bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study the Cross Section of 67Ga(n,p)67Zn Reaction by using the Revers Reaction in the Ground State
Authors: Kadhum Amin Amin , Majeed Tawfeek Huda
Published: May 2024

In this study the excitation function for 67Ga(n,p)67Zn nuclear reaction in the ground state has been calculated using the reciprocity theorem. The decay energy of proton particles equal to (-1.78369) MeV according to the available International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for 67Zn (p,n) 67Ga nuclear reaction with threshold energy (1.81054 MeV) and this data replicated in fine proceedings for specified energy range. The cross-section calculations in a present work shows same behavior of the corresponding experimental data and with previous theoretical work using statistical model.
Calculating the stopping power and neutron yield of 133CS (A,2N) 135LA reaction for the energies between (18.5-47)
Authors: Lateef Oudah Aqeel , Ahmed Ebrahiem Sameera
Published: May 2024

In the present work, calculated the cross sections of
133CS (A,2N) 135LA reaction By using interpolated and take the cross-sections published in the international literature for the selection of the appropriate energies ground level interaction in a computer–based program (MATALAB-17.0), in steps of energies (0.5 MeV). The quasi-experimental equation was derived from tabulated results linking a specific cross-section with energies, accounting for the neutron yield in accordance with the Zeigler neutron interactions formula using the program (SRIM 2013), and accounting for the stopping power which was also drawn and tabulated by measuring the yield at two closely spaced energies E1 and E2, one can determine the average value of the integrand over this energy interval and it turns out that the values are directly proportional until the alpha energy values reach 40 million electron volts. We notice that the change in the values is very slight. The neutron yield values begin to increase until the alpha energy reaches 40 million electron volts, after which the neutron yield becomes almost constant.
A study of the Electrical and Dialectical proprieties of S60-Se40-X-PbXChalcogenide Compound
Authors: Muthana Ghazi Mohamed , Ali Jasim Kareem
Published: May 2024

In this study, the melting-cooling method was used to prepare the chalcogenide compound S60-Se40-X-PbX. Four samples were obtained by partial replacement of Selenium with Lead in the weight ratios x = 0, 10, 20, and 30, respectively. The materials were mixed separately, ground, placed in quartz ampoules, and heated to 500 degrees Celsius. After conducting several operations on the samples, their insulating properties were studied, represented by the real dielectric constant and the imaginary dielectric constant, and the electrical conductivity was measured as a function of the frequency. It was found that partial replacement plays an important role in enhancing the insulating properties. It was found that partial replacement of selenium with lead led to a change in the insulating properties and alternating electrical conductivity.
Characteristics and utility of high-resolution optical coherence microscopy images of endocervical canal lesions
Authors: Zhang Wei , Fine Jeffrey L , Pei Xiaoyin , Cao Yushan , Liu Yixuan , Yan Jinxiang , Ban Zhenying , Zhang Ting , Wei Yuan , Zhao Xin , Wang Baojin , Zhao Chengquan , Zeng Xianxu
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To investigate optical coherence microscopy (OCM) imaging features and the application value of these high-resolution images for identifying endocervical canal lesions (ECLs), which is a clinical dilemma in cervical cancer screening programs.

Methods

In total, 520 OCM images were obtained by scanning the cervical canal lesions with an ultra-high-resolution OCM system (204 specimens from 73 patients). The OCM morphologic characteristics of ECLs were observed and summarized, and then 3 researchers performed a diagnostic test of OCM images of cervical canal lesions. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, 95% confidence interval of each parameter, and interinvestigator agreement (κ) were calculated.

Results

Normal endocervix, cysts, squamous metaplasia, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions involving glands, and invasive carcinoma had distinct OCM characteristics, which correlated well with corresponding H&E histologic sections. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the 3 researchers were 90.6%, 89.3% (95% CI, 86.5%-91.7%) and 91.6% (95% CI, 89.2%-93.5%), respectively. The positive predictive value was 90.1% (95% CI, 87.3%-92.4%), and the negative predictive value was 90.9% (95% CI, 88.5%-92.9%), with almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.874).

Conclusions

The application of the OCM system in cervical canal lesions is feasible and could help improve detection of occult ECLs in cervical cancer screening programs. This study lays the foundation for further research on OCM in cervical canal lesions in vivo, which also has a potential impact on projecting pathologic evaluation beyond what is currently possible, perhaps globally.
Newcomb, frustrated
Authors: Borchert Rhys , Spencer Jack
Published: May 2024

This paper develops a hybridization of Newcomb’s Problem and the Frustrater (Spencer and Wells’s 2019 paper ‘Why take both boxes?’), underscoring how difficult it is to reconcile the rationality of taking both boxes in Newcomb’s Problem and the rationality of taking the envelope in the Frustrater.
Neonate Simulators: Creatively Engaging Social Work Students in Understanding Risks of Alcohol Use during Pregnancy
Authors: Khan Humaira , Dray Rosslyn , Pourzanjani Pamela
Published: May 2024

Use of simulation-based education (SBE) in social work is growing. However, there is a lack of substance use training, for both post-qualified social workers and undergraduate social work students. This study addressed a gap in undergraduate substance use education around prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and its impact on foetal development. A mixed methods approach was used with undergraduate social work students across two universities in the Southwest of the UK. Both groups received a taught session on foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), completed pre- and post-taught session questionnaires assessing FAS knowledge, and had the opportunity to interact with the FAS neonate simulator. Creative activities around interaction with the FAS simulator enabled feedback on thoughts, feelings and practice implications. Findings revealed increased pre- to post-FAS knowledge and enhanced understanding of the long-term impacts of gestational alcohol use for the developing child. Social work students felt more aware of the impact of alcohol use during pregnancy and were more confident to address these issues through future practice. The use of FAS neonate simulators as a pedagogic tool is beneficial to help elucidate student knowledge on alcohol use during pregnancy and to increase confidence working with people who are pregnant who may be using alcohol or substances.
PPP1r18 promotes tumor progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating the calcineurin-mediated ERK pathway
Authors: Ren Changhao , Wu Linfeng , Zhang Shaoyuan , Qi Kangwei , Zhang Yifei , Xu Jiacheng , Ruan Yuanyuan , Feng Mingxiang
Published: May 2024

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, and the 5-year overall survival rate is only 20%. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the primary histological type of esophageal carcinoma in China. Protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 18 (PPP1r18) is one of the actin-regulatory proteins and is able to bind to protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit alpha (PPP1CA). Yet, little is known about the role of PPP1r18 in ESCC. This study aimed to elucidate the biological functions of PPP1r18 in the ESCC progression. Clinical samples first confirmed that PPP1r18 expression was upregulated in ESCC, and PPP1r18 was correlated with tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and reduced overall survival. We then observed that PPP1r18 overexpression enhanced cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PPP1r18 regulated tumor progression of ESCC through activating the calcineurin-mediated ERK pathway, rather than binding to PPP1CA. Collectively, our results suggest that PPP1r18 promotes ESCC progression by regulating the calcineurin-mediated ERK pathway. PPP1r18 might be a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of ESCC.
Spatial functional reorganizations can serve as potential biomarkers of post facial palsy synkinesis
Authors: Zhu Hongyan , Cui Tianze , Xue Yanping , Wang Daohe , Ding Wei , Wu Ruiqi
Published: May 2024

Facial palsy can result in a serious complication known as facial synkinesis, causing both physical and psychological harm to the patients. There is growing evidence that patients with facial synkinesis have brain abnormalities, but the brain mechanisms and underlying imaging biomarkers remain unclear. Here, we employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate brain function in 31 unilateral post facial palsy synkinesis patients and 25 healthy controls during different facial expression movements and at rest. Combining surface-based mass-univariate analysis and multivariate pattern analysis, we identified diffused activation and intrinsic connection patterns in the primary motor cortex and the somatosensory cortex on the patient’s affected side. Further, we classified post facial palsy synkinesis patients from healthy subjects with favorable accuracy using the support vector machine based on both task-related and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Together, these findings indicate the potential of the identified functional reorganizations to serve as neuroimaging biomarkers for facial synkinesis diagnosis.
Return to work and activity after rib-fixation for acute chest trauma: first application of a validated patient-reported outcomes assessment tool
Authors: Blythe Andrew , Cassidy Roslyn , Diamond Owen , McManus Kieran
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVES

Rib fractures present a heavy pain and functional burden in trauma. Our primary aim was to determine return to work in patients with acute rib fractures requiring surgical stabilization of rib fractures. Our secondary outcomes were pain and quality of life. We also document the first application of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Instrument, a validated injury-specific patient-reported outcome measure, for chest wall injury in the literature.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on patients with rib fractures requiring surgical fixation in a single centre between 2008 and 2020. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure relevance, all eligible patients were asked to complete patient-reported outcome measure questionnaires.

RESULTS

Of 1841 trauma patients with rib fractures, 66 underwent surgical fixation. Thirty-nine patients were eligible and 31 completed the questionnaires. Pre-injury and post-injury answers were compared. The number of patients in employment decreased postoperatively from 22 to 16 (P = 0.006). For those who returned to work, there was no difference in hours missed but reduced weekly hours and productivity scores. There were significantly more patients with pain and on pain relief. There was a lower quality of life score postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 1 in 5 patients who require surgical fixation for rib fractures will not return to work. This is the first chest wall trauma study that uses the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Instrument, a validated tool for work productivity outcomes. We recommend this instrument as a reliable tool for investigating return-to-work outcomes in trauma patients.
Autopsy of all young sudden death cases is important to increase survival in family members left behind
Authors: Lynge Thomas H , Albert Christine M , Basso Cristina , Garcia Rodrigue , Krahn Andrew D , Semsarian Christopher , Sheppard Mary N , Behr Elijah R , Tfelt-Hansen Jacob
Published: May 2024

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an important public health problem worldwide, accounting for an estimated 6–20% of total mortality. A significant proportion of SCD is caused by inherited heart disease, especially among the young. An autopsy is crucial to establish a diagnosis of inherited heart disease, allowing for subsequent identification of family members who require cardiac evaluation. Autopsy of cases of unexplained sudden death in the young is recommended by both the European Society of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Overall autopsy rates, however, have been declining in many countries across the globe, and there is a lack of skilled trained pathologists able to carry out full autopsies. Recent studies show that not all cases of sudden death in the young are autopsied, likely due to financial, administrative, and organizational limitations as well as awareness among police, legal authorities, and physicians. Consequently, diagnoses of inherited heart disease are likely missed, along with the opportunity for treatment and prevention among surviving relatives. This article reviews the evidence for the role of autopsy in sudden death, how the cardiologist should interpret the autopsy-record, and how this can be integrated and implemented in clinical practice. Finally, we identify areas for future research along with potential for healthcare reform aimed at increasing autopsy awareness and ultimately reducing mortality from SCD.
Managing the quality of primary health care in urban China: the impact of organizational and physician features
Authors: Wang Wenhua , Xu Tiange , Nicholas Stephen , Mitchell Rebecca , Yang Huiyun , Maitland Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Background

Global health care quality improvement efforts have focussed on management practices. However, knowledge in primary care settings, especially in developing countries, such as China, is lacking.

Objective

To examine the organizational and physician features associated with health care quality in China’s community health centres (CHCs).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 224 primary care physicians (PCPs) in 38 CHCs in Jinan, Tianjin, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. Clinical and prevention care quality with a 5-level scale (1 = never, 5 = always) reported by the PCPs were used to measure the quality of care. Two-level hierarchical linear models were estimated to examine the organization and physician-level variables associated with primary care quality.

Results

The average clinical care quality score was 4.08 and 3.59 for preventative care out of 5. At the organizational level, organizational culture and organizational support were the strongest predictors of physician-reported quality of care. At the physician level, professional fulfilment, psychological safety, and organizational citizenship behaviour were positively associated with care quality.

Conclusions

Chinese CHCs clinical quality ranked high by PCPs, but the quality of preventative care provision required improvement. To improve primary care quality, managers of CHCs should implement optimal organizational structures, supportive organizational cultures, and strong organizational support at the organization level and cultivate high professional fulfilment, safe, and trustful relationships with colleagues at the physician level.
The polarizing content warning: how the media can reduce affective polarization
Authors: Kubin Emily , von Sikorski Christian
Published: May 2024

Past research suggests that journalists can (unintentionally) exacerbate affective polarization when reporting on growing levels of polarization in society. However, is there a way for journalists to report on the realities of growing political polarization without dividing people further? In our research with five pre-registered experimental studies (N = 3,414), we develop the polarizing content warning which, based on inoculation theory, warns readers that scientific research suggests reading news content about political polarization may drive further affective polarization. Results indicate that the polarizing content warning can be used both with online news articles and on social media sites, and is able to indirectly reduce affective polarization of readers. Additionally, the polarizing content warning is beneficial both when presented alongside news content and beforehand, and reduces readers’ perceptions of societal polarization, in turn reducing affective polarization. This warning allows journalists to report on societal polarization without further dividing people.
Oncostatin M Induces a Pro-inflammatory Phenotype in Intestinal Subepithelial Myofibroblasts
Authors: Kokkotis Georgios , Filidou Eirini , Tarapatzi Gesthimani , Spathakis Michail , Kandilogiannakis Leonidas , Dovrolis Nikolas , Arvanitidis Konstantinos , Drygiannakis Ioannis , Valatas Vassilis , Vradelis Stergios , Manolopoulos Vangelis G , Paspaliaris Vasilis , Kolios George , Bamias Giorgos
Published: May 2024

Background

Oncostatin-M (OSM) is associated with antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF)-α resistance in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and fibrosis in inflammatory diseases. We studied the expression of OSM and its receptors (OSMR, gp130) on intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts (SEMFs) and the effect of OSM stimulation on SEMFs.

Methods

The mRNA and protein expression of OSM, OSMR, gp130, and several fibrotic and chemotactic factors were studied in mucosal biopsies and isolated human intestinal SEMFs of patients with IBD and healthy controls (HCs) and in a model of human intestinal organoids (HIOs). Subepithelial myofibroblasts and HIOs were stimulated with OSM and interleukin (IL)-1α/TNF-α. RNAseq data of mucosal biopsies were also analyzed.

Results

Oncostatin-M receptors and gp130 were overexpressed in mucosal biopsies of patients with IBD (P < .05), especially in inflamed segments (P < .05). The expression of OSM, OSMR, and gp130 in SEMFs from HCs was increased after stimulation with IL-1α/TNF-α (P < .001; P < .01; P < .01). The expression of CCL2, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 was increased in SEMFs from patients with IBD and HCs after stimulation with OSM in a dose-dependent manner (P < .001; P < .05; P < .001; P < .001) and was further increased after prestimulation with IL-1α/TNF-α (P < .01 vs OSM-alone). Similar results were yielded after stimulation of HIOs (P < .01). Oncostatin-M did not induce the expression of collagen I, III, and fibronectin. Oncostatin-M receptor expression was positively correlated with CCL2, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 expression in mucosal biopsies (P < .001; P < .001; P = .045; P = .033).

Conclusions

Human SEMFs overexpress OSMR in an inflammatory microenvironment. Oncostatin-M may promote inflammation in IBD via its stimulatory effects on SEMFs, which primarily involve chemoattraction of immune cells to the intestinal mucosa.
Pharmacologic Anticoagulation Is Associated With a Lower Risk of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolic Events During Janus Kinase Inhibitor Use for Patients With a Prior Thrombosis
Authors: Lowell Jeffrey A , Sharma Garvita , Swaminath Arun , Sultan Keith
Published: May 2024

Background

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors tofacitinib and upadacitinib are effective therapies for inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatologic disorders but currently possess a warning for increased venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. Some patients with a history of VTE may benefit from a JAK inhibitor, but the risk of recurrent VTE with JAK inhibitor use is unclear. Our goal was to observe rates of new VTE events after starting JAK inhibitor therapy in patients with a prior VTE, and observe whether concurrent anticoagulation (AC) reduces this risk.

Methods

We conducted a review of adults prescribed tofacitinib or upadacitinib between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2023, with a prior history of VTE. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic data, disease type, and VTE date(s), and to verify duration of JAK inhibitor use along with any concurrent AC. VTEs following JAK inhibitor initiation were identified by International Classification of Diseases–Tenth Revision code and verified by physician documentation and imaging.

Results

We identified 79 patients with a documented VTE history before initiating JAK inhibitors, 47 of whom began a JAK inhibitor with concurrent AC. Of these, 15 patients discontinued AC while receiving JAK inhibitors. In total, 5 new VTE events were observed during 55.42 patient-years of JAK inhibitor treatment without concurrent AC (9.0 events per 100 patient-years), while no new VTE events occurred during 65.2 patient-years of JAK inhibitor treatment with concurrent AC, demonstrating a lower risk of recurrent VTE (P = .020).

Conclusions

These results suggest that for patients with a prior VTE history there is a high risk for recurrent VTE while receiving JAK inhibitors. Concurrent use of AC with JAK inhibitors appears to be protective against recurrent VTEs in this population.
Antithrombotic therapy after heart valve surgery: contemporary practice in the UK
Authors: Laskar Nabila , Bayliss Christopher D , Kirmani Bilal H , Chambers John B , Maier Rebecca , Briffa Norman P , Cartwright Neil , Kendall Simon , Shah Benoy Nalin , Akowuah Enoch
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVES

There is a lack of high-quality data informing the optimal antithrombotic drug strategy following bioprosthetic heart valve replacement or valve repair. Disparity in recommendations from international guidelines reflects this. This study aimed to document current patterns of antithrombotic prescribing after heart valve surgery in the UK.

METHODS

All UK consultant cardiac surgeons were e-mailed a custom-designed survey. The use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) and/or antiplatelet drugs following bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement or mitral valve replacement, or mitral valve repair (MVrep), for patients in sinus rhythm, without additional indications for antithrombotic medication, was assessed. Additionally, we evaluated anticoagulant choice following MVrep in patients with atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

We identified 260 UK consultant cardiac surgeons from 36 units, of whom 103 (40%) responded, with 33 units (92%) having at least 1 respondent. The greatest consensus was for patients undergoing bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement, in which 76% of surgeons favour initial antiplatelet therapy and 53% prescribe lifelong treatment. Only 8% recommend initial OAC. After bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement, 48% of surgeons use an initial OAC strategy (versus 42% antiplatelet), with 66% subsequently prescribing lifelong antiplatelet therapy. After MVrep, recommendations were lifelong antiplatelet agent alone (34%) or following 3 months OAC (20%), no antithrombotic agent (20%), or 3 months OAC (16%). After MVrep for patients with established atrial fibrillation, surgeons recommend warfarin (38%), a direct oral anticoagulant (37%) or have no preference between the 2 (25%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable variation in the use of antithrombotic drugs after heart valve surgery in the UK and a lack of high-quality evidence to guide practice, underscoring the need for randomized studies.
Stability of convergence rates: kernel interpolation on non-Lipschitz domains
Authors: Wenzel Tizian , Santin Gabriele , Haasdonk Bernard
Published: May 2024

Error estimates for kernel interpolation in Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces usually assume quite restrictive properties on the shape of the domain, especially in the case of infinitely smooth kernels like the popular Gaussian kernel. In this paper we prove that it is possible to obtain convergence results (in the number of interpolation points) for kernel interpolation for arbitrary domains $\varOmega \subset{\mathbb{R}} ^{d}$, thus allowing for non-Lipschitz domains including e.g., cusps and irregular boundaries. Especially we show that, when going to a smaller domain $\tilde{\varOmega } \subset \varOmega \subset{\mathbb{R}} ^{d}$, the convergence rate does not deteriorate—i.e., the convergence rates are stable with respect to going to a subset. We obtain this by leveraging an analysis of greedy kernel algorithms. The impact of this result is explained on the examples of kernels of finite as well as infinite smoothness. A comparison to approximation in Sobolev spaces is drawn, where the shape of the domain $\varOmega $ has an impact on the approximation properties. Numerical experiments illustrate and confirm the analysis.
Risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection Following Prior Infection or Vaccination
Authors: Ebinger Joseph E , Sun Nancy , Joung Sandy Y , Sanchez John Michael S , Wang Minhao , Liu Yunxian , Prostko John C , Frias Edwin C , Stewart James L , Heath Mallory , Claggett Brian L , Cheng Susan , Sobhani Kimia
Published: May 2024

Background

The extent to which infection versus vaccination has conferred similarly durable severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunity during the Omicron era remains unclear.

Methods

In a cohort of 4496 adults under continued serological surveillance throughout the first year of Omicron-predominant SARS-CoV-2 transmission, we examined incidence of new infection among individuals whose last known antigenic exposure was either recent (<90 days) or remote (≥90 days) infection or vaccination.

Results

We adjudicated 2053 new-onset infections occurring between 15 December 2021 through 22 December 2022. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, compared to individuals whose last known exposure was remote vaccination, those with recent vaccination (odds ratio [OR], 0.82 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .73–.93]; P = .002) or recent infection (OR, 0.14 [95% CI, .05–.45]; P = .001) had lower risk for new infection within the subsequent 90-day period. Given a significant age interaction (P = .004), we found that remote infection compared to remote vaccination was associated with significantly greater new infection risk in persons aged ≥60 years (OR, 1.88 [95% CI, 1.13–3.14]; P = .015) with no difference seen in those <60 years (1.03 [95% CI, .69–1.53]; P = .88).

Conclusions

During the initial year of Omicron, prior infection and vaccination both offered protection against new infection. However, remote prior infection was less protective than remote vaccination for individuals aged ≥60 years. In older adults, immunity gained from vaccination appeared more durable than immunity gained from infection.
Triggering Toll-Like Receptor 5 Signaling During Pneumococcal Superinfection Prevents the Selection of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Costa Charlotte , Sirard Jean-Claude , Gibson Paddy S , Veening Jan-Willem , Gjini Erida , Baldry Mara
Published: May 2024

Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) signaling plays a key role in antibacterial defenses. We previously showed that respiratory administration of flagellin, a potent TLR5 agonist, in combination with amoxicillin (AMX) improves the treatment of primary pneumonia or superinfection caused by AMX-sensitive or AMX-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. Here, the impact of adjunct flagellin therapy on antibiotic dose/regimen and the selection of antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae was investigated using superinfection with isogenic antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant bacteria and population dynamics analysis. Our findings demonstrate that flagellin allows for a 200-fold reduction in the antibiotic dose, achieving the same therapeutic effect observed with antibiotic alone. Adjunct treatment also reduced the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in contrast to the antibiotic monotherapy. A mathematical model was developed that captured the population dynamics and estimated a 20-fold enhancement immune-modulatory factor on bacterial clearance. This work paves the way for the development of host-directed therapy and refinement of treatment by modeling.
Clinical and Microbial Determinants of Upper Respiratory Colonization With Streptococcus pneumoniae and Native Microbiota in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 and Control Adults
Authors: Nicholson Lindsay K , Kofonow Jennifer M , Robertson Charles E , Wright Timothy , Li Qing , Gardner Edward M , Frank Daniel N , Janoff Edward N
Published: May 2024

Background

The substantial risk for respiratory and invasive infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) among people with HIV-1 (PWH) begins with asymptomatic colonization. The frequency of Spn colonization among US adults with and without HIV-1 infection is not well characterized in the conjugate vaccine era.

Methods

We determined Spn colonization frequency by culture and specific lytA gene quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microbiota profile by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing in nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) DNA from 138 PWH and 93 control adults and associated clinical characteristics.

Results

The frequencies of Spn colonization among PWH and controls did not differ (11.6% vs 8.6%, respectively; P = .46) using combined results of culture and PCR, independent of vaccination or behavioral risks. PWH showed altered microbiota composition (ie, β-diversity; NP: P = .0028, OP: P = .0098), decreased α-diversity (NP: P = .024, OP: P = .0045), and differences in the relative abundance of multiple bacterial taxa. Spn colonization was associated with altered β-diversity in the nasopharynx (P = .011) but not oropharynx (P = .21).

Conclusions

Despite widespread conjugate vaccine and antiretroviral use, frequencies of Spn colonization among PWH and controls are currently consistent with those reported in the preconjugate era. The persistently increased risk of pneumococcal disease despite antiretroviral therapy may relate to behavioral and immunologic variables other than colonization.
Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Adenovirus 40/41, Astrovirus, and Sapovirus in Children With Acute Gastroenteritis in Kansas City, 2011–2016
Authors: Diez-Valcarce Marta , Cannon Jennifer L , Browne Hannah , Nguyen Kenny , Harrison Christopher J , Moffatt Mary E , Weltmer Kirsten , Lee Brian R , Hassan Ferdaus , Dhar Debarpan , Wikswo Mary E , Payne Daniel C , Curns Aaron T , Selvarangan Rangaraj , Vinjé Jan
Published: May 2024

Background

Most acute gastroenteritis (AGE) episodes in children in the United States are attributed to norovirus, whereas very little information is available on adenovirus 40/41 (AdV40/41), astrovirus, or sapovirus. The New Vaccine Surveillance Network (NVSN) conducted prospective, active, population-based AGE surveillance in young children.

Methods

We tested and typed stool specimens collected between December 2011 and June 2016 from 1 NVSN site in Kansas City for the 3 viruses, and calculated hospitalization and emergency department (ED) detection rates.

Results

Of 3205 collected specimens, 2453 (76.5%) were from AGE patients (339 inpatients and 2114 ED patients) and 752 (23.5%) were from healthy controls. In patients with AGE, astrovirus was detected in 94 (3.8%), sapovirus in 252 (10.3%), and AdV40/41 in 101 (4.5%) of 2249 patients. In healthy controls, astrovirus was detected in 13 (1.7%) and sapovirus in 15 (2.0%) specimens. Astrovirus type 1 (37.7%) and genogroup I sapoviruses (59.3%) were most prevalent. Hospitalization rates were 5 (AdV40/41), 4 (astrovirus), and 8 (sapovirus) per 100 000 children <11 years old, whereas ED rates were 2.4 (AdV40/41), 1.9 (astrovirus), and 5.3 (sapovirus) per 1000 children <5 years old.

Conclusions

Overall, AdV40/41, astrovirus, and sapovirus were detected in 18.6% of AGE in a large pediatric hospital in Kansas City.
Shocks and Stability of Risk and Time Preferences among Poor Rural Households in Ethiopia
Authors: Meles Tensay Hadush , Abay Mehari Hiluf , Berhane Guush , Taffesse Alemayehu Seyoum
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the effects of shocks on temporal stability of risk and time preferences of rural households within a developing country context characterized by frequent droughts, chronic food insecurity, and low levels of education. Leveraging a three-wave large and diverse household panel data that elicits preferences every two years for more than 6,500 individuals from over 5,600 sample rural households in Ethiopia, we analyze the effects of droughts (self-reported) and rainfall shortfalls on household risk and time preferences. Our findings show that households become more risk-averse and impatient after experiencing drought and rainfall shocks; the change in risk preferences is more notable among households that experience recurrent droughts and multiple covariate shocks during the same period.
211 Analysis of microbial communities from a commercial-size swine manure pit and their association with production of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Fowler Emily , Samuel Ryan S , St-Pierre Benoit
Published: May 2024

Global pollution and emission concerns have been linked to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Indeed, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) warns that there is a significant danger to human health, soil, and water quality from CAFOs. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are amongst air contaminants that pose a serious risk, are abundantly produced in swine manure pits. While VOC emissions from swine manure have been well studied, the microbial species responsible for their production remain mostly uncharacterized. Thus, a deeper comprehension of the microorganisms responsible for VOC production in swine manure pits may help in the development of management approaches that target the microbiome in these environments. In this context, this study aimed to identify the major bacterial species populating the manure pit of a commercial-size swine wean-to-finish research facility. Manure collected from two sampling locations at different time points were analyzed using the 16S rRNA gene through PCR-amplification of the V1-V3 regions from microbial genomic DNA, followed by Illumina MiSeq 2X300 sequencing. An analysis of the most highly represented microorganisms identified 24 bacterial Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), with only four showing a species-level nucleotide sequence identity to currently known or valid species. As these results indicated that the majority of bacterial species from this manure pit were unknown, a metagenomics approach was used to assemble partial to full length genomes from the two most abundant OTUs: Pit_9-00239 [5.09% - 19.44%; Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum (96.60%)] and Pit_ 7-00035 [5.58% - 17.30%; Bacteroides eggerthii (87.66%)]. From genome assembly analysis, 979 contigs were generated for a combined length of 12,367,510 bp, which together included 21,776 coding sequences. Predicted metabolic functions from these contig sets included pathways involved in carbohydrate utilization (glycolysis), vitamin synthesis (riboflavin), and butyrate production (volatile fatty acids). Notably, an enzyme responsible for the production of indole, a common VOC produced from swine manure pits, was also identified. Together, the results from this analysis provide insights on metabolic capabilities of abundant bacterial species from manure pits. These can in turn be used for the future development of management strategies or products that can reduce VOC emissions that result from swine CAFO manure storage.
118 Gene editing: A European perspective
Authors: Gil Maria Antonia
Published: May 2024

Gene editing by CRISPR/Cas has revolutionized numerous facets of biotechnology within a remarkably short period of time. Its combined use with either somatic cell nuclear transfer or microinjection into fertilized oocytes is highly useful for mutating genes in a very precise and specific manner. This technology has profoundly transformed the world of animal research, particularly for biomedical and productive applications. Gene editing can now be applied to animal modeling and therapeutic research, bringing us closer to the possibility of using animals as organ donors for xenotransplantation. Furthermore, it has become an effective tool in animal production for purposes such as increasing disease tolerance or resistance and enhancing animal welfare.

In this presentation, we will explore how this genome editing tool has influenced the research conducted in Europe, examining the current landscape and addressing the challenges, with a special focus on pigs. We will also discuss the regulation of gene-edited animals in the EU.
226 Oral and rumen microbiome characterization to predict host phenotypes
Authors: Adams Seidu , Spangler Matthew L , Fernando Samodha
Published: May 2024

Studies have utilized rumen microbiome composition and function to predict animal phenotypes. Yet, sample collection for rumen microbial community analysis can be difficult and invasive and hinders the possibility of sampling large animal populations. In this study, we investigated the development of the bovine rumen microbiome over time, to identify the potential of the oral microbiome as a proxy for the rumen microbiome, and to test the applicability of using the oral microbiome for predicting phenotypes in beef cattle. We employed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the rumen and oral bacterial community structure over time and collected both birth and weaning weights in a population of 220 animals. Our findings show that both the oral and rumen microbiomes are established early, and a significant portion of the taxa persists even after weaning. We identified a group of core successional species shared between the oral and rumen bacterial communities, which are established early and persist over time. The oral bacterial community was dominated by phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteria, while the rumen bacterial community was dominated by phyla Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Fibrobacteria, and Spirochaetota. Furthermore, we observed that 38% of Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were shared between the oral and rumen microbiomes at 50 to 120 d of age. At 170 to 240 d of age, 37% of ASVs were shared, and at 295 to 365 d, 33% of ASVs were shared. Finally, at 400 to 468 d, 21% of ASVs were shared. Based on weighted Unifrac analysis, notable differences and distinct clustering was observed between oral and rumen microbiome communities at different sampling ages (P = 0.001; R2 = 0.50969, 50 to 120; P = 0.001; R2 = 0.66247, 170 to 240; P = 0.001; R2 = 0.62036, 295 to 365; and P = 0.001, R2 = 0.66559, 400 to 468). Microbiability estimates varied across different stages and microbial environments. For the oral bacterial community at 50 to 120, the estimates were 0.029%, 0.032%, 0.029%, and 0.028% for birth weight, weaning weight, intramuscular fat (IMF), and ribeye area (REA), respectively. In contrast, the rumen microbiome exhibited microbiability values of 0.034%, 0.058, 0.059, and 0.069% for birth weight, weaning weight, IMF, and REA respectively during the same period. As the animal aged the microbiability increased. At 170 to 240, oral microbiomes showed microbiability estimates of 0.051%, 0.060%, 0.069%, and 0.21% for birth weight, weaning weight, IMF, and REA respectively. In comparison, the rumen microbiome displayed greater microbiability estimates of 0.12%, 0.124%, 0.20%, and 0.26% for birth weight, weaning weight, IMF, and REA respectively. In conclusion, the oral microbiome is not a good proxy for the rumen microbiome composition; however, there is potential to use the oral microbiome for phenotype prediction.
231 Anomaly detection for breed purity analysis
Authors: Jiang Xiaohan , Steibel Juan P
Published: May 2024

Recent advancements in genotyping technologies have revolutionized our ability to estimate breed composition in pigs. The classic compositional regression used for this purpose requires a multibreed panel to detect crossbreeding and its application is limited to breed in the panel. In this study, we presented a protocol based on classic anomaly detection algorithms that use single breed panels to detect crossbreeding. By utilizing these methods, we aim to identify and assess breed outliers within large pig genotype panels. The dataset consisted of 44,616 SNP genotypes recorded in purebred Large White, Landrace, Duroc, Pietrain (n = 2,000 from each breed) and 1,010 crossbred pigs (50% Pietrain, 25% Large White, 25% Landrace). Large White pigs (n = 1,500) were randomly selected as reference set. The remaining 500 Large White pigs, other purebred pigs, crossbred pigs, and simulated crossbred animals of known proportion of Large White segments were test sets. We applied two anomaly detection methods: 1) Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and 2) deep learning autoencoders (AE). For PCA the top 600 eigen vectors capturing 85% cumulative proportion of variance in the reference set were selected. Test set genotypes were projected onto the principal components and then they were reconstructed to the full genotype set. For AE, we used a previously published sparse convolutional denoising autoencoder (SCDA) that consisted of two main components: an encoder and a decoder. The encoder compressed the genotypes to 128 components and the decoder reconstructed the set to the original 44,616 SNP. We utilized the model trained in the reference set to reconstruct test set genotypes of the same breed, of alternative breed and of crossbred. Accuracy of reconstruction of genotypes was computed using correlation and mean square error. The proportion of rejected genotypes was used to assess the ability of anomaly detection algorithms to detect crossbreeding. For each criterion, the threshold to reject genotypes was selected as the value at which 5% of Large White animals were rejected (specificity = 0.95). Results are summarized in (Table 1). PCA provided better properties to detect genomic outliers compared with AE. PCA anomaly detection was able to detect purebred individuals with probability 1.0. It also detected over 90% of crossbred individuals that were 75% Large Whites. Crossbred with a lower proportion of Large White genomic segments were detected with P < 0.5. Anomaly detection algorithms can be used to detect genomic outliers but with relatively low sensitivity. More work is needed to optimize these algorithms for breeding applications.
98 Adding parasite resistance to the breeding objective in hair sheep
Authors: Forbes Robert M , Murphy Tom W , Burke Joan M , Lewis Ronald M
Published: May 2024

Economic selection indexes provide the best method to achieve genetic gain for multiple traits simultaneously. Hair sheep enterprises, particularly in environments with substantial gastrointestinal nematode challenge, may benefit from incorporating parasite resistance in a selection index. However, obtaining the relative economic value (REV) for parasite resistance is challenging; information on its impact on productivity is incomplete, as are the costs of treatment given anthelmintic resistance. The National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) currently provides producers with an index designed to increase total weight of lamb weaned per ewe lambing (TW). Our objective was to assess the effects of including fecal egg count, an indicator of parasite resistance, as an additional goal trait. Including the benchmark scenario with TW as its sole objective, 10 indexes were constructed using standard index theory. Post-weaning fecal egg count (PFEC) was added to this breeding objective with a REV of -1 and the REV for TW was varied from +1 to +5 at +0.5 increments. Weaning weight, number of lambs born and weaned, and PFEC were the selection criteria, modelled as either phenotypes or estimated breeding values (EBV). Phenotypes and EBV were simulated for 1,000 lambs by Cholesky decomposition and used to generate index scores. Ten replicates were run and the top 3% of males and 26% of females were retained on index scores. Annual responses in the goal traits were estimated. Responses in PFEC were expressed as a percentage, assuming a mean PFEC of 2,089 eggs/g as in NSIP. Concordances with those selected in the benchmark scenario were determined. Using EBV as selection criteria, TW increased by 1.7 kg/yr in the benchmark scenario (Table 1). However, unfavorably, PFEC increased by 2.3%/yr. When phenotypic criteria were used, TW increased by 0.5 kg/yr, and PFEC by 0.3%/yr. Once added to the breeding objective, PFEC decreased regardless of the REV of TW. However, response in TW also reduced, although less so as its REV increased. With EBV as the criteria, the REV of +3 for TW appeared preferable: PFEC reduced by 7.1%/yr with 98% of the response in TW retained. With phenotypic selection criteria, PFEC reduced by 5.2%/yr with 94% of the response in TW retained. With +3 REV for TW and EBV as the selection criteria, on average 65% and 82% of males and females, respectively, were chosen in common with the benchmark. When phenotypic criteria were used, those percentages were 60% and 80%, respectively. Implementing a more holistic index with REV of +3 for TW and -1 for PFEC would result in reasonable responses in both traits. However, producers will need to decide if reduced gains in TW is acceptable to improve parasite resistance in a hair sheep breeding program.
70 Determination of phosphorus release of Microtech phytase in nursery pig diets
Authors: Navales Ron Aldwin S , Gaffield Katelyn , Kim Ty , DeRouchey Joel M , Martin Paul , Javierre Juan , Gebhardt Jordan T , Goodband Robert D , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C
Published: May 2024

A total of 320 barrows (DNA 241 × 600; initially 10.7 ± 0.21 kg) were used in a 21-d growth trial to determine the available P (aP) release curve for Microtech phytase (Guangdong VTR Bio-Tech Co, Ltd. Zhuhai, Guangdong, China). At approximately 21 d of age, pigs were weaned and randomly allocated to pens and fed a common diet for 18 d and then fed a P depletion diet (0.11% aP) for 3 d. On d 21 post-weaning, considered d 0 of the study, pigs were blocked by average pen body weight (BW) and randomly allotted to 1 of 8 dietary treatments with 5 pigs per pen and 8 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were derived from a single basal diet and ingredients including phytase, monocalcium P, limestone, and sand were added to create the treatment diets. Treatments include 3 diets with increasing aP (0.11, 0.19 and 0.27%) using monocalcium phosphate that were used to develop the standard curve and 5 diets with 0.11% aP and increasing phytase (250, 500, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 FTU/kg) that were used to develop the aP release curve. Pigs were weighed weekly and feed disappearance was recorded per pen for the calculation of average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain to feed ratio (G:F). At the conclusion of the experiment, 1 pig, closest to the mean weight of each pen, was euthanized for bone analysis. The right fibula, rib, and metacarpal were collected for the determination of bone density, bone ash weight, and bone ash percentage. Pigs fed diets with increasing aP from inorganic P had improved (quadratic, P ≤ 0.05) final BW, ADG, and G:F (Table). Pigs fed diets with increasing phytase had linearly increased (P < 0.01) final BW and ADFI and quadratically increased (P ≤ 0.04) ADG and G:F. Bone density, bone ash weight, and bone ash percentage increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing aP from inorganic P and increasing phytase. Results were used to determine release values for Microtech phytase for each response criteria as shown in the table. The aP release quadratically increased (P ≤ 0.02) with increasing phytase when growth performance was used as response criteria and linearly increased (P < 0.01) when bone characteristics were used as response criteria. The available P release curve developed for Microtech phytase for percentage bone ash using combined data generated from all three bones is: aP = (0.868 × FTU/kg) ÷ (9,599.511 + FTU/kg).