bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Young Adults with Long-Standing Illness or Disability at Increased Risk of Loneliness?
Authors: McGlone M , Long E
Published: October 2021

Background

Loneliness has become a major public health concern in the UK, with negative implications for both personal well-being and life-long health. Recent evidence has shown that young adulthood is a significantly vulnerable period for loneliness, and prevalence estimates indicate that young adults with long-standing illness or disability (LSID) may be particularly at riso. This study investigated whether young adults with LSID were more likely to experience loneliness than their ‘healthy' peers, after accounting for key socio-contextual and health-related factors associated with loneliness.

Methods

The sample consists of 4510 16-24 year old individuals from Wave 9 of the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS). Loneliness was measured using the UCLA 3-item loneliness scale, in addition to a direct indicator of frequency of loneliness. Correlation tests measured associations between both measures of loneliness and LSID. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine the association between LSID and UCLA loneliness, after accounting for key demographic and socio-contextual variables.

Results

Results from the correlation tests demonstrated significant associations between LSID and measures of loneliness. Results from the ordinal logistic regression models indicated that chronic illness was significantly associated with loneliness, after accounting for various demographic, social, and well-being factors. In addition, individuals with fewer close friends reported higher loneliness, as did those with poorer mental health, and low well-being scores. Younger participants, age brackets 16-18 and 19-21, were found to report higher loneliness than the individuals aged 22-24-year old.

Conclusions

Overall, the study found significant evidence of associations between the presence of LSID and loneliness in young adults (16-24 years old), suggesting these individuals are at an increased risk of loneliness, and could be a focus for future public health interventions.

Key messages

Findings from this study suggest a higher level of loneliness amongst young adult with chronic illness in the UK. Young adults with chronic illness are a potential target for public health intervention targeting loneliness.
University students' understanding and options of eating disorders: A qualitative study
Authors: Manning M , Greenfield S
Published: October 2021

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) affect 1.25 million people in the UK. Evidence suggests the public perceive EDs as a female issue and display stigma and poor mental health literacy (MHL) towards EDs. There is a high prevalence of EDs in university populations, so it is important to determine the MHL of this at-risk group. Qualitative research exploring the MHL of this population is incomplete.

Aims

To explore university students' beliefs and opinions of EDs, their knowledge of symptoms, treatment and help sources and how these are influenced by biological sex.

Methods

A qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews with seven male and seven female participants. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Analyst triangulation and member validation occurred.

Results

Analysis revealed six themes, each with subthemes: ED characteristics, causes, body image, seeking help, stigma and awareness. Students displayed poor awareness towards ED signs and symptoms, causes and help sources. Students were not stigmatising towards EDs, but many perceived them as a female problem and believed society to be stigmatising. Many referenced informal sources of information such as social media and expressed a desire for ED teaching. Sex did not have a significant influence on knowledge or opinions of EDs in this study, however there were some differences, for example some males were more likely to see EDs as a weakness and to perceive themselves as having low levels of knowledge.

Conclusions

University students show poor awareness of certain aspects of ED-MHL including help sources and symptom recognition. Although students were not stigmatising of EDs themselves, many perceived high levels of public stigma. This, alongside poor knowledge, may delay help-seeking. Campaigns educating students and the public about EDs would aid earlier diagnosis, improving long-term outcomes. Further research into awareness and knowledge in other populations would be beneficial.

Key messages

University students interviewed perceived high levels of public stigma around eating disorders, although not stimatising themselves. Campaigns educating students and the public about EDs would aid earlier diagnosis, improving long-term outcomes.
Prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in facial trauma patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Traore B , Tsoumbou-Bakana G , Zoukal S , Hassoune S , Nani S , Slimani F
Published: October 2021

Background

To evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in facial trauma patients admitted to the Ibn ROCHD University Hospital of Casablanca, we initiated this study. Indeed, facial trauma is damage that can have serious repercussions on the mental health of patients. However, there is little data in Morocco.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca from January to April 2019 among facial trauma patients without a history of anxiety and depressive disorders, admitted to the Maxillofacial Surgery Department within 72 hours of the trauma. The patients' socio-demographic and clinical data were collected through a questionnaire, and then the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was applied to assess depression and anxiety. In addition to a descriptive analysis of the results, a multinomial regression analysis was performed to assess factors that might be associated with depression and anxiety.

Results

Among 50 facial trauma patients admitted to the Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca and included in our study, 11 had symptoms of anxiety (22%) and 12 had symptoms of depression (24%) according to the HADS classification. The mean HADS anxiety and depression subscale scores of the patients were 7.32±4.17 and 6.32±5.10, respectively. Although gender (OR = 2.28 [0.35; 5.70] females), marital status (OR = 3.30 [0.70; 12.70] singles), occupation (OR = 2.66 [0.58; 12.18] not employed), and circumstances of occurrence (OR = 3.66 [0.35; 15.70] public roads) increased the risk of anxiety in patients without anxiety (HADS score≤7); none of these factors was statistically associated with either anxiety or depression.

Conclusions

This cross-sectional study showed that the prevalence of anxiety and depression in victims of facial trauma is very high in Casablanca.

Key messages

The prevalence of anxiety and depression among facial trauma victims is very high. Gender, marital status, occupation, and circumstances of occurrence non-significantly increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Supporting farmer and fisher communities in Wales through uncertainty: two mixed methods studies
Authors: Davies AR , Grey CNB , Homolova L
Published: October 2021

Background

Rural, farming and fishing communities in Wales were highlighted as vulnerable to uncertainty and change from Brexit, with likely impacts to mental health and wellbeing in these groups. Policy needs to understand how to prevent challenges, protect against health impacts, and promote mental health and wellbeing in these hard-to-reach/engage groups using evidence-based solutions.

Methods

Two mixed-methods studies were undertaken in 2019-20, using identical methodologies, one in farming and one in fishing communities. For both, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, NICE, and Cochrane databases were searched for keywords associated with farmers/fishers, mental health, wellbeing, resilience, support, and suicide; for studies of any design published in English, in 2005-19. Evidence was further supported by stakeholder engagement through two world café workshops in each group (farmers n = 19, fishers n = 13). For farmers, additional face-to-face and telephone consultation took place (n = 26). Challenges, existing support, and relevance of the evidence review were examined. Engagement was recorded through researcher's field notes and analysed thematically.

Results

For farmers, 843 records were identified after duplicated removed, screened, 130 full text records examined, and 14 interventions included. For fishers, 415 records identified, 135 full text examined, and 7 interventions included. Evidence-based programmes supporting farmers were centred on health promotion, mental health literacy, and cross-agency partnership development; and for fishers, support was centred solely on health promotion. Qualitative engagement uncovered challenges faced in Wales, barriers to seeking support, and assets available to each group.

Conclusions

The evidence from the review and engagement was brought together to create action frameworks for supporting both farmers and fishers in Wales, centred on prevention, protection, and promotion of mental health and wellbeing.

Key messages

Farming and fishing are contributors to Wales’ rural economy and cultural identity. A strong evidence-base of how to support mental health of these groups is vital to help them cope with change. Action for supporting both farmers and fishers in Wales should be centred on prevention, protection, and promotion of mental health and wellbeing.
Public health practice, training and workforces for the future — Lessons from the pandemic
Authors:   Organised by: European Observatory, WHO/Europe, ASPHER,   Moderator: Suszy Lessof (European Observatory)
Published: October 2021

The evidence base for this plenary session will be a public health study by WHO Europe and the Observatory analyzing how well public health has responded to the pandemic. How did European countries perform in fighting the pandemic? We look at different dimensions: preparedness, governance, communication strategies, testing and tracing efforts, vaccination campaigns. Young professional will reflect from different perspectives: public health workforce skills and training, health equity, working across sectors, the use of behavioural sciences to monitor and design responses, the role of social media.

We will look into the future of our discipline: what is that we do well? Future public health will have people doing many roles, communication, policy design and evaluation, service planning, monitoring, and delivery, health data, health protection, environmental health, evidence analysis, and more. In all of these areas we work with people from different backgrounds. What value do we bring? What skills do we need for now and for the future?

Speakers/panelists

Natasha Azzopardi Muscat

Country Health Policies & Systems, WHO/Europe

Bernd Rechel

European Observatory

John Middleton

ASPHER

Tara Chen

Young Professional

Ines Siepmann

Young Professional

Rok Hrzic

Young Professional

Tobias Weitzel

Young Professional
Morbidity and measures of the diagnostic process in primary care for patients subsequently diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Koo Minjoung M , Swann Ruth , McPhail Sean , Abel Gary A , Renzi Cristina , Rubin Greg P , Lyratzopoulos Georgios
Published: October 2021

Background

There is uncertainty regarding how pre-existing conditions (morbidities) may influence the primary care investigation and management of individuals subsequently diagnosed with cancer.

Methods

We identified morbidities using information from both primary and secondary care records among 11,716 patients included in the English National Cancer Diagnosis Audit (NCDA) 2014. We examined variation in 5 measures of the diagnostic process (the primary care interval, diagnostic interval, number of pre-referral consultations, use of primary care-led investigations, and referral type) by both primary care- and hospital records-derived measures of morbidity.

Results

Morbidity prevalence recorded before cancer diagnosis was almost threefold greater using the primary care (75%) vs secondary care-derived measure (28%). After adjustment, there was limited variation in the primary care interval and the number of pre-referral consultations by either definition of morbidity. Patients with more severe morbidities were less likely to have had a primary care-led investigation before cancer diagnosis compared with those without any morbidity (adjusted odds ratio, OR [95% confidence interval]: 0.72 [0.60–0.86] for Charlson score 3+ vs 0; joint P < 0.001). Patients with multiple primary care-recorded conditions or a Charlson score of 3+ were more likely to have diagnostic intervals exceeding 60 days (aOR: 1.26 [1.10–1.45] and 1.19 [>1.00–1.41], respectively), and more likely to receive an emergency referral (aOR: 1.60 [1.26–2.02] and 1.61 [1.26–2.06], respectively).

Conclusion

Among cancer cases with up to 2 morbidities, there was no evidence of differences in diagnostic processes and intervals in primary care but higher morbidity burden was associated with longer time to diagnosis and higher likelihood of emergency referral.
Strategic traits of bacteria and archaea vary widely within substrate-use groups
Authors: Westoby Mark , Nielsen Daniel A , Gillings Michae R , Gumerov Vadim M , Madin Joshua S , Paulsen Ian T , Tetu Sasha G
Published: October 2021

Quantitative traits such as maximum growth rate and cell radial diameter are one facet of ecological strategy variation across bacteria and archaea. Another facet is substrate-use pathways, such as iron reduction or methylotrophy. Here, we ask how these two facets intersect, using a large compilation of data for culturable species and examining seven quantitative traits (genome size, signal transduction protein count, histidine kinase count, growth temperature, temperature-adjusted maximum growth rate, cell radial diameter and 16S rRNA operon copy number). Overall, quantitative trait variation within groups of organisms possessing a particular substrate-use pathway was very broad, outweighing differences between substrate-use groups. Although some substrate-use groups had significantly different means for some quantitative traits, standard deviation of quantitative trait values within each substrate-use pathway mostly averaged between 1.6 and 1.8 times larger than standard deviation across group means. Most likely, this wide variation reflects ecological strategy: for example, fast maximum growth rate is likely to express an early successional or copiotrophic strategy, and maximum growth varies widely within most substrate-use pathways. In general, it appears that these quantitative traits express different and complementary information about ecological strategy, compared with substrate use.
Timing and duration of light exposure during conidia development determine tolerance to ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Brancini Guilherme T P , Bachmann Luciano , Braga Gilberto Ú L
Published: October 2021

Metarhizium is an important genus of soil-inhabiting fungi that are used for the biological control of insects. The efficiency of biocontrol is dependent on the maintenance of inoculum viability under adverse field conditions such as solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Therefore, increasing the tolerance of Metarhizium to UV radiation is necessary. It was previously established that, in mycelium, exposure to visible light increases tolerance to UV radiation. Similarly, growth under visible light for 14 days induces the production of tolerant conidia. However, a study evaluating if and how visible light affects conidia and their relationship with UV radiation was never performed. Here, we report that a relatively short and timed exposure to light around the time of conidiation is sufficient to induce the production of conidia with increased photoreactivating capacity and UV tolerance in Metarhizium acridum. Conidia produced by this method retain their characteristic higher tolerance even after many days of being transferred to the dark. Furthermore, we show that mature conidia of M. acridum and Metarhizium brunneum can still answer to light and regulate UV tolerance, suggesting that gene expression is possible even in dormant spores. Being able to respond to light in the dormant stages of development is certainly an advantage conferring improved environmental persistence to Metarhizium.
Extracellular Domains of Transmembrane Proteins Defy the Expression Level–Evolutionary Rate Anticorrelation
Authors: Sarkar Chandra , Alvarez-Ponce David
Published: October 2021

Highly expressed proteins tend to evolve slowly, a trend known as the expression level–rate of evolution (E–R) anticorrelation. Whereas the reasons for this anticorrelation remain unclear, the most influential hypotheses attribute it to highly expressed proteins being subjected to strong selective pressures to avoid misfolding and/or misinteraction. In accordance with these hypotheses, work in our laboratory has recently shown that extracellular (secreted) proteins lack an E–R anticorrelation (or exhibit a weaker than usual E–R anticorrelation). Extracellular proteins are folded inside the endoplasmic reticulum, where enhanced quality control of folding mechanisms exist, and function in the extracellular space, where misinteraction is unlikely to occur or to produce deleterious effects. Transmembrane proteins contain both intracellular domains (which are folded and function in the cytosol) and extracellular domains (which complete their folding in the endoplasmic reticulum and function in the extracellular space). We thus hypothesized that the extracellular domains of transmembrane proteins should exhibit a weaker E–R anticorrelation than their intracellular domains. Our analyses of human, Saccharomyces and Arabidopsis transmembrane proteins allowed us to confirm our hypothesis. Our results are in agreement with models attributing the E–R anticorrelation to the deleterious effects of misfolding and/or misinteraction.
The Framing Effect of Intergenerational Comparison of Technologies on Technophobia Among Older Adults
Authors: Xi Wanyu , Zhang Xin , Ayalon Liat
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Sharing similar negative age stereotypes (e.g., outdated, unfashionable), older adults and older technologies are stereotypically associated with each other. This also was found to be internalized by older adults. Recent research has suggested that internalized negative age stereotypes may be one of the reasons for technophobia among older adults. Therefore, considering the pervasiveness of intergenerational comparison of technologies (e.g., computer vs. tablet) in which older-generation technologies are negatively portrayed, we aim to investigate whether a mere intergenerational comparison of technologies would affect technophobia via negative self-stereotypes activation among older adults. Specifically, 2 commonly seen framings of intergenerational comparison of technologies are examined: contrast framing, which describes opposing intergenerational relationship of technologies; and connect framing, which describes the continuous intergenerational relationship of technologies.

Methods

We designed 3 advertisements for a made-up new technological product using contrast framing, connect framing, and neutral framing (where intergenerational comparison was absent). A sample of 284 participants (aged 27–83 years) was gathered online and randomly assigned into the 3 experimental conditions. Self-perception of aging (SPA), technophobia, and potential covariates were measured.

Results

The results showed a significant framing × age × gender effect on psychosocial loss dimension of SPA and technophobia. Men were significantly affected by the framing effect as they age, but women were not affected. Contrast framing (vs. connect vs. neutral framing) led to significantly higher technophobia via the psychosocial loss dimension of SPA among older men aged 49 and older.

Discussion

The findings have important implications for how to better convey persuasive information to promote new technology adoption among older adults.
Sibling Deaths, Racial/Ethnic Disadvantage, and Dementia in Later Life
Authors: Cha Hyungmin , Thomas Patricia A , Umberson Debra
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Sibling loss is understudied in the bereavement and health literature. The present study considers whether experiencing the death of siblings in mid-to-late life is associated with subsequent dementia risk and how differential exposure to sibling losses by race/ethnicity may contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in dementia risk.

Methods

We use discrete-time hazard regression models, a formal mediation test, and a counterfactual simulation to reveal how sibling loss in mid-to-late life affects dementia incidence and whether unequal exposures by race/ethnicity mediate the racial/ethnic disparities in dementia. We analyze data from the Health and Retirement Study (2000–2016). The sample includes 13,589 respondents (10,670 non-Hispanic White, 1,761 non-Hispanic Black, and 1,158 Hispanic adults) aged 65 years and older in 2000 who show no evidence of dementia at baseline.

Results

Discrete-time hazard regression results show that sibling loss in mid-to-late life is associated with up to 54% higher risk for dementia. Sibling loss contributes to Black–White disparities in dementia risk. In addition, a simulation analysis shows that dementia rates would be 14% lower for Black adults if they experienced the lower rates of sibling loss experienced by White adults. This pattern was not observed among Hispanic adults.

Discussion

The death of a sibling in mid-to-late life is a stressor that is associated with increased dementia risk. Black adults are disadvantaged in that they are more likely than Whites to experience the death of siblings, and such losses contribute to the already substantial racial/ethnic disadvantage in dementia.
The microtubule-associated protein Tau suppresses the axonal distribution of PDF neuropeptide and mitochondria in circadian clock neurons
Authors: Zhang Melanie Y , Lear Bridget C , Allada Ravi
Published: October 2021

Disrupted circadian rhythms are a prominent feature of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Yet mechanisms linking Tau to rhythmic behavior remain unclear. Here, we find that expression of a phosphomimetic human Tau mutant (TauE14) in Drosophila circadian pacemaker neurons disrupts free-running rhythmicity. While cell number and oscillations of the core clock protein PERIOD are unaffected in the small LNv (sLNv) neurons important for free running rhythms, we observe a near complete loss of the major LNv neuropeptide pigment dispersing factor (PDF) in the dorsal axonal projections of the sLNvs. This was accompanied by a ~50% reduction in the area of the dorsal terminals and a modest decrease in cell body PDF levels. Expression of wild-type Tau also reduced axonal PDF levels but to a lesser extent than TauE14. TauE14 also induces a complete loss of mitochondria from these sLNv projections. However, mitochondria were increased in sLNv cell bodies in TauE14 flies. These results suggest that TauE14 disrupts axonal transport of neuropeptides and mitochondria in circadian pacemaker neurons, providing a mechanism by which Tau can disrupt circadian behavior prior to cell loss.
Comparison of patency of single and sequential radial artery grafting in coronary artery bypass
Authors: Kasahara Hirofumi , Shin Hankei , Takahashi Tatsuo , Murata Satoru , Mori Mitsuharu
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

Sequential radial artery (RA) grafting has the potential to enhance arterial revascularization compared to single grafting. Sequential RA grafting was performed predominantly with a single side-to-side anastomosis. The study aimed to assess if sequential RA grafting improved long-term graft patency compared to single RA grafting. In addition, the anastomotic patencies of side-to-side and end-to-side anastomoses in sequential RA grafting were assessed.

METHODS

Two hundred nineteen patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with skeletonized RA conduits between 2005 and 2016. Of these, 208 patients underwent radiological graft assessment; thus, 125 and 83 patients underwent single and sequential RA grafting, respectively. The graft and anastomotic patency rates were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 9.1 years, and the radiological assessment lasted 5.1 years. The overall RA graft patency rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were 99.4%, 92.7% and 88.1%, respectively. The RA graft patency rate for sequential grafting was similar to that for single grafting (88.7% vs 87.4% at 10 years; P = 0.88). In the stratified analysis of anastomotic patency, the patency rate of side-to-side anastomoses of sequential RA grafting was significantly better than that of end-to-side anastomoses (100% vs 88.7% at 10 years; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term RA graft patencies of sequential and single grafting were equally high. The anastomotic patency of side-to-side anastomoses of sequential RA grafting was remarkably high. Considering these findings, the RA can be effectively used for multiple arterial coronary revascularizations.
Influence of measurement and sizing techniques in thoracic endovascular aortic repair on outcome in acute complicated type B aortic dissections
Authors: Rychla Miriam , Dueppers Philip , Meuli Lorenz , Rancic Zoran , Menges Anna-Leonie , Kopp Reinhard , Zimmermann Alexander , Reutersberg Benedikt
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the first-line therapy in acute complicated type B aortic dissections (cTBAD). Nevertheless, no evidence-based consensus on the optimal measurement technique and sizing for TEVAR in cTBAD exists. The aim was to evaluate how different measurement and sizing techniques for TEVAR affect long-term outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis investigating the association between sizing and postoperative results after TEVAR in patients with cTBAD, treated between January 2003 and December 2020. Diameter measurements were performed perpendicular to a centreline in pre-interventional Computed tomography angiographies. Oversizing was determined by measuring aortic diameter in zone 2 of the aortic arch in relation to the implanted stent graft, and categorized into 2 sizing groups (≤10% and >10%). The primary outcome was freedom from aortic-related events. Secondary outcomes included mortality and a comparison of 3 alternative measurement techniques considering the estimated pre-dissection diameter.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients (median age 69, interquartile range 59.6–78.2 years) were included. Stent graft oversizing by ≤10% showed a trend towards fewer aortic-related events hazard ratio 0.455 (95% confidence interval 0.128–1.624, P = 0.225).

The 3 measurement techniques using the pre-dissection aortic diameter differed by a mean of 1.7–4.0 mm with a variability of up to 8.4 mm. In none of the 57 patients, the same stent graft would have been chosen based on the different measurement techniques using an oversizing ≤10%.

CONCLUSIONS

TEVAR oversizing of ≤10% in patients with cTBAD might reduce aortic-related events up to 50%. Consensus on measurement techniques of the pre-dissection aortic diameter and stent graft sizing is of paramount importance.
Localized malignant pleural mesothelioma of the interlobar fissure mimicking a lung cancer
Authors: Ciriaco Paola , Viscardi Stefano , Filipello Federica , Negri Giampiero
Published: October 2021

We report a case of localized malignant pleural mesothelioma (LMPM) of the interlobar fissure mimicking lung cancer. A 74-year-old woman presented with dyspnoea and a left pleural effusion. Chest computed tomography revealed a bulky mass, arising from the left lower lobe with intense uptake at the 18F-FDG PET. A left lower lobectomy was performed after thoracoscopic pleural biopsies. The final histology revealed an LMPM epithelioid like. We describe the diagnostic and curative path of the disease, speculating on the differential diagnosis and treatment of LMPM.
Regeneration of antigen-specific T cells by using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology
Authors: Kawamoto Hiroshi , Masuda Kyoko , Nagano Seiji
Published: October 2021

In currently ongoing adoptive T-cell therapies, T cells collected from the patient are given back to the patient after ex vivo cell activation and expansion. In some cases, T cells are transduced with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T-cell receptor (TCR) genes during the ex vivo culture period. Although such strategies have been shown to be effective in some types of cancer, there remain issues to be solved; these methods (i) are time-consuming, (ii) are costly and (iii) it is difficult to guarantee the quality because the products depend on patient-derived T cells. To address these issues, several groups including ours have developed methods in which cytotoxic cells are mass-produced by using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. For the regeneration of T cells, the basic idea is as follows: iPSCs produced from T cells inherit rearranged TCR genes, and thus all regenerated T cells should express the same TCR. Based on this idea, various types of T cells have been regenerated, including conventional cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), γδT cells, NKT cells and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. On the other hand, any cytotoxic cells can be used as the base cells into which CAR is introduced, and thus iPSC-derived NK cells have been developed. To apply the iPSC-based cell therapy in an allogeneic setting, the authors’ group developed a method in which non-T-cell-derived iPSCs are transduced with exogenous TCR genes (TCR-iPSC method). This approach is being prepared for a clinical trial to be realized in Kyoto University Hospital, in which acute myeloid leukemia patients will be treated by the regenerated WT1 antigen-specific CTLs.
Bodies Coming Apart and Bodies Becoming Parts: Widening, Deepening, and Embodying Ontological (In)Security in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Purnell Kandida
Published: October 2021

This article widens and deepens the notion of ontological security and therefore both the scope of ontological security studies (OSS) within the discipline of international relations (IR) and ontological security theory (OST) writ large by introducing and explaining the implications of (re/dis)embodiment—the continually contested social–political process through which bodies come to be or not be and upon which everybody existentially and ontologically depends. Understood as both a source of and a threat to individual and collective bodies’ ontological security, in this article I explain how taking the process of (re/dis)embodiment into account entails widening and deepening OSS to allow for the consideration and appreciation of how individual and collective bodies are continually, simultaneously, materially, and ideationally contested. As a primarily theoretical contribution, this is done through an interdisciplinary approach bringing Achille Mbembe's necropolitical theory into conversation with Sara Ahmed's theses on willfulness and use and is illustrated through discussions on the body politics of the COVID-19 pandemic. In short, I argue that, under conditions of contemporary global necropolitics, individuals’ ontological security as bodies becomes increasingly threatened according to raced, classed, and gendered local–global hierarchies which determine the reduction and use of individuals to the status of parts within collectives that are themselves embodied and increasingly unfit for the purpose of healthy living, especially in a time of pandemic.
Pathologies of a Different Kind: Dysfunctional Interactions between International Organizations
Authors: Kranke Matthias
Published: October 2021

This article develops the concept of “interorganizational pathologies” as an extension of Michael N. Barnett and Martha Finnemore's work on bureaucratic pathologies. Adopting an open system perspective, I argue that dysfunctional interactions may arise between international organizations (IOs) even when their cooperation is fairly institutionalized. To advance this line of reasoning, I examine interactions between the International Monetary Fund (IMF or Fund) and the World Bank (or Bank). Evidence from more than ninety stakeholder interviews indicates that the interactions have been marked by what Barnett and Finnemore call “insulation.” In particular, two opposing types of interorganizational insulation have been common in the context of Fund–Bank relations: (1) groupthink, or sustained intellectual decoupling by the two IOs from the outside world; and (2) silence, or (temporary) communicative disruption between them. This finding is partly puzzling because while we may expect IMF–World Bank interactions to produce groupthink given the organizations’ highly similar worldviews, we would expect them to prevent silence given established protocols for continuous cross-organizational information sharing. The analysis sheds fresh light on the promises and pitfalls of cogovernance by IOs as key players in regime complexes and transnational networks.
Adoption of Advanced Chemometric Methods for Determination of Pyridoxine HCl, Cyclizine HCl, and Meclizine HCl in the Presence of Related Impurities: A Comparative Study
Authors: Saad Ahmed S , Draz Mohammed E , Naguib Ibrahim A , Zaazaa Hala E , Lashien Adel S , Abdallah Fatma F
Published: October 2021

Background

Noising is an undesirable phenomenon accompanying the development of widely used chemometric models such as partial least square regression (PLSR) and support vector regression (SVR).

Objective

Optimizations of these chemometric models by applying orthogonal projection to latent structures (OPLS) as a preprocessing step which is characterized by canceling noise is the purpose of this research study. Additionally, a comprehensive comparative study between the developed methods was undertaken highlighting pros and cons.

Methods

OPLS was conducted with PLSR and SVR for quantitative determination of pyridoxine HCl, cyclizine HCl, and meclizine HCl in the presence of their related impurities. The training set was formed from 25 mixtures as there were five mixtures for each compound at each concentration level. Additionally, to check the validity and predictive ability of the developed chemometric models, independent test set mixtures were prepared by repeating the preparation of four mixtures of the training set plus preparation of another four independent mixtures.

Results

Upon application of the OPLS processing method, an upswing of the predictive abilities of PLSR and SVR was found. The root-mean-square error of prediction of the test set was the basic benchmark for comparison.

Conclusion

The major finding from the conducted research is that processing with OPLS reinforces the ability of models to anticipate the future samples.

Highlights

Novel optimizations of the widely used chemometric models; application of a comparative study between the suggested methods; application of OPLS preprocessing methods; quantitative determination of pyridoxine HCl, cyclizine HCl and meclizine HCl; checking the predictive power of developed chemometric models; analysis of active ingredients in their pharmaceutical dosage forms.
PSXV-17 Dietary postbiotic mediates cytokine gene expression in senior horses
Authors: Norton Sharon A , Adams Amanda A
Published: October 2021

Senior horses often exhibit chronic inflammation and decreased immune responses. Dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) has been shown to affect immune responses in several species. This study aimed to evaluate SCFP-mediated immune function in senior horses. Sixteen horses (24.8 ± 3.0 y; BW = 545.8 ± 61.9 kg) were allotted to two treatments: CON (n = 8; no SCFP supplementation) and SCFP top dressed onto a common concentrate for 56 d (21 g/d; n = 8). Body condition score (BCS), BW, whole blood cytokine (INF-ɣ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-4, IL-8, IL-13, IL-17) and COX-1 and COX-2 gene expression were measured at d 0, 42, 49 and 56. Horses were challenged with a monovalent influenza vaccine at d 42 (MIV; Fluvacc Innovator; Zoetis Animal Health, Parsippany, NJ). Pre-MIV (d 0–42) and post-MIV (d 42–56) responses were analyzed using general mixed model procedures. Pre-MIV, BW tended to increase (P = 0.09) over time. Expression of IL-10 tended to be lower for SCFP than CON (P = 0.09) and IL-13 expression decreased over time (P < 0.05). Post-MIV, BCS linearly increased over time (P = 0.006) while TNF-α tended to increase at d 49 and return to d 42 levels by d 56 (P = 0.06). Both INF-ɣ and IL-10 expression were lower for SCFP vs CON (P < 0.05). Gene expression of COX-2 tended to decrease (P = 0.06) at d 49 and return to the d 42 baseline by d 56. Gene expression of IL-13 tended to decrease with SCFP but increased with CON at d 49 with both returning to d 42 levels by d 56 (P = 0.08). Influenza H1 titers increased over time post-vaccination (P < 0.001) with no difference between treatments. Dietary SCFP may modulate pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in senior horses.
PSX-A-24 Late-Breaking: Testosterone production by theca cells of large preovulatory follicles is affected by growth hormone depending on the hen age and the presence of granulosa cells
Authors: Aleynikova Olga V , Smekalova Araksiya A , Mityashova Olga S , Montvila Elena K , Lebedeva Irina Y
Published: October 2021

Testosterone produced by theca cells may be involved in regulating of the growth and ovulation of hen preovulatory follicles (Rangel, Gutierrez, Gen Comp Endocrinol, 203:250, 2014). In the current research, we studied effects of growth hormone (GH), a known regulator of the hen ovarian function, on in vitro testosterone production by the theca layer (TL) from the two largest yellow follicles in relation to the hen age and the presence of the granulosa layer (GL). Young hens with long clutch (YLC, 32–33 week-old, >10 eggs per clutch) and old hens with short clutch (OSC, 74–76 week-old, 3–6 eggs per clutch) were used. After isolation, TL from F1 and F2 follicles (n = 8–9) was cultured for 18 h in two systems, separately or together with the corresponding GL, in the presence or absence of chicken GH (25 ng/ml). Concentrations of testosterone in the spent media were measured by ELISA. The data were analyzed by RM-ANOVA. In the case of separate TL culture, GH did not change significantly testosterone production in both follicles of YLC hens and reduced it from 338±105 to 152±52 fmol/mg tissue (P < 0.05) in F1 follicles of OSC hens. When TL was cultured in the presence of GL, GH enhanced 1.8-2.6-fold (P < 0.05) the secretion of testosterone in the case of F1 follicles and decreased it 1.8-2.5-fold (P < 0.05) in the case of F2 follicles in both young and old hens. Regardless of the treatment, follicular size or culture system, the production of testosterone in OSC hens was 2–5 times higher than in YLC hens. The results indicate that the interaction between TL and GL changes the steroidogenic response of theca cells from preovulatory follicles to GH in young and old hens. Furthermore, testosterone production is obviously increased with reproductive aging of laying hens. The study was supported by RFBR (19-016-00216).
PSX-A-19 Late-Breaking: Potential application of granulosa cell derived extracellular vesicles to mitigate the effects of heat stress in bovine oocytes
Authors: Menjivar Nico G , Gebremedhn Samuel , Tesfaye Dawit
Published: October 2021

Environmental heat stress negatively affects reproductive efficiency by disrupting follicular development, ultimately compromising gamete competency in cattle. Recently, outlined through the bystander effect, granulosa cell derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) were found to suppress negative effects of recurrent heat stress in recipient bovine granulosa cells. Here, we aimed to assess the effects of supplementing granulosa cell derived EVs during bovine in vitro maturation (IVM) on developmental competence following thermal stress. For this, we modeled a cell culture protocol to generate EVs from bovine granulosa cells subjected to differing ambient temperatures, 38.5°C (body temperature) vs. 42°C (heat stress). At the time of IVM, experimental cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were arranged in a 2 x 3 factorial design for temperature (38.5°C or 41°C) versus EV supplementation (normal EVs, stressed EVs and non-supplemented controls) at 20% of the IVM media. Following an initial 8h priming period, half the COCs were subjected to heat shock, the others remained at normal temperature to complete IVM. Results indicate that EV supplementation increased cumulus expansion and the expression of cumulus expansion genes (PTX3, PTGS2 and EGFR). Cleavage rates were increased when supplemented with normal (90.2±1.4%; P = 0.023) or stressed (89.8±2.9%; P = 0.029) EVs, compared to the non-supplemented control (80.5±1.5%) under non-thermal conditions. Similarly, exposure to recurrent thermal stress, cleavage rates were (91±0.9%) and (89±0.6%) when supplemented with normal and stressed EVs respectively, compared to the non-supplemented control (88.5±2.5%). In the absence of exposure to recurrent heat stress, blastocysts rates were (32.4±3.5%) and (31.3±2.9%) when COCs were supplemented with normal and stressed EVs, compared to the control (20.7±4.4%). Blastocysts rates were (23.3±4.7%) and (22.5±3.2%) when COCs were supplemented with normal and stressed EVs, compared to the control (15.5±4.5%) when exposed to recurrent thermal stress. In conclusion, granulosa cell derived EVs have potential to induce oocyte tolerance against recurrent thermal stress.
PSX-A-18 Late-Breaking: Oxidative stress biomarkers in blood plasma of moderately exercised horses
Authors: Ott Elizabeth , Cavinder Clay A , Lemley Caleb O , Dinh Thu
Published: October 2021

Oxidative stress by physical stressors negatively impacts the performance of equine athletes. The present study was aimed to determine oxidative biomarkers in blood plasma of exercising horses. Stock-type horses were subject to a standardized moderate intensity exercise protocol following NRC guidelines 3 times per wk for 8 wk. Blood plasma was collected in wk 1, 2, 7, and 8 immediately before and 0, 30, 60, and 90 min after exercise and analyzed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). Data were analyzed as repeated measures with wk, d, time, and their interactions as fixed effects. The TAC on d 2 (0.40 mM trolox) were 7.5% greater than that on d 3 (P = 0.013). There were wk × d × time interactions for SOD, TBARS, and GPx (P < 0.001). The TBARS remained at d-1 wk-1 pre-exercise baseline (2.70 µM malondialdehyde) for most collection times within wk 1, 7, and 8 (P ≥ 0.058); however, TBARS increased by 0.24 to 0.41 µM on d 2 of wk 2 post-exercise (P < 0.001) and remained similarly elevated on d 3 pre- and immediately post-exercise (P < 0.001). The GPx similarly remained at baseline (172.57 µM/min; P ≥ 0.621) but increased by 48.18 to 83.36 µM/min at most collection times on d 1 and 2 of wk 2 (P ≤ 0.023). The SOD remained at baseline (167.21 µM/min; P ≥ 0.055) until increasing by 11.28 to 15.61 µM/min at 30 min post-exercise on d 1, wk 1 and at most collection times on d 3, wk 8 (P ≤ 0.043). The current study indicates the time-dependent nature of oxidative stress in relation to persistent stressors such as exercise.
PSX-A-17 Late-Breaking: Methionine and total sulfur amino acid requirements for pups (>14 wk to 9 months), adults, and senior Labrador Retrievers using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique
Authors: Varney Jessica L , Watson Charlene , Colopy Nicole , Moss John , Weil Jordan T , Coon Craig N
Published: October 2021

Methionine and cystine are often considered limiting amino acids in canine diets but limited requirement studies have been conducted especially for different life stages. Eighteen Labrador Retrievers (6 pups (>14 wk-9 month), 6 adults, and 6 seniors [>8yr)] were utilized in feeding studies to evaluate the changing requirements of methionine (Met) and total sulfur amino acids (TSAA) as canines age. For this study, the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique was utilized to determine the amino acid (AA) requirements in each of the three age groups. Dogs were subjected to diets ranging from deficient to excess, with indispensable amino acids formulated at 1.6x NRC values. To allow for adaptation, a control diet with same dietary ingredients, protein and amino acid levels was fed for two days prior to feeding the test diets on the third day. On test day, a baseline breath sample was collected for determining CO2 production using a respiration mask (Oxymax, Columbus Instruments). A priming dose of L-[1-13C] phenylalanine (Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc.) based on body weight was utilized, followed by [1-13C] Phe doses every 30 minutes, spanning a four hour period. After each dose 13CO2 was collected, and enrichment was determined by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Results for IRMS were converted to atom percent excess (APE) and analyzed using a piecewise model of best fit (JMP® Pro 16). A segmented line regression showed Met and TSAA mean and population requirements for pups (>14 wk-9 mo.) were 0.78 ± 0.16 and 1.53 ± 0.21 g/1000kcal (mean ± 2SD), respectively. Meanwhile, for adults, mean and population requirements for Met and TSAA were estimated to be 0.68 ± 0.19 and 1.4 ± 0.30 g/1000kcal (mean ± 2SD), respectively, and for seniors, Met and TSAA mean and population requirements were determined to be 0.62 ± 0.17 and 1.27 ± 0.23 g/1000kcal (mean ± 2SD), respectively.
PSX-A-22 Late-Breaking: Rumen microbiome composition and microbe network dynamics in beef cattle predict finishing performance under different backgrounding systems
Authors: Omontese Bobwealth O , Sharma Ashok , Davidson Samuel , Jacobson Emily , Webb Megan , Gomez Andres
Published: October 2021

Backgrounding (BKG) impacts growth and finishing performance in beef cattle. However, specific microbiome contributions to growth performance during this period, considering different BKG systems, remain unknown. A longitudinal study was designed to characterize the rumen microbiome and average daily gain (ADG) of Angus and Angus x Simmental calves (n = 38) placed under different BKG systems for 55 d after weaning: DL: a high roughage diet within a dry lot and CC: annual cover crop within a strip and PP, while a third group, PP: remained on perennial pasture vegetation within rotational paddocks, just as before weaning. After BKG, calves went to a feedlot for 142 d and finished with a high energy ration. Rumen bacterial communities were profiled by collecting fluid samples via oral probe, and sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene, at weaning, during backgrounding and finishing. For calves moved to CC and DL BKG, bacterial composition diverged drastically, including sharp decreases in bacterial diversity (P < 0.001), while PP claves conserved more stable diversity patterns. During BKG, DL calves also showed the greatest ADG (P < 0.05), which coincided with increased abundance of taxa affiliated to the Aeromondales (Succinivibrio, Succcinimonas and Ruminobacter) (P < 0.001). However, once in the finishing phase, PP calves showed compensatory ADG, with significantly higher values, particularly compared with calves on DL BKG (v = 0.02). Network theory analyses were concordant with these patterns, highlighting the importance of understanding microbe-microbe interactions at early developmental stages to predict finishing performance. These results indicate that rumen microbes and their network interactions during backgrounding successfully predict finishing performance in beef cattle, underscoring the importance of early post weaning stages as potential targets for feeding interventions that can modulate the rumen microbiome to enhance lifelong animal performance.