Effects of Replacing Protein of Fishmeal with Protein of Poultry By-product Meal on Growth Performance, Body Composition, Liver Histological Changes and Selected Serum Parameters of Nile tilapia

This research evaluated the viability of completely and partially replacing the protein of fishmeal (FM) with the protein of poultry by-product meal (PBM) for juvenile Nile tilapia fish. One hundred and eighty unsexed Nile tilapia fish have been randomly assigned to four treatment groups, with three replicates including 15 Nile tilapia fish in each replicate stocked in 12 glass aquaria for nine weeks. PBM incorporation levels in the diet at 50% (G2), 75% (G3), and 100% (G4) protein content of fish meal substituted for the fish meal-based control diet have been compared (100% fish meal, G1). The final body weight (FBW), body weight gain (BWG), specific growth rate (SGR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) varied considerably across all treatment groups (p> 0.05). FBW, BWG, SGR, and PER were improved for fish fed PBM and were superior in the high level of PBM (G4). However, the morphometric indexes do not significantly differ (p > 0.05). Fat & ash % of body composition was higher in all groups containing PBM in particular (G4) as compared with the control one. In conclusion, it can be said that a full replacement PBM protein for FM protein is tolerable in Nile tilapia fish. Several changes in biochemical parameters and antioxidant status markers were observed. The histological exam of the liver in all groups that contained PBM revealed no abnormalities. However, replacing 75% of the protein of FM with PBM's protein is the optimal degree in term of maintaining meat quality and some of the blood parameters.

Adolescent neurocognitive development and decision-making abilities regarding gender-affirming care

Recently, politicians and legislative bodies have cited neurodevelopmental literature to argue that brain immaturity undermines decision-making regarding gender-affirming care (GAC) in youth. Here, we review this literature as it applies to adolescents’ ability to make decisions regarding GAC. The research shows that while adolescence is a time of peak risk-taking behavior that may lead to impulsive decisions, neurocognitive systems supporting adult-level decisions are available given deliberative processes that minimize influence of short-term rewards and peers. Since GAC decisions occur over an extended period and with support from adult caregivers and clinicians, adolescents can engage adult-level decision-making in this context. We also weigh the benefits of providing GAC access during adolescence and consider the significant costs of blocking or delaying GAC. Transgender and non-binary (TNB) adolescents face significant mental health challenges, many of which are mitigated by GAC access. Further, initiating the GAC process during adolescence, which we define as beginning at pubertal onset, leads to better long-term mental health outcomes than waiting until adulthood. Taken together, existing research indicates that many adolescents can make informed decisions regarding gender-affirming care, and that this care is critical for the well-being of TNB youth. We highlight relevant considerations for policy makers, researchers, and clinicians

PRESSÃO ARTERIAL EM FUNÇÃO DO SEXO, IDADE E LARGURA DO MANGUITO

In this study indirect arterial preassure measurements were compared using correct cuff width versus standard one, in 1000 people. The choice of the correct cuff width followed the American Heart Association recommendation. The results showed inappropriation of the standard cuff in the studied population, which is too much large in the majority of the arms, resulting in important hipoestimation of the arterial preassure values, particularly in the young adults, females and leans. Such findings raise the hypotesis that the use of standard cuff can mask the early diagnosis of hypertension in people with thin arms.Neste estudo medidas indiretas da pressão arterial foram comparadas, usando-se manguito de largura correta versus o de largura padrão, em 1000 pessoas. O manguito de largura correta, apropriada à circunferência do braço, foi escolhido segundo as recomendações da American Heart Association. Os resultados evidenciaram inadequação do manguito padrão na população estudada, tomando-se excessivamente largo na maioria dos braços; resultando em importante hipoestimação dos valores de pressão arterial, sobretudo nos adultos jovens, sexo feminino, e magros. Tais achados levantam a hipótese de que o uso do manguito padrão possa prejudicar o diagnóstico precoce da hipertensão arterial