bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
40 Ecosystem Services Provided by Grassland Ecosystems in Southeast USA
Authors: Dubeux José C , Garcia Liza
Published: March 2022

Ecosystem services are benefits people obtain from ecosystems. They are categorized in provisioning (e.g., animal products, fiber, timber, fruits, pods), supporting (e.g., nutrient and water cycling, soil formation, photosynthesis), regulating (e.g., climate regulation, water purification, pollination), and aesthetic/cultural (e.g., recreation/ecotourism). Grasslands are one of the major agroecosystems in Southeast USA. They provide a multitude of ecosystem services (ES) in all these categories. Grassland management impacts its ability to deliver ES. Management practices such as grazing management, fertilizer application, and diversification of vegetation cover are key aspects to consider. Proper grazing management balancing herbage mass and livestock weight (i.e., herbage allowance) results in net soil C accumulation. In fact, grasslands are one of the most important sinks of soil C. Fertilizer application might have numerous roles in the delivery of ES, some of them beneficial and some others detrimental. Benefits of applying fertilizer include increasing primary productivity and, if accompanied by proper grazing management, can result in greater livestock performance. It may also help to decay recalcitrant litter from C4 grasses and enhance nutrient cycling. Detrimental effects include the use of fossil fuels during the manufacturing process and, if applied in large amounts, might lead to nitrate leaching and denitrification. Integrating forage legumes has potential to enhance the delivery of ES by adding N via biological N fixation, enhancing nutrient cycling, improving livestock gains, and providing a better habitat for pollinating insects. Diversifying functional groups and increasing species richness is a possible way to enhance resource utilization both in space and time, reducing the need for off-farm inputs and maintaining and/or enhancing productivity. Grasslands produce far more than beef and milk. They provide ES that benefit the entire society. Mechanisms to compensate landowners must be put in place to recognize the value they are providing for the entire society.
102 Effects of Cattle Removal Date on Forage Production and Steer Performance in Grazed Cover Crops
Authors: Carrell Russell C , Dillard Leanne L , Mullenix Kim , Gamble Audrey , Muntifering Russ B
Published: March 2022

Grazing of cool-season cover crops has been shown to be a viable tool in extending the grazing season while mitigating environmental risks associated with row crop farming systems. Grazing cover crops is not novel, but most information available on this practice focuses on soil health as opposed to forage production and animal performance. The objective was to evaluate the effects of cattle removal date on steer performance, forage yield, and forage quality. Twelve 1.2-ha pastures were established in a forage mix consisting of ‘Cosaque’ oats (Avena strigose), ‘FL401’ cereal rye (Secale cereale), ‘AU Sunrise’ crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and ‘T-raptor’ brassica (Brassica napus ×B. rapa) and randomly allocated to be grazed through either mid-February (FEB), mid-March (MAR), or mid-April (APR) with an un-grazed control (CON). Three tester steers were randomly placed in each paddock with the exception of CON and allowed ad libitum grazing. Animals were weighed every 30 d for determination of average daily gain (ADG). Forage was harvested bi-weekly and analyzed for average yield, NDF, ADF, and CP. All data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC). The following data represents the first three years of a four-year project. Differences in yield were detected between CON and FEB (3,913 vs. 2,398 kg/ha; P < 0.001), CON and MAR (3,913 vs. 1,908 kg/ha; P < 0.001), and CON and APR (3,913 vs. 2,126 kg/ha; P < 0.001). A difference in CP was detected between MAR and CON (13.36% vs. 11.78%; P < 0.02). No differences were detected for ADG (1.2 kg/day, P = 0.56), NDF (52.48%, P = 0.99), or ADF (30.82%, P = 0.4) among treatments. These results indicate that grazing will reduce forage yield, but removal date of cattle will not further affect forage yield or steer average daily gain.
79 Prenatally Stressed Brahman Bulls Produced Embryos with Decreased Embryonic Development
Authors: Ketchum Jaclyn N , Drum Jessica N , Ortega M Sofia , Long Charles L , Welsh Thomas H , Randel Ronald D , Perry George A
Published: March 2022

The objective of this experiment was to determine if semen collected from prenatally stressed (PNS) Brahman bulls altered early embryonic development compared to control (CON) bulls. Prenatal stress was achieved by transporting Brahman dams for 2h on d60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 (±5d) of gestation. Semen collected from sexually mature male offspring born to transported (PNS; n=4) or non-transported (CON; n = 5) dams was used to fertilize abattoir derived cumulus oocytes complexes (n = 81-100/bull in 2 wells) in an in vitro setting to monitor early embryonic development. Fertilization took place for 18-20h (day 0). Then, putative zygotes were cultured for 8 days. Cleavage was recorded on d3, the number of 1, 2-6, 8-16, or 16-32 cell embryos was recorded on d5, and the number of blastocysts and degenerated embryos was recorded on d8. A subset of blastocysts from PNS (n = 12) or CON (n = 23) bulls were immunolabelled to differentiate inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE). Differences in early embryonic development and ICM:TE ratios were determined using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS (9.4) with well as a fixed effect. On d3, the percentage of oocytes that cleaved did not differ (P = 0.2660) between treatments. Treatment also had no effect on the percentage of 1 (P = 0.1622), 2-6 (P = 0.1138), 8-16 (P = 0.2722), or 16-32 (P = 0.5586) cell stage embryos on d5 nor the percent of degenerated embryos (P = 0.1130). However, the percentage of embryos that developed to a blastocyst by d8 differed (P = 0.0291) between treatments such that oocytes fertilized by sperm produced by PNS bulls (28%) were less likely to advance to the blastocyst stage compared to CON bulls (35%). The ICM:TE ratio did not differ (P = 0.6484) between treatments. Thus, PNS Brahman bulls do not have an obvious problem to fertilize but may produce sperm with epigenetic modifications that hinder blastocyst formation.
77 Factors Impacting Abundance of PAGs After Embryo Transfer in Beef Cattle
Authors: Quail Lacey K , Ketchum Jaclyn N , Epperson Kaitlin M , Zoca Saulo Menegatti , Andrews Taylor , Kline Adalaide C , Rich Jerica J J , Zezeski Abigail L , Ogg Makayla , Rhoades Jim R , Smith Michael F , Perry George A , Geary Thomas W
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to determine factors impacting abundance of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) after embryo transfer. Cows were synchronized using the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR® protocol and grouped by estrus expression 48h after prostaglandin (d0) [Estrual (PC): n = 198; Non-estrual: n = 406]. Non-estrual cows were administered GnRH and randomly assigned to Estradiol treatment (E2: n=202; 0.1mg estradiol 17-β) or no treatment (NC: n = 204). In vivo produced embryos were transferred on d7, with grade, stage, and flush balanced across treatments. Circulating concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were determined on d0 and d7, respectively. Abundance of PAGs was determined on d24 and d26. Cows that were pregnant on d30 were grouped by age (H: 2, C: >2 years) and subjected to analysis. Correlations were analyzed using PROC CORR in SAS, while PAGs were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX with treatment, age, year, sire, and embryo grade and stage as fixed effects. Abundance of PAGs on d24 was influenced by treatment (P = 0.01; PC=0.75±0.09, E2=0.59±0.09, NC=0.56±0.08), age (P < 0.01; H=0.75±0.09, C=0.52±0.08), year (P < 0.0001; 2019=0.42±0.08, 2020=0.84±0.09), and sire (P = 0.02; A=0.49±0.12, B=0.62±0.09, C=0.47±0.11, D=0.77±0.08, E=0.83±0.21), but not embryo grade (P = 0.89) or stage (P = 0.40). There was a negative correlation between d0 estradiol and d24 PAGs (P < 0.0001, r=-0.34), and a positive correlation between d7 progesterone and d24 PAGs (P < 0.0001, r=0.36). On d26, PAGs tended to differ by treatment (P = 0.09; PC=2.43±0.20, E2=2.33±0.21, NC=2.03±0.20). Age (P = 0.02; H=2.48±0.22, C=2.05±0.16), and sire (P = 0.0007; B=2.01±0.20, D=2.52±0.17) influenced PAGs, but embryo grade (P = 0.33) and stage (P = 0.32) did not on d26. Sire was associated with PAGs, and presumably embryo attachment, but not pregnancy rate. Increased progesterone concentrations on d7 were correlated with earlier attachment as measured by PAGs. Estrus expression prior to d0 may enhance earlier attachment of the fetal/maternal interface, and supplemental estradiol on d0 may improve attachment by d26 when ovulation is induced. Funded by NIFA 2019-67015-29411.
119 Randel Lectureship: The Role of Maternal Nutrition in Developmental Programming Using a Sheep Model
Authors: Govoni Kristen E
Published: March 2022

Appropriate nutrition during gestation is critical for optimal fetal development and life-long health. Poor nutrition during gestation, defined as excess or restricted nutrition, can lead to altered growth and metabolic dysregulation in the offspring. Using a sheep model, we have demonstrated that both restricted- and over-feeding alter offspring growth, impair muscle growth, increase fat accumulation, alter circulating growth and metabolic hormones, and alter mRNA expression of genes involved in myogenesis, lipogenesis, inflammation, and glycogen metabolism. More importantly, these negative impacts of poor maternal nutrition persist through adulthood, and can be passed to subsequent generations. Using omics approaches, we have begun to elucidate the mechanisms by which maternal diet impacts developmental programming and contributes to these persistent effects. In offspring from restricted-fed mothers, fetal liver and muscle morphology demonstrated impaired growth and alterations in key metabolites in methionine, betaine, and bile salt pathways. In offspring from both restricted- and over-fed mothers, global metabolomics demonstrated altered lipid and protein metabolism profiles. These changes in metabolites likely contribute to maternal programming of offspring growth and metabolism including efficiency of energy utilization. In addition to changes in key genes involved in growth, lipid accretion, and protein synthesis, preliminary studies suggest these persistent effects may be due to changes epigenetic regulation in offspring. Using the sheep model of both restricted- and over-feeding we, and others, have demonstrated that the negative effects of poor maternal nutrition affect multiple key metabolic tissues during fetal development and that these changes persist into maturity. Therefore, the focus of our current studies is to determine the multigenerational impacts of poor maternal nutrition on offspring growth and health and elucidate the mechanisms that contribute to these persistent changes.
132 Ranking Beef Heifers for Residual Intake Using an Unprocessed Grass Hay Diet and Its Relationship to Greenhouse Gasses
Authors: Briggs Emma A , Holder Amanda , Moore Mikayla F , Lalman David
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to rank beef heifers for residual feed intake and greenhouse gas emissions using an unprocessed, grass hay diet. Fifty yearling Angus heifers were monitored for 62 days using the SmartFeed individual intake measuring technology (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) in drylot pens at the Oklahoma State University Range Cow Research Center located in Stillwater, OK. Means ± SD for dry matter intake (DMI; 6.76 ± 1.20 kg), average daily gain (ADG; 0.51 ± 0.21 kg), body weight (BW; 338.67 ± 55.24 kg), and residual feed intake (RFI; -0.04 ± 0.80 kg) were recorded while the heifers were fed unprocessed long-stem grass hay (10.3% CP, 2.0 Mcal ME, and 56% TDN). Additionally, a subset of 29 heifers were subjected to the collection of gas flux data using an open-circuit, portable, gas-quantification system (GreenFeed, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) to measure (means ± SD) oxygen consumption (O2; 3979.51 ± 510.32 g), carbon dioxide production (CO2; 5299.65 ± 610.89 g), and methane production (CH4; 202.656 ± 28.30 g). Using R, RFI was calculated using a multiple regression equation to predict DMI using BW0.75 and ADG (P > 0.05; R2 = 0.37). To analyze forage utilization efficiency, heifers were classified into three RFI categories consisting of efficient (n = 16), average (n = 16), and inefficient (n =18). The ADG was low for all RFI classifications and similar for all three categories (P < 0.05). Heifers classified in the top third of RFI rank consumed 22% less forage per day compared to the inefficient heifers. The phenotypic correlation between DMI with CO2, CH4, and O2 was 0.66, 0.18, and 0.49, respectively. These data suggest that progress in feed efficiency can be achieved when cattle are tested using a moderate-quality, unprocessed forage diet.
87 Probiotic Supplementation Improves Lamb Performance When Transitioning to High Concentrate Diets
Authors: Moody Jordan N , Whitsel Whitney , Ramsey W S , Redden Reid
Published: March 2022

Lamb ruminal function is integral to their health and performance. To enhance growth post-weaning, lambs are often fed a high concentrate diet. While this strategy is common, issues can arise with ruminal acidosis from excess grain consumption, including reduced weight gain and mortality. We hypothesized that administering probiotics orally prior to the transition to concentrate feeds would improve lamb performance. To assess this, finewool lambs (n = 103; males: n = 47, females: n = 56) were weaned from their dams at approximately 100 days of age at an average body weight (BW) of 25.8 ±0.2 kg and placed in a feedlot. Lambs were randomly assigned to treatments, balanced by sex, of 0g, 5g, or 10g of an orally administered probiotic paste (ProBios, Menomonie, WI) containing live lactate producing bacteria. Treatments were administered upon arrival at the feedlot. Lambs were limit fed for 9 days and gradually transitioned to ad libitum access to a high concentrate ration. At 6 weekly intervals, BW, average daily gain (ADG) and blood plasma were collected. Mixed model analysis, with initial weight as a covariate, revealed that lambs receiving 10g of supplement were significantly heavier (P = 0.01) than 5g and 0g treated lambs (30.3±0.2 kg versus 29.9±0.2 kg and 29.6±0.2 kg). ADG was analyzed with fixed effects of treatment and sex. Analysis revealed that ADG tended to be greater for lambs receiving 10g treatment than those receiving 5g or 0g (P = 0.07). Four incidences of mortality were recorded; however there were no significant treatment or sex effects on lamb mortality. These data suggest that probiotic supplementation may be an effective strategy to decrease detrimental effects of diet transition on feeder lambs and may increase lamb performance while transitioning to a high concentrate diet.
125 Utilization of Performance-tested and NSIP Sires Improved Progeny Performance and Value in Ram Test Program
Authors: Weaver Andrew R , Wright Donald L , Greiner Scott P
Published: March 2022

Sire selection can have long-term impacts on flock performance. The objective here was to evaluate the effect of performance-tested and/or NSIP rams on progeny performance and value in a ram test program. Rams (Katahdin = 104, Dorper = 7, Texel = 3, Cheviot = 3) were delivered to the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SWAREC) Ram Test on June 1. Ram pedigrees were obtained from consignors and rams were classified based on whether their sires were tested in a previous SWAREC Ram Test (TESTED), enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP), or neither TESTED nor NSIP (NEITHER). Some sires (16%) were previously tested and enrolled in NSIP. Rams were dewormed and rested for two weeks. On June 22, rams were given Haemonchus contortus larvae adjusted for body weight (average = 5000 L3). FAMACHA scores and fecal egg counts (FEC) were monitored every two weeks until August 31. Rams were dewormed based on FAMACHA ≥ 3. Select rams were sold at auction as breeding stock. Statistical analysis were performed using SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Rams requiring deworming had greater FAMACHA scores and FEC at all time points (P < 0.05), despite not requiring treatment until August 17 (5%) and August 31 (12%). In total, 17% of rams were dewormed. Of the dewormed rams, a smaller portion of rams sired by TESTED rams (10%) and NSIP rams (15%) required treatment compared to rams sired by NEITHER rams (85%; P < 0.05). Rams sired by TESTED and NSIP rams had a higher average value than those sired by NEITHER rams ($2070 and $1838, respectively, vs. $1078; P < 0.05). Selection of sires that are TESTED and/or NSIP resulted in progeny that had a lesser chance of requiring treatment and sold for greater value.
31 The Effect of Increasing Inclusion of Hempseed Meal on Fiber Digestibility and Performance in Meat Rabbits
Authors: Verret Emily G , Smith W Brandon , Runyan Cheyenne L , Jacobson K June June , Owsley Frank F , Kinman Lea Ann A , Muir James P P
Published: March 2022

Legalization of hemp production in the United States shows potential for utilizing hempseed meal (HSM) as an effective byproduct feedstuff. Our objective was to determine total-tract fiber digestibility of rations containing increasing percentages of HSM in meat rabbits. Thirty-two Californian rabbits, assigned randomly to one of four treatments, were used in a generalized complete block design experiment with two 35-d feeding periods. Treatments replaced soybean meal and alfalfa such that 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% CP was replaced by HSM. Diets were isonitrogenous and contained 28% steam-flaked corn. Weights were collected every 7 d, and total feed, orts, and fecal samples were collected in the final 7 d of feeding for digestibility determination. Rabbits were harvested after feeding periods, and stomach (S) and cecum (C) content sampling was conducted. Feed, orts, and fecal samples were assayed for DM and fiber fractions for digestibility determination. There was no effect of dietary treatment on DMD (52.5%; P = 0.05), NDFD (-29.5%; P = 0.54), or ADFD (-57.7%; P = 0.56). There was also no effect of dietary treatment on S NDF (11.9 g; P = 0.62), S ADF (8.4 g, P = 0.80), S ADL (2.6 g; P = 0.88), C NDF (8.0 g; P = 0.23), C ADF (5.5 g; P = 0.26), or C ADL content (3.2 g; P = 0.33). S and C digesta data were calculated as a ratio (S:C) to evaluate fiber disappearance in GI tract. However, there was no effect of treatment on S:C NDF (1.6:1; P = 0.43), S:C ADF (1.6:1; P = 0.42), or S:C ADL (1.4:1; P = 0.34). Despite lack of differences, ADG was greatest (P < 0.05) from 25% HSM (35.1 g ± 1.16), least from 75% HSM (20.7 g ± 1.20), and intermediate from 0% (30.5 g ± 1.20) and 50% HSM (33.2 g ± 1.16). Data interpreted to mean that HSM may be a viable feedstuff in rabbit diets up to 50% without detrimental effects.
Laparoscopic surgery-associated massive subcutaneous emphysema requiring mechanical ventilation in a patient with endometriosis: a case report
Authors: Tsuyoshi Hideaki , Inoue Daisuke , Miyazaki Yumiko , Kawamura Hiroshi , Onuma Toshimichi , Kurokawa Tetsuji , Yoshida Yoshio
Published: March 2022

Although subcutaneous emphysema is a common benign complication of laparoscopic surgery, airway obstruction can occur due to pharyngeal emphysema when it extends to the neck. Here, we report a case of subcutaneous emphysema extending to the neck that required mechanical ventilation in a 51-year-old patient with endometriosis and severe adhesions during total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Although surgical or disease-specific risk stratification has not yet been established, the severe adhesions due to endometriosis and massive peritoneal defect due to the procedure might lead to the fragility of the subcutaneous tissue, resulting in a massive subcutaneous emphysema. This study highlights the importance of preoperative risk assessment in addition to intraoperative and postoperative monitoring for ventilation disorders and subcutaneous emphysema.
A Hybrid Covariate Microaggregation Approach for Privacy-Preserving Logistic Regression
Authors: Juwara Lamin , Saha-Chaudhuri Paramita
Published: March 2022

Distributed data networks (DDNs) with horizontally partitioned datasets are viable resources for multicenter research studies and pharmacosurveillance. Within DDNs, maintaining confidentiality and limiting the disclosure of sensitive information is critical. Consequently, data sharing between partners within the same network is either restricted or completely prohibited during statistical modeling. Current privacy-preserving methods for logistic regression span two extreme paradigms: meta-analysis (MA), which combines estimates based on partner-specific estimates, is convenient for the analytical center (AC) but requires separate implementations of the analysis by each data node; while distributed regression (DR), which provides overall estimates based on partner-specific data summaries, produces rigorous solutions but is an iterative process that is both time and resource consuming. A practical middle ground that combines the convenience of MA and the rigor of DR is lacking. We propose a likelihood-based approach for logistic regression modeling that combines the rigor of DR and the convenience of MA. The two-stage approach has an equivalent estimation performance as DR but foregoes its multiple iterative steps through an MA update step, and is therefore more user-friendly. The approach uses only aggregate-level covariates to estimate a starting pooled effect estimate and within-node data summaries for a single-shot update of the pooled estimate without requiring individual covariate values at the AC. We call the approach hybrid Pooled Logistic Regression (hPoLoR) and show that it conveniently provides accurate and efficient estimates of the standard individual-level log odds ratios and standard errors without revealing personal data. Hence hPoLoR provides a rigorous yet convenient and application-friendly alternative to MA and DR. The method is demonstrated through extensive simulations and application to the JCUSH data.
1 and 2 Clement in the Pandektes of Nikon of the Black Mountain
Authors: Lincicum David
Published: March 2022

This note presents a preliminary critical edition and discussion of an excerpt of 1 and 2 Clement found in Nikon’s Pandektes.
Large-Bore Mechanical Thrombectomy of Acute Pulmonary Embolism at a Community-Based Hospital: A Case Series
Authors: Ballas Elissa R , Sanders Christopher D , Hoskins Jason D
Published: March 2022

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common, and sometimes fatal, diagnosis that results in over 11,000 deaths in hospitalized patients in the USA annually. In patients with high-risk or high-intermediate-risk PE and especially in whom thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated, mechanical thrombectomy can be an effective treatment option. This case series outlines three patients with PE who were successfully treated with large bore aspiration thrombectomy by Interventional Radiology at a community-based military treatment facility (MTF). Two patients had presented to the emergency department with acute PE and a third of patients with acute PE were transferred from an outside hospital specifically for mechanical thrombectomy due to a complication from systemic anticoagulation. The patients were categorized as good candidates for immediate large-bore aspiration thrombectomy, a recently added capability at the MTF. The patients showed immediate improvement post-procedure and required only one night admission for observation to the intensive care unit. Implementation of this new capability for patients with acute high-risk or high-intermediate-risk PE or with contraindications to thrombolysis provides an alternative treatment with immediate, life-saving capability.
NuSTAR discovery of the hard X-ray emission and a wide-band X-ray spectrum from the Pictor A western hotspot
Authors: Sunada Yuji , Morimoto Arisa , Tashiro Makoto S , Terada Yukikatsu , Katsuda Satoru , Sato Kosuke , Tateishi Dai , Sasaki Nobuaki
Published: March 2022

Utilizing Chandra, XMM-Newton, and NuSTAR, a wide-band X-ray spectrum from 0.2 to 20 keV is reported from the western hotspot of Pictor A. In particular, the X-ray emission is significantly detected in the 3 to 20 keV band at 30σ by NuSTAR. This is the first detection of hard X-rays with energies above 10 keV from a jet termination hotspot of active galactic nuclei. The hard X-ray spectrum is well described with a power-law model with a photon index of Γ = 1.8 ± 0.2, and the flux is obtained to be (4.5 ± 0.4) × 10−13 erg s−1 cm−2 in the 3 to 20 keV band. The obtained spectrum is smoothly connected with those soft X-ray spectra observed by Chandra and XMM-Newton. The wide-band spectrum shows a single power-law spectrum with a photon index of Γ = 2.07 ± 0.03, excluding any cut-off/break features. Assuming the X-rays to be synchrotron radiation of the electrons, the energy index of the electrons is estimated as p = 2Γ − 1 = 3.14 ± 0.06 from the wide-band spectrum. Given that the X-ray synchrotron-emitting electrons quickly lose their initial energies via synchrotron radiation, the energy index of electrons at acceleration sites is estimated as pacc = p − 1 = 2.14 ± 0.06. This is consistent with the prediction of the diffusive shock acceleration. Since the spectrum has no cut-off feature up to 20 keV, the maximum electron energy is estimated to be no less than 40 TeV.
A mitochondrial RNA processing protein mediates plant immunity to a broad spectrum of pathogens by modulating the mitochondrial oxidative burst
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhao Yan , Zhang Yingqi , Niu Lihua , Li Wanyue , Lu Wenqin , Li Jinfang , Schäfer Patrick , Meng Yuling , Shan Weixing
Published: March 2022

Mitochondrial function depends on the RNA processing of mitochondrial gene transcripts by nucleus-encoded proteins. This posttranscriptional processing involves the large group of nuclear-encoded pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins. Mitochondrial processes represent a crucial part in animal immunity, but whether mitochondria play similar roles in plants remains unclear. Here, we report the identification of RESISTANCE TO PHYTOPHTHORA PARASITICA 7 (AtRTP7), a P-type PPR protein, in Arabidopsis thaliana and its conserved function in immunity to diverse pathogens across distantly related plant species. RTP7 affects the levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) by participating in RNA splicing of nad7, which encodes a critical subunit of the mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex I, the largest of the four major components of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system. The enhanced resistance of rtp7 plants to Phytophthora parasitica is dependent on an elevated mROS burst, but might be independent from the ROS burst associated with plasma membrane-localized NADPH oxidases. Our study reveals the immune function of RTP7 and the defective processing of Complex I subunits in rtp7 plants resulted in enhanced resistance to both biotrophic and necrotrophic pathogens without affecting overall plant development.
BLISTER promotes seed maturation and fatty acid biosynthesis by interacting with WRINKLED1 to regulate chromatin dynamics in Arabidopsis
Authors: Huang Ruihua , Liu Mengling , Gong Guanping , Wu Pingzhi , Bai Mei , Qin Hongting , Wang Guohe , Liao Huimei , Wang Xiaoxiu , Li Yanqun , Wu Hong , Wang Xiaojing , Yang Chengwei , Schubert Daniel , Zhang Shengchun
Published: March 2022

WRINKLED1 (WRI1) is an important transcription factor that regulates seed oil biosynthesis. However, how WRI1 regulates gene expression during this process remains poorly understood. Here, we found that BLISTER (BLI) is expressed in maturing Arabidopsis thaliana seeds and acts as an interacting partner of WRI1. bli mutant seeds showed delayed maturation, a wrinkled seed phenotype, and reduced oil content, similar to the phenotypes of wri1. In contrast, BLI overexpression resulted in enlarged seeds and increased oil content. Gene expression and genetic analyses revealed that BLI plays a role in promoting the expression of WRI1 targets involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and regulates seed maturation together with WRI1. BLI is recruited by WRI1 to the AW boxes in the promoters of fatty acid biosynthesis genes. BLI shows a mutually exclusive interaction with the Polycomb-group protein CURLY LEAF (CLF) or the chromatin remodeling factor SWITCH/SUCROSE NONFERMENTING 3B (SWI3B), which facilitates gene expression by modifying nucleosomal occupancy and histone modifications. Together, these data suggest that BLI promotes the expression of fatty acid biosynthesis genes by interacting with WRI1 to regulate chromatin dynamics, leading to increased fatty acid production. These findings provide insights into the roles of the WRI1–BLI–CLF–SWI3B module in mediating seed maturation and gene expression.
Correlation Between Genetic Abnormalities in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derivatives and Abnormal Tissue Formation in Tumorigenicity Tests
Authors: Yamamoto Takako , Sato Yoji , Yasuda Satoshi , Shikamura Masayuki , Tamura Takashi , Takenaka Chiemi , Takasu Naoko , Nomura Masaki , Dohi Hiromi , Takahashi Masayo , Mandai Michiko , Kanemura Yonehiro , Nakamura Masaya , Okano Hideyuki , Kawamata Shin
Published: March 2022

Cell therapy using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derivatives may result in abnormal tissue generation because the cells undergo numerous cycles of mitosis before clinical application, potentially increasing the accumulation of genetic abnormalities. Therefore, genetic tests may predict abnormal tissue formation after transplantation. Here, we administered iPSC derivatives with or without single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and deletions in cancer-related genes with various genomic copy number variant (CNV) profiles into immunodeficient mice and examined the relationships between mutations and abnormal tissue formation after transplantation. No positive correlations were found between the presence of SNVs/deletions and the formation of abnormal tissues; the overall predictivity was 29%. However, a copy number higher than 3 was correlated, with an overall predictivity of 86%. Furthermore, we found CNV hotspots at 14q32.33 and 17q12 loci. Thus, CNV analysis may predict abnormal tissue formation after transplantation of iPSC derivatives and reduce the number of tumorigenicity tests.
Autologous Stem Cells Transplantation for No-Option Angiitis-Induced Critical Limb Ischemia: Recurrence and New Lesion
Authors: Liu Hao , Fang Yuan , Pan Tianyue , Fang Gang , Liu Yifan , Jiang Xiaolang , Chen Bin , Gu Shiyang , Wei Zheng , Liu Peng , Fu Weiguo , Yang Jue , Dong Zhihui
Published: March 2022

Although satisfying outcomes have been demonstrated in terms of autologous stem cell transplantation in the treatment of angiitis-induced critical limb ischemia (AICLI), few studies have systematically reported the recurrence conditions. In the current study, we aimed to investigate recurrence conditions of a relatively large AICLI cohort in our center during a long-term follow-up period. From May 2009 to August 2020, 181 patients with AICLI received peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) or purified CD34+ cells (PCCs) transplantation. The main outcomes included recurrence and new lesions. Patient demographic data, ischemic limb characteristics, interventional characteristics, etc., were identified and analyzed. A logistic multivariable regression was performed to identify the independent risk factors for recurrence by a stepwise selection of variables. One hundred forty-eight patients were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up period was 62.3 ± 37.4 months (range 12-144 months). The 5- and 10-year recurrence-free rates were 88.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1%-82.6%) and 71.7% (95% CI 7.6%-58.2%), respectively. The 5- and 10-year new lesion-free rates were 93.2% (95% CI 2.2%-89.0%) and 91.7% (95% CI 2.7%-86.6%), respectively. The finding of multiple limbs involved (OR 1.322 95% CI 1.123-12.549, P = .036) and ischemia relief period ≥5 months (OR 3.367 95% CI 1.112-10.192, P = .032) were demonstrated to be independent risk factors for recurrence in patients with AICLI who underwent cell transplantation. For patients with AICLI who responded to cell transplantation, the durability of this therapy was satisfactory, with 5- and 10-year recurrence-free rates of 88.5% and 71.7%, respectively. Multiple limbs involved at admission and ischemia relief period ≥5 months were demonstrated to be independent risk factors for recurrence after transplantation.
The Effect of Temperature and Moisture on Colonization of Apple Fruit and Branches by Botryosphaeria dothidea
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Lu-yao , Wang Hua-yu , Liu Na , Lian Sen , Xu Xiang-ming , Li Bao-hua
Published: March 2022

Botryosphaeria dothidea causes severe disease of apple trees in China. The process of conidium germination, colonization, and infection of apple fruit and branches was examined on ‘Fuji’ apple and the effect of temperature, surface wetness and relative humidity (RH), and host surface washates on these processes was studied in controlled environments. Initial germ tube development and hyphal growth resulted in the colonization of the host surface without forming an infection structure. Hyphae expanded radially across the host surface and, after entering lenticels, developed into a dense mycelium mass or differentiated pseudoparenchyma. Hyphae from the bottom of the pseudoparenchyma either directly penetrated the lenticel surface intercellularly through the cell layer, or formed an undifferentiated hypha that invaded the lenticel through cracks formed during the lenticel development. Conidial germination and hyphal colonization occurred at 10 to 40°C, with an optimum of approximately 28°C. Conidial germination required an RH > 95% or surface wetness but, for hyphal colonization, an RH > 90% was sufficient. Conidia germinated and formed germ tubes within 1 h under optimum conditions. However, the pathogen required a longer period at RH > 90% or surface wetness for hyphae to colonize and form pseudoparenchyma or dense mycelia on the host surface. Hyphal colonization is a crucial stage for infection of apple tissues by B. dothidea.
Risk assessment of perioperative neurocognitive disorders, where are we now?
Authors: Soehle Martin , Coburn Mark
Published: March 2022

Purpose of review

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) are among the most frequent complications after surgery and are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. We analysed the recent literature regarding risk assessment of PND.

Recent findings

Certain genetic variants of the cholinergic receptor muscarinic 2 and 4, as well as a marked degree of frailty but not the kind of anaesthesia (general or spinal) are associated with the risk to develop postoperative delirium (POD). Models predict POD with a discriminative power, for example, area under the receiver operating characteristics curve between 0.52 and 0.94.

Advanced age as well as preexisting cognitive, functional and sensory deficits remain to be the main risk factors for the development of PND. Therefore, aged patients should be routinely examined for both preexisting and new developing deficits, as recommended in international guidelines. Appropriate tests should have a high discrimination rate, be feasible to be administered by staff that do not require excessive training, and only take a short time to be practical for a busy outpatient clinic. Models to predict PND, should be validated appropriately (and externally if possible) and should not contain a too large number of predictors to prevent overfitting of models.
Use of a Telemedicine Bridge Clinic to Engage Patients in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Authors: Lynch Michael J. , Houck Patty , Meyers Jessica , Schuster James , Yealy Donald M.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

We aimed to assess the feasibility of using a telemedicine bridge clinic model as a low-barrier mechanism to initiate patients on medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) while facilitating engagement in long-term treatment.

Methods

We established a telemedicine bridge clinic after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration temporarily suspended regulations limiting initial treatment of patients with buprenorphine via both audiovisual and audio-only technology during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The rate of engagement in medication treatment for opioid use disorder MOUD based upon review of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program is described. Referral sources, technology utilization, and payer mix are also presented.

Results

The Bridge Clinic scheduled 208 new patient visits and physicians evaluated 200, a show rate of 96% from April 2020 to July 2021. Of the 200 patients who were treated, 192 (96%) were diagnosed with opioid use disorder. Most patients (159/200, 79%) scheduled audio-only visits. At least 1 prescription for buprenorphine was filled by 185/192 (96%) of opioid use disorder patients within 30 days of the telemedicine visit and 147/192 (77%) of patients filled 2 or more prescriptions. Most patients were covered by Medicaid (62%) or were uninsured (19%). There was no significant difference in outcomes for patients evaluated by audio-only vs. audiovisual techniques.

Conclusion

A Bridge Clinic using audiovisual and audio-only telemedicine served a high-risk, vulnerable population and facilitated engagement in evidence-based MOUD.
Simple, Rapid Spectrophotometric Assay of Dispensed Methadone for Diversion Control
Authors: Brooklyn John R. , Matthews Dwight E.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Treatment of opioid use disorder with methadone is highly effective. Methadone is dispensed from opioid treatment programs under regulated circumstances. However, diversion of take-home doses can occur and is difficult to detect. We wanted to test the application of a handheld ultraviolet light absorption spectrometer to detect the concentration of methadone in take-home bottles that were suspected of being altered by the patient.

Methods

Standardized dilutions of methadone hydrochloride oral concentrate were used to calibrate absorption wavelengths and then compared to take homes from suspected and unsuspected bottles to see if measured concentrations differed from expected doses.

Results

Ten standardized “control” doses were analyzed to determine 99% confidence intervals. These were compared to 104 samples “not-of-concern” obtained randomly over a 10-month period. An additional 103 methadone bottles of concern from 27 patients showed 15 bottles with <25% and 8 with <75% of expected concentrations.

Conclusions

A handheld, low-cost ultraviolet light spectrometer detected altered take-home doses of methadone. This assay presents a simple and effective method for methadone clinics to perform inhouse analysis on “call back” methadone doses. It allows individual clinics to define diversion rates of their patient body, while allowing state and federal agencies to better understand how much prescribed methadone is diverted for illicit uses.
Medial clavicle shaft fractures in children and adolescents: differences from adults and management
Authors: Whyte Noelle S.B. , Veerkamp Matthew W. , Parikh Shital N.
Published: March 2022

Clavicle fractures are a common injury in the pediatric and adolescent population. Most fractures are located in the middle third of the clavicle. There has been no information in the literature regarding the management of extra-physeal medial clavicle shaft fractures in this population. The objective of this study is to evaluate demographic and injury characteristics, management options and clinical outcomes of medial clavicle fractures in children and adolescents and differentiate them from those in adults. A retrospective review was performed at a single institution to identify patients with medial clavicle shaft fractures. Radiographs, clinical features and patient-reported outcomes (QuickDASH) were analyzed. Eight patients were identified with medial clavicle fractures. Two fractures could not be diagnosed on anteroposterior radiographs. Both operative (four patients) and nonoperative (four patients) treatment had excellent radiographic and clinical outcomes, irrespective of initial displacement. Compared to high-energy and life-threatening injuries in adults, these fractures in children and adolescents were sports-related and isolated fractures. Conservative treatment should be considered for medial clavicle fractures in children and adolescents. These fractures are distinct from their adult counterparts and do not lead to increased morbidity or mortality.
Avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity in the pediatric athlete: a systematic review and return to sport analysis
Authors: Vadhera Amar S. , Knapik Derrick M. , Gursoy Safa , Perry Allison K. , Kunze Kyle N. , Singh Harsh , Westrick Jennifer C. , Chahla Jorge
Published: March 2022

Apophyseal avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity (AFIT) in pediatric athletes are relatively uncommon injuries with treatment and return to sport (RTS) outcomes being largely unknown. The purpose of this review is to perform a systematic review analyzing RTS and predictors of successful RTS for pediatric athletes sustaining AFIT. Studies reporting on athletes strictly under the age of 18 years sustaining an AFIT with reported RTS status were included. RTS was analyzed based on injury acuity, mechanism, and management, whereas the incidence of any complications was recorded. A total of 33 studies comprising 90 cases of AFIT were identified. The mean age of athletes sustaining injuries was 14.7 + 1.4 years (range, 9–17 years), most commonly participating in soccer (n = 25), sprinting (n = 21), and gymnastics (n = 7). Acute trauma during sporting activities was responsible for 74.4% (n = 77/90) of injuries. A total of 82% (n = 74/90) of athletes reported successful RTS at an average of 7.0 + 5.0 months. Athletes undergoing surgery had a significantly higher RTS rate (n = 36/38, 94.7%) compared with athletes treated nonoperatively (n = 38/52, 73.08%; P = 0.008). When reported, a high rate of misdiagnosis was reported (39.4%, n = 28/71). Complications were reported in 15.8% (n = 7/38) and 32.7% (n = 17/52) of athletes managed surgically and conservatively, respectively. As such, the high rate of misdiagnosis and subsequent high rate of complications and poor rate of RTS highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment. Future prospective studies evaluating patient outcomes based on fracture displacement, sporting activity, and management strategies are warranted to better treat pediatric athletes. Study design: Level IV, systematic review.
Changes in the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores following sacral neuromodulation for lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Jaworski Elaine Minerva , Sanderson Derrick J. , Gevelinger Matthew , Doyle Paula J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) treatment of refractory urinary symptoms is associated with quality of life improvements using disease-specific instruments. There is a paucity of information relating universal health outcomes to effective treatment of urinary symptoms. The objective was to analyze changes in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) item-bank scores following SNM for treating refractory lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Materials and methods

This is a sub-analysis collected from an institutional review board approved, retrospective chart review evaluating changes between pre- and post-procedure PROMIS scores in subjects undergoing successful SNM implantation for refractory LUTS at a multidisciplinary adult continence clinic. The difference between pre- and post-procedure PROMIS scores was compared via two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Of the 29 subjects, most were female (89.66%), Caucasian (68.97%), nonsmokers (89.66%) with public insurance (62.07%). The median age was 63years and body mass index was 33.2kg/m2. Procedure indications included urinary urge incontinence (83%), mixed urinary incontinence (10%), retention (17.24%), and overactive bladder (3%). Pain Interference and Depression scores had a nonsignificant improvement from 64.2 (ranging 58.9–67.5) to 60.75 (ranging 55.2–67.2), p = 0.21, and 55.2 (ranging 51.5–59.9) to 53.4 (ranging 49.5–61.1), p = 0.33, respectively. Median Physical Function scores demonstrated nonsignificant worsening following implantation from 38.0 (ranging 34.7–40.9) to 36.1 (ranging 33.1–40.8) (p = 0.25). Twenty-one subjects (72%) reported an improvement in at least 1 PROMIS item-bank with 6 subjects (21%) reporting no improvement in any of the item-banks.

Conclusions

Treatment of refractory LUTS with SNM resulted in no statistically significant changes in the PROMIS item-banks of Physical Function, Pain Interference, or Depression. Further prospective investigation is necessary to delineate the relationship of the self-reported universal-health outcomes in the treatment of LUTS.
The effect of micronized progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate in combination with transdermal estradiol on hemostatic biomarkers in postmenopausal women diagnosed with POI and early menopause: a randomized trial
Authors: Mittal Monica , Chitongo Paradzai , Supramaniam Prasanna Raj , Cardozo Linda , Savvas Mike , Panay Nick , Arya Roopen , Hamoda Haitham
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To compare the impact of micronized progesterone (MP) or medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in combination with transdermal estradiol (t-E2) on traditional coagulation factors and thrombin generation parameters in postmenopausal women diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause.

Method:

Randomized prospective trial conducted in women diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause and an intact uterus, recruited over 28 months. All participants were prescribed t-E2 and randomized to either cyclical MP or MPA using a web-based computer randomization software, Graph Pad. Thrombin generation parameters were measured at baseline and repeated after 3-months. Traditional hemostatic biomarkers were measured at baseline and repeated after 3, 6, and 12-months. Seventy-one participants were screened for the study, of whom 66 met the inclusion criteria. In total, 57 participants were randomized: 44 completed the thrombin generation assessment arm of the study, whilst 32 completed 12-months of the traditional coagulation factor screening component of the trial.

Results:

Thrombin generation parameters did not significantly change from baseline after 3-months duration for either progestogen component when combined with t-E2, unlike the traditional coagulation factors. Protein C activity, free Protein S, and Antithrombin III levels decreased with time in both treatment arms.

Conclusion:

Fluctuations in traditional hemostatic biomarkers were not reproduced by parallel changes in thrombin generation parameters that remained neutral in both groups compared with baseline. The absence of statistically significant changes in thrombin generation for the first 3-months of hormone therapy use is reassuring and would suggest a neutral effect of both progestogens on the global coagulation assay.