bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSVIII-28 The effect of adaptogen on the growth and development of dairy calves
Authors: Lunegova Irina
Published: December 2019

For the harmonious development, intensive growth and preservation of young animals in the diet it is necessary to include various feed additives, complexes, adaptogens that enhance the metabolic processes in the body. The purpose of the study is to study the feasibility and effectiveness of the use of adaptogen in calves rations. To achieve this goal in industrial conditions, 30 calves of Holstein breed at the age of 5–7 days were selected and divided into two groups of 15 animals each. The duration of the experiment was 90 days. Calves of the experimental group in milk, and then in concentrates included adaptogen “Energy” in the amount of 250 mg / kg body weight. The control animals were fed according to the standard scheme in the farm. The feeding mode for all calves was in accordance with the growing technology. The adaptogen includes: succinic, citric acid, inulin, oligofructose, methionine, lactic acid bacteria immobilized on aluminosilicate (patent RU 2493725). The results of the experiment (table 1) showed that the inclusion of an adaptogen provided a high growth rate throughout the entire period. At the end of the experiment, the body weight of calves of the experimental group was 6.52% (P > 0.05) higher compared to the control.
PSVII-33 Determination of serotonergic receptor profiles in equine palmar artery and vein and uterine artery
Authors: Klotz James , McDowell Karen
Published: December 2019

Ergot alkaloids are secondary metabolites produced by the fungal endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala) found in tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum). Previous research has demonstrated that ergot alkaloids are vasoactive in equine palmar artery and vein but less in uterine artery. Work in cattle has shown that ergot alkaloids interact with serotonin receptors causing prolonged vasoconstriction associated with fescue toxicosis. The objective of this study was to pharmacologically assess vasoactivity of equine palmar artery and vein and uterine artery using selective agonists for serotonin receptor subtypes 5HT1B, 1D, 2A, 2B, and 7. Following euthanasia, palmar arteries, veins and uterine arteries were collected from 6 mixed breed mares. Blood vessels were separated, cleaned of external connective and adipose tissue, divided into 2–3 mm cross-sections and suspended in multi-myograph chambers containing continuously oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit buffer (95%O2/5%CO2; pH=7.4; 37°C). Following a 90-min equilibration of vascular tension and recovery from a reference addition of 1x10-4 M norepinephrine, increasing concentrations of agonists CP 93129 dihydrochloride (5HT1B), PNU 142633 (5HT1D), and TCB-2 (5HT2A) were added in 15-min intervals to assess to role of these receptors in vasoconstriction. Agonists BW 723C86 (5HT2B) and LP 44 (5HT7) were added to blood vessels precontracted with 1x10-4 M ergonovine to assess these receptors and vasorelaxation. Data were normalized as percent contractile response induced by the reference additions and analyzed as a completely randomized design using SAS. The agonists for 5HT1B and 1D did not induce a contractile response in any blood vessels tested (P > 0.05). The agonist for 5HT2A induced contractile response in all vessels tested (P < 0.05). The agonists for 5HT2B and 7 did not induce vasorelaxation different from ergonovine control (only vehicle additions) (P > 0.05). These results indicate that future work with ergot alkaloid induced vasoconstriction in equine vasculature should target the 5HT2A receptor.
PSIX-1 Associative effect of wet-distillers’ grains plus solubles and tannin-rich peanut skin supplementation on in vitro rumen fermentation, greenhouse gas emissions, and microbiome changes
Authors: Min Byeng Ryel , Castleberry Lana , Parker David , Waldrip Heidi , Brauer David , Allen Heather
Published: December 2019

The role of tannin-rich peanut skin (PS) and associative effects of different levels of wet distillers’ grains plus solubles (WDGS) on ruminal fermentation, microbial changes, and mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) and other emissions in bovine rumen fluid were investigated. All gases were collected using an Ankom in vitro system for methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) analyses. Fifteen % ground PS against 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 % DM of WDGS were used. RT-qPCR were conducted to determine microbial diversity. In the absence of PS, total CH4 and H2S, or CH4 and H2S productions per gram of DM substrate, were linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing WDGS. However, in the presence of PS, those trends were reversed and CH4 and H2S productions were decreased (P < 0.05), suggesting that a diet with 15% PS and supplementation of 10 and 20% WDGS were able to reduce CH4 and H2S emissions by 12 and 33%, respectively. In the presence of PS, rumen fermentation rate (as a measured by VFA) and acetate/propionate (A/P) ratio was decreased with increasing WDGS, with PS x WDGS interactions (P < 0.01). In the presence of PS, there was a decreased (P < 0.05) the average population of Bacteroidetes, total methanogens, Methanobrevibacter sp. AbM4, and total protozoa populations at 40% WDGS, with PS x WDGS interactions (P < 0.01). The population of total methanogens (R2 = 0.57; P < 0.01), Firmicutes populations (R2= 0.46: P < 0.05), and F/B ratio (R2 = 0.46; P < 0.03) were strongly correlated with ruminal methane gas production. Therefore, associative effect of tannin-rich PS and WDGS suppressed methanogenesis pathways directly across their antimethanogenic activity and secondarily throughout their modification of protozoa population.
PSXII-7 In vitro ruminal and total tract digestibility of diets containing high inclusions of wet distillers grains for feedlot sheep
Authors: Almeida Marco Túlio C , Bertoco João Pedro A , Arruda Maria Carolina G , Pereira-Junior Sérgio A G , Cruz Antonio A , Torres Rodrigo S , Ezequiel Jane M B
Published: December 2019

The objective was to evaluate the effects of increasing inclusion of wet distillers grains (WDG) on in vitro ruminal and total tract digestibility in feedlot sheep. Three crossbred ruminally-cannulated male sheep were used as rumen liquid donor. Treatments consisted of isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets, containing 0, 15, 30 or 45% WDG on DM basis (Control, 15WDG, 30WDG, and 45WDG, respectively). Diets were composed of sugarcane bagasse (20%) and the concentrate (80%) composed of soybean meal (except 45WDG), wheat meal, WDG (except Control), urea, limestone, and mineral-vitamin premix. In vitro digestibility of DM (IVDMD), NDF (IVNDFD), and CP (IVCPD) were performed using the Ankom-DaisyII fermenter. Ruminal digestibility was evaluated after 48h incubation (39°C) using twenty-five filter bags. After 48h, twelve filter bags remained into each jar to evaluate the total tract digestibility. For it, 40mL of 6N HCl and 8g of pepsin were added and incubated for another 24h. The post-ruminal digestibility was calculated by the difference between rumen and total tract digestibility. Data were analyzed using SAS software. Contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of WDG inclusions, as well as the contrast Control × WDG treatments. The WDG inclusion linearly decreased the ruminal and total DM and CP digestibility and increased the post-rumen CP digestibility (P < 0.05). When all treatments with WDG were evaluated against the Control, a significant effect was observed for IVDMD, with averages of 68.86 × 77.38%, 5.60 × 0.77% and 71.41 × 78.20%, and for IVCPD, with averages of 68.89 × 95.27%, 21.30 × 1.99% and 90.15 × 97.27%, respectively for rumen, post-rumen and total tract digestibility (P < 0.05). The results indicate that inclusions of WDG at up to 45% in the diets for sheep reduce the ruminal and total DM utilization, however, promote a better post-rumen use of CP of diets.
PSXII-34 Narasin improves performance of grazing Nellore yearling bulls receiving protein supplement
Authors: Polizel Daniel M , Limede Arnaldo C , Miszura Alexandre A , Martins André S , Oliveira Gabriela B , Sardinha Lairana A , Baggio Marcelo , Pires Alexandre Vaz
Published: December 2019

The objective of this trial was to determine the effect of narasin inclusion into a protein supplement on the performance of grazing yearling bulls. One hundred and fifty Nellore yearling bulls were blocked by initial BW (332 ± 3.4 kg) and assigned to 30 paddocks (15 paddocks/treatment). Sixty paddocks of Brachiaria brizantha with 1 ha each were used, whereas each paddock was continuously grazed by 28 d, followed by a resting period of 28 d. Paddocks were rotated among treatments every 28 d to minimize possible paddock variation. The experimental period lasted 112 d, divided into 4 periods of 28 d each. The treatments were: 1) negative control (no narasin: 0N), and 2) 13 ppm of narasin/d (13N; Zimprova®; Elanco, São Paulo, Brazil). Narasin was added to the protein supplement by adjusting its concentration in each 28-d period, according to the supplement intake (SI) during the previous period. The SI was evaluated on a weekly basis. Forage mass in the paddocks was measured by choosing two points upon entry and exit of the lot from each pasture. All data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. The ADG and SI were analyzed as repeated measures over time. There was no treatment × period interaction for ADG (P = 0.06) and SI (P = 0.66). Narasin inclusion into the protein supplement did not affect SI (0N = 435.5, 13N = 431.3 g/d; SEM = 12.2; P = 0.74), increased the ADG (0N = 0.240, 13N = 0.284 kg; SEM = 0.017; P < 0.01) and the final BW of the yearling bulls (0N = 357.7, 13N = 363.0 kg; SEM = 3.43; P < 0.01). In conclusion, narasin inclusion into protein supplement improved the performance of grazing yearling bulls.
PSXIV-10 Evaluation of an alternative to sodium monensin use in Nellore cattle finished on pasture with high-intake supplementation
Authors: Oliveira Ivanna M , Soares Maxwelder S , Issa Hugo A S , Silva Luiz F Costa e , Koontz Anne , Siqueira Gustavo R , Resende Flavio D
Published: December 2019

The objective was to evaluate the effects of Alltech® Advantage Confinamento (a proprietary blend of trace minerals and yeast) on performance and carcass traits of Nellore cattle finished with high-intake supplementation during the dry season. Fifty-two Nellore bulls [526 ± 5.71 kg of body weight (BW); age of 28 mo old] were distributed in a randomized block design (block = BW). Four animals were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment to estimate the initial hot carcass weight (HCW). The remaining animals were divided into two treatments: ad libitum supplementation (estimated daily intake = 20 g/kg BW; crude protein = 14%; total digestible nutrients = 74%) with sodium monensin or Advantage Confinamento (29.9 mg or 3 g/kg of dry matter of supplement, respectively). The animals were evaluated for 112 days (28 days of adaptation and three periods of 28 days; June to October, 2018). The experimental area was divided into 12 paddocks (one ha each; Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu). Each paddock had four automatic feeders (Intergado®) and two animals per treatment. The feeders allowed the evaluation of individual supplement intake on pasture. There was no difference between monensin and Advantage Confinamento for final BW (641 vs 646 kg, P = 0.6120), average daily gain (1.04 vs 1.09 kg, P = 0.5383), carcass gain (0.781 vs 0.815 kg/day, P = 0.5101), final HCW (380 vs 384 kg, P = 0.5421) and dressing percentage (59.4 vs 59.5 %, P = 0.8208). In conclusion, Advantage Confinamento provided support for optimal growth performance equal to the use of sodium monensin when Nellore bulls were finished with high-intake supplementation on pasture during the dry season.
PSX-38 Reproductive performance of Dorper ewes with varying days post-partum to ram introduction in the non-breeding season
Authors: Flores Victor V , Martinez Juan , Garcia Michelle , Stanko Randy L
Published: December 2019

With the decrease of a wool favored market, hair type sheep have become increasingly popular for lamb markets. In Texas, the most popular hair type breed of sheep is the Dorper. Various breed characteristics make the Dorper sheep an excellent candidate for an accelerated lambing system. Reproductive performance of Dorper ewes with various lengths of post-partum interval, during the traditional non-breeding season, was determined. During May (13L:11D), 2+ yr-old multiparous ewes (n = 28) were joined with a fertile ram for 30 d. Weekly blood samples were taken for progesterone analysis. Ewes were blocked according to length of post-partum interval (lamb to ram): short (SPP; n = 10, 100 ± 2.7 d), mid (MPP; n = 11, 130 ± 0.68 d) and long (LPP; n = 7, >200 d). Weaning age of lamb(s) from previous parturition was similar for SPP (62 ± 3.2 d) and MPP (67 ± 0.6 d). Interestingly, 11% of the ewes had a functional CL at initiation of the study (P4 > 1.5 ng/mL). Mean body condition score for SPP, MPP, and LPP ewes were 2.8 ± 0.08, 3.1 ± 0.09, and 3.7 ± 0.08, respectively. Pregnancy rates were similar between MPP (100%), LPP (100%) and SPP (60%). Overall, pregnancy rate was 87% and a lamb crop (lambs per ewe exposed) was 1.3 ± 0.09. Twinning rate for SPP, MPP, and LPP was 20%, 73%, and 43%, respectively. Pregnancy rate in SPP ewes may indicate carryover of the suppressive effects of lactation and suckling. Results suggest a lamb to ram interval of >100 d is sufficient for response to the ram effect and resumption of estrous cycles in a majority of ewes during photoperiod of 13L:11D. We conclude Dorper sheep have the reproductive capacity to successfully meet the production goals of accelerated lambing systems and thus, the potential for optimized lamb production.
Influence of prenatal transportation stress-induced differential DNA methylation on the physiological control of behavior and stress response in suckling Brahman bull calves
Authors: Littlejohn Brittni P , Price Deborah M , Neuendorff Don A , Carroll Jeffery A , Vann Rhonda C , Riggs Penny K , Riley David G , Long Charles R , Randel Ronald D , Welsh Thomas H
Published: December 2019

The objective of this experiment was to examine potential differential methylation of DNA as a mechanism for altered behavioral and stress responses in prenatally stressed (PNS) compared with nonprenatally stressed (Control) young bull calves. Mature Brahman cows (n = 48) were transported for 2-h periods at 60 ± 5, 80 ± 5, 100 ± 5, 120 ± 5, and 140 ± 5 d of gestation (Transported group) or maintained as nontransported Controls (n = 48). From the offspring born to Transported and Control cows, a subset of 28-d-old intact bulls (n = 7 PNS; n = 7 Control) were evaluated for methylation of DNA of behavior and stress response–associated genes. Methylation of DNA from white blood cells was assessed via reduced representation bisulfite sequencing methods. Because increased methylation of DNA within gene promoter regions has been associated with decreased transcriptional activity of the corresponding gene, differentially methylated (P ≤ 0.05) CG sites (cytosine followed by a guanine nucleotide) located within promoter regions (n = 1,205) were used to predict (using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software) alterations to canonical pathways in PNS compared with Control bull calves. Among differentially methylated genes (P ≤ 0.05) related to behavior and the stress response were OPRK1, OPRM1, PENK, POMC, NR3C2, TH, DRD1, DRD5, COMT, HTR6, HTR5A, GABRA4, GABRQ, and GAD2. Among altered (P < 0.05) signaling pathways related to behavior and the stress response were Opioid Signaling, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Signaling, Dopamine Receptor Signaling, Dopamine-DARPP32 Feedback in cAMP Signaling, Serotonin Receptor Signaling, and GABA Receptor Signaling. Alterations to behavior and stress response–related genes and canonical pathways supported previously observed elevations in temperament score and serum cortisol through weaning in the larger population of PNS calves from which bulls in this study were derived. Differential methylation of DNA and predicted alterations to behavior and stress response–related pathways in PNS compared with Control bull calves suggest epigenetic programming of behavior and the stress response in utero.
The Phenomenon of Community Reintegration for Veterans with Burn Injury: Supportive Communities and Future-Oriented Thinking
Authors: Murray Sarah J , Cancio Leopoldo C
Published: December 2019

Combat missions in the Middle East have resulted in approximately 52,000 U.S. veterans who have been wounded in action, with 10% of whom suffered burn injuries. More than 90% of the wounded survived, but many were unable to return to military service. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that impacted reintegration of veterans with combat burn injuries. Using a mixed-methods approach and analysis, we asked veterans with combat burns “What was your experience reintegrating into the civilian community?” Additionally, we administered the Community Reintegration of Injured Service Members (CRIS) tool to measure the current level of reintegration. Six veterans with combat burn injury identified two major themes: supportive communities and future-oriented thinking. Supportive communities are defined as communities that are veteran-specific, provide long-term burn/injury care, are financially beneficial, and support hobbies, education, and work opportunities. Future-oriented thinking is defined as thinking in which a veteran experiences a turning point in recovery, has a desire to serve others, develops new meaning in life, and experiences posttraumatic growth. In both themes, peer support was a key component. Community reintegration was enhanced by future-oriented thinking and a supportive community, both of which can be buoyed by peer support. These findings are similar to other studies noting the importance of peer support for veterans. Studies of civilians burn survivors describe similar reintegration issues. These two factors may also be applicable to those survivors. Further qualitative inquiry into peer support in the burn community at large may reveal more actionable evidence which could enable burn survivors to meet the long-term goal of community reintegration.
Olive Fruit Fly, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae), Attraction to Volatile Compounds Produced by Host and Insect-Associated Yeast Strains
Authors: Vitanović Elda , Aldrich Jeffrey R , Boundy-Mills Kyria , Čagalj Marin , Ebeler Susan E , Burrack Hannah , Zalom Frank G
Published: December 2019

The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), is one of the most damaging insect pests of olives worldwide, requiring the use of insecticides for fruit protection in many orchards. Olive fruit flies are attracted to volatile composunds, including a female-produced pheromone, and host-plant and bacterial volatiles. Preliminary laboratory bioassays were conducted for olive fruit fly attraction to over 130 yeast strains from among 400 that were isolated from B. oleae adults and larvae or other insects, infested olives, and potential feeding sites. Kuraishia capsulata, Scheffersomyces ergatensis, Peterozyma xylosa, Wickerhamomyces subpelliculosus, and Lachancea thermotolerans appeared to attract B. oleae as well or better than did torula yeast pellets (Cyberlindnera jadinii; syn. Candida utilis). Volatile compounds emitted by these yeast strains were chemically identified, and included isobutanol, isoamyl alcohol, 2-phenethyl alcohol, isobutyl acetate, and 2-phenethyl acetate. The behavioral response of B. oleae adults to these volatile compounds at three concentrations was tested in a laboratory Y-tube olfactometer. The same volatile compounds were also tested in the field. Isoamyl alcohol was more attractive than the other compounds tested in both laboratory and field bioassays. Isobutanol was not attractive to B. oleae in either laboratory bioassay or field bioassay. Identifying yeast volatiles attractive to the olive fruit fly may lead to development of a more effective lure for detection, monitoring, and possibly control of B. oleae.
Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana: Pathogenicity, Horizontal Transmission, and Their Effects on Reproductive Potential of Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Mkiga Abdullah Mohamed , Mohamed Samira Abuelgasim , du Plessis Hannalene , Khamis Fathiya Mbarak , Akutse Komivi Senyo , Ekesi Sunday
Published: December 2019

The polyphagous moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) is among the major constraints to the horticultural industry in East Africa. In a search of sustainable control methods, the pathogenicity of the dry conidia of 17 Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) and five Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) (Vuill.) isolates were tested against T. leucotreta moths. The conidial uptake by a single moth, horizontal transmission, and effect of fungal inoculant on egg-laying and hatchability for the pest were also assessed. The findings from this study showed that tested fungi were virulent to the moths, with 12 isolates causing mortality that ranged between 58.8 and 94.2% for M. anisopliae and three isolates between 57.6 and 84.6% for B. bassiana. The entomopathogenic fungi isolates, M. anisopliae ICIPE 69 and B. bassiana ICIPE 279 were highly virulent with low lethal times to 50% mortality (LT50) of 3.81 and 5.13 d, respectively. The isolate, ICIPE 69 conidia acquisition by a single moth were approximately 4.58 × 106 and 3.51 × 106 for males and females, respectively. The lowest survival rate (3.33 %) caused by inoculum transmission was recorded in donor males compared to 16.67% in recipient males. Fecundity was reduced by 33.6 and 25.9% for donor and recipient females, respectively. The pest can acquire conidia from the treated substrate and transmission is then possible between adults. ICIPE 69 is virulent and reduces the reproduction potential of the pest after transmission. The findings are discussed in the prospects of microbial control of this pest using an autodissemination technique.
Decoupling of Blacklegged Tick Abundance and Lyme Disease Incidence in Southern Maine, USA
Authors: Elias Susan P , Maasch Kirk A , Anderson Norman T , Rand Peter W , Lacombe Eleanor H , Robich Rebecca M , Lubelczyk Charles B , Smith Robert P
Published: December 2019

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterial spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt, and Brenner (Spirocheatales: Spirochaetaceae) which is transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick Ixodes scapularis Say (Ixodida: Ixodidae). Maine, USA, is a high Lyme disease incidence state, with rising incidence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses associated with increasing I. scapularis abundance and northward range expansion. Members of the public submitted ticks to a tick identification program (1990–2013). From these passive surveillance data, we characterized temporal trends in I. scapularis submission rate (an index of abundance), comparing Maine’s northern tier (seven counties) versus southern tier (nine counties). In the northern tier, the I. scapularis submission rate increased throughout the duration of the time series, suggesting I. scapularis was emergent but not established. By contrast, in the southern tier, submission rate increased initially but leveled off after 10–14 yr, suggesting I. scapularis was established by the mid-2000s. Active (field) surveillance data from a site in the southern tier—bird tick burdens and questing adult tick collections—corroborated this leveling pattern. Lyme disease incidence and I. scapularis submission rate were temporally correlated in the northern but not southern tier. This suggested a decoupling of reported disease incidence and entomological risk.
Assessment of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Males Flight Ability for SIT Application: Effect of Device Design, Duration of Test, and Male Age
Authors: Dor Ariane , Maggiani-Aguilera Ana María , Valle-Mora Javier , Bond J Guillermo , Marina Carlos F , Liedo Pablo
Published: December 2019

The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is a pest control method where large numbers of sterile males are released to induce sterility in wild populations. Since a successful SIT application depends on the released sterile males being competitive with wild males, standard quality control tests are a necessary component of any SIT program. Flight ability (ability to fly out from a device) is a reliable indicator of insect quality. Based on previous studies, we developed four new tubular devices constructed with locally available materials to explore their potential as flight test devices for Aedes aegypti (L.) mass-reared males. Males were allowed to fly upwards through a vertical tube, the ones that flew out were considered successful. The effect of male age (0 to 21 d old), test time interval (30 min to 24 h), and the design of the device (40 and 80 cm height and 2 and 3.5 cm diameter) were evaluated. Our devices determined differences in the flight ability of Ae. aegypti males of different ages. During the first minutes, more old males escaped than young males in three out of four types of devices. However, young males reached higher rates of escape in all cases after 24 h. For standard quality control tests, we recommend testing 2- to 3-d-old sexually mature males in the high and narrow device (80 × 2 cm). Further observations for time intervals between 1 and 5 h might be performed to decide the shortest and more representative interval to use.
Development of a hybrid magnetic resonance/computed tomography-compatible phantom for magnetic resonance guided radiotherapy
Authors: Kim Min-Joo , Lee Seu-Ran , Song Kyu-Ho , Baek Hyeon-Man , Choe Bo-Young , Suh Tae Suk
Published: December 2019

The purpose of the present study was to develop a hybrid magnetic resonance/computed tomography (MR/CT)-compatible phantom and tissue-equivalent materials for each MR and CT image. Therefore, the essential requirements necessary for the development of a hybrid MR/CT-compatible phantom were determined and the development process is described. A total of 12 different tissue-equivalent materials for each MR and CT image were developed from chemical components. The uniformity of each sample was calculated. The developed phantom was designed to use 14 plugs that contained various tissue-equivalent materials. Measurement using the developed phantom was performed using a 3.0-T scanner with 32 channels and a Somatom Sensation 64. The maximum percentage difference of the signal intensity (SI) value on MR images after adding K2CO3 was 3.31%. Additionally, the uniformity of each tissue was evaluated by calculating the percent image uniformity (%PIU) of the MR image, which was 82.18 ±1.87% with 83% acceptance, and the average circular-shaped regions of interest (ROIs) on CT images for all samples were within ±5 Hounsfield units (HU). Also, dosimetric evaluation was performed. The percentage differences of each tissue-equivalent sample for average dose ranged from −0.76 to 0.21%. A hybrid MR/CT-compatible phantom for MR and CT was investigated as the first trial in this field of radiation oncology and medical physics.
When DVT turns into surgical catastrophe: undiagnosed case of May-Thurner syndrome leading to retroperitoneal haematoma and fatal bleeding
Authors: Agilinko Joshua , Husain Najam , Fanelli Daniele , Raza Syed Soulat , Kumar Pradeep
Published: December 2019

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is an unusual cause of deep venous thrombosis; even rarer is the spontaneous rupture of collaterals around the thrombosed common iliac vein due to MTS. We present a case of MTS which presented with left leg swelling and abdominal mass due to retroperitoneal haemorrhage.
Results of Medical and Hospice Music Therapy Internship Directors’ Views of Advanced Guitar Skills Needed for Interviews
Authors: Robertson A
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine which guitar skills beyond the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) functional guitar skill competencies are important for prospective music therapy interns to perform during the medical and hospice music therapy interview process. Participants (n = 32) for this study were medical or hospice music therapy internship supervisors from AMTA approved and university-affiliated internship sites that were asked to rate eight advanced guitar skills on their importance during the internship interview process. Of the 64 internship directors to whom the survey was sent, 32 (50%) participants representing five of the seven AMTA regions responded. The majority of internship directors (94%) reported the guitar as the primary instrument for therapy at their facility. Results indicated that four of the eight advanced guitar skills in question were considered important for interns to perform during the interview process, suggesting students should learn these advanced skills before applying to a medical or hospice music therapy internship. These findings are consistent with previous research suggesting the use of advanced guitar skills to meet musical demands within contemporary music therapy practice.
Systematic Review of Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences: Implications for Music Therapy Education
Authors: Dvorak Abbey L , Davis Julia L , Bernard Gabriella , Beveridge-Calvin Riley , Monroe-Gulick Amalia , Thomas Paul , Forstot-Burke Corinne
Published: December 2019

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) involve entire classes of students in addressing research questions or problems of interest to the scientific community. The purpose of this study was to systematically examine the available literature for CUREs and explore implications and best practices for inclusion in music therapy education and training. The research questions included: (a) What are the characteristics of course-based undergraduate research experiences (i.e., participants, grade level, course, field of study, course type, duration, terminology, study design)? (b) What are the outcomes of course-based research experiences and how are these outcomes measured? Searching ERIC, PubMed, and Web of Science, authors identified articles published between 2000–2017 meeting criteria. Of 5,809 articles, 54 met inclusion criteria: published quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods study; involved undergraduate students; and the intervention met the five dimensions of CURE models. The majority of CURE studies were implemented in one-semester required courses in the life sciences for a variety of student grade levels. CURE outcomes frequently included increased research knowledge, increased course content knowledge and skills, improved attitudes and beliefs, general perceptions of the learning experience, and improved course satisfaction. CURE measurement tools were varied, but several used a researcher-created posttest, standard university course evaluations, researcher-created pretests/posttests, or standardized research skill development surveys. The majority of studies indicated a positive student response to CURE implementation. Implications and recommendations for music therapy education and training are discussed.
Divalent cations promote TALE DNA-binding specificity
Authors: Cuculis Luke , Zhao Chuankai , Abil Zhanar , Zhao Huimin , Shukla Diwakar , Schroeder Charles M
Published: December 2019

Recent advances in gene editing have been enabled by programmable nucleases such as transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and CRISPR–Cas9. However, several open questions remain regarding the molecular machinery in these systems, including fundamental search and binding behavior as well as role of off-target binding and specificity. In order to achieve efficient and specific cleavage at target sites, a high degree of target site discrimination must be demonstrated for gene editing applications. In this work, we studied the binding affinity and specificity for a series of TALE proteins under a variety of solution conditions using in vitro fluorescence methods and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Remarkably, we identified that TALEs demonstrate high sequence specificity only upon addition of small amounts of certain divalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+). However, under purely monovalent salt conditions (K+, Na+), TALEs bind to specific and non-specific DNA with nearly equal affinity. Divalent cations preferentially bind to DNA over monovalent cations, which attenuates non-specific interactions between TALEs and DNA and further stabilizes specific interactions. Overall, these results uncover new mechanistic insights into the binding action of TALEs and further provide potential avenues for engineering and application of TALE- or TALEN-based systems for genome editing and regulation.
Omics Playground: a comprehensive self-service platform for visualization, analytics and exploration of Big Omics Data
Authors: Akhmedov Murodzhon , Martinelli Axel , Geiger Roger , Kwee Ivo
Published: December 2019

As the cost of sequencing drops rapidly, the amount of ‘omics data increases exponentially, making data visualization and interpretation—‘tertiary‘ analysis a bottleneck. Specialized analytical tools requiring technical expertise are available. However, consolidated and multi-faceted tools that are easy to use for life scientists is highly needed and currently lacking. Here we present Omics Playground, a user-friendly and interactive self-service bioinformatics platform for the in-depth analysis, visualization and interpretation of transcriptomics and proteomics data. It provides a large number of different tools in which special attention has been paid to single cell data. With Omics Playground, life scientists can easily perform complex data analysis and visualization without coding, and significantly reduce the time to discovery.
History and Correlates of Smoking Cessation Behaviors Among Smokers With Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Lubitz Su Fen , Flitter Alex , Wileyto E Paul , Ziedonis Douglas , Stevens Nathaniel , Leone Frank , Mandell David , Kimberly John , Beidas Rinad , Schnoll Robert A
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) smoke at rates two to three times greater than the general population but are less likely to receive treatment. Increasing our understanding of correlates of smoking cessation behaviors in this group can guide intervention development.

Aims and Methods

Baseline data from an ongoing trial involving smokers with SMI (N = 482) were used to describe smoking cessation behaviors (ie, quit attempts, quit motivation, and smoking cessation treatment) and correlates of these behaviors (ie, demographics, attitudinal and systems-related variables).

Results

Forty-three percent of the sample did not report making a quit attempt in the last year, but 44% reported making one to six quit attempts; 43% and 20%, respectively, reported wanting to quit within the next 6 months or the next 30 days. Sixty-one percent used a smoking cessation medication during their quit attempt, while 13% utilized counseling. More quit attempts were associated with lower nicotine dependence and carbon monoxide and greater beliefs about the harms of smoking. Greater quit motivation was associated with lower carbon monoxide, minority race, benefits of cessation counseling, and importance of counseling within the clinic. A greater likelihood of using smoking cessation medications was associated with being female, smoking more cigarettes, and receiving smoking cessation advice. A greater likelihood of using smoking cessation counseling was associated with being male, greater academic achievement, and receiving smoking cessation advice.

Conclusions

Many smokers with SMI are engaged in efforts to quit smoking. Measures of smoking cessation behavior are associated with tobacco use indicators, beliefs about smoking, race and gender, and receiving cessation advice.

Implications

Consideration of factors related to cessation behaviors among smokers with SMI continues to be warranted, due to their high smoking rates compared to the general population. Increasing our understanding of these predictive characteristics can help promote higher engagement in evidence-based smoking cessation treatments among this subpopulation.
Resection of a Symptomatic Dysplastic Cerebellar Gangliocytoma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: El Ahmadieh Tarek Y , Plitt Aaron R , Aoun Salah G , Patel Toral
Published: December 2019

Lhermitte–Duclos disease, also known as dysplastic cerebellar gangliocytoma, is a rare benign cerebellar tumor that is typically observed but may occasionally become symptomatic and requires surgical intervention. The condition is caused by a mutation in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene, which results in dysregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. A germline PTEN mutation results in multi-organ involvement and is termed Cowden syndrome. There is a scarcity of surgical videos in the published literature that demonstrate an intraoperative resection of this lesion and illustrate the pathology in Vivo. We present an operative video of a surgical resection of a symptomatic dysplastic cerebellar gangliocytoma in a 44-yr-old male patient who presented with a 3-mo history of progressive headaches and hydrocephalus. The patient underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy and, subsequently, a right suboccipital craniotomy for microsurgical resection of the mass. The procedure was performed with the patient in the lateral position. The microscope was positioned at the head of the bed and the stereotaxic system monitor on the patient's left side. The patient tolerated the procedure well and imaging obtained at 18 mo was negative for residual or recurrent disease. The patient gave written consent for video recording as part of the surgery informed consent. No identifiable images or video footage of the face are shown, and institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary.
Alterations in activin A–myostatin–follistatin system associate with disease activity in inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Vernerová Lucia , Horváthová Veronika , Kropáčková Tereza , Vokurková Martina , Klein Martin , Tomčík Michal , Oreská Sabína , Špiritović Maja , Štorkánová Hana , Heřmánková Barbora , Kubínová Kateřina , Kryštůfková Olga , Mann Heřman , Ukropec Jozef , Ukropcová Barbara , Vencovský Jiří
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the systemic and skeletal muscle levels of atrophy-associated myokines in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and their association with clinical characteristics of myositis.

Methods

A total of 94 IIM patients and 162 healthy controls were recruited. Of those, 20 IIM patients and 28 healthy controls underwent a muscle biopsy. Circulating concentrations of myostatin, follistatin, activin A and TGF-β1 were assessed by ELISA. The expression of myokines and associated genes involved in the myostatin signalling pathway in muscle tissue was determined by real-time PCR.

Results

We report decreased levels of circulating myostatin (median 1817 vs 2659 pg/ml; P = 0.003) and increased follistatin (1319 vs 1055 pg/ml; P = 0.028) in IIM compared with healthy controls. Activin A levels were also higher in IIM (414 vs 309 pg/ml; P = 0.0005) compared with controls. Myostatin was negatively correlated to muscle disease activity assessed by physician on visual analogue scale (MDA) (r = −0.289, P = 0.015) and positively to manual muscle testing of eight muscles (r = 0.366, P = 0.002). On the other hand, follistatin correlated positively with MDA (r = 0.235, P = 0.047). Gene expression analysis showed higher follistatin (P = 0.003) and myostatin inhibitor follistatin-like 3 protein (FSTL3) (P = 0.008) and lower expression of activin receptor type 1B (ALK4) (P = 0.034), signal transducer SMAD3 (P = 0.023) and atrophy marker atrogin-1 (P = 0.0009) in IIM muscle tissue compared with controls.

Conclusion

This study shows lower myostatin and higher follistatin levels in circulation and attenuated expression of myostatin pathway signalling components in skeletal muscle of patients with myositis, a newly emerging pattern of the activin A–myostatin–follistatin system in muscle wasting diseases.
The effect of collaboration with top-funded scholars on scientific production
Authors: Mirnezami Seyed Reza , Beaudry Catherine , Tahmooresnejad Leila
Published: December 2019

The theoretical model developed in this article predicts that collaboration with top-funded scientists positively affects the number of scientific publications of an individual scientist. Having combined data on funding and publication of Quebec scientists, this article empirically tests the theoretical predictions. This article examines numerous definitions of top-funded scientists as those in the top 10 per cent, or top 5 per cent in terms of total funding, funding from the public sector, and funding from the private sector. The results show that collaborating with such top-funded scientists has a positive effect on a scientist’s number of publications, hence confirming our theoretical predictions.
What we know about research policy mix
Authors: Cocos Marta , Lepori Benedetto
Published: December 2019

The research policy (RP) arena has been transforming in recent years, turning into a policy mix encompassing the diversity of policy instruments embedded in, and following different policy rationales and aims. Its complexity defies attempts for complex comparative analysis and eventually, a better understanding of what kind of (mixes of) funding instruments work better than others and in which situations. In this article, we address this gap by developing a conceptual framework that allows us to build the policy mix idea into the analysis of research funding instruments (RFIs), by relying on four dimensions: policy rationales, implementation modalities, policy actors, and the funding instruments interactions. We base our work on a careful literature review, especially drawing on the work of researchers who have developed similar frameworks in other policy areas, bringing it together with that of RP scholars, capturing the issues that are key to analyzing and understanding RFIs.
Dynamics of xylem and phloem sap flow in an outdoor zelkova tree visualized by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Terada Yasuhiko , Horikawa Yusuke , Nagata Akiyoshi , Kose Katsumi , Fukuda Kenji
Published: December 2019

Xylem and phloem sap flows in an intact, young Japanese zelkova tree (Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino) growing outdoors were measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two propagator-based sequences were developed for q-space imaging: pulse field gradient (PFG) with spin echo (PFG-SE) and stimulated echo (PFG-STE), which were used for xylem and phloem flow measurements, respectively. The data evaluation methods were improved to image fast xylem flow and slow phloem flow. Measurements were taken every 2–3 h for several consecutive days in August 2016, and diurnal changes in xylem and phloem sap flows in a cross-section of the trunk were quantified at a resolution of 1 mm2. During the day, apparent xylem flow volume exhibited a typical diurnal pattern following a vapor pressure deficit. The velocity mapping of xylem sap flow across the trunk cross section revealed that the greatest flow volume was found in current-year earlywood that had differentiated in April–May. The combined xylem flow in the 1- and 2-year-old annual rings also contributed to one-third of total sap flow. In the phloem, downward sap flow did not exhibit diurnal changes. This novel application of MRI in visualization of xylem and phloem sap flow by MRI is a promising tool for in vivo study of water transport in mature trees.
The ptsG Gene Encoding the Major Glucose Transporter of Bacillus cereus C1L Participates in Root Colonization and Beneficial Metabolite Production to Induce Plant Systemic Disease Resistance
Authors: Lin Chia-Hua , Lu Chia-Yen , Tseng Ann-Tze , Huang Chien-Jui , Lin Yu-Ju , Chen Chao-Ying
Published: December 2019

Rhizosphere interactions between microorganisms and plants have great influence on plant health. Bacillus cereus C1L, an induced systemic resistance (ISR)-eliciting rhizobacterium from Lilium formosanum, can protect monocot and dicot plants from disease challenges. To identify the ISR-involved bacterial genes, the systemic protection effect of transposon-tagged mutants of B. cereus C1L against southern corn leaf blight (SCLB) was surveyed, and a mutant of the ptsG gene encoding glucose-specific permease of the phosphotransferase system was severely impaired in the abilities of disease suppression and root colonization. The ptsG mutant lost the preferential utilization of glucose and showed reduction of glucose-assisted growth in minimal medium. A promoter-based reporter assay revealed that ptsG expression could be activated by certain sugar constituents of maize root exudates, among which B. cereus C1L exhibited the highest chemotactic response toward glucose, whereas neither of them could attract the ptsG mutant. Additionally, ptsG deficiency almost completely abolished glucose uptake of B. cereus C1L. Metabolite analysis indicated that the lack of ptsG undermined glucose-induced accumulation of acetoin and 2,3-butanediol in B. cereus C1L, both eliciting maize ISR against SCLB. Pretreatments with B. cereus C1L, ptsG mutant, acetoin, and 2,3-butanediol enhanced defense-related reactive oxygen species accumulation and callose deposition at different levels that were positively correlated to their ISR-eliciting activities. Thus, glucose uptake–mediating ptsG participates in ISR elicitation by endowing B. cereus C1L with the full capacities for root colonization and beneficial glucose metabolite production, providing a clue regarding how ISR-mediating rhizobacteria create a mutually beneficial relationship with various plant species.
Critical Theory: Broadening Our Thinking to Explore the Structural Factors at Play in Health Professions Education
Authors: Paradis Elise , Nimmon Laura , Wondimagegn Dawit , Whitehead Cynthia R.
Published: December 2019

As part of the Philosophy of Science series of Invited Commentaries, this article on critical theory describes the origins of this research paradigm and its key concepts and orientations (ontology, epistemology, axiology, methodology, and rigor). The authors frame critical theory as an umbrella term for different theories, including feminism, antiracism, and anticolonialism. They emphasize the structural analysis that critical scholars conduct to uncover and sometimes address the role that social, political, cultural, economic, ethnic, and gender factors play in health professions education. They note the importance of acknowledging one’s social location when doing critical research and highlight the core values of democracy and egalitarianism that underpin critical research. Methodologically, the authors stress how critical scholars reject singular truths in favor of more nuanced portraits of concepts and events, mobilize inductive approaches over deductive ones, and use critical theory to develop their projects and analyze their data. Following upon this elucidation of critical theory, the authors apply this paradigm to analyze the sample case of Lee, a medical resident who was involved in a medication error. The authors conclude that research conducted in the critical tradition has the potential to transcend individualistic accounts by revealing underlying structural forces that constrain or support individual agency.
Novel Clinical Trial Designs to Improve the Efficiency of Research
Authors: Sessler Daniel I. , Myles Paul S.
Published: December 2019

Large randomized trials provide the highest level of clinical evidence. However, enrolling large numbers of randomized patients across numerous study sites is expensive and often takes years. There will never be enough conventional clinical trials to address the important questions in medicine. Efficient alternatives to conventional randomized trials that preserve protections against bias and confounding are thus of considerable interest. A common feature of novel trial designs is that they are pragmatic and facilitate enrollment of large numbers of patients at modest cost. This article presents trial designs including cluster designs, real-time automated enrollment, and practitioner-preference approaches. Then various adaptive designs that improve trial efficiency are presented. And finally, the article discusses the advantages of embedding randomized trials within registries.