bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSXII-29 Evaluation of Barbados Blackbelly and St. Croix sheep under accelerated lambing using purebred and terminal sire mating: Lamb survival and body weight
Authors: Wildeus Stephan , Murphy Tom , O’Brien Dahlia
Published: October 2021

Objectives were to evaluate lamb survival and body weight (BW) under an accelerated, pasture-lambing system. Lambs were born to Barbados Blackbelly (BB) or St. Croix dams (SC) mated within breed (purebred) or to Dorset (terminal) in single sire mating groups. Lambs were born in April (2013 and 2015), December (2013 and 2015), and August (2014 and 2016) and weaned at 9 weeks of age. Traits considered were BW at birth (BW0; n = 959), 65-d adjusted weaning BW (BW65; n = 788), and survival to weaning (n = 959). Data were analyzed with fixed effects of dam age, sex, birth type, dam breed (BB vs SC), dam mating system (purebred vs terminal), birth month-year, and significant two-way interactions and a random dam effect. Dam breed did not impact BW65 (P = 0.09). While BW0 was greater for lambs born to SC than BB dams (3.44 vs 3.23 kg; P < 0.01), survival to weaning was greater for lambs born to BB than SC dams (0.93 vs. 0.87; P = 0.02). The dam mating system x birth month-year interaction was significant for both BW traits (P ≤ 0.01). Within birth month-year, BW0 was 18 to 24% greater and BW65 was 12 to 24% greater for terminal than purebred lambs (P < 0.01). However, BW0 differences between dam mating systems were greatest for August born lambs whereas BW65 differences were greatest for April born lambs. Lamb survival was not affected by dam mating system or birth month-year (P ≥ 0.27). Using a terminal sire improved BW without affecting survival of lambs reared by landrace hair sheep dams, making this a viable management tool to increase productivity of forage-based production systems.
PSXII-26 Effects of levels of brackish water and NaCl on water and feed intake by different breeds of goat and hair sheep yearlings
Authors: Ribeiro Luana , Puchala Ryszard , Moehlenpah Alexi , Merera Chala , Goetsch Arthur L
Published: October 2021

Angora, Boer, and Spanish doelings and Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix ewe lambs (6 per type; initial age=296±2.1 d) consumed water varying in mineral levels of a natural brackish source (BR) and NaCl (SL) to determine effects on water and feed intake. There were 6 simultaneous 6×6 Latin squares with 3-wk periods. Water treatments (WT) were fresh (FR), BR alone (100-BR), similar total dissolved salt (TDS) level as 100-BR via NaCl addition to FR (100-SL), BR with concentrations of all minerals increased by 50% (150-BW), the same TDS level as 150-BR by NaCl addition to FR (150-SL), and the 150 TDS level by addition of a 1:1 mixture of BR minerals and NaCl to 100-BR (150-BR/SL). Concentrations (mg/kg) in BR were 4,928 TDS, 85.9 bicarbonate, 225 calcium, 1,175 chloride, 60.5 magnesium, 4.59 potassium, 1,387 sodium, 1,962 sulfate, and 8.3 boron, and TDS in other WT was 453, 5,684, 7,508, 8,222, and 7,319 for FR, 100-SL, 150-BR, 150-SL, and 150-BR/SL, respectively. Wheat hay (10% crude protein, 66.8% neutral detergent fiber, and 8.5% acid detergent lignin) was consumed ad libitum. There were no AT×WT interactions in water or feed intake. Water intake was affected by animal type (AT) and WT (P = 0.019 and 0.038, respectively), with values of 5.21, 4.06, 3.88, 4.65, 5.69, and 4.97% body weight (BW) for Angora, Boer, Spanish, Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix (SEM=0.388) and 4.66, 4.50, 4.61, 4.42, 5.30, and 4.96% BW for FR, 100-BR, 100-SL, 150-BR, 150-SL, and 150-BR/SL, respectively (SEM=0.249). Dry matter intake did not differ among WT (P = 0.573) but was affected by AT (P = 0.002), with values of 2.04, 2,54, 2.58, 2.72, 2.99, and 3.06% BW for FR, 100-BR, 100-SL, 150-BR, 150-SL, and 150-BR/SL, respectively (SEM=0.161). In conclusion, based on feed intake all AT seemed resilient to these WT with TDS less than 10,000 mg/kg.
PSXII-24 Effects of feeding levels on digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of growing Korean native goats (Capra hircus coreanae)
Authors: Lee Jinwook , Choi Bong-Hwan , Lee Sung-Soo , Kim Dong-Kyo , Lee Eun-Do , Roh Hee-Jong , Kim Kwan-Woo
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding levels on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of growing Korean native goats. Five growing bucks (19.5±1.4 kg) with an average age of 5 months were randomly allocated to one of five feeding levels [maintenance (M), 1.1 x M, 1.2 x M, 1.4 x M, and 1.6 x M]. The experimental design was 5 × 5 Latin square design and all animals were housed individual pens (1.2 m × 0.9 m) for an adaption period of 2 weeks and collection period for 1 weeks. Rumen samples were collected before morning feeding using oral stomach tube. Nutrient digestibility increased linearly in goat as feeding level increased (P < 0.01), but body weight did not differ among feeding levels. Rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration showed no significantly differences among feeding levels. The total and individual volatile fatty acids concentration increased linearly (P < 0.01) and quadratically (P < 0.05) with increased feeding levels. Blood metabolites did not differ among feeding levels. The fecal energy loss was not influenced by feeding levels, but digestible energy was increased linearly (P < 0.01) and quadratically (P < 0.05) with increased feeding levels. The metabolizable energy requirement was estimated using quadratic line model and ranged from 154 to 163 kcal per metabolic body weight based on average daily gain and ME intake. These results suggest that higher feeding levels of growing goat increases digestibility and nutrient utilization efficiency in the rumen. These results serve as a basis for the establishment of goat feeding programs at the farm scale in the Republic of Korea.
PSXII-30 Genetic and phenotypic correlations for growth and resistance to gastrointestinal parasitism in meat goats and hair sheep
Authors: Tsukahara Yoko , Gipson Terry A , Hart Steven P , Dawson Lionel J , Wang Zaisen , Puchala Ryszard , Sahlu Tilahun , Goetsch Arthur L
Published: October 2021

Genetic and phenotypic correlations for growth and response to parasite infection traits were estimated for growing male meat goats and hair sheep from different farms in the southcentral United States during three consecutive central performance tests (CPT). Data were collected for 7–10 wk after artificial infection with Haemonchus contortus, which included average daily gain (ADG), fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), and immunoglobin (Ig) levels. Animals evaluated were selected randomly in year 1 and in years 2 and 3 progeny of CPT sires classified as highly or moderately resistant and included 46, 50, and 51 Boer, Kiko, and Spanish goats and 59, 61, 34, and 46 Dorper, Katahdin-farm A, Katahdin-farm B, and St. Croix sheep, respectively. Females were classified accordingly on-farm based on FEC and FAMACHA. Pedigree records included 4 and 10 full-sibs and 97 and 149 half-sibs for goats and sheep, respectively. Variance components and correlations were estimated by AIREML using WOMBAT with a multivariate animal model. The additive genetic correlation between FEC and PCV was negative for goats (r=-041, P < 0.001) but positive for sheep (r=0.21, P = 0.004), whereas the phenotypic correlation between FEC and PCV was nonsignificant for goats but negative for sheep (r=-0.252, P < 0.001). The genetic correlation between FEC and IgA was positive (r=0.39, P < 0.001) for goats but nonsignificant (P = 0.439) for sheep, whereas those of FEC with IgM and IgG were both negative (r=-0.369 and -0.732 with IgM and r=-0.284 and -0.702 for goats and sheep, respectively; P < 0.001). Genetic and phenotypic correlations between ADG and FEC were nonsignificant for both species. In conclusion, different relationships of FEC and PCV between species require careful attention during selection and the lack of relationship between ADG and FEC suggests that selection of growing male meat goats and hair sheep for resistance to internal parasitism will not adversely affect growth performance.
PSXIV-19 Heritability for growth and resistance to gastrointestinal parasitism in meat goats and hair sheep
Authors: Tsukahara Yoko , Gipson Terry A , Hart Steven P , Dawson Lionel J , Wang Zaisen , Puchala Ryszard , Sahlu Tilahun , Goetsch Arthur L
Published: October 2021

Genetic selection for resistance to internal parasitism is of great research interest. Heritabilities were determined for average daily gain (ADG), logarithmic transformed fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), and serum immunoglobin (Ig) levels of growing male meat goats and hair sheep from different farms in the southcentral USA during three consecutive central performance tests (CPT). Tests entailed 7–10 wk of data collection after artificial infection with Haemonchus contortus. In year 1, animals evaluated were selected randomly and in years 2 and 3 progeny of CPT sires classified as highly or moderately resistant, which included 46, 50, and 51 Boer, Kiko, and Spanish and 59, 61, 34, and 46 Dorper, Katahdin-farm A, Katahdin-farm B, and St. Croix, respectively. Females were classified accordingly on-farm based on FEC and FAMACHA. Pedigree records consisted of 32 and 57 known sires, 95 and 152 known dams including 4 and 10 full-sibs and 97 and 149 half-sibs for goats and sheep, respectively. Variance components and heritabilities were estimated by AIREML using WOMBAT with a multivariate animal model. Heritability estimates were 0.48 ± 0.214 and 0.85 ± 0.157 of ADG, 0.31 ± 0.237 and 0.20 ± 0.172 of FEC, 0.60 ± 0.206 and 0.24 ± 0.185 of PCV, 0.26 ± 0.172 and 0.51 ± 0.167 of IgA, 0.335 and 0.543 of IgM, and 0.14 ± 0.192 and 0.31 ± 0.190 of IgG for goats and sheep, respectively. Reasons for relatively high heritabilities for all traits include the low residual variance estimates due primarily to a standardized environment in the performance test. In conclusion, moderate to high heritabilities were found for growth performance and response to parasite infection for growing meat goat and hair sheep males under a standardized environment that suggests considerable for genetic improvement through selection.
PSXIV-18 Genetic improvement for resistance to gastrointestinal parasitism in growing meat goats and hair sheep through a centralized performance test in the southcentral USA
Authors: Goetsch Arthur L , Tsukahara Yoko , Gipson Terry A , Hart Steven P , Dawson Lionel J , Wang Zaisen , Puchala Ryszard , Sahlu Tilahun
Published: October 2021

Progress from selecting meat goats and hair sheep from different farms in the southcentral United States for resistance to internal parasitism during three consecutive central performance tests was evaluated. Tests entailed 7–10 wk of data collection after artificial infection of growing males with Haemonchus contortus larvae. There were 44, 50, and 50 Boer, Kiko, and Spanish goats and 54, 55, 34, and 47 Dorper, Katahdin-farm-A, Katahdin-farm-B, and St. Croix sheep, respectively. In year 1, males were randomly selected and in years 2 and 3 were progeny of sires and females classified as highly and moderately resistant. Criteria for males was average daily gain and residual feed intake during the performance test and means of fecal egg count (FEC) and packed cell volume after artificial infection and for females was FEC and FAMACHA on-farm. There were interactions in FEC of breed×year (P < 0.001) for both species (1,046; 1,134; and 2,630 for Boer; 3,781; 1,239; and 1,216 for Kiko; 1,303; 1,357; and 1,464 for Spanish; 3,288; 1,956; and 1,315 for Dorper; 1,528; 1,759; and 2,241 for Katahdin-A, 2,414; 3,874; and 1,793 for Katahdin-B; and 1,371; 1,160; and 1,175 eggs/g for St. Croix in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively) and year×resistance group (RG; P = 0.005) for goats (1,359; 610, and 552 for high; 1,951; 1,268; and 1,440 for moderate; 2,821; 1,852; and 3,118 eggs/g for low RG in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively) but not for sheep (P = 0.639). In conclusion, resistance appeared greatest for Spanish and St. Croix within species and was increased by selection of Kiko and Dorper. For highly resistant goats, lower FEC in year 2 and 3 vs. 1, compared with no year differences for moderate and low RG, indicates selection progress, and the lack of similar differences for sheep may reflect their relatively greater resistance.
PSXIV-22 Selection for low fecal egg count estimated breeding value correlates with greater circulating antibody in sheep
Authors: Smith Desirae , Bentley Kelsey , Bowdridge Scott A
Published: October 2021

Sheep selected for resistance to gastro-intestinal parasites have been shown to have greater survivability to weaning. Data from Katahdin sheep indicates that selection based on post-weaning fecal egg count estimated breeding values (PWFEC EBV) may further improve generalized immunity. However, no data exists to confirm this increased circulating antibody occurs in breeds genetically unrelated to Katahdins. In the fall of 2020 post-weaning blood and fecal samples were collected from Shropshire sheep (n = 42) and Polypay sheep (n = 91). The blood samples were analyzed for total immunoglobulin-G (IgG) using ELISA. Shropshire sheep were sorted into low (PWFEC EBV < 0) and high (PWFEC EBV > 0) groups based on fecal egg count (FEC), which were analyzed via a modified McMaster’s method. Polypay sheep were sorted into three groups by PWEC EBV; A (< -50) B (>-50 < +50) and C (>+50). In Shropshire group, individuals with low FEC had greater average IgG concentration (87.9 µg/mL) than those with high FEC (62.4 µg/mL) (P > 0.05). In the Polypay group, sheep in PWFEC EBV group A had numerically higher IgG concentration (86.2 µg/mL) than sheep in group B (71.2 µg/mL) and group C (53.1 µg/mL) (P > 0.05). While data in either breed were not significant, the trend observed across breeds indicate that sheep with a lower PWFEC EBV have numerically greater circulating antibody.
PSXIV-16 Performance, carcass, wholesale, and retail cuts yield of lambs reared under thermal stress in grazing conditions and slaughtered at two body weights
Authors: Rodriguez Abner A , Rivera Aixa , Bayne Alana , Duckett Susan K
Published: October 2021

Lamb production in tropical areas is conducted under heat stress in extensive grazing conditions of naturalized pastures (NP). The average daily gain (ADG) and yields of hot (HCY) and cold (CCY) carcass, wholesale cuts (WSC); neck (N), shoulder (SL), ribs 5–12 (RIB), loin (LN) and leg (LG), and detail cuts (DTC); shoulder chops (SCH), french chops (FCH), ribs (RS), back leg (BL) and shanks (SH) of 12 lambs (X = 19.4 kg) rotationally grazed (3 d occupation and 24 d resting period) for 154 or 238 d were determined. The Lambs grazed >8 h NP, grass hay and water were offered ad libitum, 150 g/d of a supplement (12% CP), and mineral blocks. Weekly weights were used to determine ADG. Lambs were slaughtered at 22 (SW1) or 35 kg (SM2) to determine HCY and CCY, and WSC and DTC yield as % of cold carcass weight. Performance data was analyzed as a randomized experimental (CRD) design over time. Carcass and cut yields data were analyzed as a CRD with 6 replicates per treatment. Lambs fed during 238-d had similar ADG than those fed 154-d (68.14 vs.47.74 g/d). SW1 and SW2 had similar percentages of HCY (35.21 vs. 38.14) and CCY (34.48 vs. 37.40). The WSC as % of cold carcass weight, N (6.43 vs. 7.06), SL (29.95 vs. 30.20), RIB (16.10 vs. 16.95), LN (10.84 vs. 11.33) and LG (36.51 vs. 34.44) were similar for SW1 and SW2. Yield of SCH and SH was lower (P < 0.05) for SW1 (15.80 and 8.11) than SW2 (23.00 and 9.11), but FCH (8.49 vs. 8.57), RS (6.89 vs. 7.00) and BL (36.52 vs 34.45) were similar. In summary, lambs slaughtered at 35 kg improved the retail cut yield, but did not influence ADG, HCY, CCY, and WCY compared to lighter lambs.
Co-evolutionary Signals IdentifyBurkholderia pseudomalleiSurvival Strategies in a Hostile Environment
Authors: Chewapreecha Claire , Pensar Johan , Chattagul Supaksorn , Pesonen Maiju , Sangphukieo Apiwat , Boonklang Phumrapee , Potisap Chotima , Koosakulnirand Sirikamon , Feil Edward J , Dunachie Susanna , Chantratita Narisara , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Peacock Sharon J , Day Nick P J , Parkhill Julian , Thomson Nicholas R , Sermswan Rasana W , Corander Jukka
Published: October 2021

The soil bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis and a significant cause of human morbidity and mortality in many tropical and subtropical countries. The species notoriously survives harsh environmental conditions but the genetic architecture for these adaptations remains unclear. Here we employed a powerful combination of genome-wide epistasis and co-selection studies (2,011 genomes), condition-wide transcriptome analyses (82 diverse conditions), and a gene knockout assay to uncover signals of “co-selection”—that is a combination of genetic markers that have been repeatedly selected together through B. pseudomallei evolution. These enabled us to identify 13,061 mutation pairs under co-selection in distinct genes and noncoding RNA. Genes under co-selection displayed marked expression correlation when B. pseudomallei was subjected to physical stress conditions, highlighting the conditions as one of the major evolutionary driving forces for this bacterium. We identified a putative adhesin (BPSL1661) as a hub of co-selection signals, experimentally confirmed a BPSL1661 role under nutrient deprivation, and explored the functional basis of co-selection gene network surrounding BPSL1661 in facilitating the bacterial survival under nutrient depletion. Our findings suggest that nutrient-limited conditions have been the common selection pressure acting on this species, and allelic variation of BPSL1661 may have promoted B. pseudomallei survival during harsh environmental conditions by facilitating bacterial adherence to different surfaces, cells, or living hosts.
The Interwar Period
Authors: Hawthorne Melanie
Published: October 2021

The upheavals of World War I wrought many changes affecting the way decadence played out over the next two decades. Yet an assessment of some of the main sites of interwar decadence reveals much continuity: it remained an urban phenomenon, but while some cities (such as Paris) continued to dominate, new sites of decadence also emerged (Weimar Berlin, Los Angeles). Gender relations underwent a radical shift but remained a privileged theme, while the new visibility of dissident sexualities (homosexuality, transsexuality) offered new terrain. Culturally, these themes were expressed in traditional literary forms such as the novel, but new forms also emerged, most notably film. Regardless of genre, however, the debts to nineteenth-century decadence are evident throughout. In terms of politics, decadence led directly to fascism in some places, while in others it was the fascists who denounced “degeneracy,” but either way, the period ended with another cataclysmic war.
Colonial Legacies and Welfare Provision in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Cammett Melani , Hartnett Allison Spencer , Koehler-Derrick Gabriel
Published: October 2021

This chapter develops a theory linking the breadth of postcolonial elite coalitions and the legacies of colonial state-building to describe patterns of welfare provision in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It argues that the breadth of the postcolonial ruling elite and the relative reliance on public versus private institutions during the colonial period shaped the expansion and efficacy of public health and education facilities decades after independence. The chapter provides evidence for this argument using an original dataset from Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, and Morocco that documents the development of public goods under colonial rule and post-independence. This theory helps explain why independence led to a radical break with past welfare performance in some countries, but was characterized by continuity in others.
Luxury in the United States and Western Europe
Authors: Roberts Fflur , Allday Florence , Homma Ayako , Malynovska Oksana
Published: October 2021

The United States and Western Europe are key markets for luxury goods, yet it is the latter that is best known for the traditional high-quality craftsmanship and materials that are central to the appeal of luxury goods today. By providing an overview of key features of the markets for luxury in the United States and Western Europe, this chapter will reveal not only differences in demand but also how the luxury industries in these two key areas are converging in many ways. The chapter is based on research in Euromonitor International’s database and reports and is organised around three key cornerstones of luxury, namely, rarity, emotion, and quality.
TMS measures explored by EEG recordings
Authors: Ilmoniemi Risto J. , Rogasch Nigel C. , Casarotto Silvia
Published: October 2021

This chapter describes the use of electroencephalography (EEG) to measure neuronal activity evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We discuss the major research and clinical applications of TMS–EEG and review synthetic measures designed to assess the functional status of cortical networks, such as neuronal excitability and effective connectivity. We first highlight that brain reactivity to TMS crucially depends on the anatomical and functional characteristics of the cortical region being stimulated. These findings suggest that the responses to stimulation of the primary motor cortex should be considered a special rather than a representative case of the brain’s reaction to TMS. Next, we describe TMS–EEG-based measures of (i) cortical reactivity in the time and frequency domains, (ii) excitation and inhibition provided by paired-pulse paradigms, and (iii) neuroplasticity induced by non-invasive neuromodulatory interventions. Finally, we discuss the methodological challenges related to concurrent TMS–EEG and review methods for minimizing/suppressing artifacts that may contaminate brain signals. We conclude that TMS–EEG has great potential for becoming an effective research and clinical tool, provided that: 1) data quality is monitored in real time; 2) effective and sound artifact-removal methods are developed and implemented; and 3) sufficient control studies are performed to assess the impact of TMS on the cortex.
Legal Uses of Anthropology in France in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries
Authors: Audren Frédéric , Guerlain Laetitia
Published: October 2021

This chapter sheds light on the long-standing history of the relationship between law and the human and social sciences in nineteenth- and twentieth-century France. This story has often been reduced to its most recent and academic development, that is, legal anthropology. However, focusing on this strictly contemporary, academic definition of anthropology risks overlooking the many and varied ways of thinking that, over the past two centuries and more, have shaped the relationship between law and the study of humanity. The authors suggest that such an approach obscures the depth and the variety of forms that this relationship took over time. This chapter documents the various ways that legal scholars in France—over the course of two centuries marked by the rise of codification and legal positivism—drew upon history, philology, ethnology, physical anthropology, and sociology, all in the pursuit of a more profound understanding of homo juridicus.
Paul as a Character in Early Christian Narratives
Authors: Snyder Julia
Published: October 2021

The apostle Paul is featured as a character in a wide variety of early Christian narratives. This chapter considers first how Paul is portrayed in a number of different story-style narratives, including the Acts of the Apostles, the Acts of Thecla, the Ephesus Act, and two different accounts of Paul’s martyrdom. Attention is drawn to the creative energy storytellers poured into telling tales about the famous apostle. The chapter argues that many storytellers seem to have felt free to shape their stories according to their own ingenuity and interests, rather than being preoccupied with producing ‘historically accurate’ accounts. It also highlights a range of factors that may have influenced how Paul is portrayed in any given narrative, including plot concerns, pre-existing traditions about other characters with whom Paul shares the stage, and recourse to stock motifs and story templates. In addition to this exploration of story-style narratives, the chapter examines how Paul functions as an authoritative voice in two narratives of slightly different genres, a fictional letter exchange known as 3 Corinthians or the Corinthian Correspondence, and a tour of the afterlife known as the Apocalypse of Paul.
Occurrence of Macrophomina phaseolina in Israel: Challenges for Disease Management and Crop Germplasm Enhancement
Authors: Cohen Roni , Elkabetz Meital , Paris Harry S. , Gur Amit , Dai Nir , Rabinovitz Onn , Freeman Stanley
Published: October 2021

Macrophomina phaseolina is a soil-borne fungal pathogen infecting many important crop plants. The fungus, which can survive on crop debris for a long period of time, causes charcoal rot disease by secreting a diverse array of cell-wall degrading enzymes and toxins. M. phaseolina thrives during periods of high temperatures and arid conditions, as typically occur in Israel and other countries with a Mediterranean climate. Crop losses due to charcoal rot can be expected to increase and spread to other countries in a warming global climate. Management of this pathogen is challenging, requiring an array of approaches for the various crop hosts. Approaches that have had some success in Israel include grafting of melons and watermelons on resistant squash rootstocks and soil application of fungicide to reduce disease incidence in melons, fumigation and alterations in planting date and mulching of strawberries, and alteration in irrigation regime of cotton. Elsewhere, these approaches, as well as soil amendments and addition of organisms that are antagonistic to M. phaseolina, have had success in some crop situations. Management through host resistance would be the most sustainable approach, but it requires identifying a resistant germplasm for each crop and introgressing the resistance into the leading cultivars. Resistance to charcoal rot is under complex genetic control in most crops, posing a great challenge for its introgression into elite germplasm. Moreover, fast, reliable methods of screening for resistance would have to be developed for each crop. The toothpick-inoculation method used by us holds great promise for selecting resistant germplasm for melons and possibly for sesame, but other methodologies have to be devised for each individual crop.
Occurrence of the Lance Nematode Hoplolaimus stephanus Infecting Bentgrass Agrostis stolonifera in Georgia, U.S.A.
Authors: Jagdale Ganpati B. , Takbir Nugraha Gema , Martin Katherine , Martinez-Espinoza Alfredo Dick , Hajihassani Abolfazl
Published: October 2021

A high population of lance nematodes, Hoplolaimus spp., were found associated with creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) in May 2019 in Georgia, United States. The nematode was pathogenic to bentgrass as its population increased by over threefold 180 days after inoculation under greenhouse conditions. Morphological measurements of body and stylet lengths of both mature females and males were similar to a grass population of Hoplolaimus stephanus from South Carolina. DNA sequence analyses of the D1-D3 expansion segments of the 28s gene identified the nematode as H. stephanus. The DNA sequence of the nematode was 99.7% identical to a H. stephanus isolate from South Carolina. Also, the PCR method using a species-specific primer set confirmed the identity of H. stephanus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of H. stephanus Sher, 1963 infecting creeping bentgrass in Georgia.
Lateral Thoracic Artery Can Stabilize Circulation in the Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Pedicle Flap: Single-center, Prospective, Uncontrolled Case Series
Authors: Kumegawa Shinji , Miyazaki Hidetaka , Sakata Yasuhiro , Uemura Kazuhisa , Ueno Kazuki , Wada Yoshitaka , Hyuga Taiju , Asamura Shinichi
Published: October 2021

Background:

Head and neck reconstructions using the pectoralis major myocutaneous pedicle flap (PMMF) with thoracoacromial artery alone are prone to hemodynamic instability, possibly leading to infection, prolapse, hematoma, seroma, and partial or total flap failure (6%–71%). Aside from unstable blood circulation, reported risk factors for these complications include feminine gender, smoking, and having diabetes mellitus. Preservation of the lateral thoracic artery in addition to the thoracoacromial artery has been suggested as a way to improve unstable blood circulation in the PMMF.

Methods:

This is a single-center, prospective, uncontrolled case series. Circulation to the PMMF was studied intraoperatively with and without lateral thoracic artery clamping after harvest. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiopathy, a quantitative hemodynamic assessment method, was used to analyze three parameters: maximum intensity (Imax), time from start of ICG to maximum intensity (Tmax), and slope of intensity (Smax = Imax/Tmax). Hemodynamic parameters, such as pulse rate and blood pressure, were all within normal ranges. Allergy to contrast media was criterion for exclusion.

Results:

Six patients all had oral cancer as their primary disease. Their background was characterized by established risk factors: four patients had a history of smoking, two had diabetes mellitus, and two were women. Postoperatively, no patients had complications at the recipient or donor sites. Mean results of the analysis were Imax: 60 ± 47, Tmax: 91 ± 55, Smax: 0.8 ± 0.5 in the clamped group and Imax: 85 ± 40, Tmax: 73 ± 42, Smax: 1.8 ± 1.5 in the un-clamped group. Significant difference was observed in Imax (P = 0.03) and Smax (P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

Lateral thoracic artery preservation appears to be useful for stabilizing blood circulation to the PMMF, including in patients considered to be at high-risk for complications, such as women, smokers, and patients with diabetes mellitus.
Newly Identified Gross Human Anatomy: Eight Paired Vestigial Breast Mounds Run along the Embryological Mammary Ridges in Lean Adults
Authors: Teplica David , Kovich Grant , Srock Jamey , Whitaker Robert , Jeffers Eileen , Wagstaff David A.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Although isolated accessory breasts have been reported in many locations on the torso, we noted that lean men presenting for liposuction had mounds of fullness in a curvilinear array (axilla to groin) consistent with the configuration of the embryological mammary ridge. We hypothesized that grid mapping and pinch testing would elucidate the pattern of fullness and its relation to the “milk line.”

Methods:

Twenty lean participants (10 men, 10 women) each underwent standardized photography and grid mapping of anterior torsos. We then pinch-tested each for subcutaneous fullness in 250 standardized loci. We used plotted pinch values and OLS regression models to determine if focal fullness corresponded to published configurations of the embryologic mammary ridge.

Results:

We identified a pattern of paired mounds in all participants running bilaterally in curved linear arrays from axillae to groin in the exact form of milk lines. Regression models applied to the male and female pinch data indicated that focal thickness matched mammary ridge configurations in all subjects (P = 0.023 for men, <0.001 for women). Fatty fullness never appeared elsewhere on the anterior torsos.

Conclusions:

The linear pattern of paired focal fat mounds present on the anterior torsos is consistent with the paths of embryological mammary ridges, suggesting these focal fat pads are of breast origin. The consistent mounds are distinct from general subcutaneous fullness and therefore represent a new finding of gross human anatomy. We recommend further research to define differential physiology of distinct subpopulations of yellow fat and clinical implications.
Use of Ultra-high-frequency Ultrasound for Aplasia Cutis Congenita of the Scalp
Authors: Karakawa Ryo , Yano Tomoyuki , Yoshimatsu Hidehiko , Koto Mayu , Nakao Atsushi , Ichi Shunsuke
Published: October 2021

Aplasia Cutis Congenita (ACC) in the scalp is a rare congenital malformation. The treatment for ACC with large defects involving the scalp, bone, and the dura is challenging. Local debridement of necrotic tissue is important to prevent lethal complications such as infection and meningitis. However, debridement has the risk of damaging the sagittal sinus or the dura. Recent developments in ultra-high-frequency ultrasound(US) systems provide frequencies of 70 MHz and capability resolution as fine as 30 μm, which could allow precise imaging of small and thin anatomical structures. The study aimed to describe the methods of precise evaluation of the defect in the scalp and safe debridement using ultra-high-frequency US. This is the first report on direct observation of a newborn’s brain using ultra-high-frequency US. The boy was delivered spontaneously with a large defect of the scalp and bone. After 14 days, due to signs of infection, local debridement was performed carefully under ultra-high-frequency US-based evaluation. The dura, the sagittal sinus, and the small anatomical structures such as arachnoid granulations could be observed. Because the brain herniation gradually aggravated, dural reconstruction using fascia lata and scalp reconstruction using transposition flap was performed. Finally, good skin coverage over the defects was obtained. This method minimizes the risk of damaging the sagittal sinus and the brain parenchyma, which may cause fatal complications. Although further clinical investigations will be required to confirm its efficacy, ultra-high-frequency US has the potential to be a useful device for ACC treatment.
Patient-reported Outcomes Among Vulnerable Populations in the Medicare Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative
Authors: McClellan Sean R. , Trombley Matthew J. , Maughan Brandon C. , Kahvecioglu Daver C. , Marshall Jaclyn , Marrufo Grecia M. , Kummet Colleen , Hassol Andrea
Published: October 2021

Background:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative tested whether episode-based payment models could reduce Medicare payments without harming quality. Among patients with vulnerabilities, BPCI appeared to effectively reduce payments while maintaining the quality of care. However, these findings could overlook potential adverse patient-reported outcomes in this population.

Research Design:

We surveyed beneficiaries with 4 characteristics (Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility; dementia; recent institutional care; or racial/ethnic minority) treated at BPCI-participating or comparison hospitals for congestive heart failure, sepsis, pneumonia, or major joint replacement of the lower extremity. We estimated risk-adjusted differences in patient-reported outcomes between BPCI and comparison respondents, stratified by clinical episode and vulnerable characteristic.

Measures:

Patient care experiences during episodes of care and patient-reported functional outcomes assessed roughly 90 days after hospitalization.

Results:

We observed no differences in self-reported functional improvement between BPCI and comparison respondents with vulnerable characteristics. Patient-reported care experience was similar between BPCI and comparison respondents in 11 of 15 subgroups of clinical episode and vulnerability. BPCI respondents with congestive heart failure, sepsis, and pneumonia were less likely to indicate positive care experiences than comparison respondents for at least 1 subgroup with vulnerabilities.

Conclusions:

As implemented by hospitals, BPCI Model 2 was not associated with adverse effects on patient-reported functional status among beneficiaries who may be vulnerable to reductions in care. Hospitals participating in heart failure, sepsis or pneumonia bundled payment episodes should focus on patient care experience while implementing changes in care delivery.
Revising Recruitment for Focus Groups to Meet Shifting Needs During COVID-19
Authors: Parker Pearman D. , McSweeney Jean C. , Hadden Kristie B. , Hess Kaycee G.
Published: October 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic forced researchers to modify recruitment strategies to meet accrual goals for qualitative studies. Traditional methods of in-person recruiting and using paper marketing material were eliminated almost overnight at the onset of the pandemic. Researchers quickly adapted their recruitment strategies, but researchers had to shift local, in-person recruitment efforts to solely using online platforms. The shifting recruitment strategies were accompanied with unexpected challenges, but we were able to meet our accrual goal for focus groups.

Objectives

The objective of this brief report is to explore new recruitment strategies that developed during the COVID-19 pandemic and offer suggestions for future online-based qualitative studies.

Results

Prior to COVID-19, we designed four main strategies (research registry, marketing material, social media, and provider endorsement) to recruit potential participants for focus groups as part of a qualitative, descriptive study involving young women breast cancer survivors. After the onset of COVID-19, we successfully adapted each of our initial four strategies to recruit potential participants in an incremental process. Using these adapted strategies, a total of 62 young women completed the first part of the data collection process prior to participating in a focus group. Thirty-three women participated in the focus groups, and the remaining 29 participants were lost to follow-up. The vast majority of participants were recruited through marketing material and social media after making strategic changes to recruitment.

Discussion

The most effective method of recruitment was the strategic use of marketing material and social media, and we offer suggestions for researchers considering online recruitment methods. We recommend that researchers use various social media platforms and specific hashtags and target their sample population at the onset of the study. The data collection changes initiated by the effects of COVID-19 may remain, and researchers can consider implementing permanent recruitment strategies to best meet the needs of this new landscape of conducing online focus groups.
Single Intraosseous Simvastatin Application Induces Endothelial Progenitor Cell Mobilization and Therapeutic Angiogenesis in a Diabetic Hindlimb Ischemia Rat Model
Authors: Zhu Junxiong , Tan Jie , Zhang Chenggui , Jia Jialin , Leng Huijie , Xu Yingsheng , Song ChunLi
Published: October 2021

Background:

Endothelial progenitor cells have shown the ability to enhance neovascularization. In this study, the authors tested whether intraosseous delivery of simvastatin could mobilize endothelial progenitor cells and enhance recovery in a hindlimb ischemia model.

Methods:

There are eight groups of rats in this study: normal control; type 1 diabetes mellitus control group control without drug intervention; and type 1 diabetes mellitus rats that randomly received intraosseous simvastatin (0, 0.5, or 1 mg) or oral simvastatin administration (0, 20, or 400 mg). All type 1 diabetes mellitus rats had induced hindlimb ischemia. The number of endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood, and serum markers, were detected. The recovery of blood flow at 21 days after treatment was used as the main outcome.

Results:

The authors demonstrated that endothelial progenitor cell mobilization was increased in the simvastatin 0.5- and 1-mg groups compared with the type 1 diabetes mellitus control and simvastatin 0-mg groups at 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels were significantly increased at 2 weeks in the simvastatin 0.5- and 1-mg groups, in addition to the increase of the blood flow and the gastrocnemius weight at 3 weeks. Similar increase can also been seen in simvastatin 400 mg orally but not in simvastatin 20 mg orally.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate that a single intraosseous administration of simvastatin mobilized endothelial progenitor cells at a dose one-hundredth of the required daily oral dose in rats, and this potent mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells markedly improved diabetic limb ischemia by means of neovascularization.
Protective Effect of Fat-Tissue–Derived Products against Ultraviolet Irradiation–Induced Photoaging in Mouse Skin
Authors: Zhu Shengqian , Cai Junrong , Wang Jing , Feng Jingwei , Lu Feng
Published: October 2021

Background:

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation causes erythema, inflammation, and photoaging. Mechanical micronization of adipose tissue can concentrate functional cells and has great potential as an alternative for regenerative medicine. Stromal vascular fraction gel is produced by means of a series of mechanical processes of lipoaspirates and can be injected intradermally. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of stromal vascular fraction gel on photoaging skin.

Methods:

A photoaging model was established in nude mice. Photoaging mice received treatments of stromal vascular fraction gel, fat, tretinoin, or phosphate-buffered saline. Photoaging skin was characterized by histologic and immunohistochemical analyses. Expression of collagen synthesis–related or photoaging-related genes was assessed.

Results:

Stromal vascular fraction gel, fat, and tretinoin reversed photoaging, whereas stromal vascular fraction gel demonstrated the greatest therapeutic effect. Treatment with stromal vascular fraction gel restored intradermal fat tissue content and increased dermal collagen density. Injection of stromal vascular fraction gel had the strongest effect on stimulating fibroblasts and increasing the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), propeptide of type-I procollagen, and Smad 2, decreasing the expression of Smad 3, compared with fat and tretinoin. Expression of photoaging-related genes was significantly reduced, whereas expression of fibulin-5 was significantly increased after stromal vascular fraction gel treatment.

Conclusions:

Stromal vascular fraction gel demonstrated remarkable therapeutic effects in reversing photoaging skin. Stromal vascular fraction gel can be injected intradermally and survive within dermal layer after grafting. This product increased TGF-β1expression and activated fibroblasts to produce propeptide of type I procollagen, thus increasing the amount of collagen I, leading to thickening of the dermis of photoaging skin.
Three-Step Excision: An Easy Way for Composite Labia Minora and Lateral Clitoral Hood Reduction
Authors: Xia Zenan , Liu Chang-Yi , Yu Nanze , Liu Zhifei , Zeng Ang , Zhang Yuwei , Si Loubin , Long Fei , Zhu Lin , Wang Xiaojun
Published: October 2021

Background:

Hypertrophy of the labia minora with lateral clitoral hood redundancy is common, but the excess clitoral hood is often overlooked during labiaplasty, which may result in imbalanced and unsatisfactory outcomes. The purpose of this study was to present an easy method of three-step excision for composite labia minora and lateral clitoral hood reduction.

Methods:

The procedure was performed in three steps: the prominent clitoral hood skin parallel to the labia majora and the clitoral hood sulcus was removed first; then, the protuberant portion of the labia minora was removed by wedge resection; and finally, a triangle at the junction between the labia minora and the clitoral hood was trimmed. Patients were required to return for examination on the first day and within 14 days after surgery. Follow-ups were arranged on the Internet or at the outpatient clinic. Satisfaction questionnaires were completed during follow-up.

Results:

Between January of 2016 and January of 2020, 136 patients underwent composite labia minora and lateral clitoral hood reduction. Ages ranged from 9 to 55 years. Six patients experienced complications (4.4 percent) and five underwent revision surgery (3.7 percent). The overall satisfaction rate within 14 days and after 3 months following surgery was 91.0 percent and 95.5 percent, respectively. Preoperative discomfort was resolved in 43.0 percent and significantly relieved in 54.2 percent, and sex life was improved in 70.9 percent.

Conclusions:

Three-step excision is effective and safe for composite labia minora and lateral clitoral hood reduction with very high satisfaction. Considering the advantages of easy preoperative design and controllable tissue removal, this method could be a better alternative to the present procedures.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Cell-type specific cis-eQTLs in eight brain cell-types identifies novel risk genes for human brain disorders
Authors: Bryois Julien , Calini Daniela , Macnair Will , Foo Lynette , Urich Eduard , Ortmann Ward , Iglesias Victor Alejandro , Selvaraj Suresh , Nutma Erik , Marzin Manuel , Amor Sandra , Williams Anna , Castelo-Branco Gonçalo , Menon Vilas , De Jager Philip , Malhotra Dheeraj
Published: October 2021

Most expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies to date have been performed in heterogeneous brain tissues as opposed to specific cell types. To investigate the genetics of gene expression in adult human cell types from the central nervous system (CNS), we performed an eQTL analysis using single nuclei RNA-seq from 196 individuals in eight CNS cell types. We identified 6108 eGenes, a substantial fraction (43%, 2620 out of 6108) of which show cell-type specific effects, with strongest effects in microglia. Integration of CNS cell-type eQTLs with GWAS revealed novel relationships between expression and disease risk for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. For most GWAS loci, a single gene colocalized in a single cell type providing new clues into disease etiology. Our findings demonstrate substantial contrast in genetic regulation of gene expression among CNS cell types and reveal genetic mechanisms by which disease risk genes influence neurological disorders.
Predicting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Early Breast Cancer Using Deep Learning on Primary Tumor Biopsy Slides
Authors: Xu Feng , Zhu Chuang , Tang Wenqi , Wang Ying , Zhang Yu , Li Jie , Jiang Hongchuan , Shi Zhongyue , Liu Jun , Jin Mulan
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To develop and validate a deep learning (DL) based primary tumor biopsy signature for predicting axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis preoperatively in early breast cancer (EBC) patients with clinically negative ALN.

Methods

A total of 1058 EBC patients with pathologically confirmed ALN status were enrolled from May 2010 to August 2020. A deep learning core-needle biopsy (DL-CNB) model was built on the attention based multiple instance learning (AMIL) framework to predict ALN status utilizing the deep learning features, which were extracted from the cancer areas of digitized whole-slide images (WSIs) of breast CNB specimens annotated by two pathologists. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were analyzed to evaluate our model.

Results

The best performing DL-CNB model with VGG16_BN as the feature extractor achieved an AUC of 0.816 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.758, 0.865) in predicting positive ALN metastasis in the independent test cohort. Furthermore, our model incorporating the clinical data, which was called DL-CNB+C, yielded the best accuracy of 0.831 (95%CI: 0.775, 0.878), especially for patients younger than 50 years (AUC: 0.918, 95%CI: 0.825, 0.971). The interpretation of DL-CNB model showed that the top signatures most predictive of ALN metastasis were characterized by the nuclei features including density (p=0.015), circumference (p=0.009), circularity (p=0.010), and orientation (p=0.012).

Conclusion

Our study provides a novel deep learning-based biomarker on primary tumor CNB slides to predict the metastatic status of ALN preoperatively for patients with early breast cancer.