Control of Drosophila wing size by morphogen range and hormonal gating

The stereotyped dimensions of animal bodies and their component parts result from tight constraints on growth. Yet, the mechanisms that stop growth when organs reach the right size are unknown. Growth of the Drosophila wing—a classic paradigm—is governed by two morphogens, Decapentaplegic (Dpp, a BMP) and Wingless (Wg, a Wnt). Wing growth during larval life ceases when the primordium attains full size, concomitant with the larval-to-pupal molt orchestrated by the steroid hormone ecdysone. Here, we block the molt by genetically dampening ecdysone production, creating an experimental paradigm in which the wing stops growing at the correct size while the larva continues to feed and gain body mass. Under these conditions, we show that wing growth is limited by the ranges of Dpp and Wg, and by ecdysone, which regulates the cellular response to their signaling activities. Further, we present evidence that growth terminates because of the loss of two distinct modes of morphogen action: 1) maintenance of growth within the wing proper and 2) induced growth of surrounding “pre-wing” cells and their recruitment into the wing. Our results provide a precedent for the control of organ size by morphogen range and the hormonal gating of morphogen action.

Chemical composition and hypocholesterolemic effect of milk kefir and water kefir in Wistar rats

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the effects of fermented kefir on the nutritional, physiological, and biochemical parameters of rats. Methods Grains of milk kefir (whole and skimmed) and water kefir (brown sugar) were used. The chemical composition analysis was performed on substrates and fermented beverages. The rats were evaluated for weight gain, body mass index, as well as their food, water, kefir, and calorie intake. We also evaluated their energy efficiency coefficient, weight of organs, in addition to their serum, and hepatic biochemistry. Results Fermentation increased the acid content index owing to degradation of lactose and brown sugar. The animals consumed more kefir, reducing the intake of chow and water. Kefir did not alter body and organ weight, while improving the lipid profile. Conclusion Water kefir with brown sugar was more effective in improving the lipid profile.

Health advice in pregnancy

This chapter begins with a discussion of the concepts of fetal programming and epigenetics and the relevance of both to health advice in pregnancy. The topics of smoking (including e-cigarettes), alcohol intake, diet and nutrition, weight gain, body mass index, food safety, folic acid, iron and vitamin D supplementation, nut allergies, exercise, and employment during pregnancy are each covered in depth. The current advice and guidance which should be given to women and their families during pregnancy relative to each topic are also discussed.

Effects ofAstrocaryum aculeatumMeyer (Tucumã) on Diet-Induced Dyslipidemic Rats

Anin vivostudy was conducted to assess the effects of the consumption ofAstrocaryum aculeatum Amazon Meyer(tucumã) in the treatment of diet-induced dyslipidemia in sedentary and exercised Wistar rats. With an average weight of 350 grams, 40 male rats were divided into 4 subgroups of 10. The sedentary control group (SCG) was fed with commercial feed, while the sedentary treatment group (STG) was fed with a ration of tucumã. In addition to the sedentary groups, two exercise groups were formed. The Exercised control group (ECG) was fed with commercial food and the exercised treatment group (ETG) was fed with a ration of tucumã. Body weight gain and food intake were monitored during the experiment. Plasma was analyzed for cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL, total protein, glucose, insulin, and leptin concentrations. Our results show that the ECG group tended to consume more food, while the groups that were fed with tucumã pulp (STG and ETG) presented a greater tendency to gain body mass. ECG group showed a tendency towards a higher concentration of cholesterol in plasma, while STG and ETG presented higher absolute values for triglycerides and VLDL. No hypolipiemic effect was observed related to tucuma ingestion.