bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSIX-15 Intake of corn stover plant parts by feedlot beef steers
Authors: Karls Caleb , Shinners Kevin , Schaefer Dan
Published: November 2020

Corn stover supports feedlot operations in intensive corn producing regions. A single-pass corn grain and stover harvest system was developed to increase efficiency of field operations and capture different anatomical fractions than are typically harvested with conventional corn stover. The objectives were to feed beef steers diets that included a roughage component consisting of harvested corn residue in chopped form from conventional corn stover bales (CST) or single-pass bales (SPB). Whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) served as a control. Steers (n = 90, 5 pens/treatment) were fed during Grow (84 d) and Finish (66 d) phases to assess consumption of corn plant botanical fractions and calculate net energy values of the stover feeds. Cattle consumed a larger proportion of stover as cob (P < 0.001) and less as stalk (P = 0.001) when stover was offered as SPB rather than CST. These differences are consistent with the fractional distribution of botanical components offered. During the Grow phase, cattle fed WPCS had greater (P = 0.018) daily gains (1.27 kg d-1) than cattle fed the SPB (1.14 kg d-1) and CST (1.08 kg d-1), and were more efficient than CST cattle. Steers sorted corn stover during both phases and consumed 52.5% of corn stover offered. SPB cob intake was 70% greater than CST cob intake (P < 0.01) indicating if more cob fraction is available, cattle will consume more. There was no treatment effect on final body weight (P = 0.37) or growth rate (P = 0.12) during the Finish phase. Stover NEm and NEg were calculated using Dairy NRC (2001) methods for SPB (1.04 and 0.49 Mcal kg-1) and CST (0.98 and 0.44 Mcal kg-1), respectively. In conclusion, there is evidence that CST and SPB can substitute for WPCS in beef feedlot diets without adverse effects on overall steer performance.
PSVI-1 Effects of dietary nonforage fiber sources and starch levels on nutrition digestion and rumen fermentation of fattening Hu lambs
Authors: Guo Tongqing , Li Fadi , Li Fei
Published: November 2020

The primary objectives of this experiment were to study the effects of fiber sources [beet pulp (BP) vs. soybean hull (SH)] and dietary starch levels [low = 22% dry matter (DM), medium = 25% DM, and high = 27% DM] on nutrition digestion, rumen parameters and rumen bacteria in fattening Hu lambs. A total of 360 Hu lambs were assigned a 2×3 factorial arrangements, including a 63-day experimental periods. Six diets were formulated to include two fiber sources and three starch levels, and the samples including feed, feces, rumen contents, and rumen fluids were collected in different experimental periods. Analysis of fiber sources and starch levels was performed using two-way ANOVA by SPSS software version 17.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, United States). The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) declined in (P = 0.005) increasing starch contents. Increasing starch levels increased the concentrations of propionate (P = 0.002) and valerate (P = 0.001) and decreased the concentrations of acetate (P < 0.001) and the ratio of acetate/propionate (P = 0.005). At the genus level, increasing starch levels reduced the abundance of Butyrivibrio_2 (P = 0.020). Nevertheless, the ADF digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) in lambs fed SH than lambs fed BP. The concentrations of butyrate were higher (P = 0.005) while the rumen pH was less (P = 0.001) in lambs fed BP than those fed SH. Fiber sources influenced the abundance of Succiniclasticum, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Ruminococcus_1 and Christensenellaceae_R-7, which were higher in lambs fed SH compared with those fed BP (P < 0.05). In summary, the interaction of fiber sources and starch levels had no differences on growth performance, and lambs fed SH increased final BW compared lambs fed BP. Fiber sources mainly changed the abundance of cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen community.
PSVI-5 Effects of exogenous glucoamylase enzymes or a combination with a neutral protease on total tract apparent digestibility and feces D-lactate in bulls fed a total mixed ration rich in rolled corn
Authors: Devant Maria , Yu Shukun , Genis Sandra , Larsen Torben , Li Wenting
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2 glucoamylases (GA) and the combination of one GA with a neutral protease on total tract apparent digestibility in bulls fed a total mixed ration (TMR) rich in rolled corn. Sixteen Angus beef bulls (266 ± 4.9 kg of initial BW, and 182 ± 1.7 d of age) were housed individually in pens and were distributed in 4 blocks of 4 animals balanced by BW. The experimental design was a 4 x 4 Latin square (4 blocks and 4 periods) with periods of 2 wks. Four treatments were tested; 1) control, a blank solution of 0.2% potassium sorbate and 0.6% sodium benzoate corresponding to the preservatives used in the enzyme preparation, 2) a GA preparation from Trichoderma reesei; 3) a GA preparation from Aspergillus fumigatus; 4) and a GA from Aspergillus fumigatus and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens neutral protease preparation. These enzyme solutions were daily mixed was mixed in a dry TMR with 70% of rolled corn at a rate of 10 mL for 40 kg TMR. From day 8 to 14 chromium oxide (1 mg/kg) was mixed with the diet and from day 12 to 14 feces were collected to estimate total tract apparent digestibility and D-lactate concentration. Intake was recorded daily. Enzyme supplementation, regardless of enzyme type, increased (P < 0.05) DM (from 66.7% to 73.1% ± 2.01), OM (from 66.7% to 72.9% ± 2.03), and starch (from 74.7% to 81.8% ± 2.25) total tract apparent digestibility, and did not affect feces D-lactate concentration (1.26 vs 1.00 ± 0.200 mM for control and enzyme supplemented, respectively). So, any of the enzyme preparations tested (glucoamylases from Trichoderma reesei or Aspergillus fumigatus, or Aspergillus fumigatus glucoamylase n combination with the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens protease) increased by 9.5% starch digestibility.
PSXII-10 The effects of different mineral supplementation strategies on feedlot performance of mineral deficient cattle
Authors: Brady Tevan J , Reichhardt Caleb C , Briggs Reganne K , Smith Laura A , Thornton Kara J , Rood Kerry , Tarbet Bart , Garcia Matthew D
Published: November 2020

Mineral deficient cattle that enter a feedlot have been documented to have increased morbidity and mortality rates and decreased feedlot performance. The objective of this research was to explore current practices used by feedlot producers when receiving mineral deficient cattle. To accomplish this, forty steers were blocked by weight and mineral status, then assigned to one of four treatment groups: control (Con; n = 10), industry mineral requirements (IND; n = 10) top dressed on TMR fed, 2X industry mineral requirements (2XIND; n = 10) top dressed on TMR fed, and MultiMin® injection at labeled dose (MM; n = 10). All steers received the same ration in pens equipped with GrowSafe® bunks. Standing liver biopsies were collected on day 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 and analyzed for mineral content. Steers were weighed on day 0, 14, 28, 41, 56, 70, 84, and 110. Average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI) and feed efficiency (FE) were recorded. After the trial, steers were harvested at a commercial facility and carcass data was obtained from the plant. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in weight gain or overall ADG between treatment groups. When analyzed over time, treatment had an effect (P < 0.001) on liver copper and selenium concentrations, but no effects (P > 0.05) were observed on liver manganese and zinc concentrations. Additionally, when DMI was analyzed over time, effects (P < 0.05) of time, treatment, and treatment*time were observed, and effects (P < 0.05) of time and treatment*time were observed on FE. Treatment had no effect (P > 0.05) on carcass data. These data indicate that different mineral supplementation strategies have diverse effects on feedlot performance and liver mineral concentrations over time.
PSX-26 The identification of novel SNPs significant for reproductive abilities in sheep using GWAS
Authors: Shevtsova Varvara , Kolosova Maria , Bakoev Siroj , Getmantseva Lyubov , Getmantseva Varvara , Bakoev Nekruz , Usatov Alexander , Kostyunina Olga V , Fornara Margaret S , Kolosov Anatoly
Published: November 2020

Reproductive ability of ewes is one of the most important traits in sheep breeding. Hence the mechanisms underlying this complex trait are poorly understood till now. To study the genetic architecture of litter size and search for SNPs associated with Total lambs born (TLB) we conducted genome-wide association study of Volgograd sheep. A total of 48 sheep after the second lambing were collected: 24 of them had 1 lamb, and 24 others had two lambs. All the samples were genotyped using the OvineSNP50 Genotyping BeadChip according to the manufacturer’s protocol. Then they were filtered using the parameters –hwe = 10–3, --maf = 0.05, --geno = 0.1, --indep-pairwise 50 5 0.5. After the quality control 46249 SNPs of 54241 were retained in the working dataset for the GWAS. A total of 14 significant SNPs located on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 7, 15, 18, and 19 reached the genome-wide significance level. More than 50% of SNPs are located in the introns of genes, the rest are located in regulatory regions of genes and intergenic regions. We searched for candidate genes located near the significant SNPs using the Ensembl database. A total of 14 genes were selected. Gene annotation was completed using Panther. The detailed information about those significant SNPs and the possible genes associated with TLB are presented in Table. These genes take part in cellular processes, biological regulation and regulation of metabolic processes, some of them are involved in the formation of the immune system and biological adhesion. The data obtained allowed us to determine a number of SNPs that are significant for the formation of such complex reproductive trait as Total lamb born (TLB) in sheep and could be potentially applied in sheep breeding programs.
PSIV-32 Do self-assessments reflect actual skill level of the student in an introductory equine laboratory course?
Authors: Lee Samantha , Cagle-Holtcamp Katie , Nicodemus Molly , Evans Holly , Walters Avery , Gilmore Alicia
Published: November 2020

In the hiring process, employers look for confidence in a potential employee. This confidence is particularly important in the equine industry when a lack of confidence can create safety issues for both the handler and horse. Earlier studies report previous exposure to horses gives students an advantage in the understanding of equine behavior and self-reported equine handling abilities. However, does this understanding and perceived ability reflect actual equine handling skills? Course assessments by instructors in determining student learning and abilities often defer to student self-assessments, but the exposure to the horse may only develop a perceived confidence and not an actual skill set. Therefore, the objective of the study was to compare students’ perceived confidence in equine handling to actual skill level. Study participants were enrolled in introductory equine laboratory courses (n = 83) during the fall semester. Laboratories consisted of basic equine handling activities that were covered over 30 contact hours throughout the semester. Students worked with horses on a weekly basis for 2 hours each week for 10 weeks. A survey instrument consisting of 18 questions was given at the beginning (pre-) and end (post-) of the semester. Questions focused on the student’s confidence in their perceived equine handling skills. Students ranked their confidence with a score from 1 to 5 with 5 indicating a high confidence level. Laboratory instructors completed a 10 question pre- and post- skill assessment. Each question ranked the students’ skills 1–4 with 4 indicating a high skill level. By the end of the semester, students improved both in their self-assessed confidence (P < 0.05) and in their instructor-assessed skill level (P < 0.05) with a positive correlation seen between the two assessment methods. Thus, instructors limited on how they can assess a student can defer to self-assessments when evaluating course impact in an introductory equine laboratory course.
PSI-41 Impacts of Flunixin Meglumine injection on wound score and swelling appearance of either rubber ring castrated and tail docked or surgically castrated and docked lambs
Authors: Anderson Paige P , Long Amanda M , Crane Alison R , Hoffman Travis W , Stokka Gerald , Hanna Lauren L Hulsman , Kirsch James D , Schauer Christopher S
Published: November 2020

Our hypothesis was that administering Flunixin Meglumine (FM) to lambs that were either rubber ring castrated and docked (RR) or surgically castrated and emasculator docked (SC) would decrease swelling and wound appearance score. Rambouillet ram lambs (n = 181) were allocated in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine the effects of RR or SC and emasculator docking on ram lambs with administration of FM (2.2 mg/kg of BW) or saline (S; 2.2 mg/kg of BW). Wounds were assessed on days 4 and 7 post-treatment. The Wound Assessment Scale ranged from 1 – 5 and was determined from levels of discharge, scabbing, and wound healing. The swelling score was also a 1 - 5 scale, varying from no swelling, large amounts, or healed. Scrotal wound exhibited a treatment x day interaction (P < 0.001), however tail wound score (P = 0.84) and scrotal swelling (P = 0.36) were not affected. The SC treated lambs had a higher wound score on day 4 and 7 when compared to the RR treated lambs for both the scrotum and tail score (P < 0.001). Flunixin Meglumine had no effect on wound score of the scrotum (P > 0.50) and tail (P > 0.43) for both RR and SC groups. However, RR treated lambs had higher swelling scores on day 4 and 7 (P < 0.001). Flunixin Meglumine administration did not influence swelling score in treated lambs (P > 0.43). Surgical castration resulted in an increase in wound score compared to rubber ring castrated and docked lambs, but rubber ring castrated and docked lambs had an increase in wound swelling. Flunixin Meglumine did not have an impact on either wound score or wound swelling, regardless of castration method.
PSI-33 Evaluation of calf performance when cows grazing native rangeland are vaccinated for bovine viral diarrhea virus and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis using either a modified live or killed vaccine
Authors: Lujan Luis A , Melchior Emily A , Rosasco Shelby L , Dunlap Richard L , Cox Shad H , Scholljegerdes Eric J , Wenzel John C , Lodge-Ivey Shanna L
Published: November 2020

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a pathogen associated with gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive diseases of cattle worldwide. Vaccination of cattle with antivirals have proven effective to reduce instances of BVDV. However, vaccination protocol adoption by producers and animal response to vaccination varies. The objective of this study was to determine if administration to the dam of a modified-live viral vaccine (MLV) or killed viral vaccine (KV) would impact the growth and rumen fermentation end products of the calf. The hypothesis for this study was that calves from dams vaccinated with MLV would have improved performance. Calves (n = 20) born to dams that received either MLV or KV over the course of their lifetime, were housed on rangeland at the Corona Range and Livestock Research Center in Corona, NM. Cow ruminal contents were collected at birth. Both cow and calf ruminal contents were collected at 7, 35, 63, and 205 d of age. Cow body condition score did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05) (average KV = 4.3 + 0.8 and MLV = 4.3 + 0.8) at calving. Additionally, calf birth (P =0.66) weight and weaning weight (P > 0.05) did not differ between dam vaccine type. At days postpartum x vaccine type interaction was not observed for calf ruminal pH (P = 0.20) and volatile fatty acid concentrations (P > 0.28). However, calf ruminal pH increased with age (P < 0.0001). Butyrate concentrations were least at 7 days of age (P = 0.0069). Therefore, we reject our hypothesis; calves born from dams receiving MLV do not have improved performance when compared to KV counterparts. Results indicate birth weight, weaning weight, pre-weaned calves pH, and volatile fatty acid concentration, are not impacted by dam’s vaccination type; however, impacts on calf immunity have not been evaluated and require further research.
PSI-35 Foot and hair shedding scores of crossbred cattle grazing native rangeland differ by age group
Authors: Eiguren Nick M , Peterson Katie , McFarlane Zach D
Published: November 2020

Structural soundness is crucial to improve productivity and longevity of beef cattle in rangeland landscapes. In addition, hair shedding scores are utilized to select for heat tolerant cattle. Thus, the objective of this study was to collect data indicative of cattle adaptability to extensive rangeland landscapes in the Cal Poly beef cattle herd. Three trained technicians assigned claw set, foot angle and hair shedding scores. All data were collected over a 2-day period (n = 3 ranch locations) and foot scores were only collected from females (n = 211) that were at least 1 year of age. Each female was assigned a score for foot angle and claw set (1–9, 5 being ideal). A hair shedding score was also allocated (1–5, 1 = 0% winter coat, 5 = 100% winter coat) to both cows and calves of dams assigned to different age groups. Cattle were retrospectively assigned to a group based on age (Young = 2–3 years of age, Moderate = 4–7 years of age, Old = 8+ years of age) and data were analyzed with the main effects of ranch location and cow age group. Ranch location had no impact (P > 0.05) on foot score or hair shedding score. Cow age group had a significant impact (P < 0.01) on claw set, with young cows exhibiting a lower and more ideal foot score. However, cow age had no effect on hoof angle (P = 0.23). Young cows had a greater (P < 0.001) hair shedding score than their counterparts. Calf hair shedding score was not different (P ≥ 0.23) among dam age groups or ranch locations. Thus, these data indicate that feet and leg structure is compromised as cows age, and younger cows with higher hair shedding scores may lack adaptability to heat stress.
PSI-34 Factors influencing bull selection and management in extensive rangeland production systems of California
Authors: Peterson Katie , Schohr Tracy , DeAtley Kasey , McFarlane Zach D
Published: November 2020

California’s 660,000 head of beef cattle are highly dependent on bulls used to produce offspring that can perform across the state’s diverse ecological regions. Bulls need to be functional on rugged coastal landscapes, rolling foothills, deserts and in high-elevation terrain. Few data exist that indicate factors related to selection, maintenance and longevity of bulls used in rangeland landscapes. Objectives herein, were to assess factors influencing bull purchasing, management, and culling decisions of California beef producers. Surveys were mailed to the California Cattlemen’s Association membership (n = 1,410) with ~ 12% response rate (n = 171). Data were analyzed for 56% of respondents (n = 95). Mean age and years of bull selection experience of respondents was 61 ± 1 years and 27 ± 2 years, respectively. Respondents managed cattle on a total of 694,949 ha of owned, private leased, and leased public rangelands in California and surrounding states. Cow-calf herd size was 378 ± 92 head and bull battery averaged 18 ± 3 head with average bull longevity of 5 ± 0.8 years. The average price paid for bulls in the last 2 years was $5166 ± 298, while the highest price paid in the last 5 years was $6958 ± 445. Survey responses were used to define current factors driving management after purchase and for subsequent breeding seasons. Methodology for bull turnout management (i.e. high-energy diet, pasture, supplemental hay) had no impact (P = 0.13) on average age of bulls when culled. After bull purchase, 46% of producers turned bulls out directly with females, while 49% held bulls until the following breeding season. Additionally, most producers (75%) did not manage bulls to reduce condition after purchase. Average bull longevity was moderately correlated (P = 0.01; r2 = 0.30) with average bull price a producer was willing to pay. The average age of bulls when culled was not influenced (P = 0.42) by the frequency of semen quality evaluation. Semen quality was evaluated annually by 45% of respondents, while 20% of respondents never evaluated semen quality. Respondents indicated bull age (35%) and structural soundness (29%) as the most common factors for culling bulls. This research suggests the need for additional research focused on bull selection and management to maximize producer investment in reproduction.
Core Tech Support Networks and Digital Inequalities in American Disadvantaged Urban Communities
Authors: Li Xiaoqian , Chen Wenhong
Published: November 2020

This study originates the construct of core tech support networks to understand the most fundamental digital inequality issues that remain in disadvantaged communities. Beyond social inequalities, digital factors, and social capital, this study explores how three different characteristics of core tech support networks are related to digital inequalities, such as gaps in Internet use and basic digital skills. The results show that the overall size of core tech support networks and the better resources embedded in the networks can narrow gaps in Internet use and the presence of basic digital skills. However, they do not further improve the proficiency levels of basic digital skills. Core tech support networks’ composition based on tie strength is not related to inequalities in either Internet use or basic digital skills. This study provides both valuable theoretical and practical implications for digital inequalities and digital inclusion.
Organic psychosis
Authors: Buckley Peter , Miller Brian
Published: November 2020

“Psychosis” and “schizophrenia” are descriptive terms. They are not synonymous with each other. Now somewhat paradoxically, “functional” psychoses such as schizophrenia are distinguished from “organic” psychoses by the absence of brain pathology and/or a likely contributory medical condition. This approximates to a tautology, since ample research confirms brain changes in schizophrenia and medical comorbidities are common in patients with schizophrenia. That said, this chapter enumerates general considerations in the realm of organic psychosis and focuses on specific psychoses that may be particularly noteworthy, autoimmune encephalitis.
Clinical phenomenology of the prodrome for psychosis
Authors: Powers III Albert R. , McGlashan Thomas H. , Woods Scott W.
Published: November 2020

More than 100 years of retrospective studies show that psychosis is usually preceded by a prodrome. Nonspecific symptoms such as anxiety and depression precede more specific negative and attenuated positive symptoms. Prospective diagnostic criteria have been developed based on the retrospective work. The prospective criteria have shown high reliability in the research context, and follow-up studies demonstrate that those assessed as at clinical high risk (CHR) are five to seven times more likely to progress to psychosis as those who are not. Functional and cognitive impairment and distress accompany the increased risk. CHR diagnosis rates in general epidemiology studies are low, supporting validity, but rates in clinical epidemiology studies are substantially higher, suggesting that CHR constitutes an important but often overlooked clinical entity. Despite this importance, several areas in need of additional research effort are identified.
Dopaminergic mechanisms underlying psychosis
Authors: Bloomfield Michael A. P. , Howes Oliver D.
Published: November 2020

The theory that dopaminergic mechanisms play a role in psychosis has evolved since the mid-twentieth century. This followed research which found that the clinical potency of antipsychotics was directly related to their affinity for dopamine receptors and drugs that cause dopamine release caused psychotic symptoms. Molecular imaging studies have found consistent evidence that elevated striatal dopamine synthesis capacity is associated with psychotic symptoms including in people with schizophrenia, people at risk of psychosis and first-degree relatives of people with schizophrenia. Importantly, dopamine elevation has been positively correlated with severity of psychotic symptoms. There is also evidence that dopamine dysfunction may be a transdiagnostic feature of psychosis. The dopamine system plays a key role in cognition, including reward prediction error signaling and salience processing. Dopaminergic dysfunction has been hypothesized to give rise to psychosis through aberrant salience processing. Since stressful experiences are highly salient for an organism’s survival, the dopamine system plays a key role in the brain’s response to stressors. Chronic stressors occurring during development can induce long-term changes in dopamine function and may thus provide a pathway through which environmental risk factors for psychosis alter neurobiology to give rise to psychosis. At least some genetic risk factors for psychosis also converge on the dopamine system. These findings have given rise to a “dual hit” model of dopaminergic dysfunction involving genetic vulnerability and responses to environmental stressors.
Neural correlates of ethnic minority position and risk for psychosis
Authors: Selten Jean-Paul , Booij Jan , Buwalda Bauke , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas
Published: November 2020

It is likely that the chronic stress of social defeat or exclusion contributes to the increased psychosis risk among members of ethnic minorities. Is this idea compatible with the dopamine or neurodevelopmental hypothesis, two dominant hypotheses with regard to pathogenesis? Defeated animals show clear evidence of dopamine sensitization. As for humans, one study showed elevated striatal dopamine function in migrants and their children. Other studies have shown this in other excluded groups, namely, adults with hearing impairment and individuals with a history of childhood trauma. Of note, the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex may play a major role in the processing of social stress and regulates dopaminergic areas implicated in stress sensitization. The authors are not aware of studies in humans that examined whether (proxies for) social exclusion contribute(s) to structural brain changes present at psychosis onset. Animal studies, however, reported that long-term isolation may lead to reductions in brain volume and that social defeat can reduce neurogenesis.
AVATAR therapy
Authors: Craig Tom K. J. , Rus-Calafell Mar
Published: November 2020

AVATAR therapy is a newly developed treatment for auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) that uses virtual reality technology to allow a three-way interaction between therapist, participant, and the entity the person believes is the source of their distressing auditory verbal hallucinations with the aim of reducing the perceived power and hostility of the persecutory voices. Two controlled trials, one a preliminary proof of concept and the second a larger powered clinical trial comparing AVATAR therapy with a supportive counseling control intervention, have demonstrated effectiveness in terms of reduced frequency, omnipotence, and associated distress of targeted AVH. This chapter reviews the present evidence and speculates on possible mechanism of action and future developments.
A glimpse forward regarding psychopathology of psychotic disorders
Authors: Carpenter William T.
Published: November 2020

Issues related to early detection and intervention, primary prevention, and re-conceptualizing therapeutic targets are important current themes in psychosis research. Extensive heterogeneity within each diagnostic class and overlap in clinical features, risk factors and associated features between diagnostic classes, all result in critical limitations in clinical care and research. In this chapter, concrete approaches are suggested to make progress in psychosis research. Each partial solution has a different profile of strengths and weaknesses. New knowledge will be needed to make progress, and that knowledge will be acquired incrementally.
Respiratory Medicine
Authors: Lee Richard , Selvarajah Brintha , Oldfield William L. G.
Published: November 2020

This chapter outlines the basic science and theory of Respiratory medicine required for MRCP Part 1, before addressing the clinical aspects of Respiratory medicine for MRCP Part 2. To ensure effective revision, material is presented in short sections with bullet lists, tables, and boxes to highlight key facts.
Barriers to Nutrition Interventions in Army Dining Facilities: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Armstrong Nicholes J , Serrano Erik E , Cole Renee E , Bukhari Asma S , Jayne Julianna M
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Interventions that encourage good nutrition-related behaviors in the dining environment can potentially influence the health of large numbers of military personnel. Thus, the Army has studied the effectiveness of implementing nutrition education and dining facility (DFAC) changes that included healthier recipes, revised menus, and population-specific point-of-choice labeling, but successful intervention implementation largely depends on the foodservice employees’ understanding, knowledge, and desire to sustain changes. This phenomenological, qualitative study aimed to better understand common barriers to the implementation and sustainment of DFAC-based nutrition interventions at two U.S. Army DFACs.

Materials and Methods

Focus group sessions (n = 168 participants) ranging from 60 to 90 minutes in length were conducted at two large DFACs on three separate occasions every 4 months from May 2015 to January 2016 among the foodservice staff during intervention implementation. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using NVivo 11 software. Researchers conducted multiple rounds of coding following an iterative process until four principal themes emerged.

Results

Principal themes related to the foodservice employees’ experience during the nutrition intervention revealed barriers to a successful implementation related to (1) nutrition knowledge deficits, (2) inadequate culinary training, (3) poor management practices, and (4) low staff morale.

Conclusion

A lack of foodservice staff training and education is a significant contributor to implementation barriers. Future interventions should increase engagement with foodservice employees during intervention planning and implementation phases with a structured and tailored nutrition education and culinary skill training program. Addressing these barriers may enhance staff morale and promote intervention adherence.
Measuring the surface mass density ellipticity of redMaPPer galaxy clusters using weak lensing
Authors: Gonzalez Elizabeth J , Makler Martín , García Lambas Diego , Chalela Martín , Pereira Maria E S , Van Waerbeke Ludovic , Shan HuanYuan , Erben Thomas
Published: November 2020

In this work, we study the shape of the projected surface mass density distribution of galaxy clusters using weak-lensing stacking techniques. In particular, we constrain the average aligned component of the projected ellipticity, ϵ, for a sample of redMaPPer clusters (0.1 ≤ z < 0.4). We consider six different proxies for the cluster orientation and measure ϵ for three ranges of projected distances from the cluster centres. The mass distribution in the inner region (up to 700 kpc) is better traced by the cluster galaxies with a higher membership probability, while the outer region (from 700 kpc up to 5 Mpc) is better traced by the inclusion of less probable galaxy cluster members. The fitted ellipticity in the inner region is ϵ = 0.21 ± 0.04, in agreement with previous estimates. We also study the relation between ϵ and the cluster mean redshift and richness. By splitting the sample in two redshift ranges according to the median redshift, we obtain larger ϵ values for clusters at higher redshifts, consistent with the expectation from simulations. In addition, we obtain higher ellipticity values in the outer region of clusters at low redshifts. We discuss several systematic effects that might affect the measured lensing ellipticities and their relation to the derived ellipticity of the mass distribution.
Contribution of statistical site learning to improve optical turbulence forecasting
Authors: Giordano C , Rafalimanana A , Ziad A , Aristidi E , Chabé J , Fanteï-Caujole Y , Renaud C
Published: November 2020

The forecast for atmospheric and turbulence conditions above astronomical observatories is of interest to the astronomical community because it allows observations to be planned with maximum efficiency, a process called flexible scheduling. It can also be used to simulate long-term site testing to provide local information useful for the conception of focal and post-focal instrumentation. We have presented our forecasting tool in previous publications, but in this paper we focus on the importance of using local measurements to improve the predictive turbulence model and to better consider the local specificities of a given site, a process we call site learning. For this study, we use a local data base provided by the Calern Atmospheric Turbulence Station, which has been operational since 2015 at Calern Observatory. In addition, we use a set of several months of predictions to feed the turbulence model, taking into account daytime and nighttime conditions. This upgrade improves the quality of our forecasting by reducing the absolute bias between measurements and predictions from 25 to 50 per cent for each layer of the $C_n^2$, by 25 per cent for the seeing, and by 70 per cent for the isoplanatic angle.
An unusually low density ultra-short period super-Earth and three mini-Neptunes around the old star TOI-561
Authors: Lacedelli G , Malavolta L , Borsato L , Piotto G , Nardiello D , Mortier A , Stalport M , Collier Cameron A , Poretti E , Buchhave L A , López-Morales M , Nascimbeni V , Wilson T G , Udry S , Latham D W , Bonomo A S , Damasso M , Dumusque X , Jenkins J M , Lovis C , Rice K , Sasselov D , Winn J N , Andreuzzi G , Cosentino R , Charbonneau D , Di Fabrizio L , Martnez Fiorenzano A F , Ghedina A , Harutyunyan A , Lienhard F , Micela G , Molinari E , Pagano I , Pepe F , Phillips D F , Pinamonti M , Ricker G , Scandariato G , Sozzetti A , Watson C A
Published: November 2020

Based on HARPS-N radial velocities (RVs) and TESS photometry, we present a full characterization of the planetary system orbiting the late G dwarf TOI-561. After the identification of three transiting candidates by TESS, we discovered two additional external planets from RV analysis. RVs cannot confirm the outer TESS transiting candidate, which would also make the system dynamically unstable. We demonstrate that the two transits initially associated with this candidate are instead due to single transits of the two planets discovered using RVs. The four planets orbiting TOI-561 include an ultra-short period (USP) super-Earth (TOI-561 b) with period Pb = 0.45 d, mass Mb = 1.59 ± 0.36 M⊕ and radius Rb = 1.42 ± 0.07 R⊕, and three mini-Neptunes: TOI-561 c, with Pc = 10.78 d, Mc = 5.40 ± 0.98 M⊕, Rc = 2.88 ± 0.09 R⊕; TOI-561 d, with Pd = 25.6 d, Md = 11.9 ± 1.3 M⊕, Rd = 2.53 ± 0.13 R⊕; and TOI-561 e, with Pe = 77.2 d, Me = 16.0 ± 2.3 M⊕, Re = 2.67 ± 0.11 R⊕. Having a density of 3.0 ± 0.8 g cm−3, TOI-561 b is the lowest density USP planet known to date. Our N-body simulations confirm the stability of the system and predict a strong, anti-correlated, long-term transit time variation signal between planets d and e. The unusual density of the inner super-Earth and the dynamical interactions between the outer planets make TOI-561 an interesting follow-up target.
Collisional excitation of C+(2P) spin-orbit levels by molecular hydrogen revisited
Authors: Kłos Jacek , Dagdigian Paul J , Lique François
Published: November 2020

Relaxation of the spin-orbit excited C+(2P3/2) ion by collisions with H2 is an important process in the interstellar medium. Previous calculations of rate coefficients for this process employed potential energies computed for only collinear and perpendicular approach of H2 to the ion. To capture the full angular dependence of the C+–H2 interaction, the angular variation of the potential has been obtained by quantum chemical calculations in this work. These data were used to compute rate coefficients for the de-excitation of the C+(2P3/2) level in collisions with H2 in its j = 0, 1, and 2 rotational levels. With the assumption that the para-H2 rotational levels are in Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (LTE), rate coefficients were then calculated for de-excitation by para- and ortho-H2 for temperature ranging from 5 to 500 K. The rate coefficient for de-excitation by para-H2 is ca. 10 per cent higher at temperatures near 100 K but 10 per cent lower at temperatures greater than 300 K than the previous best calculation. By contrast, the de-excitation rate coefficient for ortho-H2 is 15 per cent higher at low temperatures but approximately equal as compared with the previous best calculation. The impact of these new rate coefficients is briefly tested in radiative transfer calculations.
Iron sucrose (‘RBT-3’) activates the hepatic and renal HAMP1 gene, evoking renal hepcidin loading and resistance to cisplatin nephrotoxicity
Authors: Zager Richard A , Johnson Ali C M , Therapeutics Renibus
Published: November 2020

Background

Iron sucrose (FeS) administration induces a state of renal preconditioning, protecting against selected forms of acute kidney injury (AKI). Recent evidence suggests that recombinant hepcidin also mitigates acute renal damage. Hence the goals of this study were to determine whether a new proprietary FeS formulation (‘RBT-3’) can acutely activate the hepcidin (HAMP1) gene in humans, raising plasma and renal hepcidin concentrations; assess whether the kidney participates in this posited RBT-3–hepcidin generation response; test whether RBT-3 can mitigate a clinically relevant AKI model (experimental cisplatin toxicity) and explore whether mechanisms in addition to hepcidin generation are operative in RBT-3’s cytoprotective effects.

Methods

Healthy human volunteers (n = 9) and subjects with Stages 3–4 CKD (n = 9) received 120, 240 or 360 mg of RBT-3 (intravenously over 2 h). Plasma and urine samples were collected and assayed for hepcidin levels (0–72 h post-RBT-3 injection). In complementary mouse experiments, RBT-3 effects on hepatic versus renal hepcidin (HAMP1) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels were compared. RBT-3’s impact on the mouse Nrf2 pathway and on experimental cisplatin nephrotoxicity was assessed. Direct effects of exogenous hepcidin on in vivo and in vitro (HK-2 cells) cisplatin toxicity were also tested.

Results

RBT-3 induced rapid, dose-dependent and comparable plasma hepcidin increases in both healthy volunteers and chronic kidney disease subjects (∼15 times baseline within 24 h). Human kidney hepcidin exposure was confirmed by 4-fold urinary hepcidin increases. RBT-3 up-regulated mouse hepcidin mRNA, but much more so in kidney (>25 times) versus liver (∼2 times). RBT-3 also activated kidney Nrf2 [increased Nrf2 nuclear binding; increased Nrf2-responsive gene mRNAs: heme oxygenase-1, sulfiredoxin-1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1]. RBT-3 preconditioning (18 h time lapse) markedly attenuated experimental cisplatin nephrotoxicity (∼50% blood urea nitrogen/creatinine decrements), in part by reducing renal cisplatin uptake by 40%. Exogenous hepcidin (without RBT-3) treatment conferred protection against mild in vivo (but not in vitro) cisplatin toxicity.

Conclusions

RBT-3 acutely and dramatically up-regulates cytoprotective hepcidin production, increasing renal hepcidin levels. However, additional cytoprotective mechanisms are activated by RBT-3 (e.g. Nrf2 activation; reduced cisplatin uptake). Thus RBT-3-induced preconditioning likely confers renal resistance to cisplatin via an interplay of multiple cytoprotective activities.
Notions of Neighborhood
Authors: Calvillo Jonathan E.
Published: November 2020

This chapter examines how Catholic and evangelical affiliations influence diverging understandings of coethnic barrios. Relationships to ethnic enclaves matter, the author argues, because ethnic enclaves host a concentration of ethnic resources that distinctly shape ethnic identities. Catholics understand the barrio as a “community,” denoting both physical neighborhood and tight-knit support networks. The barrio functions as a space for communally performed rituals of collective memory for Catholics. On the other hand, evangelicals tend to view the barrio as a place that is in need of redemption. For evangelicals, the barrio is a target of evangelistic efforts and they conceive of their place in the barrio as a catalytic role, centered on bringing about transformation therein. Both Catholics and evangelicals are highly invested in the ethnic enclave, but their differing views provide them with different channels of access to localized ethnic resources.
Correction of neonatal auricular deformities with DuoDERM: A simple technique
Authors: Manji Inayah , Durlacher Kim , Verchere Cynthia
Published: November 2020

Ear moulding in neonates has been shown to successfully correct congenital auricular anomalies. There are several available moulding techniques. However, commercially available moulding devices (e.g., EarWell and Ear Buddy) can be costly, and their alternatives have limited customizability. We present a technique using cost-effective and customizable materials for moulding common anomalies (Stahl’s ear, constricted ear, and prominent ear). DuoDERM Extra-thin, Steri-strips, and 3M Kind Removal Silicone tape are used to splint the ear in a preferred position. The DuoDERM is rolled into a putty, placed in the ear, and secured with tapes. This treatment is initiated in the clinic, with weekly splint changes carried out at home by caregivers, and intermittent follow-up appointments. DuoDERM moulding is a safe, inexpensive, highly customizable, and simple way to correct auricular deformities. Primary physicians/paediatricians should embed moulding into their practice, starting treatment as early as possible in the neonatal period.
The Value Premium
Authors: Fama Eugene F , French Kenneth R
Published: November 2020

Value premiums, which we define as value portfolio returns in excess of market portfolio returns, are on average much lower in the second half of the July 1963–June 2019 period. But the high volatility of monthly premiums prevents us from rejecting the hypothesis that expected premiums are the same in both halves of the sample. Regressions that forecast value premiums with book-to-market ratios in excess of market (BM–BMM) produce more reliable evidence of second-half declines in expected value premiums, but only if we assume the regression coefficients are constant during the sample period.

Received: January 21, 2020; editorial decision: July 21, 2020; Editor: Jeffrey Pontiff.
Optimal Fixation of the Capitellar Fragment in Distal Humerus Fractures
Authors: Wright David J. , Patel Nilay , McGarry Michelle H. , Lee Thay Q. , Scolaro John A.
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

To determine if orthogonal or parallel plate position provides superior fixation of the separate capitellar fragment often present in intra-articular distal humerus fractures. We hypothesized that orthogonal plating would provide stiffer fixation given a greater number of opportunities for capitellar fixation and screw trajectories perpendicular to the fracture plane offered by a posterolateral plate compared with a parallel plate construct.

Methods:

Ten matched pairs of cadaveric distal humeri were used to compare parallel and orthogonal plating in a fracture gap model with an isolated capitellar fragment. The capitellum was loaded in 20 degrees of flexion using a cyclic, ramp-loading protocol. Fracture displacement was measured using video tracking software. The primary outcome was axial stiffness for each construct. Secondary outcomes included maximum axial and angular fracture displacement.

Results:

The parallel plate construct was more than twice as stiff as the orthogonal plate construct averaged across all loads (1464.8 ± 224.0 N/mm vs. 526.3 ± 90.8 N/mm, P < 0.001). Average axial fracture displacement was 0.15 ± 0.03 mm versus 0.53 ± 0.10 mm for parallel versus orthogonal plating, respectively (P = 0.003). Angular fracture displacement was minimal for both constructs (0.009 ± 0.001 degrees vs. 0.028 ± 0.006 degrees for parallel vs. orthogonal constructs).

Conclusions:

Despite fewer points of fixation, a parallel plate construct provided stiffer fixation with less displacement of the simulated capitellar fracture fragment than an orthogonal plate construct in this biomechanical study. In the setting of an articular fracture, in which absolute stability and primary bone healing are desirable, parallel fixation should be considered even in fractures with a separate capitellar fragment if the size of fragment and fracture orientation allows.
The Use of Time to Pregnancy for Estimating and Monitoring Human Fecundity From Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Keiding Niels , Ali Mohamed M. , Eriksson Frank , Matsaseng Thabo , Toskin Igor , Kiarie James
Published: November 2020

Background:

Available studies on the prevalence of infertility have proved to have certain limitations, with a scarcity of population-based studies and inconsistent reporting from surveys in countries at all income levels. We wanted to test the applicability of the current duration approach to data from the important Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) program, funded by USAID since its inception in 1985, https://dhsprogram.com/.

Methods:

The current duration approach assumes that there is a well-defined time of initiation of attempts to get pregnant and defines the current duration of a still ongoing pregnancy attempt as the time interval from initiation to interview. The DHS interviews do not have an explicit question about initiation. We focused on nullipari and substituted date of “establishment of relationship with current partner” for initiation. Our study used the current duration approach on 15 datasets from DHS during 2002–2016 in eight different countries from sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Results:

Well-established statistical techniques for current duration data yielded results that for some countries postulated surprisingly long median times to pregnancy and surprisingly high estimates of infertility prevalence. Further study of the data structures revealed serious deviations from expected patterns, in contrast to our earlier experience from surveys in France and the United States where participants were asked explicitly about time of initiation of attempts to become pregnant.

Conclusions:

Using cohabitation as a proxy for the initiation of attempts to get pregnant is too crude. Using the current duration approach with DHS data will require more explicit questions during the DHS interviews about initiation of pregnancy attempt.