The association of abdominal obesity with cardiovascular risk is often linked to altered secretion of adipose-derived factors and an abnormal lipid profile including formation of atherogenic small dense low density lipoprotein particles (sdLDL). Acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) is an adipose-derived hormone that exhibits potent lipogenic effects. Plasma ASP levels increase in obesity; however, the association of ASP levels with body fat distribution is not yet established, and no study to date has investigated the association of ASP with LDL size. In this study, we examined the association of ASP levels with abdominal obesity measures and the lipid profile including LDL size in 83 men with a wide range of abdominal girths. Regression analysis showed that waist/hip ratio was the main predictor of ASP levels (β = 0.52, P < 0.0001), significantly followed by decreased LDL size. BMI and TG levels, although positively correlated with ASP levels, were excluded as significant predictors in regression analysis. No correlation was found with LDL-C or apoB levels. ASP levels were 62.5% higher in abdominally obese compared to nonobese men. Waist/hip ratio presenting as the main predictor of ASP levels, suggests increased ASP production by abdominal fat which, as proposed previously, may result from resistance to ASP function causing delayed TG clearance and subsequent formation of atherogenic sdLDL.

Wool production and quality measurements were carried out on 100 Omani native female sheep (body weight 38.6 ± 5.5 kg; age 993 ± 488 d). Sheep were kept in partially shaded pens and fed ad libitum Rhodes grass hay (crude protein 8.83%) plus a daily amount of 200 g general ruminant concentrate (crude protein 16.5% DM). Animals were shorn once a year and samples were taken from the left mid-side site to determine fleece and fiber characteristics. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the fine appearance of the wool fibers. A skin sample was used to study the histological arrangement and number of secondary and primary follicles. The greasy fleece weight (GFW) in Omani sheep ranged between 0.50-2.65 kg (mean 1.12 ± 0.43 kg) and the GFW expressed as a percentage of BW ranged between 1.0-7.6 with a mean of 2.9 ± 1.16. Clean wool yield in Omani sheep fleece ranged between 57.1 and 88.4% with a mean of 76.4 ± 7.6. Omani sheep fleece contained various staple shapes and had a mean staple length of 22.9 ± 1.16 cm, 4.3 ± 0.8 crimps per staple; and a mean fiber diameter of 46 ± 12 µm. Electron microscopy revealed three types of fibers; wrap-around, angled type and polygonal and elongated scales. This study indicated a wide variation in the wool characteristics of Omani native sheep fleece, which suggested that selection may be employed to improve wool production and quality in these sheep.

No abstract

Camels are an important source of nutritious meat and meat products for people, and therefore play a major role in the national economies of many countries. In comparison with other red meats, camel meat generally contains less fat and ash, more moisture, and similar protein content. Camel meat products are receiving worldwide interest owing to its unique healthy features and the ability of camels to thrive in climatic regions of the world that may be a challenge to many other meat-producing species. Camel meat products contain many essential nutrients and some components with potential bioactive properties that could be beneficial for human health and wellbeing. Continued improvements in the understanding and optimization of the production processes of camel meat are required for successful industrial implementation and marketing. Advances in ingredient systems may be used to manufacture new meat products from camel meat where higher levels of nutrition are required to enhance consumer health and wellbeing. Camel meat as a functional food is one area that can be exploited.

Calathiscus tantillus new genus & new species (Scleractinia, Poritidae) is described from several specimens collected along the north coast of the Sultanate of Oman and Masirah Island. The zooxanthellate genus has a massive growth form, although colonies remain very small (< 40 mm). The skeletal characteristics are intermediate between Porites and Goniopora, with calices averaging 1.7 mm in diameter. The polyps, fully extended during the day in most specimens, have a long tubular column topped by a wide conical oral disc surrounded by 15 22 tentacles. The characteristics of this new species and genus are discussed in relation to other genera in the family: Porites, Goniopora, Stylarea, Alveopora and Poritipora.