Prediction of birth weight using body measurements of local caprine population kids raised in a low-input breeding mode under arid environment.

The aim of this study is to establish linear measurements of local goat kids at birth and their factors of variation, as well as their possible correlations with birth weight. Additionally, the study analyses statistical models and barymetric functions to predict birth weight of kids based on their morphometric data. The database includes data on 128 goat kids born to 89 goats and 9 bucks in the experimental goat herd at the El GORDHAB station of IRA. Average BW, withers height (L1), heart girth (L2), rump height (L3), and body length (L4) of all kids were 2.45kg, 32.66cm,30.56cm, 33.41cm, and 31.21cm respectively. Results show that in general, local goat kids are small in size and weight at birth, which varies depending on sex, dam age, and type of birth. Highest and positive correlation coefficient value between birth weight and heart girth were observed (r = 0.95). The coefficient of determination (R2) for heart girth (0.78) was higher than other body measurements in single trait evaluation indicating it as the best trait for the predication of birth weight. The most appropriate combination of body measurements (R2 = 0.82) was observed between height at withers and heart girth for predication of birth weight estimation. Developing a system for recording birth weight based on easily obtainable body measurements could be a useful approach for rural areas. Result join the study objective by conceiving feasible genetic improvement plans for agropastoral herds by establishing individual phenotypes estimation even when the classical animal management does not already allowed.

Theoretical investigations of the electronic states of NaXe: a comparative study.

The electronic state properties of NaXe are investigated using ab initio methodologies and various pseudopotential approaches for comparison. The spectroscopic terms and dipole moments of the lowest electronic states up to the Na(3d) +Xe dissociation limit are determined. The difference between valence or smaller core pseudopotential on Xe is shown to be negligible and so is the difference between all-electron and valence pseudopotential completed by core-polarization treatments of Na. These calculations are used as references to test the performance of a treatment involving a zero electron pseudopotential description of xenon together with a one-electron pseudopotential description of Na. When compared with the reference calculations, the one-electron model leads to reasonable quantitative results. The potential energy curves and spectroscopic data of all Rydberg excited states of NaXe up the Na(5f)+Xe dissociation limit are determined using this method. Long distance wells and barriers in the range R = 15-40 bohrs are identified for some of the higher states with (2)Σ(+) symmetry.

[Risk factors for eclampsia: a case-control study]. / Facteurs de risque d'éclampsie : étude cas-témoins.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to characterize the risk factors of eclampsia in women with preeclampsia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted at Monastir hospital to investigate risk factors for eclampsia between 1st January 1995 and 30th June 2000. Cases were matched to preeclamptic controls on a 2:1 ratio. Univariate analysis was used to determine which of the independent variables were significantly different between the groups. Those with significant differences were then entered into multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the characteristics that were independently related to eclampsia. RESULT: A total of 41 cases of eclampsia were ascertained from deliveries. The ratio of eclampsia cases to number of deliveries over the study period was 1.87 per 1000. The first seizures occurred at home in 59% of the cases. Univariate analysis revealed statistical significance for the following variables associated with eclampsia: systolic hypertension > or =160 mmHg and diastolic > or =110 mmHg, headache, visual symptoms, vivid deep tendon reflexes, proteinuria >3+ or >3 g d(-1), uric acid concentration > or =350 micromol l(-1), serum creatinine concentration >100 micromol l(-1) and aminotransferase aspartate >30 IU l(-1). A history of abortion appears to be the protective factor against eclampsia. However, with subsequent multivariate analysis, only vivid deep tendon reflexes and elevated uric acid concentration remained significant. CONCLUSION: These data indicate a need for improved prenatal care and medical attention focused on prodroms of eclampsia as well as the detection of preeclampsia to reduce the incidence of eclampsia.

[Traumatic rupture of the aortic isthmus revealed by a mesenteric infarct]. / Rupture traumatique de l'isthme aortique révélée par un infarctus mésentérique.

The traumatic rupture of the aortic isthmus is one of the worst complication due to high speed motor vehicle accidents. When death is not the immediate consequence of this lesion, the initial clinical signs are not very clear. The present article demonstrates the case of a 23-year-old patient, victim of a car accident. A traumatic aortic rupture was actually diagnosed after the unusual discovery of a mesenteric infarct. In this case report, the mesenteric infarct mechanism can be controversed, and an emphasis should be put on an early aortic lesion diagnosis and repair in order to avoid any ischaemic complications.