Mixed Sex Research Articles

Long-term group membership and dynamics in a wild western lowland gorilla population (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) inferred using non-invasive genetics.

The social organization of a group-living animal is defined by a balance between group dynamic events such as group formation, group dissolution, and dispersal events and group stability in membership and over time. Understanding these processes, which are relevant for questions ranging from disease transmission patterns to the evolution of polygyny, requires long-term monitoring of multiple social units over time. Because all great ape species are long-lived and elusive, the number of studies on these key aspects of social organization are limited, especially for western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). In this study, we used non-invasive genetic samples collected within an approximately 100 km2 area of Loango National Park, Gabon to reconstruct group compositions and changes in composition over more than a decade. We identified 98 gorillas and 11 mixed sex groups sampled during 2014-2017. Using published data from 85 individuals and 12 groups surveyed between 2005 and 2009 at the same locality, we tracked groups and individuals back in time. The identification of 11 silverbacks via parentage analyses and the genetic tracking of 39 individuals across studies allowed us to infer six group formations, five group dissolutions, and 40 dispersal events within 12 years. We also observed four groups persisting across the sampling periods with a maximum inferred existence of nearly 17 years and exhibiting variation in membership stability. Our results highlight the variation in composition and stability among groups of western lowland gorillas and illustrate the power of non-invasive genetic sampling for long-term monitoring.

Can Teenage Men Be Targeted to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy? A Feasibility Cluster Randomised Controlled Intervention Trial in Schools

The World Health Organisation advocates a direct focus on adolescent men in reducing adolescent pregnancy; however, no trials have been conducted. This trial (ISRCTN11632300; NCT02092480) determines whether a novel Relationship and Sexuality Educational intervention, If I Were Jack, is acceptable and feasible to implement in mixed sex UK classrooms. The intervention is a teacher-delivered intervention that emphasises male alongside female responsibility in preventing unintended pregnancies and is designed to prevent unprotected sex. The trial was a parallel-group cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial with embedded process and cost evaluation in eight secondary schools (unit of randomisation) among 831 pupils (mean age 14) in Northern Ireland, alongside a qualitative evaluation of transferability in ten schools in Scotland, Wales and England. The sampling strategy was a maximum variation quota sample designed to capture a range of school management types. Four schools were randomised to each arm and the control arm continued with usual practice. Study duration was 12 months (from November 2014), with follow-up 9 months post-baseline. Results demonstrated that the intervention was acceptable to schools, pupils and teachers, and could be feasibly implemented, cost-effectively, with minor enhancements. The between-group difference in incidence of unprotected sex (primary outcome at pupil level) of 1.3% (95% CI 0.5–2.2) by 9 months demonstrated a potential effect size consistent with those reported to have had meaningful impact on teenage pregnancy. The study responds to global health policy for a paradigm shift towards inclusion of men in the achievement of sexual and reproductive health goals in a practical way by demonstrating that a gender-sensitive as well as a gender transformative intervention targeting males to prevent teenage pregnancy is acceptable to adolescent men and women and implementable in formal education structures. If I Were Jack now merits further effectiveness testing.

An initial exploration of the perceptions of preparedness to practise among Saudi Arabian trained hospital pharmacists.

Background:There is a dearth of literature on perceptions of preparedness to practise, which explores the extent to which educational institutions prepare their students to fulfil their professional role.Objective:The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of preparedness to practise among Saudi Arabian pharmacy graduates working in hospital.Method:Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten hospital pharmacists based in four hospitals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia who had qualified within the last five years from a Saudi Arabian School of Pharmacy. Interviews focused on expectations of hospital practise, perceptions of preparedness and challenges encountered, and reflections on how to better prepare students. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically by two independent researchers using the Framework Approach.Results::Five key themes were identified: expectations versus reality of practise; issues relating to university course; practice related training; adapting to the work environment; and proposed improvements to undergraduate education. Participants were generally disappointed to find practise was not as expected. University training was largely didactic, with skills such as critical thinking not being sufficiently developed. Where practice related training was provided, it was variable in length and content. Cultural issues, most notably working in a mixed sex environment, were also considered to impact preparedness. Suggested improvements included greater focus on skills development and structured training placements.Conclusions:Participants experiences in university, and experiential placements varied greatly and were perceived to impact greatly on preparedness to practise. Further multiple perspective exploration of perceptions of preparedness to practise is warranted.

Super-dosing phytase improves the growth performance of weaner pigs fed a low iron diet

This experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that a super-dose of phytase would improve the performance of weaner pigs fed an Fe-deficient diet, through an increase in phytate bound-Fe bioavailability. A total of 234 pigs (initial BW 7.6 + SE 0.16 kg) were weaned at ∼28 d of age and blocked into mixed sex pens of 4 or 5 balancing for weight, sex and litter of origin. Treatments were arranged as a 3 × 2 factorial with 3 levels of phytase (0, 500 or 2500 FTU/kg feed) and 2 levels of Fe (50 [low; L-Fe] or 300 [high; H-Fe] mg/kg feed as FeSO4) supplemented to an Fe-deficient wheat-SBM based diet. Diets were offered to 8 replicate pens for 20 d post-weaning. At the end of the experiment, 1 pig per pen was euthanized for the collection of blood, plasma, liver and ileal digesta. Pigs fed the L-Fe diet had a lower ADFI (P < 0.01) than those fed the H-Fe diet. Phytase at 2500 FTU/kg improved the ADG of L-Fe fed pigs to a level comparable with the H-Fe fed pigs; however, its effect was diminished when added to the H-Fe diet, resulting in a significant Fe x phytase interaction for ADG (P < 0.05). Reducing the dietary Fe level resulted in reductions in haemoglobin (P < 0.10), haematocrit (Hct; P < 0.001), plasma Fe and ferritin (P < 0.05), and liver Fe concentration (P < 0.001). Moreover, plasma transferrin was higher (P < 0.05) in L- Fe fed pigs. Supplementary phytase at 2500 FTU/kg tended to increase Hct concentration (P < 0.10) and numerically increased plasma Fe and ferritin but had no influence on other measured indices of Fe status. There was an Fe x phytase interaction for ileal InsP6 degradation (P < 0.05), which mirrored that observed for ADG: phytase increased InsP6 hydrolysis to a greater extent when added to the L-Fe than the H-Fe diet (68.2 vs 30.8%). These data demonstrate that high doses of phytase can effectively improve the performance of weaner pigs fed an Fe-deficient diet. The benefit of using high doses of phytase in diets rich in Fe is seemingly reduced, likely as a result of the ability of Fe to degrade phytase efficacy.

Modeling the effect of surgical sterilization on owned dog population size in Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo, Mexico, using an individual-based computer simulation model.

Surgical sterilization programs for dogs have been proposed as interventions to control dog population size. Models can be used to help identify the long-term impact of reproduction control interventions for dogs. The objective of this study was to determine the projected impact of surgical sterilization interventions on the owned dog population size in Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo, Mexico. A stochastic, individual-based simulation model was constructed and parameterized using a combination of empirical data collected on the demographics of owned dogs in Villa de Tezontepec and data available from the peer-reviewed literature. Model outcomes were assessed using a 20-year time horizon. The model was used to examine: the effect of surgical sterilization strategies focused on: 1) dogs of any age and sex, 2) female dogs of any age, 3) young dogs (i.e., not yet reached sexual maturity) of any sex, and 4) young, female dogs. Model outcomes suggested that as surgical capacity increases from 21 to 84 surgeries/month, (8.6% to 34.5% annual sterilization) for dogs of any age, the mean dog population size after 20 years was reduced between 14% and 79% compared to the base case scenario (i.e. in the absence of intervention). Surgical sterilization interventions focused only on young dogs of any sex yielded greater reductions (81% - 90%) in the mean population size, depending on the level of surgical capacity. More focused sterilization targeted at female dogs of any age, resulted in reductions that were similar to focusing on mixed sex sterilization of only young dogs (82% - 92%). The greatest mean reduction in population size (90% - 91%) was associated with sterilization of only young, female dogs. Our model suggests that targeting sterilization to young females could enhance the efficacy of existing surgical dog population control interventions in this location, without investing extra resources.

The effects & mechanisms of increasing running step rate: A feasibility study in a mixed-sex group of runners with patellofemoral pain

ObjectivesTo explore feasibility of recruitment and retention of runners with patellofemoral pain (PFP), before delivering a step rate intervention. DesignFeasibility study. SettingHuman performance laboratory. ParticipantsA mixed-sex sample of runners with PFP (n = 11). Main outcome measuresAverage/worst pain and the Kujala Scale were recorded pre/post intervention, alongside lower limb kinematics and surface electromyography (sEMG), sampled during a 3 KM treadmill run. ResultsRecruitment and retention of a mixed-sex cohort was successful, losing one participant to public healthcare and with kinematic and sEMG data lost from single participants only. Clinically meaningful reductions in average (MD = 2.1, d = 1.7) and worst pain (MD = 3.9, d = 2.0) were observed. Reductions in both peak knee flexion (MD = 3.7°, d = 0.78) and peak hip internal rotation (MD = 5.1°, d = 0.96) were observed, which may provide some mechanistic explanation for the identified effects. An increase in both mean amplitude (d = 0.53) and integral (d = 0.58) were observed for the Vastus Medialis Obliqus (VMO) muscle only, of questionable clinical relevance. ConclusionsRecruitment and retention of a mixed sex PFP cohort to a step rate intervention involving detailed biomechanical measures is feasible. There are indications of both likely efficacy and associated mechanisms. Future studies comparing the efficacy of different running retraining approaches are warranted.

Exogenous dietary enzyme formulations improve growth performance of broiler chickens fed a low-energy diet targeting the intestinal nutrient transporter genes.

Diminishing the cost of broiler chicken diet is a critical issue in the poultry industry. Numerous studies were performed to achieve this pivotal objective by diet supplementation with alternative feed additives. In the current study, low-energy broiler rations were supplemented with different commercial multienzyme formulations to minimize the cost, and increase the digestibility and absorption of the digested macronutrients. Cobb Avian 48 broiler chicks (mixed sex, 1-d-old, n = 3120) were randomly allocated into six groups, and each group was subdivided into four replicates (130 birds per replicate). The birds were randomly allocated into a control group fed basal diet (CB); control group fed low-energy diet (CL); and birds fed low-energy diets supplemented with different enzyme formulations. The enzyme formulations used were Xylam 500® (CLX group), Hemicell® (CLH group), Avizyme® (CLA group), and Megazyme® (CLM group,) following the doses recommended by the manufacturers. The growth performance of CLA and CLH group birds was significantly improved when compared with CL. In comparison with CB, Avizyme® significantly (p < 0.001) increased the intestinal PEPT1, GLUT2, ACC, and IL-2 expression; PEPT1 facilitates the absorption of micronutrients. In conclusion, exogenous multienzyme complexes may be included in the low-energy diet to enhance the performance of broiler chickens (Avizyme® ˃ Hemicell® ˃ Megazyme®), and reduce the diet cost by up-regulating the expression of intestinal nutrient transporter genes, and improving the immunity and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens.

The relationship between the MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism, delinquent peer affiliation, and antisocial behavior with a consideration of sex differences.

With the advent of new and more readily usable gene sequencing techniques, researchers have been able to examine the interactions between genes and the environment (G X E) within a multitude of scientific perspectives. One area that G X E interactions have been implicated in is the development of antisocial behavior (ASB). Antisocial behavior consists of a wide range of maladaptive behaviors and has been at the forefront of public health and mental health concerns for decades. One genetic polymorphism that has been associated with ASB is MAOA-uVNTR. Meta-analytic studies have found the low-activity MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism to be associated with ASB from early childhood through adulthood. Recently, studies have begun to examine the independent and interactive G X E relationship between MAOA-uVNTR and deviant peer affiliation on ASB. Inconsistent with the broader literature, these findings suggest an interaction between high-activity MAOA-uVNTR and deviant peer affiliation on ASB in a mixed sex sample. The current study re-examines the relationship between MAOA-uVNTR, peer delinquency, and ASB with a consideration of sex differences in 291 college participants. Findings indicate an interaction between the low-activity allele of the MAOA-uVNTR and peer delinquency in predicting ASB. Results are also specific to differences between the sexes. Implications and future research are discussed.

Effect of Using Garlic on the Economical and Physiological Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

This investigation aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of garlic powder as a phytogenic supplement on broilers chickens' performance. The assumption that garlic could improve some economic and performance characteristics of broiler chickens (i.e., body weight, feed intake, water intake, feed conversion ratio, feeding cost, carcass yield, and mortality rate) was tested. A total of 400 one-day-old chicks of mixed sex (Hybrid) were weighed and randomly assigned to four treatment groups, each with four replicate pens of 25 chicks. The dietary treatments included the basal diet (control), control + 2.5 kg/ton garlic, or control + 5 kg/ton garlic or 7.5 kg/ton garlic as powder. The results of the study revealed that incorporation of garlic powder in broiler diets as feed additive significantly enhanced growth, economic and productive performance of these chickens. Physiological measurements (body weight, weight gains, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight and internal organs) showed better performance of garlic treated chickens compared with control group under same rearing system. The results similarly showed lower susceptibility to diseases and medicament treatment consequently; lower mortality rate compared to control groups. Furthermore, blood and meat analysis showed lower cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL, and, HDL levels compared with control group. The study concluded that garlic could be effectively used in broilers feeding to replace antibiotic as a growth promoter.

No Spouse, No Son, No Daughter, No Kin in Contemporary China: Prevalence, Correlates, and Differences in Economic Support.

China's recent demographic and social changes might undermine the sustainability of its family-oriented system for elder care. We investigate kin availability among adults aged 45+ in contemporary China, with an emphasis on child gender. Using nationally representative survey data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011), we examine the prevalence and correlates of lacking different kin types and combinations, and we test associations between kin availability and received economic support. Kinlessness is low in China (less than 2% lack a spouse/partner and children), but kin availability is patterned by gender, age group, and sociodemographic characteristics. More than twice as many older adults have no spouse/partner and no daughter (3.2%) as those who have no spouse/partner and no son (1.4%). Adults without close kin are disadvantaged across health, wealth, and economic support. In contrast to traditional expectations, we find that those with only daughters are more similar to those with mixed sex children, whereas those with only sons are more similar to those without children in receipt of economic support. Access to kin forms the basis of an emergent system of stratification in China, which will be amplified as cohorts with only one child age into older adulthood.

203 Feedyard Performance Trends and Analysis.

Performance results were analyzed from 43,629 lots of cattle closed between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016. The objectives of the work were to identify performance norms, including mean results and variation, and to identify sources of variation which are known at the time of placement. Lots were identified as steers (50.0% of lots, 54.2% of head), heifers (34.9%, 33.7%), mixed sex pens (8.9%, 5.2%), dairy breed steers (5.7%, 6.3%), cows and bulls. Participating feedyards were in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. Mean performance of all lots was 354 kg placement weight, 619 kg end weight, 167 days on feed, 1.55 kg average daily gain, 9.97 kg average daily feed consumption (dry basis) and feed conversion of 6.52. Steer lots were heavier than heifers (placement weight of 372 kg compared to 344, end weight of 647 kg compared to 584). Compared to heifers, steers gained 10.7% faster, consumed 6.6% more feed per day and converted feed 3.5% more efficiently (all P<0.001). Heifers consumed more feed per unit of weight (2.08% of body weight per day compared to 2.02%). Weight at placement influenced performance results. In steers, increasing placement weight by 100 kg increased end weight by 38.1 kg, average daily gain by .16 kg, and daily feed consumption by 1.4 kg and decreased days on feed by 54.4. In heifers corresponding slopes were 48.2, .17, 1.5 and -51.5. Placement weight accounted for only 4% of the variation in feed conversion in steers and 5% in heifers. After adjusting for sex, placement weight and season, cattle which were fed flaked grain consumed less feed, gained faster and converted feed more efficiently than cattle fed predominately non-flaked grain. Regional differences in performance were influenced by grain processing method and season. Cattle fed to heavier weights were less efficient. Mean death loss was 1.83%. Steers, heifers or mixed sex lots with placement weight between 200 and 299 kg averaged 3.10% dead, with placement weight between 300 and 399 kg death loss was 1.59% and with placement weight between 400 and 499 kg death loss was 1.05%. In all weight classes, the most common death loss result was zero, with highest death loss exceeding 20% in individual lots. Population data like these can be used to develop prediction models or to assess normalcy of observed results.

199 Comparative Analysis of the Porcine IGF2-G3072A Mutation and Reduced Myostatin Function on Carcass and Meat Quality Characteristics.

The objective of this study was to determine the relative effects of the porcine IGF2 mutation (IGF2-G3072A) and a novel, gene-editing derived myostatin loss-of-function (LOF) mutation on carcass traits and meat quality in pigs. The hypothesis was that both the IGF2 paternal A allele (Apat) and myostatin LOF mutation would increase muscle growth in pigs, but may potentially reduce loin and belly quality. Pigs were either IGF2 paternal G allele (Gpat) and wild-type (WT) for myostatin (n=13), Gpat and heterozygous (HET) for myostatin (n=10), Apat WT (n=11) or Apat HET (n=10). Pigs were raised in mixed sex pens of 10-15 pigs per pen, given free access to a diet that met or exceeded NRC nutrient requirements, and slaughtered at 175 d (±5 d) of age. Loin eye area and back fat depth was measured. Loin and belly quality was measured on the left side of the carcass. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) was used to determine tenderness of loin chops d14 postmortem. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with a model including the effects of sex, IGF2, myostatin, and all interactions; means were separated using the pdiff option and considered different when P≤0.05. Ending live weight and hot carcass weight were similar among all genotypes (P≥0.05). Loin eye area was greater (P≤0.05) in HET pigs regardless of IGF2 genotype compared with WT pigs, and tended (P=0.10) to be greater in IGF2 Apat WT pigs compared with Gpat WT pigs. Back fat depth was similar (P≥0.05) among all genotypes. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle weighed less (P≤0.05) in WT Gpat pigs in comparison with all other genotypes, and was larger (P≤0.05) in Apat HET pigs compared with Apat WT pigs. Loins from myostatin HET pigs were paler than those from WT pigs, regardless of IGF2 genotype, as evidenced by an increased L* value of approximately 5 units (P< 0.01). However, L* of IGF2 Apat (52.1) and Gpat (53.9) pigs were similar (P≥0.05). Tenderness (WBSF) was similar (P≥0.05) among all genotypes. Bellies from IGF2 Gpat pigs were firmer as indicated by an increased (P<0.05) flop distance compared with all other genotypes. These data suggest that the partial loss of myostatin (HET) increased lean muscle deposition in pigs but resulted in poorer loin color. The IGF2 Apat mutation also tended to increase lean muscle deposition but did not negatively impact loin color. However, both mutations resulted in poorer belly firmness. The objective of this study was to determine the relative effects of the porcine IGF2 mutation (IGF2-G3072A) and a novel, gene-editing derived myostatin loss-of-function (LOF) mutation on carcass traits and meat quality in pigs. The hypothesis was that both the IGF2 paternal A allele (Apat) and myostatin LOF mutation would increase muscle growth in pigs, but may potentially reduce loin and belly quality. Pigs were either IGF2 paternal G allele (Gpat) and wild-type (WT) for myostatin (n=13), Gpat and heterozygous (HET) for myostatin (n=10), Apat WT (n=11) or Apat HET (n=10). Pigs were raised in mixed sex pens of 10-15 pigs per pen, given free access to a diet that met or exceeded NRC nutrient requirements, and slaughtered at 175 d (±5 d) of age. Loin eye area and back fat depth was measured. Loin and belly quality was measured on the left side of the carcass. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) was used to determine tenderness of loin chops d14 postmortem. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with a model including the effects of sex, IGF2, myostatin, and all interactions; means were separated using the pdiff option and considered different when P≤0.05. Ending live weight and hot carcass weight were similar among all genotypes (P≥0.05). Loin eye area was greater (P≤0.05) in HET pigs regardless of IGF2 genotype compared with WT pigs, and tended (P=0.10) to be greater in IGF2 Apat WT pigs compared with Gpat WT pigs. Back fat depth was similar (P≥0.05) among all genotypes. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle weighed less (P≤0.05) in WT Gpat pigs in comparison with all other genotypes, and was larger (P≤0.05) in Apat HET pigs compared with Apat WT pigs. Loins from myostatin HET pigs were paler than those from WT pigs, regardless of IGF2 genotype, as evidenced by an increased L* value of approximately 5 units (P< 0.01). However, L* of IGF2 Apat (52.1) and Gpat (53.9) pigs were similar (P≥0.05). Tenderness (WBSF) was similar (P≥0.05) among all genotypes. Bellies from IGF2 Gpat pigs were firmer as indicated by an increased (P<0.05) flop distance compared with all other genotypes. These data suggest that the partial loss of myostatin (HET) increased lean muscle deposition in pigs but resulted in poorer loin color. The IGF2 Apat mutation also tended to increase lean muscle deposition but did not negatively impact loin color. However, both mutations resulted in poorer belly firmness.

EFFECT OF DIETARY PROTEIN LEVELS AND SEX ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, FEED UTILIZATION AND BODY COMPOSITION OF NILE TILAPIA (OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS) FRY CULTURED IN HAPS.

The effect of dietary protein levels (35%, 40% and 45%) on growth, survival, feed utilization and body composition of mono sex and mixed sex of Nile tilapia; Oreochromis niloticus L. fry was investigated. Fish were fed frequently to satiation for 7 days a week for 56 days. Results showed that fish growth was significantly affected by protein level. The highest growth performance of fry were obtained with 45% protein diet and the poorest one was obtained with 35% protein diet in both mono and mixed sex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fry. Mono sex tilapia were reared in hap in earthen pond showed the highest weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio, while mixed-sex tilapia showed the lowest weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio. In conclusion, it was found that 45% crude protein had the highest growth performance parameters, feed utilization and economical evaluation for mono sex Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) fry under this experimental condition.

F166. LOW-GRADE INFLAMMATION IN FIRST-EPISODE PSYCHOSIS IS DETERMINED BY WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE INCREASE

BackgroundThere is evidence of low-grade inflammation in psychosis, as measured by the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Significant weight gain is common during the first months of antipsychotic treatment. In the general population, overweight and obesity often lead to systemic low-grade inflammation. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, can contribute to the pro-inflammatory changes. The metabolic changes in people with first-episode psychosis (FEP) taking place after the onset of psychosis can be especially harmful as these individuals are typically young and without major somatic illnesses. We aimed to study how the low-grade inflammation, measured by hs-CRP, develops in FEP and to clarify the effect of waist circumference increase in the inflammation.MethodsThe Helsinki Early Psychosis Study recruited FEP patients (age 18 to 40 years) attaining their first treatment for psychosis from the catchment area of the Helsinki University Hospital. We recruited 95 FEP patients and 62 controls. The inclusion criterion for the study was receiving a score of at least 4 in Unusual thought content or Hallucinations in the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale - Extended (BPRS-E). Diagnoses of psychotic disorders according to the DSM-IV criteria were later verified using the Structured Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV and reviewing all medical records. Substance-induced psychotic disorders and psychotic disorders due to a general medical condition were excluded. We measured the changes in hs-CRP, weight, waist circumference, glucose metabolism and lipids at baseline and at follow-ups of 2 and 12 months. We used linear mixed effects models to analyze the relationship between hs-CRP and waist circumference. In the model, we included a random intercept for each patient and, as fixed effects, we entered sex, time (days from baseline measurement), waist circumference and antipsychotic use at each assessment point, and baseline cigarette smoking.ResultsAt baseline, FEP patients (mean age 26.1 years) had higher insulin resistance, total and LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and triglyceride levels than controls. However, baseline weight and waist circumference, hs-CRP, fasting glucose and HDL cholesterol were similar between patients and controls. A robust change in anthropometric measures and inflammation was evident among patients by 12 months. Hs-CRP was significantly higher in patients at 12-month follow up than at baseline (baseline hs-CRP 0.67 mg/l, IQR 0.33–2.54; 12-month 1.73 mg/l, IQR 0.49–4.21; Wilcoxon signed-rank p = 0.007). When at the baseline the prevalence of overweight or obesity was 30% (28/94) in patients with FEP, by 12 months the prevalence was 59% (35/59) (McNemar′s test p < 0.001). The proportion of patients gaining ≥ 7 % of baseline weight was 68 % (40/59). The median weight gain among patients was 9.6 kg (IQR 1.5–13.6 kg), and the waist circumference increase 6.0 cm (IQR 2.0–13.0 cm). In the mixed effects model waist circumference (p < 0.0001) and sex (p = 0.014) were significantly associated with hs-CRP level.DiscussionWe detected a significant elevation in hs-CRP in people with FEP during the first treatment year. The rise in hs-CRP was determined by waist circumference increase. Patients with FEP are in a marked risk of developing abdominal obesity and subsequent low-grade inflammation during the first year of treatment. Prevention of the early metabolic changes in first-episode psychosis is important, as abdominal obesity and inflammation are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.

FGF21, a liver hormone that inhibits alcohol intake in mice, increases in human circulation after acute alcohol ingestion and sustained binge drinking at Oktoberfest

ObjectiveExcessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. However, knowledge of the biological factors that influence ad libitum alcohol intake may be incomplete. Two large studies recently linked variants in the KLB locus with levels of alcohol intake in humans. KLB encodes β-klotho, co-receptor for the liver-derived hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). In mice, FGF21 reduces alcohol intake, and human Fgf21 variants are enriched among heavy drinkers. Thus, the liver may limit alcohol consumption by secreting FGF21. However, whether full-length, active plasma FGF21 (FGF21 (1–181)) levels in humans increase acutely or sub-chronically in response to alcohol ingestion is uncertain. MethodsWe recruited 10 healthy, fasted male subjects to receive an oral water or alcohol bolus with concurrent blood sampling for FGF21 (1–181) measurement in plasma. In addition, we measured circulating FGF21 (1–181) levels, liver stiffness, triglyceride, and other metabolic parameters in three healthy Danish men before and after consuming an average of 22.6 beers/person/day (4.4 g/kg/day of ethanol) for three days during Oktoberfest 2017 in Munich, Germany. We further correlated fasting FGF21 (1–181) levels in 49 healthy, non-alcoholic subjects of mixed sex with self-reports of alcohol-related behaviors, emotional responses, and problems. Finally, we characterized the effect of recombinant human FGF21 injection on ad libitum alcohol intake in mice. ResultsWe show that alcohol ingestion (25.3 g or ∼2.5 standard drinks) acutely increases plasma levels of FGF21 (1–181) 3.4-fold in fasting humans. We also find that binge drinking for three days at Oktoberfest is associated with a 2.1-fold increase in baseline FGF21 (1–181) levels, in contrast to minor deteriorations in metabolic and hepatic biomarkers. However, basal FGF21 (1–181) levels were not correlated with differences in alcohol-related behaviors, emotional responses, or problems in our non-alcoholic subjects. Finally, we show that once-daily injection of recombinant human FGF21 reduces ad libitum alcohol intake by 21% in mice. ConclusionsFGF21 (1–181) is markedly increased in circulation by both acute and sub-chronic alcohol intake in humans, and reduces alcohol intake in mice. These observations are consistent with a role for FGF21 as an endocrine inhibitor of alcohol appetite in humans.

‘Profits, Savings, Health, Peace, Order’: Prostitution, Urban Planning and Imperial Identity in Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1898–1912

ABSTRACTIn the early years of the twentieth century, city administrators in Halifax, Nova Scotia articulated a new, modern identity for the former imperial garrison town by identifying the local red light district as both a moral and a spatial problem. Between the twilight of Victoria’s reign and Britain’s entry into the First World War, middle-class toleration of a local sex district as a means of managing the city’s populations of imperial servicemen virtually evaporated. Haligonians were inspired instead by North American urban modernisation initiatives to eradicate this visible and physical space for the world’s oldest profession. This paper examines shifting responses to the imperial sexual and political ideologies underpinning collective toleration of Halifax’s racially mixed sex district, offers a case study of this crucial moment of civic refashioning.

Seasonal changes in social networks of giraffes

AbstractFission‐fusion social societies allow animals to respond in a flexible manner to environmental changes by adapting the size and composition of a group. Although group members change frequently in these systems, associations with preferred partners may be found. In this study, we examined the grouping patterns of a population of 80 individual giraffes in a fenced South African game reserve over a 12‐month period. Using social network analyses as a tool to evaluate observed associations, we subsequently analysed both sex‐ and season‐related grouping patterns within the study population. Mixed sex groups represented 49% of all groups observed, and although overall group composition distribution did not differ significantly between seasons, the number of encountered single females decreased by 50%, whereas the number of multi‐male groups increased by over 50% in winter. Overall average group size did not differ significantly between seasons, but significantly larger multi‐female and multi‐male groups were seen in winter. Within the social network, two distinct clusters were found in summer, with the population more divided in winter, with five distinct clusters emerging. The strongest ties (highest HWIGs) were found between adult females. Our study revealed that giraffes not only live in a highly flexible social fission‐fusion system, but also show seasonal patterns of grouping.

Effect of dietary supplementation of phytochemicals on immunity and haematology of growing broiler chickens

The current study investigated the effects of phytochemicals genistein and/or hesperidin dietary supplementation on immunity and haematology of growing broilers. A total of 360 1-day-old broiler chicks (Arbor Acres, mixed sex) were randomly assigned to six treatment groups, namely T0, control; T1 and T2, supplemented with 5 and 20 mg of genistein and hesperidin; while T3, T4, and T5 diets contained 5, 10, and 20 mg of genistein + hesperidin (1:4) mixture, respectively, per kg of diet. The white blood cell count was significantly (p < .01) increased in T1, T2, T4, and T5 compared with the control (T0) group. The haemoglobin concentration significantly (p < .01) increased in the T5 group, while mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration was significantly (p < .05) higher in T4 compared with the T0 group. Antibody titres against Newcastle disease significantly (p < .01) increased in T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 compared with the T0 group. Similarly, all phytochemicals treated groups exhibited an increase (p < .01) in antibody titres against Avian Influenza virus, as compared with the controls. At the same time, the supplemented groups had significantly (p < .01) higher neutrophil adhesion rate and cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity test representing the cellular immune response than the controls. In conclusion, supplementation with both phytochemicals, genistein and hesperidin, positively influenced the immune parameters and haematological profile of growing broilers, thus might be considered as feed additives in broiler industry.

Productive performance of commercial growing and finishing pigs supplemented with a Buttiauxella phytase as a total replacement of inorganic phosphate.

The objective of this study was to test if a novel phytase from Buttiauxella sp. can replace all added inorganic phosphate in a diet with reduced Ca and metabolizable energy (ME) fed to commercial pigs from 12 kg body weight (BW) until slaughter, whilst maintaining performance and carcass quality parameters. Four dietary treatments were tested in a completely randomized design with 9 replicate pens, each containing 31 mixed sex Newsham Choice pigs. Diets included a positive control (PC) based on corn, soybean meal, wheat middling and bakery meal, meeting all nutrient requirement of pigs; a negative control (NC) excluded inorganic phosphate and with reduced Ca (−0.13%) and ME (−0.15 MJ/kg); and NC supplemented with Buttiauxella phytase at 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg feed. Diets were fed ad libitum in mash form in 5 phases: starter (12 to 25 kg BW), grower 1 (25 to 50 kg BW) and 2 (50 to 75 kg BW), and finisher 1 (75 to 100 kg BW) and 2 (100 kg BW to slaughter). The NC group showed lower (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) in starter and grower phases, lower gain to feed ratio (G:F) in starter and grower 1 compared with PC. Pigs receiving the high dose of phytase of 1,000 FTU/kg had improved performance vs. the 500 FTU/kg phytase treatment in starter and grower 1 phase compared with the PC in grower 1 phase. Increasing phytase dose resulted in a linear increase in ADG (12 to 120 kg BW) and G:F (50 to 75 kg BW). A comparison of treatment groups over the full production period from 12 kg BW until slaughter showed that both 500 and 1,000 FTU/kg phytase treatments were able to maintain growth performance and carcass characteristics compared with PC. The application of Buttiauxella phytase could therefore be used as an effective strategy to replace all inorganic phosphate in diets of pigs fed corn, soybean meal, wheat middling and bakery meal based diets from 12 kg BW. An economic analysis showed greater return from both phytase treatments vs. the PC and favored the higher phytase dose at 1,000 FTU/kg vs. the traditional dose of 500 FTU/kg. The latter was mainly related to the improved performance of the higher dose in younger pigs to 75 kg BW.

Family size effects on childhood obesity: Evidence on the quantity-quality trade-off using the NLSY

In this study, we use matched mother-child data from the National Longitudinal Surveys to study the effects of family size on child health. Focusing on excess body weight indicators as children’s health outcome of interest, we examine the effects of exogenous variations in family size generated by twin births and parental preference for mixed sex composition of their children. We find no significant empirical support in favor of the quantity-quality trade-off theory in instrumental variable regression analysis. This result is further substantiated when we make use of the panel aspects of the data to study child health outcomes of arrival of younger siblings at later parities. Specifically, when we employ child fixed effects analysis, results suggest that birth of a younger sibling is related to a decline in the likelihood of being overweight by 4 percentage points and a drop in the probability of illness by approximately 5 percentage points.