bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
170 Improving Nutrient Value of Soybean Meal Using Characterized Novel Microbial Fermentation
Authors: Li Julang , Akhtar Nadeem , Qi Nanshan , Kiarie Elijah
Published: September 2022

Soybean meal (SBM) is a common plant-based protein source in the swine industry. Its crude protein content is 44 to 50%. However, the presence of antinutritional factors such as high molecular weight, difficult to digest proteins, phytate and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) limit its use in pigs. We aimed to use fermentation approach to improve the nutrient value of SBM. We have screened, from different sources, and identified bacterial strains that secrete cellulase, xylanase and proteinase as candidates for feedstuff fermentation. Further studies revealed that a few of them are capable of breakdown glycinin and beta-conglycinin, the major proteins in SBM that are difficult to digest and often resulted in intestinal upset in monogastric animal. Molecular characterization revealed that isolate 9 is a Bacillus subtilis strain (B. subtilis 9) secreted high level of cellulase, xylanase, and proteinase comparing to the ATCC control strain and other isolates. It grew significantly faster than the control strain. In addition, it also survived a wide range of concentrations salts and pH. When used for SBM fermentation, protein profiling of fermented SBM using SDS-PAGE revealed a significant reduction of high molecular weight proteins, especially those of glycinin and beta-conglycinin, to small peptides. On a dry matter basis, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of the fermented SBM was decreased by 34%; crude protein content was increased from 49 to 57%. Pigs fed with a diet formulated with the fermented SBM as the sole source of crude protein had significantly higher apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (80 vs. 72 %), ash (56 vs. 36%), crude protein (84 vs. 78%), NDF (71 vs. 66%), and acid detergent fiber (62 vs. 53%) compared with the control pigs fed with unfermented soybean meal. In addition, we have recently explored the possibility of improving feed stuff fermentation efficiency combining microbial species, the effect of this approach will be discussed.
200 Forage Cell Wall Organization, Complexes, and Components
Authors: Fahey George C
Published: September 2022

It has been nearly 31 years since the International Symposium on Forage Cell Wall Structure and Digestibility was held in Madison, WI. The text resulting from that symposium, first published in 1993, has been an invaluable resource for animal and plant scientists alike but, unfortunately, has yet to be updated. Symposium organizers recognized that there was "a critical lack of information on the chemistry of the cell walls of forage plants and especially how this chemistry relates to digestibility and absorption of the materials and how the digestibility can be improved through plant breeding". They proceeded to organize an excellent symposium that covered nearly every aspect of that broad topic. Whereas "fiber" (plant cell wall) always has been a mainstay in ruminant animal feeding, its importance in the areas of human and non-ruminant animal nutrition has now been realized as indicated by the extensive scientific literature published on the topic since the time of the symposium, and by the fact that dietary fiber is now considered an "essential nutrient" for the human. In this presentation, the components of the plant cell wall will be discussed and their organization within the plant defined. Their relationship to the gut microbiota will be highlighted as will those factors critical in determining accurate fiber concentrations in forages and fibrous ingredients using the latest fiber methodologies. Rather than being viewed simply as "roughage" or as "filler" or as an "anti-nutritional factor", cell walls now have a prominent role in all of animal and human nutrition, so understanding their characteristics at all levels becomes all the more important.
202 An Update on in Vitro and in Situ Experimental Techniques for Approximation of Ruminal Fiber Degradation
Authors: Foster Jamie L
Published: September 2022

Measures of the quantity of chemical components are used to make certain assumptions about forage or feed quality. However, additional ruminal degradation kinetic measures are necessary for modern nutrient requirement models and more accurate estimates of intake and digestibility. The extent and rate of ruminal degradation is most easily and inexpensively measured with in vitro and in situ experimental techniques. This presentation is a summary of updates to these techniques in the last thirty years. The Daisy Incubator by ANKOM Technology has been marketed for over twenty-five years. This product resulted in standardization of materials and methods used to measure in vitro true digestibility. The biological component of the technique, ruminal fluid, is still a variable component since it is influenced by fistulated animal diet and collection and transport procedures. Despite several calls through review papers over the last thirty years, the in situ experimental technique is not standardized and there remains variation among laboratories and experiments. Animal species, ingredients and quantity of animal diet, grind size of the test material, bag pore size, ratio of the sample: surface area of bag, replications, sample treatment prior to incubation and after removal, incubation method, microbial contamination, bag washing, and even laboratory balance weigh method contribute to the variation among in situ experiments. Once in situ data is obtained, it is typically fitted to a first order exponential model and parameters estimated without determining if the model is the best fit. Perhaps understanding the reasons that standardization of in situ methodology have failed would facilitate ways to make standardization possible. In the meantime, careful in situ experimental technique results in measures that are valuable inputs into models for nutrient requirements, intake, and digestibility and an increase in knowledge about ruminal degradation kinetics, despite the inability to compare results across laboratories or experiments.
319 Reflections at the Halfway Point of a Multi-Institutional Comprehensive Usda Sustainable Agriculture Systems Project: Empowering the US Broiler Industry for Transformation and Sustainability
Authors: Bottje Walter Gay , Lei Xingen , Dridi Sami
Published: September 2022

We received funding for a USDA SAS project that began in September (2019) that involves 7 institutions and approximately 30 faculty. Overarching goals of the project are to improve the system wide efficiency of nutrient and water use in broiler production through a) a better understanding and manipulation of the host physiology and microbial influence on water and nutrient efficiency, b) implementation of novel algal-based technology, and c) effecting educational-behavioral changes through enhanced education and extension programs. To date: a) We have had group progress report meetings 6-8 times per year, and b) we have supported or involved 19 undergraduate students, 22 grad students, and 6 post-docs on the project. The group collectively has published 15 book chapters, 74 refereed publications, 7 theses/dissertations, and filed 2 patents. We also had a symposium at a national meeting. Despite restrictions due to Covid, we have been able to have students take part in internships at U of A and Cornell. A minor in Sustainable Agriculture Systems has been established at Cornell. A class offered by Cornell (The global food, energy, and water nexus – engaging students from the US, China, and India to Chart a Sustainable Future) enables students to participate in the class and receive credit from their home institution. This class incorporates faculty involved in the SAS grant as well as many international guest speakers who are experts in their field. An area we hope to improve upon is getting our message out to our clientele and general public via several different methods.
PSXII-3 Estimation of Heritability and Correlation of Functional Traits in the Peruvian Paso Horse (Preliminary Studies)
Authors: Vilela Jorge Luis Luis , Yupanqui Bertha Isabel Tupac , Velarde Maria Lourdes , Quintana Paola , Vargas Teresa , Gonzales Rosario , Sokolich Aranzazu , Dextre Jose
Published: September 2022

Peruvian Paso Horse is recognized for the smoothness and elegance of its gait. Over the years, breeders have been selecting their breeders based on phenotypic characteristics; however, to date, there are no data or estimated values of the heritability of these characters, whether biometric or functional. The objective of this research is to provide the first heritability values for six biometric and three functional traits, as part of the establishment of a genetic selection and improvement program for the breed. For the study, data from 25 females and 8 males (n=33) at ages 6 to 10 years were used for measurements such as: croup height, substernal height, chest width, neck length, tibia femur angle and impulsion. The sharpness (high lift), atranque (unique footfall pattern, wich foot placement and timing between hindfoot and forefoot of the same side, only known in this special ambling gait) and vertical acceleration were measured by filming each horse in "Paso Llano" (a special four-beat gate, only known in Peruvian Paso Horse). Preliminary results were evaluated with Kinovea software (v.0 .9.5) for heritability and phenotypic correlation values (Table 1 and Figure 1), with Jamovi software (v 2.3.0) for statistical parameters, and the mixed model Yijk = u + Si + Ck + eijk for movement analysis and heritability estimation by half-sib correlation, where Yijk is the biometric and functional observation, Si the effect of the father, Cj the effect of sex and eijk random error. The results show that the heritability estimates for the nine biometric and functional traits vary between 0.08 and 0.84 and are the first ones obtained after a study in the Peruvian Paso Horse breed.
PSI-2 Analysis of Boar Semen Microbiome and Sperm Quality Parameters
Authors: McAnally Brooke E , Smith Molly S , Wiegert Jeffrey G , Poole Rebecca K
Published: September 2022

Bacterial contamination of non-frozen extended boar semen has been associated with a decrease in sperm viability and longevity. The objective of this study was to analyze the microbiome of extended boar semen and sperm quality parameters 1) between studs 2) over time and 3) between pooled and single-sire doses. Sixteen pooled (n=4 per stud) and single-sire (n=4 per stud) boar semen doses (80mL) were obtained from two studs (A vs. B). Pooled doses were the composite of boars in single-sire doses. Doses were stored at 16°C and subsampled 16mL daily for five days post-collection. Each day, 5mL were flash frozen and stored at -80°C for bacterial analysis targeting the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. The remaining 11mL were used to assess sperm progressive motility and agglutination (0: no adhesion to 3: >50% adhesion) by two evaluators with 10 visual estimates per sample. Negative controls of each pooled (n=2 per stud) and single-sire (n=4 per stud) dose remained unopened until day 5. Statistical analyses were conducted using GLM procedure in SAS. Sperm agglutination was greater in stud A than B (1.6 vs. 1.0 ± 0.1, respectively; P< 0.01). Sperm motility tended (P=0.09) to be greater in stud B than A doses (67.4% vs. 61.5% ± 0.02%, respectively), and decreased over time (P< 0.01). Stud B had a greater relative abundance of Proteobacteria (60.0% vs. 47.2% ± 1.5%, respectively; P< 0.01) and lower abundance of Firmicutes (22.5% vs. 31.9% ± 1.4%, respectively; P< 0.01) compared to stud A. Bacterial load did not differ by stud or dose type but increased from day 1 to 3 (P< 0.01). Bacterial load between days 3, 4, and 5 post-collection was not different from the negative control. Results indicate differences in the microbiome between boar studs and its influence on semen over time.
PSI-4 Beef fat Enriched with Vaccenic Acid and cis-9, Trans11-Conjugated Linoleic Acid Promotes Hepatic Steatosis and Glucose Intolerance in High-fat-fed C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Xu Yanqing , Haj Fawaz , Koike Shinichiro , Vahmani Payam
Published: September 2022

Vaccenic acid (VA, trans11-18:1) and cis-9, trans11-conjugated linoleic acid (also known as rumenic acid; RA) have received widespread attention as “beneficial” trans fatty acids (TFA) due to their putative health benefits including anti-diabetic properties. Feeding oilseeds (e.g. sunflower seeds or flaxseeds) to cattle given forage-based diets have been shown to enrich their meat and milk fat with VA and RA. However, there is shortage of studies evaluating the health effects of the resulting enriched fat. The objective of the present experiment was to determine the effects of beef fat enriched with VA and RA on parameters related to glucose and insulin tolerance in in high-fat-fed C57BL/6 Mice. Thirty-six 8-week-old male c57/6J mice (25±1.4 g body weight) were randomly assigned for 18 weeks to either a control low fat diet (CLF; 10% total calories from fat), a control high fat diet based on lard (CHF; 45% total calories from fat), or a VA&RA-enriched high fat diet based on flaxseed-fed beef fat (EHF, 45% total calories from fat). Compared with CLF, feeding either CHF or EHF resulted in negative metabolic outcomes associated with high fat diets including adiposity, impaired insulin and glucose tolerances, and hepatic steatosis. However, the EHF diet induced a higher (P < 0.05) liver weight and liver triglyceride content compared with the CHF diet. In addition, the area under the curve for glucose tolerance test (GTT) in EHF mice was higher (P < 0.05) than in CHF group. Collectively, the findings from this study, suggest that feeding beef fat enriched with VA and RA (i.e. EHF) worsens glucose tolerance and liver steatosis in high-fat-fed mice. Additional studies are needed to determine if the adverse effects of EHF on glucose tolerance and liver fat accumulation are related to VA and RA or due to other TFA present in EHF.
PSIII-6 Evaluation of Later Timepoints for Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination of Beef Heifers When Using sex-Sorted Semen Following the 14-d Cidr®-PG Protocol
Authors: VanWye Genevieve , Smith Emily G , Oney Carson M , Spinka Christine , Poock Scott E , Thomas Jordan M
Published: September 2022

An experiment was designed to evaluate later timepoints for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) of beef heifers, with the hypothesis that use of a later timepoint would allow a greater proportion of heifers to express estrus prior to FTAI and result in greater conception rates among estrous heifers inseminated with sex-sorted semen. Estrus was synchronized using the 14-d CIDR®-PG protocol (1.38 g progesterone CIDR intravaginally inserted Day -33 and removed Day -19, PGF2a; 500 µg cloprostenol administered Day -3) for 1640 heifers in 7 locations. Heifers were blocked by reproductive tract score and body weight and randomly assigned to one of three FTAI timepoints: 66 ± 2 h, 70 ± 2 h, or 74 ± 2 h after PGF2a administration. Estrus detection aids (Estrotect) were applied at PGF2a administration, with activation recorded at FTAI. Heifers that expressed estrus prior to FTAI were serviced with sex-sorted semen (SexedULTRA 4M™). Heifers that failed to express estrus were serviced with conventional semen and administered gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; 100 µg gonadorelin). The proportion of heifers that expressed estrus by FTAI (66 h: 63%; 70 h: 68%; 74 h: 72%) was greater at 74 h versus 66 h (P < 0.01). Conception rates did not differ significantly between treatments among heifers that expressed estrus and were serviced with sex-sorted semen (66 h: 55%; 70 h: 53%; 74 h: 52%). Among heifers that failed to express estrus and were serviced with conventional semen, conception rates were greater (P = 0.02) when FTAI was performed at 66 h versus 70 h (66 h: 39%; 70 h: 26%; 74 h: 32%). Results indicate that performing FTAI later following the 14-d CIDR®-PG protocol increases the proportion of heifers that express estrus and are serviced with sex-sorted semen, but does not improve conception rates of estrous heifers inseminated at later timepoints.
PSIV-A-7 Decreasing the Frequency of Precalving Protein and Energy Supplementation Impacts Preweaning Growth of Bos Indicus-Influenced Beef Offspring but not Their dam
Authors: de Izquierdo Vinicius Souza , Vedovatto Marcelo , Palmer Elizabeth A , Oliveira Rhaiza , Vendramini Joao , Moriel Philipe
Published: September 2022

This experiment evaluated the impacts of frequency of dried distillers grains (DDG) supplementation during late gestation on subsequent performance of cow-calf pairs. On day 0 (September), 120 multiparous Brangus cows (body weight, BW = 543 ± 4.6 kg; body condition score, BCS = 5.47 ± 0.09) were allocated into 1 of 20 bahiagrass pastures (6 cows and 4.7 ha/pasture). Treatments were assigned randomly to pastures (5 pastures/treatment) and consisted of cows offered no DDG supplementation (NOSUP), 1 kg/cow of DDG daily (7X), 2.33 kg/cow of DDG every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (3X), or 7 kg/cow of DDG every Monday from day 0 to 77 (1X; total of 77 kg/cow of DDG dry matter for all supplemented cows). After calving (on average day 81 ± 7), all cow-calf pairs were managed similarly and remained on their respective pasture until calf weaning (day 342). Cow BW did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.13). Cow BCS on day 77 and at the start of the breeding season (day 140) were greater for supplemented vs. NOSUP cows (P ≤ 0.02) but did not differ among 1X, 3X and 7X cows (P ≥ 0.64). Overall plasma concentrations of glucose were greater for supplemented vs. NOSUP cows (P ≤ 0.05) but did not differ among 1X, 3X and 7X cows (P ≥ 0.44). Calving percentage, calving date, percentage of male calves at birth, and calf birth BW did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.15). Calf BW at weaning were lowest for NOSUP and greatest for 7X calves (P ≤ 0.05). Calf BW at weaning did not differ between 1X and 3X calves (P = 0.97) and both groups were intermediate (P ≤ 0.05). In summary, decreasing the frequency of DDG supplementation during late gestation did not impact pre- and post-partum performance of Bos indicus-influenced beef cows but reduced subsequent preweaning growth of their offspring.
PSX-A-4 Effects of Dietary Protein Content and Crystalline Amino Acid Supplementation Patterns on Intestinal Bacteria and Their Metabolites in Weaned Pigs Raised Under Different Sanitary Conditions
Authors: Lee Jinyoung , Htoo John K , Kluenemann Martina , González-Vega Caroline , Nyachoti Martin
Published: September 2022

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) content and crystalline amino acids (CAA) supplementation patterns on the bacteria and their metabolites in the intestine of weaned pigs raised under clean (CSC) or unclean sanitary conditions (USC). One hundred forty-four piglets (6.35 ± 0.63 kg BW) were assigned to 1 of 3 diets to give 8 replicates, each with 3 pigs, over a 21-days period. Diets consisted of a high CP (HCP; 21%) and two low CP (LCP; 18%) diets supplemented with all 10 essential AA as CAA or only 6 CAA (Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Val, and Ile). The CSC room was washed weekly, whereas the USC room had sow manure spread in the pens and was not washed throughout the experiment. Digesta from jejunum and colon were analyzed for ammonia N, short-chain fatty acids, and biogenic amines, but only colonic digesta was analyzed for microbiome composition (16s rRNA sequencing on MiSeq). Data were analyzed using R software for 16S rRNA and the MIXED procedure of SAS for microbial metabolites. Sanitation, CP content, and CAA supplementation patterns did not affect colonic bacterial composition or diversity in weaned pigs. Pigs raised under USC had greater (P < 0.05) jejunal ammonia N than those under CSC. Pigs fed LCP diets had reduced (P < 0.05) jejunal ammonia N compared to those fed HCP diet. No difference was found in colonic ammonia N. Interactions between sanitation and dietary CP content were observed (P < 0.05) for jejunal acetate and colonic spermidine and spermine. In conclusion, reducing dietary CP lowered ammonia N content regardless of the sanitation and increased microbial metabolites in weaned pigs raised under USC. However, colonic bacterial composition and diversity were not influenced by dietary CP, sanitary conditions, or CAA supplementation patterns.
PSXIII-B-8 Effect of Supplemental myo-Inositol on Growth Performance and Apparent Total Tract Digestibility of Weanling Piglets fed Reduced Protein Diets and Intestinal Cell Epithelial Barrier Integrity
Authors: Ogunribido Tobi Z , Bedford Michael R , Ajuwon Kolapo , Adeola Layi
Published: September 2022

Myo-inositol is a breakdown product of phytate produced in the gut through the action of phytase. Although the effect of phytase-released phosphorus on growth performance of animals has been well characterized, there is still little understanding of myo-inositol effects. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of added myo-inositol to a phytate-rich low-protein diet on growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) in growing piglets as well as to determine whether myo-inositol could directly affect intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and function in intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). A total of 128 weanling piglets were allotted to four dietary treatments consisting of eight replicates per treatment and four piglets per replicate in a randomized complete block design for four weeks. The experimental diets comprised the positive control (PC; 20% crude protein (CP), negative control (NC; 17% CP), negative control plus 2.0g/kg myo-inositol (NC+INO; 17% CP) and negative control plus 3000FTU/kg phytase (NC+PHY; 17% CP). Weekly average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), gain-feed ratio (G: F) were recorded. Phytase supplementation in the protein-deficient NC diet increased the G:F ratio (P< 0.05) without myo-inositol effect on growth performance. Phosphorus digestibility in the phytase supplemented group increased compared to the PC, NC, and NC+INO groups whereas plasma myo-inositol concentration was significantly higher (P< 0.05) in the NC+INO group. Due to lack of myo-inositol effect on growth performance, an additional in vitro study was conducted to determine direct effect of myo-inositol on the intestinal epithelium that might not be reflected in growth performance. Myo-inositol increased mRNA abundance of selected nutrient transporters in a concentration-dependent manner (P< 0.05), enhanced barrier integrity in the IPEC-J2 monolayer and reduced paracellular permeability of FITC-dextran (P< 0.05). In conclusion, despite the lack of myo-inositol effect on animal performance, the in-vitro data indicates that myo-inositol may directly regulate gut barrier integrity.
PSXV-18 Effects of Drying Methods for Black Soldier fly Larva Meals on in Vitro Nutrient Disappearance
Authors: Son Jeonghyeon , Park Seol Hwa , Jung Hyun Jung , Kim Beob Gyun G
Published: September 2022

The objective was to determine the effects of different drying methods on nutrient utilization of black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larva meals using in vitro assays. Two-step and 3-step in vitro assays were employed to simulate the gastrointestinal tract of pigs. Four methods were used to obtain BSF larva meal sources: 1) microwave-drying for 32 min, 2) hot-air drying at 60°C for 17 h, 3) water blanching for 5 min and hot-air drying for 17 h, and 4) 2% citric acid solution blanching for 5 min and hot-air drying for 17 h. After the drying process, each BSF larva was defatted and ground to obtain BSF larva meals. The crude protein (CP) concentration in the test ingredients ranged from 54.7 to 60.4% on dry matter (DM) basis and ether extract ranged from 7.1 to 11.8% DM. Hot-air-dried BSF larva meal had greater in vitro ileal disappearance (IVID) of CP compared with microwave-dried BSF larva meal (86.7% vs. 84.4%; P < 0.05). However, blanching BSF larva in water or 2% citric acid solution before hot-air drying resulted in less IVID of CP (81.3 or 82.5%; P < 0.05) compared with microwave-dried or hot-air-dried BSF larva meal. Blanching BSF larva in water or 2% citric acid solution before hot-air drying resulted in less in vitro total tract disappearance of DM (85.0% or 84.5% vs. 90.4% or 89.6%; SEM = 0.3, P < 0.05) and OM (80.6% or 81.5% vs. 85.7% or 86.6%; SEM = 0.1, P < 0.05) compared with microwave-dried or hot-air-dried BSF larva meal. In conclusion, hot-air-dried BSF larva meal had greater nutrient utilization compared with microwave-dried BSF larva meal. However, blanching BSF larva in water or citric acid solution negatively affected nutrient digestibility based on in vitro assays.
PSXVI-16 Standardized Total Tract Digestibility of Phosphorus in Black Soldier fly Larvae fed to Pigs
Authors: Ha Dong Uk , Park Kwanho , Kim Beob Gyun G
Published: September 2022

The objective of the present study was to determine standardized total tract digestibility of phosphorus (P) in black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larvae fed to pigs. Test ingredients were fish meal (66.2% crude protein, 9.2% ether extract, and 2.63% P), 3 sources of defatted BSF larva meal (43.1 to 59.2% crude protein, 8.6 to 13.2% ether extract, and 0.91 to 1.06% P), and a source of full-fat BSF larva (34.2% crude protein, 36.0% ether extract, and 0.70% P). Six barrows with an initial mean body weight of 78.1 kg (SD = 1.0) were individually housed in metabolism crates. Six diets were assigned to the 6 pigs in a 6 × 7 Latin square design with 7 periods resulting in 7 replicates for each treatment. Five experimental diets contained fish meal, defatted BSF larva meal, or full-fat BSF larva at 25% as the sole source of P. Additionally, a P-free diet mainly based on corn starch, sucrose, and gelatin was also prepared to estimate the basal endogenous losses of P. After a 4-day adaptation period, feces were collected for 4 days according to the marker-to-marker procedure. Apparent total tract digestibility of P in full-fat BSF larva (61.9%) was greater (P < 0.05) than that in 2 sources of defatted BSF larva meal (34.8% and 31.5%). Standardized total tract digestibility of P in full-fat BSF larva (71.8%) was greater (P < 0.05) than that in fish meal (51.0%) or 2 sources of defatted BSF larva meal (41.0% and 38.9%). The basal endogenous losses of P were estimated to be 189 ± 62 mg per kg dry matter intake. In conclusion, P in defatted BSF larva meal was less digestible compared with full-fat BSF larva.
PSVII-3 Effects of Feeding Direct-fed Microbials on Digestibility and Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of Finishing Bos Indicus Cattle
Authors: de Dias Bruno Garcia Carvalho , Meschiatti Murilo A , Brixner Bárbara , Almeida Alecsander , Cappellozza Bruno , Copani Giuseppe , Ferreira Paulo , Queiroz Oscar , Santos Flavio
Published: September 2022

Direct feed microbials (DFM) are probiotics often fed to feedlot to cattle offered to improve rumen fermentation and/or intestinal health, thus benefiting animal health and performance. We hypothesized that DFM supplementation would improve nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation in finishing Bos indicus cattle. On day -1, 30 rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls were blocked based on initial body weight (BW; 350 ± 35.0 kg) in 1 of 30 pens and, within each block, animals were randomly assigned to: (1) Control: corn-based diet without DFM (n = 10), (2) EFSC: CONT + 1 gram/head per day of a DFM based on Enterococcus faecium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Probios Precise, Chr. Hansen A/S, Horsholm, Denmark; n = 10), and (3) BLBS: CONT + 2 grams/head per day of a DFM based on Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis (Bovacillus, Chr. Hansen A/S; n = 10). The experimental period lasted 35 days, while between days 30 to 33, total fecal collection was performed and on days 34 and 35, feces and rumen fluid were collected at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 h post-feeding for ammonia, VFA, and pH determination. All data were analyzed as orthogonal contrasts using SAS: (1) DFM vs. CONT and (2) EFSC vs. BLBS. Inclusion or type of DFM did not affect either nutrient digestibility or ruminal fermentation parameters (P ≥ 0.40). In contrast, DFM supplementation, regardless of type, yielded a reduced mean ammonia concentration (14.7 vs. 15.7 mg/L; P = 0.05). Moreover, ammonia concentrations were decreased in EFSC at 3 and 6 h post-feeding vs. CONT (P ≤ 0.04), but also less for BSBL vs. CONT at 6 h (P < 0.01). In summary, DFM supplementation, regardless of type, reduced proteolysis, with no effect on other parameters of rumen fermentation in Bos indicus bulls fed a finishing diet.
PSVIII-19 Predict Indigestible Fiber Fraction of Barley Plant Silage by Using non-Destructive Mid-IR vs Near-IR Spectroscopic Techniques
Authors: Refat B , Yu P
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to reveal the potential of using Fourier transform mid-infrared (FTIR) and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as tools for the determination of indigestible neutral (NDF) fraction (iNDF) of barley plant silage. A total of 48 barley plant silage samples collected from different farms in Western Canada provinces were analyzed for iNDF. Reference values were matched with NIR and FTIR spectra. Spectral data processing (pretreatments) included first derivative (FD), standard normal variate (SNV), multiplicative scattering correction (MSC), second derivative (SD) and orthogonal signal correction (OSC). Prediction equations were obtained from each model using an external validation set. The determination coefficient of external validation (R2P) of iNDF was 0.62 for FTIR, while 0.41 for NIR and the corresponding ratio performance deviation (RPD) were 1.69 and 1.38 in FTIR and NIR, respectively. Results from this research showed the high potential of applying infrared molecular spectroscopy for the examination of forage plant fiber digestibility. More studies are needed to improve the accuracy and performance of FTIR and NIR spectroscopies in predicting the iNDF of barley plant silage samples.
Seizing the moment: The opportunity and relevance of the California Conservation Genomics Project to state and federal conservation policy
Authors: Fiedler Peggy L , Erickson Bjorn , Esgro Michael , Gold Mark , Hull Joshua M , Norris Jennifer M , Shapiro Beth , Westphal Michael , Toffelmier Erin , Shaffer H Bradley
Published: September 2022

Conservation science and environmental regulation are sibling constructs of the latter half of the 20th century, part of a more general awakening to humanity’s effect on the natural world in the wake of 2 world wars. Efforts to understand the evolution of biodiversity using the models of population genetics and the data derived from DNA sequencing, paired with legal and political mandates to protect biodiversity through novel laws, regulations, and conventions arose concurrently. The extremely rapid rate of development of new molecular tools to document and compare genetic identities, and the global goal of prioritizing species and habitats for protection are separate enterprises that have benefited from each other, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for each. In this article, we explore how the California Conservation Genomics Project has, and should, contribute to ongoing and future conservation implementation, and how it serves as a model for other geopolitical regions and taxon-oriented conservation efforts. One of our primary conclusions is that conservation genomics can now be applied, at scale, to inform decision-makers and identify regions and their contained species that are most resilient, and most in need of conservation interventions.
Germline variants in cancer-predisposing genes in pancreatic cancer patients with a family history of cancer
Authors: Terashima Takeshi , Morizane Chigusa , Ushiama Mineko , Shiba Satoshi , Takahashi Hideaki , Ikeda Masafumi , Mizuno Nobumasa , Tsuji Kunihiro , Yasui Kohichiroh , Azemoto Nobuaki , Satake Hironaga , Nomura Shogo , Yachida Shinichi , Sugano Kokichi , Furuse Junji
Published: September 2022

Background

Our phase II trial (FABRIC study) failed to verify the efficacy of gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (GEMOX) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with a familial or personal history of pancreatic, breast, ovarian or prostate cancer, which suggested that a family and personal history may be insufficient to determine response to platinum-based chemotherapy.

Methods

This ancillary analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence of germline variants of homologous recombination repair (HRR)-related genes and clarify the association of germline variants with the efficacy of GEMOX and patient outcome in PDAC patients. Of 45 patients enrolled in FABRIC study, 27 patients were registered in this ancillary analysis.

Results

Of the identified variants in HRR-related genes, one variant was considered pathogenic and eight variants in six patients (22%) were variants of unknown significance (VUS). Objective response to GEMOX was achieved by 43% of the seven patients and tended to be higher than that of patients without such variants (25%). Pathogenic/VUS variant in HRR-related genes was an independent favorable factor for progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.322; P = 0.047) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.195; P = 0.023) in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

The prevalence of germline variants in PDAC patients was very low even among patients with a familial/personal history of pancreatic, breast, ovarian or prostate cancer. Patients with one or more germline variants in HRR-related genes classified as pathogenic or VUS may have the potential to obtain better response to GEMOX and have better outcomes.
Realized GARCH, CBOE VIX, and the Volatility Risk Premium
Authors: Hansen Peter Reinhard , Huang Zhuo , Tong Chen , Wang Tianyi
Published: September 2022

We show that the realized GARCH model yields closed-form expression for both the volatility index (VIX) and the volatility risk premium (VRP). The realized GARCH model is driven by two shocks, a return shock and a volatility shock, and these are natural state variables in the stochastic discount factor (SDF). The volatility shock endows the exponentially affine SDF with compensation for volatility risk. This leads to dissimilar dynamic properties under the physical and risk-neutral measures that can explain time-variation in the VRP. In an empirical application with the S&P 500 returns, the VIX, and the VRP, we find that the realized GARCH model significantly outperforms conventional GARCH models.
Concentration without cumulative advantage: the distribution of news source attention in online communities
Authors: Hagar Nick , Shaw Aaron
Published: September 2022

Many attention markets exhibit stable patterns of concentration, where a few producers attract and sustain a far greater share of the audience than others. This inequality often follows patterns consistent with cumulative advantage, a process in which performance compounds over time. Attention to news sources online possesses these characteristics; however, online audiences also fragment across many disparate news producers. How do social media and recommender systems contribute to these attention dynamics? In this study, we examine two paradigmatic models: concentration driven by cumulative advantage and fragmentation driven by stochasticity. We evaluate these models against a large-scale empirical dataset of news source attention in the popular social media site Reddit. While we find high levels of attention concentration, we do not find the stable popularity over time that characterizes cumulative advantage. Rather, sources gain and lose popularity seemingly at random, aligning with a stochastic model. These results demonstrate the persistence of attention inequality, even in the absence of a strong driving mechanism. They also suggest that social media systems can undermine the accumulation of attention to the most prominent news sources. Digital attention markets striving for more equitable allocation require novel mechanisms of organizing and distributing information.
Sirtuins are not conserved longevity genes
Authors: Brenner Charles
Published: September 2022

It is central to biology that sequence conservation suggests functional conservation. Animal longevity is an emergent property of selected traits that integrates capacities to perform physical and mental functions after reproductive maturity. Though the yeast SIR2 gene was nominated as a longevity gene based on extended replicative longevity of old mother cells, this is not a selected trait: SIR2 is selected against in chronological aging and the direct targets of SIR2 in replicative lifespan are not conserved. Though it would be difficult to imagine how a gene that advantages 1 in 5 million yeast cells could have anticipated causes of aging in animals, overexpression of SIR2 homologs was tested in invertebrates for longevity. Because artifactual positive results were reported years before they were sorted out and because it was not known that SIR2 functions as a pro-aging gene in yeast chronological aging and in flies subject to amino acid deprivation, a global pursuit of longevity phenotypes was driven by a mixture of framing bias, confirmation bias, and hype. Review articles that propagate these biases are so rampant that few investigators have considered how weak the case ever was for sirtuins as longevity genes. Acknowledging that a few positive associations between sirtuins and longevity have been identified after thousands of person-years and billions of dollars of effort, we review the data and suggest rejection of the notions that sirtuins (i) have any specific connection to lifespan in animals and (ii) are primary mediators of the beneficial effects of NAD repletion.
Cystic Neoplasms of the Pancreas
Authors: Oba Atsushi , Wu Y. H. Andrew , Schulick Richard D. , Del Chiaro Marco
Published: September 2022

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) have been increasingly identified due to extensive use of high-quality cross-sectional imaging. A recent prospective study showed that pancreatic cystic lesions can be detected in about 49.1% of the population. Correct management of PCN is crucial, since some PCNs have a high possibility of progressing to cancer, whereas some can be completely benign. Unfortunately, it is difficult to accurately diagnose PCNs before an operation, as recent data showed that the diagnostic accuracy for PCNs ranges from 60% to 80% in experienced centres. This chapter offers an overview of the currently available evidence for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of PCNs. It is important to note that the current level of evidence related to this topic is low and the management of PCNs is constantly evolving with more emerging evidence.
Diagnosis and Evaluation of Patients with Seizures
Authors: Asadi-Pooya Ali A. , Sperling Michael R.
Published: September 2022

Approximately, 10% of the general population will experience at least one seizure within their lifetimes. However, not all individuals go on to develop epilepsy, which is defined as having recurring seizures. To properly diagnose “epilepsy” requires that a physician do more than simply establish that recurrent seizures have occurred or are highly likely to occur after the first one. This chapter discusses in detail history-taking, physical examination, and appropriate testing of patients presenting with a seizure. Antiseizure medication selection is discussed, as is alternatives to medication. When to treat and when to refer to a specialist are also covered.
Aggravation of Seizures by Antiseizure Medications
Authors: Asadi-Pooya Ali A. , Sperling Michael R.
Published: September 2022

Drugs may sometimes aggravate seizures, defined as an increase in either the frequency or severity of existing seizures, the emergence of new types of seizures, or the occurrence of status epilepticus. Seizure aggravation can occur with virtually all antiseizure medications (ASMs). Pharmacodynamic aggravation of epilepsy usually translates into both increased seizure frequency and increased interictal electroencephalographic changes. A doubling or greater increase in seizure frequency may be considered as evidence for seizure aggravation. The underlying mechanisms for seizure aggravation with ASMs are not fully understood.
Antiseizure Medications in Patients with Liver Disease
Authors: Asadi-Pooya Ali A. , Sperling Michael R.
Published: September 2022

The use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) in the presence of liver diseases and hepatic dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of adverse effects. The type of hepatic disease may also preferentially affect some enzyme systems that are associated with the metabolism of ASMs. Unlike renal failure, which can be quantified, liver disease is not easily quantifiable, so adjustments in dosing are more difficult. Fortunately, even moderate liver dysfunction does not significantly impact ASM clearance, other than problems caused by the associated hypoalbuminemia. Knowledge of the mechanisms of metabolism and elimination of these drugs is crucial when selecting an ASM in patients with liver disease.
Antiseizure Medications in Patients with Preexisting Psychiatric Problems
Authors: Asadi-Pooya Ali A. , Sperling Michael R.
Published: September 2022

Although most people with epilepsy lead normal lives, neurobehavioral problems are found in a large proportion of patients with epilepsy than in the general population. Higher rates of psychopathology also are observed in people with epilepsy relative to the general population, to other neurological control groups, and to people with chronic non-neurological disorders. This largely reflects the effect of uncontrolled epilepsy and the underlying brain injury, which predispose patients to depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric symptoms. Some antiseizure medications (ASMs) are also psychotropic agents with either positive or negative effects. The psychotropic effects of ASMs in people with epilepsy are, however, variable and unpredictable.
Introduction to the Movement Disorders
Authors: Furr Stimming Erin , Murillas Jorge Patino , Ondo William G.
Published: September 2022

Movement disorders are a group of clinically, pathologically and genetically heterogeneous neurological conditions that clinically manifest as a perturbation in normal motor function. They are categorized into two major groups: hyperkinetic (chorea, dystonia, myoclonus, athetosis, tics, tremor, stereotypies) and hypokinetic movement disorders. Patient history and the neurological examination remain the most important factors when approaching movement disorders. Once a phenotype is established, subsequent imaging, genetic and serologic testing can elucidate the exact diagnosis. Motor symptoms and psychiatric symptoms are highly integrated. Psychiatric manifestations are very common in diseases that are recognized as movement disorders, movement disorder manifestations are very common in psychiatric conditions.
Movement Disorders Associated With SSRIs
Authors: Goldman Jennifer G. , Galicia Carlos Manuel Guerra
Published: September 2022

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) play an important role in treating neuropsychiatric symptoms, including depression as first-line therapy and in other conditions that share a relationship with serotonin, including anxiety, panic, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. In general, SSRIs are well tolerated, with reasonably good predictable clinical responses and usually few adverse effects. Adverse effects, however, can occur with SSRIs, and movement disorders have been associated with SSRI use. The relationship between SSRIs and movement disorders involves complex interactions among neurochemicals including serotonin and dopamine as well as other neurochemical and cellular mechanisms. Various movement disorder phenomenologies of different frequencies have been reported in the context of SSRI use. These movement disorders include akathisia, dystonia, parkinsonism, tremor, and acute and tardive dyskinesia. In many cases, these movement symptoms may resolve after SSRI discontinuation or dose lowering, but in some cases, additional treatments are required. Treatment decisions require consideration of risks and benefits related to medication use, medication selection, and need for management of neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Stereotypies in Childhood Developmental Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Jimenez-Shahed Joohi
Published: September 2022

Stereotypies consist of non-goal‐directed movement patterns that are repeated continuously for a period of time in the same form and on multiple occasions, and which are typically distractible and are not associated with an urge. They can be distinguished from other movement disorders based on their phenomenology and can be seen in normally developed children or in pathologic neurologic and psychiatric states. The pathophysiology of stereotypies likely relates to reduced indirect pathway functioning within the motor loop of the corticobasal ganglia-thalamocortical circuit, with contributions from alterations in dopaminergic, cholinergic, and/or serotonergic signaling. This chapter focuses on stereotypies seen in childhood developmental disorders such as autism, and neurodegenerative disorders such as frontotemporal dementia, and reviews their clinical features, pathophysiology, and assessment. When required, treatment can include behavioral therapy, dopamine receptor blocking or dopamine depleting agents, or serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Tics and Tourette’s Syndrome
Authors: Lenka Abhishek , Jankovic Joseph
Published: September 2022

Tourette’s syndrome (TS) is a childhood-onset complex neurobehavioral disorder. The defining feature of TS is the presence of tics, which are described as sudden-onset, recurrent, brief-lasting, irregular, involuntary movements (motor tics) or sounds (phonic tics). Most patients with TS also have a variety of comorbid behavioral disorders, particularly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and mood disorders. The etiopathogenesis of TS has not been fully understood but genetically-determined involvement of the GABAergic system resulting in “disinhibition” has been postulated to play a key role. Educating the patients, caregivers, and school officials in detail about the spectrum, severity, and natural course of the symptoms of TS is an important step in the management of TS. If available, cognitive-behavioral intervention should be offered to all patients with tics as the initial step of management. Comorbid medical and behavioral abnormalities should be kept in mind and individualized when choosing the most appropriate pharmacotherapy for tics. The common classes of medications useful for the treatment of tics include alpha-2 agonists (clonidine, guanfacine), antipsychotics (haloperidol, pimozide, aripiprazole), dopamine-depleting drugs (tetrabenazine, deutetrabenazine, valbenazine), benzodiazepine (clonazepam), and antiepileptics (topiramate). While botulinum toxin should be considered in patients with troublesome focal tics, deep brain stimulation may be an option in patients with “malignant” TS. A multidisciplinary approach along with appropriate use of the aforementioned therapeutic options should lead to optimal functional outcomes in TS patients.