Resumo Um estudo de alimentação de 95 dias foi realizado para avaliar o impacto da substituição completa de óleo de peixe por óleos vegetais no desempenho de crescimento, composição corporal e consumo de ração de juvenis de coelho, Siganus rivulatus. Houve quatro tratamentos, ou seja, A (dieta de óleo de peixe), (dieta de óleo de linhaça), C (dieta de óleo de farelo de soja) e D (dieta de óleo de girassol). O ensaio experimental foi conduzido em doze tanques de fibra de vidro de 1,5 m3 (n=3). Os juvenis de peixe-coelho-de-espinho apresentaram peso inicial médio de 0,948 g ± 0,124 g e foram estocados com 50 peixes por tanque. Os peixes alimentados com a dieta A apresentaram taxa de crescimento, peso corporal final e peso corporal total significativamente melhores do que os peixes alimentados com as outras dietas. Além disso, a melhor CAA foi observada para a dieta A seguida da dieta C e as dietas B e D tiveram a pior CA. A composição corporal dos peixes para proteína bruta, matéria seca, cinzas e energia bruta ao final do experimento não diferiu entre os tratamentos. O maior teor de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (PUFA) foi encontrado nos peixes alimentados com a dieta A seguido em ordem decrescente pelas dietas D, B e C. O óleo de peixe é uma melhor fonte de lipídios dietéticos para juvenis de peixe-coelho, Siganus rivulatus, do que os óleos vegetais. Entre os óleos vegetais, o óleo de soja foi melhor que o óleo de linhaça e o óleo de girassol como principal fonte de gordura da dieta.

Abstract A 95-day feeding study was carried out to evaluate the impact of complete replacement of fish oil by plant oils in the growth performance, feed consumption fatty acid and body composition of juvenile rabbitfish, Siganus rivulatus. There were four treatments i.e., A (fish oil diet), (linseed oil diet), C (soybean meal oil diet) and D (sunflower oil diet). The experimental trial was conducted in twelve 1.5-m3 fiber glass tanks (n=3). Spinefoot rabbitfish juveniles had an average initial weight of 0.948 g ± 0.124 g and they were stocked at 50 fish per tank. Fish fed diet A showed significantly better growth rate, final body weight, and total body weight than fish fed on the other diets. Moreover, the best FCR was observed for diet A followed by diet C and diets B and D had the worst FCR. Fish body composition for crude protein, dry matter, ashes and gross energy at the end of the trial had not differed between the treatments. The highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was found in fish fed diet A followed in decreasing order by diets D, B, and C. Fish oil is a better dietary lipid source for Spinefoot rabbitfish juveniles, Siganus rivulatus, than plant oils. Among plant oils, soybean oil was better than linseed oil and sunflower oil as the main dietary fat source.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar o tamanho na primeira maturidade sexual (Lm) para 36 espécies pertencentes a 24 famílias do hábitat marinho do Baluchistão e Sindh, no Mar Arábico, Paquistão, por meio de modelo empírico e logístico com base no comprimento máximo usando captura comercial, durante junho de 2020 e maio de 2021. O comprimento total individual (TL) foi anotado até 0,1 cm usando medição ampla. O Lm foi calculado por duas fórmulas; (i) log (Lm) = - 0,1246 + 0,9924 * log (Lmax) para elasmobrânquios; e (ii) log (Lm) = - 0,1189 + 0,9157* log (Lmax) para peixes com nadadeiras raiadas. O Lm mínimo foi de 10,27 cm de TL para Caranx malabaricus, e o máximo, de 108,38 cm de TL para Isurus oxyrinchus. Em 58,33% das espécies com Lm foram encontradas faixas de 19,00 cm a 25,00 cm de TL. Este estudo estimou que 16 espécies com Lm estão globalmente ausentes e as 20 espécies restantes com Lm estão ausentes no Mar Arábico (hábitats costeiros do Paquistão). Portanto, os resultados serão úteis para o manejo sustentável e a conservação desses peixes marinhos por meio do estabelecimento da malhagem das redes de arrasto com base no tamanho na primeira maturidade sexual (Lm).

Abstract The aim of this study was to estimate the size at first sexual maturity (Lm) for 36 species belonging to 24 families from the marine habitat of Balochistan and Sindh in Arabian Sea, Pakistan through maximum length based an empirical and logistic model using commercial catch during June 2020 to May 2021. Individual total length (TL) was noted up to 0.1 cm using measuring broad. The Lm was calculated using two formulae; (i) log (Lm) = - 0.1246 + 0.9924 * log (Lmax) for Elasmobranchs and (ii) log (Lm) = -0.1189 + 0.9157* log (Lmax) for ray-finned fishes. The minimum Lm was recorded as 10.27 cm TL for Caranx malabaricus and 108.38 cm TL for Isurus oxyrinchus, respectively. Around Lm with 58.33% species were ranges from 19.00 cm to 25.00 cm TL. This study was estimated 16 newly Lm which is globally absent and rest 20 Lm are absent in the Arabian Sea (Pakistan coastal habitats). Therefore, the results will be helpful for the sustainable management and conservation of these marine fishes through the establishment of mesh size of trawl nets based on the size at sexual maturity (Lm).

Resumo A contaminação ambiental com metais pesados é uma ameaça aos organismos devido à sua toxicidade, persistência e bioacumulação nas cadeias alimentares. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do Cd sobre o nível de Ca em ossos de peixes de água doce Channa gachua. Quarenta e dois indivíduos de peixes foram mantidos em seis aquários; marcado aq. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5 no laboratório para tratamento. Aq. 0 foi o grupo controle e aq. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 foram experimentais com solução de tratamento de Cd 0, 0,1 ppm, 0,5 ppm, 1 ppm, 2,5 ppm e 5 ppm respectivamente por três meses. Após a exposição, o tecido ósseo foi examinado quanto ao acúmulo de Cd e concentração de Ca. O maior acúmulo de Cd foi registrado em aq. 5 com média de 46,86 ± 0,46 mgkg-1 e o menor no grupo controle com média de 0,61 ± 0,06 mgkg-1. A ordem de bioacumulação de Cd nos ossos foi aq. 5 > aq. 4 > aq. 3 > aq. 2 > aq. 1 > aq. 0. A concentração mais alta de Ca foi observada em aq. 0 (grupo controle) média de 7.888,06 ± 4.827,22 mgkg-1 e a mais baixa foi de 1.132,36 ± 203,73 mgkg-1 em aq. 5 (a 5,0 ppm). Geralmente um padrão de diminuição do nível de Ca foi observado com cada aumento da bioacumulação de Cd aq. 0 > aq. 1 > aq. 2 > aq. 3 > aq. 4 > aq. 5. O estudo atual indicou que o acúmulo de Cd tem efeito substancial no nível de Ca nos ossos e, portanto, no sistema esquelético. Regras estritas devem ser implementadas pelo governo para controlar a poluição por metais e a exploração da biota.

Abstract Environmental contamination with heavy metals is a threat to the organisms due to their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation in food chains. The study was aimed to assess cadmium (Cd) effect on calcium (Ca) level in bones of a freshwater fish Channa gachua. 42 fish individuals were kept into six (6) aquaria; labelled aq.0, 1, 2, 3,4 and 5 in the laboratory for treatment. Aq.0 was control group and aq.1, 2,3,4,5 were experimental with treatment solution of Cd 0, 0.1ppm, 0.5ppm, 1ppm, 2.5ppm and 5ppm respectively for three months. After exposure, bones tissue were examined for Cd accumulation and Ca concentration. Highest accumulation of Cd were recorded in aq.5 mean 46.86 ± 0.46 mgkg-1 .and lowest in the control group with mean 0.61 ± 0.06 mgkg-1. The order of Cd bioaccumulation in bones were aq.5 > aq.4 >aq.3 > aq.2 > aq.1 > aq.0. Highest concentration of Ca were noted in aq.0 (Control group) mean 7888.06 ± 4827.22 mgkg-1 and lowest were 1132.36 ± 203.73 mgkg-1 in aq.5 (at 5.0 ppm). Generally a pattern of decreasing Ca level were observed with each rise of Cd bioaccumulation aq.0 > aq.1 > aq.2 > aq.3 > aq.4 > aq.5. Current study indicated that Cd accumulation have substantial effect on Ca level in bones and hence on skeleton system. Strict rules must be implemented by government to control metals pollution and exploitations of biota.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo manifestar a atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica de extratos metanólicos de Salix alba L. contra sete patógenos bacterianos Gram-positivos e Gram-negativos. Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (1), S. aureus (2), Shigella sonnei, Escherichia coli (1), E. coli (2) e Neisseria gonorrhoeae e três isolados de fungos do ar, como Aspergillus terreus, A. ornatus, e Rhizopus stolonifer. Dois sorotipos diferentes de S. aureus e E. coli foram usados. Os resultados do método de difusão em ágar mostraram a resposta dependente da dose de extratos de plantas contra cepas de bactérias e fungos, enquanto alguns organismos foram considerados resistentes, e.g. E. coli (1), S. sonnei, A. terreus e R. stolonifer. A maior atividade antibacteriana foi registrada em 17.000 ± 1.732 de 100 mg/mL de extratos metanólicos de folhas contra S. pyogenes, enquanto a atividade da maioria dos patógenos diminuiu após 24 h de incubação. A maior atividade antifúngica foi relatada em 11,833 ± 1,0 contra A. ornatus a 50 mg/mL após 48 h do período de incubação. Esses achados experimentais endossam o uso de S. alba em formulações etnofarmacológicas e sugerem o uso de extratos metanólicos da referida planta para o desenvolvimento de fármacos que controlem a proliferação de doenças resistentes que causam micróbios patogênicos.

Abstract The present study was aimed to manifest the antibacterial and antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of Salix alba L. against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens e.g. Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (1), S. aureus (2), Shigella sonnei, Escherichia coli (1), E. coli (2) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and three fungal isolates from the air such as Aspergillus terreus, A. ornatus, and Rhizopus stolonifer. Two different serotypes of S. aureus and E. coli were used. The agar well-diffusion method results showed the dose-dependent response of plant extracts against bacterial and fungal strains while some organisms were found resistant e.g. E. coli (1), S. sonnei, A. terreus and R. stolonifer. The highest antibacterial activity was recorded at 17.000±1.732 mm from 100 mg/mL of leaves methanolic extracts against S. pyogenes while the activity of most of the pathogens decreased after 24 h of incubation. The highest antifungal activity was reported at 11.833±1.0 mm against A. ornatus at 50 mg/mL after 48 h of the incubation period. These experimental findings endorse the use of S. alba in ethnopharmacological formulations and suggest the use of methanolic extracts of the said plant to develop drugs to control the proliferation of resistant disease causing pathogenic microbes.

Resumo O vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é o grave problema de saúde pública das doenças hepáticas. Aproximadamente 170 milhões de pessoas no mundo estão infectadas com HCV; no Paquistão, a doença tem alto índice de ocorrência. O presente estudo prevê uma prevalência atualizada do HCV e distribuição genotípica na população geral do distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. As amostras de sangue de 6.538 indivíduos, incluindo 3.263 homens e 3.275 mulheres, foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite C por teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) e reação em cadeia da polimerase de transcrição reversa (PCR). Verificou-se que 396 (12,13%) de 3.263 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV, enquanto entre as diferentes faixas etárias as maiores incidências de anticorpos anti-HCV foram encontradas na faixa etária de 31 a 40 anos (11,01%). As amostras positivas para ICT foram posteriormente rastreadas por nested PCR para determinar a existência de HCV-RNA ativo. Identificou-se que 7,11% (3.263) do total da população (6.538) testada foram positivos, dentre os quais 461 (14,07%) mulheres possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV. Nossos dados mostraram que a infecção total pelo HCV na população investigada foi de 5,78%. Maior porcentagem de prevalência de HCV foi detectada em homens do que em mulheres nas faixas etárias de 31-40 e 41-50. Para comparar a prevalência de genótipos de HCV com relação à idade no genótipo masculino e feminino 3a foi encontrado o genótipo mais prevalente seguido por 1a, 2a e 3b, respectivamente.

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.

Resumo A síntese verde foi introduzida como uma alternativa à síntese química devido às graves consequências. As nanopartículas metálicas sintetizadas através da abordagem verde têm diferentes aplicações farmacêuticas, médicas e agrícolas. O presente estudo seguiu uma rota verde e simples para a preparação de nanopartículas de ouro potencialmente bioativas (Au NPs). As NPs de Au foram preparadas via abordagem de síntese verde usando a porção alcaloide básica bruta do tubérculo de Delphinium chitralense. As NPs de Au sintetizadas verdes foram caracterizadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), difração de raios X (DRX), infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR) e espectrofotômetro UV-Visível. A análise morfológica mostra que as NPs de Au possuem geometria cúbica com tamanhos diferentes. A análise espectroscópica UV-Vis confirmou a síntese de Au NPs enquanto a XRD provou sua fase cristalina pura. O Au NPs mostrou inibição dependente da dose promissora de AChE e BChE em comparação com a droga bruta e padrão.

Abstract Green synthesis has been introduced as an alternative to chemical synthesis due to the serious consequences. Metal nanoparticles synthesized through green approach have different pharmaceutical, medical and agricultural applications. The present study followed a green and simple route for the preparation of potentially bioactive gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Au NPs were prepared via green synthesis approach using crude basic alkaloidal portion of the tuber of Delphinium chitralense. The green synthesized Au NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and UV-Visible spectrophotometer. Morphological analysis shows that Au NPs have cubic geometry with different sizes. UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis confirmed the synthesis of Au NPs while XRD proved their pure crystalline phase. The Au NPs showed promising dose dependent inhibition of both AChE and BChE as compared to the crude as well as standard drug.

A doença de Chagas é uma doença parasitária (Trypanosoma cruzi), endêmica em 21 países da América e que as migrações a dispersaram em diferentes continentes. Uma das primeiras manifestações desta doença são as alterações disautonômicas ou disfunção autonômica. A gravidade desse funcionamento inadequado do sistema nervoso autônomo é mensurável, de modo que a evolução e/ou progressão da doença pode ser verificada alterando os estudos clínicos e detectando anticorpos antimuscarínicos. Esses anticorpos estão presentes em 30% dos infectados e aparecem muito cedo, uma vez instalada a parasitose; Além disso, outros estudos, como a dispersão do QT (> 65 mseg) e a variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca (<100 mseg), mostram valores anormais. A utilização de novos paradigmas de atendimento, diagnóstico e tratamentos adequados são essenciais para prevenir o desenvolvimento desta doença cardíaca.

Chagas disease is a parasitic disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), endemic in 21 countries of America and that migrations have dispersed it in different continents. One of the earliest manifestations of this disease is dysautonomic alterations or autonomic dysfunction. The severity of this inadequate functioning of the autonomic nervous system is measurable, so that the evolution and/or progression of the disease can be verified by altering clinical studies and detecting antimuscarinic antibodies. These antibodies are present in 30% of those infected and appear very early once the parasitosis is installed; In addition, other studies, such as QT dispersion (> 65 ms) and heart rate variability (<100 ms) show abnormal values. The use of new paradigms of care, diagnosis and appropriate treatments are essential to prevent the development of this heart disease.

La enfermedad de Chagas es una enfermedad parasitaria (Trypanosoma cruzi), endémica en 21 países de América y que las migraciones la han dispersado en distintos continentes. Una de las manifestaciones más precoces de esta enfermedad son las alteraciones disautonómicas o disfunción autonómica. La severidad de este inadecuado funcionamiento del sistema nervioso autónomo resulta mensurable, de modo que la evolución y/o progresión de la enfermedad puede constatarse mediante la alteración de estudios clínicos y detección de anticuerpos antimuscarínicos. Estos anticuerpos están presentes en un 30% de los infectados y aparecen muy precozmente una vez instalada la parasitosis; además otros estudios, como la dispersión del QT (>65 mseg) y la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (<100 mseg) presentan valores anormales. La utilización de nuevos paradigmas de atención, diagnóstico y tratamientos adecuados son imprescindibles para prevenir el desarrollo de esta cardiopatía.

INTRODUCTION: Providing easily accessible, quick and accurate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing services (HTS) is central to achieving the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for HIV are affordable and technically easy to perform. Two positive RDTs from different manufacturers are required to make a diagnosis of HIV in South Africa. Difficulty arises when there are discordant results from the two kits. In this case report, we will discuss four instances of false-positive RDTs PATIENT PRESENTATION: Case 1 is a 10-year-old female, referred for initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART). She was diagnosed using two of the same brand RDT at her local clinic. Case 2 is a 21-year-old female who presented to obstetric admissions in labour. Case 3 is a 39-year-old female who was screened for HIV during a routine antenatal appointment. Case 4 is a 22-year-old female who was admitted 21 days postpartum with puerperal sepsis. All four cases had discordant RDTs when screened for HIV at our facility MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: The results of all the investigations conducted on all four patients confirmed HIV negative status. The reference laboratory verified the results and reran the RDTs, which remained discordant. This confirmed a false-positive result in all four cases with the screening RDT. CONCLUSION: With high numbers tested and a low yield of new cases, each individual case of discordancy may cause unnecessary distress, confusion and treatment, particularly in high-risk scenarios like pregnancy. Trends of false-positive and discordant RDT results should be monitored and inform HTS guidelines

Abstract The aim of the current project is to carry out the FEA framework for predicting the flexural strength of notched foam concrete tested under three-point bending following the conducted experimental set-up. The investigated testing series have a variation of notch size opening in the foamed concrete beam. The Traction-separation relationship was used as a constitutive model to incorporate independent material properties and used in the modelling framework. Modelling techniques of 2D XFEM and CZM were adopted and later expanded to 3D XFEM models. Good agreement was found between the predicted structure response and experimental observation for all the investigated models. Crack was initiated at the crack tip and propagated to the beam edge under the applied load. It was found that the average discrepancies below 20% were found within XFEM techniques. Less agreement was found using the CZM models, partly due to the simplification of the adopted failure path. The modelling framework implemented in this project is potentially used as a predictive tool in estimating the flexural strength of the concrete beam with notches.

RESUMO OBJETIVO A baixa aptidão física e o baixo desempenho motor mostraram-se associados a níveis mais altos de estresse oxidativo em crianças e adolescentes com deficiência intelectual. Portanto, foi realizado um exercício aeróbico moderado por 12 semanas para avaliar os efeitos dos escores de atividade física nas funções motoras, estresse oxidativo e quocientes de inteligência (QI) em escolares com deficiência intelectual. MÉTODOS Um total de 65 crianças em idade escolar (12 a 18 anos) foi incluído aleatoriamente neste estudo. A incapacidade intelectual (DI), habilidades motoras, aptidão física (VO2máx), gasto energético total (ETE), MDA, 8-OHdG, TAC, NO e estresse oxidativo total (SG) foram avaliados pelo teste de pontuação Wisc-IQ pré-validado, teste BOT-2, questionário de PA e técnicas de imunoensaio, respectivamente. RESULTADOS Os escores do conjunto Wisc-IQ e BOT-2 do desempenho das habilidades intelectuais e motoras mostraram uma correlação significativa com o status da atividade física e a regulação dos radicais livres do estresse oxidativo em escolares com DI leve e moderada após 12 semanas de exercício moderado. O desempenho das habilidades intelectuais e motoras dos participantes correlacionou-se positivamente com o aumento dos escores de atividade TAC e aptidão física e negativamente com MDA, 8-OHdG, NO e Total-OS, respectivamente. Houve uma melhora significativa nas habilidades motoras, como áreas específicas de precisão motora fina, velocidade de corrida, agilidade, coordenação de membros superiores, força, coordenação bilateral e equilíbrio entre crianças em idade escolar após o programa de exercícios. A análise de regressão múltipla passo a passo dos parâmetros demográficos, do estado físico e do estresse oxidativo explicou em torno de 78,0 a 93,4% da variação da incapacidade intelectual entre os escolares. CONCLUSÃO O treinamento aeróbico moderado por 12 semanas tem um impacto positivo na melhoria da capacidade intelectual de escolares com DI por meio da modulação do status redox, melhora da aptidão física e proficiência em habilidades motoras.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Lower physical fitness and poor motor performance were shown to be linked with higher levels of oxidative stress in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Therefore, a moderate aerobic exercise for 12-weeks was performed to evaluate the effects of physical activity scores on motor functions, oxidative stress, and intelligence quotients (IQ) in school children with intellectual disability. METHODS A total of 65 school children aged (12-18 Yrs) were randomly included in this study. Intellectual disability (ID),motor skills,physical fitness(VO2max), total energy expenditure (TEE), MDA, 8-OHdG, TAC, NO, and total oxidative stress(OS)were assessed using pre-validated WISC-IQ score test, BOT-2 test, PA questionnaire, and immunoassay techniques respectively. RESULTS WISC-IQ and BOT-2 set scores of intellectual and motor skills performance showed a significant correlation with physical activity status and the regulation of oxidative stress-free radicals in school children with mild and moderate ID following 12 weeks of moderate exercise. The intellectual and motor skills performance of the participants correlated positively with the increase in TAC activity and physical fitness scores and negatively with MDA, 8-OHdG, NO, and Total-OS, respectively. Stepwise multiple regression analysis of the demographic, physical status and oxidative stress parameters explained around78.0 to 93.4 % of intellectual disability variation among schoolchildren. CONCLUSION Moderate aerobic training for12 weeks has a positive impact on improving intellectual ability of schoolchildren with ID via modulating redox status, improves physical fitness, and motor skills proficiency.

Abstract The current paper aimed to model failures and fractures in single-lap bolted joints of woven fabric kenaf fiber reinforced polymer (KFRP) composite plate to fail in net-tension. The approach was based on the assumptions that micro-damage events were densely concentrated ahead of the notch tip and crack growth were readily seen along net-tension plane in a self-similar fashion. A 3-D finite element modelling framework were developed to explicitly incorporate bolt clamp-up in a range of KFRP series following tested experimental datasets. Lay-up types, normalized W/d, temperature exposure with constant bolt torque of 5 Nm were considered. It was found that KFRP plates under elevated temperature were stronger than under room temperature due to matrix toughening. Traction-separation relationship was incorported within Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) framework to model damage within KFRP composite plate by using independent experimental datasets, here incorporates un-notched plate strength, σ o and fracture toughness, G c of all testing lay-ups. Constitutive model used is associated with stress concentration, therefore good agreement between predicted and experimental bearing stress at failure with net-tension failure mode is perhaps not suprising.

Abstract An experimental programme to investigate the notched strength of open-hole woven fabric kenaf fiber-reinforced polymer (WKRP) composite plates under quasi-static tensile loading. It was found that all testing coupons were failed in net-section, fracture initiated at the hole edge due to stress concentrations and propagated to the plate edge. A two-dimensional numerical modelling framework was developed following previously experimental series. A constitutive model of the traction-separation relationship was incorporated by using extended finite element model (XFEM) and cohesive zone model (CZM). Moreover, the effects of elevated temperatures and thermal expansion coefficient was incorporated within the modelling framework. Both modelling techniques were evaluated and compared, albeit to insignificant differences of maximum load output in both techniques, XFEM does not require apriori failure path compared to CZM. Good agreements between the predicted modelling work and measured notched strength were obtained, with discrepancies in the range of 0.4 - 25%, both displayed consistency in the net-section failures.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a potencial associação de dor no pé e adipócitos plasmáticos como biomarcadores fisiológicos da obesidade infantil com incidência de pé plano em uma coorte de escolares egípcios de 6 a 12 anos. MÉTODOS Um total de 550 escolares egípcios (220 meninos e 330 meninas) com idades entre 6 e 12 anos foram convidados aleatoriamente para participar desta análise descritiva. Para todas as crianças, diagnóstico e gravidade do flatfoot, bem como adipócitos plasmáticos; adiponectina, leptina, resistina, IL-6 eTNF-α foram avaliados pelo método de Dennis e técnicas de imunoensaio, respectivamente. A dor no pé foi avaliada usando uma EVA padrão de 100 mm e a Faces Pain Scale, respectivamente. RESULTADOS O pé plano foi predito em 30,4% das crianças em idade escolar; a maioria apresentou maior frequência de sobrepeso (33,3%) e obesidade (62,5%). Os meninos apresentaram maiores faixas de pé plano do que as meninas. A dor no pé correlacionou-se significativamente com pé plano e obesidade entre as populações estudadas. Em crianças obesas com sobrepeso, variáveis adipocitárias plasmáticas; adiponectina, leptina, resistina, IL-6 e TNF-α apresentaram correlação significativa com a postura do pé, em meninos e meninas. Além disso, as variáveis estudadas dos adipócitos, juntamente com o IMC, idade e sexo, explicaram cerca de 65% da variância do pé plano com a dor entre os nossos alunos em idade escolar. CONCLUSÃO A dor no pé mostrou associação com pé plano e obesidade infantil em 30,4% dos estudantes em idade escolar (6-12 anos). A dor no pé se correlacionou positivamente com a incidência de pé plano e a mudança nos marcadores de adiposidade; adiponectina, leptina, resistina, IL-6, TNF-α.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the potential association of foot pain and plasmatic adipocytes as physiological biomarkers of childhood obesity with the incidence of flatfoot in a cohort of Egyptian school children aged 6 -12 years. METHODS A total of 550 Egyptian schoolchildren (220 boys and 330 girls) aged 6-12 years were randomly invited to participate in this descriptive survey analysis. For all children, we assessed the diagnosis and severity of flatfoot as well as plasma adipocytes, as well as adiponectin, leptin, resistin, IL-6, and TNF-α, using the Dennis method and immunoassay techniques respectively. Foot pain was assessed by using a standard VAS of 100 mm and Faces Pain Scale, respectively. RESULTS Flat foot was predicted in 30.4% of school-age children, most of them showed a higher frequency of overweight (33.3%) and obesity (62.5%). Boys showed higher ranges of flat foot than girls. Foot pain significantly correlated with flat foot and obesity among the studied populations. In overweight-obese children, plasmatic adipocyte variables, as well as adiponectin, leptin, resistin, IL-6, TNF-α showed significant correlations with foot stance, especially in boys. Also, the studied adipocyte variables along with BMI, age, gender explained about~65% of the variance of flatfoot with pain among our school-age students. CONCLUSION Foot pain showed an association with flat foot and childhood obesity in 30.4% of school-age students (6-12 years). Foot pain was shown to correlate positively with the incidence of flat foot and changes in adiposity markers, as well as adiponectin, leptin, resistin, Il-6, TNF-α.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a commercial antioxidant (CAO; Rendox Plus®) treatment in stabilizing the poultry byproduct meal (PBPM) and then the subsequent effect of the treated PBPM on growth of broilers. Five batches A, B, C, D and E of PBPM were treated with CAO at 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mL/ton, respectively and stored for 42 days. Oxidative stability of PBPM was estimated on day 0 and then weekly using Peroxide Value and Thiobarbituric Acid tests. PBPMs treated with 750 &1000 mL/ton presented the least oxidation and were selected to be included in broiler diets. A total of 240 one-day-old non-sexed Hubbard broilers were randomly divided into two flocks of 120 birds each. Each flock was further divided into four groups with three replicates of 10 birds each. The selected PBPMs (D and E) were added at 4%, 5%, 6% and 7% in the starter and grower diets. The experiment lasted for 35 days. The PBPM treated with 1000 mLCAO/ton exhibited the lowest (p<0.05) oxidation level compared to other treated PBPMs. PBPMs with up to 7% CAO inclusion rate did not influence (p>0.05) broiler feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, final body weight, carcass traits, or mortality rate. It was concluded that CAO was effective in stabilizing PBPM, and up to 7% (70 g/kg) of CAO-treated PBPM can be safely included in broiler diets without any harmful effect on their performance.