Total Weight Research Articles

Effect of supplementing concentrate mixture with field pea hull on yearling ram lambs of local sheep: Nutrient intake, linear body measurements, and changes in body weight

The fattening of sheep has been recognized as a potentially profitable activity in the highlands of Ethiopia. However, feed shortage and increasing prices for conventional feed ingredients and commercially formulated concentrate mixtures critically affect the fattening practice of sheep in the country. So, this feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding field pea hull at different inclusion levels with a concentrate mixture on feed intakes, nutrient utilization, linear body measurements, and body weight gain. Eighteen yearling ram lambs were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments using a randomized complete block design. The dietary treatments were T1 (control), fed native hay adlibitum + concentrate mixture formulated using only conventional feed ingredients (0% field pea hull); T2 and T3 were fed native hay adlibitum + concentrate mixture formulated with inclusion of 35% field pea hull and 50% field pea hull, respectively along with other feed ingredients. The feeding trial was conducted for 90 days. Data were analyzed using GLM procedures of SAS, and Turkey’s HSD multiple-comparison was used for means separation. The result showed a significant (p<0.001) variation in dry matter and nutrient intake among treatments. The DMI was the highest in T3, followed by T2, while it was the lowest in T1. The average total neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber intakes and metabolizable energy intake were highest in T3 and followed by T2, while they were the lowest in T1. The average total body weight gain (kg) was higher in T3 (9.0kg) and T2 (8.67kg) than in T1 (6.58kg). Similarly, higher average daily body weight gains were recorded in T3 (100g) and T2 (96.3g) than in T1 (73.2g). Sheep that were fed field pea hull by the inclusion of 50 % in concentrate mixtures (T3) were more efficient in feed utilization (p<0.05) than T1 as they consumed significantly less amount of feed per 1 g of body weight gain. Hence, it is concluded that feeding of 50% field pea hull along with concentrate mixture could be used for better fattening performance of sheep.

Novel activated biochar-enhanced superhydrophilic nanofibrous membrane for superior oil-in-water emulsion separation

In this research, a high-performance Polyamide 6/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Activated biochar (PA6/PVA/AB) composite nanofibrous membrane was developed for effective separation of oil-in-water emulsions. The membrane was produced by blend electrospinning of Polyamide 6 (PA6), Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), and Activated biochar (AB) derived from peanut shell biomass. Glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linking was applied to enhance stability in aqueous environments to prevent PVA swelling. The resulting nanofibrous membrane exhibited a cost-effective design with a superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic surface (WCA of 0° and UWOCA of 164°), a porous structure (93% porosity), and robust mechanical properties (Tensile strength: 7.73 MPa, Young modulus: 45 MPa). Optimization of the membrane composition, with 5%wt. PVA and 2%wt. AB relative to the total polymer weight in the electrospinning solution, yielded a superhydrophilic membrane capable of withstanding 2 bar pressure. Pure water flux measurements in the pressure range of 0.5–2 bar demonstrated a high permeability of 1727.5 LMH/bar and a pure water flux of 3455 LMH. The PA6/PVA/AB composite membrane exhibited exceptional performance in separating non-surfactant (NS) and surfactant-stabilized (SS) toluene-in-water emulsions (separation flux: 2006 LMH, oil rejection: 99.52%). Furthermore, it demonstrated high efficiency in the separation of SS oil-in-water emulsions of different types of oil (separation flux >1800 LMH, oil rejection >98%). The membrane's durability and chemical stability were confirmed through 15 cycles of oil-in-water emulsion separation, showcasing anti-fouling properties and reusability (separation flux >833, Oil rejection >97%). Considering its superior performance in oil-in-water emulsion separation and robust reusability, the developed nanofibrous membrane holds significant promise for practical applications.

Primary banded RYGB, banded long-limb RYGB, and revisional B-RYGB: weight loss and complications at one-year follow-up

Aim : We aimed to study the effectiveness and safety of primary banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (B-RYGB), primary banded long-limb RYGB (B-LLRYGB), and revisional B-RYGB to address insufficient post-RYGB excess weight loss (≤ 50.0%) or weight regain. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, comparative analysis of weight loss and postoperative complications in patients with class III obesity [body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) ≥ 40.0 - ≤ 50.0] who received the MIDCAL® non-adjustable calibration ring during primary B-RYGB or B-LLRYGB, or as part of a revisional banding procedure. Results: Between July 2017 and January 2021, the B-RYGB + B-LLRYGB cohort of 104 patients (median BMI 49.3 ± 4.6 [40.6-67.8]) achieved a mean BMI of 30.7 ± 4.8, total weight loss (TWL) 37.7% ± 7.9%, and excess BMI loss (EBMIL) of 77.5% ± 17.2% at 1-year follow-up (P < 0.001). One-year respective B-RYGB (n = 53) vs. B-LLRYGB (n = 51) analysis: mean BMI 29.4 ± 3.6 vs. 32.4 ± 5.4 (P < 0.005), TWL 38.0% ± 7.3% vs. 37.4% ± 8.6% (P = 0.746), EBMIL 80.7% ± 15.0% vs. 73.6% ± 18.9% (P = 0.066). The revisional B-RYGB cohort of 96 patients [baseline BMI 37.6 ± 5.5 (28.0-59.2)] attained a 1-year mean BMI of 31.7 ± 4.6, TWL 16.2% ± 9.7%, EBMIL 49.3%% ± 40.2% (P < 0.001). There was no mortality. 30-day complication rates: primary group 0.0%, revisional group 3.8%. Longer-term (median 577 days) complication rates: primary group 2.5%, revisional group 17.7%. Conclusions: At one-year follow-up in patients with class III and IV (≥ 50.0 - ≤ 60.0) obesity, B-RYGB, B-LLRYGB, and revisional B-RYGB were effective in attaining weight loss with a low rate of complications. Band-related complications were more frequent in revisions than in primary cases, likely due to the use of smaller-sized bands.

Determination of carbohydrate content in kenaf degumming wastewater and converting them to carbon dots

The traditional textile degumming process produces abundant wastewater, which contains a lot of monosaccharides and oligosaccharides. It is of great economic and environmental significance to utilize these carbohydrates in high value. In this study, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the carbohydrate components in kenaf degumming wastewater, and then the production of C-dots using the wastewater was explored. The results showed that the types and content in the degumming wastewater were monosaccharides (glucose, xylose and arabinose) and oligosaccharides (dextran, xylan and araban). The carbohydrate (mainly glucan and xylan) content in wastewater accounted for 91.16 % of the total carbohydrates weight loss in kenaf degumming process. By using hydrolysis and hydrothermal reaction on kenaf degumming wastewater, blue-green carbon dots (C-dots) with good performance were prepared and successfully applied to anti-counterfeiting printing. In particular, the as-prepared C-dots prepared from kenaf degumming wastewater with urea added (WUC-dots) showed an excitation-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectrum and quantum yield (QY) of 2.4 % in aqueous solution. The fluorescent code exhibited a clear outline, excitation-tunable color and good stability, showing a great potential for anti-counterfeiting system.

The Effect of Different Ratio Combinations of Rice Husk Charcoal: Soil Media and Different NPK Fertilizer Rates on Growth and Fruit Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Okra plant is a vegetable plant that contains many vitamins and minerals that are very good for health. Increased production of okra plants can be done by setting the composition of the media and the provision of NPK fertilizer. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of the composition of charcoal husk planting media and NPK fertilizer is appropriate for the growth and yield of okra plants. The experiment was carried out in Air Tawar Barat sub-district, North Padang sub-district, Padang City from September to December 2019. This study used a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) factorial with 2 factors. The first factor with the composition of charcoal planting media husks banding soil 0:1, 1;1, 1;2 and 1:3 . and the second factor with NPK fertilizer doses 400kg/ha, 500kg/ha and 600kg/ha repeated 4 times. The observation data is analyzed with the F test at a 5% level, if the F count is greater than the F table then continue with the Duncan New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at a real level of 5%. The results of the study showed there is an interaction between the administration of the composition of the planting media of charcoal husks and soil 1:2 and the administration of NPK fertilizer dose 3.0g / polybag to the height of plants, as well as the provision of the composition of planting media affects the lifespan of flowers, the number of flowers, the number of fruit, the length of fruit, the diameter of the fruit and the total weight of the fruit.

Uncrewed aerial vehicle with onboard winch system for rapid, cost-effective, and safe oceanographic profiling in hazardous and inaccessible areas

Interactions between coastal waters and marine-terminating glaciers in the Polar Regions play a significant role in global sea level rise fueled by a rapidly warming Arctic.The risk of glacier calving, and the abundance of ice, can make it impossible for surface vessels to access the waters near glacier termini. Alternative methods using manned aircraft are expensive. As a result, oceanographic measurements are limited near glacier termini.We present an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) with an on-board winch system that allows oceanographic profiling in remote, hazardous areas using a commercial conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) sensor payload. The UAV is optimized for easy handling and deployment and is capable of high-speed and efficient cruise flight. An autopilot system provides pilot assistance and autonomous flight capabilities. The total weight of the UAV including payload is 6.5 kg with an endurance of 24 min.Testing of the system was conducted in South Greenland during winter conditions in March 2023 with successful profiles collected near a glacier terminus (<5 m) and in small openings in ice mélange (2.2 m). The system proved capable, reliable, and efficient. Further development of the system will allow other sensors for an even more flexible measurement suite.

Root-shoot ratio and its relationships with physiological characteristics, growth and biomass yield of Gynura procumbens under different shade levels and plant density

Gynura procumbens is one of the most common medicinal plants in the Asteraceae family, with extensive pharmacological properties. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different shade levels (0 and 30% shade) and plant density (9, 15, and 25 plants m-2) on root-shoot ratio and it is a relationship with physiology, growth, and biomass yield using split-plot design with three replications. Increasing shade level to 30% shade significantly decreased root-shoot ratio (RSR) by22.54%, while total leaf dry weight per plant (TLDW) and total leaf dry weight per square meter (TLDW m-2) increased by 35.64, 11.58, and 32.18%, respectively due to negative correlation with RSR. Increasing plant density from 9 to 25 plants m-2 significantly increased RSR and TLDW m-2 by 67.71 and 18.54%, respectively, while TLDW decreased by 57.31%. There was a negative correlation between RSR and biomass yield per plant. Under stressed conditions (full sunlight and high plant density), G. procumbent plants appeared to change strategy to absorb limited resources, allocate more biomass to the root system, and reduce aboveground parts' size to survive, resulting in high RSR. Keywords: Gynura procumbens, shade, plant density, root-shoot ratio, physiology, growth, biomass

Kuzeydoğu Ege Denizi’nde (Türkiye) Diplodus sargus (Linnaeus, 1758)'un bazı biyolojik özellikleri

In the study, the age, growth, mortality parameters and length-weight relationship parameters of Diplodus sargus (white seabream) collected by a small-scale fisherman between August 2020 and July 2021 along the northeastern coast of Aegean Sea (Türkiye coast), were investigated. D. sargus had a range of total length and weight from 14.3 cm to 36.7 cm and from 50.5 g to 836.5 g, respectively. The length-weight relationships (LWRs) were calculated as W=0.02368*L2.881 for females, W = 0.01847*L2.959 for males and W = 0.01989*TL2.936 for both sexes. Using data from fish scales, the maximum age was determined to be 11 years. von Bertalanffy growth parameters have been calculated as follows L∞=39.01 cm TL, K=0.13 year-1, and t0= -2.58 year for both sexes combined. Total (T), natural (N) and fishing (F) mortalities were defined as Z: 0.83 year-1, M: 0.33 year-1 and F: 0.50 year-1 for both sexes combined. The exploitation rate (E) was calculated as 0.70, 0.44 and 0.60 for females, males and combined, respectively.

Association of passive immunity and genetic composition, health, and performance of tropical dairy calves

This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify risk factors for the failure of transfer of passive immunity (FPI) in preweaned dairy calves, explore its associations with morbidity, mortality, genetics, and determine a standardized cut-off point for FPI. Analyzing data from 6011 calves, factors such as sire predicted transmitted ability for milk (PTA), birth season, retained placenta (RP), total serum protein concentration (TSP), morbidity (neonatal calf diarrhea - NCD, bovine respiratory disease - BRD, tick-borne disease - TBD), mortality, and average daily weight gain (ADG) were considered. The calves were categorized into predominantly Gyr (PG) and predominantly Holstein (PH) genetic composition groups. Multivariate mixed logistic regression revealed optimal TSP cut-off points for predicting morbidity (7.6 g/dL) and mortality (6.9 g/dL). PH calves exhibited 1.35 times higher odds of FPI and 1.48 times greater odds of disease. Calves from multiparous cows and those born to dams with RP had increased FPI odds. Disease prevalence was 53%, with 41% NCD, 18% BRD, and 10% TBD. Season, parity, PTA, and birth weight were associated with disease odds, though FPI was not a reliable predictor. The mortality percentage was 6%, with PH calves and those with a positive PTA having higher odds. The ADG was 0.64 kg, and FPI-affected calves gained less weight. The study compared and identified various risk factors that potentially impact calf immunity. However, the use of a standardized cut-off point for FPI assessment was not effective in predicting morbidity and mortality at this specific farm.

Ramadan fasting following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective online survey cohort study in Egypt.

This study aims to explore the feasibility and implications of Ramadan fasting for patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), assessing impacts on hydration, nutrient intake, weight management, and gastrointestinal symptoms. A prospective online survey was conducted among 218 LSG patients and 83 control individuals with obesity who had not undergone surgery. Participants were surveyed before and after Ramadan, providing data on fasting practices, hunger and satiety levels, fluid and nutrient intake, and the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Statistical analysis was used to compare outcomes between fasting and non-fasting periods and between LSG patients and control participants. A total of 70.2% of LSG patients completed the entire month of Ramadan fasting, with a significant correlation found between the duration post-surgery and the ability to fast. Fasting LSG patients reported decreased hunger, increased satiety, and significant reductions in fluid and nutrient intake during Ramadan. Weight loss was reported in 90.8% of fasting patients, with an average total weight loss of 7.2%. Gastrointestinal symptoms were mild and manageable. The majority of LSG patients can successfully fast during Ramadan with appropriate precautions, including adequate fluid and protein intake. The study highlights the need for patient education and tailored nutritional guidance to ensure safe and effective fasting post-LSG. In order to fast for the entire month, patients may be advised to consider postponing surgery for a few months after Ramadan, avoid overeating during non-fasting hours, and ensure sufficient fluid consumption and protein intake during fasting.

Association between drinking status and risk of kidney stones among United States adults: NHANES 2007–2018

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between drinking status and kidney stones occurrence among United States (US) adults who consume alcohol.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2007–2018). Questionnaires yielded information on alcohol consumption and kidney health. Drinking status was categorized into four groups—former, mild, moderate, and heavy—based on alcohol consumption patterns. The aim was to explore the relationship between drinking status and the prevalence of kidney stones occurrence. For this analysis, we examined a group of individuals diagnosed with kidney stones. With survey weights applied, the total weight of the group was 185,690,415.ResultsWe used logistic regression to measure the relationship between drinking status and the likelihood of developing kidney stones. In a fully adjusted model, former drinkers were less likely to have previously experienced kidney stones (OR 0.762, 95% CI 0.595–0.977, P < 0.05). In subgroup analysis, heavy alcohol consumption was associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of kidney stones occurrence in various populations. The adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) of kidney stones risk for heavy alcohol consumption were 0.745 (0.566–0.981) for young individuals, 0.566 (0.342–0.939) for older individuals, 0.708 (0.510–0.981) for individuals of white race, 0.468 (0.269–0.817) for individuals with underweight/normal BMI, 0.192 (0.066–0.560) for widowed people, 0.538 (0.343–0.843) for smoking individuals, 0.749 (0.595–0.941) for individuals without a cancer history, and 0.724 (0.566–0.925) for individuals without a stroke history.ConclusionsIn US adults who consume alcohol, a negative linear relationship is apparent between drinking status and the prevalence of kidney stones, with heavy drinking showing a lower prevalence compared to former drinkers. However, the causal relationship between drinking status and kidney stones requires further investigation in future research endeavors.

A comparative study of environmental information disclosure between banks in net-zero banking alliance and China

This study compares the discourse and quality of environmental information disclosure (EID) in reports from five banks in Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) and four banks in China over the period 2016–2021. Python is employed as the primary research tool to work out the high-frequency words and the word co-occurrence matrix. With the theoretical framework of the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI) six principles for defining report quality, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed to construct a quality assessment model, calculating the total weight of each corpus. The results indicate distinct differences in the information disclosure themes between NZBA and Chinese banks. As for the quality, NZBA banks exhibit higher quality environmental information disclosure compared to Chinese banks. Specifically, NZBA banks outperform in the principles of balance, accuracy, and clarity. This study contributes significantly to the analysis of environmental information disclosure, highlighting disparities in discourse and report quality between NZBA and Chinese banks. The findings offer valuable insights for banking practitioners, aiding them in enhancing the quality of environmental information disclosure. This study further reflects the varying economic and developmental priorities of the two banking contexts, influenced by economic and technological cycles.

Relationship Polymorphism of STAT5A Gene in Performance Production of Local Goats

The study was conducted on a sample of 30 local goats in Diyala governorate / Canaan district in one of the goat breeders' fields in the region for the period from 13/11/2022 to 1/5/2022 to determine the genotype of the gene STAT5A EXON-7 and Its relationship to milk production (daily milk production-DMP and total milk production-TMP) and growth traits (birth weight-BWT, weaning weight-WWT and total weight gain-TWG). The analysis showed three-point mutations (CC=18 CT=12 C47064T AA=17 AT=13 A47088T and GG=15 GA=15 G47162A). There was no significant effect of the genotypes of the three mutations on all studied traits DMP, TMP, BWT, WWT, TWG, and body dimensions of the newborn at birth and weaning, body dimensions of the newborn at birth and weaning. Keywords: Local goats, milk production, gene STAT5A EXON-7.

Improved genetic algorithm for solving the total weight tardiness job shop scheduling problem

An improved genetic algorithm is proposed for the Job Shop Scheduling Problem with Minimum Total Weight Tardiness (JSSP/TWT). In the proposed improved genetic algorithm, a decoding method based on the Minimum Local Tardiness (MLT) rule of the job is proposed by using the commonly used chromosome coding method of job numbering, and a chromosome recombination operator based on the decoding of the MLT rule is added to the basic genetic algorithm flow. As a way to enhance the quality of the initialized population, a non-delay scheduling combined with heuristic rules for population initialization. and a PiMX (Precedence in Machine crossover) crossover operator based on the priority of processing on the machine is designed. Comparison experiments of simulation scheduling under different algorithm configurations are conducted for randomly generated larger scale JSSP/TWT. Statistical analysis of the experimental evidence indicates that the genetic algorithm based on the above three improvements exhibits significantly superior performance for JSSP/TWT solving: faster convergence and better scheduling solutions can be obtained.

Laboratory Study of Repellent Property of Bhut Jolokia Chilli against Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Stored Wheat

Abstract This study investigated the repellent property of ‘Bhut Jolokia’ chilli pepper, a Capsicum chinense Jacquin cultivar, against the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in stored wheat, Triticum aestivum L., in laboratory assays using a modified cup bioassay apparatus. Contact and fumigation repellency assays were conducted with the Bhut Jolokia chilli dry powder at concentrations of 3 and 5% (w/w) of the total weight of grain and the Bhut Jolokia chilli ethanol extract at volumes of 3 and 5 ml. In the contact repellency test, the number (mean ± SE) of test insects repelled (7.90 ± 0.23) increased with increasing concentration (5%) and time interval (24 h), whereas in the fumigation repellency test, the mean number of repelled insects increased (8.2 ± 0.2) with increasing volume (5 ml) and decreased (3.80 ± 0.13) with increasing time interval (60 min). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified that the active compounds present in the Bhut Jolokia chilli ethanol extract were the capsaicinoids capsaicin (21.50%) and dihydrocapsaicin (4.44%) and the noncapsaicinoids n-hexadecanoic acid (29.34%), n-pentadecylacetamide (12.92%), and others. Our findings provide a preliminary assessment of the repellent property of Bhut Jolokia chilli against S. oryzae in stored wheat under laboratory conditions and serve as an impetus for continued research.

Enhancing Chinese Cabbage Production and Quality through IoT-Based Smart Farming in NFT-Hydroponics

The rising adoption of agricultural technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) or “smart farming” aims to boost crop production in terms of both quantity and quality. This study compares the benefits of a smart farm employing an IoT-based hydroponic system with those of a conventional hydroponic farm, using Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis L.) as the experimental crop. Our primary objective was to automate environmental monitoring, achieving pH level and electrical conductivity (EC) maintenance through smartphone or computer interfaces for nutrient and acid–base solution adjustments. Additionally, we evaluated plant growth and crop quality, finding superior results with the smart hydroponic system. On average, there were substantial increases in various parameters, including total fresh weight (27.14%), total dry weight (48.90%), plant height (11.14%), stem diameter (32.89%), leaf area (94.30%), leaf width (32.36%), leaf length (38.12%), and chlorophyll content (22.73%). Nitrate accumulation in the edible parts of Chinese cabbage remained within safe limits for both systems, reflecting careful nutrient management. These findings highlight the potential of IoT-based technology in enhancing productivity and quality in hydroponic farming, marking a significant step towards revolutionizing traditional agricultural practices for more efficient crop production systems.

High-conductivity cementitious composites suited for flooring applications: Effect of mixing methods and utilization rates of conductive materials

The objective of this study is to develop cementitious electrostatic discharge composites suited for flooring applications with the lowest amount of conductive material using the most appropriate mixing method. For electrical conductivity, milled carbon fiber (MCF), carbon fiber (CF), and brass-coated steel fiber (SF) were incorporated into the cementitious matrices with ratios increasing from 0 to 1% at 0.1% intervals, by the total weight of the binder. To address the homogenous distribution of conductive materials, first (F), synchronous (S), and latter (L) admixing methods were used. Reaching high early strength was another aim of the study. Flow diameter, electrical resistance (ER), compressive strength measurements, and SEM/EDX analyses were performed. According to the experimental results, the ER has a decreasing trend with the increasing fiber ratio in the matrices. CF- and MCF-based mixtures are of adequate electrical performance (10–1000 kΩ) according to related standards after 180-day measurements. No clear percolation thresholds are available for SF- and MCF-based composites up to a 1% utilization rate. Adequate electrical performance can be obtained from CF-based composites at the percolation threshold of 0.6% when prepared by the synchronous admixing method and 0.3% by the latter admixing method. Considering the CF-based mixture incorporating 0.3% CF and prepared by the latter admixing method, the flow diameter is 39.75 cm, 1-day compressive strength is 38.1 MPa, and 180-day ER is 104.15 kΩ in the long term. In conclusion, it is possible to manufacture cementitious composites with significantly improved electrical performance suitable for flooring applications with low cost, high early strength, and good fluidity ready for on-site use.

Midterm Outcome of Early Pregnancy Versus Late Pregnancy After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Controversy regarding the timing of pregnancy and its implications is present in the literature. To evaluate the midterm outcome of weight loss in women who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) followed by pregnancy at two different times. We retrospectively reviewed 53 women who matched the inclusion criteria and included them in the analysis. Demographics and anthropometric measurements were collected. Women who conceived within 12 months of LSG were labeled as early group (EG), and who conceived after 12 months were noted as late group (LG). There were no differences between the groups regarding obesity-associated disease and number of pregnancies before. EG had higher weight (P = 0.0001) and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.002) at LSG. The mean interval time for EG was 6.7 ± 3.2 months, and LG was 20 ± 5.2 months. Gestational weight gain (GWG) was lower in the EG (P = 0.001). There were no differences in the number of small for gestational age (SGA) births or gestational weight. In the first 2 years after LSG, LG had a higher percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) and percentage of body mass index loss (%EBMIL) (P < 0.0001). After 5 years of follow-up, %TWL (P = 0.4) and %EBMIL (P = 0.1) were not statistically significant between both groups. Conception within 12 months from LSG might hinder the weight loss process in the short term but have no significant effect over 5 years of follow-up.

Evaluation of growth performance, carcass yield, and proximate composition of fillets of male and female pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) during the fattening phase

The objective of this study was to evaluate the comparative growth performance, carcass yield, and the proximate composition of the muscle between male and female Arapaima gigas (pirarucu) during the fattening phase. Juvenile pirarucu (n = 114; 1126 ± 219 g; 55 ± 3 cm) were kept in 120 m2 brick tanks at a stocking density of 1.55 g m-2. Fish were raised under the same management conditions during 427 days and biometrics were performed monthly to evaluate the growth performance. Fish (n = 15 per collection day) were sampled at 91, 187, 273, 341 and 427 days to evaluate the carcass yield, proximate composition of the muscle and to determine its gender via histological analysis of the gonads. Data were analyzed using a multivariate statistical method. Growth performance, carcass yield and proximate composition of the muscle were similar between genders up to 427 days of rearing. The coefficients of variation in total weight and length that express the batch heterogeneity were higher for females throughout practically the whole experimental period. This was probably due to the dominance behavior between female fish, which also justifies why some females reached larger sizes at the end of the experiment. The yields for the fillet, abdominal muscle and loin were greater at 273 days compared to other sampling events, regardless of gender. Partial harvesting of pirarucu during the fattening phase can therefore be a management strategy for slaughtering fish with a higher meat yield.

Maternal separation influences hepatic drug-metabolizing CYP450 gene expression without pathological changes in adult mice.

The principal motive of this study is to explore the influence maternal separation (MS) exhibits on the mRNA expression of major drug metabolizing-cyp450s in parallel with the assessment of pathological changes that can be induced by MS in the livers of experimental mice. Eighteen Balb/c mouse pups, comprising of both males and females, were separated from their mothers after birth. Following a six-week period during when the pups became adults, the mice were sacrificed and their livers were isolated for analysis of weight, pathohistological alterations, and the mRNA expression of drug metabolizing cyp450 genes: cyp1a1, cyp3a11, cyp2d9, and cyp2c29. The study demonstrated that MS markedly downregulated (p<0.05) the mRNA expression of all tested drug-metabolizing cyp450s in livers of female and male mice. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of major drug-metabolizing cyp450s were notably lower (p<0.05) in livers of female MS mice as compared with male MS mice. It was found that values of the total body weight and liver weight of MS mice did not vary significantly (p>0.05) from those of the control groups. Additionally, histological examination revealed that the hepatic tissue of MS mice was normal, similar to that of the control mice. In summary, MS downregulates the gene expression of major hepatic drug-metabolizing cyp450s without inducing pathological alterations in the livers of mice. These findings provide an explanation for the heterogeneity in pharmacokinetics and drug response of patients with early life stress.