Thorax Circumference Research Articles

Phenotypic Characterization of the Martina Franca Donkey: An Endangered Italian Donkey Breed.

The Martina Franca (MF) donkey breed (Equus asinus) primarily inhabits the rural areas surrounding the homonymous municipality, as well as neighboring municipalities in the provinces of Bari and Brindisi, all located in the Apulia region of Italy. The objective of this study was to assess the current phenotype through the evaluation of 27 morphologic measurements. The study was conducted on 73 female and 18 male breeding animals from eight different herds located in central and southern Italy. Statistical analysis was performed in order to demonstrate statistical differences between males and females, as well as sexual dimorphism and uniformity of all measurements in both genders. The results demonstrated that the mean of three parameters used for the evaluation of an MF donkey (height at withers, circumference of thorax, and shin circumference) are highly representative of the population, with minimal dispersion Cv^ = 0.05-0.06 up to a maximum of 10%, as evidenced by relatively low standard deviations across observed measurements in both genders. Regarding sexual dimorphism, a statistically significant difference was found between males and females. This dimorphism is linked to reproductive activity and is useful during gestation. Overall, our findings suggest that the MF donkey phenotype has been largely preserved over time with high uniformity in males, slight inhomogeneity in the female population, and less variability in both genders.

Development of an Algorithm to Determine Which Costal Cartilage to Harvest.

Rib graft is a common source of cartilage in rhinoplasty. Donor site choices for this resource were identified according to the authors who presented the introduction of this technique. However, the scientific basis of this valuable method lacks information, including the anatomical properties of costal cartilage. In this study, cartilage radioanatomy is examined and tested for if any estimators are present. A total of 148 thoracal CT scans of patients who applied to our facility were analyzed. Patients were divided per their sex and age of 35, and rib cartilage dimensions, including axial length between the sternal and costal ends of the cartilage (TotL), posteroanterior diameters at the sternal end (StDia), costal end (CosDia), the thickest part (MaxDia) as diametrical parameters and vertical height at the thickest part (h) were recorded. Length of the sternum (St), the axial length of the clavicle (ClavL), the distance of the sixth rib from the anterior axillary border (AntAx), and thorax circumferences at the level of both pectoralis major muscle origin (ThC) and nipples (BrC) were recorded. Statistical analyses were done for correlations. St, ClavL, ThC, and BrC were found to have the most correlated measurements in groups with the age of 35 and less of both genders, and the relations were lost in older groups. Thorax shape may change after the age of 35 years, but in younger patients, St in females and ClavL in males can be used as estimators of cartilage amount.

Effect of age and diet on carcass and meat quality in ewes

This study elucidated the effect of age and diet on carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters of Rambouillet ewes. Forty ewes (n = 20 yearling ewes and n = 20 cull ewes) were fed with alfalfa hay (AH) or a 100 % concentrate diet (CD). Treatments were: a) 10 cull ewes were fed only with AH, b) 10 yearling ewes were fed only with AH, c) 10 cull ewes were fed with CD, d) 10 yearling ewes were fed with CD. Productive performance, carcass and meat quality were analyzed. Animals had ten days for adaptation and 35 days were used to collect data. Dry matter intake was greater (P < 0.05) for CD. Feed conversion rates were not affected by treatments. The pH at 45 min and 24 h, carcass length, leg length, leg width, thorax width, and thorax perimeter were not affected by treatments. Hot carcass weight was heavier (P < 0.05) in cull ewes, cold carcass weight was increased (P < 0.05) with CD. Carcass yield (CY) was heavier in CD (P < 0.05). Cull ewes had greater (P < 0.05) lean CIELAB L*, a*, b*, c*, and h* values compared to yearling ewes. The color changes increased with age at five days (P < 0.05), but a decrease (P < 0.05) with diet was observed at ten days. Cathepsins B, B + L, and Lowry protein content were not affected by treatments. In conclusion, feeding cull ewes with concentrate diets may enhance body weight gain and carcass yield compared to a diet based on 100 % alfalfa hay.

Towards a precision medicine Solution for optimal pediatric Laparoscopy: An exploratory data analysis for features Selections

Over the past years, healthcare methodologies were commonly applied to all patients affected by the same pathology as an overall treatment. However, recent scientific works were mainly aimed at personalized care, according to the patient’s clinical conditions and morphological characteristics. Pediatric surgery was also involved in this process, although laparoscopy has been set aside so far. In this regard, the physical characteristic that correlates intra-abdominal pressure and intra-abdominal volume (i.e., abdominal com-pliance) was always studied as a unique curve. This work aims to propose an alternative approach to treat laparoscopy surgery and abdominal compli-ance for pediatric individuals, which is based on personalized medicine. We perform an exploratory data analysis considering a real dataset, in order to study the data model (i.e., descriptive univariate and multivariate analysis) and the predictors (i.e., variance thresholding, Shapiro-Wilk test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient) that will allow physicians to build clusters of pediatric individuals. Data analysis proves that there are strong correlations among features referring to thorax circumference and xifo-bisialic lenght with the sum of thorax and pelvis volumes. This leads to identify the optimal number of clusters through the Elbow method.

Airflow and dynamic circumference of abdomen and thorax for adults at varied continuous positive airway pressure ventilation settings and breath rates

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation is a commonly prescribed respiratory therapy providing positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to assist breathing and prevent airway collapse. Setting PEEP is highly debated and it is thus primarily titrated based on symptoms of excessive or insufficient support. However, titration periods are clinician intensive and can result in barotrauma or under-oxygenation during the process. Developing model-based methods to more efficiently personalise CPAP therapy based on patient-specific response requires clinical data of lung/CPAP interactions. To this end, a trial was conducted to establish a dataset of healthy subjects lung/CPAP interaction. Pressure, flow, and tidal volume were recorded alongside secondary measures of dynamic chest and abdominal circumference, to better validate model outcomes and assess breathing modes, muscular recruitment, and effort. N = 30 subjects (15 male; 15 female) were included. Self-reported asthmatics and smokers/vapers were included, offering a preliminary assessment of any potential differences in response to CPAP from lung stiffness changes in these scenarios. Additional demographics associated with lung function (sex, age, height, and weight) were also recorded.

In-situ morphological characterization of indigenous chicken Ecotypes in Uganda

Genetic improvement of indigenous chickens (IC) is hindered by limited knowledge on the various chicken Ecotypes. This study characterized and assessed the genetic diversity of nine (9) IC Ecotypes based on quantitative morphological traits. A total of 576 IC (288 cocks and 288 hens) were sampled from 288 households across the 9 agro-ecological zones of Uganda. Data on linear morphological traits and live weight of IC were collected using a field guide developed by African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR, 2015). Over-all, body live weight (LWT), shank/tarsus length (SL), drumstick length (DL), thorax circumference (TC) and body length (BL) of IC varied significantly (P < 0.05) across Ecotypes except tarsus circumference (TAC) of cocks. Cocks and hens on average weighed 2.2 ± 0.53 and 1.6 ± 0.58 kg respectively. On average, SL, DL, TC, BL, TAC was 9.8 ± 1.23, 4.9 ± 2.50, 16.2 ± 1.63, 38.4 ± 5.96, 24.7 ± 4.93 cm for cocks and 7.8 ± 1.04, 3.9 ± 0.53, 13.2 ± 1.42, 33.8 ± 5.29, 21.3 ± 4.37 cm for hens respectively. Body weight and linear morphological traits except TAC were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by Ecotype. Principal component analysis based on live body weight and morphological linear traits did not identify any distinct chicken Ecotype. The disparity in weight estimation models further emphasizes the ecologically induced variations across Ecotypes. Therefore, the current study confirms the morphological and more so genetic similarity implying genetic improvement can be achieved through selection of superior IC across Ecotypes.

Pregnancy diagnosis and fetal monitoring in Yangtze finless porpoises

The Yangtze finless porpoise Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis is a Critically Endangered species endemic to the Yangtze River and connecting lakes. Understanding the reproductive biology, fetal development, and physiology of this species is essential to ensure the successful development of a captive-breeding program. We studied pregnancy and fetal development in this species using endocrine monitoring and ultrasonographic imaging. Plasma progesterone concentrations increased significantly from non-pregnant (0.61 ± 0.43 ng ml-1) to pregnant (37.44 ± 16.18 ng ml-1) phases. Based on progesterone variation, we estimate gestation length to be approximately 12 mo. Fetal growth patterns are well described by linear regressions of thorax diameter, thorax circumference, and total body length plotted against days from parturition. Fetal growth models may be used to estimate fetal age and predict parturition date with more data in the future. Our findings provide fundamental information on pregnancy dynamics and fetal development in this Critically Endangered species to improve existing and benefit the establishment of new captive-breeding programs for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Características de carcaça de caprinos terminados com diferentes níveis de suplementação concentrada e mantidos em caatinga enriquecida com Urochloa trichopus

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass traits of crossbred F1 goats (Boer x non-descript breed) finished on thinned caatinga pasture enriched with signal grass (Urochloa trichopus Stapf.), and receiving supplementation. Twenty-four crossbred F1 goats with 27.00 ± 3.32 kg body weight were used. The supplement was designed to meet the nutritional requirements and animals receiving the highest supplementation level could gain 150g per day. For data analysis, a completely randomized design was adopted, with four treatments (supplementation levels of 0.0%; 0.5%; 1.0% and 1.5% body weight) and six replications (animals). Data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression. Supplementation resulted in an increasing linear effect for slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, empty body weight, hot carcass yield and cold carcass yield; and a quadratic effect for biological yield. Weight loss by cooling was not influenced by supplementation. For the results of subjective evaluations, only conformation was influenced by supplementation (P&lt;0.05). For morphometry, a positive linear effect of supplementation was found for thorax perimeter, croup perimeter, croup width, thorax width. The level of supplementation caused a positive linear effect on the weight of most non-edible carcass components, and there was no influence of supplementation on most variables for yield. It can be concluded that increasing levels of supplementation up to 1.5% body weight for F1 goats (Boer x non-descript breed) kept on caatinga pasture results in higher carcass weight and yield.

Можливості омегаметрії в оцінці функціонального стану спортсменок, які спеціалізуються в карате

The purpose of the study was to investigate the peculiarities of changes in the general functional condition of the brain of highly qualified female athletes specializing in karate, in terms of omega potential indicators and to assess the adaptive capability of the central nervous system during physical load. Materials and methods. The study involved 14 highly qualified female athletes aged 17-22 years – representatives of the Odessa Regional Karate Federation. Determination of the dynamics of infraslow bioelectrical processes of the brain, namely omegapotential, was carried out according to the method of O. G. Sychov et al. (1980) at rest, after performing a test in one squat, with dosed physical load in a closed cycle (with reverse) and during the recovery period after exercise. Results and discussion. According to the results of anthropometric and physiometric measurements, the height of the studied girls specializing in karate, on average, was 164.43±0.86 cm, and body weight – 56.36±2.23 kg. The thorax circumference at rest was 84.86±1.57 cm, at the inhale – 89.57±1.49 cm, at the exhale – 82.5±1.57 cm. The average value of vital capacity of the lungs was 3457.14±101.93 ml, wrist dynamometry – 23.36±1.02 kg, back dynamometry – 63.57±3.53 kg. The analysis of the results of the study of infraslow brain processes showed that in the initial state the omega potential value ranged from 10 to 59 mV, which indicated the optimal baseline level in most female athletes before exercise. In the state of relative rest, the average omega potential values (21-40 mV) were found in 79% of the surveyed girls, high (41-60 mV) and low (up to 20 mV) – in 14% and 7%, respectively. The results of study of omega potential dynamics when tested in one squat indicate isolated cases of adequate responses and optimal activation of adaptive systems of the body to the functional load. In most female athletes, the violation of chemo-metabolic, neurohumoral and hormonal processes were observed after performing the test of one squat. The peculiarities of omega-potential dynamics, which were noted during the performance of dosed physical load in a closed cycle (with reverse), indicate a gradual decrease in the studied indicators relative to the initial state during the performance of bicycle ergometric load, especially during the period of reverse (heart rate = 150-155 beats / min) and at the end of testing. At the same time, the depth of shifts also increased, which reflects the significant tension on the central nervous system and other body systems of female athletes in response to physical load. After performing exercise at the 2nd and 5th minutes of rest, no recovery of infraslow bioelectrical processes to the initial level was recorded, which indicates the development of overstrain of adaptive mechanisms. Conclusion. Testing of qualified female athletes specializing in karate, using a functional test conducted in one squat, according to the data of average group indicators of omega potential revealed a violation of chemo-metabolic, neurohumoral and hormonal processes. The study of individual data shows that in most of the surveyed there are various violations of these body systems. The dynamics of infraslow bioelectrical processes in the brain of female athletes during testing using bicycle ergometric load in a closed cycle (with reverse) is characterized by a steady decrease in omega potential throughout the test, which reflects the overstrain of regulatory mechanisms and deep mobilization of functional capabilities. The restoration of the level of omega potential to the initial level at the 5th minute of the post-exercise period does not occur

A meta-analysis of genetic parameter estimates for conformation traits in horses

In the breeding plans of animals, it is essential to have sound estimates of genetic parameters for economically important traits. Over the previous years, genetic parameter estimates have been reported for conformation traits in horses. However, these estimates have been got from studies based on various horse populations. This has resulted in considerable variability among heritability and genetic correlation estimates. Thus, the objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis based on a random-effects model to combine different published heritability estimates and genetic correlations between conformation traits (measured and scored) in horses. In total, 166 heritability and 72 genetic correlation estimates from 30 peer-reviewed articles published in 16 different scientific journals between 1995 and 2020 were used in this study. Chi-square (Q) test and the I2 statistic were performed to measure heterogeneity of genetic parameter estimates. Also, Egger's linear regression asymmetry was used to examine the presence of publication bias. The weighted coefficients of variation for the conformation traits varied from 0.27% (for leg stance) to 37.80% (for temperament). The heritability estimates for the measured and scored conformation traits ranged from 0.142 (for neck length) to 0.605 (for height at croup), and from 0.082 (for shoulder angle) to 0.445 (for head), respectively. Based on the values of the I2 index, substantial and or considerable heterogeneities were observed for the heritability estimates of the measured conformation traits. Also, the results of the Q test indicated that all measured conformation traits showed significant heterogeneities (P<0.10). Except for the genetic correlations between height at withers with leg quality, leg stance, and hooves which were low and non-significant, the genetic correlations between height at withers with other conformation traits were high and significant (P<0.05), and ranged from 0.455 (with chest width) to 0.942 (with height at croup). The genetic correlation estimates between cannon bone circumference with other conformation traits were medium to high and varied from 0.382 (with chest width) to 0.688 (with height at croup). The genetic correlations between cannon bone circumference with chest and or thorax circumference, and body length were non-significant (P>0.05), and their 95% confidence interval included zero. Therefore, these correlation estimates would be considered equal to zero. The average genetic parameter estimates reported in this meta-analysis study are applicable in breeding designs when reliable estimates are not available for conformation traits in horse populations.

Prediction model of rhomboid major and pleura depth based on anthropometric features to decrease the risk of pneumothorax during dry needling

Although most common adverse events associated with dry needling can be considered minor, serious adverse events including induced pneumothorax cannot be excluded, and safety instructions for reducing the risk of pleura puncture are needed. To investigate if anthropometric features can predict the rhomboid major muscle and pleura depth in a sample of healthy subjects to avoid the risk of pneumothorax during dry needling. A diagnostic study was conducted on 59 healthy subjects (52.5% male) involving a total of 236 measurements (both sides in maximum inspiration and expiration), to calculate the accuracy of a prediction model for both pleura and rhomboid depth, as assessed with ultrasound imaging, based on sex, age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), breathing and chest circumference. A correlation matrix and a multiple linear regression analyses were used to detect those variables contributing significantly to the variance in both locations. Men showed greater height, weight, BMI, thorax circumference and skin-to-rhomboid, rhomboid-to-pleura and skin-to-pleura distances (P<.001). Sex, BMI, and thorax circumference explained 51.5% of the variance of the rhomboid (P<.001) and 69.7% of pleura (P<.001) depth limit. In general, inserting a maximum length of 19mm is recommended to reach the deep limit of rhomboid major decreasing the risk of passing through the pleura. This study identified that gender, BMI and thorax circumference can predict both rhomboid and pleura depth, as assessed with ultrasonography, in healthy subjects. Our findings could assist clinicians in the needle length election in avoiding the risk of induced pneumothorax during dry needling.

Ultrasound evaluation of the fetal fat tissue, heart, liver and umbilical cord measurements in pregnancies complicated by gestational and type 1 diabetes mellitus: potential application in the fetal birth-weight estimation and prediction of the fetal macrosomia

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to evaluate the ultrasound-derived measurements of the fetal soft-tissue, heart, liver and umbilical cord in pregnancies complicated by gestational (GDM) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and further to assess their applicability in the estimation of the fetal birth-weight and prediction of fetal macrosomia.MethodsMeasurements were obtained from diet-controlled GDM (GDMG1) (n = 40), insulin-controlled GDM (GDMG2) (n = 40), T1DM (n = 24) and healthy control (n = 40) patients. The following parameters were selected for analysis: fetal sub-scapular fat mass (SSFM), abdominal fat mass (AFM), mid-thigh fat/lean mass (MTFM/MTLM) and inter-ventricular septum (IVS) thicknesses, heart and thorax circumference and area (HeC/HeA; ThC/ThA), liver length (LL), umbilical cord/vein/arteries circumference and area (UmC/UmA; UvC/UvA; UaC/UaA) together with total umbilical vessels (UveA) and Wharton's jelly area (WjA). Regression models were created in order to assess the contribution of selected parameters to fetal birth-weight (FBW) and risk of fetal macrosomia.ResultsMeasurements of the fetal SSFM, AFM, MTFM, MTFM/MTLM ratio, HeC, HeA, IVS, LL, UmC, UmA, UaC, UaA, UveA and WjA were significantly increased among patients with GDMG2/T1DM as compared to GDMG1 and/or control groups (p < .05). The regression analysis revealed that maternal height as well as fetal biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference (AC), AFM and LL measurements were independent predictors of the FBW (p < .05). In addition, increase in the fetal AFM, AC and femur length (FL) was associated with a significant risk of fetal macrosomia occurrence (p < .05). The equation developed for the FBW estimation [FBW(g) = − 2254,942 + 17,204 * FL (mm) + 105,531 * AC (cm) + 131,347 * AFM (mm)] provided significantly lower mean absolute percent error than standard formula in the sub-group of women with T1DM (5.7% vs 9.4%, p < .05). Moreover, new equation including AC, FL and AFM parameters yielded sensitivity of 93.8%, specificity 77.7%, positive predictive value 54.5% and negative predictive value of 97.8% in the prediction of fetal macrosomia.ConclusionsUltrasound measurements of the fetal soft tissue, heart, liver and umbilical cord are significantly increased among women with GDM treated with insulin and T1DM. In addition to standard biometric measurements, parameters, such as AFM, may find application in the management of diabetes-complicated pregnancies.

106 Comparative growth rates and haematological parameters from calves born by transfer of vitrified invitro-produced embryos and stepbrother calves born by AI

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are being extensively used to produce cattle offspring. However, as shown by Siqueira et al. (2017 J. Dairy Sci. 100, 5899-5908; https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-12539), phenotypical and performance differences between cows derived from distinct ART can be found at different stages of development. Thus, in an attempt to mimic the natural environment, reproductive fluids (oviductal (SOF) and uterine fluids) were added as supplementation to embryo culture media. Our hypothesis was that this improved culture media would produce calves more similar to the ones produced by AI. Invitro-produced (IVP) beef embryos were produced using SOF media supplemented with reproductive fluids (RF) or standard protocol (BSA), vitrified and later warmed and transferred to synchronized dairy recipients. Simultaneously, other dairy recipients were inseminated (AI) with the same bull used to produce IVP embryos. A total of 19 calves are included in this study (RF n=5, BSA n=7, AI n=7). Calves that did not reach 45 days of life were excluded from these data. All animals received the same feeding and housing conditions. Calves were examined at Days 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, and 45 of life. Each examination included weight, height at withers, thorax circumference, heart and respiratory rates, body temperature, and a blood sample from the jugular vein to perform a general haematological analysis (Siemens ADVIA 120) and glucose levels. A non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney U) was used to compare paired samples, with significance assumed when P&amp;lt;0.05. Since day is a factor that influences growth, it was assumed as a fixed factor, and data were analysed per day. In terms of growth development, AI calves were significantly taller than BSA calves in all days, and in general taller than RF calves, with the exception of Days 3 and 7. Thorax circumference was significantly smaller for BSA versus AI calves only on Days 15 and 45. Respiratory rate was higher for RF calves at birth and for BSA calves at Day 3 when both were compared with AI calves, but we found no difference between them. Heart rate was higher for RF calves on Day 7 compared with BSA and AI, and higher again on Day 15 compared with AI. Regarding haematological parameters, significant differences were found on Day 0, with platelet counts being lower for BSA calves. On Day 7, mean corpuscular volume from AI calves was lower than either BSA or RF calves, and on Day 15, eosinophils were lower for RF calves compared with AI. At Day 30, white blood cells and lymphocyte concentration were lower for BSA than for AI calves. Glucose levels were higher for RF calves than for AI calves on Day 45. Overall, all haematology and clinical values seem to match the values of healthy calves (Brun-Hansen et al. 2006 Vet. Clin. Pathol. 35, 182-187; https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-165X.2006.tb00111.x), and the differences found were not clinically relevant. In conclusion, at the moment and from the analysed criteria of development during the first 45 days of life, there seems to exist no difference between calves born by IVP with RF as supplement to culture media and their invitro or invivo controls.

Some carcass traits and meat chemical characteristics of karadi lambs injected with testosterone enanthate

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different injection doses of testosterone enanthate (TE) on some carcass traits and meat chemical characteristics of karadi lambs. Twenty-seven male lambs in weaning age and average live weight 28.5±3.4 kg of Karadi breed were allocated randomly by weight into three treatments (six lambs for each treatment), T1 (control) treatment, T2 was treated with 200 mg of TE injection (IM/week) and T3 was treated with 400 mg (IM/week) of it. All animals were feed with unified concentrate diet (table1) once a day (3% of lamb’s weight), ad libitum barley straw was provided and the water for all lambs was free. Each lamb was isolated in a separate pin. Three lambs of each treatment were chosen randomly and weighted then slaughtered humanly at the last of three different rearing periods (60, 90 and 120 days) from the study beginning. Several measurements have been taken such as hot, cold carcass weight, carcass length, carcass thorax circumference, thickness of fat, rib eye area, carcass cuts weight, offal weight, carcass and offal fat weight, longissimus dorsi approximate analysis. Results showed an increase in each: live, carcass, carcass cuts weights, rib eye area, carcass and offal fat, kidney, liver and lunge weight. Also there was a decrease in each: fat thickness, fat tail and testis weight with increased TE injection dose (between 200-400 mg).

MORPHOGENETIC MARKERS OF FAST TRAINABILITY IN WRESTLING

Aim. The article deals with identifying the informative morphological criteria of selection in judo at the stage of athletic performance improvement. Materials and methods. We measured 42 athletes engaged in judo (body weight 66–73 kg, 18–25 years old, Candidate of Master of Sport or Master of Sport) by using complex anthropometric and somatometric techniques. For quickly trained athletes it took not more than 6 years for achieving the rank of Candidate of Master of Sport and not more than 8 years for achieving the rank of Master of Sport. Slowly trained athletes obtained the same rank of Candidate of Master of Sport for 7–9 years and that of Master of Sport for 9–11 years. Results. In both quickly and slowly trained athletes we revealed significant differences in partial, circumference, and transverse body size, body composition, and somatotype. We found out that the morphogenetic markers of fast trainability in judo include the following parameters: high values of humerus lengths (34.4 ± 0.23 cm) and thorax circumference (98.2 ± 1.68 cm), low content of adipose tissue (8.1 ± 0.3 %), and a high value of mesomorphy (5.8 ± 0.25 points). Conclusion. The results obtained allowed us to most effectively carry out the selection at the stage of athletic performance improvement and to predict the success of competitive activities in judo.

Maternal nutrient restriction in mid-to-late gestation influences fetal mRNA expression in muscle tissues in beef cattle

BackgroundManipulating maternal nutrition during specific periods of gestation can result in re-programming of fetal and post-natal development. In this experiment we investigated how a feed restriction of 85% compared with 140% of total metabolizable energy requirements, fed to cows during mid-to-late gestation, influences phenotypic development of fetuses and mRNA expression of growth (Insulin-Like Growth Factor family and Insulin Receptor (INSR)), myogenic (Myogenic Differentiation 1 (MYOD1), Myogenin (MYOG), Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2A (MEF2A), Serum Response Factor (SRF)) and adipogenic (Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG)) genes in fetal longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) muscle. DNA methylation of imprinted genes, Insulin Like Growth Factor 2 (IGF2) and Insulin Like Growth Factor 2 Receptor (IGF2R), and micro RNA (miRNA) expression, were also examined as potential consequences of poor maternal nutrition, but also potential regulators of altered gene expression patterns.ResultsWhile the nutrient restriction impacted dam body weight, no differences were observed in phenotypic fetal measurements (weight, crown-rump length, or thorax circumference). Interestingly, LD and ST muscles responded differently to the differential pre-natal nutrient levels. While LD muscle of restricted fetal calves had greater mRNA abundances for Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 and its receptor (IGF1 and IGF1R), IGF2R, INSR, MYOD1, MYOG, and PPARG, no significant differences were observed for gene expression in ST muscle. Similarly, feed restriction had a greater impact on the methylation level of IGF2 Differentially Methylated Region 2 (DMR2) in LD muscle as compared to ST muscle between treatment groups. A negative correlation existed between IGF2 mRNA expression and IGF2 DMR2 methylation level in both LD and ST muscles. Differential expression of miRNAs 1 and 133a were also detected in LD muscle.ConclusionsOur data suggests that a nutrient restriction of 85% as compared to 140% of total metabolizable energy requirements during the 2nd half of gestation can alter the expression of growth, myogenic and adipogenic genes in fetal muscle without apparent differences in fetal phenotype. It also appears that the impact of feed restriction varies between muscles suggesting a priority for nutrient partitioning depending on muscle function and/or fiber composition. Differences in the methylation level in IGF2, a well-known imprinted gene, as well as differences in miRNA expression, may be functional mechanisms that precede the differences in gene expression observed, and could lead to trans-generational epigenetic programming.

Physical Development Features of Students, Engaging in Kickboxing

Topicality. The research actuality is predefined by the requirement of society in forming of the physically developed young people by facilities of sporting activity and, in particular, kickboxing. The objective of the study is to define the level of physical development of students engaging in a kickboxing. Results of the Work. Anthropometric indexes of a kickboxing are at high level and testify to trained sportsmen. The index of fatty mass is 14,85 percentage of skeletal muscles – 43,25. The length of kickboxers body of is connected with the circumference of thorax in the state of calmness (r = 0,433), circumference of thorax on inhalation (0,539) and by body weight (0,785). Negative correlation of length of body of sportsmen is observed with muscular mass (– 0,341) and visceral fat (– 0,17). Conclusions. Average grouping indexes of level of students physical development engaging in a kickboxing are in such limits: length of body is 179,55 cm, the mass of body is 71,15 kg, a circumference of thorax in the state of calmness is 93,67 cm, on inhalation is 98,02 cm, on exhalation is 88,64 cm, an excursion of thorax is 9,38 cm. The index of body weight is 21,95 mind. odes, fatty mass – 14,85 %, muscular mass is 43,25, visceral fat – 2,82. The results specify on the high level of trained and development of kickboхer`s muscular system.

Effect of Testosterone Enanthate Injection on Some Carcass Traits and Chemical Characteristics of Castrated Karadi Lambs Meat

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of testosterone enanthate injection on some carcass traits and chemical characteristics of Karadi castrated lambs meat. Twenty seven male Karadi lambs (3-4 months of age) with an average live weight of (28.7±3.8 kg) were reared in sheep farm, research station, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences, University of Sulaimania and allocated randomly by weight to three groups (treatments) by the dosage of testosterone enanthate (6 lambs for each treatment): G1 were not injected (control), G2 were injected by 200 mg and G3 were injected by 400 mg (IM weekly). All groups animals were fed with the same concentrate diet (3% of body weight), barley straw provided ad libitum and water was free, all group lambs were castrated by rubber band two weeks before experiment begins. There were three periods of slaughter: 60 days from the beginning of the experiment, 90 days and 120 days, at the end of each period three lambs from each treatment were randomly chosen and weighted, then humanly slaughtered. Many measurements were taken such as hot and cold carcass weight, carcass length, carcass thorax circumference, rib eye area and fat thickness ,carcass cuts weight, non-carcass adipose tissue weight, edible organs and offal weight, also the chemical composition of Longissimus Dorsi muscle meat. From the results, it could be concluded that there were positive effects of testosterone enanthate injection, which was increasing of living body weight reflecting on hot and cold carcass weight increase with increasing age and period of treating with enanthate, that increase in carcass weight was related with increasing in weight of whole carcass cuts which was clearly noticed on second and third slaughtering period, and also that increase can be correlated with rib eye area which increase during the same periods , that means the gain in weight is a result of body lean gain due to testosterone enanthate injection. In addition, fat tail weight decrease may be explain as body energy turned to producing or synthesis lean instead of fat.

Effect of Testosterone Enanthate Injection on Some Carcass Traits and Chemical Characteristics of Castrated Karadi Lambs Meat

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of testosterone enanthate injection on some carcass traits and chemical characteristics of Karadi castrated lambs meat. Twenty seven male Karadi lambs (3-4 months of age) with an average live weight of (28.7±3.8 kg) were reared in sheep farm, research station, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences, University of Sulaimania and allocated randomly by weight to three groups (treatments) by the dosage of testosterone enanthate (6 lambs for each treatment): G1 were not injected (control), G2 were injected by 200 mg and G3 were injected by 400 mg (IM weekly). All groups animals were fed with the same concentrate diet (3% of body weight), barley straw provided ad libitum and water was free, all group lambs were castrated by rubber band two weeks before experiment begins. There were three periods of slaughter: 60 days from the beginning of the experiment, 90 days and 120 days, at the end of each period three lambs from each treatment were randomly chosen and weighted, then humanly slaughtered. Many measurements were taken such as hot and cold carcass weight, carcass length, carcass thorax circumference, rib eye area and fat thickness ,carcass cuts weight, non-carcass adipose tissue weight, edible organs and offal weight, also the chemical composition of Longissimus Dorsi muscle meat. From the results, it could be concluded that there were positive effects of testosterone enanthate injection, which was increasing of living body weight reflecting on hot and cold carcass weight increase with increasing age and period of treating with enanthate, that increase in carcass weight was related with increasing in weight of whole carcass cuts which was clearly noticed on second and third slaughtering period, and also that increase can be correlated with rib eye area which increase during the same periods , that means the gain in weight is a result of body lean gain due to testosterone enanthate injection. In addition, fat tail weight decrease may be explain as body energy turned to producing or synthesis lean instead of fat.

Morphometric Changes in Polish Konik Mares After Nearly a Hundred Years of the Breed's Existence.

The study was carried out on 126 mares of the Polish Konik horse breed. Mares were bred under a stable system housing and they came from five leading conservation breeding centres. The mares were divided into three age groups: 3-5years old, 6-9years old and over 10years old. Each animal was characterized using 40 morphometric measurements. Discriminant analysis proved the exterior differences of mares in terms of the analysed metric values. It was concluded that the morphotype of modern Polish Konik mares is statistically significantly influenced by the following traits: neck ventral length, forearm circumference, distance between the vascular notch (incisura vasorum facialium) and the oral angle (angulus oris), distance between the margo coronalis ungulae and the margo solearis ungulae of the thoracic limb, thorax circumference and pelvis width. Conformation traits of the studied Polish Konik mares show multidirectional changes, prevailingly an upward trend in the mean values. However, shoulder height turned out to be definitely the least modified trait. Results obtained in the research presented herein may be a confirmation of progressing exterior transformations, which have been identified in the new generation, namely in the youngest group of mares of this breed.