Higher Mean Length Research Articles

Spatial variation of the broodstock availability of Acanthopagrus berda (Forsskal 1775) with emphasis on seasonality, lunar periodicity, and sex ratio for facilitating efficient breeding program

Successful breeding program for hermaphrodites needs planned broodstock collection. The presented work aims to study the dynamics of broodstock availability of Acanthopagrus berda along selected stretches of Indian coast to facilitate scientific broodstock management. Broodstock availability was recorded for three consecutive years from two geographic locations, Karwar [offshore (beach area) using shore seine and inshore (estuarine area) using hook and lines, cast net and gillnet] and Calicut (inshore using hook and lines, cast net and gillnet). In both regions, most of the stocks were collected between the post-monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons (August to March). At Calicut, a considerable quantity of broodstock was available during all lunar phases except the new moon phase, while at Karwar, it was available except for the first and third quarter and full moon with assured availability during the waxing and waning phases. At Karwar, in the shore seine, the broodstock was available only from August to November, but in cast net, the broodstock was available from August to February. The brooders collected from the Calicut coast were significantly (Welch's statistics p < 0.05, Hedge's g = 0.79) larger (25.476 ± 0.32 cm) than those obtained from the Karwar (21.64 ± 0.17 cm). The highest mean length was observed in the case of fish collected by hook and line, cast net and gill net at Calicut (25.47 ± 0.31), followed by cast net (21.79 ± 0.52) and shore seine (21.60 ± 0.17) at Karwar. The estimated length of sex reversal (L50) was 25.50 cm total length (TL) with a considerable overlap in sex category in the size range of 20 − 30 cm. Welch ANOVA (One-Way) for difference in mean length affirmed no significant difference, and hence the probability of getting a higher number of a particular sex during a given lunar phase could not be assumed.

Comparative analysis of revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass surgery for patients with end-stage renal disease: a nationwide inpatient sample database

ABSTRACT Background The role of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) vs coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and concomitant end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains unknown. Research design & methods The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) (2002–2017) was queried to identify all cases of CAD and ESRD. The relative merits of PCI vs CABG were determined using a propensity-matched multivariate logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for mortality and other in-hospital complications were calculated. Results A total of 350,623 [CABG = 112,099 (32%) and PCI = 238,524 (68%)] hospitalizations were included in the analysis. The overall adjusted odds for major bleeding (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.25–1.31, P < 0.0001), post-procedure bleeding (aOR 5.19, 95% CI 4.93–5.47, P < 0.0001), sepsis (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.26–1.33, P < 0.0001), cardiogenic shock (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.20–1.26, P < 0.0001), and in-hospital mortality (aOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.61–1.69, P < 0.0001) were significantly higher for patients undergoing CABG compared with PCI. The need for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) placement (aOR 2.52, 95% CI 2.45–2.59, P < 0.001) was higher in the CABG group, while the adjusted odds of vascular complications were similar between the two groups (aOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.94–1.06, P = 0.82). As expected, patients undergoing CABG had a higher mean length of stay and mean cost of hospitalization. Conclusion CABG in ESRD may be associated with higher in-hospital complications, increased length of stay, and higher resource utilization.

Gestational weight gain in 4 low- and middle-income countries and associations with birth outcomes: a secondary analysis of the Women First Trial

ABSTRACTBackgroundAdequate gestational weight gain (GWG) is essential for healthy fetal growth. However, in low- and middle-income countries, where malnutrition is prevalent, little information is available about GWG and how it might be modified by nutritional status and interventions.ObjectiveWe describe GWG and its associations with fetal growth and birth outcomes. We also examined the extent to which prepregnancy BMI, and preconception and early weight gain modify GWG, and its effects on fetal growth.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of the Women First Trial, including 2331 women within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Guatemala, India, and Pakistan, evaluating weight gain from enrollment to ∼12 weeks of gestation and GWG velocity (kg/wk) between ∼12 and 32 weeks of gestation. Adequacy of GWG velocity was compared with 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations, according to maternal BMI. Early weight gain (EWG), GWG velocity, and adequacy of GWG were related to birth outcomes using linear and Poisson models.ResultsGWG velocity (mean ± SD) varied by site: 0.22 ± 0.15 kg/wk in DRC, 0.30 ± 0.23 in Pakistan, 0.31 ± 0.14 in Guatemala, and 0.39 ± 0.13 in India, (P <0.0001). An increase of 0.1 kg/wk in maternal GWG was associated with a 0.13 cm (95% CI: 0.07, 0.18, P <0.001) increase in birth length and a 0.032 kg (0.022, 0.042, P <0.001) increase in birth weight. Compared to women with inadequate GWG, women who had adequate GWG delivered newborns with a higher mean length and weight: 47.98 ± 2.04 cm compared with 47.40 ± 2.17 cm (P <0.001) and 2.864 ± 0.425 kg compared with 2.764 ± 0.418 kg (P <0.001). Baseline BMI, EWG, and GWG were all associated with birth length and weight.ConclusionsThese results underscore the importance of adequate maternal nutrition both before and during pregnancy as a potentially modifiable factor to improve fetal growth.

Suitability External Morphology and Some Biometric Characteristics of the Deep-water Redfish Actinopyga echinites (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea) in Cabgan Island, Barobo, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Actinopyga echinites (Jaeger, 1833) is among the most exploited holothurians for exports in the Philippines. Despite its economic significance, the lack of management initiatives resulted in declining wild stocks. This study provides information on external morphology and biometric characteristics like length-weight relationship and condition factor of A. echinites for proper management and sustainability. The study was conducted conducted in dry (March to May 2021) and wet (June to August 2021) seasons in Cabgan Island, Barobo, Surigao del Sur, where two stations with three plots (10 × 10m) were laid as monitoring stations. The results revealed that A. echinites showed coloration and shape variation to adapt to their environment. Higher mean length (7.7cm) and significantly higher mean weight (41.5g) were observed in A. echinites in Station 2 than the ones in Station 1 (p &lt; 0.05). Both stations had a higher length (7.8cm and 8.4cm) and weight (38.4g and 49.7g) during wet than dry months, but only Station 2 showed significant differences for the two parameters. The population showed a negative allometric growth resulting in its leaner shape, with the slope of regression lines being 1.89 and 1.82 in Station 1 and 1.75 and 1.97 in Station 2 for the dry and wet months, respectively. Both stations recorded high condition factors but significantly higher during the wet season (p &lt; 0.05). Further study on the reproductive biology and environmental characteristics is needed to enhance scientifically sound management interventions for the conservation and sustainability of A. echinites populations.

An Intervention Package Including Egg and Milk-Based Snack Improved Growth and Development of U-2 Children in Bangladesh: A Community-Based Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives We aimed to compare the effect of a comprehensive intervention package focusing on the animal-source protein (egg and milk)-based snack in conjunction with feeding counseling, water sanitation and hygiene, and supplementation with multiple micronutrient powder on linear growth and development of 6‒12-month old children in rural Bangladesh. Primary and secondary outcomes were differences in length-for-age Z score and cognitive development. Methods A community-based cluster randomized controlled longitudinal trial included 412 mother-infant pairs from 13 unions (small-administrative-unit) of Harirampur sub-district, allocating to receive treatment (n = 206) or regular health messages (n = 206) as control. The treatment group received monthly food vouchers (30 eggs, 12 L milk, 500 g semolina, 500 mL oil, 500 g sugar) to prepare nutritious children's snacks, micronutrient powder, child feeding and handwashing counseling for 12 months. The Control group received routine health messages from the government. Anthropometry, feeding and morbidity data were collected at baseline, monthly and endpoint. Children's development was assessed only once at an endpoint using Extended Ages and Stages Questionnaire (EASQ), Bayley III and Wolke's behavior rating scales. We used generalized linear regression modelling to conduct intention to treat analysis. Results Children's mean weight and length were similar between groups at baseline. At endpoint, compared to the control, treatment children had higher mean length (83.52 and 80.89 cm; difference: 2.62, P &amp;lt; 0.001); higher LAZ score (β: 0.38, CI: 0.24, 0.51); 61% lower rate of stunting (IRR: 0.39, CI: 0.22, 0.67); higher cognitive (β: 4.01, CI: 2.08, 5.94), language (β: 2.94, CI: 0.94, 4.94) and motor (β: 4.53, CI: 1.87, 7.20) scores, all being statistically significant. The intervention also improved developmental EASQ outcomes of the treatment children (gross and fine motor, problem-solving, and socio-emotional scores). Conclusions A comprehensive intervention package focusing on egg and milk-based snacks improved child growth and development in poor households in Bangladesh. Reducing the intervention cost and scale-up to larger communities in resource-poor settings merit further research. Funding Sources Children Investment Fund Foundation funded the trial.

Effects of foliar and root application of epsom salt on aquaponics beetroot (Beta vulgaris) production in confined condition

The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of epsom salt, rich in magnesium and sulfur content beneficial to plant, on beetroot production in aquaponics system. Media based aquaponics systems (nine units) were employed for beetroot and tilapia culture where three treatments T1, T2 and T0 were applied with three replications (R1, R2, and R3) each. Epsom salt was applied in T1 as foliar spray in the form of 5% solution in each replication, whereas same amount of epsom salt (5 g) was directly applied on vegetable bed in T2 as root application. But in control (T0) no epsom salt was used. Beetroot saplings were planted in retrospect at a rate of two saplings per growbed (replication). After thirty days, plants grew enough to support the water clarification in aquaponics, ten tilapia fry were stocked per tank (90 L) in each replication. Fish were fed commercial floating feed containing 30% protein. Although the fish growth parameters in three treatments were statistically similar, the highest mean length gain, weight gain, specific growth rate and fish production were found 5.11±1.64 cm, 30.16±0.11 g, 0.39±0.01 %/day and 26.27±2.47 tons/ha/60 days respectively in T1 followed by T2 and T0. However, response of beetroots to different treatments was statistically different. The highest average leaf area (69.79 ± 0.48 cm2), length of root (31.03±0.43 cm), weight of root (21.17±1.92 g), and production of beetroot 8.67±1.54 tons/ha/90 days were found in T1 followed by T2 and T0. Harvesting time was also reduced in epsom salt based aquaponics system. The overall production of beetroot and tilapia was higher in T1 (foliar spray) than T2 (root application) and T0 (control). Thus, the study signifies the potentialities of epsom salt in aquaponics vegetable production. However, further research is needed to verify the dose response to epsom salt in aquaponics system.&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2020, 6(1): 56-66

Prevalence, Pattern and Risk Factors of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children below Six Months Old in Jos North Central Nigeria

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in infants of less than 6 months of age (U6m) is a serious public health concern globally, especially with declined rates of exclusive breastfeeding. With challenges in the use of the standard anthropometric parameters and higher mortality in these infants than in older children, it is pertinent to document the burden, pattern and risk factors for SAM in U6m. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SAM in U6m, the pattern and the determinants of malnutrition using weight-for-length (WFL) Z score and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and also to determine the usability of MUAC and WFL in detection of SAM in U6m. Infants six weeks to &lt;6months were recruited. Socio-demographic and nutritional data were collected using researcher administered questionnaire. WFL z scores &lt;-3 and MUAC &lt;11.5cm were used to define SAM. Of the 233 infants aged&lt;6months, mean age was 90.0±38.3days. Females accounted for 52.8%. Nineteen, (8.5%), were born with low birth weight and 11.7% were preterm deliveries. Males had higher mean length for age and weight for age than females but MUAC showed no significant difference. The prevalence of SAM was 2.6% by MUAC and WFL parameters but MUAC identified more SAM subjects in those &lt;3months while WFL identified more in older children. Concordance between MUAC and WFL was poor. Both MUAC and WFL showed more female children than males with MAM. Lower social economic status was significantly associated with SAM while birth weight, birth order, maternal nutritional status and time of first feed did not affect prevalence of SAM in any of the parameters. It is recommended that both WFL and MUAC be employed in the screening of acute malnutrition in this U6m.

Prevalence, Pattern and Risk Factors of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children below Six Months Old in Jos North Central Nigeria

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in infants of less than 6 months of age (U6m) is a serious public health concern globally, especially with declined rates of exclusive breastfeeding. With challenges in the use of the standard anthropometric parameters and higher mortality in these infants than in older children, it is pertinent to document the burden, pattern and risk factors for SAM in U6m. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SAM in U6m, the pattern and the determinants of malnutrition using weight-for-length (WFL) Z score and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and also to determine the usability of MUAC and WFL in detection of SAM in U6m. Infants six weeks to &lt;6months were recruited. Socio-demographic and nutritional data were collected using researcher administered questionnaire. WFL z scores &lt;-3 and MUAC &lt;11.5cm were used to define SAM. Of the 233 infants aged&lt;6months, mean age was 90.0±38.3days. Females accounted for 52.8%. Nineteen, (8.5%), were born with low birth weight and 11.7% were preterm deliveries. Males had higher mean length for age and weight for age than females but MUAC showed no significant difference. The prevalence of SAM was 2.6% by MUAC and WFL parameters but MUAC identified more SAM subjects in those &lt;3months while WFL identified more in older children. Concordance between MUAC and WFL was poor. Both MUAC and WFL showed more female children than males with MAM. Lower social economic status was significantly associated with SAM while birth weight, birth order, maternal nutritional status and time of first feed did not affect prevalence of SAM in any of the parameters. It is recommended that both WFL and MUAC be employed in the screening of acute malnutrition in this U6m.

Prevalence, Pattern and Risk Factors of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children below Six Months Old in Jos North Central Nigeria

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in infants of less than 6 months of age (U6m) is a serious public health concern globally, especially with declined rates of exclusive breastfeeding. With challenges in the use of the standard anthropometric parameters and higher mortality in these infants than in older children, it is pertinent to document the burden, pattern and risk factors for SAM in U6m. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SAM in U6m, the pattern and the determinants of malnutrition using weight-for-length (WFL) Z score and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and also to determine the usability of MUAC and WFL in detection of SAM in U6m. Infants six weeks to &lt;6months were recruited. Socio-demographic and nutritional data were collected using researcher administered questionnaire. WFL z scores &lt;-3 and MUAC &lt;11.5cm were used to define SAM. Of the 233 infants aged&lt;6months, mean age was 90.0±38.3days. Females accounted for 52.8%. Nineteen, (8.5%), were born with low birth weight and 11.7% were preterm deliveries. Males had higher mean length for age and weight for age than females but MUAC showed no significant difference. The prevalence of SAM was 2.6% by MUAC and WFL parameters but MUAC identified more SAM subjects in those &lt;3months while WFL identified more in older children. Concordance between MUAC and WFL was poor. Both MUAC and WFL showed more female children than males with MAM. Lower social economic status was significantly associated with SAM while birth weight, birth order, maternal nutritional status and time of first feed did not affect prevalence of SAM in any of the parameters. It is recommended that both WFL and MUAC be employed in the screening of acute malnutrition in this U6m.

Prevalence, Pattern and Risk Factors of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children below Six Months Old in Jos North Central Nigeria

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in infants of less than 6 months of age (U6m) is a serious public health concern globally, especially with declined rates of exclusive breastfeeding. With challenges in the use of the standard anthropometric parameters and higher mortality in these infants than in older children, it is pertinent to document the burden, pattern and risk factors for SAM in U6m. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SAM in U6m, the pattern and the determinants of malnutrition using weight-for-length (WFL) Z score and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and also to determine the usability of MUAC and WFL in detection of SAM in U6m. Infants six weeks to &lt;6months were recruited. Socio-demographic and nutritional data were collected using researcher administered questionnaire. WFL z scores &lt;-3 and MUAC &lt;11.5cm were used to define SAM. Of the 233 infants aged&lt;6months, mean age was 90.0±38.3days. Females accounted for 52.8%. Nineteen, (8.5%), were born with low birth weight and 11.7% were preterm deliveries. Males had higher mean length for age and weight for age than females but MUAC showed no significant difference. The prevalence of SAM was 2.6% by MUAC and WFL parameters but MUAC identified more SAM subjects in those &lt;3months while WFL identified more in older children. Concordance between MUAC and WFL was poor. Both MUAC and WFL showed more female children than males with MAM. Lower social economic status was significantly associated with SAM while birth weight, birth order, maternal nutritional status and time of first feed did not affect prevalence of SAM in any of the parameters. It is recommended that both WFL and MUAC be employed in the screening of acute malnutrition in this U6m.

Prevalence, Pattern and Risk Factors of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children below Six Months Old in Jos North Central Nigeria

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in infants of less than 6 months of age (U6m) is a serious public health concern globally, especially with declined rates of exclusive breastfeeding. With challenges in the use of the standard anthropometric parameters and higher mortality in these infants than in older children, it is pertinent to document the burden, pattern and risk factors for SAM in U6m. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SAM in U6m, the pattern and the determinants of malnutrition using weight-for-length (WFL) Z score and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and also to determine the usability of MUAC and WFL in detection of SAM in U6m. Infants six weeks to &lt;6months were recruited. Socio-demographic and nutritional data were collected using researcher administered questionnaire. WFL z scores &lt;-3 and MUAC &lt;11.5cm were used to define SAM. Of the 233 infants aged&lt;6months, mean age was 90.0±38.3days. Females accounted for 52.8%. Nineteen, (8.5%), were born with low birth weight and 11.7% were preterm deliveries. Males had higher mean length for age and weight for age than females but MUAC showed no significant difference. The prevalence of SAM was 2.6% by MUAC and WFL parameters but MUAC identified more SAM subjects in those &lt;3months while WFL identified more in older children. Concordance between MUAC and WFL was poor. Both MUAC and WFL showed more female children than males with MAM. Lower social economic status was significantly associated with SAM while birth weight, birth order, maternal nutritional status and time of first feed did not affect prevalence of SAM in any of the parameters. It is recommended that both WFL and MUAC be employed in the screening of acute malnutrition in this U6m.

Abstract P224: Effect Of Body Mass Index On In-hospital Outcomes In Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity in the US is 41.1% and is on the rise. Data are limited and results are mixed on the effect of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of BMI on the in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing TAVR. Methods: Data from the 2015 and 2016 Health Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used. Patients who underwent TAVR were identified and in-hospital outcomes compared between patients with a normal BMI and underweight, overweight, obese, and severely obese patients. Propensity score matching was done using a greedy matching algorithm. Results: A total of 2,618 patients were included in this study. The rate of in-hospital mortality was highest in underweight patients (2.94%) and lowest in overweight (0.49%) patients. It was 2.13% in normal weight, 1.23% in obese and 1.97% in severely obese patients. There was no statistically significant difference in in-hospital mortality between overweight and underweight (0.49% vs. 2.94% p=0.056) overweight and normal BMI (0.49% vs. 2.13% p=0.16), overweight and obese (0.49% vs. 1.23% p=0.35) and overweight and severely obese (0.49% vs. 1.97% p=0.14). Compared with overweight patients, underweight (5.6 vs. 7.0 days p=0.07 ) and normal patients (5.6 vs. 7.5 days p=0.03) had the highest mean length of hospital stay (LOS). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients discharged home among all BMI categories (p=0.23). Conclusions: There was no significant difference among the BMI categories for in-hospital mortality and the proportion of patients discharged home. Overweight patients had a shorter LOS compared with underweight and normal BMI patients.

EFFECT OF WONDERFUL KOLA SEED MEAL (Buccholzia coriacea) ON GROWTH, MASCULINIZING POTENCY AND GONAD GROSS MORPHOLOGY OF THE NILE TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus, LINNAEUS 1758)

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Buchholcia coriacea on the masculinization of Oreochromis niloticus. Five days old mixed sex of O. niloticus (mean weight 0.2g, mean length 0.45mm) were subjected to powdered B. coriacea seeds meal (BSM) at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10g/kg twice daily for 1 month in an indoor experimental plastic basin capacity (50cm in diameter and 30cm deep) in duplicates with a total of six treatments in a complete randomized design. After which there were later fed with a normal diet in an outdoor concrete tank of size 1m3 for another one month. One way ANOVA and LSD were used to analyze the experimental data. The result obtained in this study showed that fish fed with 4g/kg BSM powdered BSM had the highest number (83.33%) of males which was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) compared to all other treatments categories. The highest survival rate (100%) was recorded in fish fed with 6g/kg BSM. The highest mean length, mean weight and weight gain observed are 0.488mm, 4.68g, and 4.65g respectively. The result of the histology showed that B. coriacea altered the sex of O. niloticus due to the presence of a hormone called dopamine in the kola. Conclusively, B. coriacea showed potential reproduction control in Oreochromis niloticus.

Growth and Survival of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus 1758) Fry Fed at Diffrerent Inclusion Levels of Wonderful Kola (Buchholzia coriacea) Seed Meal (BSM)

The effect of different inclusion levels of wonderful kola (Buchholzia coriacea) seed meal (BSM) on growth performance and survival rate of Oreochromis niloticus fry was investigated. Five days old mixed sex of O. niloticus (0.1– 0.2 g weight and 0.45 mm length) were subjected to powdered B. coriacea seeds meal (BSM) at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 g/kg twice daily for 1 month from April-May, 2015. It was conducted in an indoor experimental plastic basin of capacity 50 cm in diameter and 30 cm deep. 60 fry per duplicates with a total of 720 fry, six isonitrogeneous treatments and 2 duplicates per each treatment. A complete randomized design and 30% Crude Protein were used. The highest mean length, mean weight, specific growth rate and weight gain observed are 0.488 mm, 4.68 g, 0.85 and 4.65 g respectively. The highest of survival rate (100%) was recorded in fish fed with 6 g/ kg BSM. Treatment 1 having 0% BSM (control) had the lowest weight gain. In conclusion, the addition of 4 g/ kg of BSM in a fish diet, has no negative effect on the growth performance and survival of O. niloticus.

Radiographic Morphometry of Radio-ulna Bone in Red Sokoto Goat

Fifty-seven (57) Red Sokoto goats of both sexes from Sokoto metropolis of different age groups were used for the study, the forearm was radiographed and the image of the radiograph captured. The aim of the research was to evaluate radiographic morphometry of radio-ulna bone in Red Sokoto goat, and thus to provide data on the postnatal developmental pattern of the radio-ulna bone, which will serve as a guide for the estimation of age by radiography and in selection of different sizes of intramedullary pin during fracture reduction in orthopedic surgery, and also as a guide for Veterinarians in diagnosis, prognosis and surgical procedures. The parameters considered were the radiographic mean lengths and widths of the radio-ulna bones. The radius and ulna bones had lowest mean lengths of 58.23±0.78mm and 60.09±0.21mm respectively at 1 st week and highest mean length of 148.07±0.35mm and 149.72±0.53mm respectively at 144 th week. The Radius and ulna bones had lowest mean widths of 5.76±0.06 and 1.96±0.07 respectively at 1 st week and highest mean width of 12.04±0.01mm and 8.71±0.07mm respectively at 144 th week. Statistical significance (P<0.05), was seen across all the groups for the radio-ulna bone lengths and no significant difference was seen for the radio-ulna bone widths except for groups B and D in ulna bone width. It was concluded that the radio-ulna bones increased in lengths and widths as the animal age increased, though the radius was shorter but wider than the ulna and longitudinal growth has a faster rate compared to transverse growth in radio-ulna bones.

English

Explants of two elite cooking banana cultivars, FHIA17 and INJAGI were collected from healthy source of stock plants growing in the field. Sterilization was evaluated using different concentrations (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60%) of a commercial bleach (JIK) for 25 min. Effects of cytokinins benzyl amino purine (BAP), 2-isopentenyl adenine (2iP) and kinetin each evaluated at 5, 10, 20, 24 and 40 µM and thidiazuron (TDZ) at 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 µM, on microshoot induction were investigated. Effects of auxins viz. napthaleneacetic acid (NAA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA each evaluated at 5, 10, 20 and 40 µM) on rooting were tested as well. The highest (91%) numbers of clean explants were obtained when the explants were subjected to sterilization in 40% Jik for 25 min. The FHIA 17 explants cultured on MS media supplemented with 40 µM kinetin produced the highest (3.00±0.35) mean number of microshoots. On the other hand, INJAGI explants cultured on MS media supplemented with 0.1 µM TDZ yielded the highest mean number (1.84±0.24) of microshoots and the highest mean length (0.99±0.13). Rooting was achieved in all media supplemented with the auxins evaluated except on 2,4-D. These results have an important significance on the application of tissue culture in propagation of cooking bananas in Rwanda, which is highly desired to support the government policy of replacing old unproductive bananas with elite high yielding varieties. Key words: FHIA17, INJAGI, banana, microshoot, cultivar.

Preschool Teachers’ Implementation of Vocabulary Strategies During Shared Reading: a Comparative Study

ABSTRACTResearch Findings: Shared reading is reported to be the single best instructional practice for emergent literacy skills. Vocabulary instruction practices implemented during shared reading by both Head Start (HS) teachers and teachers from more affluent private school settings were compared to determine whether there were differences between the 2 groups of teachers in their implementation of research-based practices. HS teachers implemented vocabulary instruction practices during shared reading more often, and chose different words to instruct, than private school teachers. Whereas 78% of HS teachers provided some vocabulary instruction during shared reading, only 59% of private school teachers did so. Among those teachers who provided vocabulary instruction during shared reading, HS teachers used significantly more contextualization strategies for word instruction than private school teachers. These findings suggest that preschool teachers who work with children from high-needs backgrounds use vocabulary instruction during shared reading as a way to bolster children’s vocabularies more frequently than teachers working in private preschools that serve children from more privileged backgrounds. Extratextual language was also compared, and private school teachers had a higher mean length of utterance and type–token ratio than the HS teachers. Practice or Policy: Professional development is recommended for preschool teachers to increase the implementation of best practices for vocabulary instruction during shared reading.

Effect of Methyl Testosterone (17?-MT) on the phenotype, bioindices and&lt;br&gt;gonads of adult male dwarf Gourami (Colisa lalia)

The effect of different concentrations of synthetic androgen 17?- methyl-testosterone (MT) on the adult fish,Colisa lalia was studied in the present investigation. It was found that fishes fed with homogenous mixture ofthe hormone in ethyl alcohol, exhibited phenotypically, morphometric, gonadal changes and differences in GSIvalue. Significant differences for length, weight, body color and GSI values were observed between hormonestreated and control groups. Fishes fed with hormonal doses of 10 and 15 mg/Kg feed showed significantlyelevated body color compared to 5 mg/Kg feed. Length, weight and GSI values were found significantly higherin 10 mg than 5mg/Kg and control group. The highest mean length and mean weight of fish was recorded as4.76±0.13 mm and 1.50±0.15g respectively with the hormone treatment of 10mg/Kg of feed. The present studyrevealed that the synthetic hormone had no significant effect on the gonad development of C. lalia.

Age Related Change of Total Length of Fallopian Tubes in Bangladesh Female Cadaver

Context: Human life begins in the fallopian tube. It receives the oocyte from the ovary and fertilization take place here. It provides nourishment for the fertilized ovum and transports it to the uterus. So the Fallopian tube is one of the vital organs for human fertility. In treatment of infertility (in ART) and in the management of ectopic (tubal) pregnancies, the knowledge of the anatomy of the fallopian tube is necessary. Study Design: Descriptive type of study.Place &amp; period of study: Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2008 to June 2009. Materials: 120 postmortem human fallopian tubes were collected from 60 unclaimed dead bodies that were under examination in the morgue of Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. Methods: The samples were divided into three age groups: Group-A (10-13 years), Group-B (14-45 years) and Group-C (46-50 years). Results: In the present study, the mean (± SD) total length of the right and left Fallopian tubes were 9.60 ± 0.55 cm &amp; 9.28 ± 0.48 cm in group A, 11.54 ± 0.80 cm &amp; 11.28 ± 0.71 cm in Group B and 9.25 ± 0.26 cm &amp; 9.10 ± 0.31 cm in Group C respectively. There was no significant difference between the mean length of right and left Fallopian tubes. The highest mean length was found in group B and lowest mean length was in group C. The difference in mean length of the Fallopian tube between Group A &amp; Group B and Group B &amp; Group C were statically significant (P &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that there was significant change in length of fallopian tubes in relation to age.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/updcj.v1i2.13980 Update Dent. Coll. j. 2011: 1(2): 13-16

Analysis of the morphometry and variations in the extensor digitorum brevis muscle: an anatomic guide for muscle flap and tendon transfer surgical dissection

The extensor digitorum brevis muscle (EDB) is a practical option for use as an island flap or free flap when reconstructing soft tissue defects in the ankle as well as in the entire lower limb. It is frequently used to correct crossover toe deformity and other painful toe disorders. We evaluated the morphometry of the EDB in 44 formalin-fixed limbs. Length and width of the muscles were measured. Surface area was calculated as the product of length and width of the muscle. The length of each tendon was also measured from its origin to the point of distal attachment. Presence of any additional tendons was noted. Mean length, width, and surface area of the muscle were 7.39±0.71 cm, 4.1±0.37 cm, and 30.5±4.78 cm2 on the right side and 7.2±0.84 cm, 3.9±0.37 cm, and 28.4±5.35 cm2 on the left side, respectively. Morphometry of the tendons revealed that the tendon of the great toe had the highest mean length (9.5 cm) and the tendon of the fourth toe had the lowest mean length (6.3 cm). Four of the limbs studied (9.09%) had only three tendons. Three of the limbs studied (6.81%) had five tendons, and in one exceptional case (2.27%), six tendons were detected. These observations have significant value and are applicable to plastic and orthopedic surgery.