Weight Gain Measurements Research Articles

Investigation of Bowel Function with Anorectal Manometry in a Rat Spinal Cord Contusion Model.

Bowel dysfunction after chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common source of morbidity and rehospitalization. Typical complications include constipation, fecal impaction, incontinence, abdominal distention, autonomic dysreflexia, and the necessity of interventions (i.e., suppositories, digital stimulation) to defecate. Numerous surveys have confirmed that the remediation of bowel complications is more highly valued for quality of life than improvements in walking. Much of what is known about bowel function after SCI for diagnosis and research in humans has been gained using anorectal manometry (ARM) procedures. However, ARM has been underutilized in pre-clinical animal work. Therefore, a novel combination of outcome measures was examined in the current study that incorporates functional output of the bowel (weekly fecal measurements), weight gain (pre-injury to terminal weight), and terminal ARM measurement with external anal sphincter electromyography under urethane anesthesia. The results indicate higher fecal output after contusion during the sub-acute period (4-7 days) post-injury, changes in the composition of the feces, and functionally obstructive responses in a specific section of the rectum (increased baseline pressure, increased frequency of contraction, and reduced ability to trigger a giant contraction to a distension stimulus). These results demonstrate significant bowel dysfunction in the rodent SCI contusion model that is consistent with data from human research. Thus, the combined measurement protocol enables the detection of changes and can be used, with minimal cost, to assess effectiveness of therapeutic interventions on bowel complications.

Improving Antenatal Care (ANC) Focusing on Maternal Nutrition (MN) Services and Counseling Through Quality Improvement (QI) Approach in a Medical College Hospital in India

Abstract Objectives To demonstrate feasibility of applying Quality Improvement (QI) approach to improve maternal nutrition (MN) services and counseling during ANC provision at a state-run medical college hospital. Methods Doctors and staff from the departments of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBGY), Pediatrics and Community Medicine in GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (a high case load facility) were trained on Point of Care Quality Improvement (POCQI) methodology developed by WHO, URC and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) by a team of QI experts engaged by Alive & Thrive (A&T). Thereafter, the OBGY department formed a QI team with the aim of improving MN component within the ANC services for pregnant women (PW). Specifically, QI aims to be achieved between May– Aug 2019 were set as: At least 80% of PW complete height, weight gain, blood pressure (BP) and hemoglobin (Hb) measurement and receive nutrition counselling, of which 70% can recall the MN nutrition messages imparted during the counselling session. Since no system for recording ANC data existed except Hb (50%), the baseline was set as zero for all other parameters. Post a system process review and problem analysis, 4 areas for improvement were identified: i) Streamlining patient flow; ii) ensuring timely availability of diagnostic reports to facilitate early detection of anemia; iii) recording and tracking of anthropometric data and, iv) provision of nutrition counselling to all PW. Simple and doable changes such as deployment of Red Cross volunteers for crowd management and patient flow, use of government-issued mother and child protection (MCP) cards for recording anthropometric data, engagement of HIV counselor for nutrition counselling etc. were applied with assistance and mentoring from QI experts. Results 84% of the PW completed weight gain, Hb and BP measurement. MN counselling was delivered to 76% of the women. Exit interviews of PW to assess the comprehensiveness of the counselling provided show a steady improvement (∼12–15%) in retention of messages related to weight gain, importance of Ca and IFA, frequency of meals and diet diversity. Conclusions It is feasible to improve MN services including counseling at ANC OPD in medical college hospital using QI approach, without additional resource investment. Funding Sources The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Histological Study of Pregnant albino Rat Treated with Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles

The present study was aimed to elucidate the effect of Nickel oxide nanoparticles (100 mg / kg b.wt ) on some parameters in pregnant Albino rats,in both period of pregnancy (12 and14 days ). 30 albino rats were used; 20 female and the rest 10 were fertilized male rats which were used insemination only, the study including, maternal relative body weight, weight gain measurements and relative organ weights and histological study. Relative body weight of mothers showed decreases in both period of pregnancy. Body weight gain of the pregnant rat show decreases in 14 days of pregnancy in treated group as compared with control group while in 12 days of pregnancy showed increases in treated group as compared with control. Relative organ weight showed increases in (Lung, Uterus, kidney) in treated group and decreases in (Heart, Liver, Eye, Spleen, Brian) in (12) day of pregnancy. In ( 14 ) day of pregnancy showed decreases in (Heart, Liver, Eye, Brian , Kidney) and increases in (Lung, Spleen, Uterus) in treated group as compared with control group Histological study included some organ (liver, spleen, kidney, lung brain, eye and heart) for different period (12, 14) days of pregnancy.

Relationship between heterosis, weight gain, and body measurements of Nellore and Charolais calves

Abstract: The objective of this work was to assess the effect of genetic group and heterosis on the relationship between body weight and morphometric measurements, in purebred and crossbred animals from the second (G2) and third (G3) generations of Nellore and Charolais calves. Body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADG), foreleg circumference (FC), thoracic girth (TG), body length (BL), and croup height (CH) were measured at birth and at 63, 210, and 365 days of age in animals from G2 and G3. Charolais animals were superior to Nellore ones for gains BW, ADG, BL, and TG, as well as for the ratio between BW gain and CH gain; Nellore animals were superior for CH gains. Crossbred animals of both generations were superior to the purebred animals for gains of BW, BL, and CH. In G2, the predominance of Charolais genes resulted in greater gains of BW, ADG, FC, and TG. The G3 animals were superior to the purebred animals for ADG, FC, and TG. No differences were found for the ratio between gains of weight and morphometric measurements. Heterosis and complementarity are apparent for weight and body measurements of crossbred calves from rotational crossings.

Effects of mineral supplementation on cattle performance when grazed mature wheat

ABSTRACT This research paper addresses the hypothesis that mineral supplementation (sodium chloride and magnesium oxide at 1:1 weight ratio) for dairy heifers grazing mature wheat in the spring-summer period will improve live weight gain compared with the non-supplemented group. In addition, the potential of mineral supplementation to reduce environmental pollution through diluting urinary nitrogen content was evaluated in this study. The grazing study was conducted at the Dookie Campus, The University of Melbourne, Australia between September and November 2017. The study comprised two temporal trial replications with two dietary treatments; graze wheat with (supplemented, SUP) or without mineral supplementation (control, CTR). The first and second trial replications used 22 and 24 heifers, respectively to conduct a 22-day and 21-day weight gain measurement. Heifers in the CTR group had 11% lower daily water intake than those in the SUP group. No differences were observed in heifers’ weight gain and urinary nitrogen content and excretion. The study indicates that protein deficiency may override the mineral deficiency when heifer grazed mature wheat, and this may have led to no mineral supplementation effect on heifer performance. The level of protein in grazing wheat needs to be considered in feeding minerals to heifers.

Corrosion behavior of hybrid coconut shell powder and silica carbide reinforced aluminium composite towards aggressive biofilm attack

This study enveloped innovative uses of a hybrid agro waste and silica carbide incorporated with aluminium as a new hybrid composite materials for marine application. In this study, the purpose of adding coconut shell powder (CSP) from the agro waste and silicon carbide (SiC) as reinforcement aluminium composites materials for combating corrosion problem. The CSP was incorporated into the molten aluminium alloys varies from 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of weight percentages. The corrosion behaviour was determined by weight gain measurement (WGM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PP). As a results, 5% CSP reinforcement in hybrid aluminum composites contribute to excellent corrosion resistance performance by shifting the polarization curve towards the positive region, increases the value of polarization resistance, Rp and reduces the Icorr value. It can be concluded that, by adding CSP into aluminium composite has significantly increase the corrosion resistance towards a severe biofilm attack.

The effect of nitride formation on the oxidation kinetics of Zry-4 fuel cladding under steam-air atmospheres at 1273–1573 K

The study deals with the oxidation behavior of fuel cladding under mixed steam-air atmospheres. Oxidation tests of Zry-4 were carried out at temperatures of 1373 and 1573 K. Post-test weight gain measurement along with metallographic examination were conducted to study separately the kinetics of the region where nitrides formed and the nitride-free region. The results of oxidation tests at 1273 and 1473 K published previously by the same authors are also addressed in the discussion. The weight gain coming from the nitride-free region was estimated employing one-dimensional finite difference oxygen diffusion model and measured thicknesses of the metallic part of the oxidized specimen, the columnar oxide and the oxygen stabilized α-Zr(O) as well as the fraction of the columnar oxide at the oxide/metal interface. Consequently, the weight gain related to formation of the porous mixed ZrN–ZrO2 regions has been assessed. The results suggested that the nitrides formed beneath the protective columnar oxide layer and that a major part of the weight gain related to formation of the porous mixed ZrN–ZrO2 regions was associated with the formation of ZrO2 from α-Zr(O).

Impact of Dietary Protein Source on Muscle Performance: An in-vivo Behavioral Assay (OR26-05-19)

ObjectivesTo analyze the impact of different sources of protein (pea, whey or casein) on functional muscle performance in C57BL/6 mice. MethodsA total of 21 mice were randomized to protein intervention groups. Mice were individually caged in a temperature controlled and 12-h light-dark cycle room. Subjects were randomly assigned to casein, whey, and pea protein sourced diets, matched by sex. Total energy (3.77 ± 0.04 kcal/g) and macronutrient composition (% of total energy: carbohydrate 66%, protein 18% and fat 16%) were matched across diets. Body weight and amount of food consumed was measured weekly. Functional muscle performance was measured by forelimb grip strength test using an Accuforce Cadet Force Gage and hanging test using Kondziela’s inverted screen test capped at 600 seconds (at intervention week 9). The recorded strength and hang time measurements were corrected for body-mass. Data processing and analyses were performed in IBM SPSS Statistics 25. ResultsExcluding 2 mice due to outliers, the total number of mice per group were: casein (n = 9), whey (n = 6), and pea (n = 5). No baseline differences in body weight or average amount of food consumed per week were observed between groups. However, mice on the pea protein diet gained significantly more weight (8 ± 2g) compared to whey (4 ± 2g) and casein (2 ± 2g) diet groups (P < 0.007). Mice fed with whey protein sourced diets showed significantly stronger maximum fore limb grip strength (237 ± 21g) compared to pea (200 ± 7g) and casein (219 ± 26g) fed mice (P < 0.005). Body-mass corrected average and maximum grip strength tests showed that mice consuming pea protein sourced were significantly weaker compared to the casein protein sourced diet group, but not to whey protein sourced diet group (Table 1). ConclusionsNo observable differences were found between whey and casein in functional muscle performance of C57BL/6 mice when corrected for body weight. However, the pea sourced protein diet resulted in higher weight gain and weaker functional muscle performance measurements. Funding SourcesUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell Seed Grant (NK, KM, MG). Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪

Substituting corn silage with reconstituted forage or nonforage fiber sources in the starter diets of Holstein calves: effects on performance, ruminal fermentation, and blood metabolites.

We examined the effects of replacing corn silage (CS) with reconstituted alfalfa hay (AH) or beet pulp (BP) in the starter diet on the nutrient intake and digestibility, growth performance, rumen fermentation characteristics, selected blood metabolites, and health status in Holstein dairy calves. Newborn female calves (n = 54; 3 d of age; 39.8 ± 1.36 kg BW) were assigned randomly to 3 groups receiving starter diets containing CS [10% dry matter (DM) basis; CS diet) and reconstituted AH (10% DM, RAH diet) or BP (10% DM; RBP diet). The starter diets had the same nutrient composition and DM content. The calves were weaned on day 50 and the study continued until day 70. Nutrient intake, body weight (at weaning and at the end of the study), daily weight gain, feed efficiency, and body measurements (including heart girth, withers height, body length, body barrel, hip height, and hip width) were not affected by the diet (P > 0.05). Health-related variables including rectal temperature, fecal score, and general appearance score were not influenced by the diets (P > 0.05). During the postweaning period, apparent total tract digestibility of DM, organic matter, and crude protein were higher for RBP (P = 0.001); however, digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was lower in RAH compared with CS or RBP (P = 0.001). Daily amount of nutrient digestibility did not change across the diets (P > 0.05). Rumen fluid pH and total volatile fatty acid concentration and profile were not different across the diets after weaning (P > 0.05). Calves fed RAH or RBP had higher blood concentration of β-hydroxy butyric acid compared with CS only before weaning (P = 0.03). Blood albumin concentration was higher for RBP compared with CS or RAH during the preweaning (P = 0.006) and overall (P = 0.005) periods; however, it was lower for CS compared with RBP after weaning (P = 0.03). Concentration of other blood variables including glucose, blood urea N, total protein, and globulin did not change across the diets (P > 0.05). Calves, in general, were healthy, and replacing CS with RAH or RBP in the starter diet had no beneficial effect on their feed intake or growth performance indicating that CS and reconstituted AH or BP can be used interchangeably in dairy calf starter diets until 70 d of age, allowing dairy producers more choices in selecting the feed ingredients.

A preliminary study on the preparation of seamless tubular bacterial cellulose-electrospun nanofibers-based nanocomposite fabrics

Due to various production stages involved, textiles and clothing industry is known for causing carbon dioxide emissions, water pollution, soil erosion and huge waste generation. It is a need of the hour to seek for natural, renewable, and bio-degradable fabrication materials and environmentally friendly production methods. This study proposes an eco-friendly approach to prepare bacterial cellulose/electrospun nanofibers membrane-based hybrid non-woven fabrics using in-situ self-assembly method. This fabrication method enables bacterial cellulose cultivation on nanofibrous membrane support to create custom-made seamless tubular hybrid fabrics in desirable dimensions, to be used for various textile applications with minimized material wastage. As-prepared nano-composite fabric was characterized using SEM, X-ray diffraction, and FTIR. FTIR and X-ray diffraction results confirmed the presence of bacterial cellulose in the composite structure. SEM analysis showed as the bacterial cellulose cultivates, its nanofibrils penetrate and grow into empty voids of membrane's structure, which results in secure binding and interlocking of electrospun nonofibers. Sample thickness and weight gain measurements after the modification were found to be approx. 33.90% and 39.02%, respectively. Reduced surface hydrophobicity, water uptake, and increased tensile strength might contribute towards better fabric performance and comfort. Overall, this study suggests an eco-friendly approach to prepare nano-composite fabrics that might be used for bio-textiles and related applications.

Durable lubricant-infused anodic aluminum oxide surfaces with high-aspect-ratio nanochannels

Recently, lubricant-infused surfaces (LIS) have emerged as a prominent class of surface technology for antifouling, anti-icing and anticorrosion applications. However, long-term corrosion exposure and mechanical damages may deteriorate the practical performance of LIS during application. In this study, a robust LIS was fabricated by the vacuum impregnation of mineral oil into anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) nanochannels with a depth of 50 μm. The impregnation of the lubricant through the entire depth of the high-aspect-ratio nanochannels was visualized under cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) and also confirmed by weight gain measurements. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) tests showed that the lubricant stored in the deep nanochannels of LIS can provide excellent corrosion protection during long-term immersion. Furthermore, the as-prepared LIS demonstrated superior resistance to mechanical damage due to a self-healing effect by the lubricant. As shown by cryo-SEM observation and PDP tests, the micro-cracks formed on the LIS can be instantaneously repaired by the in-flow of the oil from the surrounding surface. In the tribological tests, the LIS also presented high wear resistance and superior mechanical durability.

A Comparative Evaluation Study of Citrus limetta and Metformin against Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic and Non-diabetic rats

Citrus limetta risso (Rutaceae) has been frequently used in Indian traditional medicine for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and promotion of weight loss. Studies also indicated towards the antihyperlipidemic potential of Metformin. This study was performed on high fat diet (HFD) induced hyperlipidemia in murine models in both presence and absence of diabetes which was induced by dose of 30mg/kg. Hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding rats with HFD for 28 days. Antihyperlipidemic effect of Citrus limetta peel extract (400mg/kg) and its main terpene component D-limonene (400mg/kg) was evaluated and compared with the effect of Metformin (200mg/kg) by the measurement of body weight gain, body mass index(BMI), food efficiency ratio, fasting blood glucose, Lee's index, heart to body weight ratio, serum lipid profiles (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, VLDL-Cholesterol), end organ weights (Liver, heart, kidneys and visceral fat pad) and antioxidant enzymes such as Thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione (GSH). Histomorphological studies were also carried out. Citrus limetta extract, Dlimonene and Metformin significantly reduced the weight gain percentage, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL and increased the level of HDL-cholesterol and antioxidant enzyme level in liver tissue, also controlled the other parameters’ value within their normal ranges. Histomorphological study of fat tissue shows the normalization of swollen and slight deteriorated cells in the treated groups as compared to control groups. This study concludes that Citrus limetta extract and D-limonene have the antihyperlipidemic activity.

Performance of broiler chicks fed on two insect based-diets in South East Nigeria

The performance of broiler chicks fed on two common species of edible insects: African palm larva (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) and winged termite (Macrotermes bellicosus) in south east, Nigeria were studied using 135 day old Arbor acre birds. Three dietary treatments (T1, T2 and T3) representing Diet A (control: vital feed based fishmeal), Diet B (African palm larvae meal; APLM), and Diet C (containing winged termite meal; WTM), respectively, were used. T1 comprised of a standard feed of brand name ‘vital feed’ containing fishmeal which served as control while T2 and T3 both had insect meal: APLM and WTM, respectively, in place of fishmeal. Forty five broiler chicks were randomly assigned to each of the three dietary treatments at the rate of fifteen chicks per replicate and three replicates per treatment in a completely randomised design. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. During this period, the birds were subjected to similar husbandry and sanitation practices. Weekly record of feed intake, weight gain and linear body measurements were taken. Data obtained were subjected to ANOVA appropriate for completely randomised design and the differences between means were separated using least significant differences. The result showed that chicks fed with control diet based fishmeal (Diet A) had the highest feed intake compared to those fed Diet B and Diet C. Broiler chicks on Diet B however had the highest records in all performance indices (weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and linear body measurements) investigated followed by Diet C and lastly Diet A. The study therefore recommends the use of insect meal for complete or partial replacement of fishmeal in poultry feed formulation.

Short Communication: Association of GH, IGF1R, and PIT1 genes polymorphism with average daily gain and body measurement in Pesisir cattle

Arnim, Yurnalis, Afriani T, Putra DE. 2017. Short Communication: Association of GH, IGF1R, and PIT1 genes polymorphismwith average daily gain and body measurement in Pesisir cattle. Nusantara Bioscience 10: 221-225. Growth hormone (GH) andinsuLin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF1R), and Pit1 gene has important effect on growth, carcass, and meat quality traits in manyspecies. The objectives of the present study were to study the associations of the GH/AluI, GH/MboII, IGF1R/MspI and PIT1/HinfI withgrowth and body measurent such as body length (BL), chest girth (CG), height withers (HW) in Pesisir cattle. A total 175 Pesisir cattlewere used in this study. Weight gain, and body measurement were fitted using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of the SASprogram. The resuLts showed significant associations between the CC genotype of the GH/MboII polymorphism and higher weight gainand height withers (p &lt; 0.05). The GH/AluI polymorphism did not have any effect on the weight gain and body measurement. Allelefrequencies were found as A: 0.374 and B: 0.626 in GH/MboII polymorphism in GH gene. The effect of GH/AluI polymorphisms wasnot observed on average daily gain and body measurement in Pesisir cattle (P&gt;0.05). The effect of IGF1R/MSpI polymorphism was notobserved on average daily gain but show significant association between AA and AB genotype and height withers (p &lt; 0.005). ThePIT1/HinfI polymorphism was not associated with average daily gain and body measurement in Pesisir cattle. The resuLts demostratedthat the GH/MboII and GHR1/MspI polymorphisms couLd be used as a candidate gene for selection in Pesisir cattle.

Cyclic high temperature corrosion studies of carbon nanotubes-Cr2O3 composite coatings on boiler steel at 900°C in molten salt environment

PurposeMolten sulphate-vanadate induced hot corrosion is the main reason of failure of boiler tubes used at high temperatures in thermal power plants. The hot corrosion can be encountered by applying thermal spray coatings on the alloy steels. In this perspective, this paper aims to attempt to investigate the effect of carbon nanotubes reinforcement on Cr2O3 composite coatings on hot corrosion behaviour of ASTM-SA213-T22 steel in a corrosive environment of Na2SO4 – 60%V2O5 at 900°C for 50 cycles.Design/methodology/approachThe coatings have been deposited with high velocity oxy fuel process. The samples were exposed to hot corrosion in a Silicon tube furnace at 900°C for 50 cycles. The kinetics of corrosion behaviour were analysed by the weight gain measurements after each cycle. Corrosion products were analysed with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive and cross-sectional analysis techniques.FindingsDuring investigations, the carbon nanotubes (CNT) reinforced Cr2O3 composite coatings on T22 steel were found to provide better corrosion resistance in the molten salt environment at 900°C. The coatings showed lower weight gain along with formation of protective oxide scales during the experiment. Improvement in protection against hot corrosion was observed with increase in CNT content in the coating matrix.Research limitations/implicationsThe addition of CNT has resulted in reduction in porosity by filling the voids in chromium oxide coating, with interlocking of particle and has blocked the penetration of corroding species to enhance the corrosion resistance of the composite coatings. The corrosion rate was found to be decreasing with increase in CNT content in coating matrix.Originality/valueIt must be mentioned here that high temperature corrosion behaviour of thermally sprayed CNT-Cr2O3 composite coatings has never been studied, and it is not available in the literature. Hence, present investigation can provide valuable information for application of CNT-reinforced coatings in high temperature fuel combustion environments.

Hot corrosion behaviour of carbon nanotubes reinforced chromium oxide composite coatings at elevated temperature

The present work aims to investigate the hot corrosion resistance of HVOF (high velocity oxy fuel) sprayed CNT (Carbon nanotubes) reinforced Cr2O3 coated ASTM-SA213-T22 (T22) steel at 800 °C temperature in molten salt environment. The coatings have been deposited with high velocity oxy fuel process. The samples were exposed to hot corrosion in a Silicon tube furnace at 800 °C for 50 cycles. The kinetics of corrosion behaviour were analysed by the weight gain measurements after each cycle. Corrosion products were analysed with x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive and x-ray analysis techniques. During investigations, the CNT reinforced Cr2O3 composite coatings on T22 steel were found to provide better corrosion resistance in the molten salt environment at 800 °C. The coatings showed lower weight gain along with formation of protective oxide scales during the experiment. Improvement in protection against hot corrosion was observed with increase in CNT content in the coating matrix. The addition of CNT has resulted in reduction in porosity by filling the voids in chromium oxide coating, with interlocking of particle and has blocked the penetration of corroding species to enhance the corrosion resistance of the composite coatings. The corrosion rate was found to be decreasing with increase in CNT content in coating matrix.

Growth performance and rumen development in Malabari kids reared under different production systems.

In order to investigate the effect of rearing systems on growth and rumen development in Malabari male kids, 14 pre-weaned Malabari male kids of uniform morphological characters were randomly divided into two equal groups as T1 and T2. Both the groups were reared intensively for 12weeks whereby kids under T1 group were allowed to suckle their dams and provided green grass ad libitum. The kids under T2 were weaned at the age of 7days and provided formulated semi-solid broiler goat concentrate diet through the feeding bottle and were not offered any grass/roughage. Parameters like live weight gain, daily weight gain and body measurements were studied to evaluate the growth performance. However, gastrointestinal tract morphometric studies and qualitative morphological analysis of rumen papillae were undertaken to measure the rumen development. The daily weight gain of kids under T2 was significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher than the daily weight gain of kids under T1. Also, the body measurements like height at withers, heart girth and body length were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher in T2 than in T1. The rumen and abomasum were comparatively more developed in T2 than in T1. The morphology of rumen papillae in both groups was different in size, shape and colour. The length, width, density and surface area of rumen papillae among kids in T2 were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher than those kids in T1. The results of the present study indicated that the feeding of semi-solid broiler goat concentrate diet improved growth performance and early rumen development in kids.

Study of composite-based natural fibers and renewable polymers, using bacteria to ameliorate the fiber/matrix interface

In this paper, bacteria belonging to the species Acetobacter xylinum were used to modify the surface of natural fibers by depositing nanosized bacterial cellulose around natural fibers which enhances their adhesion to renewable polymers. Single fiber tensile test was used in order to determine their mechanical properties and surface. The practical adhesion between the modified fibers and the renewable polymers cellulose acetate butyrate is quantified using the single fiber pullout test. Simple weight gain measurements before and after the modification show that about 4 and 6% bacterial cellulose adheres to the fibers as a result of the bacterial modification procedure. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs confirm the presence of attached bacterial cellulose on the surfaces of natural fibers.

EFFECT OF HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTSˊ KNOWLEDGE RELATED TO TYPES OF FOOD RICH FLUID ON INTERDIALYTIC WEIGHT GAIN AMONG HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Despite recent advances in knowledge and improvements in the technology of the hemodialysis, the prognosis of patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) remains poor due to in insufficient knowledge about nutrition which result in interdialytic weight gain. Education enables hemodialysis patients overcome interdialytic weight gain, correct the nutritional habit, improve knowledge, and awareness. Aim of the study: to evaluate effect of hemodialysis patientsˊ knowledge related to types of food rich fluid on interdialytic weight gain among hemodialysis patients. Method: quasi experimental study design was used. Setting: New General Mansoura Hospital. Purposive sample of this study composed of 70 adult hemodialysis patients who met inclusion criteria included in this study. Tools: two tools used in this study, hemodialysis patients’ knowledge questionnaire about types of food rich fluid & interdialytic weight gain measurement. Results: the result revealed significant improvement in hemodialysis patients’ knowledge related to types of foods rich fluid which was poor (mean ± SD = 2.17± 2.25) during pre test, and good (mean ± SD = 6.78± 2.24) during poet test. There was significant reduction of interdialytic weight gain. Conclusion: increase hemodialysis patients knowledge about types of foods rich fluid has a positive effect on reduction interdialytic weight gain.

Pregnancy Weight Gain Before Diagnosis and Risk of Preeclampsia: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Nulliparous Women.

Weight gain in early pregnancy may influence a woman's risk of developing preeclampsia. However, the consequences of weight gain throughout pregnancy up to the diagnosis of preeclampsia are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether pregnancy weight gain before the diagnosis of preeclampsia is associated with increased risks of preeclampsia (overall and by preeclampsia subtype). The study population included nulliparous pregnant women in the Swedish counties of Gotland and Stockholm, 2008 to 2013, stratified by early pregnancy body mass index category. Electronic medical records were linked with population inpatient and outpatient records to establish date of preeclampsia diagnosis (classified as any, early preterm <34 weeks, late preterm 34-36 weeks, or term ≥37 weeks). Antenatal weight gain measurements were standardized into gestational age-specific z scores. Among 62 705 nulliparous women, 2770 (4.4%) developed preeclampsia. Odds of preeclampsia increased by ≈60% with every 1 z score increase in pregnancy weight gain among normal weight and overweight women and by 20% among obese women. High pregnancy weight gain was more strongly associated with term preeclampsia than early preterm preeclampsia (eg, 64% versus 43% increased odds per 1 z score difference in weight gain in normal weight women, and 30% versus 0% in obese women, respectively). By 25 weeks, the weight gain of women who subsequently developed preeclampsia was significantly higher than women who did not (eg, 0.43 kg in normal weight women). In conclusion, high pregnancy weight gain before diagnosis increases the risk of preeclampsia in nulliparous women and is more strongly associated with later-onset preeclampsia than early-onset preeclampsia.