bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
199 Use of A 3D Hand-Held Scanner to Capture Trochlear Groove Shape, A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Mistry J , Hing C , Harris S
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Trochleoplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat patellar instability through modifying the trochlear groove. Analysis of the groove with a hand-held scanner would enable accurate real time planning and facilitate tailor made correction. We aimed to measure trochlear depth, sulcus angle, trochlear facet ratio, trochlear angle and lateral trochlear inclination angle and establish inter- and intra-rater reliability for each knee model.

Method

The trochlear groove of the knee models was scanned by two investigators and 3D reference models created. These were surface matched and custom software along with Excel was utilised to determine the desired parameters. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for test-retest reliability and to determine which parameter results, for each model, showed the best reproducibility.

Results

There was good inter-observer reliability - trochlear depth (1.0 mm), sulcus angle (2.7°), trochlear angle (4.0°) and lateral trochlear inclination angle (4.0°), except in the trochlear facet ratio (32.0%) of one knee model. With outliers removed ICC was good-excellent in (46.7%) of measurements, with trochlear depth showing the best reproducibility.

Conclusions

This feasibility study showed that the hand-held scanner in conjunction with supporting software can measure trochlear parameters in a controlled environment and justifies extending research into its use in trochleoplasty.
3 Peer-Produced Induction Material for Foundation Year One Doctors in Plastic Surgery – A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Dwyer-Hemmings L , Salfity L
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Induction programmes are recommended for all junior doctors starting new posts and are mandatory for foundation year one doctors (FY1s). Constraints on time and staff mean these guidelines are not always met. This project aimed to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and timeliness of care by designing and distributing peer-produced induction material to FY1s starting placements in plastic surgery.

Method

A quality-improvement methodology was utilised. Online questionnaires assessed FY1 experiences in several domains using five-point Likert scales and free-text answers. This information was used to design induction material. Material was distributed to incoming FY1 cohorts, the questionnaire was repeated, and material updated and redistributed.

Results

Three quality improvement cycles were performed over a one-year period. Four FY1s were surveyed pre-intervention, and four post-intervention. Post-intervention, there was a statistically significant improvement in understanding of responsibilities (+2.2, p < 0.01) and departmental structure (+2.0, p = 0.018). FY1s felt confident in starting (4.75±0.5), prepared for on-calls (4.75±0.5), and satisfaction was high (4.75±0.5)

Conclusions

Peer-produced induction material for FY1s can improve understanding of responsibilities and structure within a plastic surgery department. This will increase confidence of new starters and facilitate smooth transition of staff, enabling the provision of high-quality care by enhancing its efficiency, effectiveness, and timeliness.
92 Reshaping the Diagnostic Pathways for Investigation of Haematuria During and After The COVID-19 Pandemic: Diagnostic Accuracy of Strategies for Detection of Bladder Cancer from The IDENTIFY Cohort Study
Authors: Khadhouri S , Gallagher K , MacKenzie K , Shah T , Gao C , Moore S , Zimmermann E , Edison E , Jefferies M , Nambiar A , Mannas M , Lee T , Marra G , Gomez Rivas J , Marcq G , Assmus M , Ucar T , Claps F , Boltri M , Montagna G La , Burnhope T , Nkwam N , Austin T , Boxall N , Downey A , Sukhu T , Anton-Juanilla M , Rai S , Chin Y F , Moore M , Drake T , Green J , Nielsen M , Takwoingi Y , McGrath J , Kasivisvanathan V
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Diagnostic haematuria services have been reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compromising patient care, and necessitating a more pragmatic pathway.

Method

The IDENTIFY study was an international, prospective, multicentre cohort study of over 11,000 patients referred to secondary care for investigation of haematuria. Using this data, we developed strategies using combinations of imaging and cytology as triage tests to maximise cancer detection within a pragmatic pathway.

Results

8112 patients (74·4%) received an ultrasound or a CT urogram, with or without cytology. 5737 (70·7%) patients had visible haematuria (VH) and 2375 (29·3%) had non-visible haematuria (NVH). Diagnostic test performance was used to determine optimal age cut-offs for four proposed strategies. We recommended proceeding directly to transurethral resection of bladder tumour for patients of any age with positive triage tests for cancer. Patients with negative triage tests under 35-years-old with VH, or under 50-years-old with NVH can safely be discharged without undergoing flexible cystoscopy. The remaining patients may undergo flexible cystoscopy, with a greater priority for older patients to capture high risk bladder cancer.

Conclusions

We suggest diagnostic strategies in patients with haematuria, which focus on detection of bladder cancer, whilst reducing the burden to healthcare services in a resource-limited setting.
834 What’s The SCORE? Surgeons’ Approach to Treating Symptomatic, Clinically Occult, Radiologically Evident Inguinal Hernias
Authors: Aly M , Adegbola S , Aker M , Currows C , Patel K , Rabie M , Askari A
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The management of symptomatic, clinically occult, radiologically evident inguinal hernias (SCORE-IH) is challenging. This pathology lacks a validated definition and a standardised treatment paradigm to prevent risks of operative management. This study explores current practice amongst surgeons treating SCORE-IH.

Method

STEER collaborators disseminated a validated online survey amongst their UK consultants. Responses to the survey were collated on a spreadsheet and analysed with basic percentages.

Results

Seventy-three responses were received, including six (8%) international surgeons. UGI and colorectal surgeons were the predominant sub-specialities at 33% and 32%, respectively. Only 26% reported they performed more than 100 IH repairs annually. Less than half of the responders (41%) of surgeons reported more than 50% laparoscopic IH repairs. Nearly two thirds (62%) were unaware of guidelines on the management of SCORE-IH. Imaging chose to manage SCORE-IH included US, MRI, and CT at 71%, 44% and 29%, respectively. Only 14% of surgeons reported they would not consider any imaging. Only 19% would manage conservatively, while 37% would manage operatively.

Conclusions

There is skill diversity when treating IH. A lack of guidance and consensus amongst the surveyed surgeons is evident by the heterogeneity in imaging utilisation and varied treatment pathways offered to SCORE-IH patients.
1015 Elective Cancer Surgery In COVID-19 Free Surgical Pathways During The SARS-Cov-2 Pandemic: An International, Multi-Centre, Comparative Cohort Study
Authors:   COVIDSurg Collaborative
Published: May 2021

Introduction

This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19 free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared to hospitals with no defined pathway.

Method

This international multi-centre cohort study included patients undergoing elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types, without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until 19 April 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19 free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theatre, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with COVID-19 patients). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications.

Results

Of 9171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2481 were operated in COVID-19 free surgical pathways. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19 free surgical pathways (2.2% versus 4.9%, OR: 0.62 [0.44-0.86]). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses and a propensity-score matched model. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19 free surgical pathways (2.1% versus 3.6%; OR 0.53 [0.36-0.76]).

Conclusions

Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19 free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.
427 The Effect of Malnutrition on Early Outcomes after Cancer Surgery: An International Prospective Cohort Study in 82 Countries
Authors: Riad A , Knight S , Harrison E
Published: May 2021

Background

Malnutrition is a state linked to worse postoperative outcomes, and cancer patients are particularly vulnerable due to cachexia. We aimed to explore the effect of malnutrition on 30-day mortality following gastric and colorectal cancer surgery.

Method

GlobalSurg3 was multicentre international cohort study which collected data from consecutive patients undergoing emergency or elective surgery for gastric and colorectal cancer. Malnutrition was defined using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Multilevel variable regression approaches determined the relationship between malnutrition and early postoperative outcomes.

Results

6438 patients were included in the final analysis (1184 gastric cancer; 5254 colorectal cancer). Severe malnutrition was common across all income-strata, affecting 1 in 4 patients overall, with a higher burden in low and lower-middle income countries (64%). In patients undergoing elective surgery (n = 5709), severe malnutrition was independently associated with increased mortality (aOR = 1.62 (1.07-2.48, P = 0.024) after accounting for patient factors, disease stage and country effects.

Conclusions

Severe malnutrition represents a high global burden in cancer surgery, particularly within lower income settings. Malnutrition is an independent risk-factor for 30-day mortality following elective surgery for gastric and colorectal cancer, suggesting perioperative nutritional interventions may improve outcomes after cancer surgery.
Corpus callosum morphology in major mental disorders: a magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Piras Fabrizio , Vecchio Daniela , Kurth Florian , Piras Federica , Banaj Nerisa , Ciullo Valentina , Luders Eileen , Spalletta Gianfranco
Published: May 2021

Mental disorders diagnosis is based on specific clinical criteria. However, clinical studies found similarities and overlapping phenomenology across a variety of disorders, which suggests a common neurobiological substrate. Thus, there is a need to measure disease-related neuroanatomical similarities and differences across conditions. While structural alterations of the corpus callosum have been investigated in obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, no study has addressed callosal aberrations in all diseases in a single study. Moreover, results from pairwise comparisons (patients vs. controls) show some inconsistencies, possibly related to the parcellation methods to divide the corpus callosum into subregions. The main aim of the present paper was to uncover highly localized callosal characteristics for each condition (i.e. obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder) as compared either to healthy control subjects or to each other. For this purpose, we did not rely on any sub-callosal parcellation method, but applied a well-validated approach measuring callosal thickness at 100 equidistant locations along the whole midline of the corpus callosum. One hundred and twenty patients (30 in each disorder) as well as 30 controls were recruited for the study. All groups were closely matched for age and gender, and the analyses were performed controlling for the impact of antipsychotic treatment and illness duration. There was a significant main effect of group along the whole callosal surface. Pairwise post hoc comparisons revealed that, compared to controls, patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder had the thinnest corpora callosa with significant effects almost on the entire callosal structure. Patients with schizophrenia also showed thinner corpora callosa than controls but effects were confined to the isthmus and the anterior part of the splenium. No significant differences were found in both major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder patients compared to controls. When comparing the disease groups to each other, the corpus callosum was thinner in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients than in any other group. The effect was evident across the entire corpus callosum, with the exception of the posterior body. Altogether, our study suggests that the corpus callosum is highly changed in obsessive-compulsive disorder, selectively changed in schizophrenia and not changed in bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. These results shed light on callosal similarities and differences among mental disorders providing valuable insights regarding the involvement of the major brain commissural fibre tract in the pathophysiology of each specific mental illness.
99mTc-DPD scintigraphy in immunoglobulin light chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Quarta Candida Cristina , Zheng Jiexin , Hutt David , Grigore Simona F , Manwani Richa , Sachchithanantham Sajitha , Mahmood Shameem A , Whelan Carol J , Fontana Marianna , Martinez-Naharro Ana , Chacko Liza , Lachmann Helen J , Gillmore Julian D , Rapezzi Claudio , Hawkins Philip N , Wechalekar Ashutosh D
Published: May 2021

Aims

Technetium-99m-labelled 3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (99mTc-DPD scintigraphy) is recognized as highly accurate for the non-invasive diagnosis of transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis (CA). A proportion of patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) CA have also been reported to show cardiac 99mTc-DPD uptake. Herein, we assessed the frequency and degree of cardiac 99mTc-DPD uptake and its clinical significance among patients with AL CA.

Methods and results

Between 2010 and 2017, 292 consecutive patients with AL CA underwent 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy and were included in this study: 114 (39%) had cardiac 99mTc-DPD uptake: grade 1 in 75%, grade 2 in 17%, and grade 3 in 8% of cases. Patients with cardiac 99mTc-DPD uptake had poorer cardiac systolic function and higher N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. No differences were noted in cardiac magnetic resonance parameters between patients with and without cardiac 99mTc-DPD uptake (N = 19 and 42, respectively). Patients with cardiac 99mTc-DPD uptake showed a trend to worse survival than those with no uptake (log-rank P = 0.056). Among 22 patients who underwent serial 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy, 5 (23%) showed reduction in the grade of cardiac uptake.

Conclusions

In this large cohort of patients with AL CA, 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy ∼40% of cases showed cardiac uptake, including grade 2–3 in 10% of all patients (25% of those with cardiac 99mTc-DPD uptake). Cardiac 99mTc-DPD uptake was associated with poorer cardiac function and outcomes. These data highlight the critical importance of ruling out AL amyloidosis in all patients with cardiac 99mTc-DPD uptake to ensure such patients are not assumed to have ATTR CA.
A ‘shark’-masked electrocardiogram: case report of a Tako-Tsubo syndrome
Authors: Verdoia Monica , Viola Orazio , Marrara Federica , Soldà Pier Luigi
Published: May 2021

Background

Triangular ST-segment elevation or ‘shark-fin’ sign has been described as a specific indicator of acute coronary occlusion and large myocardial ischaemia, translating into poorer prognosis. However, this electrocardiographic presentation has been reported in rare cases of Tako-Tsubo syndrome and associated with more severe physical stressors and neurological involvement.

Case summary

We present a rare case of a 51-year-old woman presenting with incoming epileptic attacks and concomitant pyometra. Despite controlling epilepsy with phenytoin and the surgical treatment of the infection, she developed sepsis requiring vasopressors, and thereafter sustained ventricular tachycardia and diffuse ST-segment elevation with the ‘shark-fin’ sign. TTC was confirmed by the documentation of normal coronary arteries and the complete recovery of wall motion abnormalities at discharge.

Discussion

Heterogeneous presentation and triggering conditions often challenge the diagnosis of Tako-Tsubo syndrome. The acknowledgement of different electrocardiographic and clinical manifestations can ease the diagnosis and the successful management of these patients, whose prognosis can be extremely severe in the acute phase, if unidentified.
Diagnosis and treatment of effusive–constrictive pericarditis: a case report
Authors: Al-Saiegh Yousif , Spears Jenna , Barry Tim , Lee Christopher , Haber Howard , Goldberg Sheldon
Published: May 2021

Background

Effusive–constrictive pericarditis (ECP) is a rare syndrome involving pericardial effusion and concomitant constrictive pericarditis. The hallmark is a persistently elevated right atrial pressure of >10 mmHg or reduction of less than 50% from baseline despite pericardiocentesis. Aetiologies include radiation, infection, malignancy, and autoimmune disease.

Case summary

A 71-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation, obesity, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, managed with continuous positive airway pressure presented with acute pericarditis complicated by pericardial effusion leading to cardiac tamponade. He was diagnosed with ECP after pericardiocentesis and was managed surgically with a pericardial window.

Discussion

Early detected cases of ECP can be managed by medical therapy. Therapeutic interventions include pericardiocentesis, balloon pericardiostomy, and pericardiectomy. This report describes a case of new-onset congestive heart failure secondary to ECP.
Second consensus document on diagnosis and management of acute deep vein thrombosis: updated document elaborated by the ESC Working Group on aorta and peripheral vascular diseases and the ESC Working Group on pulmonary circulation and right ventricular function
Authors: Mazzolai Lucia , Ageno Walter , Alatri Adriano , Bauersachs Rupert , Becattini Cecilia , Brodmann Marianne , Emmerich Joseph , Konstantinides Stavros , Meyer Guy , Middeldorp Saskia , Monreal Manuel , Righini Marc , Aboyans Victor
Published: May 2021

This consensus document is proposed to clinicians to provide the whole spectrum of deep vein thrombosis management as an update to the 2017 consensus document. New data guiding clinicians in indicating extended anticoagulation, management of patients with cancer, and prevention and management of post-thrombotic syndrome are presented. More data on benefit and safety of non-vitamin K antagonists oral anticoagulants are highlighted, along with the arrival of new antidotes for severe bleeding management.
Ethnic differences in functional limitations: a comparison of older migrants and native Dutch older population
Authors: El Fakiri Fatima , Bouwman-Notenboom Jessica , Agyemang Charles
Published: May 2021

Background

Although the older migrants population in Europe is expected to grow substantially in the coming years, there is little information about their health status and particularly functional limitations. This study examined the association of ethnicity and mobility, hearing and visual limitations in comparison to the general population in the Netherlands, and whether relevant characteristics explained the potential differences between older migrants and non-migrants.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of 12 652 subjects 55 years and older who participated in the health survey in the four largest Dutch cities. To establish limitations in vision, hearing and mobility, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) questionnaire was used. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between limitations and ethnic background, subsequently adjusting for demographic and socio-economic characteristics and relevant health- and lifestyle-related factors.

Results

Older migrants had higher prevalences of functional limitations. The age- and- gender adjusted ORs were 2 to 8-fold compared with older non-migrants. After adjusting for socioeconomic status and health-and lifestyle indicators, Moroccan, Turkish and Surinamese migrants still had increased ORs for visual limitations [ORs (95% CI), respectively: 2.48 (1.49–4.14), 3.08 (1.75–5.41) and 1.97 (1.33–2.91)] compared with the Dutch. For mobility limitations, only the Turkish migrants had an OR twice as high (2.19; 1.08–4.44) as the non-migrants. No significant differences were found between Antillean/Aruban migrants and non-migrants.

Conclusions

Important ethnic inequalities exist in various functional limitations, particularly in vision. These results underline the importance of tailored preventive interventions in older migrants to detect and prevent these limitations at an early stage.
Efficient electrotransformation of Rhodococcus ruber YYL with abundant extracellular polymeric substances via a cell wall-weakening strategy
Authors: Huang Hui , Liu Zubi , Qiu Yiyang , Wang Xuejun , Wang Haixia , Xiao Hailong , Lu Zhenmei
Published: May 2021

Rhodococcus spp. have broad potential applications related to the degradation of organic contaminants and the transformation or synthesis of useful compounds. However, some Gram-positive bacteria are difficult to manipulate genetically due to low transformation efficiency. In this study, we investigated the effects of chemicals including glycine, isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INH), Tween 80 and penicillin G, as well as cell growth status, competent cell concentration, electroporation field strength, electroporation time and heat shock time, on the electrotransformation efficiency of the tetrahydrofuran-degrading bacterium Rhodococcus ruber YYL with low transformation efficiency. The highest electrotransformation efficiency was 1.60 × 106 CFU/µg DNA after parameter optimization. GmhD (D-glycero-D-manno-heptose 1-phosphate guanosyltransferase) gene, which is important in the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide, was deleted via the optimized electrotransformation method. Compared with wild-type strain, YYL ΔgmhD showed extremely high electrotransformation efficiency because the surface of it had no mushroom-like extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). In addition, the results showed that cell wall-weakening reagents might cause some translucent substances like EPS, to detach from the cells, increasing the electrotransformation efficiency of strain YYL. We propose that these results could provide a new strategy for unique bacteria that are rich in EPS, for which genetic manipulation systems are difficult to establish.
Membrane protein regulators of melanoma pulmonary colonization identified using a CRISPRa screen and spontaneous metastasis assay in mice
Authors: van der Weyden Louise , Offord Victoria , Turner Gemma , Swiatkowska Agnes , Speak Anneliese O , Adams David J
Published: May 2021

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells to a secondary site within the body, and is the leading cause of death for cancer patients. The lung is a common site of metastasis for many cancer types, including melanoma. Identifying the genes involved in aiding metastasis of melanoma cells to the lungs is critical for the development of better treatments. As the accessibility of cell surface proteins makes them attractive therapeutic targets, we performed a CRISPR activation screen using a library of guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting the transcription start sites of 2195 membrane protein-encoding genes, to identify genes whose upregulated expression aided pulmonary metastasis. Immunodeficient mice were subcutaneously injected in the flank with murine B16-F0 melanoma cells expressing dCas9 and the membrane protein library gRNAs, and their lungs collected after 14–21 days. Analysis was performed to identify the gRNAs that were enriched in the lungs relative to those present in the cells at the time of administration (day 0). We identified six genes whose increased expression promotes lung metastasis. These genes included several with well-characterized pro-metastatic roles (Fut7, Mgat5, and Pcdh7) that have not previously been linked to melanoma progression, genes linked to tumor progression but that have not previously been described as involved in metastasis (Olfr322 and Olfr441), as well as novel genes (Tmem116). Thus, we have identified genes that, when upregulated in melanoma cells, can aid successful metastasis and colonization of the lung, and therefore may represent novel therapeutic targets to inhibit pulmonary metastasis.
Steroid hormone pathways coordinate developmental diapause and olfactory remodeling in Pristionchus pacificus
Authors: Carstensen Heather R , Villalon Reinard M , Banerjee Navonil , Hallem Elissa A , Hong Ray L
Published: May 2021

Developmental and behavioral plasticity allow animals to prioritize alternative genetic programs during fluctuating environments. Behavioral remodeling may be acute in animals that interact with host organisms, since reproductive adults and the developmentally arrested larvae often have different ethological needs for chemical stimuli. To understand the genes that coordinate the development and host-seeking behavior, we used the entomophilic nematode Pristionchus pacificus to characterize dauer-constitutive mutants (Daf-c) that inappropriately enter developmental diapause to become dauer larvae. We found two Daf-c loci with dauer-constitutive and cuticle exsheathment phenotypes that can be rescued by the feeding of Δ7-dafachronic acid, and that are dependent on the conserved canonical steroid hormone receptor Ppa-DAF-12. Specifically at one locus, deletions in the sole hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) in P. pacificus resulted in Daf-c phenotypes. Ppa-hsd-2 is expressed in the canal-associated neurons (CANs) and excretory cells whose homologous cells in Caenorhabditis elegans are not known to be involved in the dauer decision. While in wildtype only dauer larvae are attracted to host odors, hsd-2 mutant adults show enhanced attraction to the host beetle pheromone, along with ectopic activation of a marker for putative olfactory neurons, Ppa-odr-3. Surprisingly, this enhanced odor attraction acts independently of the Δ7-DA/DAF-12 module, suggesting that Ppa-HSD-2 may be responsible for several steroid hormone products involved in coordinating the dauer decision and host-seeking behavior in P. pacificus.
Innominate artery post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm presenting with Horner’s syndrome
Authors: Oliveira Vânia Constâncio , Coutinho Gonçalo , Fonseca Manuel , Antunes Luis F
Published: May 2021

Isolated innominate artery trauma after blunt thoracic contusion is rare and occurs mostly at its origin. We report a case of a post-traumatic distal innominate artery pseudoaneurysm presenting with Horner’s syndrome treated by conventional surgical approach.
On the Local Version of the Log-Brunn–Minkowski Conjecture and Some New Related Geometric Inequalities
Authors: Kolesnikov Alexander V , Livshyts Galyna V
Published: May 2021

We prove that for any semi-norm $\|\cdot \|$ on $\mathbb{R}^n$ and any symmetric convex body $K$ in $\mathbb{R}^n,$(1)$$\begin{align}& \int_{\partial K} \frac{\|n_x\|^2}{\langle x,n_x\rangle}\leq \frac{1}{|K|}\left(\int_{\partial K} \|n_x\| \right)^2, \end{align}$$and characterize the equality cases of this new inequality. The above would also follow from the Log-Brunn–Minkowski conjecture if the latter was proven, and we believe that it may be of independent interest. We, furthermore, obtain an improvement of this inequality in some cases, involving the Poincare constant of $K.$

The conjectured Log-Brunn–Minkowski inequality is a strengthening of the Brunn–Minkowski inequality in the partial case of symmetric convex bodies, equivalent to the validity of the following statement: for all symmetric convex smooth sets $K$ in $\mathbb{R}^n$ and all smooth even $f:\partial K\rightarrow \mathbb{R},$(2)$$\begin{align}& \int_{\partial K} H_x f^2-\langle \textrm{II}^{-1}\nabla_{\partial K} f, \nabla_{\partial K} f\rangle +\frac{f^2}{\langle x,n_x\rangle}\leq \frac{1}{|K|}\left(\int_{\partial K} f \right)^2. \end{align}$$

In this note, we verify ( 2) with the particular choice of speed function $f(x)=|\langle v,n_x\rangle |$, for all symmetric convex bodies $K$, where $v\in \mathbb{R}^n$ is an arbitrary vecto.
92 Effect of Rearing Cross-fostered Piglets in Litters of Differing Within-litter Birth Weight Variation on Pre-weaning Growth and Mortality
Authors: Vande Pol Katherine D , Rivas Rafael Ovidio Bautista , Harper Heath , Shull Caleb M , Brown Katie , Ellis Michael
Published: May 2021

Cross-fostering of piglets is a common commercial practice, however, there is limited information on optimum methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of within-litter birth weight variation after cross-fostering on piglet pre-weaning mortality (PWM) and growth. A RCBD was used with 47 blocks of 6 litters (total 282 litters/3,948 piglets); blocking factors were farrowing day, sow parity, body condition score, and functional teat number. Piglets were allotted at 24 h after birth according to Birth Weight Category (BWC) [L (< 1.0 kg), M (1.0 to 1.5 kg), or H (1.5 to 2.0 kg)] to 6 Litter Composition (LC) treatments with 14 piglets/litter: Uniform (14 L, M or H); Mixed L+M (7 L, 7 M); Mixed M+H (7 M, 7 H); Mixed L+M+H (3 L, 6 M, 5 H). Piglets were weaned at 18.7 ± 0.64 d and PWM was recorded. Piglet birth and weaning weights were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS; PWM were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS; models included BWC, LC, the interaction, and sow within block. There were LC by BWC interactions (P < 0.05) for PWM and weaning weights. For L piglets, there was no effect (P > 0.05) of LC on PWM (22.8, 26.7, and 28.4% for Uniform, Mixed L+M, and Mixed L+M+H treatments, respectively). For H piglets, PWM was lower (P < 0.05) in Mixed L+M+H compared to Uniform or Mixed M+H litters (1.7, 9.6, and 5.8%, respectively). For M piglets, PWM was lower (P < 0.05) in Mixed L+M than Uniform or Mixed M+H litters (7.1, 12.2, and 14.6%, respectively); Mixed L+M+H were intermediate (10.0%; P > 0.05). Weaning weights generally followed a similar but opposite pattern for all BWC. In conclusion, increasing the average weight of littermates generally decreased weaning weights and increased PWM within each BWC.
284 Prop 12 and Its Implications for Future On-farm Animal Welfare in the United States
Authors: Horback Kristina
Published: May 2021

California’s Proposition 12, also known as the Farm Animal Confinement Initiative, will go into full effect starting in January 2022. This measure changes the minimum space requirement for egg-laying hens, calves raised for veal, and breeding sows within the state of California. These changes include housing that provides 1 to 1.5 square feet of floor space per hen within a cage-free system, 43 square feet of floor space per veal calf, and 24 square feet of floor space per sow. In addition, Proposition 12 would require producers to move the sows from gestation pens into farrowing crates for a maximum of 5 days before they are due to farrow. This measure also prohibits producers outside of California from importing their eggs, veal, or pork into the state unless they meet these minimum housing requirements. The goal of these requirements is to ensure that they animal can lie down, stand up, turn around, and fully extend their limbs without touching the sides of their stalls or another animal. While the intent of this new housing requirement may allow for a greater freedom of movement, animal welfare concerns are still prominent for group housing. For breeding sow, such concerns include injuries caused by social aggression, and, abnormal or harmful behaviors related to feed restriction. These welfare concerns can be addressed when considerations are given to the group composition (e.g., age and size of sows), pen mixing practices (e.g., pre or post breeding), feeding schedule [e.g., collective (trough, floor fed) or individual (electronic sow feeding, free access stalls)], and, pen structural quality (e.g., flooring, enrichment). Given that California represents approximately 15 percent of the American pork market, this measure will have considerable economic and ethical implications related to barn renovations, animal care staff training, and husbandry practices for the entire U.S. pork industry.
232 Effect of Beef-dairy Cross Breed Description on the Sale Price of Lots of Steer Calves Sold Through Superior Livestock Auction in 2020 Summer Video Sales
Authors: McCabe Esther D , King Mike E , Fike Karol E , Rogers Glenn M , Odde Kenneth G
Published: May 2021

The objective was to determine the effect of beef-dairy cross breed description as compared to Holstein and beef breed descriptions on the sale price of steer calf lots sold through Superior Livestock Auction in 2020 summer video sales. Data were available on 589 lots of weaned steer calves sold via six video auctions during the summer of 2020. Steer lots from the Rocky Mountain/North Central and South Central regions were included in the analysis. All lot characteristics that could be accurately quantified or categorized were used to develop a multiple regression model that evaluated effects of independent factors on sale price using backwards selection. A value of P < 0.05 was used to maintain a factor in the final model. Based upon reported breed descriptions, lots were subsequently categorized into one of five breed groups: 1) English-English cross, 2) English-Continental cross, 3) Brahman influenced, 4) Holstein, and 5) Beef-dairy cross. The mean weight of weaned steer calves was 277.5 ± 60.1 kg. Among weaned steer calf lots, Holstein lots sold for the lowest (P < 0.05) sale price ($113.21/45.36 kg of BW;Table1). Beef-dairy cross lots sold for the second lowest (P < 0.05) sale price ($153.07/45.36 kg of BW), but were only $15.21/45.36 kg of BW below English-English cross. Brahman-influenced lots sold for the third lowest (P < 0.05) sale price ($160.30/45.36 kg of BW). English-Continental cross lots sold for the second greatest (P < 0.05) sale price at $164.01/45.36 kg of BW. English-English cross lots sold for the greatest (P < 0.05) sale price ($168.38/45.36 kg of BW) compared with all other breed descriptions. Beef-dairy cross steer calves were closer in value to beef combinations than to Holstein steer calves.
8 Functional Role of Histidine in Diets of Young Pigs
Authors: van Milgen Jaap , Le Floc’h Nathalie
Published: May 2021

Histidine is a constituent amino acid of body proteins and, once incorporated in protein, histidine can be methylated post-translationally to methyl-histidine. Histidine is also a precursor of histamine, a neurotransmitter and involved in the immune response. Histidine and histamine are constituents of a number of dipeptides, which act as pH buffers, metal chelating agents, and anti-oxidants, especially in skeletal muscles and in the brain. A considerable fraction of whole-body histidine is present as carnosine, the dipeptide of histidine and β-alanine. In the longissimus muscle, about 40% of the total histidine content is present as carnosine. The histidine in carnosine can be methylated to anserine or balenine, and the pig is among the few species that synthesize both forms. Hydrolysis of body protein and of histidine-containing dipeptides results in the release of the constituent amino acids. However, only the histidine of protein and carnosine can be reused for protein synthesis. Methyl-histidine is either excreted in the urine or remains bound in the dipeptides and accumulates in the body. Because carnosine represents such a large histidine reservoir, a dietary histidine deficiency may not directly lead to a reduction in growth, especially if growth is given a higher priority for histidine utilization than maintaining or depleting the histidine-containing dipeptide reserves. Few histidine dose-response studies have been done in piglets and differences in the estimated requirements may be due to differences in diluting or depleting the dipeptide reserves. However, at low histidine intakes, both feed intake and growth are reduced and a reduction of the histidine-to-lysine supply by 1 percentage point results in a growth reduction of 4%. Histidine dose-response studies need to consider the role of histidine as a constituent amino acid of body protein as well as its role in dipeptides.
3 Nursery Pig Research Under Dr. Gary Allee
Authors: Touchette Kevin
Published: May 2021

Dr. Gary Allee focused on many different topics in nursery pig nutrition over his years at Kansas State University and University of Missouri. This talk will discuss four main areas of research. The first area of research was evaluating soybean meal and soy products and hypersensitivity in early weaned pigs. They demonstrated that allergens present in soybean meal caused a hypersensitivity in weaned pigs which reduced feed intake and growth in the early nursery period, but the pigs recovered to be of similar weight at the end of the nursery. They also demonstrated that high protein soy products do not cause this same reaction. The second area was evaluating new sources of sugars/lactose for nursery diets. When dried whey permeate was first produced and considered to be a novel ingredient, they demonstrated that it could replace the lactose from whey and skim milk in weaned pig diets. Further research showed that up to 50% of the lactose requirement could be met by other simple sugars provided by sugar food by-products. The third area was understanding of the mode of action in which spray-dried plasma works in weaned pig diets. They demonstrated that while being fed plasma, there was a reduction in immune stimulation to the pig, which resulted in an improved feed intake and growth after weaning. The fourth area was evaluating fish meal and fish oil. They demonstrated that both fish oil and fish meal alter the immune system, but fish meal was the best at improving performance under challenging conditions. These trials were both relevant at the time they were run to influence practical nursery diet formulation, but also helped set the background for future trials.
2 A Metabolic Understanding of Nutrition
Authors: Kerr Brian J
Published: May 2021

Optimal nutrition is essential to support growth and development of farm animals, and in combination with costs, is essential in maintaining economical animal production. Simplistically nutrition involves physiological and biochemical processes whereupon feedstuffs are consumed for energy and nutrient purposes, and through the myriad of digestive and metabolic mechanisms, provides the energy and nutrients to be used and/or deposited for productive purposes (e.g., bone, lean, and fat). While the individual parts of metabolism, and therefore nutrition, must add up to the animal as a whole, in the long-term energy and nutrients cannot be evaluated strictly on a reductionist basis. Thus, while research is conducted using methods to control outside and confounding effects, it is these influences and interactions that must be researched and understood in order to support optimal animal production in an economical and environmentally sustainable manner. Therefore, understanding basic mechanisms is critical in providing a scientific basis as to why a nutrient, feed additive, or feedstuff may ‘work’, but it does not guarantee such. As exhibited in Dr. Allee’s publications, development of students, and outreach activities, he often conducted basic research from which to use this knowledge in relationship to the whole animal on an applied basis. Portions of this presentation will discuss some specific areas (e.g., lipids and amino acids) of Dr. Allee’s career whereupon research was conducted to scientifically understand how and why energy and nutrients (feedstuffs) may improve animal productivity and efficiency on a real-world basis.
281 Can We Developmentally Program the Epigenome to Improve Traits Relevant to Production in Cattle?
Authors: Cushman Robert A , Snider Alexandria , Crouse Matthew S
Published: May 2021

While sequence variation can be informative to associate regions of the genome with specific traits and improve genetic selection, the epigenome may provide a more powerful tool to manage cattle. Identifying practices that are producer friendly and effectively control epigenetic function within animals is crucial to translating developmental programming to a production setting. Initial studies of developmental programming investigated how environmental or nutritional stresses during fetal and peri-natal development impacted performance of animals later in life. These studies demonstrated changes in methylation, alterations in transcript abundance, and negative impacts on physiology, but they also suggested that we may be able to beneficially impact the epigenome and developmentally program animals to excel in their niche in the production system. Maternal nutritional status during the third trimester influenced date of conception of female progeny in several studies but failed to do so in other studies. Transcriptomic analyses provided evidence that nutritional treatments alter mRNA abundance in brain, liver, muscle, and ovary, but does not conclusively demonstrate that this is due to functional changes in the epigenome. If developmental programming is to be applied in production systems, responses must be consistent and beneficial. Reducing nutrient intake in heifers during peri-pubertal development increased number of primordial follicles in the ovaries and reproductive longevity. While nutritional programming of the ovarian reserve in peri-pubertal heifers appears to occur consistently across locations and studies, it does not ensure that subsequent environmental stressors will not induce changes in the ovarian reserve that will negate beneficial effects. These studies demonstrate that it is possible to developmentally program the epigenome in cattle in ways that will improve production traits; however, there remains a need for studies to improve the consistency of response and to determine best practices that fit into production systems. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
282 Multi-omics Approaches to Improve Animal Production
Authors: Da Silva Diniz Wellison Jarles , Ward Alison K
Published: May 2021

The livestock sector faces an immense challenge to meet the increased demand for animal products. There is a need to increase animal performance, improve animal health and well-being, and reduce the environmental footprint. To meet these challenges, omics technologies have provided opportunities to understand animal biology and the genetic architecture underlying important economic traits. Despite the increased number of quantitative trait loci identified, the reported number of causal genes and mutations driving phenotypic changes is still limited. Likewise, transcriptomics has been routinely explored to identify genes underlying complex traits such as feed efficiency and meat quality. Furthermore, other omics approaches, such as epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, are now extensively used. However, most of the studies have focused on single-data-type designs without considering the intricated relationship among these regulatory layers. Additionally, it has been shown that the relationship between the host genome and its gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in shaping animal performance. Despite the improved genetic gain provided by genomic selection approaches, the genetic basis of complex traits remains unclear. As the cross-talk between regulatory layers modulates complex traits, integrative network modeling has been adopted to untangle the biological mechanisms driving genotype-phenotype association. For example, by combining multi-tissue transcriptomic profiles, we were able to identify putative mechanisms driving the differential tissue regulation in nutrient restricted bovine fetuses. Despite the advances in network modeling, the genome to phenome connection still requires a better functionally annotated genome. Furthermore, analytical methods to fully integrate omics data into breeding equations are still under development. However, initiatives, such as FAANG, seek to address some of the aforementioned limitations. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying complex traits and the development of statistical models that includes omics data will increase the prediction accuracy of important economic traits. Altogether, it will allow improving production efficiency to meet society’s demand.
20 Effect of Adding Bioactive Peptide in Combination of Pharmaceutical Zinc Oxide or Organic Acids on Growth Performance, Hematology Profile, and Nutrient Digestibility in Nursery Pigs
Authors: Mudarra Richard A , Tsai Tsung Cheng Cheng , Bottoms Kristopher , Shieh Thomas S , Bradly Casey , Maxwell Charles V
Published: May 2021

To evaluate the effect of bioactive peptide (P) in combination with high level of zinc (HZ) or acidifiers on growth performance, complete blood cell counts (CBC) and nutrient digestibility in nursery pigs, a total of 288 weaned pigs (PIC1050xDNA600) were stratified by initial BW within gender and allotted to 1of 7 treatments. Treatments for phase 1&2 were: 1) nutrient adequate positive control with HZ (PC), 2) nutrient deficient negative control with HZ (NC, -0.13% SID Lysine by reducing fish meal), 3) NC+0.25% peptide (0.25PZ), 4) NC+0.5% peptide (0.5PZ), 5) NC+0.25% peptide with standard zinc (0.25P), 6) NC+0.5% peptide with standard zinc (0.5P), 7) as 5 + 0.1% sodium butyrate and 0.5% benzoic acid (PSB). All pigs were fed a common low Zn diet (197 ppm) during phase 3. The whole blood was obtained from a close-to-average pen-BW pig repeatedly at weaning, and at the end of phase 2 and 3 to determine CBC. Titanium dioxide was used as an indigestible marker to determine nutrient digestibility. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedures of SAS as a RCBD with treatment as fixed effect, and BW block as random effect. In overall phase 1&2, pigs fed PSB had similar ADG and BW when compared to pigs fed 0.25PZ and both were greater than NC pigs (Table 1). With the same inclusion rate of peptide, pigs fed a high zinc diet had greater BW and ADG than pigs fed a standard zinc diet. PSB pigs had the greatest G:F ratio and nitrogen digestibility among treatments. Increasing peptide in high zinc diets gradually decreased Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. This study indicates that the improvement in growth performance from pigs fed peptide is pharmaceutical zinc dependent and acidifiers can be an alternative to replace ZnO without affecting growth performance.