Relationships between internal morphology and body mass in the developing, nursling collared peccary, Tayassu tajacu (Tayassuidae)

Morphological characteristics that reflect size differences due to dietary conditions are in wide use to assess nutritional status of many wild ungulates. This study was designed to provide baseline information on the development of internal visceral and endocrine structures of nursling collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) from birth to six weeks of age (weaning). A high energy-high protein ration was fed ad libitum to lactating females, and absolute and relative mass of selected visceral organ, endocrine, and fat depots were measured in various aged nurslings. Linear measurements were also obtained on components of the gastrointestinal tract. Allometric growth coefficients (b) varied considerably among the various organs and glands examined, ranging from below (brain, b = 0.26) to well above (thymus, b = 1.61) unity.     

High-resolution comparative chromosome painting in the Arizona collared peccary (Pecari tajacu, Tayassuidae): a comparison with the karyotype of pig and sheep

We used chromosome painting with chromosome-specific probes derived from domestic sheep and pig for a high-resolution cytogenetic comparison with the karyotype of collared peccary (Pecari tajacu sonoriensis). A reorganization of the karyotype involving at least 62–66 conserved segments were observed between the sheep and collared peccary. This is an extremely high number compared with other members of the same mammalian order (Cetartiodactyla). The comparison between pig and collared peccary, both belonging to the Suiformes, however, revealed various changes in the gross organization of both karyotypes that may have already occurred in a common ancestor of both species suggesting a monophyletic origin of Suidae/Tayassuidae. The sheep probes, however, also revealed several rearrangements between the two Suidae/Tayassuidae, indicating that these probes represent a useful tool for a more detailed analysis of the evolutionary history of Suiformes. Our sample of the collared peccary from North America (Arizona, USA) showed distinct differences to those already described from South America. The chromosome painting results defined a complex translocation that involves chromosomes including about one-quarter of the entire collared peccary karyotype. This considerable rearrangement indicates subspecies or even species status of both peccary populations, as it should present a significant barrier for their hybridization.     

The role played by sympatric collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), and feral pig (Sus scrofa) as maintenance hosts for Trypanosoma evansi and Trypanosoma cruzi in a sylvatic area of Brazil

The Brazilian Pantanal has been considered one of the richest and most diverse wetland ecosystems in the world. It is occupied by cattle ranching, and a variety of wildlife species share the same habitats with domestic livestock. We investigated infections of Trypanosoma evansi and Trypanosoma cruzi in the sympatric suiformes-collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), and feral pig (Sus scrofa) by parasitological, serological, and molecular tests. Additionally, we evaluated the health status of both positive and negative suiformes by hematological and biochemical parameters. The results show that peccaries and feral pigs play an important role on the maintenance of both T. evansi and T. cruzi in the Brazilian Pantanal. Health impairment was observed only in the white-lipped peccary infected with T. evansi. Despite presenting low T. evansi parasitemia, all infected white-lipped peccaries displayed low hematocrit values and marked leucopenia. The hematological values showed that the T. evansi infection is more severe in young white-lipped peccaries. The presented data show that feral pigs and peccaries are immersed in the transmission net of both trypanosome species, T. cruzi and T. evansi, in the Pantanal region.     

Quantitative morphology and environmental responses of the pineal gland in the collared lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus)

Collared lemmings from Churchill, Manitoba, and their descendants were studied in captivity to define neuroendocrine and related histophysiological characteristics and responses, particularly in relation to photic and temperature conditions. Relatively great pineal size (0.1755 ± 0.0167 mm³, or 3.08 ± 0.30 = pineal volume in mm³ × 10³/body weight in gm; N = 16) shown in this arctic rodent is consistent with the suggestion that pineal size and significance may tend to be greater in more northern (higher latitude) species. Total number of nucleated cells per pineal averaged 137,000 ± 10,500. Pinealocytes (105,000 ± 8,700/pineal) and other cell types were present in relative numbers typical of mammalian pineal glands, and were not numerically correlated with age, sex, or location or circumstances of birth and early postnatal life. Chronic exposure to warmer (21–27°C) in comparison with colder (?9 to ?6°C) environments, whatever the illumination, led to greater pinealocyte activity, as shown especially by nucleolar diameter, throughout most of the nine regions of the organ analyzed cytologically (all regions combined: P < 0.001). Increased pinealocyte activity in chronic darkness was suggested by similar evidence (P < 0.01), but in comparison with the thermal effects, was less marked and more variable in different regions of the organ. These and other findings of this study indicate that the Dicrostonyx pinea organ is morphologically unique, relatively large in size, and cytologically responsive to environmental conditions.     

Relationship between red cell mass, body weight, lean body mass, and body cell mass in growing pigs and beagles.

During growth in 55 pigs (from birth through week 12) and 42 beagles studied (from birth through year 1), there was an equally close association between red cell mass (RCM) and body weight, lean body mass (LBM) and body cell mass (BCM); the coefficients of correlation were between 0.94-0.99. The association of RCM with body weight was the result of BCM, extracellular tissue (ECT), and fat, each increasing at a constant rate relative to body weight. The primary relationship appears to be between RCM, the oxygen-delivery system, and BCM, the principla oxygen-using system; and the close association of RCM with body weight and LBM the results of the growth patterns of their components.     

An allometric study of lung morphology during development in the Australian pelican, Pelicanus conspicillatus, from embryo to adult

Pelicans produce altricial chicks that develop into some of the largest birds capable of sustained flight. We traced pulmonary morphological development in the Australian pelican, Pelicanus conspicillatus, from third trimester embryos to adults. We described growth and development with allometric relationships between lung components and body mass or lung volume, according to the equation y = ax(b). Pelican lung volume increased faster than body mass (b = 1.07). Relative to lung volume, the airways and vascular spaces increased allometrically (b > 1) in embryos, but isometrically (b approximately 1) after hatching. Parabronchial mantle volume decreased (b < 1) prior to hatching and increased isometrically thereafter. Surface area of air capillaries, blood capillaries and the blood-gas barrier increased relative to lung volume (b > 0.67) before and after hatching. Barrier thickness decreased before hatching, remained constant in juveniles and decreased by adulthood. The anatomical diffusing capacity significantly increased before hatching (b = 4.44) and after hatching (b = 1.26). Although altricial pelicans developed pulmonary complexity later than precocial turkeys, the volume-specific characteristics were similar. However, lungs of volant adult pelicans became significantly larger, with a greater capacity for gas exchange, than lungs of terrestrial turkeys. Exchange characteristics of growing pelican lungs were inferior to those of adult birds of 26 other species, but converged with them at maturity.     

The relationship between resting blood pressure,body mass index and lean body mass index in British children

Background: Elevated blood pressure (BP) in childhood is associated with overweight and obesity. However, lean body mass index (LBMI, cm²/kg) has been suggested as a better means than body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) by which to consider the relations between weight status and health indices in children.

Objective: To assess the relationship between resting BP and weight status in youth whilst considering BMI and LBMI when examining this issue.

Methods and procedures: Height, body mass and resting blood pressure were assessed in 384 boys and 277 girls, aged 11–14 years from Central England.

Results: SBP was significantly lower in ‘normal weight’ children compared to overweight and obese children and in overweight compared to obese children (both p = 0.0001). DBP was significantly lower in ‘normal weight’ children compared to those classified as overweight (p = 0.006). BMI and LBMI were both significant predictors of SBP and DBP (p = 0.0001). However, LBMI was normally distributed, unlike BMI, and was a better predictor of BP than BMI.

Conclusions: Overweight and obesity is associated with higher resting BP in British children. However, when examining the effect of weight status on BP, the researcher should consider use of LBMI over BMI.     

Weight, height, body mass index and prevalence of obesity among the adult population in Bahrain

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: To determine anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body mass index, BMI), and the prevalence of overweight and obesity based on BMI. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A cross-sectional survey of 514 Bahraini native adults aged 30-79 years was selected from households using clustering sampling technique. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Findings indicate that Bahraini adults were shorter but heavier, and have higher mean BMI than their Western counterparts, suggesting a trend to obesity. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 35.2% and 21.2% for men, while that for women was 31% and 48.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirmed the data in other Arabian Gulf countries, as obesity is a major public health problem among the adult population. Anthropometrics provided in this study can be used as baseline data for the adult population of Bahrain.     

Weight,height, body mass index and prevalence of obesity among the adult population in Bahrain

Primary objectives: To determine anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body mass index, BMI, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity based on BMI.

Methods and procedures: A cross-sectional survey of 514 Bahraini native adults aged 30-79 years was selected from households using clustering sampling technique.

Outcomes and results: Findings indicate that Bahraini adults were shorter but heavier, and have higher mean BMI than their Western counterparts, suggesting a trend to obesity. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 35.2% and 21.2% for men, while that for women was 31% and 48.7%, respectively.

Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed the data in other Arabian Gulf countries, as obesity is a major public health problem among the adult population. Anthropometrics provided in this study can be used as baseline data for the adult population of Bahrain.

Es ist das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit, anthropologische Maße (Körpergewicht, Körperhöhe und Body Mass Index/BMI) und die Prävalenz von Übergewicht und Adipositas auf der Basis des BMI zu bestimmen. Eine Querschnittserhebung von 514 in Bahrain geborenen Erwachsenen im Alter zwischen 30 und 79 Jahren wurden aus Haushalten mittels Cluster-Sampling-Verfahren ausgewählt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Erwachsene aus Bahrain kleiner aber schwerer waren und einen größeren mittleren BMI hatten (was auf einen Trend zur Adipositas hindeutet) als westliche Vergleichspersonen. Die durchschnittliche Prävalenz von Übergewicht und Adipositas war 35,2% und 21,2% für Männer, für Frauen betrugen die analogen Prävalenzraten 31,0% bzw. 48,7%. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie bestätigen die Angaben aus anderen Arabischen Golfstaaten, dass nämlich Adipositas ein großes gesundheitspolitisches Problem unter der erwachsenen Bevölkerung darstellt. Die anthropometrischen Daten, welche durch diese Studie zur Verfu¨gung gestellt werden, ko¨nnen als Richt(Norm-)werte fu¨r die erwachsene Bevo¨lkerung von Bahrain angewendet werden.

Objectif premier: déterminer les mesures anthropométriques (poids, stature, indice de masse corporelle (IMC) et la prévalence de surpoids et d'obésité fondée sur l'IMC. Méthodes et procédures: on a effectué une enquête transversale sur 514 adultes natifs de Bahrain âgés de 30 à 79 ans et sélectionnés à partir d'un échantillonnage des foyers au moyen d'une technique par cluster. Résultats: les adultes Bahraini sont plus petits mais plus lourds et avec un IMC plus élevé que des occidentaux correspondants, ce qui suggère qu'ils présentent une tendance à l'obésité. Les prévalences générale du surpoids et de l'obésité sont respectivement de 35,2% et 21,2% pour les hommes et de 31% et 48,7% pour les femmes. Conclusions: les résultats de cette étude qui montrent que l'obésité est un problème de santé publique majeure dans cette population adulte, confirment les données d'autres pays du Golfe Arabique. Les valeurs anthropométriques apportées peuvent être utilisées comme données de base de la population adulte de Bahrain.     

Positive associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IGF2 gene region and body mass index in adult males.

We previously demonstrated an association between the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) ApaI polymorphism and body mass index (BMI) in over 2500 middle-aged Caucasoid males. In the same cohort, we have now tested association with 11 more markers, including seven novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), spanning >30 kb across the IGF2 gene. Three SNPs showed significant positive associations with BMI: 6815 A/T in the IGF2 P1 promoter (P = 0.00012, n = 2394) and the newly identified SNPs 1156 C/T in intron 2 (P = 0.017, n = 1567) and 1926 C/G in the 3'-UTR (P = 0.0062, n = 1872). There was strong pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the ApaI and 1926 C/G sites, whereas LD between ApaI and 6815 A/T, and between ApaI and 1156 T/C, was minimal. Univariately 6815 A/T, 1156 T/C and ApaI explained 1.03, 1.02 and 0.67% of the variation in BMI. Multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) models showed that 6815 A/T and 1156 T/C explained a further 0.4 and 0.8% of the variation beyond that accounted for by ApaI and the association of 1926 C/G with BMI disappeared after adjustment. The 6815 A/T, 1156 T/C and ApaI markers in effect constitute independent affirmations of our original hypothesized candidate gene region. In a stepwise multi-way ANOVA model, all three terms were significantly independently associated with BMI. The total proportion of BMI variance explained by this model was 2.25%, strongly suggesting that IGF2 genetic variation is a significant determinant of body weight in middle-aged males.     

云南红河地区哈尼族体质量、体质量指数与跟骨超声速度

背景：国外学者报道人群骨量20%归于环境因素,80%归于遗传因素,骨密度的种族及民族差异是很明显的。   目的：调查云南红河地区哈尼族跟骨定量超声测量,分析其与体质量及体质量指数之间关系。 方法：采取随机整群抽样和调查者入户调查的方式对云南省红河地区哈尼族人群300名进行抽样调查,其中男109名,女性191名。现场访谈填写调查表并测量血压、身高、腰围、体质量等,同时均用Achilles Express跟骨定量超声测量仪测量被调查者的右侧跟骨超声速度,并进行相关性分析。 结果与结论：被调查的人群体质量平均为(46.39±8.44) kg,体质量指数平均为(21.07±3.21) kg/m²,右跟骨定量超声传导速度值为(1 512.38±36.77) m/s。相关分析显示,右跟骨定量传导速度值与跟骨密度T值相关性高,可以预测跟骨骨密度。跟骨定量超声传导速度值除与年龄呈负相关,与体质量及体质量指数均呈正相关,并均有显著性意义。提示云南省红河地区哈尼族中老年人的跟骨骨密度与体质量及体质量指数有显著的相关关系。     

Quantitative relationships between immature and emergent adult Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) populations in water storage container habitats

Although quantitative surveillance data for immature stages of Aedes aegypti are often used to prioritize containers or specific types of containers for control, the relationship between immature and emergent adult populations under field conditions is largely unknown. We examined the relationships between abundance of III/IV instars and pupae, and emerging adult population for a series of water storage containers in southern Vietnam. A large proportion of III/IV instars failed to progress to adulthood, and the relationships between III/IV instars and adults were poor. Collected IV instars appeared to be nutritionally deprived, although their size and nutrient levels were not reliable indicators of emergence success. Conversely, pupal abundance was a good indicator of emerging adult populations, especially over the ensuing 48-h period. Although there were clear advantages of pupal surveillance over surveillance of III/IV instars for the estimation of adult mosquito productivity, there were practical limitations associated with the enumeration of pupae, and their comparatively low densities may preclude the identification of potentially productive containers.     

Prenatal size–age relationships and external morphology in the mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

Embryos from timed matings were studied at days 12–24 of gestation with respect to crown-rump length and external appearance. A linear increase in length was observed from the twelfth (2.5 mm) to the twenty-fourth (27.7 mm) day with the largest increases occurring between days 20 and 21 (3.8 mm) and days 22 and 23 (4.2 mm). The smallest daily increases were observed between days 15 and 16 (1.01 mm) and days 21 and 22 (1.03 mm), while the average daily increment for the remaining days was between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. Major changes in external appearance occurred on days 13, 14, 17 and 20 of gestation. Those features which could be observed externally were described for each of the days during the period studied. Late prenatal development in the gerbil resembles that of other myomorph rodents but proceeds at a slower rate than in other species such as the mouse or hamster. This slower rate of development may be of value when precise timing of drug administration and recovery of embryos is necessary.     

Smoking rate,carboxyhemoglobin, and body mass in the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II)

The relationship of body mass and triceps skinfold thickness to both reported number of cigarettes smoked per day and carboxyhemoglobin levels was examined in healthy cigarette smokers in the NHANES II. Among both men and women, higher carboxyhemoglobin levels were related to lower body mass and thinner skinfolds, whereas higher levels of reported daily cigarette smoking were related to increased body mass and thicker skinfolds among men only. These relationships were independent of age, education, caloric intake, physical activity, and exercise. The opposite effects of number of cigarettes smoked per day and a biological index of cigarette smoke exposure on body mass suggest that increased cigarette smoking may covary with factors that would favor increased body weight among men, whereas decreases in body weight with increases in carboxyhemoglobin may reflect the effects of nicotine exposure on energy expenditure in both men and women.This research was supported by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Grant HL38414.     

Height,weight and body mass index (BMI) in psychiatrically ill US Armed Forces personnel

BACKGROUND: In both psychiatrically ill and psychiatrically healthy adults, the connection between health and individuals' height and weight has long been examined. Specifically, research on the idea that individuals with certain body types were prone to particular psychiatric diseases has been explored sporadically for centuries. The hypothesis that psychiatrically ill individuals were shorter and weighed less than psychiatrically healthy counterparts would correspond with the neurodevelopmental model of psychiatric disease. METHOD: To evaluate possible links between psychiatric illness and physique, the height, weight and BMI of 7514 patients and 85,940 controls were compared. All subjects were part of the National Collaborative Study of Early Psychosis and Suicide (NCSEPS). Patients were US military active duty personnel hospitalized for either bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or schizophrenia and controls were psychiatrically-healthy US military active duty personnel matched for date of entry into the service. RESULTS: No consistent differences in height, weight or BMI were found between patients and controls, or between patient groups. Some weak ANOVA differences were found between age at the time of entering active duty and weight, as well as BMI, but not height. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike most previous studies that have looked at the links between height and psychiatric illness, this study of the NCSEPS cohort found that, at entry into the US Armed Forces, there were no consistent decreases in height for patients with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder or schizophrenia compared with a large control group. Furthermore, there were no consistent differences for weight or BMI.     

Sertoli cell types in the Sertoli-cell-only syndrome: relationships between Sertoli cell morphology and aetiology

Histological study of testicular biopsies from infertile men showing Sertoli-cell-only tubules due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, cryptorchidism, oestrogen treatment, chemotherapy or Del Castillo's syndrome, revealed four types of Sertoli cells: (1) normal adult mature cells showing an indented nucleus, grossly triangular in shape with a prominent tripartite nucleolus; (2) immature cells with round regularly outlined nuclei and immature cytoplasm; (3) dysgenetic cells showing immature nuclei and a nearly mature cytoplasm with less developed cytoplasmic organelles; and (4) involuting cells with very irregularly outlined nuclei and a mature cytoplasm containing abundant lipid droplets and residual bodies and atypical inter-Sertoli junctional specializations. Testes from men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism showed only immature Sertoli cells; cryptorchid testes showed dysgenetic cells and occasional normal cells; and after treatment with oestrogens or chemotherapy the testes showed involuting cells and normal cells. The testes of men with Del Castillo's syndrome could be classified into three groups, according to the Sertoli cell type present: mature, dysgenetic and involuting cells. This finding suggests that Del Castillo's syndrome may be due to at least three different aetiologies.     

Associations between depressive symptoms,self-efficacy,eating styles,exercise and body mass index in women

This article explores cross-sectional associations between depressive symptoms and body mass index (BMI) in women working in schools in the Greater New Orleans area. Self-efficacy for eating and exercise, eating styles, and exercise are examined as potential pathways. This is a secondary data analysis of 743 women who were participating in a workplace wellness randomized controlled trial to address environmental factors influencing eating and exercise behaviors using baseline data prior to the intervention. BMI was the primary outcome examined. Path analysis suggested that increased depressive symptoms were associated with increased BMI in women. Indirect effects of depressive symptoms on BMI were found for increased healthy eating self-efficacy, increased emotional eating, and decreased exercise self-efficacy. The association between greater healthy eating self efficacy and BMI was unexpected, and may indicate a suppressor effect of eating self-efficacy in the relationship between depressive symptoms and BMI in women. The findings suggest the importance of depressive symptoms to BMI in women. Targets for interventions to reduce BMI include targeting depressive symptoms and related sequelae including self-efficacy for exercise, and emotional eating. Further investigation of eating self-efficacy and BMI are recommended with particular attention to both efficacy for health eating and avoidance of unhealthy foods.