Biological mechanisms that potentially contribute to residual feed intake (RFI) have not been fully understood in the grazing animal. The objective of this study was to determine the differences of RFI measured in confinement (RFIc) or grazing (RFIg) on animal performance. Animals were previously classified in confinement as high RFI (HRFIc), or low RFI (LRFIc) and subsequently under grazing as high (HRFIg) or low (LRFIg). Effects of forage quantity on dry matter intake (DMI), and biological mechanisms that contribute to variations in RFI were investigated using ultrasound, carcass traits and bacterial populations. Bulls were allotted to replicate bermudagrass pastures at low (LSTK) or high (HSTK) stocking intensities and heifers grazed one Ryegrass pasture. Ruminal microbial content was collected and profiled using bacterial tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing technique. In 2009, bulls were harvested directly off the pasture and ultrasound and carcass measurements were determined. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS. Linear regressions were obtained using PROC REG to estimate RFI. In 2009, there was a difference for LRFIc bulls in F:G (P=0.032), and HRFIg bulls on LSTK had an interaction for ADG (P=0.043). HRFIg bulls had greater intakes regardless of STK (P=0.003). In 2010, HRFIc bulls remained heavier throughout with the greatest DMI (P=0.0095). There were no differences for any traits for 2010 RFIg bulls. At a LSTK, HRFIg bulls tended (P>0.05) to have a lighter gastrointestinal tract (GIT) weight (P=0.093) while liver weight (P=0.072) tended to be heavier for all bulls. The small intestine was heavier for LRFIg bulls (P=0.09) on a HSTK. There was an interaction for microbial bacteria identified in the rumen in 2009 on hemicellulolytic (P=0.048), starch (P=0.025), and pectinolytic (P=0.057) degrading bacteria. HRFIg bulls at a LSTK had a greater percentage for amylolytic and pectinolytic degrading bacteria (P=0.008 and P=0.051, respectively) in the large intestine. There were no interactions for any substrates in 2010. DMI (P<0.0001) was greater each year for HRFIc heifers and was greater (P=0.0168, P=<0.0001, P=<0.0001) each year respectively for LRFIg heifers. No differences were found for initial BW, final BW, MetBW, and ADG in the RFIc or RFIg classes. HRFIg bulls with the greatest forage availability consumed more and had heavier GIT, but it is still unclear how the microbial fauna affected the efficiency among RFI phenotyped bulls.

The field of food intake and satiety has received increasing interest from the research community in recent years. The mechanisms and factors that regulate satiety gains their importance from the crucial role they play in food consumption and consequently control of body weight. Leukotrienes are mediators that are released in inflammatory conditions. One of the receptors on which Leukotrienes perform their actions is Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptor Type 2 (CysLT2Rs). Recently, our colleagues made the observation that CysLT2Rs are expressed in vagal afferent neurons. In addition, CysLT2R-/- mice appeared to be heavier than WT (Moos and Funk, unpublished observations). Based on these findings, I hypothesized that CysLT2Rs play a role in regulating food intake via vagal afferent activity. In-vivo studies were performed to characterize body weight gain and investigate whether weight gain was associated with increased food intake. I found that CysLT2R-/- mice not only have significantly higher body weight, but also eat significantly more than CysLT2R+/+ mice. Using calcium imaging techniques, I demonstrated that LTD4 and LTC4 increased calcium Ca2+ influx in nodose ganglion neuron. Moreover, the level of neuronal activation in the brainstem (NTS area) was measured in both groups of mice using immunohistochemical techniques, which suggested less postprandial neuronal activity in KO mice. These data suggest that CysLT2Rs take part in regulating body weight and food intake. In addition these results implicate vagal afferents as a possible pathway. These findings may have implications for the control of food intake in both health and disease and may lead to novel insights in the causes and treatment of disordered weight such as overweight and obesity, or even anorexia. / Thesis (Master, Physiology) -- Queen's University, 2011-02-04 10:48:47.018

No description available.

This project aimed to investigate the role of the γ-lactone of 3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid (3,4DB) which was claimed by Japanese investigators to be one of several endogenous γ-lactones involved in the control of food intake. Tissue, plasma and urine organic acid profiles were screened for the γ-lactone of 3,4DB using both GC and GCMS. Careful mass spectral analysis and <I>in vitro</I> acid-γ-lactone exchange analyses with structural validation studies showed that the γ-lactone of 3,4DB did not occur <I>in vivo</I> but that the free acid of 3,4DB did. This rejects previous claims to the contrary. Fasting increased rat plasma 3,4DB with urinary output significantly elevated for the first 24h of fasting. A metabolic route from glutamate to acetate is proposed with 3,4DB as an intermediate. Peripheral administration of glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 4-hydroxybutyric acid (4HB) to rats reduced food intake with increasing effects at each stage of the pathway. The γ-lactone 2-buten-4-olide is toxic and other γ-lactones had more potent effects than their free acids on rats. The intragastric administration of GABA stimulated 4HB production <I>in vivo</I> and GABA or 4HB increased plasma 3,4DB levels, thus implying that 3,4DB occurs at an intermediate in our proposed pathway. A likely endogenous source of 3,4DB is as a minor GABA metabolite. The response of the free acid of 3,4DB to fasting followed a similar trend as that reported for its γ-lactone and related γ-lactones are unlikely to occur <I>in vivo</I>. Given the similarities of 4HB (a precursor of 3,4DB) and 3,4DB in structure to the ketone body 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and the similarity of 3,4DB in fasting response to 3HB, both 4HB and 3,4DB may initiate anorexia in fasting.

An experimental and theoretical study of the particle trajectories in a gas turbine intake has been presented. computer model was written to simulate a particle behaviour flight in a theoretical flow which was assumed to inviscid, irrotational and incompressible. The model is also on other assumptions which imposes several limitations the accuracy of the predicted results. These limitations the objectives of the experimental investigation of particle trajectories which was carried out in a 30.0 section of an axisymmetric helicopter inertial separator. The separator section was fully instrumented with pressure tappings to determine the near-wall flow condition. The flowfield at the central (vertical) plane of separator was also measured with a two spot laser anemometer. The dust particles used in the tests were the spherical ballotini and irregular quartz particles with diameter ranging f-rom 15.0 to 150.0 microns. These particles seeded locally into the separator at three initial positions. The restitution ratios for the quartz particle based on experimental data and the ballotini particle's were based on a simple relation, which was derived by and error matching of predicted and experimental results. The particle trajectories, velocities and angles in separator were measured at several stations using the anemometer. The measured results were compared with predicted values from the model which has been modified accept both the experimentally measured and inviscid flowfield. The particle shape factor was also included to account for the higher drag on the non-spherical particle. Further modification was also made to include the restitution ratios of the ballotini particle. Good agreement found between measured and predicted particle trajecto- velocities and angles for both the spherical and non- spherical particle. The trajectories of the large particles (&gt;100. Oum) are ballistic' in nature which are governed by the inertia forces. The trajectories of the smaller particles are influenced by the both aerodynamic and inertia forces.

The amount and frequency of use of pesticides in vegetable farming have been shown to be high in the five farming areas in Al-Ain, UAE. The mean usage of all pesticides was high (6.81 g/m2) while the usage of organophosphorus pesticides (2.11 g/m2) was higher compared to the usage of all the other types of pesticides. A number of pesticides banned from use in the developed countries are still used in vegetable farming. The depletion of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity among farmworkers was positively correlated with the length (p<0.01), frequency(p<0.05) and the use of pesticides (p<0.0001) and inversely correlated with the use of personal protective equipment (p<0.05) and personal hygiene practice (p<0.05). The morbidity profile among farmworkers was positively correlated with the use of pesticides on the farms (p<0.0001) and the non-use of personal protection (p<0.05). The mean concentrations of all pesticide residues (1.19±0.09 mg/kg) and the organophosphorus pesticide residues (1.23±0.22 mg/kg) in the locally grown vegetables exceeded the respective MRLs by 4 and 6 times respectively. The mean concentrations for all pesticides and for organophosphorus pesticide residues in twelve of the thirteen vegetable commodities also exceeded the corresponding MRLs. The mean dietary intakes of all pesticide residues, as a percentage of ADI, were 14% and 17% respectively for the ethnic and farming populations, while corresponding values for organophosphorus pesticides were 37% and 45% respectively. However, the dietary intakes of pesticide residues exceeded the ADI for mixtures for the ethnic (137%) and the farming populations (163%). A review of congenital malformations among ethnic and immigrant non-farming populations has suggested an interplay of genetic, dietary and environmental factors. Methods are proposed to reduce the environmental exposure and the dietary intake of pesticide residues and these include the establishment of a pesticide register, the training of the farmworkers in the proper use of pesticides, the use of protective measures, alternate methods of farming, the proper processing of vegetables prior to consumption and a comprehensive risk assessment of reproductive and genetic toxicity of organophosphorus pesticides.

Master of Science / Department of Agricultural Economics / Vincent Amanor-Boadu / Metabolic syndrome (MetS) continues to be a public health concern in the United States. The current prevalence rate is about 34% among American adults. One of the recommended line of treatment for the components of MetS is dietary behavior change. Although, many dietary recommendations guidelines are published to aid in better dietary choices, little is known about how effectively they alter dietary choices. Thus, the overall objective of this study was to examine the extent to which knowledge about the presence of metabolic syndrome components influenced macronutrient intake. Data from 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used for the study. The variables used were taken from modules of the NHANES dataset: demographic, dietary (day 1 and 2 recall), questionnaire (blood Pressure & Cholesterol, medical condition, diabetes and weight history), examination (blood pressure and body measures) and laboratory (cholesterol – high density lipoprotein, and triglycerides and plasma fasting glucose). Daily macronutrients (calories, protein, carbohydrate, fat and total sugar) intake were regressed on knowledge of MetS components presence and demographic characteristics using Ordinary Least Square model. The results show that having information that one has diabetes was associated with a reduced intake of daily calories (160 kcal), carbohydrate (22.73 g) and total sugar (15.26 g). There was no significant association between protein and fat intakes and the knowledge of the presence of a metabolic syndrome component in the econometric model. Ageing was associated with increase in calorie (16 kcal/day), protein (0.502 g/day) and fat (0.66 g/day) intake. Males consumed higher amounts of all macronutrients than females. Higher education was associated with higher fat intake (5.09 g/day for High School and 4.54 g/day for college compared with those with less than high school education) but reduced sugar intake (8.86 g/day) for those with college education. It was found that 27.59% of individual’s who had diabetes did not know they had it, and about 41% of those who did know they were overweight had central obesity. The study concludes that compared to knowledge about high triglyceride levels, low high-density lipoprotein, diabetes, high blood pressure and overweight, knowledge about having diabetes seems to motivate people to change their dietary intake. This may be due to the immediate effect of diet on diabetic patients compared to the other MetS components. The result of this is that it may be appropriate to pursue drug therapy for addressing the other MetS components while diet change may be effective contributor to managing diabetes.

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University / The purpose ot this thesis is to compare two groups of patients, namely those who were given an immediate appointment following intake and those who were assigned after a waiting period. The study is confined to patients treated by social workers in the Boston Veterans Administration Mental Hygiene Clinic. It aims to learn what similarities and differences exist between the two groups; the effect ot a waiting period on patient's stay in treatment; and to determine the relationship of a number of factors to length, and outcome of treatment. According to the literature more stress is placed on motivation in relation to patient's sta7 in treatment than another factor. "The major purpose of the intake interview is to determine motivation, which is important in assessing the patient's treatment potential."2 This study is also curious to learn whether there is a relationship between motivation and length of treatment. It is hoped that this study may show what factors indicate further consideration with regard to patients placed on the waiting list.

The goal of this graduation thesis was to find out the influence of milking by automatic milking system (AMS) to the physiological needs of dairy cows within 30 minutes after milking. Ethological study covered the needs for feed intake, water intake and need for lying down. In the next part were obtained data on performance of dairy cows and time data of milking (Preparation time for milking, milking time, and time in the milking box). For determination of an impact of various technologies on dairy cows, the results were compared with the data obtained on the farm with conventional milking technology (auto-tandem parlor). The need of feed intake in 30 minutes after milking was found in the barn with AMS at 75.51 % of dairy cows, in the barn containing auto-tandem parlor it was 84.37 % of dairy cows. Highest rate of silage intake after milking had dairy cows milked by conventional way. The need of water intake was found out in the barn with AMS at 41.79 % of dairy cows and in the barn containing auto-tandem parlor it was 33.45 % of dairy cows. Higher rate of water after milking had dairy cows on the farm using the milking robot. In terms of the needs of feed intake and water within 30 minutes after milking were found in both compared technology almost identical values, 28.23 % on the farm with AMS and 27.27 % on the farm with auto-tandem parlor. From this common intake was observed earlier water intake of animals on both farms of more than 80% percent. The percentage of the cows, which needed to lie down after milking, was found in both technologies very low. On the farm with AMS it was 3.7 % and on the farm with auto-tandem parlor 5.8 %. On the farm, where AMS is used, we could evaluate the physiological needs within 30 minutes after milking in the various parts of a day. The need to feed intake was the highest between 6pm and 12 am) and the lowest in the morning. The need of water intake after milking was highest in the morning between 6am and 12 pm and the lowest between midnight 12am and 6 am. The need of lie down after milking was highest between midnight and 6am and the lowest between noon and 6 pm. Milk yield per milking was 12.89 kg on the farm with AMS and 13.35 kg on the farm with auto-tandem parlor. The average daily milk yield was on the farm with AMS 36.47 kg and 26.7 kg on the farm with auto-tandem parlor. Lower milk yield per milking and higher average milk yield per day on the other hand on the farm with AMS is caused by a higher frequency of milking, among other factors. Preparation time for milking was 2:24 min with AMS and 2:02 with conventional type of milking. The time itself was detected in both methods over 5 minutes. With conventional type of milking the times were longer by almost 30 s (5:41min). The time in milking box was 7:07 min in the technology AMS and 8:16 min in the conventional system of milking. Frequency of using of milking robot during the day reached the lowest rate between 4 pm and 6 pm and between 4 am and 8 am. The increase in the number of milking after 6 pm relates with silage intake at this time. During comparison of analyzed technologies was found insignificant difference in the physiological needs within 30 minutes after milking. For verification of these conclusions it is important to increase amount of farms with conventional milking system.

No description available.