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Background: Cardiovascular diseases pose a risk to population health in South Africa and are responsible for almost one in six deaths (17.3%). Aim: To determine the cardiovascular risk among community members who attended a community outreach programme. Setting: Three communities in the Cape Metropole of the Western Cape. Methods: A health survey was conducted with 783 participants, 18 years and older, conveniently sampled. The survey included questions about cardiovascular risk factors, and biometric measurements of blood pressure (BP), height and weight were conducted. Results: A total of 777 participants were included in the study. Most participants were female (529, 68.1%), with an average age of 42.3 years (s.d. 14.2). Risk behaviours reported included smoking (216, 27.8%), consuming more than two drinks of alcohol daily (78, 10%), low physical activity (384, 49.4%), being stressed on most days (436, 56.1%) and unhealthy eating habits (253, 32.6%). More than half of the participants (402, 51.7%) had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30, 26.0% (202) had a systolic BP of ≥ 140 mm Hg and 22.4% (174) had a diastolic BP of ≥ 90 mm Hg; 16.6% (130) had a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of 10–20 and 19.3% (150) had a CVD risk of 20%. Conclusion: Nearly a fifth of the participants had a significant probability of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke over the next 10 years. Contribution: There is an urgent need for comprehensive health promotion and behaviour change interventions focused on reducing CVD risk factors at the community level.

Pregnant women are one of the vulnerable groups. During pregnancy, there is an increase in the need for nutrients to meet the needs of the mother and fetus as well as preparation for labor. It is very important to pay attention to the recommended weight gain during pregnancy to prevent the occurrence of low birth weight. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between energy, carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake on weight gain of pregnant women in the city of Bengkulu. The design of this study was a cross-sectional study with a total sample of 47 pregnant women who had received an education of the first thousand days of life when registering to become a prospective bride at the Religious Affairs Office. As many as 53.2% of mothers had good weight gain and had a relationship between energy intake (p-value 0,032), carbohydrate intake (p-value 0,024), protein intake (p-value 0,039), and fat intake (p-value 0,023). Energy and macronutrients have a relationship with the weight gain of pregnant women in the group of preconception couples who have received education about the first 1000 days of life. It is hoped that pregnant women will be able to control their weight during pregnancy and apply the knowledge that has been obtained through education while preconception age.

Background: Microbial L-asparaginase (L-ASNase, EC 3.5.1.1) is a pivotal biopharmaceutical drug-protein that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the non-essential amino acid L-asparagine (L-Asn) into L-aspartic acid (L-Asp) and ammonia , resulting in deplenishing the cellular L-Asn pool, which leads to the ultimate death of the L-asparagine synthetase (L-ASNS) deficient cancerous cells., Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of conjugating low molecular weight polyethylene glycol to recombinant P. aeruginosa L-ASNase by examining the pharmacokinetic properties, affinity towards the substrate, and enzyme stability prior to and following the reaction., Methods: The recombinant P. aeruginosa L-ASNase was affinity purified and then PEGylated by attaching polyethylene glycol (MW= 330 Da) site-specifically to the protein's N-terminus end. After which, the PEGylated L-ASNase was examined by SDS-PAGE (15%), FTIR, and UV/Vis spectrophotometry and subsequently biochemically characterized., Results: The Km and Vmax values of free P. aeruginosa rL-ASNase were determined to be 0.318 ±1.76 mM and 2915 μmol min-1and following the PEGylation, they were found to be 0.396 ±1.736 mM and 3193 μmol min-1, respectively. Polyethylene glycol (330 Da) has markedly enhanced LASNase thermostability at 37, 45, 50, and 55 °C, as opposed to the free enzyme, which retained 19.5% after 1 h of incubation at 37 °C. The PEGylated L-ASNase was found to be stable upon incubation with human serum for 28 h, in contrast to the sharp decline in the residual bioactivity of the free rL-ASNase after 4 h incubation. Accordingly, an in vivo study was used for validation, and it demonstrated that PEGylated rL-ASNase exhibited longer bioactivity for 24 h, while the free form's activity vanished entirely from the rats' blood sera after 8 h. Molecular dynamics simulation indicated that PEG (330 Da) has affected the hydrodynamic volume of L-ASNase and increased its structural stability. Docking analysis has explored the position of PEG with respect to binding sites and predicted a similar binding affinity to that of the free enzyme., Conclusion: For the first time, recombinant L-ASNase was modified by covalently attaching PEG (330 Da). The resultant novel proposed PEGylated rL-ASNase with remarkably increased stability and prolonged in vivo half-life duration, which could be considered an alternative to mitigate the high molecular weight of PEGylation's drawbacks., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background:  Cardiovascular diseases pose a risk to population health in South Africa and are responsible for almost one in six deaths (17.3%)., Aim:  To determine the cardiovascular risk among community members who attended a community outreach programme., Setting:  Three communities in the Cape Metropole of the Western Cape., Methods:  A health survey was conducted with 783 participants, 18 years and older, conveniently sampled. The survey included questions about cardiovascular risk factors, and biometric measurements of blood pressure (BP), height and weight were conducted., Results:  A total of 777 participants were included in the study. Most participants were female (529, 68.1%), with an average age of 42.3 years (s.d. 14.2). Risk behaviours reported included smoking (216, 27.8%), consuming more than two drinks of alcohol daily (78, 10%), low physical activity (384, 49.4%), being stressed on most days (436, 56.1%) and unhealthy eating habits (253, 32.6%). More than half of the participants (402, 51.7%) had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30, 26.0% (202) had a systolic BP of ≥ 140 mm Hg and 22.4% (174) had a diastolic BP of ≥ 90 mm Hg; 16.6% (130) had a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of 10-20 and 19.3% (150) had a CVD risk of 20%., Conclusion:  Nearly a fifth of the participants had a significant probability of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke over the next 10 years.Contribution: There is an urgent need for comprehensive health promotion and behaviour change interventions focused on reducing CVD risk factors at the community level.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of weight-based tube voltage and iodine delivery rate (IDR) for coronary artery CT angiography (CCTA)., Methods: A total of 193 patients (mean age: 58 ± 12 years) with suspected coronary heart disease indicated for CCTA between May and October 2022 were prospectively enrolled. The subjects were divided into five groups according to body weight: < 60 kg, 60 - 69 kg, 70 - 79 kg, 80 - 89 kg, and ≥ 90 kg. The tube voltage and IDR settings of each group were as follows: 70 kVp/0.8 gI/s, 80 kVp/1.0 gI/s, 80 kVp/1.1 gI/s, 100 kVp/1.5 gI/s, and 100 kVp/1.5 gI/s, respectively. Objective image quality data included the CT value and standard deviation (noise) of the aortic root (AR), the proximal left anterior descending branch (LAD), and the distal right coronary artery (RCA), as well as the signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio of the LAD and RCA. Subjective image quality assessment was performed based on the 18-segment model. Contrast and radiation doses, as well as effective dose (ED), were recorded. All continuous variables were compared using either the one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test., Results: No significant differences were observed in all objective and subjective parameters of image quality between the groups (P > 0.05). However, significant differences in contrast and radiation doses were observed (P < 0.05). The contrast doses across the weight groups were 27 mL, 35 mL, 38 mL, 53 mL, and 53 mL, respectively, while the ED were 1.567 (1.30, 2.197) mSv, 1.53 (1.373, 1.78) mSv, 2.113 (1.963, 2.256) mSv, 4.22 (3.771, 4.483) mSv, and 4.786 (4.339, 5.536) mSv, respectively., Conclusion: Weight-based tube voltage and IDR yielded consistently high image quality, and allowed for further reduction in contrast and radiation exposure during CCTA for coronary artery diseases., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Objective: To discern the relationship of height and weight with body composition in healthy attendants of cancer patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Oct to Dec 2022. Methodology: A total of 226 healthy adults aged 19-47 years having similar daily physical activity levels were included. The body composition of study participants was evaluated using a bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) machine. The weight of all participants was recorded with the help of a weighing machine. The participants' height was measured using a Harp enden Stadiometer and recorded. Results: Our study showed that weight had a significant positive correlation with body fat mass (rs value=0.83), skeletal muscle mass (rs value=0.763), total body water (rs value=0.704), fat-free mass (rs value=0.75) and per cent body fat (rs value 0.716). On the other hand, height had a negative but non-significant association with fat mass (rs value= 0.025) and a negative significant association with per cent body fat (rs value=-0.16). Height had a positive and significant association with fat-free mass (rs value=0.553), total body water (rs value=0.501) and skeletal muscle mass (rs value=0.505). Conclusion: Weight, if used alone, is not a good indicator of obesity or emaciation, and height has a negative association with fat mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pushing/pulling activities are known as usual and high frequent tasks in industrial sectors, especially in developing countries. Nearly, half of all manual material handling tasks is comprised of push/pull exertions, so it is essential to determine the maximum value of push/pull force exertions by Iranian workers to design the workplace optimally. A total number of 31 volunteer students (19 males and 12 females) were participated in a one-handed maximum push/pull force measurement test in standing posture. The results were measured using the Isometric Push-Pull Dynamometer. Height and weight were also recorded through interviews. Data analysis showed that the pull/push forces of women were 72% and 52% of men, but the data variation for men was higher than women. Using linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficient, it was found that there were only two strong correlations between the push force of women with body mass index (R-Sq = 75.55%) and weight (R-Sq = 74.8%) and men’s pull strength was almost independent of individual characteristics. The results of maximum push/pull can be used for improvement in workstations and push/pull tools’ design in production and services industries, in which occupational health promotion will be achieved.

Bacterial arthritis in sheep is a painful and debilitating condition that is widespread across all sheep-raising regions and climatic zones of Australia. At slaughter, bacterial arthritis in sheep causes economic losses through the condemnation of all or parts of the carcass, as specified in the Australian Standard for the Hygienic Production and Transportation of Meat and Meat Products for Human Consumption. In this study, we investigated the economic cost of arthritis in lambs presenting to an abattoir in southern Australia using a combination of the prevalence of arthritis detected during meat inspection, condemnation rates, trim weight and carcass weight, and fat measurements. Data were collected on 354 lines of lambs representing 63 287 carcasses. One hundred and sixty nine consignments, or approximately one-half of the consignments, had at least one carcass with arthritis/polyarthritis detected by meat inspection personnel. Four hundred and twenty-two, or 0.7%, of the carcasses had arthritis/polyarthritis in at least one joint. When arthritis was present, on average 2.0% of the line was affected. Three carcasses with arthritis were condemned and the remainder trimmed, with an average trim weight of 0.7 kg. In addition, arthritis reduced the growth of lambs by 1.2 kg hot standard carcass weight, approximately 2.7 kg liveweight (assuming 45% dressing percentage) and reduced fat cover by 1.8 mm. Bacterial arthritis in sheep is a painful and debilitating condition that is widespread across all sheep-raising regions and climatic zones of Australia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the economic cost of arthritis in lambs presenting to an abattoir in southern Australia using a combination of the prevalence of arthritis detected during meat inspection, condemnation rates, trim weight and carcass weight, and GR fat measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth of 1368 Brahman cross heifers from 6 year cohorts was monitored over the 2 years post-weaning in Australia's northern forest, a low-animal-growth dry tropical environment. Heifers weighing 47–266 kg at weaning were managed in groups weighing <100 kg, 100–149 kg, 150–199 kg, and >199 kg during the post-weaning dry season. Weaner heifers were allocated to receive 300 g/day of a protein meal during the dry season or to basic nutritional management to sustain health. Heifers in three cohorts were allocated to first mating at 1 or 2 years of age, in four cohorts to vaccination against androstenedione, and in a small proportion of two cohorts to ovariectomy post-weaning. Growth was highly variable between seasons and years; average cohort liveweight by the start of 2-year-old mating was 256–319 kg. Heifer groups not receiving protein supplementation gained –16 to 21 kg (2 kg average) during 6-month dry seasons, and 49–131 kg (101 kg average) during wet seasons to reach an average of two-thirds of mature liveweight (445 kg) and 95% of mature hip height (1350 mm) by the start of mating at 2 years. Average body condition score (1–5) fluctuated by 1–2 units between seasons. Hip height gain continued, irrespective of season, commencing at ~0.60 mm/day at 6 months of age, and decelerating by ~0.00075 mm/day through to 2.5 years of age. Standard errors of predicted means across analyses were ~0.015 for average daily weight gains, 0.4 mm for average monthly height gain and 0.06 score units for average seasonal body condition score change. Post-weaning dry-season supplementation increased gains in liveweight, height and body condition score by an average of 0.1 kg/day, 0.1 mm/day and 0.5 units, respectively, during the supplementation period. Periods of poor nutrition or high nutritional demand secondary to reproduction suppressed daily gains in liveweight and hip height, at which times body condition score was also reduced. Subsequent to this, partial to full compensation occurred for all measures. Ovariectomy had negative effects on growth. Androstenedione vaccination had no effect on growth. The main conclusion is that heifer growth in Australia's dry tropical northern forest region is highly variable between seasons and years, thus limiting significant proportions of some cohorts from reaching target weights for mating at 2 years of age, even after compensatory growth. Beef heifer management to first mating affects growth in low-nutrition environments in the dry tropics. A study using 1368 heifers in six cohorts described highly variable annual growth, with compensatory gains in body condition, liveweight and hip height following low dry-season growth. This variability resulted in up to 67% and 25% of heifers weighing 100–150 kg and >150 kg at weaning, respectively, not reaching target weights by the end of first mating, with no significant benefit from low-level post-weaning dry-season supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have an increased risk of obesity and short stature. To the authors' knowledge, data regarding patients treated on contemporary protocols without cranial irradiation are limited.Methods: Changes in z scores for body mass index (BMI), height, and weight from the time of diagnosis to 5 years off therapy were evaluated using multivariable analysis in 372 children with ALL who were aged 2 to 18 years at the time of diagnosis and were enrolled on the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Total XV protocol from 2000 through 2007.Results: The percentage of overweight/obese patients increased from 25.5% at the time of diagnosis to approximately 50% during the off-therapy period. Median BMI z scores increased significantly during glucocorticoid therapy (induction: ∆0.56; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.29-0.64 [P<.001]; and reinduction II: ∆0.22; 95% CI, 0.13-0.49 [P=.001]) and during the first year after therapy (∆0.18; 95% CI, 0.08-0.46 [P=.006]). Among patients who were of healthy weight/underweight at the time of diagnosis, those aged 2 to <10 years at diagnosis had a significantly higher risk of becoming overweight/obese during or after therapy compared with those aged ≥10 years (P=.001). Height z scores declined during treatment and improved after therapy. Being aged 2 to <10 years at the time of diagnosis, being of low-risk status, having a white blood cell count < 50×109 /L at the time of diagnosis, and having negative central nervous system disease were associated with significantly better improvements in z scores for height during the off-therapy period compared with being aged ≥10 years, being of standard-risk/high-risk status, having a white blood cell count  ≥ 50×109 /L, and having positive central nervous system disease, respectively.Conclusions: The results of the current study demonstrate that obesity is prevalent, and height growth, especially in patients with identified risk factors, appears compromised. Multidisciplinary intervention should begin during induction therapy and continue during the off-therapy period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the influence of genetic group, pregnancy and animal age on the carcass traits and commercial cut patterns of sheep carcasses. In the first experiment, the effect of pregnancy and genetic group were evaluated on 61 eleven month old Santa Inês ewes and their crosses with Texel, Dorper and Ile de France. Experiment 2 was carried out with 132 Santa Inês nulliparous or lambed ewes slaughtered with ages ranging from 6 to 48 months to evaluate the influence of age on carcass traits. For both experiments, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, carcass yield, cold carcass yield and carcass length were measured, as well as the yields and percentages of shoulder, neck, loin, belly, ribs, leg and leg length and perimeter. In experiment 1, the Santa Inês breed presented similar carcass and cut traits compared to the others genetic groups evaluated, except for fasting body weight. Lambed animals had lower body condition score than nulliparous females. In experiment 2, fasting body weight, loin, rib and leg weights, as well as the leg perimeter, presented a quadratic effect with increasing age. Ideal slaughter age is before 16 months to obtain more expensive cuts.

Purebred and crossbred calves (n = 3,871) were selected that were born in the sub-region of the Pantanal of Aquidauana (Brazil), derived from Nellore, Brangus, Wagyu, and ½ Brangus + ½ Nellore cows, which were artificially inseminated by bulls of the Aberdeen Angus, Red Angus, Brangus, Nellore, and Wagyubreeds. Parameters such as weaning weight, daily gain from birth to weaning, and the number of days to gain 160 kg, were assessed inthese calves and phenotypic correlations between the traits were evaluated. Data were analyzed using two statistical models. The first model included sire breed effects, the genetic group of the cow, sex, year of birth (AN), birth season (EN), and the interaction AN * EN. The second model included the genetic group of the calf, sex, AN, EN, and the interaction AN * EN. The genetic group of the cow and calf and the interaction AN * EN did not significantly affect body weight (p < 0.05). The average weaning weights of progeny were as follows: Aberdeen Angus bulls, 177.70 ± 3.28 kg; Red Angus, 180.31 ± 3.46 kg; Brangus, 181.48 ± 3.15 kg; Nellore, 175.43 ± 3.60 kg; and Wagyu, 173.16 ± 2.96 kg.

Based on analyzing the limitations and shortcomings of the traditional method of empowerment, the PCA-LINMAP coupling model which uses to determine the weight of influence factors of surface deformation is established by principal component analysis and linear programming. This method completely considers the difference and the merits order of the samples, and overcomes the one-sidedness of the traditional method of empowerment in determining weight of index. The index system can reflect the object to being evaluated comprehensively and objectively, at the same time, provide an ideal way for improving the scientific of evaluation. Examples show that the method is scientific and reasonable; it also has extensive application value.

The temperament of cattle is believed to affect the profitability of the herd through impacting production costs, meat quality, reproduction, maternal behaviour and the welfare of the animals and their handlers. As part of the national beef cattle genetic evaluation in Australia byBREEDPLAN, 50 935 Angus and 50 930 Limousin calves were scored by seedstock producers for temperament using docility score. Docility score is a subjective score of the animal's response to being restrained and isolated within a crush, at weaning, and is scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 representing the quiet and 5 the extremely nervous or anxious calves. Genetic parameters for docility score were estimated using a threshold animal model with four thresholds (five categories) from a Bayesian analysis carried out using Gibbs sampling in THRGIBBS1F90 with post-Gibbs analysis in POSTGIBBSF90. The heritability of docility score on the observed scale was 0.21 and 0.39 in Angus and Limousin, respectively. Since the release of the docility breeding value to the Australian Limousin population there has been a favourable trend within the national herd towards more docile cattle. Weak but favourable genetic correlations between docility score and the production traits indicates that docility score is largely independent of these traits and that selection to improve temperament can occur without having an adverse effect on growth, fat, muscle and reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localization algorithm is an important and challenging topic in today’s wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In order to improve the localization accuracy, a weighted centroid localization algorithm based on least square to predict the location of any sensor in WSNs is proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm proposes a Least-Square-based weight model which can reasonably weigh the proportion of each anchor node in the unknown node. In the weight model, we utilize least square method to compute the weight. Then, we increase the weight of anchor nodes closer to the unknown node, introduce the parameter k into the proposed likelihood model, and we determine the optimal value of the parameter k through our real experiments. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed weighted centroid algorithm is better than Weighted Centroid Localization (WCL) and Anchor-optimized Modified Weighted Centroid Localization based on RSSI (AMWCL-RSSI) in terms of the localization accuracy.

Objective: To determine the growth characteristics in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia visiting tertiary care hospital Karachi. Study Design: Cross-Sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Paediatrics Department, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi Pakistan, from Nov 2018 to May 2019. Methodology: All patients who visited the OPD were included in the study. Growth characteristics like underweight, normal BMI, overweight, obese and short stature were recorded. This information, along with the age of diagnosis, family history of CAH, parental consanguinity, family history of CAH or any abortion or prenatal death, were noted. Results: The mean age of the patients was 7.40±2.34 years. Out of 69 congenital adrenal hyperplasia patients, 41(59.4%) were males, and 28(40.6%) were females. The short suture was noted in 53(76.8%) patients. 19(27.5%) were underweight, 6(8.7%) were normal weight, 10(14.5%) were overweight, and 34(49.3%) patients w ere obese. Conclusion: A significant effect of congenital adrenal hyperplasia was documented in the children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the clinical, parasitological and immunological effects of a Venezuelan strain of Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) throughout in experimentally inoculated rabbits over the course of infection and compared them with the same aspect in healthy animals. Body temperature was recorded in degrees Celsius, animal weight in kilograms, serum proteins in g/dl using a refractometer, haematocrit percentage by capillary centrifugation and the anti-T. evansi IgG titer by indirect ELISA immunoassay, from both infected animals and controls for 95 days. Infected animals showed a higher body temperature, total serum protein and anti- T. evansi antibody titer, and a lower haematocrit and weight gain than controls. These differences were related to the presence of the parasites in the blood as detected micro-haematocrit centrifugation technique (MHCT) and direct microscopic examination (DME). This study confirms the usefulness of rabbits as a model for the study of trypanosomosis; the clinical features of the disease can be observed and the three characteristic stages, prepatent period, acute and chronic phase clearly defined over the course of the infection.

Background and aims: Infants are very sensitive group of society, so special attention is needed to take care of their physical and mental health. Some studies showed that massage therapy by parents can improve life quality for infants. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of massage with sunflower oil on infants' growth. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 120 infants who were 10-15 days old, full-term, single, exclusively breastfed infants and with no history of hospitalization. The infants were assigned randomly into three groups of sunflower oil massage, only massage and control. Mothers administered 15 minutes of massage to their infants twice per day for 28 days. Data collection was recorded. Weight and height of infants were measured at baseline, and at the end of the first, second, third, and fourth weeks of the study. Data were analyzed using the repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The study showed that, the mean of weight and height in all groups had assembling trend in. All groups showed a significant assembling trend in weight and height (p>0.001). There was no significant difference in all groups at the end of second week (p>0.05). At the end of third and fourth week, sunflower oil massage group had significant difference with control group weight 4393.3± 714.8, 4114.9± 657.6 and height 52.96±1.14, 52.05± 1.15. The mean of weight and height had no significant difference in other groups. Conclusion: Infant massage with sunflower oil could be used as an easy, effective way to enhance infants’ growth

Impact assessment is a component of ecological policies assessment in Danube Delta andrepresents a preventive measure to make sure the some criteria are met based on which the designedecological policy is accepted or not, such as: economic efficiency, equity, stimulative feature, applicability.We will restrict our evaluation to assessing the impact of the due on fish resource capitalization.This option is also justified by the fact that in the Danube Delta the highest human pressure is exerted onfish resource. The due on fish resource is an instrument of ecological policy that influences the model offish resource management. The five forms of impact of due on fish resource are underlined: alimentarydiscomfort, reduction in workers income in collecting activity, lifestyle change, fish resource protection,increase in workers income in specific fields, such as research, investments. Weighting coefficients ofparameters for each of five forms of impact are calculated with Delphi method.

ABSTRACT Objective. Quantifying phenotypic malformations and make a curve control and development of the breed Poodle puppies in the city of Medellin. Materials and methods. We analyzed 60 individuals, 30 females and 30 males were measured and weighed from 2 to 12 months of age with these data, build a table and a control growth curve and after about 12 months of age there were the Phenotypic malformations, which are considered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Cynological International (FCI). Results. Of the specimens analyzed, 10% had bone spurs, cryptorchidism 20%, 5% had polidoncia a year old, with teeth retained teeth more often. Conclusions. In an effort to find examples of smaller faults have been committed at the time of mating, resulting in increased phenotypic malformations found in the study, this work also provide veterinarians, another tool for assessing pediatric puppies Poodle race in the city of Medellin.

Beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua(Hübner)) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is the most economically important sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) pest worldwide. In this study, a comparison was made between two different diets: one was based on Merkx diet (Holidic diet) and the other was based on sugar beet leaf (Oligidic diet). Results showed that the whole development time from larvae to adult between two diets (Merkx and leaf) was not significantly different. For example, developmental time from first instar larvae to adult in Merkx diet was 11.33 days, whilst developmental time of larvae to adult when larvae fed with sugar beet leaf was 10.33 days. However, analysis of variance showed that in some cases like development time of the first instar, third instar and fifth instar larvae and pupae was significantly different between two treatments (p < 0.05). Larval weight showed differences when larvae fed on Merkx diet and sugar beet leaves. For example, significant differences were shown between first, third and fourth instar larvae weight when larvae fed on Merkx diet and sugar beet leaves (p < 0.05). However, significant differences were not observed between weight of second and fifth instar as well as pupae weight when larvae fed on Merkx diet and sugar beet leaves (p > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Low birth weight has been associated with increased risk of hypertension later in life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between birth weight and blood pressure (BP) in healthy 9- to 10-year-old Icelandic children. METHODS Each child underwent 4 seated BP measurements, and the BP percentile was calculated from the mean of the 4 measurements. Height and weight were measured and birth weight retrieved from the Icelandic Birth Registry. Birth measures and anthropometric data were correlated with BP and BP percentiles. Multivariable linear regression was employed to examine the association between BP and birth measures. RESULTS Of 857 children with complete data, 445 were female (51.9%). The mean BP was 112/64 mm Hg in males and 111/63mm Hg in females. The mean birth weight was 3714±620g. No correlation was found between birth weight and absolute BP values. A significant negative correlation between birth weight and both systolic (r = –0.09, P = 0.005) and diastolic (r = –0.08, P = 0.014) BP percentiles was observed. Gestational age did not correlate with BP. CONCLUSION In contrast to many previous studies, we found no association between birth weight and absolute BP in children. However, we observed a statistically significant negative correlation between birth weight and BP percentiles. The lack of standardized BP values may partly explain the conflicting results of previous studies in children, and we suggest that BP percentiles be examined more thoroughly in association with birth weight. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Tail-in-Mouth (TIM) behaviour has occasionally been observed among pigs living under semi-natural conditions. It is therefore considered to be a normal, low-frequency behaviour. Under certain conditions. TIM behaviour may increase in frequency and progress into tail biting per se. Several factors, such as age, gender, and size, are believed to enhance this development. This study aimed to elucidate the frequency of TIM behaviour among slaughter pigs, specifically in relation to age, gender, size, and group composition regarding gender. Similarly, we intended to characterize the motivational context in which TIM behaviour occurs. Two batches consisting of 24 pigs each, weighing between 40 and 50 kg, were allocated into 3 groups: 1) Eight female pigs: 2) Eight castrated male pigs; 3) Four female and four castrated male pigs (mixed-gender group). Observation was performed by video recording 4 h per day. 1 day per week, for four consecutive weeks. The pigs were weighed once a week during the experiment. The number of TIM events (counts) as well as the identity of the performer and the receiver of TIM behaviour was recorded. The results showed that the frequency of TIM behaviour in the male group was significantly lower than in the female and mixed-gender groups (P = 0.003). Size expressed as weight or growth rate did not influence the amount of TIM behaviour performed or received. TIM behaviour was positively related to social exploration and environmental exploration (P <0.001). Finally. TIM behaviour was most often performed while the pigs were standing still or lying down (P <0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Førli L, Halse J, Haug E, Bjørtuft Ø, Vatn M, Kofstad J, Boe J (Rikshospitalet; Clinic of Osteoporosis; Hormone Laboratory; Aker University Hospital; Oslo, Norway). Vitamin D deficiency, bone mineral density and weight in patients with advanced pulmonary disease. J Intern Med 2004; 256: 56–62. To study the influence of underweight, body composition and vitamin D deficiency on bone mineral density in patients with advanced pulmonary disease. Cross-sectional study with time span for inclusion set at 5 years. The clinical work and biochemical analyses were carried out at Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Norway. Analyses for vitamin D metabolites and bone markers were carried out at Aker University Hospital, and bone measurements at Clinic of Osteoporosis. Subjects. Seventy-one candidates for lung transplantation (63% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 42 underweight and 29 normal weight) were included. Body composition, bone mineral density at lumbar spine and femur neck, serum concentration of calcidiol and vitamin D intake. Subnormal calcidiol levels were present in 52% of the underweight patients and 69% of the normal-weight patients. The resulting models of linear regression showed that for the lumbar spine T scores model, the total variation of 16.7% was explained by group (underweight/normal weight), sex and age. For the femur neck T scores model, the total variation of 20.4% was explained by the interaction of underweight and vitamin D deficiency (with borderline significance) and by arm muscle circumference percentage of standard. In patients with normal calcidiol levels, the median intake of vitamin D was 17 μg in the underweight patients and 11 μg in the normal-weight patients. Vitamin D deficiency was common in both underweight and normal-weight patients, but only in the underweight patients, an association between vitamin D deficiency and reduced femur neck T scores was indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let F(t)= ?_0^ta(s) dsand ?(t)= ?_0^tb(s) ds, wherea(s)is a positive continuous function such that ?_0^1 \frac{a(s)}{s}ds<8and ?_1^{\8}\frac{a(s)}{s}ds= +\8, andb(s)is an increasing function such that \lim_{s\to\8}b(s)= +\8. Letwbe a weight function and suppose thatw?A1\n A8'. Then the following statements for the Hardy-Littlewood maximal functionMf(x)are equivalent:(I) there exist positive constantsC1 andC2 such that(II) there exist positive constantsC3 andC4 such that [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prevents postmenopausal bone loss and fractures. However, the occurrence of women with no bone response to HRT has not been widely examined. We identified the densitometric nonresponders to long-term HRT and investigated some characteristics and biochemical variables as possible predictors of densitometric nonresponse in postmenopausal women. The study population was a subsample of the Kuopio Osteoporosis Study (n= 14.220). A total of 464 early postmenopausal women were randomized into four treatment groups: (1) HRT (sequential combination of 2 mg estradiol valerate and 1 mg cyproterone acetate); (2) vitamin D3; (3) HRT + Vitamin D3 combined; and (4) placebo. In this study, the data from HRT and placebo groups were analyzed. Lumbar (L2–4) and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline and after 5 years of treatment. A densitometric nonresponder was defined as a woman whose 5-year BMD change was similar to the mean BMD change (+ 95% CI) of the placebo group or worse. Altogether, 74 women in the HRT group and 104 women in the placebo group complied with the treatment. According to spinal BMD analysis, 11% of the women were classified as densitometric nonresponders; the corresponding proportion for femoral BMD analysis was 26%. Both smoking (p= 0.003) and low body weight (p= 0.028) were significant risk factors for densitometric nonresponse to HRT. After 6 months of treatment the densitometric nonresponders (hip) had a significantly higher mean serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level (p= 0.038) and lower increases in serum estradiol levels (p= 0.006) than the densitometric responders. The mean changes in serum FSH and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly lower among the densitometric nonresponders (spine) than responders (p= 0.043 and 0.017, respectively). In conclusion, this prospective study shows that especially current smokers and women with low body weight are at increased risk of poor bone response to HRT. Repeated serum FSH, estradiol and alkaline phosphatase measurements during the first months of long-term HRT may be helpful in identifying the women with no bone response to HRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of the dental arches and height and weight at the ages of 3 yr and 6 yr were studied longitudinally in 60 children with isolated cleft palate (CP) and in 50 noncleft (NONC) children. Retrospective comparisons were also made in the CP group with arch size at the age of 0.2 yr and 1.8 yr. Anterior width at 0.2 yr of age was associated with canine width at the age of 3 yr (r = 0.70) and 6 yr (r = 0.60). Change in maxillary posterior width from 3 yr to 6 yr of age was related to the extension of the cleft, so that in the group with total cleft this dimension diminished. Measured in standard deviation scores (SDS), the means of maxillary width at canines and primary second molars in CP children varied from - 1.0 to -2.0 and mandibular dimensions from -0.6 to - 1.4. Discrepancy in arch depth diminished with age. Body size differed less from normal than the size of the dental arches. At 3 yr of age the height was -0.4 SDS in CP boys and -0.5 SDS in CP girls, but at 6 yr of age only -0.1 SDS in both boys and girls. Correlations between body size and the size of the dental arches were generally low (r<0.20) both in CP and NONC children. The small size of the dental arches in CP children does not seem to be merely a reflection of the overall smaller size of CP children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to determine the predictive ability of a single bone mineral density (BMD) measurement on a 25-year perspective. A group of 1076 women (age 20–78 years) had had their forearm BMD measured from 1970 to 1975. In those women that were still alive at the end of 1994 (n = 410), all fragility fractures (distal end of the radius, proximal end of the humerus, hip, and vertebra) that had occurred after the BMD measurement and that were roentgen verified were recorded, after a follow-up time of 20–25 years. Altogether, 213 fractures occurred in the cohort. In the age group ≥40–70 (at time of BMD measurement) the relative risk (RR) associated with a 1 SD decrease of forearm BMD was 1.66 (CI 1.13–2.46) for a hip fracture (n = 43), 1.79 (CI 1.22–2.62) for a vertebral fracture (n = 63), and 1.33 (CI 1.20–1.73) for all fractures. In the age group 30–50, a fracture of the distal end of the radius after 20 years could be predicted; RR 1.90 (CI 1.02–3.55). These are slightly lower predictive values compared with previous studies of the same population with follow-up times of 11 and 13 years, especially with regard to hip fractures. However, the present study demonstrates that a single BMD measurement at the forearm has a predictive ability for fragility fractures—including hip fractures—on a 25-year perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity management is a critical global issue. It is essential to evaluate visceral adiposity which is associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease., Aim: This study aims at precisely evaluating the necessity of visceral adipose tissue in obesity management., Methods: We assessed the validity of visceral fat area (VFA) measurement using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with computed tomography (CT) as a reference in obese subjects. Although VFABIA exhibited significant correlation with VFACT, the difference between VFACT and VFABIA increased with an advancing degree of obesity., Result and Conclusion: The BIA device seemingly underestimated VFA in obese subjects compared with the normal-weight subjects., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: Musculoskeletal Injury (MSKI), a common problem in both military and physically active civilian populations, has been suggested to result from both extrinsic and intrinsic factors., Objective: To investigate prospectively whether gait biomechanics, aerobic fitness levels and smoking status as well as entry military selection test variables can be used to predict MSKI development during recruit training., Methods: British infantry male recruits (n = 562) were selected for the study. Plantar pressure variables, smoking habit, aerobic fitness as measured by a 1.5 mile run time and initial military selection test (combination of fitness, Trainability score) were collected prior to commencement of infantry recruit training. Injury data were collected during the 26 week training period., Results: Incidence rate of MSKI over a 26 week training period was 41.28% (95 % CI: 37.28 - 45.40%). The injured group had a higher medial plantar pressure (p < 0.03), shorter time to peak heel rotation (p < 0.02), current smoking status (p < 0.001) and a slower 1.5 mile run time (p < 0.03). In contrast, there were no significant differences (p > 0.23) in lateral heel pressure, age, weight, height, BMI and military selection test. A logistic regression model predicted MSKI significantly (p= 0.03) with an accuracy of 34.50% of all MSK injury and 76.70% of the non-injured group with an overall accuracy of 69.50%., Conclusion: The logistic regression model combining the three risk factors was capable of predicting 34.5% of all MSKI. A specific biomechanical profile, slow 1.5 mile run time and current smoking status were identified as predictors of subsequent MSKI development. The proposed model could include evaluation of other potential risk factors and if validated then further enhance the specificity, sensitivity and applicability., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.)

Background and Objective: Eating Disorder (ED) is characterized by persistently and severely disturbed eating behaviours. They arise from a combination of long-standing behavioural, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors and result in insufficient nutrient ingestion and/or adsorption. The three main EDs are: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. We review the role of peripheral endocannabinoids in eating behaviour., Discussion: The neuronal pathways involved in feeding behaviours are closely related to catecholaminergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic systems. Accordingly, feeding is promoted by serotonin, dopamine, and prostaglandin and inhibited by neuropeptide Y, norepinephrine, GABA, and opioid peptides. The endocannabinoid system plays a role in EDs, and multiple lines of evidence indicate that the cannabinoid signalling system is a key modulatory factor of the activity in the brain areas involved in EDs as well as in reward processes., Conclusion: Besides their central role in controlling food behaviours, peripheral cannabinoids are also involved in regulating adipose tissue and insulin signalling as well as cell metabolism in peripheral tissues such as liver, pancreas, fatty tissue, and skeletal muscle. Altogether, these data indicate that peripheral cannabinoids can provide new therapeutic targets not only for EDs but also for metabolic disease., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.)

Background: Currently, there is an epidemic expansion of obesity rates worldwide. The increasing number of obese individuals associated with the aging of population leads to increasing number of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at the same rate. The traditional factors that link obesity to T2DM are related to genetics, hypercaloric diet, sedentary lifestyle, and stress. Individuals from lower Socioeconomic Status (SES) have restricted autonomy and opportunities that could lead to more stress and consequently increase in stress hormones, such as cortisol, catecholamines, glucagon, and growth hormone, which might ultimately change fat deposition, increasing visceral fat and increasing the risk of T2DM development., Methods: We conducted a review of the literature on the effects of low SES and the risk of developing T2DM in obese persons., Results: 191 studies were found. The obesity of lower SES individuals is more central than that for individuals from higher socioeconomic position. It is also proposed that the quality of food seems to be lower, with more intake of fat and simple carbohydrates and less of fruits, vegetables and whole wheat bread, in the more disadvantaged social classes. The lower income neighborhoods, without exercise facilities and unsafety are also associated with higher indices of physical inactivity. Cross sectional and prospective studies confirm the relationship between lower socioeconomic status and obesity and diabetes. The lower SES is associated to metabolic implications that are linked to insulin resistance and possibly may also interfere with the ability of beta cell to secrete insulin and change the gut microbiota, increasing even more the future risk of developing diabetes., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.)