Standard Growth Curves Research Articles

Effect of early photostimulation at 15-weeks of age and everyday spin feeding on broiler breeder performance

To prevent broiler breeders from growing too quickly and becoming too large for optimum reproduction, their dietary intake is restricted. While current restricted feeding programs, such as skip-a-day feeding (SAD), improve the economic efficiency of broiler breeder operations, this management practice impacts bird welfare. There is an interest in finding strategies that could reduce the impact of feed restriction during broiler breeder rearing. This research investigated the effects of feeding pullets on an advanced growth curve for early photostimulation at 15 wk (15P) or standard growth curve for photostimulation at 21 wk (21P), using either an every-day-spin feeding program (EDS) or SAD feeding, on the reproductive parameters of broiler breeder hens in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Overall, advancing the growth curve (15P) decreased blood corticosterone levels compared to 21P, but EDS resulted in higher blood corticosterone levels compared to SAD. At the end of rearing in both 15P and 21P, EDS pullets weighed less than SAD pullets. The onset of egg production was 20 and 24 wk of age for the 15P and 21P hens, respectively. Despite an earlier onset, 15P hens did not produce more eggs than 21P hens through 65 wk of age. Egg weight was reduced for 15P compared to 21P until 30 wk of age. The 15P hens had a greater number of double yolk eggs than the 21P hens. Fertility and hatch were not impacted by the advanced growth curve and early photostimulation. Although the current research indicates the potential to reduce feed restriction associated welfare issues by rearing broiler breeder pullets for an earlier photostimulation onset, further research in needed to determine if this management technique can be improved to optimize hen reproductive efficiency.

Effect of Thioflavin T on the Elongation Rate of Bacteria.

The growing field of bacterial electrophysiology examines the relationship between bacterial membrane potential and cell division, growth, sporulation, and biofilm formation. These experiments require Nernstian fluorescent dyes to monitor membrane potential. Our research uses single cell imaging to determine if a common fluorescent dye, Thioflavin T (ThT), affects the growth of bacteria. We use a combination of standard growth curve measurements and single cell imaging, both brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, to monitor the growth of Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli as a function of ThT concentration. Increased membrane potential (hyperpolarization) leads to increased intracellular accumulation of ThT: High fluorescence intensity is an indicator of hyperpolarization. Blue light is used to hyperpolarize a subpopulation of cells to monitor cellular elongation in response to increased cellular internalization of ThT. Single cell imaging shows that the elongation rates of B. subtilis and E. coli are decreased when these cells are incubated with ThT. At micromolar concentrations of ThT, this effect may be masked in standard growth curves, but is visible with single cell measurements on agarose pads. The increased cellular accumulation of ThT is a standard measure of hyperpolarization in bacterial electrophysiology. Growth curves, a bulk measurement, are typically used to determine suitable concentrations of ThT for use in experiments. Single cell measurements show that cells incubated with ThT have decreased elongation rates. This creates a potential experimental artifact that could lead to misinterpretation of data. Hyperpolarized cells internalize more ThT. This increased intracellular concentration of ThT, rather than the change in membrane potential, could lead to decreased growth. These experiments point toward the importance of single cell measurements to detect subtle changes in cell growth. We hope this research will be useful for other researchers in their choice of dye for the detection of membrane potential.

Use of Chlorella sorokiniana (Chlorellaceae, Chlorellales) microalgae for purification of waste water from the brewing industry

The paper presents some environmental problems of the brewing industry. The literature data on the methods of water purification using microalgae have been studied. The composition of wastewater from the brewing industry is shown to consist of few biogenic elements, namely: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are necessary for microalgae biomass cultivation. Therefore, the wastewater from the brewing industry can be used as a basis for making a nutrient medium to cultivate microalgae. In the experimental part, the effect of various dilutions of a suspension of microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana (C) grown on a nutrient medium with untreated wastewater (UWW) from the brewing industry was studied. Various percentage ratios of wastewater to microalga suspension were studied, namely: UWW/C = 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70 for the ability to absorb nitrogen, organic and inorganic carbon from dry matter, and to change the pH value. The dependences of the growth rate of microalgae at various percentage additives of the wastewater from the brewing industry are presented. It was shown that at a UWW:C = 30:70, this dependence is characteristic of the standard growth curve of a microorganism culture. A lag phase, phases of exponential growth and withering away are observed. At a 70:30 ratio, the harmful effect of effluents on the growth of microalgae is obvious, on the 3rd day their death occurs, the green solution acquiring a brown color to confirm the death of microalgae cells. It has been shown that the optimal UWW:C ratio is 30:70, with no loss of biomass, it grows well using pollutants for its nutrition. The color of the solution after cultivation was bright green, which corresponded to the color of healthy cells. At UWW:C = 30:70, the wastewater is purified up to 70% and 90% for total nitrogen and organic carbon, respectively. The pH value changes from acidic to neutral. Keywords: Chlorella sorokiniana, wastewater treatment, brewing industry

Feeding and Growth Outcomes in Infants with Type C Esophageal Atresia Who Undergo Early Primary Repair

To describe growth and feeding outcomes in patients with type C esophageal atresia who underwent early primary repair and to identify predictors for poor growth. This single-center, retrospective, cohort study included all patients with type C esophageal atresia who underwent early primary repair from 2013 to 2019. Weight-for-age z score (WAZ) was calculated at birth, and every 6months until 3years postoperatively. Longitudinal median regression was used to evaluate WAZ over time. A multivariable logistic regression model explored predictors of growth outcomes. Of 46 infants who met the inclusion criteria, 72% were term. The median age at repair was 1.5days of life (IQR, 1-2days of life) and the hospital length of stay was 20days (IQR-14, 30days). Two patients had esophageal leak (4.3%). The median WAZ at birth was below average (-0.72; IQR, -1.37 to -0.40), but improved to reach average by 3years (-0.025; IQR, -0.85 to 0.97, P<.001). At discharge, 72% of patients were receiving full oral nutrition, which improved to 95% by 3years. The only independent predictor of poor growth at 1year (WAZ < -1 [33%]) was WAZ at discharge (P=.02). Infants with esophageal atresia who undergo early primary repair are capable of achieving standard growth curves by 3years of age. However, poor discharge WAZ score was predictive of poor WAZ score at 1year. Efforts to identify at-risk patients and institute targeted inpatient and outpatient nutrition interventions are needed to improve their growth trajectory.

Implementation of Manual and Automated Water Regulation for Rats (Rattus norvegicus) and Ferrets (Mustela putorius)

Water regulation is a procedure that allows animals to consume water volumes equivalent to ad libitum access, but access is limited to specific time intervals (that is, water is not available outside of the designated access periods). Despite the relatively common use of water regulation in research, the implementation method is rarely detailed, stating only that water was available in the animal's home cage at specific times. For planned toxicologic assessments, we placed rats (n = 510) and ferrets (n = 16) on water regulation using both automated and manual methods. In testing our systems, we defined "successful implementation" as maintenance of appropriate weight gain and health status. An automated system that controlled water access to an entire rat rack was successful for most rats, but several rats failed to consume enough water even after 2 wk of experience. Manual methods of water regulation were successful in rats by either moving the cage to prevent access to the drinking valve or by placing/removing water bottles. An automated system that controlled water access from water bottles was implemented for ferrets and was maintained for up to 30 wk. Retrospective comparison of body weights to standard growth curves for both species showed that all animals grew normally despite water regulation. Differences in the systems and some species considerations provide insights into the key elements necessary for successful water regulation in rats and ferrets.

P–768 Childhood growth of singletons conceived following in vitro fertilization (IVF) - does gonadotropin-stimulation matter?

Abstract Study question Is there a difference in growth or weight gain of children conceived after IVF with or without gonadotropin-stimulation compared to standard growth references? Summary answer: We observed no difference in growth between children conceived after IVF with or without gonadotropin-stimulation and spontaneously conceived children. What is known already In recent studies, singletons conceived after IVF cycles had lower birth weight than spontaneously conceived singletons. The etiology of the impaired intrauterine growth is unclear, but insufficiency of placental function or possible epigenetic effects is discussed. Data regarding normalization or continuation of reduced birth weight are controversial. The growth of children born after unstimulated natural cycle IVF (NC-IVF) has never been studied. Study design, size, duration Single-center, university based cohort study. 139 singletons born after NC- IVF and children born after conventional gonadotropin stimulated IVF (cIVF) in 2010 –2017 were studied. Stimulation dosage in cIVF was ≥150 IU/d human gonadotropin. Participants/materials, setting, methods We collected weight, length and head circumference at birth and at one, two, four, six, 12, 18 and 24 months. We calculated standard deviation scores based on national growth references. Growth parameters (weight, length and head circumference) were compared between NC-IVF and cIVF singletons (stimulated with ≥150 IU/d human gonadotropin) using Mann-Whitney U tests. Main results and the role of chance In general, growth of children conceived after IVF did not differ from national references. Of the 139 singletons conceived, 98 singletons were conceived after NC-IVF and 41 after cIVF. The parents did not differ in ethnicity, age, BMI or health status between groups, and there was no significant difference in gestational age, pregnancy complications and smoking or breastfeeding habits either. The median birth weight in NC-IVF children was 3.4kg (0.1 standard deviation score, SDS) and in cIVF 3.3kg (–0.3 SDS) (p = 0.53). Median length at birth in NC-IVF was 50cm (–0.5 SDS) and did not differ from cIVF children 50cm (–0.8 SDS) (p = 0.52). At age 12 months, the median weight was 9.3kg (0.0 SDS) for NC-IVF children compared to 9.0kg (–1.7 SDS) for cIVF children (p = 0.44). Median lengths was 75cm (0.1 SDS) in NC-IVF versus 71cm (–1.6 SDS) in cIVF children (p = 0.89). At age 24 months, median weight in NC-IVF children was 12.3 kg (0.3 SDS) versus 10.5 kg (–1.2 SDS) in cIVF (p = 0.72) and median lengths 87.5cm (0.1 SDS) in NC-IVF versus 87.6 cm (0.1 SDS) in cIVF children. These discrete non-significant differences in weight and length gain compared to standardized growth curves and between the two groups are reassuring. Limitations, reasons for caution Willingness to participate is prone to selection bias. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings. Wider implications of the findings: This is the first study investigating weight and length gain in children after unstimulated IVF. Growth is an important proxy for the health of children. These reassuring results are of imminent importance for the children born after IVF and their parents. Trial registration number BASEC (ID 2015–00235)

HORMAD1 promotes docetaxel resistance in triple negative breast cancer by enhancing DNA damage tolerance.

HORMA domain-containing protein 1 (HORMAD1), is normally expressed only in the germline, but is frequently re-activated in human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC); however, its function in TNBC is largely unknown. In the present study, the expression and biological significance of HORMAD1 in human TNBC was evaluated. Bioinformatics analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR were used to evaluate HORMAD1 expression in datasets and cell lines. HORMAD1 protein expression was detected in TNBC samples using immunohistochemical assays, and the effect of HORMAD1 on cell proliferation was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8, plate colony formation and standard growth curve assays. Cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis analyses were conducted using flow cytometry. The activity of caspases was measured using caspase activity assay kit. The levels of key apoptosis regulators and autophagy markers were detected by western blot analysis. TNBC cell survival and apoptosis were not influenced by small interfering RNA targeting HORMAD1 alone; however, HORMAD1 knockdown enhanced autophagy and docetaxel (Doc)-induced apoptosis, compared with the control group. Furthermore, higher ROS levels and caspase-3, −8 and −9 activity were detected in MDA-MB-436 TNBC cells with HORMAD1 knockdown upon exposure to Doc. The levels of the induced DNA damage marker γH2AX were also higher, while those of the DNA repair protein RAD51 were lower in TNBC cells with HORMAD1 knockdown compared with the controls. Furthermore, the expression of the autophagy marker P62 was enhanced in MDA-MB-231 cells in response to HORMAD1 overexpression. Notably, Doc-induced apoptosis was similarly increased by both HORMAD1 overexpression and treatment with the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3MA); however, the Doc-induced increase in autophagy was not inhibited by 3MA. The present data indicated that HORMAD1 was involved in autophagy and that the inhibition of autophagy can partially enhance the induction of apoptosis by Doc. The role of HORMAD1 in the DNA damage tolerance of tumor cells may be the main reason for Doc resistance; hence, HORMAD1 could be an important therapeutic target in TNBC.

Real-Time PCR and Droplet Digital PCR Are Accurate and Reliable Methods To Quantify Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae Biovar 3 in Kiwifruit Infected Plantlets.

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae is the etiological agent of kiwifruit canker disease, causing severe economic losses in kiwifruit production areas around the world. Rapid diagnosis, understanding of bacterial virulence, and rate of infection in kiwifruit cultivars are important in applying effective measures of disease control. P. syringae pv. actinidiae load in kiwifruit is currently determined by a labor-intense colony counting method with no high-throughput and specific quantification method being validated. In this work, we used three alternative P. syringae pv. actinidiae quantification methods in two infected kiwifruit cultivars: start of growth time, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Method performance in each case was compared with the colony counting method. Methods were validated using calibration curves obtained with serial dilutions of P. syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 (Psa3) inoculum and standard growth curves obtained from kiwifruit samples infected with Psa3 inoculum. All three alternative methods showed high correlation (r > 0.85) with the colony counting method. qPCR and ddPCR were very specific, sensitive (5 × 102 CFU/cm2), highly correlated to each other (r = 0.955), and flexible, allowing for sample storage. The inclusion of a kiwifruit biomass marker increased the methods' accuracy. The qPCR method was efficient and allowed for high-throughput processing, and the ddPCR method showed highly accurate results but was more expensive and time consuming. While not ideal for high-throughput processing, ddPCR was useful in developing accurate standard curves for the qPCR method. The combination of the two methods is high-throughput, specific for Psa3 quantification, and useful for research studies (e.g., disease phenotyping and host-pathogen interactions).

Impact of growth curve and dietary energy-to-protein ratio on productive performance of broiler breeders

The impact of growth curve (GC) and dietary energy-to-protein ratio on productive performance of broiler breeder females was investigated from 0 to 60 wk of age. One-day-old pullets (n = 1,536) were randomly allotted to 24 pens according to a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement, with 2 GC (standard growth curve = SGC or elevated growth curve = EGC, +15%) and 4 diets, differing in energy-to-protein ratio (96%, 100%, 104%, or 108% AMEn). Feed allocation per treatment was adapted weekly based on the desired GC, meaning that breeders fed the different diets within each GC were fed according to a paired-gain strategy. Linear and quadratic contrasts for energy-to-protein ratio for each GC were evaluated. Elevated growth curve breeders had an earlier sexual maturity (∆ = 4.1 d) than SGC breeders. Egg weight was higher for EGC breeders (∆ = 2.3 g) than for SGC breeders over the whole laying phase (22–60 wk). No differences between EGC and SGC breeders were observed on settable egg production. An increase in dietary energy-to-protein, at a similar BW, led to a linear increase in age at sexual maturity (β = 0.14 d/% AMEn). From 22 to 40 wk of age, an increase in dietary energy-to-protein ratio led to a linear decrease in egg weight (β = -0.06 g/% AMEn), regardless of GC. An interaction between GC and dietary energy-to-protein ratio was observed on settable egg production in this phase. An increase in dietary energy-to-protein ratio led to a linear decrease on settable egg production, which was more profound in EGC breeders (β = -0.70 eggs/% AMEn) than in SGC breeders (β = -0.19 eggs/% AMEn). From 41 to 60 wk of age, an interaction between GC and dietary energy-to-protein ratio was observed on egg weight. In the EGC, an increase in dietary energy-to-protein ratio led to a linear decrease in egg weight (β = -0.13 g/% AMEn), whereas in the SGC, a linear increase in egg weight was observed (β = 0.03 g/% AMEn). From 41 to 60 wk of age, no differences between diets were observed on settable egg production. It can be concluded that a higher GC of breeders has beneficial effects on egg weight, while maintaining settable egg production. Feeding breeders a lower dietary energy-to-protein ratio stimulated productive performance of broiler breeder hens, mainly during the first phase of lay. This effect was more profound when breeders were fed according to a higher GC.

Severe Acute Malnutrition among Unoperated Ethiopian Children with Congenital Heart Disease: A Wake-up Call to Reverse the Situation, A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) are at increased risk for severe acute malnutrition (SAM). We aimed to determine the magnitude and determinants of SAM among children with CHD in a tertiary hospital. Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among children with CHD between 2016 and 2019. Clinical and anthropometric data were retrieved from medical records. Anthropometric assessment was done by using WHO standard growth curves. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences V22. Statistical significance was set at p-value <0.05, and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors. There were 2400 pediatric admissions during the study period, CHD accounted for 6.5%(156) of admissions. For review, 141 records were eligible. The gender distribution was comparable, males 51.1% (72). Infants (<12 months) and older children (≥12 months) accounted for 57.4% (81) and 42.6% (60) of study subjects, respectively. SAM was documented in 51.8% (73) of the study subjects, [95% CI: 44.7-60.2]. Infants had higher odds of SAM compared to children aged ≥12 months[adjusted odds ratio (AOR)= 4.48, 95%CI:2.07-9.70]. Anemic children had higher odds for SAM[AOR =3.76, 95% CI:1.54-9.18]. Children without acyanotic CHD with heart failure(HF) were 58% less likely to develop SAM[AOR= 0.42, 95% CI:0.19-0.96]. The burden of SAM among children with CHD is high. Younger age, anemia and acyanotic CHD with HF predicted SAM. Screening for anemia and targeted anthropometric assessment are recommended for early SAM detection.

Normal cerebral ventricular volume growth in childhood.

Normal percentile growth charts for head circumference, length, and weight are well-established tools for clinicians to detect abnormal growth patterns. Currently, no standard exists for evaluating normal size or growth of cerebral ventricular volume. The current standard practice relies on clinical experience for a subjective assessment of cerebral ventricular size to determine whether a patient is outside the normal volume range. An improved definition of normal ventricular volumes would facilitate a more data-driven diagnostic process. The authors sought to develop a growth curve of cerebral ventricular volumes using a large number of normal pediatric brain MR images. The authors performed a retrospective analysis of patients aged 0 to 18 years, who were evaluated at their institution between 2009 and 2016 with brain MRI performed for headaches, convulsions, or head injury. Patients were excluded for diagnoses of hydrocephalus, congenital brain malformations, intracranial hemorrhage, meningitis, or intracranial mass lesions established at any time during a 3- to 10-year follow-up. The volume of the cerebral ventricles for each T2-weighted MRI sequence was calculated with a custom semiautomated segmentation program written in MATLAB. Normal percentile curves were calculated using the lambda-mu-sigma smoothing method. Ventricular volume was calculated for 687 normal brain MR images obtained in 617 different patients. A chart with standardized growth curves was developed from this set of normal ventricular volumes representing the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles. The charted data were binned by age at scan date by 3-month intervals for ages 0-1 year, 6-month intervals for ages 1-3 years, and 12-month intervals for ages 3-18 years. Additional percentile values were calculated for boys only and girls only. The authors developed centile estimation growth charts of normal 3D ventricular volumes measured on brain MRI for pediatric patients. These charts may serve as a quantitative clinical reference to help discern normal variance from pathologic ventriculomegaly.

High levels of scabies and malnutrition amongst orphans referred to a hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Orphans are at high risk for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and other comorbidities such as malnutrition. We investigated how many orphans suffered from scabies, other NTDs and malnutrition. A descriptive study using medical records of orphans referred to a teaching hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from December 2014 to December 2018 was done. Files documenting NTDs were reviewed in detail for age, referral diagnosis, and nutritional status. Nutritional assessment was done using the WHO Standard growth curve, classifying children as stunted (height for age Z score < -2SD or wasted (weight for length Z score < -2SD). Of the 852 orphans referred, 23.1% (196/852) was diagnosed with scabies, amongst which 28.1% (55/196) had multiple episodes. The median age (interquartile range) of the children with scabies was 3 (2-5) months. 85.2% (169/196) of the orphans with scabies were stunted and /or wasted. No other NTDs were reported. All of the scabies cases identified were not documented in the referral letter of the orphanage. There is ongoing transmission of scabies among children in the orphanage. Amongst orphans with scabies, an alarmingly high percentage was malnourished. Referrals from orphanages may provide an opportunity to detect NTDs and this is being missed.

Hubungan Riwayat Berat Badan Lahir Dengan Kejadian Stunting Pada Balita Usia 24-60 Bulan Di Puskesmas Jogonalan

Stunting was defined as height for age below -2 the standard median child growth curve. Stunting factors such as birth weight, stimulation and improper care of children, lack of nutritional intake, and recurrent infections and various other environmental factors. Birth weight is the baby's weight measured within the first 1 hour after birth. The purpose of this&#x0D; study was to determine the relationship between birth weight and the incidence of stunting in children aged 24-60 months at&#x0D; Jogonalan Health Center.&#x0D; This research is a descriptive correlation study with the method used is retrospective. The population in this study were 190 stunting infants aged 24-60 months at Jogonalan Health Center. The sampling technique used the Simple Random Sampling Technique in a random way with a sample size of 48 infants. The instrument in this study used an observation sheet. Data analysis used Kendall Tau correlation calculation. The results of the study most of the respondents had a history of normal birth weight as many as 36 toddlers (75%) with a short category 23 toddlers (69.7%) and a very short category 13 toddlers (86.7%).&#x0D; The conclusion of the study based on the results of Kendall Tau correlation calculations concluded that there was no relationship between a history of birth weight and the incidence of stunting in toddlers aged 24-60 months at Jogonalan Health Center where p = 0.680 (p&gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Suggestions for parents to increase knowledge about growth problems in children, one of which is stunting

Development of a Microfluidic Droplet-Based Microbioreactor for Microbial Cultivation.

Droplet microfluidics creates new opportunities for microbial engineering. Most microbial cultivations are carried out in bioreactors, which are usually bulky and consume a large amount of reagents and media. In this paper, we propose a microfluidic droplet-based microbioreactor for microbial cultivation. A microfluidic device was designed and fabricated to produce many droplet-based microbioreactors integrated with an AC electric field for the manipulation of these microbioreactors. Droplets encapsulating fluorescent Escherichia coli cells were generated, sorted, and trapped individually in small chambers. Fluorescence intensity was monitored to determine cell growth. An electric field with varying voltages and frequencies manipulates the droplets, simulating an oscillation effect. Initial results showed that electric field does not affect cell growth. A comparison with shake flask showed that a similar standard growth curve is obtained when cultivating at room temperature. This device has the potential for making droplet-based microbioreactors an alternative for microbial engineering research.

Examination of Children’s Height and Weight according to Standard NCHS Growth Curve: A cross-sectional Study in the Jiroft Township

Introduction Measuring children's and adolescents’ height and weight are among the most important information sources and the best index forthe assessment of individual growth status and community’s nutrition and health status. Regular measurements of height and weight and recordingthe data on proper curves lead to the timely identification of growth disorders. The present study aimed at determining the average height, weight,and body mass index of 6-18-year-old boys and girls in Jiroft Town and comparing the results with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).Method In this study, the values for height, weight, and body mass index of 5850 children aged between 6 and 18 were examined in a stratifiedrandom fashion. Growth percentile curves for height, weight, and body mass index were plotted by Microsoft Excel Software.Results In comparison to the NCHS height and weight percentiles, the data of the present study showed lower values for the studied children.The comparison of BMI percentiles of boys and girls with NCHS percentiles for each age proved that until the age of 8, the BMI percentiles are fitto NCHS percentiles. This is while in older ages, the calculated BMI percentiles of males and females were remarkably lower than NCHSpercentiles.Conclusion Based on the results, it is generally concluded that using foreign criteria leads to a false diagnosis of underweight or shortness in somechildren and it is recommended to apply native and country-level percentiles for the examination of children’s growth.

Staged upper and lower limb lengthening performing bilateral simultaneous surgery of the femur and tibia in achondroplastic patients.

Surgical lengthening and angular correction of the limbs are an option for treating the orthopedic clinical manifestations in patients with achondroplasia. This study assesses a staged limb lengthening protocol, performing simultaneous bilateral lengthening of the femur and tibia (stage I [S1]), and humeral lengthening (stage II [S2]). Twenty-one achondroplastic patients were included in this study, and 106 segments (34 femurs, 34 tibias and 38 humeri) were lengthened. Achondroplasia patients with a growth curve below the mean of the standard growth curves for achondroplasia were included in S1. The remaining patients were included directly in S2. Variables analyzed included anthropometric measurements, lengthening outcomes, difficulties, and functionality. Of the all patients included in the protocol, 15 patients completed S1 and S2, 4 only completed S2, and 2 only completed S1. Height and limb-trunk ratio before S1 were 107.65 ± 7.14cm and 1.89 ± 0.10 and after S1 were 126.50 ± 9.19cm and 1.64 ± 0.09, respectively. Limbs were lengthened 14.43 ± 1.41cm (femurs and tibias) for S1 and 9.95 ± 0.60cm for S2 (humeri), with a stage healing index of 18.23 ± 3.54 in S1 and 28.92 ± 4.42 in S2. Correction of lower angular deviations, functional improvement, and a controlled complications rate were achieved in all patients. The limb lengthening protocol proposed in this study is a suitable treatment for achondroplasia patients to achieve the agreed-upon objectives (limb-trunk ratio, improved functionality, and lower limb alignment). The reproducibility of the procedure and patient safety were upheld.

Review of the Post-IR IRSL Dating Protocols of K-Feldspar.

Compared to quartz, the infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) of K-feldspar saturates at higher dose, which has great potential for extending the dating limit. However, dating applications with K-feldspar has been hampered due to anomalous fading of the IRSL signal. The post-IR IRSL (pIRIR) signal of K-feldspar stimulated at a higher temperature after a prior low-temperature IR stimulation has significantly lower fading rate. Different dating protocols have been proposed with the pIRIR signals and successful dating applications have been made. In this study, we review the development of various pIRIR dating protocols, and compare their performance in estimating the equivalent dose (De). Standard growth curves (SGCs) of the pIRIR signals of K-feldspar are introduced. Single-grain K-feldspar pIRIR dating is presented and the existing problems are discussed.

Dietary nutrient restrictions in the post-weaning period change feed efficiency and productivity of Santa Inês ewe lambs

Context Interest in sheep production has grown considerably, mainly in the meat market segment in large urban centres. This growth is due to improved efficiencyand quality products, which makes the segment attractive for production. Aims Our objective was to evaluate the effects of dietary nutrient restrictions on the feed efficiency and productivity of Santa Inês ewe lambs. Methods Twenty Santa Inês ewe lambs were weaned at an average weight of 15.09 ± 2.63 kg and were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial design to nutritional plans for carcass finishing (early and late maturity) and levels of nutrient restriction (0% and 15% reduction of both crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) relative to requirements) with five replications per treatment. The trial was divided into two phases: lambs aged 4–8 months (&amp;lt;8 months) and lambs &amp;gt;8 months old. Key results There were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between diets for average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency and residual feed intake. Ratios of ADG:DMI (% of liveweight (LW) and LW0.75) were affected (P ≤ 0.05) by restriction in ewe lambs &amp;gt;8 months old. Restriction model tests (ω1, ω2, ω3 and ω4) did not differ (P &amp;gt; 0.05) from complete models for diets formulated for early maturity; therefore, a single standard growth curve fitted this nutritional plan. On the other hand, the restriction model responses for diets formulated to late maturity differed (P ≤ 0.05) from the complete model, generating different standard growth curves according to the applied restriction. Feeding Santa Inês ewe lambs a restricted diet (by 15% CP and TDN) in an early-maturity nutritional plan will allow lambs to reach slaughter LW earlier than those fed unrestricted diets. Conclusions and implications When the objective is to terminate animals at a later age (&amp;gt;8 months), unrestricted diet formulated to a late-maturity nutritional plan will produce higher LW and subsequent reproductive efficiency. By contrast, reducing CP and TDN by 15% for ewe lambs &amp;gt;8 months of age may reduce growth rates at an initial phase.

Estandarización de las técnicas de citometría de flujo para evaluar las células fagocíticas de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis murinas

The understanding of bioprocesses has been allowed the increase of techniques to study cellular interactions, such as flow cytometry (FC). This technic is an important tool for counting and classifying microscopic particles suspended in flowing liquid medium, analyzing parameters from cells diverse origins, including bacteria. Thus, the aim of this study was to standardize protocols by flow cytometry to evaluate the absolute count and physiological aspects of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in murine phagocytic cells. C. pseudotuberculosis was grown in 0.5% BHI –Tween80 medium, followed by the labeling of this microorganism with fluorescent dyes, at different periods and different physiological stages. In the phagocytosis assay, murine peritoneal cells from two strains were used after sodium thioglycolate-induced peritonitis. After cell adhesion, the challenge with stained bacteria was done and after 1h 30 min the adherent cells were trypsinized, washed and centrifuged for the (FC) assay. A growth period similar to a standard microbial growth curve was observed, and allowed to distinguish among different physiological stages. Data obtained from (FC) show phagocytic cell populations containing bacteria in the cytoplasm. A population with low internal complexity, similar to that presented by lymphocytes, and a population with moderate internal complexity similar to that presented by cells of monocytic origin were observed. The (FC) technique with flowering marking was effective to evaluate the growth and viability of C. pseudotuberculosis, as well as the interaction of bacterial cells with murine peritoneal phagocytic cells. Therefore, FC is an efficient technique to evaluating the growth curve of this bacterium, distinguishing different physiological stages, and may even indicate a mechanism of escape from phagocytosis.

734: Which fetal growth curve best predicts a small for gestational age infant in obese women?

To determine if prediction of small for gestational age (SGA) infants using standardized ultrasound growth curves (GC) is affected by maternal obesity and which GC performs best in obese women. Retrospective cohort study from 6/1/18 to 6/1/19 of all growth ultrasounds performed from 30+0 to 32+6 weeks at a single institution. Multifetal gestations and intrauterine fetal demises were excluded. We determined the estimated fetal weight (EFW) for all patients using four clinically utilized GCs (Hadlock, Brenner, Hadlock abdominal circumference (AC) alone, and Brenner plus AC (B + AC)). We defined fetal growth restriction (FGR) as EFW < 10th percentile for Hadlock and Brenner or AC < 5th percentile for AC. SGA was defined as birthweight < 10th percentile by WHO or Fenton GCs. The primary outcome was the impact of maternal obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) on the ability of each GC to predict SGA and to determine which GC performs best in obese women. Predictive characteristics were calculated for each GC and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was compared between non-obese and obese patients. Within the obese patients, the AUC was compared between all four GCs. Of 763 patients included, 77 infants (10.3%) were SGA. Obese women were significantly less likely to deliver an SGA infant (p< 0.01). Maternal obesity significantly decreased the ability of Hadlock to predict SGA compared to non-obese patients (AUC 0.58 (95%CI 0.48-0.69) vs AUC 0.73 (95%CI 0.66-0.79), p=0.02) (Fig 1). There was no significant difference in the ability of the other GCs to predict SGA between obese and non-obese women. In obese patients, there was no significant difference between ability of the GCs to predict SGA (p=0.41) (Fig 2). Brenner identified no cases of FGR in obese patients. In non-obese women, Hadlock outperformed the other three GCs (p< 0.01) (Fig 2). Maternal obesity decreases the ability of the Hadlock GC to predict SGA infants. Among obese women, no GC is significantly more predictive of SGA infants. All performed poorly in the obese population.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)