Significant Differences In Body Length Research Articles

Overcoming Stunting Through Local Wisdom Community Towards a Food Consumption Diversity: A Preliminary Research of Torbangun Leaves (Coleus Amboinicus L) Biscuit

Objective: This paper shows that torbangun leaves (Coleus Amboinicus L) are suitable for nursing mothers in a practical, comfortable, and healthy form according to the standards of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, namely in the form of biscuits. In the Batak ethnic group in Indonesia, it was found that local wisdom in the community that torbangun leaves are believed to improve the quality of breast milk for infants aged 12-24 months. Various studies show that the torbangun leaf contains elements that can increase a baby's height and nutrition. Method: The research was conducted experimentally to obtain biscuits from torbangun leaves based on the biscuits' aroma, texture, taste, and color. The last method is to intervene in stunting children aged 12-24 months. Children were grouped into children who were given biscuits with torbangun leaves and children who were given biscuits without torbangun leaves for three months every day. Result and Conclusion: The findings from the organoleptic test showed that the most suitable biscuits to be given to children aged 12-24 months were biscuits with the addition of torbangun leaf flour. There was a significant difference in body length in children who were given biscuits mixed with torbangun leaves and without torbangun leaves. Research implications: Research related to food consumption diversity comes from traditional knowledge of the Toba Batak ethnicity, which can be modified into healthy food to overcome stunting. From this initial research, the food industry can develop it into biscuits as a supplement for children aged 6-24 months. Originality/value: The value of this study lies in new findings in the field of supplementary diet and food consumption diversity for nutritional improvement in children aged 6 -24 months. To ensure reliability, the habit of adding food supplements to nursing mothers based on traditional knowledge of one ethnicity was studied through laboratory studies. Furthermore, the raw materials always used by breastfeeding mothers are checked to be modified into biscuits so that they are easy to obtain, easy to use, and low cost.

Comparative aspect of normative (reference) values of indicators of length and weight of children living in the region of the Far North (part 1 - body length indicators)

to analyze the differences in the normative (reference) values of the body length indicators of children and adolescents living in four ecological and geographical zones of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Statistical data processing was carried out on 24,123 schoolchildren who do not have chronic diseases belonging to health groups I and II. Statistical, analytical, mathematical and sociological methods were used. Among boys, the highest level of statistically significant differences in body length was observed in the age groups of 12, 13 and 15-17 years, among girls - in the age groups of 13, 14 and 16 years. Higher reference values of body length indicators for boys and girls living in the industrial regions of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), lower - for those living in the Arctic zone of the Far North and rural areas of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), where the population is represented mainly by the indigenous peoples of the Far North.

Evaluation of indicators of physical development and quality of life of students of M. K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University

The aim was to evaluate the indicators of physical development and quality of life in students of M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University (NEFU).Material and methods. The study involved 755 students of NEFU. at the age of 17–20, Mongoloid and Europeoid races, among which there were 273 (36.16%) girls and 482 (63.84%) boys. The studies were conducted on the basis of voluntary informed written consent. The survey included the determination of anthropometric parameters, assessment of the quality of life and questionnaires. Identification of the main characteristics of students' health was carried out through a medical examination.Results. An analysis of morphological indicators revealed differences in the physical development of students of the Mongoloid and Europeoid races of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). In the analyzed groups, there were significant differences in body length depending on race. The highest indicators of body length are determined in persons of the Europeoid race, the smallest values - in students of the Mongoloid race. The study of quality of life indicators found a decrease in the psychological component of health among the respondents, due to the lack of readiness of the components of the professional and personal perspective and the inability to carry out psychological regulation of their behavior, which serves as an obstacle to their adaptation to independent living. At the same time, the indicators of the physical component of the health of the examined students remain, in most cases, within the normal range.Conclusion. Analysis of the results of the study of the physical development of NEFU students indicates that representatives of the Mongoloid race living in the territory of Yakutia are characterized by growth below average, low density, and a small body surface area compared to representatives of the Europeoid race. The level of physical development in most of the examined persons is assessed as average, and in 37.2% of students the functional state of the circulatory system is characterized by tension in the mechanisms of adaptation, which may be due to the adaptation of the body to new living conditions.

Morphological characteristics and biological cycle of the hoverfly Eristalinus arvorum (Fabricius, 1787) (Diptera, Syrphidae)

The hoverfly Eristalinus arvorum (Fabricius, 1787) (Diptera: Syrphidae), which belongs to the tribe Eristalini, is well known as a pollinating agent for crops and flowering plants in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Large quantity, wide distribution and their ecological function of the hoverfly E. arvorum make them an appropriate candidate for use as pollinators and environmental indicator species. However, little information has been known on the morphology and the biological cycle of the hoverfly. In this study, feeding experiments under artificial climate chamber and morphological qualitative and quantitative observations were carried out to study the morphology and the biological cycle of the hoverfly E. arvorum. The morphology of eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of E. arvorum were described in detail for the first time. A complete generation of E. arvorum lasts about 30.12 ± 0.14 days, and there is no significant difference in body length between males (10.27 ± 0.29 mm) and females (11.16 ± 0.45 mm). The most noteworthy morphological features of E. arvorum are the stripes on the compound eyes, the mesonotum, and the abdomen of adults, the chorionic structure consisting of fusiform units on the egg's surface, and the anterior spiracles and pupal spiracles of the pupae. Thus, the detailed description based on morphology and life history will provide the basis for the identification, biodiversity conservation and artificial breeding of the hoverfly E. arvorum.

Analysis of Saliva Composition: Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein, Total Protein, and Secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in Rattus norvegicus with Stunted Growth.

This study aimed to determine total protein, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) levels in the saliva of rats with stunted growth. Experimental laboratory research with a pre-and posttest control group design was conducted. Seventeen albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into the control group (eight rats) and the treatment group (nine rats). Rats in the treatment group were exposed to aflatoxin B1 5µg/kg orally for 5 weeks. Anthropometry data (body length, body weight) and saliva of R. norvegicus were collected. The levels of PTHrP and sIgA in the saliva were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for rats and the Bradford test for total protein and analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Aflatoxin caused stunted growth in rats in the treatment group. There was a significant difference in body length, salivary flow, PTHrP, sIgA, and total protein in the treatment group compared with the control group. The average rat's body length change in the control group was 6.4 ± 1.1mm/5 weeks, while in the treatment group, the change was 3.7 ± 0.9 mm /5 weeks. There was no significant weight gain in the treatment group compared with the normal group. The average values of PTHrP, sIgA, and total protein in the control group were x̄0.9, x̄18, and x̄0.7 m./L, respectively, while in the treatment group, they measured x̄0.4, x̄10.7, and x̄0.5 mg/L, respectively. This study showed that salivary flow, PTHrP, sIgA, and total protein levels in the saliva were significantly lower in stunted rats compared with normal rats.

Impairment of endometrial decidual reaction in early pregnant mice fed with high fat diet.

To investigate the effect of obesity induced by high fat diet on decidual reaction of endometrium in mice, and the effect of high fat treatment on decidual reaction of endometrial stromal cells. Twelve 4-week-old healthy C57BL/6J female mice were randomly divided into high fat diet group and control group with 6 mice in each group. They were fed with high fat diet (22 kJ/g) or normal diet (16 kJ/g) for 12 weeks, respectively. The body weight of mice was measured every week. After feeding for 12 weeks, the body length and width of mice were measured, and the levels of fasting serum triglyceride and total cholesterol were determined. Then the mice were mated with healthy C57BL/6J male mice, and the uterine tissues were collected on the seventh day of pregnancy. The decidual cells and collagen fibers in mouse endometrium was observed by HE staining and Masson staining respectively. The expression of decidual reaction related proteins in mouse endometrium were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Mouse endometrial stromal cells (mESCs) were isolated and treated with the oleic acid and palmitic acid in vitro, and the decidual reaction was induced with estradiol and progesterone. The accumulation of lipid droplets in mESCs was observed by oil red O and Bodipy staining. The cytoskeleton of mESCs was observed by phalloidin staining. The levels of decidual reaction related genes and proteins were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting. After feeding for 12 weeks, the body weight of mice in the high fat group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.01), and there was no significant difference in body length between two groups ( P>0.05), but the body width of mice in the high fat group was significantly larger than that in the control group ( P<0.01), and the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol were significantly higher than those in the control group (Both P<0.05). The number of embryo implantation in the high fat group was significantly less than that in the control group ( P<0.01). The differentiation of mESCs to decidual cells in high fat group was slow and abnormal. The expression levels of decidual reaction markers bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2 and homeobox A10 (HOXA10) were lower than those in the control group, and there was significant difference in the expression level of HOXA10 ( P<0.01). The results of oil red O and Bodipy staining in mESCs showed that after high fat treatment, the accumulation of lipid droplets increased significantly, phalloidin staining showed abnormal cytoskeleton morphology. The expression levels of decidual reaction related genes dtprp, HOXA10 and proteins BMP2, HOXA10 and cyclooxygenase (COX)2 were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). Obesity induced by high fat diet and high fat treatment can impair the decidual reaction of endometrium and endometrial stromal cells in mice.

Differences in Life History Traits in Rural vs. Urban Populations of a Specialist Ground Beetle, Carabus convexus.

Simple SummaryUrbanization is an important driver of global change, with negative consequences for biodiversity. Specialist species living in isolated urban forest fragments may be the most impacted by urbanization-driven environmental modifications. We compared various life history parameters of a forest specialist ground beetle in its original forest habitat and in urban forest fragments. Abundance was more than five times higher in the rural forest stands than in the urban forest fragments. We found no significant differences in body size or condition between the rural and urban individuals of either sex. Despite higher temperatures in urban habitats, the beginning of the reproductive period did not start earlier in the urban than the rural habitat. The number of ripe eggs was significantly higher in urban than rural females. The urban environmental conditions, however, seemed to cause high mortality of the immature stages, preventing the growth of urban populations.Urbanization is increasing worldwide and causes substantial changes in environmental parameters, generating various kinds of stress on arthropods, with several harmful consequences. We examined a forest specialist ground beetle, Carabus convexus, in forested habitats to evaluate the changes in four important life history traits between rural and urban populations. Analyzing beetles from the overwintered cohort in their first breeding season, we found no significant differences in body length or body mass between the rural and urban individuals. Body condition, judged by fat reserve scores, was similarly poor in both habitats, indicating that beetles were not able to accumulate substantial fat reserves at either habitat. Females with ripe eggs in their ovaries were first captured at the same time in both areas. The number of ripe eggs, however, was significantly higher in females of the low-density urban population (6.13 eggs/female) than in those of the high-density rural population (4.14 eggs/female), indicating density-dependent fecundity. Altered environmental and habitat conditions by urbanization, however, seemed to cause high mortality during egg hatching and/or larval development, preventing the growth of the urban population to the level of rural one.

Age and growth characteristic of Sepia officinalis in the West Africa based on cuttlebones.

Common cuttlefish is mainly distributed in the eastern North Atlantic and the coastal waters of Africa, which is an important fishing target for trawl fisheries and the most important commercial species in the Atlantic sepia family. In this study, based on the cuttlefish samples collected from the west Africa coast in July-August 2015, we measured the outer morphological parameters of 283 cuttlebones. Combined with the age information of cuttlebones, we examined the growth characteristics of cuttlefish of different genders. The results showed that there were significant differences in body length and body weight between different genders. The dominant age group of female and male was both 80-100 days. Among the fitting functions of the outer shape of cuttlebone and the age, the logistic function was the best one. The females' maximum likelihood estimates of the outer morphological parameters of cuttlebone were larger than that of males. The absolute and instantaneous relative growth rates of the cuttlebone length and width of male and female cuttlefish peaked at 110-120 days and 100-110 days, respectively. The age of males and females at first sexual maturity was 111 days and 104 days, respectively. The growth difference between genders might be related to environment.

Does size matter? Examining the possible mechanisms of multi-stallion groups in horse societies

In some feral horse populations, adult females are either associated with a single male or multiple males (stallions). However, little is known on why such groups with more than one male exist, considering that stallions fight to monopolize females. Body size is often an important determinant of male fighting ability and/or dominance rank and, consequently, reproductive success. Stallions may, therefore, vary in “quality” which could be a differentiating factor between single-stallion and multi-stallion males. We observed feral Garrano horses in Northern Portugal and examined the relationship between body size, sex, group type and number of females. Using a non-invasive laser distance meter, we determined individual body length and height by overlapping photos of the horses and a measuring tape. We tested the accuracy of remote measurements by comparison with manually measuring domestic horses and found no statistical differences between the two methods. Thus, we assume the values obtained were reliable and the methodology used was a useful tool for assessing morphological characteristics. Results showed no significant differences in body length and height for all parameters assessed, suggesting that size is not a determinant factor for feral horse society. Thus, other factors may be more important to explain the existence of single and multi-stallion groups.

An Innovative Model of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Premature Infants.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the common chronic lung diseases (CLD) of premature infants, which causes unpredictable consequences to the family and society. Therefore, the pathogenesis and prevention methods of BPD are the focus of current research, and the establishment of an effective and appropriate animal model of BPD in premature infants is the key to the research. In this study, premature rats were exposed to hyperoxia environment. Compared with the air group, the body weight and alveolar radiation count of the hyperoxia group decreased significantly, but there was no significant difference in body length. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of BPD in the lung tissue. The above results proved that under the hyperoxia condition, the BPD animal model of premature infants was successfully established, which provided a new choice for the future research of BPD.

Effects of food, salinity, and ammonia-nitrogen on the physiology of juvenile seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) in two typical culture models in China

Food and water environments are key factors affecting juvenile survival rate in seahorse aquaculture. In order to adjust to local conditions, different seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) breeding models were developed in North and South China. Seahorses in North China were commonly fed Artemia in indoor containers with a stable water environment, while most seahorses in South China were fed copepods in outdoor concrete ponds. Firstly, we compared the effect of food type on juvenile seahorses based on a one-month feeding experiment and found no significant difference in body length. However, the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) gene expression was significantly higher in the liver of seahorses fed copepods than in the lever of seahorses fed Artemia, suggesting that copepods promoted better growth. A high expression of stress-related genes, namely, heat shock proteins 70 (HSP70) and Mn superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), in the liver of the seahorses that were fed copepods suggested that copepods might cause more stress on juveniles. Lower leptin gene expression in the liver of seahorses fed Artemia than in those fed copepods proved that Artemia was better for satiating the juveniles. Furthermore, the potential effects of salinity (15 and 30 ppt) and ammonia‑nitrogen (0, 5, and 15 mg/L) on juvenile seahorse physiological stress were studied through a 5-d orthogonal experiment. Both lower salinity and higher ammonia‑nitrogen increased the ventilation rate significantly. Low salinity caused a rapid increase in the ventilation rate on day 1, while high ammonia‑nitrogen was the main factor during the later period (days 2–5). Significant changes in the mRNA expression of genes, including Na+: K+:2Cl− cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and Na, K-ATPase (NKA) in the gill, HSP70, Mn-SOD, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and glutamyl synthase (GS) in the liver, indicated that seahorses are sensitive to acute salinity decline. In addition, high ammonia‑nitrogen exposure significantly changed the expression of genes (i.e., Mn-SOD, GDH, and GS) in seahorses exposed to low salinity level, while no significant variation was observed in seahorses exposed to normal salinity, suggesting that salinity decline might increase the negative effects of ammonia‑nitrogen stress. The present study provides a better understanding of how food, salinity, and ammonia‑nitrogen affect juvenile seahorses, and will be potentially important to improve animal welfare and increase production efficiency.

Features of physical development and somatotype of girls and women involved in fitness

Purpose : Comparative analysis of the physical development features and somatotype of girls and women involved in fitness. Material : The experiment involved 95 girls and women, divided into 2 groups. Group 1 - 48 girls (36.04 ± 0.19) years, Group 2 - 47 women (43.26 ± 0.22) years, (p &lt;0.01). Participants practiced fitness 2-3 times a week. The duration of the training was 60 minutes. It was determined the body mass and body length, wrist circumference, waist and hips circumferences. The TANITA BC 587 analyzer was applied to determine muscle and fat mass, the specific weight of fat tissue, water content, percentage of visceral fat, basal metabolism value, bone mass mineralization. It was calculated the body mass index and the waist-to-hip ratio. The results were evaluated applying the Student's t-test (t) and Rosenbaum (Q) and Wilcoxon - Mann - Whitney (U) criteria. Results : There were no significant differences in body length and body mass. The girls confirmed a less value of hip circumference (t = 2.04, p &lt;0.05) and a tendency to less waist circumference (t = 1.97, p &lt;0.1) in comparison with group 2. The participants of group 2 had a larger wrist circumference (U = 891, p &lt;0.05). According to this parameter, persons with asthenic body type prevailed among participants. Their specific weight was (56.25 ± 7.16)% of group 1 and (53.19 ± 7.28)% of group 2. It was confirmed less absolute body fat content in group 1 (t = 2.09, p &lt;0.05). All participants were characterized by larger muscle mass. There were no differences in this parameter between groups. It was determined the high concentration of specific weight of fat tissue in comparison with age standards. The content of visceral fat was within the age norm. Its content was higher in group 2 (Q = 18, p &lt;0.01). The basal metabolic value was larger in group 2 (Q = 17, p &lt;0.01). The values of bone mass mineralization reflect the correspondence to the body mass of the participants. This parameter did not have significant differences in the groups. The body mass index value in group 1 was within the average interval. In group 2, this index was higher than the standard one. The body mass index in group 1 was significantly lower (t = 2.18, p &lt;0.05). The participants with a body mass index above the norm were (35.42 ± 6.90)% of group 1 and (59.57 ± 7.16)% of group 2. The prevalence of waist-to-hip ratio above the norm was (54.17 ± 7.19)% 1 group and (59.57 ± 7.17)% 2 group, (p&gt; 0.05). Conclusions : it was determined the proximity of the main anthropometric parameters (mass and body length). The girls have lower values of the hip circumference. Persons with asthenic body type prevailed among the participants. Analysis of the indices confirmed the high prevalence of overweight and high risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The application of bio-impedance method confirmed and clarified the results of anthropometric research. The participants demonstrated the increased content of subcutaneous and visceral fat, increasing with age. The water level in the body gradually decreases with age. This is considered as a reflection of age-related physiological changes in metabolism and should be considered in fitness training organizing. Studies have confirmed the informativeness and adequacy of the bio-impedance method.

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

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

A systemic review on efficacy and safety of multi-oil fat emulsion injection in premature infant parenteral nutrition support based on the meta-analysis

Objective To systemically analyze the efficacy and safety of multi-oil fat emulsion injection (SMOF) in the premature infant parenteral nutrition support. Methods Databases including EMbase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang, were searched from libraries establishment to November 2017 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on the efficacy and safety of SMOF in the premature infant parenteral nutrition support. All the literatures were retrieved and screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria by two researchers. The software RevMan 5.3 was used for meta-analysis after the evaluation of methodology of quality. Results A total of 7 articles including 7 RCTs were enrolled. Meta-analysis showed that there were no significant differences in body length (OR=-0.25, 95% CI=-1.80-1.30, P=0.75), weight(OR=-0.12, 95% CI=-0.20-0.04, P=0.14), head circumference(OR=0.07, 95% CI=-0.83-0.96, P=0.88), low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, direct bilirubin, serum creatinine(OR=-0.16, 95% CI=-0.59-0.26, P=0.45) between the infants receiving SMOF or Intralipid. But compared with the infants receiving Intralipid, hemoglobin(OR=-0.75, 95% CI=-1.49-0.00, P=0.05), red blood cells(OR=-0.23, 95% CI=-0.45-0.00, P=0.05) decreased in the infants receiving SMOF, and white blood cells(OR=1.91, 95% CI=0.46-3.37, P=0.01) increased. Conclusions SMOF can control the hemoglobin content in serum, reduce the risk and degree of jaundice in premature infant, with better safety. Key words: Multi-oil fat emulsion injection; Premature infant; Meta-analysis; Randomized controlled trials; Efficacy; Safety

ВЛИЯНИЕ УРОВНЯ УРБАНИЗАЦИИ НА РАЗВИТИЕ МОРФОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНЫХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ ФИЗИЧЕСКОГО РАЗВИТИЯ ШКОЛЬНИКОВ

Aim. The aim of this article is to compare morphofunctional indicators in schoolchildren from Gomel and Kiev. Materials and methods. From 2010 to 2012 we performed a complex morphofunctional study of the indicators of physical development (body length, body weight, muscle strength of the right arm, vital capacity) in 1490 and 1329 apparently healthy girls and boys (I and II health groups) from Gomel aged 8–16. As a comparison group, we used the data obtained after the examination of schoolchildren from Kiev (1018 boys and 1025 girls) in 2008. Results. Schoolchildren from a less urbanized city demonstrate statistically more significant somatometric (body weight, chest circumference) and functional (muscle strength of the right arm, vital capacity) indicators. We did not reveal any statistically significant differences in body length between the groups of schoolchildren. Conclusion. Urbanization level influences the development of morphofunctional indicators in children and teenagers during ontogenesis.

Insect succession on pig carcasses using different exposure time - A preliminary study in Guangzhou, China

The exposure time of carcasses in insect succession studies are generally not consistent and more than 40% studies start in the morning. How such an arrangement affects the succession of insects is worth evaluating. In this study, six piglet carcasses (15–17 kg) were exposed at 6 time points during the day: 11:00, 15:00, 19:00, 23:00, 03:00 and 07:00 on July 20th-July 21st 2006 in Guangzhou, China to investigate the potential effects of the time of day of carcass exposure on body decomposition and insect succession, and also to provide fundamental data on insect succession in summer for this area. The results showed that there were negligible differences in the decay process among the carcasses. We found the carcasses synchronized their decay stage after entering the bloated stage on July 21st. All 6 carcasses entered the remains stage on August 3rd (approximately 14 d after carcass placement). The carcasses yielded 30 species of arthropods, representing 3 orders and 12 families, and no obvious differences were found in species composition between the carcasses. However, we found that there were significant differences in the arrival and colonization of Calliphoridae. We found two batches of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) larvae with significant differences in body length and instar on the carcasses placed at the site at 11:00, 15:00 and 19:00. By contrast, there was only one batch of C. megacephala larvae having similar body length and instar on the carcasses placed at the site at 23:00, 03:00 and 07:00. These observations have potential use for estimating the postmortem interval in forensic entomology.

THE CAPABILITY OF BRINE SHRIMP TEST AS A TERATOGENICITY SCREENING SYSTEM

ABSTRACTObjectives: The goals of this study were to analyze the capability of brine shrimp test (BST) as a potent teratogenicity screening system on teratogenicagents (methotrexate, captopril, diclofenac, phenytoin, warfarin, and valproic acid).Methods: Artemia cysts were hatched into 1st stage nauplii, then taken and put into seawater medium which contain test substance and kept alive until2nd stage, 3rd stage, and 4th stage, and number of deaths, morphological abnormalities, body length, and retarded of development were observed for each stage.Results: Hatch ability of cysts in methotrexate 0.015 mg/ml, captopril 0.25 mg/ml, diclofenac 0.075 mg/ml, phenytoin 1.56 mg/ml, and valproic acid2.5 mg/ml were significantly different compared to control (p&lt;0.05). Nauplii survival in methotrexate 0.015 mg/ml, captopril 0.25 mg/ml, diclofenac0.075 mg/ml, phenytoin 1.56 mg/ml, and valproic acid 2.5 mg/ml were significantly different to control (p&lt;0.05). The morphological abnormalitieswas found in methotrexate 0.015 mg/ml, captopril 0.25 mg/ml. Nauplii with retarded development were expressed in methotrexate 0.015 mg/ml,captopril 0.25 mg/ml, diclofenac 0.075 mg/ml, phenytoin 1.56 mg/ml, and valproic acid 2.5 mg/ml. Significant difference in body length was presentedin captopril 0.25 mg/ml, and phenytoin 1.56 mg/ml compared to control (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion: BST can be used as an alternative method of the teratogenic screening test, although not as sensitive teratogenic tests on mammals. Thisscreening method was not suitable for a compound which its chemical characteristic can change the tonicity of the medium.Keywords: Brine shrimp test, Teratogenicity, Methotrexate, Captopril, Diclofenac, Phenytoin, Warfarin, Valproic acid.

Effect of L-thyroxine supplementation on very low birth weight infants with transient hypothyroxinemia of prematurity at 3 years of age.

To evaluate the effects of levothyroxine (L-T4) supplementation on growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 years of age in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with transient hypothyroxinemia of prematurity (THOP). VLBW infants with plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations <10 mIU l-1 and free thyroxine concentrations <0.8 ng dl-1 were defined as having THOP and randomly assigned to the Treated (20 infants) or Untreated (31 infants) group. The Treated group received L-T4 at a dose of 5 μg kg-1 day-1. Growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 years of age were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in body length, body weight or head circumference mean s.d. scores or in neurodevelopmental outcomes between the two groups. L-T4 supplementation in VLBW infants with THOP demonstrated no beneficial effect at 3 years of age.

Gene expression profiles in testis of developing male Xenopus laevis damaged by chronic exposure of atrazine

As a widely used herbicide, atrazine (AZ) has been extensively studied for its adverse effects on the reproductive system, especially feminization in male animals. However, the relationship of gene expression changes and associated toxicological endpoints remains unclear. In this study, developing Xenopus laevis tadpoles were exposed to concentration of AZ at 0.1, 1, 10 or 100 μg/L continuously. Compared with froglets in the control group, there were no significant differences in body length, body weight, liver weight and hepatosomatic index (HSI) of males in groups treated with AZ for 90 d. At 100 μg/L AZ treatment caused a significant reduction of gonad weight and gonadosomatic index (GSI) of males (p < 0.01). In addition, AZ at all dose levels caused testicular degeneration, especially in froglets from the groups with 0.1 and 100 μg/L which exhibited U-shaped dose-response trend. We further investigated the gene expression changes associated with the testicular degeneration induced by AZ. We found that the expression of 1165 genes was significantly altered with 616 upregulated and 549 downregulated compared to the expression profile of the control animals. KEGG analysis showed that genes which were significantly affected by AZ are mainly involved in arginine and proline metabolism, cell cycle, riboflavin metabolism, spliceosome, base excision repair and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation pathway. Our results show that AZ may affect reproductive and immune systems by interference with the related gene expression changes during the male X. laevis development. The findings may help to clarify the feminization mechanisms of AZ in male X. laevis.

Effects of selection for high voluntary wheel running on sexual dimorphism in the sacrum of Mus musculus

Comparative studies have shown that pelvic girdle (os coxae and sacrum) morphology may be influenced by sex and/or locomotion and that a possible evolutionary trade‐off exists between reproductive constraints and locomotor activity. Previous unpublished work explored how sexual dimorphism in the os coxae responds to locomotor activity in Mus musculus through analyses of mice from an artificial selection experiment that bred mice for high voluntary wheel running. Three of the eight lines from this experiment were sampled, representing control (C), selected (HRNORMAL), and selected mini‐muscle (HRMINI) groups, with the mini‐muscle individuals possessing a Mendelian recessive mutation that causes a 50% decrease in skeletal muscle mass. Based on prior comparative work on the pelvis and the specific results from the os coxae of these mice showing differing patterns of dimorphism in shape, density and bone volume, we hypothesized that a similar pattern would be present in the sacrum. Using 122 specimens from the aforementioned experiment, we obtained shape and size (mass and centroid size) metrics of the sacra and compiled these with previously recorded body masses and lengths. ANOVAs of size metrics showed significant differences in body length, mass and sacral centroid size between the lines and sexes. On all metrics, both HR lines were smaller than the C line and the HRMINI line was smaller than the HRNORMAL line. In addition, females were smaller than males in all metrics. Finally, there was no significant sex‐by‐line interaction for either body size metrics or centroid size, indicating no differential sexual dimorphism patterns in these variables between lines.Results of MANOVAs showed that sex and line, but not body mass, had a significant effect on sacral shape, and there was no significant sex‐by‐line interaction. Further, we calculated a proxy measurement of sacral density using a ratio of sacral mass to sacral centroid size. ANOVAs showed a significant effect of sex, line, and the sex‐by‐line interaction, with females showing a greater mean bone density than males (a result opposite that found in a similar proxy metric in the os coxae). Overall, these results support the hypothesis that sacral morphology is influenced by sex, selection for high locomotor activity, and the presence of the mini‐muscle mutation in a complex manner, which affects specific skeletal elements in different ways.Support or Funding InformationMurdock Charitable Trust