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This work reports on the static and dynamic performance of the state-of-the-art 650 V ICeGaN™ (Integrated Circuit Enhancement GaN) power switch with an ON-state resistance Ron of 200 mΩ. Through the monolithic integration of a novel gate interface with a p-GaN HEMT, these switches operate on a wide operational gate voltage window up to 20 V, making them exceptional in their compatibility with standard Si gate drivers or controller chips. Along with enhanced gate reliability, the devices demonstrate excellent static and switching performance with a high breakdown voltage and very low output charge (Qoss) and gate charge (Qg) metrics. They display minimal parameter drifts after 48 h of High Temperature Reverse Bias (HTRB) stress, validating the off-state reliability performance.

In dairy cows, subjected to a G6G protocol, objectives were to determine effects of (1) extending the interval from prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) during presynchronization; and (2) adding a second PGF2α treatment before artificial insemination (AI), on ovarian response, plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations and pregnancy per AI (P/AI). In a 2×2 factorial design, lactating cows were randomly assigned to one of four timed AI (TAI) protocols: (1) G6G (n=149), one injection of PGF2α, GnRH 2 days later and a 7-day Ovsynch (GnRH, 7 days, PGF2α, 56 h, GnRH, 16 h, TAI) was initiated 6 days later; (2) G6GP (n=144), an additional PGF2α treatment (24 h after the first) during Ovsynch of the G6G protocol; (3) MG6G, one injection of PGF2α, GnRH 4 days later before initiation of the G6G protocol; and (4) MG6GP, an additional PGF2α treatment (24 h after the first) during Ovsynch of the MG6G protocol. Blood samples were collected (subset of 200 cows) at first GnRH and PGF2α of the Ovsynch, and at TAI to measure P4. Ultrasound examinations were performed in a subset of 406 cows to evaluate ovarian response at various times of Ovsynch, and in all cattle to determine pregnancy status at 32 and 60 days after TAI. Extending the interval by 2 days between PGF2α and GnRH during presynchronization increased (P

The control and function of RNA are governed by the specificity of RNA binding proteins. Here, we describe a method for global unbiased analysis of RNA-protein interactions that uses in vitro selection, high-throughput sequencing, and sequence-specificity landscapes. The method yields affinities for a vast array of RNAs in a single experiment, including both low- and high-affinity sites. It is reproducible and accurate. Using this approach, we analyzed members of the PUF (Pumilio and FBF) family of eukaryotic mRNA regulators. Our data identify effects of a specific protein partner on PUF-RNA interactions, reveal subsets of target sites not previously detected, and demonstrate that designer PUF proteins can precisely alter specificity. The approach described here is, in principle, broadly applicable for analysis of any molecule that binds RNA, including proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules.

The decline in reproductive efficiency during post-peak period of production in poultry species holds significant economic implications. This study aimed to investigate the productive and reproductive performance of Japanese quails across distinct production stages and the association between these parameters and some genes expression and histometric alterations within the reproductive system. A total of 180 quails from a commercial flock were selected at varying egg production stages, including young, mature, and old, with 45 female and 15 male quails allocated to each group. The quails were maintained for six weeks. During recording period, daily records of egg production and egg weight were recorded. Additionally, oviduct histometric and Follicle biometric measurements, along with mRNA transcript abundance assessments related to follicular selection and yolk accumulation, were conducted on the oviduct, ovary, and small yellow follicles at the end of the experimental period. The results revealed a decrease in egg production in the old group compared to the young and mature groups (P < 0.05); meanwhile, the old group had the highest egg weight, and F1 follicle weight (P < 0.05). Additionally, the number of prehierarchical follicles was lower in the mature and old groups compared to the young group (P < 0.05). The lowest oviduct length, primary and secondary fold height, and thickness of the isthmus and magnum were noted in the old group (P < 0.05). Fertility and hatchability were lower in the old group compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). The mRNA transcript abundance of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), was highest in the old group and lowest in the young group (P < 0.05), while the mRNA transcript abundance of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) was higher in the mature group compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, the young quails had the highest occludin (OCLN) mRNA transcript abundance compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Overall, the study findings indicate decreased production and reproductive performance, as well as reduced hatchling quality over the production period, attributed to a declining number of follicles, noncooperative gene expression related to follicle selection and yolk accumulation, and diminishing oviduct fold size., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest There are neither conflicts of interest nor conflicts due to professional or financial affiliation for part of any of the authors. Mahdi Zhandi, (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Disturbed paternal epigenetic status of imprinted genes has been observed in infertility and recurrent spontaneous abortions. Shallow placentation has been associated with early-onset preeclampsia. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the methylation patterns of imprinted genes involved in placental development, in the spermatozoa of partners of women experiencing preeclampsia., Methods: The study involved recruitment of couples into preeclampsia (n = 14) and control (n = 25) groups. Methylation analysis of imprinted gene differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and LINE1 repetitive element was carried out by pyrosequencing in the spermatozoa and placental villi. Global 5 mC levels in the spermatozoa were measured through ELISA. Expression of imprinted genes was quantified in the placental villi by real time qPCR. Association of birth weight with DNA methylation and gene expression was assessed., Results: KvDMR, PEG3 DMR, PEG10 DMR and DLK1-GTL2 IG-DMR were differentially methylated in the spermatozoa and placental villi of preeclampsia group. Global 5 mC content and LINE1 methylation levels did not differ between the spermatozoa of the two groups. Increased transcript levels of PEG3, IGF2, DLK1, PHLDA2 and CDKN1C were observed in the preeclamptic placental villi. Birth weight showed significant association with KvDMR, PEG10 DMR, DLK1-GTL2 IG-DMR and LINE1 methylation levels in the spermatozoa. DLK1 expression levels showed a negative association with birth weight., Discussion: The study highlighted the paternal contribution to early-onset preeclampsia, in the form of disrupted sperm DNA methylation patterns at imprinted gene loci. These loci, after further evaluation in future studies, could serve as sperm-based preeclampsia predictive markers, for couples planning pregnancy., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this article., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Herein we report an easy, rapid and cost-effective method for spectroscopic sensing of a prostate cancer biomarker prostate specific antigen (PSA) using a novel nanocomposite. The material is a synthetic quinoxaline derivative-based iron nanocomposite fabricated on graphene nanoplatelet surface (1d-Fe-Gr). Presence of graphene enhanced the efficacy of synthesized 1d-Fe-Gr to sense PSA in serum medium with an impressive limit of detection (LOD) value of 0.878 pg/mL compared to 1d-Fe alone (LOD 17.619 pg/mL) using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. LOD of PSA by 1d-Fe-Gr using Raman spectroscopy is even more impressive (0.410 pg/mL). Moreover, presence of interfering biomolecules like glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin and insulin in serum improves the detection threshold significantly in presence of 1d-Fe-Gr which otherwise cause LOD values of PSA to elevate in control sets. In presence of these biomolecules, the LOD values improve significantly as compared to healthy conditions in the range 0.623-3.499 pg/mL. Thus, this proposed detection method could also be applied efficiently to the patients suffering from different pathophysiological disorders. These biomolecules may also be added externally during analyses to improve the sensing ability. Fluorescence, Raman and circular dichroism spectroscopy were used to study the underlying mechanism of PSA sensing by 1d-Fe-Gr. Molecular docking studies confirm the selective interaction of 1d-Fe-Gr with PSA over other cancer biomarkers., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Kamalika Sen reports financial support was provided by University of Calcutta University College of Science Technology and Agriculture. Shalmali Basu reports financial support was provided by University Grants Commission Department of Atomic Energy Consortium for Scientific Research. Kamalika Sen reports a relationship with University of Calcutta University College of Science Technology and Agriculture that includes: employment., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

In this work, the partitioning clustering of COVID-19 data using c-Means (cM) and Fuzy c-Means (Fc-M) algorithms is carried out. Based on the data available from January 2020 with respect to location, i.e., longitude and latitude of the globe, the confirmed daily cases, recoveries, and deaths are clustered. In the analysis, the maximum cluster size is treated as a variable and is varied from 5 to 50 in both algorithms to find out an optimum number. The performance and validity indices of the clusters formed are analyzed to assess the quality of clusters. The validity indices to understand all the COVID-19 clusters' quality are analysed based on the Zahid SC (Separation Compaction) index, Xie-Beni Index, Fukuyama-Sugeno Index, Validity function, PC (performance coefficient), and CE (entropy) indexes. The analysis results pointed out that five clusters were identified as a major centroid where the pandemic looks concentrated. Additionally, the observations revealed that mainly the pandemic is distributed easily at any global location, and there are several centroids of COVID-19, which primarily act as epicentres. However, the three main COVID-19 clusters identified are 1) cases with value <50,000, 2) cases with a value between 0.1 million to 2 million, and 3) cases above 2 million. These centroids are located in the US, Brazil, and India, where the rest of the small clusters of the pandemic look oriented. Furthermore, the Fc-M technique seems to provide a much better cluster than the c-M algorithm., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2021 The Author(s).)

Background: Identifying the immune cells involved in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease progression and the predictors of poor outcomes is important to manage patients adequately., Methods: This prospective observational cohort study enrolled 48 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in a tertiary hospital in Oman and 53 non-hospitalized patients with confirmed mild COVID-19., Results: Hospitalized patients were older (58 years vs 36 years, P < 0.001) and had more comorbid conditions such as diabetes (65% vs 21% P < 0.001). Hospitalized patients had significantly higher inflammatory markers (P < 0.001): C-reactive protein (114 vs 4 mg/l), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (33 vs 3.71 pg/ml), lactate dehydrogenase (417 vs 214 U/l), ferritin (760 vs 196 ng/ml), fibrinogen (6 vs 3 g/l), D-dimer (1.0 vs 0.3 μg/ml), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy score (2 vs 0), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (4 vs 1.1) (P < 0.001). On multivariate regression analysis, statistically significant independent early predictors of intensive care unit admission or death were higher levels of IL-6 (odds ratio 1.03, P = 0.03), frequency of large inflammatory monocytes (CD14+CD16+) (odds ratio 1.117, P = 0.010), and frequency of circulating naïve CD4+ T cells (CD27+CD28+CD45RA+CCR7+) (odds ratio 0.476, P = 0.03)., Conclusion: IL-6, the frequency of large inflammatory monocytes, and the frequency of circulating naïve CD4 T cells can be used as independent immunological predictors of poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients to prioritize critical care and resources., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no financial interests or personal relationships that might influence the work presented in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Reproductive attributes, expression of TRAP6 and TGF-β mRNA in the mucosa of the utero-vaginal junction (UVJ) of oviduct, and liver function were evaluated in Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) breeders subjected to long-term oral administration of fish oil (FO) and/or calcitriol (CT). A total of forty-eight 1.5-year-old laying Chukar partridges and 16 age-matched males (female:male ratio of 3:1) were randomly allocated to four groups (4 replicates of 3 female birds and one male bird each). Breeder females in groups 1, 2, and 3 were orally administered daily with 0.2 mL (0.24 g)/500 g body weight FO, 0.2 mL solution containing 10 μg CT, or their combination (FO + CT) for 42 successive days, respectively. Pure crystalline calcitriol was dissolved in ethanol (30%) prior to administration. The control group (CON), received a similar volume of a 30% solution of ethanol only. Eggs were collected and incubated to evaluate the reproductive performance. Blood samples were taken on days 0, 21, and 42 of the trial for the quantification of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). On day 43, one bird per replicate was killed by cervical dislocation to assess the expression of TRAP6 and TGF-β genes in the UVJ mucosa. Administration of CT or FO + CT increased the egg production rate, fertility rate, and hatchability rate of the set eggs. Fertility duration and sperm penetration rate were higher in partridges receiving FO and (or) CT, but chick quality, and embryonic mortality were not affected by the treatment effect. Administration of CT or FO + CT decreased the serum ALT and AST levels. Administration of FO or CT was associated with a lower expression of TGF-β mRNA in the UVJ mucosa. Oral administration of FO resulted in a reduction in the expression of TRAP6 in the UVJ mucosa. However, the birds fed with CT or FO + CT recorded a higher mRNA expression for TRAP6. Although the reproductive performance and TRAP6 expression were higher following the feeding of FO or FO + CT, expression of TGF-β was decreased, suggesting plausibly that TGF-β may not have a determinant effect on the reproductive attributes in female Chukar partridges. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of TRAP6 and TGF-β on other reproductive criteria in partridges., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest There is no conflict of interest with regard to the data presented in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been hypothesized as a cause of declining sheep reproductive efficiency. Understanding the long-term effects of EDCs such as heavy metals on reproductive health requires investigation in 'real life' of sheep that are reared in industrial areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term exposure of Kermani rams to high levels of environmental heavy metals probably emitted from a copper smelter at KhatoonAbad in ShahreBabak, Kerman province. Testicular characteristics were determined in randomly-selected rams (3-4 years old) at 4 directions (south, north, east, and west) and 4 distances (10, 20, 30, and 40 km) from the smelter. Testicular trace element contents, size, serum testosterone, histological attributes and seminal characteristics, except semen volume, were affected by both the direction and the distance from the smelter (P < 0.05). Testicular contents of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni, and sperm abnormalities were higher at 10 km south from the smelter and lower at 40 km west. Other parameters were higher at 40 km west and lower at 10 km south. Interestingly, the testicular contents of Cu at 10 km south were lower and associated with higher sperm abnormalities in the rams reared closer to the smelter. The highest weight, length and circumference of the testis were found at 40 km west. The lowest concentration of testosterone was observed at 10 km south, being 92.6% lower than the highest values obtained at 40 km west. The diameter of seminiferous tubules and epithelial height at 10 km south were 8.9% and 27.5% lower than the highest values obtained at 40 km west. A positive correlation between Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni contents in the testis with sperm abnormalities, and a negative correlation between these elements with the other parameters were found. It was concluded that long-term exposure to heavy metals might have been a cause of decreased fertility in rams and probably other living species in this region., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare the prevalence of sexual behaviors and experiences between Asian high school students in the U.S. and students of other race/ethnicities., Study Design: We pooled the 2013, 2015 and 2017 rounds of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 42,854). Logistic regression was used to identify differences between racial/ethnic groups and by sex., Results: Compared to their peers, a smaller proportion of Asian students reported engaging in sexual behaviors or using contraception, including prescription methods, at last sex. Asian students also reported fewer experiences of forced sexual intercourse compared to their peers., Conclusions: These findings demonstrate distinct patterns in Asian students' sexual health behaviors compared to their peers. Future research should examine determinants of these differences., Implications: Filling a gap in the literature, these data can inform education and health practices that support the sexual and reproductive health needs of Asian and all adolescents in the country., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The objective was to evaluate the association between postpartum health disorders, reproductive responses and pregnancy status in lactating multiparous cyclic Holstein cows. Cows were retrospectively categorized as healthy (n = 70) or sick (n = 60) based on postpartum health records and serum metabolites. Sick cows were further categorized as having metabolic (MET; n = 35), infectious (INF; n = 15), or both diseases (MET/INF; n = 10). Blood samples were collected on d 7 and 14 after calving to determine serum concentrations non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), on d 0 (TAI), 8, 16, 18 and 20 after TAI to determine concentrations of progesterone (P4; d 0, 8, 16, 18 and 20) and prostaglandin F metabolite (PGFM; d 16, 18 and 20) and interferon-stimulated gene-15 (ISG15; d 16) relative mRNA expression. Cyclicity was determined by transrectal ultrasonography 30 d postpartum and cows were subjected to a GnRH-based TAI protocol (to classify cows bearing a visible CL as cyclic). Prediction of pregnancy status on d 16 after TAI was determined by ISG15 mRNA gene expression relative to β actin and following, pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography at 32 and 60 d after TAI. An interaction (P = 0.04) between occurrence of disease and pregnancy status was detected for the expression of ISG15 in blood, with healthy pregnant healthy cows having the greatest relative expression of ISG15. Postpartum health disorders were associated with reduced concentration (P < 0.05) of serum P4 post TAI. However, serum P4 concentrations at TAI were greater (P = 0.01) in sick cows (0.65 ± 0.09, 0.86 ± 0.13 and 0.75 ± 0.10 ng/mL for MET, INF and MET/INF cows, respectively) compared with that in healthy cows (0.24 ± 0.10 ng/mL). Serum concentrations of PGFM after TAI was reduced in healthy cows, regardless of pregnancy status. Pregnancy status on d 16 after TAI predicted by ISG15 mRNA expression and P/AI on d 32 and 60 after TAI based on ultrasonography, were negatively affected (P < 0.05) by occurrence of health disorders. Similarly, pregnancy loss from d 16 to 32 and d 16 to 60 after TAI was greater (P < 0.05) in sick cows compared to that in healthy cows. However, neither P/AI nor pregnancy loss were associated to the category of postpartum health disorder. Cows affected by postpartum health disorders had overall reduced P4 and greater PGFM serum concentrations after TAI, which were associated with reduced pregnancy success and enhanced pregnancy loss. Collectively, our findings support the hypothesis of a carryover effect of disease on reproductive responses, embryo survival and maintenance of pregnancy in lactating dairy cows independent of the category of postpartum health disorder., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of peppermint gel on the prevention of pressure injuries in patients with head trauma admitted to neurosurgical intensive care units., Design: This double blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial study was conducted on 150 patients with head trauma admitted to the ICU. Using sealed envelopes, patients were assigned randomly into two intervention (n = 75) and control (n = 75) groups., Setting: The study was conducted in the ICUs of a university hospital and a general hospital in Shiraz, Iran., Intervention: The intervention group received peppermint gel three times a day up to 14 days during the skin care as a layer on the skin areas exposed to the risk of pressure injuries. The control group used a placebo gel., Primary Outcomes: The expected outcome in this study was the incidence of pressure injuries stage I, which once daily was evaluated by pairs of observers with the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel., Results: The incidence rate of pressure injuries was 22.8% and 77% in the intervention and the control groups, respectively. The chi-square test result showed a significant deference between two groups (P < 0.001). Sacrum was the most common site for incidence of the pressure injuries., Conclusion: The findings showed that the peppermint gel has a positive effect in the prevention of pressure injuries in the patients with head trauma admitted to ICUs. So, the use of this gel is suggested as an easy and low-cost method for prevention of pressure injuries in the patients admitted to ICUs., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Accounting for comorbidity in predicting outcomes for patients is vital in clinical care, epidemiological research, and health service planning. The aim of this study was to review published literature to compare the performance of existing comorbidity indices and their use in injury populations., Methods: A thematic literature search for comorbidity indices and/or injury outcomes was conducted. Methods, results, and recommendations from selected articles were abstracted, documented, and compared; comparisons of results were made in terms of the indices' ability to predict outcomes, using the C-statistic, R 2 , and odds ratios., Results: Fifty-two articles relating to the derivation and/or validation of comorbidity measures were found. The most commonly used measures were the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the Elixhauser Comorbidity Measure (ECM). The ECM was found to outperform the CCI in terms of predictive ability, although the CCI was more widely used. Derivation of study-specific weights to the CCI added more predictive power to the index., Conclusions: Existing literature that compared the predictive abilities of the ECM and CCI favors the ECM. This literature review did not identify a measure specifically designed for general injury populations. Development of an injury-specific comorbidity measure will be timely and assist future research in injury epidemiology., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The role of oxidative stress in the control of female reproduction has not been fully elucidated in ruminants; however, it seems that antioxidants can make influence to the reproductive axis at different levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between antioxidant status and concentrations of trace minerals (chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn)) with postpartum luteal activity and fertility in Holstein dairy cows. The cows (n = 100, a parity range of 2-5, and a body condition score (BCS) of 3.0 ± 0.25, mean ± SEM) were assigned to the experiment at second week post calving. Ovarian follicular dynamics were monitored twice a week (from 3rd to 6th weeks post calving) by transrectal ultrasonography (US). Blood samples were collected twice weekly from the 3rd to the 6th weeks post calving at timed artificial insemination (TAI), and days 32 and 50 post AI to determine superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and trace mineral concentrations. There were associations between plasma concentrations of SOD, GPX, and TAC with postpartum luteal activity (PLA, P = 0.01) and ovulation (P = 0.03). Mean plasma SOD and GPX activities and TAC levels (U/mL) were greater in cows with normal luteal activity (NLA) than prolonged luteal phase (PLP) and anovulation (AO) cows, as well as in ovulated compared to AO cows (P = 0.03). Pregnant cows had greater levels of SOD, GPX, and TAC (U/mL) at TAI than non-pregnant cows (P = 0.01). Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations increased in pregnant compared to non-pregnant cows at TAI. In conclusion, antioxidant levels and Cu and Zn concentrations were associated with PLA and fertility., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The main objective of composite science is to fabricate new materials with desired properties such as high chemical, mechanical, and/or biological performances. In this research, new conductive nanocomposites of copper metal-organic frameworks (Cu-MOF) and polypyrrole (PPy) were fabricated with the aim of exploiting the electrical conductivity of polypyrrole and the porosity of MOFs in the final products. The prepared compounds (PPy/x%Cu-MOF, x = 20, 50, and 80) were investigated by FTIR, PXRD, SEM, TEM, DLS, BET, EDS mapping, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and zeta potential (ξ) measurements. Spherical morphology was confirmed by SEM and TEM analysis. The PPy/80%Cu-MOF nanocomposite showed the highest ξ potential (-40 mV), demonstrating the stability of dispersed particles. The CV results revealed that the nanocomposites have higher capacitance in comparison to the pure materials. In vitro degradation of the as-prepared compounds in simulated body fluid (SBF) was studied by EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and Tafel polarization tests. Furthermore, in vitro biocompatibility of the PPy/x%Cu-MOF composite was evaluated on a group of cells including 3T3 fibroblasts, MCF-7 breast cancer cells, J774.A1 macrophages and red blood cells (RBCs). Viability of 3T3 fibroblasts, MCF-7, and J774.A1 cells, by Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, was dependent on Cu-MOF percent and amount of composites. Hemolytic assay for RBCs exposed to different amounts of the PPy/x%Cu-MOF composites showed hematological toxicity less than 5% in most concentrations. In addition, to investigate pro-inflammatory activity, J774.A1 macrophages were exposed to non-toxic concentrations of the PPy/x%Cu-MOF and no significant change in the expression of two inflammatory genes COX-2 and iNOS was observed. Injection of the PPy/x%Cu-MOF (5 mg kg -1 ) into bloodstream of mice did not increase liver damage marker enzymes alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) level in serum 1 week post injection. Moreover, we observed slight but not significant increase in serum copper level in mice 1 week after injection. According to the results, the PPy/x%Cu-MOF nanocomposites exhibited a good in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility without inducing pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages and show promising potential for different biomedical applications such as biosensors and drug delivery. The release of curcumin from curcumin-loaded PPy/x%Cu-MOF nanocomposites was detectable in plasma of mice 4 days after administration., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A simple room temperature synthesis method of Ni, Cu and Zn sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) in aqueous medium is reported here. The NPs stabilized in aqueous medium by the citrate ions were characterized by UV-vis, ζ potentials, TEM and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The solid NPs could be isolated from the aqueous medium when allowed to stand for a prolonged time (~20h). The solids were also characterized by IR and powder X-ray analysis. The nanoparticles were further used for the development of facile optical sensing and detection of heavy metal ions at trace scale. Alterations in the absorption spectra of the generated NPs were indicative of their interactions with heavy metal ions. Raman spectral measurements further validate the detection technique. It is found that out of the three synthesized nanoparticles, nickel sulfide NP is a specific sensor for mercury ions whereas zinc sulfide and copper sulfide NPs act as sensors for Hg 2+ , Cd 2+ and Pb 2+ ., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Endocannabinoids are derived from phospholipids and reduce fertility by interfering with implantation. Identification of changes in the expression of genes of the endocannabinoid system as a result of dietary inclusion of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is critical to the advancement of our understanding of the nutritional regulation of uterine function. An experiment was conducted on transition cows to evaluate the expression of key endocannabinoid genes in bovine endometrium in response to dietary supplementation with CLA. A total of 16 cows were randomly assigned to two treatments: (1) control (75 g/day palm oil) and (2) CLA (75 g/day CLA) from 21 days prepartum to Day 42 postpartum. Cows underwent uterine biopsy on days 21 and 42 postpartum. The abundance of mRNA encoding endocannabinoid receptor (CNR2), N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPEPLD), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA), and monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) was measured by real-time PCR. Results reported that relative levels of mRNA encoding CNR2 and NAPEPLD were decreased (P < 0.05) compared with control cows between Days 21 and 42 postpartum. Relative levels of mRNA coding for NAAA and MGLL were not different (P > 0.05) in the same situation. Mean plasma progesterone concentrations were higher in CLA-fed cows compared with control cows at Day 42 postpartum (3.51 and 1.42 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). In conclusion, we suggest that the beneficial effects of a diet enriched with CLA are the result of a decrease in relative gene expression of the endocannabinoid receptor (CNR2) and enzymes that synthesize fatty acid amides (NAPEPLD) and of an increase in the expression of PTGS2 that in turn can oxidate endocannabinoids and consequently resulted in increased plasma progesterone concentrations during early lactation., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Calcium alginate (CA) hydrogels were tailored using phenolic compounds (PC) like, thymol, morin, catechin, hesperidin, during their preparation. The PC incorporated gels show modified surface features as indicated by scanning electron microscopic images (SEM). The rheological studies show that excepting the hesperidin incorporated gels all the other kinds including calcium alginate pristine have similar mechanical strength. The hesperidine incorporated CA gels had the maximum capacity to adsorb Hg. The Freundlich adsorption isotherms show higher values of adsorption capacity for all PC incorporated CA beads than the pristine CA (PCA). The hesperidin incorporated CA gels were found to show the best adsorption condition at neutral pH and an optimum contact time of 2.5h at 25°C. Considering the possibility of ingested Hg detoxification from human alimentary tract, the hesperidin and morin incorporated CA beads were further modified through incorporation of cod liver oil as the digestion time of fat in stomach is higher. In vitro uptake capacities of Hg in pepsin and pancreatin containing enzyme media were studied with hesperidin and morin incorporated beads and their corresponding fat incorporated beads also. In the pepsin medium, there was no uptake by hesperidin and fat-hesperidin incorporated beads, which is possibly due to the higher acidity of the medium. But in pancreatin medium Hg was taken up by both kinds of beads. Morin and morin-fat incorporated beads were efficient to uptake Hg from both the pepsin and pancreatin medium. The tailored CA beads may therefore serve as efficient scaffolds to rescue Hg ingested individuals., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A fast one step bio-synthesis for in situ preparation of silver nanoparticles is proposed. The method involves reduction of AgNO3 with an aqueous extract of peanut skin, which is a good source of polyphenols. The silver nanoparticles thus synthesized were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. Effect of low dose γ irradiation during the synthesis was studied and their physico-chemical properties were compared with those produced without irradiation. On the contrary to the diamagnetic behavior of bulk silver, the silver nanoparticles thus prepared show a significant ferromagnetic moment component. Variable time exposure to γ-irradiation results in an exponential decay of ferromagnetic component. A freshly prepared solution of silver nanoparticles shows selective spectral changes towards iodide ions at trace concentration (below 50 μM) among a series of 16 other competing anions. The prepared nanoparticles are therefore suitable for anion sensing application., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Probable involvement of avidin and avidin-related protein-2 (AVR2) in sperm viability in the sperm storage tubules of turkeys has been suggested. The high affinity of biotin to avidin and its analogs is also well documented. The present study aimed to determine the effect of oral biotin on reproductive performance and oviductal mRNA expression of avidin and AVR2 in 2 broiler hen lines with different fertility rates. Low-fertility (line B) and high-fertility (line D) hens (n=144) were randomly allotted to receive 0 (T0), 0.30 (T1), or 0.45 (T2) mg/L biotin in drinking water from 30 through 33 wk of age. The reproductive performance of the hens was evaluated using artificial insemination. At the end of the treatment period, 24 hens per line were killed to assay the expression of avidin and AVR2 in the uterovaginal junction. Supplementary biotin increased egg production from 73.5% for T0 to 87.8% for T2. Hens administered with biotin in line B, but not in line D, showed an increase (8.4%) in fertility rate. Hatchability, chick quality, and overall embryonic mortality were not different among the experimental groups. Real-time PCR data showed that both avidin (P=0.0013) and AVR2 (P<0.0001) expressions were influenced by a biotin×line interaction effect, where low-fertility line B hens receiving the high biotin level recorded respectively a 3.9 and 15.3% increase in avidin and AVR2 mRNA expression, although biotin did not affect these traits in line D hens. Control hens in line D had a dramatically higher AVR2 expression record (7.4-fold) compared with the control hens in line B. The correlation coefficients of fertility rate and avidin expression were 0.73 and 0.66 in lines B and D, respectively. However, the correlation of fertility and AVR2 (r=0.65) was significant for line D hens only. Overall, fertility rate and oviductal expression of avidin and AVR2 were dichotomously affected by oral biotin in low- and high-fertility line hens, where only low-fertility birds showed improvements in these attributes., (© 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.)

Feeding n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increases the endometrial percentages of linoleic and arachidonic acids (AA), enhances the synthesis of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), and improves uterine health. In contrary, the n-3 PUFA, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid may play pivotal roles by suppressing the synthesis of uterine PGF2α, a component being centrally involved in the control of the bovine estrous cycle and in early embryo survival. The objectives of the present study were to determine the effect of feeding a diet enriched in either α-linolenic acid (n-3) or linolenic acid (n-6) on the uterine expression of genes related to prostaglandin cascade and uterine release of PGF2α (measured as 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto PGF2α [PGFM]). From calving to 60 days in milk, cows (n = 24) were fed isonitrogenous, isocaloric, and isolipidic diets that differed in the ratio of n-3/n-6 PUFA. Treatments including palm oil ([PLM]; saturated FA, n = 8), soybean whole roast ([SOY]; n-6, n = 8), and linseed extruded ([LIN]; n-3, n = 8). At 30 days in milk, the ovulatory cycles of cows were synchronized using 2 injections of PGF2α with a 14-day interval. On day 15 postovulation, cows were injected with oxytocin and blood samples were collected to monitor the uterine release of PGF2α (measured as PGFM) and uterine endometrial biopsies were prepared to evaluate the expression of genes related to prostaglandin cascade (prostaglandin F synthase [PGFS], prostaglandin E synthase [PGES], prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 [PGHS-2]), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors [PPAR]). Results showed that uterine endometrial PPAR-δ genes were higher in cows fed LIN (3.17-fold) compared with cows fed PLM or SOY (P < 0.05). The messenger RNA (mRNA) level of PGES in the LIN group was threefold as high as those found in SOY and PLM diets (P < 0.05). The mean relative gene expression of PLA2 and PGFS was increased in animals fed the SOY diet (2.4- and 1.7-fold, respectively) compared with LIN and PLM diets (P < 0.05). The expression of mRNA for the PGHS-2, PPAR-α, and PPAR-γ was not influenced by the diet effect. Dietary inclusion of soy FAs was associated with an increase in the PGFM concentration, possibly through an increase in the expression of genes involved in prostaglandin cascade. The uterine concentration of PGFM, however, was decreased in cows fed diets containing n-3 FAs., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The 5' end or alpha-S1 casein promoter has a significant role in milk protein gene expression. The understanding of the translation process of alpha-S1 casein mutants will provide us an opportunity to make the best selection in livestock providing more proteins in milk. Blood samples were taken from three hundred of Naeinian goats and sheep, and DNA extraction was done using modified salting out method. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were carried out using a specific primer pairs for amplification a fragment of 1133 bp from part of 5'-UTR and exon 1 of alpha s1 casein gene. The AluI and HinfI restriction enzyme treatment of all samples provided the same homozygous AA genotype in both species. Subsequently, one sample of each species was selected and cloned, and the final sequences were analyzed by BioEdit, CLC genomic, Mega4 and DNASIS MAX software. Several polymorphisms are recognized between Naeinian goat and sheep that are presented on motif sites. In this research, the interested location, including exon I and a part of 5', was analyzed, and genetic element comparisons were done between Naeinian goat and sheep. The number and location of probable binding sites can have a crucial role as a result of antagonistic and synergistic effects on gene regulation activities.

Published data on the probable involvement of avidin and avidin-related protein-2 (AVR2) in sustaining sperm viability in sperm storage tubules in 38-wk-old turkeys, and the high affinity of avidin or its analogs to biotin suggest that supplementary biotin may increase oviductal avidin and AVR2 expression, thereby attenuating the adverse effect of aging on hen reproductive performance. Broiler breeder hens (n = 120) were randomly assigned to receive 0 (T0), 0.30 (T1), or 0.45 (T2) mg of biotin/L of drinking water from 30 to 33 (young) and 53 to 56 (old) wk of age, and artificially inseminated to determine their reproductive performance. At the end of each period of biotin administration, 8 hens from each treatment group were killed for RNA extraction from the uterovaginal junction. Egg production was lower in the old hens (44%) compared with the young ones (82%), and biotin supplementation increased egg production only in the latter. Administering supplementary biotin to young hens increased their oviductal expression of AVR2, which was much higher in the old hens (1.0 and 4.6 for young and old groups, respectively). Fertility rate was not different between young and old hens, and was increased (4.4%) at the higher level of biotin supplementation. Hatchability and hatchling quality were not affected by biotin supplementation. Embryonic mortality between 17 to 21 d of incubation was higher in young (5.2%) compared with old (1.4%) birds. Egg fertility rate showed a moderate correlation (P < 0.05) with avidin (r = 0.59) and AVR2 (r = 0.55) expression in the young-age group, and very low correlations in old-age group (0.04 and 0.17). Regardless of the hen's age, the correlation coefficient of hatchability with avidin or AVR2 expression was very low (-0.16 and 0.18). Overall, the effect of biotin supplementation on AVR2 expression, and the relationship between biotin administration and oviductal expression of avidin and AVR2 was dependent on the hen's age, being higher in the young hens., (© 2014 Poultry Science Association Inc.)

Exposure to high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid predisposes spermatozoa to lipid peroxidation, resulting in their decreased fertility. Ginger powder (GP), which is high in antioxidative compounds, was fed to aged breeder roosters to improve their reproductive performance. Seventy-five 52-wk-old Cobb 500 breeder roosters randomly received either 0 (GP0), 15 (GP15), or 30 (GP30) g of GP/kg of diet for 14 consecutive wk, during which time their seminal characteristics were evaluated every 2 wk. At the end of the trial, semen samples were tested for determination of sperm fatty acid (FA) concentration and seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, sperm penetration was assayed, and using 225 artificially inseminated hens, fertility and hatchability rates were determined. Dietary GP improved sperm forward motility, live sperm percentage, and sperm plasma membrane integrity. These were associated with a decrease in the percentage of abnormal sperm. The seminal TBA reactive species concentration was lower in birds belonging to the GP30 treatment in comparison with those in the GP15 and GP0 treatments. The feeding of GP resulted in overall decreases and increases in sperm saturated and unsaturated FA, respectively. The n-6:n-3 FA ratio of sperm was decreased in the GP30 group in comparison with controls. The highest levels of sperm C20:4(n-6) and C22:6(n-3) FA were recorded in the GP15 and GP30 treatments, respectively. A higher percentage of sperm C22:4(n-6) FA was found in GP-fed roosters. Seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity was considerably improved by the GP15 and GP30 treatments. Further, a higher number of perivitelline membrane sperm penetration holes was recorded for the GP30 treatment in comparison with the GP15 and GP0 treatments. Interestingly, although hatchability, chick quality, and embryonic mortality were not affected by dietary treatment, fertility rate was improved by the feeding of GP. In conclusion, dietary GP improved most of the seminal characteristics evaluated in aged roosters of this study, suggesting that it has potential for use in attenuating age-related subfertility in senescent male commercial broiler breeders.

A total of 120 dairy cows were assigned randomly to three diets to determine the effects of omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acid (FA) supplementation on uterine diseases, ovarian responses, and blood concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and PGFM in lactating Holstein dairy cows. Diets contained either protected palm oil (C), extruded linseed (L), or roasted whole soybeans (S), and they were fed from calving to Day 70 postpartum. Estrous cycles were synchronized and ovarian follicular development was monitored daily for an entire cycle. There were no differences among diets in the incidence of lameness, mastitis, or metritis, but the incidence of clinical endometritis was lower (P < 0.05) in cows fed S (0%) compared with cows fed C (28.2%) and L (20.5%). Uterine involution in cows fed S occurred 3.77 and 2.78 days earlier, respectively, than in those fed C and L. The PGFM response 60 minutes after an oxytocin challenge was highest for cows fed S and lowest for cows fed L. Mean plasma progesterone concentration on Day 15 of the synchronized cycle was higher in cows fed S (14.5 ng/mL) and L (15.0 ng/mL) than in those fed C (12.0 ng/mL). The ovulatory follicle on Day 21 of the estrous cycle (estrous = Day 0) was larger in cows fed S (16.1 ± 0.9 mm) and L (15.7 ± 0.7 mm) compared with cows fed C (13.2 ± 0.87 mm; P = 0.02) but there were no significant differences between cows fed diets S and L. The mean number of small and medium follicles and diameter of subordinate follicle were similar among diets. In conclusion, feeding a source of omega-6 FA can be a strategy to improve uterine health after calving, although a source of omega-3 FA such as L should be fed after uterine involution to decrease PGF2α secretion., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To estimate blood lead levels (BLLs) in the adult Victorian population and compare the distribution of BLLs with the current national reference level to better inform public health prevention and management of lead toxicity., Methods: Population-based cross-sectional health measurement survey of 50 randomly selected Census Collection Districts (CDs) throughout Victoria. The Victorian Health Monitor (VHM) was conducted over 12 months from May 2009 to April 2010. One eligible person (aged 18-75 years) from each household selected within each CD was randomly selected to participate. Persons with an intellectual disability and pregnant women were excluded from the sampling frame. BLLs were obtained from 3,622 of the 3,653 (99%) VHM participants., Results: The geometric mean and median BLLs from the adult sample were 0.070 μmol/L (95%CI, 0.068-0.073) and 0.05 μmol/L (range: 0.05 to 1.22 μmol/L), respectively. Elevated BLLs (≥0.483 μmol/L or ≥10 μg/dL) were identified in 19 participants (0.7%; 95%CI, 0.3-1.6). Additionally, 86 participants (1.8%; 95%CI, 1.3-2.4) were identified with BLLs between 0.242 and <0.483 μmol/L (5 to <10 μg/dL). The geometric mean BLL was significantly higher for males, compared with females (0.077 μmol/L vs 0.064 μmol/L; p<0.001). BLLs increased significantly with age for both sexes., Conclusions: The first population estimates of BLLs in Victorian adults indicate the average adult BLL to be well below the current national reference level. However, some groups of the population have BLLs at which adverse effects may occur. Implications : The results provide baseline estimates for future population health surveillance and comparison with studies of at-risk groups., (© 2013 The Authors. ANZJPH © 2013 Public Health Association of Australia.)

Based on the findings of a recent study suggesting a decreased cold-induced ascites incidence in broiler progeny from hyperthyroid (HYPER) breeder hens, and a controversy on the effects of hyperthyroidism on immunocompetence, the present study was conducted to determine the probable adverse effect of induced maternal hyperthyroidism on immune function in progeny chicks. Breeder hens (n = 88) were randomly allotted to the control or HYPER groups and received common or thyroxine (T4)-added (1 mg/L) water, respectively. The hens were artificially inseminated, and hatching eggs (n = 924) were incubated. Thereafter, the male hatchlings (n = 288) were reared for 42 d, and several cellular and humoral immune responses were evaluated at standard or low ambient temperature. Prevaccination antibody titers to Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and infectious bursal disease virus were higher in HYPER chicks during 1 wk of age, although not different in their dams. For primary response to SRBC administered at 7 d of age, HYPER chicks recorded higher total, IgM (d 14), and IgG (d 21) anti-SRBC antibody titers. Higher cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity response in HYPER chicks (d 10) was not observed at 35 d of age. Carbon clearance assay showed no difference, but in vitro lymphoproliferative response to concanavalin A was higher in 19-d-old HYPER chicks, independent of temperature treatment. An increase in lymphocyte percentage coincided with a decreased heterophil percentage and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (d 14) in the HYPER group. The weight of lymphoid organs in progeny was not influenced by the oral exposure of dams to extra T4. Independent of T4 treatment, cold exposure was generally associated with decreased immune functions at early stages. The data suggested that oral exposure of broiler breeder hens to 1 mg/L of T4 not only had no adverse effect on immune function, but also modulated early adaptive immune responses in progeny chicks for which the causal mechanisms remain to be unraveled.

A hypothesis was tested that the in ovo injection of biological buffers may reinforce the buffering capacity of albumen, thereby withstanding the increase in albumen pH during storage and improving hatchability and chick quality in long-term stored eggs. Hatching eggs (n = 2,420) were randomly assigned to 11 treatment groups (4 replicates of 55 eggs each) and injected (d 1) with distilled water, 25 or 50 mM HEPES (H25 and H50), Bicine (B25 and B50), Tris (T25 and T50), and Bis-Tris-propane (BTP25 and BTP50) solutions or were not injected (intact: control; or pricked with a needle: N). The eggs were then stored for 14 d during which the egg internal characteristics were evaluated at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 13 d of storage (n = 924 in total) and the remaining eggs (n = 1,496) were incubated. A decrease in albumen pH was found for H25, H50, B50, and BTP25 groups from 2 through 5 d postinjection. Eggs receiving H25, H50, and B50 recorded a higher albumen index (at 13 d of storage) and Haugh unit (between 8 and 13 d of storage) compared with the control. Interestingly, the hatchability of fertile eggs was influenced by the treatment effect (P = 0.0001) where the eggs receiving H25 (88.3%), H50 (88.9%), B50 (88.4%), and BTP25 (87.6%) recorded higher values than that of control (82.1%), associated with a decreased early embryonic mortality rate (P < 0.0001). In ovo injection of Tris buffer, however, profoundly decreased the hatchability (47.2 and 29.0% for T25 and T50, respectively) and percentage of first-grade chicks (67.5 and 63.6% for T25 and T50, respectively) compared with the control (90.1%). In conclusion, prestorage in ovo injection of H25, H50, B50, and BTP25 improved hatchability in long-term stored eggs in which a decreased albumen pH during the d 2 through 5 of storage period might be involved.

Objective: Investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and prevalence of overweight and/or obesity, by sex, using total annual household income as the indicator of SES and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended ranges of self-reported Body Mass Index (BMI) as the indicator of overweight and/or obesity., Methods: Total annual household income and BMI data were obtained from the Victorian Population Health Survey (VPHS), an annual computer-assisted telephone survey of the health and well-being of Victorian adults aged 18 years and older. Statistical analysis was conducted using ordinary least squares linear regression on the logarithms of age-standardised prevalence estimates of overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m(2)), obesity (≥ 30.0 kg/m(2)), and overweight and obesity combined (≥ 25.0 kg/m(2)), by income category and sex., Results: Typical SES gradients were observed in obese males and females, where the prevalence of obesity decreased with increasing income. No SES gradient was observed in overweight females, however, a reverse SES gradient was observed in overweight males, where the prevalence of overweight increased with increasing income. Combining the overweight and obesity categories into a single group eliminated the typical SES gradients observed in males and females for obesity, and resulted in a statistically significant reverse SES gradient in males., Conclusions: Combining the BMI categories of overweight and obesity into a single category masks important SES differences, while combining the data for males and females masks important sex differences. BMI categories of overweight and obesity should be analysed and reported independently, as should BMI data by sex., (© 2013 The Authors. ANZJPH © 2013 Public Health Association of Australia.)

A hypothesis was tested that providing the breeder hens with exogenous thyroxine (T(4)) would help their offspring to better survive the ascites-inducing condition during the growing period. In total, 132 broiler breeder hens were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: control (CON), hypothyroid [HYPO; 6-N-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)-treated], and hyperthyroid (HYPER; T(4)-treated). The hens were artificially inseminated, and the hatching eggs (n = 1,320) were incubated. No eggs in the HYPO group hatched. The 1-d-old male chicks (n = 288) from other groups were reared for 42 d under standard or low ambient temperature to induce ascites. Blood samples were drawn from the hens, embryos, and broilers for determination of T(4) and triiodothyronine (T(3)). The hematocrit was also determined in broilers. The PTU-treated hens had an increased BW along with lower plasma T(3) and T(4) concentrations. Plasma T(4) was higher in the HYPER hens compared with CON hens, but T(3) concentration was not different between these groups. The fertility rate was not affected by either hypo- or hyperthyroidism. The embryos in the HYPO group had lower plasma T(3) and T(4) concentrations at d 18 of embryonic development and internal pipping. Higher plasma T(4) was recorded in the HYPER birds at internal pipping, although plasma T(3) concentration was not affected at this stage. Maternal hyperthyroidism decreased the overall incidence of ascites in the cold-exposed chickens (10.0 vs. 33.4% for HYPER and CON groups, respectively). Although the effect of maternal PTU or T(4) treatment on plasma thyroid hormones and on the right ventricle-to-total ventricular weight ratio in the broilers was not significant, the cold-exposed healthy CON chicks showed higher hematocrit values, compared with the HYPER birds. It was concluded that maternal hyperthyroidism could decrease the incidence of cold-induced ascites in broiler chickens; however, probable causal mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

Temperatures continuously higher and lower than the standard incubation temperature by 3°C from embryonic d 16 until embryonic d 18.5 result in differential effects on embryonic development, the hatching process, and embryonic metabolism. Embryos in the high-temperature group were forced into a state of malnutrition by the temperature treatment, as reflected by reduced embryo growth and yolk consumption, resulting in a significantly lower chick weight at hatch. In addition, altered air cell and blood gases as well as a retarded hatching process further indicated reduced growth of embryos exposed to higher incubation temperatures during the latter part of incubation. In addition, hatchability was significantly reduced by the high-temperature treatment due to higher embryonic mortality during the treatment period and the hatching process. Levels of blood glucose, lactate, liver glycogen, plasma triglycerides, and nonesterified fatty acids indicated an altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism for the high-temperature group. Although the hatching process of embryos exposed to lower incubation temperatures was also significantly retarded, their embryonic development and growth were strikingly similar to those of the control group.

Objective: To describe trends in avoidable mortality (AM) in Victoria by sex, degree of socio-economic disadvantage and remoteness., Methods: The analysis is based on mortality and population data for 1979-2001 supplied by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for Victoria. Total and disease-specific AM rates were age standardised using the direct method. For the period between 1997 and 2001, comparisons of total AM rates by sex were made between metropolitan and rural local government areas (LGAs), and between LGAs grouped into quintiles based on socio-economic disadvantage and categories of remoteness., Results: Total AM rates declined significantly (p < 0.05) in both males and females between 1979 and 2001, but were significantly higher in males compared with females. Total AM rates were significantly higher in rural compared with metropolitan LGAs, from 1997 to 2001 in males and in 1998 in females. Total AM rates in the least disadvantaged quintile were significantly lower than those in the most disadvantaged quintile over the entire five-year period in males and in three years in females. Total AM rates were highest in remote LGAs and lowest in highly accessible LGAs. There were significant declines in ischaemic heart disease, stroke and road traffic accident AM rates among males. In females, IHD, stroke, breast and colon cancer AM rates declined significantly., Conclusions and Implications: Despite large declines in AM in Victoria, there are significant differences in rates between the sexes and in the population based on socio-economic status or remoteness. These results provide opportunities for policy makers to prioritise public health and health services interventions, targeting population groups and specific disease conditions to reduce health inequalities.

Objective: The computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) method has grown rapidly in recent years as an epidemiological tool for obtaining data on health issues. However, it is still argued that coverage, methods and lower response rates from CATI surveys compared with face-to-face interviewing may have an impact on the validity of the health estimates obtained. This paper compares demographic and health estimates from the Victorian Population Health Survey (VPHS) 2001, using CATI, with the National Health Survey (NHS) 2001 that is based on face-to-face interviews., Methods: The profiles of the VPHS (2001) and NHS (2001) respondents were compared, specifically demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, country of birth, and employment status) and health-related estimates such as self-reported health status, prevalence of diabetes and asthma, smoking status, daily intake of fruit, categories of psychological distress and private health insurance status., Results: In both surveys, the demographic characteristics and health-related estimates of the adult population were remarkably similar as shown by the similarity of weighted estimates and overlapping confidence intervals., Conclusions: The degree to which derived estimates correspond in the two independent surveys lends support to the reliability of the CATI method used for collection of routine population health related data.

A sample of 7-month-old African-American infants, exposed to maternal blood lead levels less than 5 microg/dL, were assessed with the Fagan test of Infant Intelligence. The results indicate significant effects on memory and cognitive functioning. Specifically, infants who scored in the upper 5th to 15th percentile of novelty preference scores had lower lead values than those scoring in the lower 5th or 15th percentile. Of note, is the finding that no infant who scored in the upper percentile range was ever classified as having high maternal blood lead levels. These results are in accord with previous studies that report relationships between low-level lead exposure and nonoptimal infant development.