACI). Higher WG (116±43.89 g) were recorded in group 4 compared to group 3 (110±29.15 g), although, statistically insignificant but was significant (p &lt;0.05) when compared with group 2 (40±12.25 g). OP was significantly (p &lt;0.05) higher in group 2 (1.3x105±11.00) compared to groups 3 and 4 (0.58x105±18.00 and 0.44x105 ±42.36) respectively. Both vaccines significantly (p &lt;0.05) reduce the effects of E. tenella on LS (1.4 ± 0.6 and 1.0 ± 0.62) for groups 3 and 4 respectively compared to the unvaccinated group 2 (4.0 ± 0.00). Higher ACI was observed in groups 3 and 4 (177 and 180) respectively compared to group 2 (170). Conclusively, EtAMA-1 DNA vaccination ameliorated the effects of E. tenella infection in broiler chickens comparable to Livacox®.

β‐Carotene of Arthrospira platensis versus vitamin C and vitamin E as a feed supplement: Effects on growth, haemato‐biochemical, immune‐oxidative stress and related gene expression of Nile tilapia fingerlings

Microalgae are one of the most important sources of natural bioactive compounds, especially those revealing antioxidant activity such as β-carotene. Thus, this study was to compare the effects of dietary Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) or Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) with β-carotene extracted from Arthrospira platensis on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on growth, feed utilization, blood indices, antioxidant activity, non-specific immunological indices and related gene expression. Three hundred and sixty apparent healthy Nile tilapia (5.80 ± 0.286 g) were randomly distributed into four groups. Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were performed. A control diet was compared against three experimental diets supplemented with Vitamin C (0.5 mg kg−1 diet), Vitamin E (1 g kg−1 diet) or β-carotene (0.5 g kg−1 diet) for 10 weeks. According to the results, there was no significant difference in feed intake (p > 0.05) between experimental diets. Dietary Vitamins C and E and β-carotene significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the weight gain, final body weight, protein efficiency ratio, specific growth rate and apparent protein utilization in all groups, whereas the best FCR (p = 0.017) and the highest weight gain (p = 0.007) were detected in the β-carotene diet. Fish survival rates differed significantly (p < 0.05) amongst treatments, whilst fish fed a diet supplemented with β-carotene recorded the highest survival rate. The supplemental diet with β-carotene boosted the values of the biochemical and haematological parameters (p < 0.05) compared with the control diet. The activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver (p = 0.0560; p = 0.0032; p = 0.0353 respectively) and tilapia muscles were higher in fish fed either β-carotene or Vitamin E (p = 0.0579; p = 0.1494; p = 0.2145 respectively) than other groups. The highest values of SOD, CAT and immune globulin M-2 gene expression (p < 0.05) were found in fish fed a diet enriched with β-carotene. These results suggested that the dietary incorporation of β-carotene had a superior impact on growth performance, haemato-biochemical and immune-oxidative stress biomarkers in addition to the associated gene expression of Oreochromis niloticus.

Factors Affecting Breast Myopathies in Broiler Chickens and Quality of Defective Meat: A Meta-Analysis.

Fast-growing broiler chickens are subjected to breast myopathies such as white striping (WS), wooden breast (WB), and spaghetti meat (SM). Available studies about risk factors for myopathy occurrence often used flock data whereas a few reports evaluated chicken individual data. Thus, the present study aimed to elucidate the effect of growth and slaughter traits, besides sex and genotype on myopathy occurrence. Data were obtained from eight experimental trials, which used a total of 6,036 broiler chickens. Sex, genotype, daily weight gain, slaughter weight, and breast yield were evaluated as potential risk factors by logistic regression analyses. Then, the effects of myopathy and sex were evaluated on meat rheological traits (pH, colour, cooking losses and shear force). Based on a logistic regression, WS occurrence was associated with genotype, breast weight, and breast yield. Compared with chickens with intermediate breast weight and breast yield, higher odds of having WS were found in chickens with high breast weight (OR: 1.49) and yield (OR: 1.27), whereas lower odds were found in those with low breast weight (OR: 0.57) and yield (OR: 0.82). As for WB and SM, females had lower odds of having WB (OR: 0.55) and higher odds of showing SM (OR: 15.4) compared to males. In males, higher odds of having WB were found in chickens with a high daily weight gain (OR: 1.75) compared to those with an intermediate daily weight gain. In females, higher odds of having SM were associated to a high slaughter weight (OR: 2.10) while lower odds to a low slaughter weight (OR: 0.87). As for meat quality, only WB meat was clearly different for some technological and sensorial properties, which can play a major role also in meat processing. In conclusion, our analysis identified breast development as a potential risk factor for WS, while a high growth was the risk factor for WB and SM. A different probability of having WB or SM in females and male was found.

Low prenatal resting energy expenditure and high energy intake predict high gestational weight gain in pregnant women with overweight/obesity

IntroductionRecent evidence suggests that low resting energy expenditure (REE) is associated with gestational weight gain (GWG). However, little research has examined whether REE explains GWG beyond the contributions of energy intake (EI) and physical activity (PA). This study examined the extent to which EI, PA, and REE were associated with and explained second trimester GWG in pregnant women with overweight/obesity. MethodsPregnant women with overweight/obesity (N = 26) participating in the Healthy Mom Zone study, a theoretically-based behavioral intervention that adapted the intervention dosage over time to regulate GWG completed weekly point estimates of EI (back-calculation), PA (wrist-worn activity monitor), and REE (mobile metabolism device) from 14- to 28-weeks gestation. Second trimester GWG was calculated as the weekly point estimate of weight from a Wi-Fi weight scale at gestational week 28 minus the weekly point estimate of weight at gestational week 14. ResultsPartial correlations revealed second trimester EI and PA were not significantly associated with second trimester GWG, but low second trimester REE was significantly associated with high second trimester GWG. Hierarchical regression analyses showed the model of fat-free mass, EI, PA, and REE explained 56% of the variance in second trimester GWG. Low REE was the strongest determinant followed by high EI; fat-free mass and PA were not significant predictors. ConclusionsWhile EI and PA remain important determinants of GWG, future researchers should explore the role of REE to inform individualized EI and PA goals to better regulate GWG.

EFFECTS OF FEED REDUCTION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, WATER QUALITY, AND HEMATOLOGY STATUS OF AFRICAN CATFISH, Clarias gariepinus REARED IN BIOFLOC POND SYSTEM

Biofloc technique is a method of fish culture using minimal water exchange and microbial aggregates formed within the culture media as fish supplementary feed. Biofloc as a protein source is currently not being considered part of the feeding dosage in catfish culture. This present work aimed to determine the effects of commercial feed reduction on growth performance, water quality, and hematology of catfish cultured in biofloc ponds. Fish with an average body weight of 7.53 ± 0.47 g were stocked in nine ponds with a stocking density of 100 fish/pond and reared for nine weeks. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design, with the following treatments: full feed + non-biofloc (C100) as control; 10% less feed + biofloc (B90); 20% less feed + biofloc (B80). As such, the total feed doses given daily per each treatment fish biomass were: 5% for C100, 4.5% for B90, and 4.0% for B80. Each treatment was arranged in triplicates. The results showed that all water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, TAN, and nitrite) and biofloc concentrations did not differ significantly among the treatments (P&gt;0.05). Specific growth rate, survival rate, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio of the fish were also not significantly different (P&gt;0.05). The weight gain of biofloc-treated fish in B90 and B80 reached 2.71% and 12.65%, respectively; which were higher than the control treatment during the treatment period. The feed conversion ratios of B90 and B80 were 14.39% and 7.58%, respectively; lower than the control treatment. The biofloc treatment did not adversely alter the fish’s blood cell profiles. This study revealed that feed reduction did not affect water quality in the ponds and blood cell profiles of the fish. Moreover, fish in the biofloc-treated ponds had higher weight gain and lower food conversion ratios compared to fish cultured in the non-treated biofloc ponds. This study suggests that using the biofloc system in catfish rearing can reduce the use of feed up to 10%-20% with similar biomass yield compared to the non-biofloc system.

Synergistic effect of probiotic, chicory root powder and coriander seed powder on growth performance, antioxidant activity and gut health of broiler chickens.

Gut health plays an important role on production and performance of broilers. This trial was undertaken with an aim to evaluate the synergistic effect of probiotic, chicory root powder and coriander seed powder on the performance and gut health of broiler chicken. For this purpose, a total of 240 day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments with 8 replicates of 5 birds in each. Treatment groups included T1 as control i.e., basal diet (BD) without any growth promoter and T2-BD + antibiotic (BMD 0.05%). In the remaining experimental diets, T3-probiotic (@ 0.01%) + chicory root powder (@ 1.0%), T4-probiotic (@ 0.01%) + coriander seed powder (@ 1.5%), T5-chicory root powder (@ 1.0%) + coriander seed powder (@ 1.5%) and T6-probiotic (@ 0.01%) + chicory root powder (@ 1.0%) + coriander seed powder (@ 1.5%). The results indicated that supplementation of probiotic + chicory (T3), probiotic + coriander (T4), chicory + coriander (T5) and probiotic + chicory + coriander (T6) in combination resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher weight gain and better FCR compared to control and antibiotic groups at 42 d of age. Supplementation of different dietary groups did not show any significant (P>0.05) effect on feed intake of broilers. Supplementation of all the test diets (T3 to T6) significantly (P<0.05) increased the glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione reductase (GSHRx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity when compared to control and antibiotic groups at 42 d of age. Supplementation of all the test diets (T3 to T6) significantly (P<0.05) lowered the pH in the gut, increased Lactobacillus counts, and reduced E. coli and Salmonella counts in the ileum compared to control and antibiotic groups. Supplementation of all the test diets (T3 to T6) significantly (P<0.05) increased the villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), VH:CD ratio and villus width (VW) in the duodenum and only VH and CD in the ileum compared to control and antibiotic groups. Significantly (P<0.05) higher jejunal VH and VW and increased the goblet cell number in duodenum, jejunum and ileum was recorded in all test diets (T3 to T6) compared to control and antibiotic groups. Therefore, combinations of probiotic (0.01%), chicory root powder (1.0%) and coriander seed powder (1.5%) can be used as feed additive for improving performance and gut health of broiler chicken.

A Study of Frequency of Low Backache in Pregnant Women

Objective: To find the frequency of backache in our pregnant women and factors increasing the risk of low backache in pregnancy.&#x0D; Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Gynecology &amp; Obstetrics, Avicenna Medical College, Lahore Pakistan, from Jan 2018 to Dec 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: We included 247 consecutive women between 18 and 45 years of age and between 16 and 35 weeks of a single pregnancy. These were evaluated for low backache. Women with comorbid conditions and multiple fetuses who needed elective caesarian sections were excluded.&#x0D; Results: Mean age of the pregnant women in our study was 27 ± 3.7 years, with an age range of 18 to 45 years. 197 (80.1%) complained about low back pain during their pregnancy, and 75 (30.3%) had a previous history of back pain when not pregnant. Back pain was present in 47 (19.02%) 6 months postpartum. The risk factors present were higher weight gain in 75 (30 %), age &gt;35 years in 62 (25 %), low haemoglobin 38 (15%) and poor socio-economic condition 25 (10.1%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Low back pain is common in pregnancy and is a less addressed issue of pregnant women. Many factors responsible for low backache in pregnant women were identified. Analgesics and increased physical activity are the main treatment and prevention options.

The Profiling of Diet and Physical Activity in Reproductive Age Women and Their Association with Body Mass Index.

Pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum are critical life stages associated with higher weight gain and obesity risk. Among these women, the sociodemographic groups at highest risk for suboptimal lifestyle behaviours and core lifestyle components associated with excess adiposity are unclear. This study sought to identify subgroups of women meeting diet/physical activity (PA) recommendations in relation to sociodemographics and assess diet/PA components associated with body mass index (BMI) across these life stages. Cross-sectional data (Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011–2012) were analysed for pre-pregnancy, pregnant and postpartum women. The majority (63–95%) of women did not meet dietary or PA recommendations at all life stages. Core and discretionary food intake differed by sociodemographic factors. In pre-pregnant women, BMI was inversely associated with higher whole grain intake (β = −1.58, 95% CI −2.96, −0.21; p = 0.025) and energy from alcohol (β = −0.08, −0.14, −0.005; p = 0.035). In postpartum women, BMI was inversely associated with increased fibre (β = −0.06, 95% CI −0.11, −0.004; p = 0.034) and PA (β = −0.002, 95% CI −0.004, −0.001; p = 0.013). This highlights the need for targeting whole grains, fibre and PA to prevent obesity across life stages, addressing those most socioeconomically disadvantaged.

Growth and immunological profile of gercacinid crab at different sublethal salinity regimes

Salinity is the most variable ecological parameter in the lagoon with daily and seasonal variations. The changes in growth, serum biochemistry and antioxidant enzymes activities of Cardisoma armatum were examined during 84-day exposure to five different sublethal salinities (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ppt). At the start of the trial, the crab initial average body weight was not significantly different (P &gt; 0.05). The highest weight gain was recorded in 15 ppt (47.40±1.01 g), followed by 20 ppt, 10 ppt and 5 ppt with no significant differences between them. At the end of 84 days experiment, the crab exhibited the lowest body weight growth (48.29 %) at 0 ppt and the highest (81.04±1.08%) at 10 ppt. The 10 ppt treatment had the highest specific growth rates (0.31±0.11 %/day), followed by 5 ppt, 20 ppt, 15 ppt, and then 0 ppt treatments. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferases significantly decreased after 0 ppt, but mean serum protein value increased with salinity increase. Greater activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde were recorded in 5-20 ppt. All the antioxidant enzyme activities (with the exception of glutathione) showed significant differences. Thus, deviation from the brackish water condition adversely affects the growth and immune functions of the gecarcinid, resulting in population decline in reclaimed wetlands.

Optimization of dietary protein and lipid levels for butter catfish, (Ompok bimaculatus) (Bloch, 1794) fingerlings: An appraisal on growth, body composition, digestive enzymes, and metabolic function

ABSTRACT A completely randomized 3 × 3 factorial feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth, feed utilization, body composition, and digestive as well as metabolic enzymes of the butter catfish (Ompok bimaculatus) fingerlings. Fish (average weight 0.66 ± 0.12 g; 30 d) were fed nine experimental diets containing three protein levels (35%, 40%, 45%) and three lipid levels (5%, 10%, 15%) in triplicate groups for a period of 90 days. The formulated diets were named P35L05, P35L10, P35L15, P40L05, P40L10, P40L15, P45L05, P45L10, and P45L15 (P = Protein; L = Lipid) respectively. The results indicated no protein-sparing effect of lipid in O. bimaculatus fingerlings beyond 35% dietary protein. Overall, diets P40L5 and P35L10 had significantly (P < 0.05) higher SGR (% day−1) and lower FCR than other experimental groups. The highest weight gain (10.89 ± 0.07 g) and carcass protein (16.71 ± 0.2%) were recorded in fish fed diet P40L05. Increasing dietary lipid levels brought about an increase in carcass lipid in fish. Activities of α-amylase and acid-protease were decreased (except at 5% lipid), whereas alkaline-protease was increased with increasing dietary protein. An increase in pyruvate kinase (PK, glycolytic enzyme) activity and decrease in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD, lipogenic enzyme) activity were noticed with increasing dietary lipid content. A decrease in PK and increase in G6PD activities were observed with increasing dietary protein levels. Activities of the gluconeogenic enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-phosphatase) increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary protein and lipid levels. Amino acid catabolizing enzymes, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, were slightly increased with increasing dietary protein levels. Considering growth, body composition, metabolic function, and survivability (>95%), the diet containing 40% crude protein with 5% lipid might be suggested as optimum for O. bimaculatus fingerlings under the tested conditions.

γ-Glutamyl Valine, Found in Dry Edible Beans, Is Anti-diabetic in db/db Mice

ObjectivesDietary γ-glutamyl peptides (γ-GPs) found in dry edible beans exhibit biological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory) with potential benefits against chronic metabolic disorders. γ-GPs are responsible for the desirable Kokumi flavor through allosteric activation of the Calcium Sensing Receptor (CaSR) present in multiple mammalian tissues. In this study, we investigated the metabolic effects of γ-glutamyl valine (γ-EV) in diabetic obese mice. MethodsFour-weeks old male db/db mice (BKS.Cg-Dock7m +/+ Leprdb/J) were fed AIN-93G diet ad libitum and given water with or without γ-EV (500 mg/kg body weight) for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks of intervention, blood, intestine and liver were collected to determine blood glucose, blood plasma γ-EV concentrations (LC-MS/MS), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, jejunum and liver transcriptomes (RNA-Seq), liver protein expression (Western blot), and liver glycogen content. ResultsMice given γ-EV had higher weight gain (45%, p < 0.001, n = 8), lower food intake (21%, p < 0.0001), and better food efficiency (79%, p < 0.0001) than their control counterparts. γ-EV blood concentrations reached 2.07 ± 0.56 μM. Blood glucose levels decreased (29%, p < 0.01) and urination was markedly improved. The hepatosomatic index increased (66%, p < 0.0001); however, blood ALT activity was not significantly changed. RNA-Seq analysis revealed 147 jejunal genes and 1308 liver genes were differentially expressed due to γ-EV intake, 26 of these genes were common to these tissues. The top 3 GO categories affected by γ-EV in jejunum were fatty acid metabolic process (17/193 genes), lipid metabolic process (22/545 genes), and peroxisome (11/136 genes); and in liver, the top 3 GO categories were oxidoreductase activity (104/686 genes), lipid metabolic process (79/545 genes), and iron ion binding (43/185 genes). Hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPKα, Thr172) abundance, a major cellular regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism, increased (86%, p < 0.05), and liver glycogen decreased (79%, p < 0.0001) in the treatment group suggesting γ-EV induced catabolism. Conclusionsγ-EV improved the diabetic condition of db/db mice via modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Funding SourcesFunding was provided by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Collaboration Initiative and the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission.

Impairment of left ventricular diastolic function and exercise capacity after yoyo dieting in female mice with or without ovariectomy-induced post-menopausal condition

Follow-up studies show that weight gain in women proportionally increases the risk of coronary heart disease and that weight cycling is associated with adverse cardiometabolic markers. Moreover, women after menopause are prone to weight gain. To work out a protocol responsible for weight fluctuation and to measure the cardiac functional consequences after a final weight loss, in mice having undergone or not an ovariectomy (OVX). Five-month-old female underwent OVX or not. Starting 5 days after surgery, mice were subjected to Yoyo dieting with successive periods (I, II, III) of a biphasic alternation of a high fat diet (HFD) (4-week constant phase of HFD60%) followed by standard diet (SD) (phase of 4, 6, 10 weeks for period I, II, III, respectively). Non-OVX control (CTL) mice were maintained on SD. At the end of the last SD phase, the global metabolism was evaluated by an insulin tolerance test and echo-MRI, the blood pressure was measured by plethysmography, the exercise capacity was evaluated on treadmill, then the left ventricular (LV) function was assessed by ultrasound and invasive hemodynamics. Body weight in Yoyo and OVX-Yoyo mice was higher to that of CTL mice at the end of period III. Moreover, the first phase of HFD resulted in a higher weight gain in OVX-yoyo mice, which kept bigger than Yoyo mice until the end of the protocol, however without difference in body composition. There was decreased insulin sensitivity in both Yoyo and Yoyo-OVX mice compared to CTL. There was no difference in blood pressure nor in LV fractional shortening between groups. Invasive hemodynamics showed no difference in LV-end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) but an increased LV end-diastolic pressure volume relation (LVEDPVR) in OVX-Yoyo mice, indicating decreased compliance. LV weight was increased in Yoyo mice only. Treadmill stress test showed decreased running duration for OVX-Yoyo mice only ( Fig. 1 ). In female mice subjected to the same Yoyo diet protocol, those in post-menopausal condition after OVX show an increased risk of developing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and reduced exercise capacity.

Effects of the feeding level in early gestation on body reserves and the productive and reproductive performance of primiparous and multiparous sows

Early gestation may be the best period for sows to recover body reserve losses from previous lactation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of restricted feeding in early gestation on the body status, productive and reproductive performance, and hormonal-metabolic status of primiparous and multiparous sows. A total of 130 sows were randomly assigned to one of three feeding levels: Treatment I, which sows were fed at the level commonly used from day 3 to 28 of gestation (2.5 kg·d−1 of a diet with 2.18 Mcal NE·kg−1 and 13.72 g CP·kg−1), and Treatments II and III, where feed was increased by 25% and 50%, respectively. Sow body status, litter size and weight, early mortalities, reproductive rates, weaning-to-estrus interval, and hormones linked to metabolism were recorded. The highest weight gain, body condition score, and backfat thickness were found in sows fed Treatment III compared to those fed the usual feeding level (Treatment I). No differences among treatment groups were found in litter size or litter weight, although a tendency for more live born piglets and fewer stillbirths was found in sows fed Treatment III. In contrast, litters from sows fed at higher feeding levels had a higher mortality at 72 h compared to those fed at the lowest feeding level (I), which was partly linked to a higher percentage of piglets culled at birth and piglets weighing less than 800 g. There were no differences in conception and farrowing rates, leptin, progesterone, insulin, or cortisol among treatment groups applied in early gestation. In conclusion, increasing the feeding level in sows during early gestation to improve their short-term productive and reproductive performance remains controversial. Further studies are needed to focus on how the restricted feeding level applied could affect the viability and proportion of low-weight piglets.