bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSXII-39 Probiotic on finishing phase of Nellore bulls fed tropical grass on dry season
Authors: Calaça Alana M , Silva Mauricia B , Fernandes Juliano , Figueiredo Cibelle B , Teles Nathalia M , Berti Guilherme F , Couto Victor R
Published: December 2019

The objective was to evaluate the effects of Bacillus toyonensis on performance, carcass traits and its influence on ruminal and intestinal mucosa development of Nellore bulls fed tropical grass pasture on dry season supplemented with concentrate at 2.0% BW for 133 d. Four animals were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment so that the initial carcass yield could be estimated. Eighty Nellore bulls (initial BW 354.02 ± 3.38 kg) were blocked according to body weight and assigned to one of two treatments: concentrate with Bacillus toyonensis (animals fed 1.6 x 109 UFC/day) or without (control group). Then, the remaining animals were allocated in 16 paddocks of Urochloa brizantha with 1.0 ha each (eight paddocks/treatment and five animals/paddock). At the end of the trial, bulls were slaughtered and carcass traits such as HCW, dressing percentage, 12th-rib fat thickness, carcass gain and carcass ADG were obtained. Tissue from the ventral sac and jejunum were collected and fixed in buffered formalin for evaluation of rumen papillae and intestine villi morphology. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS. Paddock was the experimental unit for all analyses. Results indicated there were no significant difference (P > 0.05) between treatments for final BW (528.2 kg), ADG (1.333 kg) and G:F (0.165). No significant differences were detected between treatments for HCW (299.8 kg), dressing percentage (56.82%), and carcass ADG (0.885 kg). Conversely, control group showed a significant (P < 0.025) higher 12th-rib fat thickness (4.06 vs 2.97 mm). No significant effect on the development of the ruminal and intestinal epithelium was observed with the use of probiotic. Probiotic based on Bacillus toyonensis did not improve growth performance and carcass characteristics on finishing Nellore bulls fed tropical grass pasture on dry season.
PSXII-21 Antioxidant effect of yerba mate extract, included in finishing lamb diets on quality and conservation of meat
Authors: Penã-Bermúdez Yuli A , Lobo Richard R , Amorim Tamyres , Moreno Danny Alexander Rojas , Lobo Annelise Aila Gomes , Vincenzi Rafaela , Bueno Ives C
Published: December 2019

In the conservation of meat, antioxidant substances are used to help to increase meat’s shelf-life, since it is a product susceptible to oxidation. Most of these substances are synthetic origin and their long-term use can affect human health, because of that, change those chemicals to natural additives is a goal. That substances can be used directly in the meat or added to animal feed and its compounds can keep meat shelf-life by keeping the physical-chemical characteristics of the meat and provide benefits to the health of consumers. So the objective of this project is to use yerba mate extract (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hilaire) as a natural antioxidant in the quality of lamb meat, verifying shelf life. Samples were collected the muscle Longissimus (L) from 36 lamb (Îlle de France x Dorper x Santa Inês), those animals was divided at 4 groups receiving one of the diets: T1, T2, T3 and T4 (0,1, 2 and 4% of extract). The meat samples were exposed in plastic film during 0, 3 and 6 days, analyzed the values of pH, color (brightness=L, red value=a, yellow=b) e TBARS (reactive thiobarbituric acid). All data were statistically evaluated using the MIXED procedure of the statistical package SAS. The results show that pH, color and TBARS values were influenced by the exposure time (P < 0.0001); since as the exposure time increases, the meat more easily oxidizable. The dietary treatment at pH (P 0.2376), L*, a* and b* parameters (P0.1040), (P0.4207) and (P0.0029) respectively, in addition to the lipid oxidation value (P 0.4492) did not affect these parameters. The interaction Diet × Time had no effect on the pH value (P 0.1601), nor for the values of color L*, a*, and b* (P 0.8003), (P 0.7063) and (P 0.1369) as well as for the values of TBARS (P 0.4953).
PSXII-42 The lactational response in dairy cows to supplementation of calcium gluconate embedded in a fat matrix
Authors: Doelman John , McKnight Leslie , Winia Pieter , Uittenbogaard Gera , Carson Michelle , Waterman Douglas , Metcalf John
Published: December 2019

Functional nutrients that facilitate gastrointestinal health may serve as an alternative to the use of antimicrobials in animal production systems. Gluconic acid has been used as a prebiotic health promoter in non-ruminant applications. It is poorly absorbed in the small intestine and is fermented to butyrate in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The gut health benefits of butyrate have been demonstrated in both non-ruminant and ruminant models, but effects of post-ruminal gluconic acid supplementation are not well described. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of calcium gluconate embedded in a fat matrix (CGFM; 40% CaGlu) on dry matter intake, blood metabolites, milk production and fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in early lactation dairy cows (21 ± 2 DIM) fed to 100% of energy and protein requirements. The experiment was a 3 x 3 replicated Latin square with 13 replicates (3 cows/replicate), 3 experimental periods (each 28 d) and 3 dietary treatments of control (0 g/d), 16 g/d and 25 g/d of CGFM. There was no treatment effect on DMI and milk yield. The relationship between dose of CGFM (i.e. 0, 16, 26 g/d) and milk fat and protein yield, energy corrected milk was significantly quadratic (P < 0.05) while feed efficiency tended to be quadratic (P = 0.08). The greatest response was in milk fat yield, which increased 90 g/d over control at 16 g/d of CGFM. No significant changes in blood metabolite concentrations or fecal SCFA concentrations were observed between treatments, although there was a numerical increase in non-esterified fatty acid concentration in response to the 16 g/d CGFM dose (P = 0.16). The response to supplementation of fat-embedded calcium gluconate appears to alter energy partitioning in the lactating dairy cow, as demonstrated with subtle changes in circulating lipid and increased fat yield.
PSXII-40 Encapsulated nitrate to beef cattle growing under grazing system supplemented during the dry-rainy season
Authors: Figueiredo Cibelle B , Silva Mauricia B , Fernandes Juliano , Rocha Higor , Calaça Alana M , Teles Nathalia M , Araujo Rafael C , Couto Victor R
Published: December 2019

This study evaluated the effects of the encapsulated calcium ammonium nitrate as a partial substitute for soybean meals in the concentrate on performance and rate consumption of Nellore young bulls under grazing conditions, supplemented during the growing phase. Sixty-four Nellore young bulls (initial BW = 246.69 ± 7.43 kg) where allotted into 16 paddocks of 1.0 ha each of Urochloa brizantha, randomly assigned into one of two treatments: (CTL) supplement with 22% CP, without nitrate inclusion and; (ENP): supplement with 22% CP, with a inclusion of 50 g of encapsulated calcium ammonium nitrate to each 100 kg of body weight. The experimental period lasted 84 d, during the dry-rainy transition season. Animals were supplemented with 1.0% of BW, once a day (at 1000 h). Supplementation disappearance rate were evaluated the during continuous 24h after feeding, with intervals of 3 hours. For performance evaluation, animals were weighted every 28 days. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design, using ANOVA (α = 0.05). There were no differences in ADG (1,039 vs 1,012 kg, P < 0.4468), G:F (0.299 vs 0.331, P < 0.1435) and final BW (336.44 vs 329.86 kg, P < 0.2063). The treatments affected the rate of supplementation disappearance (P < 0.0001). Control animals consumed all supplement offered 9h after fed. On the other hand, animals from the nitrate supplementation consumed only 54.65% in the same period. The nitrate decreased the overall supplement intake (P < 0.0011) with CTL consumed 2.844 kg, while ENP consumed 2.492 kg. The inclusion of 50 g of encapsulated calcium ammonium nitrate to each 100 kg of body weight in the supplement of growing cattle under grazing conditions, on dry-rainy transition season decreases DMI and the rate of supplemental disappearance, however, this not affected the performance.
PSXIV-38 Short-term adaptation of milk yield and feed efficiency to individualized dietary changes
Authors: Price Tanner P , Liebe Douglas M , Daniels Kristy M , White Robin R
Published: December 2019

Automated in-parlor feeding and other precision individual animal feeding strategies are a primary interest of efforts to enhance precision animal nutrition. Our objective was to determine short-term effects of changes in diet composition on milk yield and feed efficiency in dairy cattle. A replicated latin square with 4 groups of 6 cows was used to evaluate responses to feeding increasing amounts of ground corn (GC), soybean meal (SBM), chopped grass hay (GH), or total mixed ration (TMR) for 9 d periods. Throughout each period, treatments were top dressed at incrementally increasing rates to provide 0 to 20 percent of calculated net energy intake. Cows were group housed and fed once daily in Calan gates for 36 days. Mean milk yield, efficiency, and the linear slopes of these responses to top dress intake were analyzed during each 9 day period. Mean responses and response slopes were analyzed using a mixed-effect model with fixed effects for top dress and random effects for animal, period, and square. Milk yield was significantly affected by top dress type (P = 0.010) and GH differed significantly from SBM (P = 0.015). However, feed efficiency did not differ with top dress type. The milk yield slope was not affected by top dress type (P = 0.268), but the efficiency slope was affected (P = 0.011). The efficiency response to dietary changes was greater for added SBM than for added GH (P = 0.012), but SBM responses did not differ from GC (P = 0.484) or TMR (P = 0.772). These results suggest opportunity to use individualized, automated feeding strategies to adjust dietary composition in the short-term to target economically optimal formulations without sacrificing production.
PSXIV-22 Impact of fibrolytic enzymes on performance, metabolism, and feeding behavior of feedlot cattle fed diets containing different levels and sources of roughage
Authors: Monteiro Ludmila de Souza , Fiório João Vitor Pessoa , Da Silva Jéssica Olivier , Antonelo Daniel Silva , Walker Nicola
Published: December 2019

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate finishing performance, carcass characteristics, total tract diet digestibility, ruminal parameters, and feeding behavior of bulls fed high-concentrate feedlot diets containing two sources and two levels of roughage, with or without exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (EFE). For the performance study, 264 Nellore bulls (371 ± 18.7 kg) were distributed in 48 pens by initial body weight in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Diets contained (dry matter basis) 0 or 0.75 mL/kg of EFE (ABVista, Marlborough, UK); and 8.5 or 12.5% either sugarcane bagasse (SCB) or grass hay (GH). Dry matter intake was greater for bulls fed 12.5% roughage (P < 0.01) and for treatments fed GH (P = 0.01), but gain:feed was greater with 8.5% roughage (P < 0.01) and tended to be greater for SCB (P = 0.07). Observed net energy concentrations were greater for 8.5% roughage (P < 0.01) and for SCB (P = 0.04). For the metabolism study, 8 ruminally cannulated Nellore steers (396 ± 1.4 kg) were assigned to 2 simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin Squares. Digestibility of crude protein was greater for steers fed 8.5% roughage compared to those fed 12.5% (P = 0.01), and supplementing EFE tended to increase digestibility of acid detergent fiber (P = 0.10). Volatile fatty acid concentration was lower (P = 0.04) and intake time tended to be greater (P = 0.07) with 12.5% dietary roughage compared to 8.5%. Supplementing EFE to feedlot cattle fed diets containing either SCB or GH, and either 8.5 or 12.5% roughage yielded no improvements in animal performance, but led to minor changes in digestibility and ruminal parameters.
PSXIV-18 Feeding behavior of feedlot steers fed combinations of feed additives
Authors: Dias Evandro , Sarturi Jhones O , opheim Tosha , Henry Darren D , Hoffmann Carly A , Sandes Michael D , Millen Danilo D , Bouyi Legrand , miller markus , Echeverry Alejandro , Brashears Mindy , Urso Phil , Espinoza-Rock Nadira J
Published: December 2019

The effects of dietary feed additives (single or combination) on feeding behavior of feedlot cattle, and the representativeness of one individual animal within the experimental unit were evaluated. Crossbred-Angus beef steers (n = 240; initial BW = 319 ± 29 kg) were used in an randomized complete block design (block = BW), 4 steers/pen (experimental unit; n = 12/treatment), and randomly assigned to the following treatments: 1) no feed additive; 2) monensin (300 mg/animal-daily) + tylosin (90 mg/animal-daily); 3) monensin + L. salivarius L28 (106 CFU/animal-daily); 4) tylosin; and 5) L. salivarius. Animals were fed (steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet) once-daily (clean-bunk management). Feeding behavior (24 h; 5 min intervals) was measured as time spent in activities. In addition, one steer/pen was individually assessed. The Glimmix procedures of SAS were used for statistical analyses (fixed effect = treatment; random effect = block). Feed additives did not affect time spent eating (163 min/d; P = 0.42); ruminating (71 min/d; P = 0.82); chewing (234 min/d; P = 0.21); drinking (18 min/d; P = 0.59); ruminating/kg of DM (9 min/d; P = 0.75); chewing/kg of DM (30 min/d; P = 0.40); resting (1085 min/d; P = 0.25); or other activities (102 min/d; P = 0.32). The difference between feeding behavior pen average and the value from the single animal marked within the same pen was different from zero for rumination (P ≤ 0.04), eating (P = 0.03), and other activities (P = 0.04), while not different from zero for chewing (P ≥ 0.21), drinking (P ≥ 0.13; except for one treatment P < 0.01), and resting (P ≥ 0.12; tendency exhibited by one treatment P < 0.09). Feed additives seem to not affect feeding behavior half-way-through the finishing phase. One animal within a 4-animal/pen unit did not represent the pen average feeding behavior.
PSXIV-19 Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on productive parameters and ruminal VFA profile in sheep
Authors: Robles Carolina , Davalos Laura Gonzáles , Mora Ofelia , Hermanadez Yesmin , Shimada Armando , Garza Enrique Piña
Published: December 2019

Alpha lipoic acid (LA) is a potent nutritional antioxidant. It is a derivate of octanoic acid containing a cyclic disulfide bond. An LA complex with lysine-lipoamide, functions as a co-factor in the mitochondrial dehydrogenase that catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of α-keto acids. In this reaction, LA is reduced to dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), which interacts with reactive oxygen species, and LA can also inactivate free radicals. Another important role of DHLA is in signal transduction by activating insulin receptors, which causes glucose transporters translocation from cytoplasm to the cell surface. Due to its potential antioxidant effect at ruminal level, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fed LA on productive parameters, ruminal fatty volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration and blood glucose of sheep. Sixty-four, two-months-old, crossbred lambs were penned in groups of four, divided into four treatments: 0, 40, 80, and 120 ppm LA in diet. During 84 days, every 28 days on two consecutive days, animals were weighed (to determine average daily weight gain, DWG), blood and ruminal fluid were taken for glucose and VFA quantification, respectively. All variables were analyzed in a completely randomized design. DWG was statistically higher in those animals receiving 80 ppm (250 g) as compared to the rest (200, 188, 180 g for 120, 40, 0 ppm, respectively) (P < 0.0001). No differences in blood glucose or ruminal VFA were found (P > 0.1). LA could improve the productive performance of sheep; however, it would be necessary to study the role of LA and its effects on the ruminal microbiome and its action mechanism. Research support by Project PAPIIT-UNAM IN211518
PSX-14 Recent advances in understanding genetic variants associated with growth, carcass and meat productivity traits in sheep (Ovis aries): an update
Authors: Zlobin Alexander S , Volkova Natalia A , Borodin Pavel M , Aksenovich Tatiana I , Tsepilov Yakov A
Published: December 2019

Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes that affect growth intensity is a prerequisite for the marker-assisted selection for economically important traits. The number of QTL studies on sheep is relatively small in comparison to those on cattle and pigs. Current QTL Sheep database (Sheep QTLdb) contains information on 1658 QTL for 225 different traits. A few genes and markers associated with growth, carcass and meat productivity traits have been reported. The information about QTLs from the Sheep QTLdb cannot be directly used in marker assisted selection due to the lack of essential information such as effective and reference alleles, the effect direction, etc., and requires manual curation and validation. In this study we performed comprehensive search for QTLs focusing on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with growth and meat traits in sheep. Using 15 different keywords combinations we found 152 papers (including duplicates). Next, all the found papers were manually curated by two researches and filtered by the relevance. We selected the most relevant papers that led to the final list of 17 publications. From these 17 papers we extracted information about associated genes and QTLs (SNPs). We extracted information about associated SNPs with all available information (effect sizes, effective and reference alleles etc). In total we found information about 156 SNP-trait associations (123 unique SNPs). Also we made the list of 164 unique genes associated with growth, carcass and meat productivity traits. As the result we made the database which contains information about 156 SNP-trait associations (123 unique SNPs) and list of 165 associated genes. The updated information is freely available at https://github.com/Defrag1236/Ovines_2018. This information can be useful for further association studies and preliminary estimation of genetic variability for economically important traits in different breeds.
PSX-4 Performance of lambs born from ewes fed with different energy levels
Authors: Brochine Luciano , Oliveira Giuliana M , Pascotto Mayara S , Silva Mônica M , Villa Luisa Elena P , Teofilo Bruno R , Gallo Sarita B , Tedeschi Luis O
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, under confinement conditions, of lambs born from ewes fed different energy levels during the final gestation and lactation period. Seventy-one ewes were distributed in two treatments according to the metabolizable energy (ME) levels in the diet: CTL = according to the NRC (2007) recommendations for each stage (gestation and lactation); PLUS = CTL plus 10% of energy per kilogram of dry matter. The total ME intake for the CTL group was 4 and 4.2 Mcal/day during the end of gestation and lactation, respectively, and for the Plus group, the ME intake were 4.8 and 5 Mcal/day. Thirty-five intact male lambs were weaned at 60 days and confined for an additional 60 days. In confinement, lambs were fed ad libitum with the same experimental diet their ewes received. The experimental design was analyzed as randomized complete blocks. The metabolic weight (BW0.75) at the confinement was influenced by maternal nutrition. Lambs of ewes fed with lower energy content were lighter compared to the PLUS group. At the beginning and the end of the confinement, the BW0.75 of the CTL was 8.80 and 15 kg0.75, and the PLUS was 11.4 and 17.6 kg0.75, respectively (P < 0.0001). The maternal diet containing higher energy content resulted in heavier carcass for commercialization. The values of weight gain and feed conversion were not influenced by maternal nutrition (P > 0.005), with mean values of 350 and 4.72 g/d, respectively. We concluded that lambs from ewes fed with greater energy intake had heavier body weights at the beginning and at the end of the confinement, possibly increasing the sustainability of the meat lamb production systems.
PSXIII-10 Dietary Forsythia suspensa extract supplementation improves reproductive performance, antioxidant status and immune function in lactating sows and suckling piglets
Authors: Long Shenfei , He Tengfei , Wu Di , Piao Xiangshu
Published: December 2019

Lactating sows face various stresses, leading to poor reproductive performance and high mortality in piglets. Previous studies have demonstrated Forsythia suspensa extract (FSE) has antioxidant and antibacterial functions in broilers and piglets. However, rare researches focus on the effect of FSE in lactating sows. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate dietary FSE supplementation on performance, antioxidant status and immunity in sows and piglets. 24 healthy Yorkshire × Landrace sows (average body weight of 234 ± 6.81 kg; average parity of 3.38 ± 0.61) were allotted into 2 dietary treatments with 12 sows per treatment based on parity, back fat thickness and body weight. Sows were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet (CON), or a FSE diet (basal diet+100 mg/kg FSE) from d 107 of gestation until d 21 of lactation. Compared with CON, sows fed FSE showed decreased (P < 0.05) estrus interval, body weight loss from farrowing to weaning, and increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain from d 7 to 21 in piglet, as well as enhanced (P < 0.05) lactose, fat and protein contents on d 14, and IgA level on d 7 in milk. These sows also had increased (P < 0.05) T-AOC content, reduced (P < 0.05) MDA content in placenta, and improved (P < 0.05) serum T-AOC, GSH-Px and CAT contents at farrowing and weaning. Their piglets behaved higher (P < 0.05) SOD content and lower (P < 0.05) MDA content in serum on d 0, 7, 14, as well as increased (P < 0.05) serum T-AOC and GSH-Px contents on d 21. These piglets also had higher villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in jejunum on d 21 compared with CON. In conclusion, dietary FSE supplementation improved performance, antioxidant status and immune function in lactating sows and suckling piglets.
The Smoot–Hawley Fixation: Putting the Sino-US Trade War in Contemporary and Historical Perspective
Authors: Evenett Simon J
Published: December 2019

The extent to which the Sino-US trade war represents a break from the past is examined. This ongoing trade war is benchmarked empirically against the Smoot–Hawley tariff increase and against the sustained, covert discrimination by governments against foreign commercial interests witnessed since the start of the global economic crisis. The Sino-US trade war is not the defining moment that some contend. Thus, laying the blame for the current woes of global trade entirely at the feet of policymakers in Beijing or Washington, D.C., is unfounded. Since the rot started well before 2018 and implicates many states, greater attention should be given to the factors determining the unilateral commercial policies of governments during and after a systemic economic crisis. The insights from the economic history literature of the 1930s presented here are useful in this regard. Moreover, claims that existing multilateral trade rules have bite are hard to square with the very large shares of global trade affected by policy measures favouring local firms implemented over the past decade. When confronted with severe adverse economic conditions for better or for worse, WTO members had plenty of policy space after all.
Homelessness and Nonrecreational Camping on National Forests and Grasslands in the United States: Law Enforcement Perspectives and Regional Trends
Authors: Cerveny Lee K , Baur Joshua W R
Published: December 2019

National forest law enforcement officers regularly encounter “nonrecreational” campers whose tenure exceeds established stay limits (generally 2 weeks). Some long-term occupants are homeless and seek use of the forest as a temporary or long-term residence. Long-term nonrecreational campers present myriad concerns for forest officials, who seek to balance public access and resource conservation. In addition to biophysical impacts because of waste, disposal of chemicals, soil compaction, and damage to vegetation, nonrecreational campers can alter the social environment being shared with other forest visitors. For this exploratory study, US Forest Service law enforcement officers (n = 290) were surveyed to assess officer perceptions of the frequency of encounters, trends, and types of nonrecreational campers. We provide a descriptive summary of major findings and point out regional variations and trends. Officers perceive regional variations in the frequency of encounters with nonrecreational or homeless campers as well as types of campers encountered.
Use of Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection of the Sacroiliac Joint as a Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Broadhead Devin Y , Douglas Hannah E , Bezjian Wallace Laurie M , Wallace Patrick J , Tamura Sarah , Morgan Kyle C , Hemler Douglas E
Published: December 2019

Back pain and its associated complications are of increasing importance among military members. The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a common source of chronic low back pain (LBP) and functional disability. Many patients suffering from chronic LBP utilize opioids to help control their symptoms. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used extensively to treat pain emanating from many different musculoskeletal origins; however, its use in the SIJ has been studied only on a limited basis. The patient in this case report presented with chronic LBP localized to the SIJ and subsequent functional disability managed with high-dose opioids. After failure of traditional treatments, she was given an ultrasound-guided PRP injection of the SIJ which drastically decreased her pain and disability and eventually allowed for complete opioid cessation. Her symptom relief continued 1 year after the injection. This case demonstrates the potential of ultrasound-guided PRP injections as a long-term treatment for chronic LBP caused by SIJ dysfunction in military service members, which can also aid in the weaning of chronic opioid use.
Estrogen-induced transcription at individual alleles is independent of receptor level and active conformation but can be modulated by coactivators activity
Authors: Stossi Fabio , Dandekar Radhika D , Mancini Maureen G , Gu Guowei , Fuqua Suzanne A W , Nardone Agostina , De Angelis Carmine , Fu Xiaoyong , Schiff Rachel , Bedford Mark T , Xu Wei , Johansson Hans E , Stephan Clifford C , Mancini Michael A
Published: December 2019

Steroid hormones are pivotal modulators of pathophysiological processes in many organs, where they interact with nuclear receptors to regulate gene transcription. However, our understanding of hormone action at the single cell level remains incomplete. Here, we focused on estrogen stimulation of the well-characterized GREB1 and MYC target genes that revealed large differences in cell-by-cell responses, and, more interestingly, between alleles within the same cell, both over time and hormone concentration. We specifically analyzed the role of receptor level and activity state during allele-by-allele regulation and found that neither receptor level nor activation status are the determinant of maximal hormonal response, indicating that additional pathways are potentially in place to modulate cell- and allele-specific responses. Interestingly, we found that a small molecule inhibitor of the arginine methyltransferases CARM1 and PRMT6 was able to increase, in a gene specific manner, the number of active alleles/cell before and after hormonal stimulation, suggesting that mechanisms do indeed exist to modulate hormone receptor responses at the single cell and allele level.
Fornicotomy for the Treatment of Epilepsy: An Examination of Historical Literature in the Setting of Modern Operative Techniques
Authors: Kundu Bornali , Lucke-Wold Brandon , Foster Chase , Englot Dario J , Urhie Ogaga , Nwafor Divine , Rolston John D
Published: December 2019

Fornicotomy has been used to treat intractable temporal lobe epilepsy with mixed success historically; however, modern advances in stereotactic, neurosurgical, and imaging techniques offer new opportunities to target the fornix with greater precision and safety. In this review, we discuss the historical uses and quantify the outcomes of fornicotomy for the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy, highlight the potential mechanisms of benefit, and address what is known about the side effects of the procedure. We find that fornicotomy, with or without anterior commissurotomy, resulted in 61% (83/136) of patients having some seizure control benefit. We discuss the potential operative approaches for targeting the fornix, including laser ablation and the use of focused ultrasound ablation. More work is needed to address the true efficacy of fornicotomy in the modern surgical setting. This review is intended to serve as a framework for developing this approach.
Proceedings of the Comprehensive Oncology Network Evaluating Rare CNS Tumors (NCI-CONNECT) Oligodendroglioma Workshop
Authors: Penas-Prado Marta , Wu Jing , Cahill Daniel P , Brat Daniel J , Costello Joseph F , Kluetz Paul G , Cairncross J Gregory , van den Bent Martin , Verhaak Roel G W , Aboud Orwa , Burger Peter , Chang Susan M , Cordova Christine , Huang Raymond Y , Rowe Lindsay S , Taphoorn Martin J B , Gilbert Mark R , Armstrong Terri S ,   NCI-CONNECT Oligodendroglioma Workshop, Aarons David , Camphausen Kevin , Claus Elizabeth , Cordeiro Brittany , Ducray Francois , Figarella-Branger Dominique , French Pim , Greene Brock , Heiss John D , Jenkins Robert , LeBlanc Amy , Mendoza Tito , Oliver Kathy , Quezado Martha , Raygada Margarita , Romo Carlos , Rubinstein Lawrence , Siegel Christine , Sul Joohee , Ueki Keisuke , Weller Michael , Wen Patrick Y , Willmarth Nicole , Yuan Ying , Zaghloul Kareem
Published: December 2019

Background

Oligodendroglioma is a rare primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor with highly variable outcome and for which therapy is usually not curative. At present, little is known regarding the pathways involved with progression of oligodendrogliomas or optimal biomarkers for stratifying risk. Developing new therapies for this rare cancer is especially challenging. To overcome these challenges, the neuro-oncology community must be particularly innovative, seeking multi-institutional and international collaborations, and establishing partnerships with patients and advocacy groups thereby ensuring that each patient enrolled in a study is as informative as possible.

Methods

The mission of the National Cancer Institute’s NCI-CONNECT program is to address the challenges and unmet needs in rare CNS cancer research and treatment by connecting patients, health care providers, researchers, and advocacy organizations to work in partnership. On November 19, 2018, the program convened a workshop on oligodendroglioma, one of the 12 rare CNS cancers included in its initial portfolio. The purpose of this workshop was to discuss scientific progress and regulatory challenges in oligodendroglioma research and develop a call to action to advance research and treatment for this cancer.

Results

The recommendations of the workshop include a multifaceted and interrelated approach covering: biology and preclinical models, data sharing and advanced molecular diagnosis and imaging; clinical trial design; and patient outreach and engagement.

Conclusions

The NCI-CONNECT program is well positioned to address challenges in oligodendroglioma care and research in collaboration with other stakeholders and is developing a list of action items for future initiatives.
How do patients with malignant brain tumors experience general practice care and support? Qualitative analysis of English Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) data
Authors: Fraulob Isabell , Davies Elizabeth A
Published: December 2019

Background

English Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) data show patients with brain cancer report the least-positive experiences of general practice support. We aimed to understand these findings by identifying the issues described in qualitative survey feedback and suggest how care may be improved.

Methods

We reviewed 2699 qualitative comments made to open questions about what was good or might be improved about National Health Service care between 2010 and 2014. We identified 84 (3%) specific comments about general practice care and used open coding and framework analysis to develop a thematic framework.

Results

We identified 3 key themes and 12 subthemes: first, the experience of initial diagnosis by a general practitioner (GP), including apparent complexity of making the diagnosis, apparent slowness in referral for investigation, referral made by patient or family, delay in receiving scan results, and whether the GP quickly identified the problem and referred to a specialist; second, the experience of care and support from the general practice, including lack of supportive response from the GP, lack of follow-up care from the GP, lack of family involvement by the GP, lack of GP knowledge about management, and whether the GP responded in a supportive way to the diagnosis; and third, the experience of overall coordination in care, including lack of communication between the hospital and general practice and good communication about the care plan.

Conclusion

Qualitative responses from patients with brain cancer reveal their needs for better emotional and practical support within primary care. Suggestions include increasing the speed of initial referral for investigation, the depth of discussion about diagnostic difficulties, and developing coordinated care plans with cancer centers.
Serum tryptophan-derived quinolinate and indole-3-acetate are associated with carotid intima-media thickness and its evolution in HIV-infected treated adults
Authors: Boyd Anders , Boccara Franck , Meynard Jean-Luc , Ichou Farid , Bastard Jean-Philippe , Fellahi Soraya , Samri Assia , Sauce Delphine , Haddour Nabila , Autran Brigitte , Cohen Ariel , Girard Pierre-Marie , Capeau Jacqueline ,   Collaboration in HIV, Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease study
Published: December 2019

Background

HIV-infected individuals undergoing effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) present an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We identified serum metabolites associated with carotid intima-media-thickness (c-IMT) and its evolution.

Methods

143 hydrophilic serum metabolites were measured by ultra-performance-liquid-chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass-spectrometry in 49 HIV+ART+, 48 HIV+ART-naïve, and 50 HIV-negative age-matched, never-smoking, male triads. Metabolites differentially altered between groups (“features”) were defined as having a Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted p-value <0.05 from a t-test and >0.25 log2 absolute mean fold-change in metabolite levels. c-IMT was measured across 12 sites at inclusion in all individuals and at the carotid-artery (cca) after a median 5.1 years in 32 HIV+ART+ individuals. Difference in c-IMT (cross-sectional analysis) and slope of cca-IMT regression/progression per year (longitudinal analysis) for each log10(area) increase in metabolite level was estimated with linear regression.

Results

Compared to HIV-, metabolite features of HIV+ART+ were increased N6,N6,N6-trimethyl-L-lysine and decreased ferulate and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan; while features of HIV+ART-naïve were increased malate, kynurenine, 2-oxoglutarate, and indole-3-acetate and decreased succinate and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. In HIV+ART+ individuals, quinolinate and/or indole-3-acetate were positively associated with c-IMT (p<0.03), cca-IMT (p<0.03) and with cca-IMT progression (p<0.008). These associations were not observed in HIV+ART-naive or HIV-negative individuals. In HIV+ART+ individuals, the metabolites xanthosine and uridine, from nucleotide metabolism, and g-butyrobetaine, from lysine/dietary choline degradation, were also positively or negatively associated with c-IMT and/or cca-IMT (all p<0.01), but not its evolution.

Conclusion

In these highly-selected HIV-positive ART-controlled males, two novel metabolites derived from tryptophan catabolism, indole-3-acetate and quinolinate, were associated with c-IMT and its progression.
COVERING THE PATIENT’S ARM SUPPORT IN LEAD REDUCED THE RADIATION DOSE RATE TO THE CARDIOLOGISTS DURING PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTIONS: A PHANTOM STUDY
Authors: Fukuda Atsushi , Lin Pei-Jan Paul
Published: December 2019

The aim of the study was to estimate organ dose rate reduction to a female anthropomorphic phantom, which simulated the cardiologist, during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) when the patient’s arm support was covered with 0.4-mm lead foil. Organ dose rates were determined using five radiation detectors inserted into the left eye, left thyroid, left breast, left liver lobe and uterus of the phantom. A male anthropomorphic phantom was placed on the examination table of an angiography system. Heart images of the patient phantom were acquired under 10 gantry angulations typical for PCI. The lead-covered arm support did not interfere with any of the cardiac images. The median organ dose rate reductions to the left eye, left thyroid, left breast, left liver lobe and uterus were 7.8, 36.0, 28.8, 35.7 and 33.5%, respectively. The lead-covered arm support substantially reduced scattered radiation to the female cardiologist without interfering with clinical environments.
Timing of Office-Based Pessary Care
Authors: Propst Katie , Mellen Colleen , O'Sullivan David M. , Tulikangas Paul K.
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the influence of pessary visit intervals on development of vaginal epithelial abnormalities.

METHODS:

We conducted a randomized, noninferiority trial of office-based pessary care. Eligible participants were adult women wearing a ring, Gellhorn, or incontinence dish pessary to treat pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence or both. Patients were randomized 1:1 to routine pessary care (office visits every 12 weeks, “routine” arm) or to extended pessary care (office visits every 24 weeks, “extended” arm). The primary study outcome was rate of vaginal epithelial abnormalities (epithelial break or erosion) at the final study visit (48 weeks). The predetermined noninferiority margin was 7.5%.

RESULTS:

From January 2015 through June 2017, inclusive, 448 patients were screened and 130 were randomized, 64 to the routine arm and 66 to the extended arm. Baseline characteristics of the study arms were similar with the exception of pessary type, with ring pessary more common in the routine arm and Gellhorn pessary more common in the extended arm (P=.02). The rate of epithelial abnormalities at the final study visit (48 weeks) was 7.4% in the routine arm and 1.7% in the extended arm (difference, −5.7 percentage points; 95% CI −7.4 to −4), which met the criterion for noninferiority. Rates of all types of epithelial abnormalities did not differ between arms at any time point. Increasing duration of pessary use (P=.003) and history of prior epithelial abnormalities were associated with development of epithelial abnormalities (P=.01). Other than epithelial abnormalities, no adverse events related to pessary use occurred in either arm.

CONCLUSION:

In women who receive office-based pessary care and are using a ring, Gellhorn, or incontinence dish pessary, routine follow-up every 24 weeks is noninferior to every 12 weeks based on incidence of vaginal epithelial abnormalities.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02371083.
Minimally Invasive Surgery in Morbidly Obese Women
Authors: Schorge John O.
Published: December 2019

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery provides a number of clinical advantages compared with open laparotomy. Over the past 25 years, important modifications and innovations have further expanded the utility of these techniques. Complications such as surgical site infection, venous thromboembolism, and wound cellulitis or dehiscence rise in concert with escalating obesity, so it stands to reason that these patients would derive the most benefit from minimally invasive surgery. Yet, surgical complexity also rises proportionally, requiring fastidious technique and allowing little margin for error. As nonsurgical interventions become more commonplace and the rate of morbid obesity continues to increase, those women actually requiring a gynecologic operation through an abdominal approach will be ever more likely to present a number of challenges to safe completion of minimally invasive surgery. This article frames the topic and offers some tips across the range of care to enhance the likelihood of achieving success in this patient population most in need of surgical expertise.
Mifepristone Antagonization With Progesterone to Prevent Medical Abortion
Authors: Creinin Mitchell D. , Hou Melody Y. , Dalton Laura , Steward Rachel , Chen Melissa J.
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the efficacy and safety of mifepristone antagonization with high-dose oral progesterone.

METHODS:

We planned to enroll 40 patients in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. We enrolled patients at 44–63 days of gestation with ultrasound-confirmed gestational cardiac activity who were planning surgical abortion. Participants ingested mifepristone 200 mg and initiated oral progesterone 400 mg or placebo 24 hours later twice daily for 3 days, then once daily until their planned surgical abortion 14–16 days after enrollment. Follow-up visits were scheduled 3±1, 7±1, and 15±1 days after mifepristone intake with ultrasonography and blood testing for human chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone. Participants exited from the study when they had their surgical abortion or earlier for gestational cardiac activity absence, gestational sac expulsion, or medically indicated suction aspiration. We assessed the primary outcome of continued gestational cardiac activity at approximately 2 weeks (15±1 day), side effects after drug ingestion, and safety outcomes including hemorrhage and emergent treatment.

RESULTS:

We enrolled participants from February to July 2019 and stopped enrollment after 12 patients for safety concerns. Mean gestational age was 52.5 days. Two (one per group) voluntarily discontinued 3 days after mifepristone ingestion for subjective symptoms (nausea and vomiting, bleeding). Among the remaining 10 patients (five per group), gestational cardiac activity continued for 2 weeks in four in the progesterone group and two in the placebo group. One patient in the placebo group had no gestational cardiac activity 3 days after mifepristone use. Severe hemorrhage requiring ambulance transport to hospital occurred in three patients; one received progesterone (complete expulsion, no aspiration) and two received placebo (aspiration for both, one required transfusion). We halted enrollment after the third hemorrhage. No other significant side effects were reported.

CONCLUSION:

We could not estimate the efficacy of progesterone for mifepristone antagonization due to safety concerns when mifepristone is administered without subsequent prostaglandin analogue treatment. Patients in early pregnancy who use only mifepristone may be at high risk of significant hemorrhage.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03774745.
Instagram Users' Experiences of Miscarriage
Authors: Mercier Rebecca J. , Senter Katherine , Webster Rachel , Henderson Riley Amy
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the shared experiences of miscarriage using a qualitative analysis of social media posts on Instagram.

METHODS:

We performed this qualitative study by collecting text, photos, hashtags, and emoji from 200 Instagram posts on five arbitrarily selected days in 2019. Key eligibility criteria included posts that described a personal experience of miscarriage and that used the hashtag #ihadamiscarriage. Through directed content analysis, our multidisciplinary team conducted open coding to identify common topics in the data, developed a code book, and coded all posts. Twenty-five percent of posts were double-coded by two team members and analyzed for agreement. The codes were organized into overarching themes.

RESULTS:

Intercoder reliability was excellent (kappa 0.95). Themes included medical and physical experiences of miscarriage, social experiences of miscarriage, the emotional spectrum of experiencing a miscarriage, family identity and the effects of miscarriage, and mechanisms of processing and coping through a miscarriage. We observed complex and often conflicted emotional states and noted that the effects of miscarriage were felt for months and years by many Instagram users. Use of social media and disclosure of miscarriage was a source of coping for many users.

CONCLUSION:

Women post about their miscarriages on social media for a variety of reasons, especially to find support and community and to help break the silence around miscarriage. Health care providers may consider discussing use of this platform as a support and coping mechanism in the setting of pregnancy loss.
Henry Versus Thompson Approach for Fixation of Proximal Third Radial Shaft Fractures: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Dashe Jesse , Murray Brett , Tornetta Paul , Grott Kelly M. , Mullis Brian , Bellevue Kate D. , Firoozabadi Reza , Kempegowda Harish , Horwitz Daniel S. , Patel Shaan , Fontenot Philip B. , Mir Hassan R. , Ruder John A. , Bosse Michael J. , Westberg Jerald , Sandberg Benjamin , Bramlett Kasey J. , Marcantonio Andrew J. , Sadauskas Alex J. , Cannada Lisa K. , Goodwin Alexandra , Miller Anna N. , Fox Mary Patricia , Klatman Samuel H.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To compare the volar Henry and dorsal Thompson approaches with respect to outcomes and complications for proximal third radial shaft fractures.

Design:

Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Patients/Participants:

Patients with proximal third radial shaft fractures ± associated ulna fractures (OTA/AO 2R1 ± 2U1) treated operatively at 11 trauma centers were included.

Intervention:

Patient demographics and injury, fracture, and surgical data were recorded. Final range of motion and complications of infection, neurologic injury, compartment syndrome, and malunion/nonunion were compared for volar versus dorsal approaches.

Main Outcome:

The main outcome was difference in complications between patients treated with volar versus dorsal approach.

Results:

At an average follow-up of 292 days, 202 patients (range, 18–84 years) with proximal third radial shaft fractures were followed through union or nonunion. One hundred fifty-five patients were fixed via volar and 47 via dorsal approach. Patients treated via dorsal approach had fractures that were on average 16 mm more proximal than those approached volarly, which did not translate to more screw fixation proximal to the fracture. Complications occurred in 11% of volar and 21% of dorsal approaches with no statistical difference.

Conclusions:

There was no statistical difference in complication rates between volar and dorsal approaches. Specifically, fixation to the level of the tuberosity is safely accomplished via the volar approach. This series demonstrates the safety of the volar Henry approach for proximal third radial shaft fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.