bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Independency‐enhancing adversarial active learning
Authors: Guo Jifeng , Pang Zhiqi , Bai Miaoyuan , Xiao Yanbang , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2022

The core idea of active learning is to obtain higher model performance with less annotation cost. This paper proposes an independency‐enhancing adversarial active learning method. Independency‐enhancing adversarial active learning is different from the previous methods and pays more attention to sample independence. Specifically, it is believed that the informativeness of a group of samples is related to sample independence rather than the simple sum of the informativeness of each sample in the group. Therefore, an independent sample selection module based on hierarchical clustering is designed to ensure sample independence. An adversarial approach is used to learn the feature representation of a sample and use the predicted loss value to label the state of the sample. Finally, samples are selected according to the uncertainty of the samples, the diversity of the samples and the independence of the samples. The experimental results on four datasets (CIFAR‐100, Caltech‐101, Cityscapes and BDD100K) demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of independency‐enhancing adversarial active learning.
Two‐stage learning framework for single image deraining
Authors: Jiang Rui , Li Yaoshun , Chen Cheng , Liu Wei
Published: December 2022

Single image deraining methods have been extensively studied for its ability to remarkably improve the performance of computer vision tasks in rainy environments. However, most existing rain removal methods still have two major drawbacks which are hindering the technology development. First, the rain streaks are seriously coupled with the background information in a single rainy image, which leads to incorrect identification of rain streaks by many methods and further makes the loss of texture details in the rain removal results. Second, they spend excessive computational cost, which is not conducive to practical applications. To address these issues, a progressive separation network (PSN) is proposed by decomposing the rain removal task into two stages, the bilateral grid learning stage and the joint feature refinement stage, from a novel perspective. The bilateral grid learning stage is designed to expand the distance between the rain streaks and the background information while preserving the image edge details to guide the subsequent refinement. For the joint feature refinement stage, a dual‐path interaction module is constructed to dynamically and gradually decouple the rain streak content and the intermediate features of the clear image details. In addition, an activation‐free feature refinement block is designed to further improve the computational efficiency by removing or replacing the activation function without loss of accuracy. Extensive experiments on synthetic and real datasets show that PSN outperforms state‐of‐the‐art rain removal methods in terms of quantitative accuracy and subjective visual quality. Furthermore, competitive results are derived by extending PSN to the defogging task.
The Significance of Oral Inflammation in Elite Sports: A Narrative
Review
Authors: Merle Cordula Leonie , Wuestenfeld Jan C. , Fenkse Fabian , Wolfarth Bernd , Haak Rainer , Schmalz Gerhard , Ziebolz Dirk
Published: December 2022

Recently, there has been intense discussion about sports dentistry and potential
interactions between oral health and athletes’ performance. This
narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the available
literature about oral inflammation in sports. For this purpose, it presents the
most common types of oral inflammation (gingivitis, periodontitis,
pericoronitis, apical periodontitis), and their prevalence in athletes. Both the
impact of oral inflammation on performance and causes for oral inflammation in
athletes are discussed by presenting current literature. Finally, international
recommendations for dental care in sports are presented. Several studies stated
a high prevalence of oral inflammation in athletes, especially of gingivitis
(58–97%) and periodontitis (41%). Also, many athletes
report oral pain (17–30%) and a negative impact of oral health
on training (3–9%). Besides this, a systemic impact of oral
inflammation is discussed: In periodontitis patients, blood parameters and
physical fitness are changed. In athletes, associations between muscle injuries
and poor oral health are reported. There are deficits in oral health behavior.
Furthermore, systemic changes due to physical stress could influence oral
tissues. Overall, complex bidirectional interactions between competitive sports
and oral inflammation are possible. Regular dental examinations and prevention
strategies should be implemented in sports.
Short term photovoltaic power prediction based on transfer learning and considering sequence uncertainty
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Yan Gaowei , Ren Mifeng , Xu Xinying , Ye Zefu , Zhu Zhujun
Published: December 2022

With the increasing proportion of solar grid-connected, the establishment of an accurate photovoltaic (PV) power prediction model is very important for safe operation and efficient dispatching of a power grid. Considering the multi-level periodicity of PV power caused by many factors, such as seasons and weather, a short-term PV power prediction model based on transfer component analysis is designed by introducing the idea of transfer learning. In order to measure the uncertainty of numerical weather prediction (NWP) and power sequence, a novel algorithm considering weather similarity and power trend similarity is proposed. First, the intrinsic trend is measured by extracting permutation entropy, variance, and mean from the historical PV power sequence. Second, weighting of NWP is accomplished based on the Pearson correlation coefficient. PV power data are divided into different clusters by K-medoids clustering. At the same time, the transfer component analysis alleviates the time-varying problem of data distribution caused by multi-level time periodicity and effectively improves the prediction accuracy of the model. Finally, simulation experiments are carried out on the PV power output dataset (PVOD). The results show that the prediction accuracy of the proposed method is better than the traditional methods, and the accuracy and applicability of the proposed method are verified.
High-speed x-ray phase-contrast imaging of single cavitation bubbles near a solid boundary
Authors: Bokman G. T. , Biasiori-Poulanges L. , Lukić B. , Bourquard C. , Meyer D. W. , Rack A. , Supponen O.
Published: December 2022

Laser-induced cavitation bubble dynamics at different distances from a rigid boundary is investigated using high-speed synchrotron x-ray phase-contrast imaging. This is achieved through the design of a tailored experimental chamber specifically designed to reduce the x-ray absorption along the path length in water while mitigating boundary effects. The highly resolved undistorted radiographs are able to visualize a sharp bubble interface even upon complex shapes, which can serve as high-quality benchmarks for numerical simulations. Here, the measured bubble shapes are compared to simulations using the incompressible boundary integral method. The direct optical access to the high-speed liquid jet provides accurate measurements of the evolution of the jet speed, which is contrasted to the simulated results. After the jet has impacted the opposite side of the cavitation bubble, the cavity assumes a toroidal shape, the volume of which can be accurately measured from the radiographs and its temporal evolution compared to the bubble-ring model. Thanks to the clear optical access to the cavity lobes throughout the collapse, non-axisymmetric splashing within the bubble resulting from the jet impact, also known as Blake's splashing, is observed and characterized for stand-off parameters of γ<1. Measurements extracted from the highly resolved visualizations provided herein have been validated against scaling laws for droplet impact on a thin liquid film, which contribute to confirm and elucidate the splashing phenomenon.
Development of a proactive process to harmonize policy, infusion pump library, and electronic health record entries for continuous infusions at an academic medical center
Authors: Christensen Sean M , Andrews Stephen R , Fox Erin R
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Standardized processes to order and prepare medications can decrease the potential for error and provider uncertainty. Our health system utilizes a standard concentration policy, smart infusion pumps, and the electronic health record (EHR) to catalog, order, and deliver intravenous medications. A need for a more proactive and formalized process to ensure medication listings are harmonized between these 3 resources was identified. Standardizing these resources can reduce confusion, reduce time spent in pharmacy operations and nursing workflow, and may improve patient safety. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to compare and resolve inconsistencies between these 3 sources and to create a new process to assure uniformity in a complex work environment.

An audit-style comparison and evaluation of entries for continuous infusions within the standard concentration policy, the pump library, and the EHR was conducted. All continuous infusion entries within any one of these 3 sources were included. Key exclusion criteria included pediatric and neonatal infusions, intermittent infusions, and infusions in procedural areas. We compared the policy, the pump library, and the EHR to identify, document, and resolve discrepancies in medication name, concentration, rate, and volume; fluid restriction concentration; and upper and lower pump limits. A new method to ensure proactive continuity and consistent updates to the 3 sources was implemented into existing operational workflows. We recommended a total of 82 updates to policy (n = 48), the pump library (n = 30), and the EHR (n = 4) out of 187 continuous infusion entries.

Conclusion

Standardizing infusion resources will reduce confusion, and improve pharmacy operations, nursing workflow, and patient safety.
Pharmacist adjustment of preoperative antibiotic orders to the preferred preoperative antibiotic cefazolin for patients with penicillin allergy labeling
Authors: Lessard Sarah , Huiras Chris , Dababneh Ala , Palraj Raj , Thies Renee , Woolever Nate , Holt Kandi , Schwan Brenda , Poelma Jennifer , Tempelis Jennifer , Sawyer Mark
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Emerging literature has detailed the safe use of cefazolin in patients with immunoglobulin E–mediated penicillin allergy labeling (PAL) such as hives and anaphylaxis. The purpose of this article is to detail efforts led by an antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist working with an interdisciplinary team to optimize preoperative antimicrobials in patients with PAL.

Methods

A pharmacist-led, interdisciplinary collaborative practice agreement (CPA) was activated in January 2020 to permit pharmacists to independently optimize preoperative antibiotics to the preferred cefazolin in patients with PAL if nonsevere or severe reactions had been reported. A patient registry was established covering the timeframe between January 8, 2020, and January 6, 2022. Reaction during surgery was assessed via 2-provider documentation, which included surgeon and anesthesiology staff documentation of any complications during the procedure related to a suspected allergic safety event. Utilization of cefazolin, clindamycin, and vancomycin for preoperative prophylaxis was monitored before and after implementation of the CPA.

Results

During the stated timeframe, 10,182 procedures and/or surgeries were completed on 1,572 (15.4%) patients with PAL and 659 (41.9%) patients previously reporting at least one reaction categorized as a severe reaction, which was hives for 71.2% of these patients. Of the 659 patients with PAL reporting a severe reaction, 356 received a preoperative cephalosporin (cefazolin, 98.8%; ceftriaxone, 1.2%) and tolerated it without a reported safety event, including 52 patients with PAL previously reporting anaphylaxis. An increase in preferred preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis utilization was noted (cefazolin: 86% to 96.3%, P < 0.001; 2019 to 2021) with reductions noted in the use of nonpreferred preoperative antibiotics (clindamycin: 2.1% to 0.2%, P < 0.001; vancomycin: 3.2% to 0.4%, P < 0.001; 2019 to 2021).

Conclusion

A pharmacist-led, interdisciplinary CPA increased preferred preoperative antimicrobial use in patients with PAL reporting severe allergic reactions, including hives and anaphylaxis, without reported safety events.
Emergency use authorization medication distribution, utilization, and monitoring in a national integrated healthcare system
Authors: Shumunov Ashir , Fina Paul , Martin Jennifer , Barrett Alexis , Echevarria Kelly , Cunningham Francesca
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this project was to develop and optimize a dashboard and registry to manage the distribution, utilization, and monitoring of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency use–authorized medications (CEUAMs).

CEUAMs have specific requirements that must be met for prescribing, monitoring, and compliance. When remdesivir, the first COVID-19 medication with emergency use authorization (EUA), was approved, it immediately became necessary for the Veterans Health Administration, a national integrated health system, to describe the requirements for EUA, to distribute the medication in a fair and equitable manner, and to ensure compliance with all EUA requirements. A dashboard was developed and iteratively updated as additional CEUAMs were approved. The dashboard tracked CEUAM distribution and monitoring at the national, regional, facility, and patient level. Par stock levels were initially determined at the national level. Facilities were also able to request an additional allotment of medication based on demand and allocated supplies from the Department of Health and Human Services. Providers completed a questionnaire for the CEUAM for each patient to ensure all requirements for the medication were met. If there were data integrity concerns, the entry was flagged for review at the facility level and, upon evaluation, corrections were made.

Conclusion

Development of the dashboard was resource intensive but provided an excellent mechanism to share information among facilities and national offices. Other healthcare systems can develop similar dashboards to ensure appropriate use of CEUAMs for their patients while meeting all CEUAM requirements.
A nuclear Pandora’s box: functions of nuclear envelope proteins in cell division
Authors: Ashraf M Arif
Published: December 2022

The nucleus is characteristic of eukaryotic cells and nuclear envelope proteins are conserved across the kingdoms. Over the years, the function of these proteins was studied in the intact nuclear envelope. Knowledge regarding the localization and function of nuclear envelope proteins during mitosis, after the nuclear envelope breaks down, is limited. Until recently, the localization of nuclear envelope proteins during mitosis has been observed with the mitotic apparatus. In this context, research in plant cell biology is more advanced compared to non-plant model systems. Although current studies shed light on the localization of nuclear envelope proteins, further experiments are required to determine what, if any, functional role different nuclear envelope proteins play during mitosis. This review will highlight our current knowledge about the role of nuclear envelope proteins and point out the unanswered questions as future direction.
Preliminary Validity of a Telephone-Based Neuropsychological Battery in a Consecutive Series of Persons with HIV Disease Referred for Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Thompson Jennifer L , Matchanova Anastasia , Beltran-Najera Ilex , Ridgely Natalie C , Mustafa Andrea , Babicz Michelle A , Hasbun Rodrigo , Giordano Thomas P , Woods Steven Paul
Published: December 2022

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated use of remote assessments by clinical neuropsychologists. Telehealth was particularly important for vulnerable groups, including persons living with HIV (PLWH); however, limited internet access can be a serious barrier to care. This study examined the preliminary validity of a telephone-based neuropsychological assessment in a clinical sample of PLWH.

Method

A consecutive series of 59 PLWH were assessed via telephone at an HIV clinic in the southern U.S. between April 2020 and July 2022. The battery included auditory-verbal neuropsychological tests of memory, attention, and executive functions, and questionnaires assessing self-reported mood and activities of daily living (ADL).

Results

Study measures demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. PLWH demonstrated worse neuropsychological performance compared with expectations derived from the normal curve and an HIV-seronegative adult sample (N = 44). PLWH assessed via telephone demonstrated similar impairment rates to that of a consecutive series of PLWH (N = 41) assessed in-person immediately prior to the pandemic. Higher telephone-based global neuropsychological scores were related to younger age, more education, better fund of knowledge, White race/ethnicity, fewer medical conditions, and fewer depression symptoms. Global neuropsychological impairment was strongly and independently associated with greater dependence in ADL domains, particularly for instrumental activities.

Conclusions

Although telephone-based approaches to neuropsychological assessment are not ideal, these data provide support for the feasibility, internal consistency, and preliminary validity of this method in a consecutive clinical series of PLWH. The direct comparability of telephone-based and in-person neuropsychological assessments remains to be determined by prospective, counterbalanced study designs examining both PLWH and seronegative individuals.
Ethical issues in community development: setting the scene
Authors: Banks Sarah , Shevellar Lynda , Narayanan Pradeep
Published: December 2022

This article introduces a special issue of the Community Development Journal designed to explore aspects of community development through an explicitly ethical lens. Arguing for a broad understanding of ethics as inextricably linked to practice and politics, it introduces the concept of ‘ethics work’ to capture the cognitive and emotional efforts community development workers expend to identify and handle matters of responsibilities, rights, harms, and benefits. Drawing inspiration and illustrations from contributions to the special issue, the article identifies ethical questions and concerns at three inter-related levels: micro (everyday relationships and interactions), meso (strategies for community development engagement and action), and macro (distribution of power and resources). After examining case examples of micro- and meso-ethical encounters, the article moves to consideration of macro-ethical questions linked to the political context of community development as a movement or project. The importance of interrogating the contradictory ideologies underpinning community development is stressed, ensuring the ethical lens is broad and versatile enough for practitioners to view their work reflexively with reference to postcolonial, postmodern, and posthuman perspectives. The article concludes with a call for a situated ethics of eco-social justice, seeing ethics as embedded in everyday practice while located in political and ecological contexts.
Chromosome-scale genome assembly of a Japanese chili pepper landrace, Capsicum annuum ‘Takanotsume’
Authors: Shirasawa Kenta , Hosokawa Munetaka , Yasui Yasuo , Toyoda Atsushi , Isobe Sachiko
Published: December 2022

Here, we report the genome sequence of a popular Japanese chili pepper landrace, Capsicum annuum ‘Takanotsume’. We used long-read sequencing and optical mapping, together with the genetic mapping technique, to obtain the chromosome-scale genome assembly of ‘Takanotsume’. The assembly consists of 12 pseudomolecules, which corresponds to the basic chromosome number of C. annuum, and is 3,058.5 Mb in size, spanning 97.0% of the estimated genome size. A total of 34,324 high-confidence genes were predicted in the genome, and 83.4% of the genome assembly was occupied by repetitive sequences. Comparative genomics of linked-read sequencing-derived de novo genome assemblies of two Capsicum chinense lines and whole-genome resequencing analysis of Capsicum species revealed not only nucleotide sequence variations but also genome structure variations (i.e. chromosomal rearrangements and transposon-insertion polymorphisms) between ‘Takanotsume’ and its relatives. Overall, the genome sequence data generated in this study will accelerate the pan-genomics and breeding of Capsicum, and facilitate the dissection of genetic mechanisms underlying the agronomically important traits of ‘Takanotsume’.
Linear and Nonlinear Associations Between Vitamin D and Grip Strength: A Mendelian Randomization Study in UK Biobank
Authors: Pinto Pereira Snehal M , Garfield Victoria , Norris Thomas , Burgess Stephen , Williams Dylan M , Dodds Richard , Sayer Avan A , Robinson Sian M , Cooper Rachel
Published: December 2022

Background

Low vitamin D status is a widespread phenomenon. Similarly, muscle weakness, often indicated by low grip strength, is another public health concern; however, the vitamin D–grip strength relationship is equivocal. It is important to understand whether variation in vitamin D status causally influences muscle strength to elucidate whether supplementation may help prevent/treat muscle weakness.

Methods

UK Biobank participants, aged 37–73 years, with valid data on Vitamin D status (circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration) and maximum grip strength were included (N = 368,890). We examined sex-specific cross-sectional associations between 25(OH)D and grip strength. Using Mendelian randomization (MR), we estimated the strength of the 25(OH)D–grip strength associations using genetic instruments for 25(OH)D as our exposure. Crucially, because potential effects of vitamin D supplementation on strength could vary by underlying 25(OH)D status, we allowed for nonlinear relationships between 25(OH)D and strength in all analyses.

Results

Mean (SD) of 25(OH)D was 50 (21) nmol/L in males and females. In cross-sectional analyses, there was evidence of nonlinear associations between 25(OH)D and strength, for example, compared to males with 50 nmol/L circulating 25(OH)D, males with 75 nmol/L had 0.36 kg (0.31,0.40) stronger grip; males with 25 nmol/L had 1.01 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93, 1.08) weaker grip. In MR analyses, linear and nonlinear models fitted the data similarly well, for example, 25 nmol/L higher circulating 25(OH)D in males was associated with 0.25 kg (−0.05, 0.55) greater grip (regardless of initial 25(OH)D status). Results were similar, albeit weaker, for females.

Conclusions

Using two different methods to triangulate evidence, our findings suggest moderate to small causal links between circulating 25(OH)D and grip strength.
Pet Ownership and Maintenance of Physical Function in Older Adults—Evidence From the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA)
Authors: Friedmann Erika , Gee Nancy R , Simonsick Eleanor M , Barr Erik , Resnick Barbara , Werthman Emily , Adesanya Ikmat
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

Pet ownership or human–animal interaction has been associated with better health outcomes in individuals with disease or disability. We hypothesized that pet ownership, as well as dog ownership and cat ownership separately, are associated with maintaining physical function, and leisure time physical activity and that among dog owners, dog walking is associated with maintaining these outcomes for generally healthy community-dwelling older adults participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Research Design and Methods

A total of 637 men (44.1%) and women aged 50–100 years (M = 68.3, standard deviation [SD] = 9.6) completed a comprehensive pet ownership questionnaire that ascertained pet ownership history 10–13 years and had serial assessments of physical function every 1–4 years prior. Linear or generalized linear mixed models with time varying pet ownership were used to examine change in physical function over a mean of 7.5 years (range 1–13, SD = 3.6) according to pet ownership.

Results

Pet owners (n = 185) were significantly younger (p < .001) and had fewer comorbidities (p = .03) than nonowners; thus, age and comorbidities were included as covariates in the longitudinal analyses. Physical function and leisure time physical activity declined with aging across all outcomes (p < .001); the decline was slower among pet owners in overall physical performance (p < .001), rapid gait speed (p = .03), usual gait speed (p = .032), cardiorespiratory fitness (p < .001), and physical well-being (p = .002) controlling for age and comorbidities. Changes in leisure time physical activities with aging did not differ between pet owners and nonowners. Dog walking was not independently related to the maintenance of physical function or leisure time physical activity with aging.

Discussion and Implications

This study provides the first longitudinal evidence that pet ownership is associated with maintained physical function among community-dwelling generally healthy older adults.
Designing for optimum thermal comfort using bioclimate simulation and analysis as an urban and architectural design and educational support tool
Authors: Sayad Bouthaina , Menni Younes , Al-Bahrani Mohammed , Hegazy Ibrahim Rizk , Imam Ayman Amin , Abed Ahmed Mohammed , Alhubashi Haytham Hussain
Published: December 2022

Bioclimatic design is a design process that takes into account climate and environmental conditions when designing for optimum thermal comfort with minimum outside energy use. The present study intends to highlight the role of the bioclimatic analysis in design operations at both urban and architectural scale in Guelma city, Algeria. As our challenge is to provide a precise analysis of the climatic conditions, we have resorted to several methods and bioclimatic tools using climatic data from the decade from 2008 to 2017. Each tool consists of presenting and following the intersection of one or more climatic parameters with respect to time. As a result, we have located the bioclimatic floor to which Guelma city belongs, the overheating, the under heating and the comfortable zones have been determined. The findings are significant to draw up the main recommendations and requirements for a bioclimatic design for Guelma city in particular and for regions with semi-arid climate in general.
Rasd2 Mediates Acute Fasting-Induced Antidepressant-Like Effects via Dopamine D2 Receptor Activation in Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Cheng Ziqian , Zhang Chaohe , Zhao Fangyi , Piao Jingjing , Cui Ranji , Li Bingjin
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous studies have shown that estrogen and acute fasting for 9 hours have antidepressant-like effects by reducing immobility time in the forced swimming test. Estrogen and acute fasting share a common regulatory gene, Rasd2. RASD2 regulates dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) transmission, but the role of Rasd2 in the DRD2-mediated antidepressant-like effect of acute fasting has not been examined.

Methods

In this study, open field test, forced swimming test, tail suspension test and sucrose preference test were used for behavioral assessments. RNA-seq, western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and co-immunoprecipitation were used to explore the role of Rasd2 in a depression model induced by ovariectomy and the antidepressant-like effects of 9-hour fasting.

Results

The RNA seq results showed that acute fasting induced a significant change in Rasd2 gene expression. Depression-like behaviors induced by ovariectomy were associated with decreased RASD2 and DRD2 protein levels in the hippocampus, and Rasd2 overexpression in the hippocampus alleviated depression-like behaviors and increased DRD2 expression. Nine-hour fasting had antidepressant-like effects in ovariectomized mice by upregulating the protein levels of RASD2, DRD2, CREB-BDNF, Akt, and estrogen receptor beta, and these effects can be blocked by DRD2 antagonists.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Rasd2 and DRD2 play pivotal roles in depression-like behavior induced by ovariectomy. Rasd2 regulates DRD2-mediated antidepressant-like effects of acute fasting in ovariectomized mice. Rasd2 can therefore be postulated to be a potential therapeutic target for depression and perhaps also a potential predictive marker for depression.
Immune responses related to the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines
Authors: Matsumura Takayuki , Takano Tomohiro , Takahashi Yoshimasa
Published: December 2022

Vaccination for the prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is considered the most promising approach to control the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although various COVID-19 vaccines have been developed worldwide using several modalities, the vaccines that have shown the highest efficacy to date are mRNA vaccines. Despite their extensive usage, the mechanisms that stimulate the immune responses associated with their immunogenicity and reactogenicity remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarize and discuss current knowledge on immune responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, including potential immune responses and correlating factors underlying the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of mRNA vaccines. We also describe recent trends in the optimization of lipid nanoparticles and vaccination routes. Further understanding of vaccine-elicited immune responses will guide the development of more effective and safe vaccines.
Genetic and phenotypic associations of mitochondrial DNA copy number, SNP, and haplogroups with growth and carcass traits in beef cattle
Authors: Sanglard Leticia P , Snelling Warren M , Kuehn Larry A , Thallman R Mark , Freetly Harvey C , Wheeler Tommy L , Shackelford Steven D , King D Andy , Spangler Matthew L
Published: December 2022

Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA CN) is heritable and easily obtained from low-pass sequencing (LPS). This study investigated the genetic correlation of mtDNA CN with growth and carcass traits in a multi-breed and crossbred beef cattle population. Blood, leucocyte, and semen samples were obtained from 2,371 animals and subjected to LPS that resulted in nuclear DNA (nuDNA) and mtDNA sequence reads. Mitochondrial DNA CN was estimated as the ratio of mtDNA to nuDNA coverages. Variant calling was performed from mtDNA, and 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified in the population. Samples were classified in taurine haplogroups. Haplogroup and mtDNA type were further classified based on the 11 segregating SNP. Growth and carcass traits were available for between 7,249 and 60,989 individuals. Associations of mtDNA CN, mtDNA haplogroups, mtDNA types, and mtDNA SNP with growth and carcass traits were estimated with univariate animal models, and genetic correlations were estimated with a bivariate animal model based on pedigree. Mitochondrial DNA CN tended (P-value ≤0.08) to be associated with birth weight and weaning weight. There was no association (P-value >0.10) between mtDNA SNP, haplogroups, or types with growth and carcass traits. Genetic correlation estimates of mtDNA CN were −0.30 ± 0.16 with birth weight, −0.31 ± 0.16 with weaning weight, −0.15 ± 0.14 with post-weaning gain, −0.11 ± 0.19 with average daily dry-matter intake, −0.04 ± 0.22 with average daily gain, −0.29 ± 0.13 with mature cow weight, −0.11 ± 0.13 with slaughter weight, −0.14 ± 0.13 with carcass weight, −0.07 ± 0.14 with carcass backfat, 0.14 ± 0.14 with carcass marbling, and −0.06 ± 0.14 with ribeye area. In conclusion, mtDNA CN was negatively correlated with most traits investigated, and the genetic correlation was stronger with growth traits than with carcass traits.
Comparison of three maternal composite sheep breeds managed under pasture lambing and purebred or terminal mating systems: ewe body weight, reproductive efficiency, and longevity
Authors: Murphy Tom W , Freking Brad A , Bennett Gary L
Published: December 2022

Extensive sheep systems have lower inputs (e.g., feed, labor, infrastructure) but, generally, lower outputs per ewe than intensively managed flocks. Average ewe prolificacy is low (< 1.1 lambs per ewe) across the United States and traditional expectation is that costs required to support larger litters will not be recovered due to greater lamb mortality. The Composite-IV (C-IV) is a 50% Romanov, 25% Katahdin, and 25% White Dorper hair sheep developed and selected for enhanced reproductive efficiency at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. Objectives of the current study were to compare productivity of C-IV ewes (N = 404) to Katahdin (N = 342) and Polypay (N = 390), two popular maternal composite breeds, in a lower-input system. Experimental ewes were exposed to either rams of their own breed or Texel rams for the first time at 7 mo of age and remained in the same mating system for up to 4 yr. Ewes lambed on pasture from May to June and were expected to rear their lambs in the absence of supplemental feed and with minimal intervention. The ewe age × breed interaction effect impacted all annually recorded traits (P < 0.01) including number and total weight of lamb marketed at 25 wk per ewe exposed to mating (LS25 and LW25, respectively). Within all ages, LS25 of C-IV was greater (1.2 to 1.63 lambs; P < 0.01) than Katahdin (0.71 to 1.17 lambs) and Polypay (0.68 to 1.26 lambs) which were similar. At 1, 2, and 3-yr of age, C-IV ewes had, on average, 12 to 17 kg greater LW25 (P ≤ 0.01) than other breeds. Polypay LW25 was similar to Katahdin at 1 yr of age, but 8 to 13 kg greater (P < 0.01) at older ages. At 4 yr of age, LW25 was similar for C-IV and Polypay (63 and 62 kg, respectively). Overall, Texel mating improved LW25 by 3 kg compared to purebred mating (P < 0.01). Twin litters were most common within mature ewes (> 1 yr) of all breeds (52% to 65%); however, the proportion of triplet litters was numerically greater for C-IV (13%) than Katahdin (1%) or Polypay (4%). The frequency of mature ewes that gave birth to and reared twins (75% to 82%) was high for all breeds. Most triplet-bearing mature C-IV ewes reared twins (43%) though many reared triplets (39%). Ewe reproductive efficiency can be enhanced in lower-input systems by utilizing additive breed effects and heterosis in a complimentary crossbreeding program. More research is needed to identify indicator traits associated with lamb survival and to derive appropriate levels of prolificacy to fit specific management constraints.
One-carbon metabolite supplementation to heifers for the first 14 d of the estrous cycle alters the plasma and hepatic one-carbon metabolite pool and methionine-folate cycle enzyme transcript abundance in a dose-dependent manner
Authors: Crouse Matthew S , Freetly Harvey C , Lindholm-Perry Amanda K , Neville Bryan W , Oliver William T , Lee Robert T , Syring Jessica G , King Layla E , Reynolds Lawrence P , Dahlen Carl R , Caton Joel S , Ward Alison K , Cushman Robert A
Published: December 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the dose of folate and vitamin B12 in beef heifers fed rumen protected methionine and choline required to maintain increased B12 levels and intermediates of the methionine-folate cycle in circulation. Angus heifers (n = 30; BW = 392.6 ± 12.6 kg) were individually fed and assigned to one of five treatments: 0XNEG: Total mixed ration (TMR) and saline injections at day 0 and 7 of the estrous cycle, 0XPOS: TMR, rumen protected methionine (MET) fed at 0.08% of the diet DM, rumen protected choline (CHOL) fed at 60 g/d, and saline injections at day 0 and 7, 0.5X: TMR, MET, CHOL, 5 mg B12, and 80 mg folate at day 0 and 7, 1X: TMR, MET CHOL, 10 mg vitamin B12, and 160 mg folate at day 0 and 7, and 2X: TMR, MET, CHOL, 20 mg B12, and 320 mg folate at day 0 and 7. All heifers were estrus synchronized but not bred, and blood was collected on day 0, 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 14 of a synchronized estrous cycle. Heifers were slaughtered on day 14 of the estrous cycle for liver collection. Serum B12 concentrations were greater in the 0.5X, 1X, and 2X, compared with 0XNEG and 0XPOS on all days after treatment initiation (P < 0.0001). Serum folate concentrations were greater for the 2X treatment at day 5, 7, and 9 of the cycle compared with all other treatments (P ≤ 0.05). There were no differences (P ≥ 0.19) in hepatic methionine-cycle or choline analyte concentrations by treatment. Concentrations of hepatic folate cycle intermediates were always greater (P ≤ 0.04) in the 2X treatment compared with the 0XNEG and 0XPOS heifers. Serum methionine was greater (P = 0.04) in the 0.5X and 2X heifers compared with 0XNEG, and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) tended (P = 0.06) to be greater in the 0.5X heifers and the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM):SAH ratio was decreased (P = 0.05) in the 0.5X treatment compared with the 0XNEG, 0XPOS, and 2X heifers. The hepatic transcript abundance of MAT2A and MAT2B were decreased (P ≤ 0.02) in the 0.5X heifers compared with the 0XNEG, 0XPOS, and 2X heifers. These data support that beef heifers fed rumen protected methionine and choline require 20 mg B12 and 320 mg folate once weekly to maintain increased concentrations of B12 and folate in serum. Furthermore, these data demonstrate that not all supplementation levels are equal in providing positive responses, and that some levels, such as the 0.5X, may result in a stoichiometric imbalance in the one-carbon metabolism pathway that results in a decreased SAM:SAH ratio.
Evaluation of standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids and metabolic availability of methionine, using the indicator amino acid oxidation method, in black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) meal fed to growing pigs
Authors: Tansil Fiona , Pezzali Júlia G , Cargo-Froom Cara , Huber Lee-Anne , Kiarie Elijah G , Courtney-Martin Glenda , Levesque Crystal L , Shoveller Anna K
Published: December 2022

Standardized ileal digestibility (SID, %) of crude protein (CP) and amino acid (AA) and the metabolic availability (MA) of Met using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method, in partially defatted black soldier fly larvae (PD-BSFL) meal were determined in growing pigs in 2 experiments. The Met SID value was then compared numerically with the Met MA to understand how different SID is compared with its MA value. In Exp. 1, 6 ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight [BW] = 18.03 ± 0.34 kg) were used in a 2-period switch back design and fed either a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) or test diet, with PD-BSFL meal as the sole source of AA, over two 11-d experimental periods, at a feeding level of 2.8 × estimated maintenance digestible energy requirement. Barrows were adapted for 9-d to the diet, followed by continuous 8-h ileal digesta collection on day 10 and 11. Digesta were pooled per pig within period. The SID of CP and Met of PD-BSFL meal were 76.1 ± 6.2% and 90.4 ± 3.9%, respectively. In Exp. 2, 7 barrows (initial BW = 18.77 ± 0.69 kg) were used in a 7 × 7 Latin square design with L-[1-13C]-Phe as the indicator AA. Each pig was randomly assigned to 1 of 7 dietary treatments over seven 3-d experimental periods. Two diet types were studied including reference (crystalline AA) and PD-BSFL test diets, each supplying graded intakes of Met at 55, 65, and 75% of the estimated SID requirement (NRC, 2012). The MA of Met was determined by comparing the IAAO response between the reference and PD-BSFL test diet using the slope-ratio method. Linear regression determined a negative slope of the best fit line for both the reference and test diets (P < 0.05). The MA of Met in PD-BSFL meal was 53.3%, which is as expected lower than the SID value. While it is generally appreciated that MA will be less than SID, the use of SID is more practical. In cases where SID cannot explain physiological outcomes of feeding a novel ingredient, IAAO may provide additional insight into whether MA should be explored.
Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome in a Burned Child Treated with an Antimicrobial Foam Dressing: A Case Report
Authors: Coalson Elam S , Ghosh Kanad , Bartlett Allison H , Gottlieb Lawrence J , Vrouwe Sebastian Q
Published: December 2022

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a severe systemic disease characterized by fever, hypotension, desquamating rash, and multiorgan dysfunction. Attributed to bacterial exotoxins, TSS has been a known, though rare, complication in the field of pediatric burns for decades. The adoption of new antimicrobial burn dressings has allowed for the management of small to medium sized burns with minimal discomfort or inconvenience to the patient. In this report, we discuss a 3-year-old male with burns wounds dressed using a silver-impregnated foam who went on to develop TSS.
Sources of Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Their Associations With Serum Cotinine Levels Among US Children and Adolescents
Authors: Merianos Ashley L , Stone Timothy M , Jandarov Roman A , Mahabee-Gittens E Melinda , Choi Kelvin
Published: December 2022

Introduction

We assessed tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) levels based on private and public locations of TSE according to race and ethnicity among US school-aged children ages 6–11 years and adolescents ages 12–17 years.

Aims and Methods

Data were from 5296 children and adolescents who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2018. Racial and ethnic groups were non-Hispanic white, black, other or multiracial, and Hispanic. NHANES assessed serum cotinine and the following TSE locations: homes and whether smokers did not smoke indoors (home thirdhand smoke [THS] exposure proxy) or smoked indoors (secondhand [SHS] and THS exposure proxy), cars, in other homes, restaurants, or any other indoor area. We used stratified weighted linear regression models by racial and ethnic groups and assessed the variance in cotinine levels explained by each location within each age group.

Results

Among 6–11-year-olds, exposure to home THS only and home SHS + THS predicted higher log-cotinine among all racial and ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic white children exposed to car TSE had higher log-cotinine (β = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.91% to 2.37%) compared to those unexposed. Non-Hispanic other/multiracial children exposed to restaurant TSE had higher log-cotinine (β = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.23% to 2.03%) compared to those unexposed. Among 12–17-year-olds, home SHS + THS exposure predicted higher log-cotinine among all racial and ethnic groups, except for non-Hispanic black adolescents. Car TSE predicted higher log-cotinine among all racial and ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic black adolescents with TSE in another indoor area had higher log-cotinine (β = 2.84, 95% CI = 0.85% to 4.83%) compared to those unexposed.

Conclusions

TSE location was uniquely associated with cotinine levels by race and ethnicity. Smoke-free home and car legislation are needed to reduce TSE among children and adolescents of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Implications

Racial and ethnic disparities in TSE trends have remained stable among US children and adolescents over time. This study’s results indicate that TSE locations differentially contribute to biochemically measured TSE within racial and ethnic groups. Home TSE significantly contributed to cotinine levels among school-aged children 6–11 years old, and car TSE significantly contributed to cotinine levels among adolescents 12–17 years old. Racial and ethnic differences in locations of TSE were observed among each age group. Study findings provide unique insight into TSE sources, and indicate that home and car smoke-free legislation have great potential to reduce TSE among youth of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
NEW IDEA FOR DETERMINING THE OPTIMAL NUMBER OF MEASUREMENTS IN ABSORBED DOSE-TO-WATER MEASUREMENT OF HIGH-ENERGY PHOTON BEAM
Authors: Tsuno Hayato , Sasaki Koji , Matsubayashi Fumiyasu , Koyama Tomio , Oosaka Akitane , Sakamoto Masataka , Hosoki Kazunori , Suzuki Hidekazu , Okano Emiko
Published: December 2022

This study presents a new idea for estimating the number of measurements required for determining the uncertainty in obtaining the desired water absorbed dose using the variation obtained from multicenter absorbed dose measurement data. The number of dose measurements depends on the performance of each linear accelerator (LINAC) tested and the dosimetry equipment and procedure used. However, optimising the number of data collected for the absorbed dose to water has been inadequately reported. Using the absorbed dose measurement data collected 10 times as a reference value, we will compare the changes in the variation of the measurement results caused by the difference in the number of repeated measurements of the absorbed dose. The number of measurements is determined statistically such that this variation would be smaller than the change in absorbed dose. Thus, we can determine the optimum number of measurements suitable for the variability of each LINAC.
DEVELOPING DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS FOR CT EXAMINATIONS IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
Authors: Dawd Jemal E , Uzun Ozsahin Dilber , Ozsahin Ilker
Published: December 2022

Diagnostic reference level (DRL) is an appropriate instrument toward promoting radiation doses optimisation in medical imaging. The goal of this research is developing DRL to optimise computed tomography (CT) doses in patient examination. Parameters were collected in CT facilities for common procedures such as head, chest, pelvic and cervical spine (c-spine) imaging. The dose descriptors considered were volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIv) and dose length product (DLP). The DRLs were proposed at 75th percentile CTDIv for head (without and with contrast materials), chest (without and with contrast materials), pelvic and c-spine only without contrast materials; their values were 52, 52, 17, 14, 14 and 38 mGy, respectively. Whereas, DLP values for the aforementioned protocols were 1237, 1459, 625, 565, 605 and 1106 mGy.cm, respectively. This study fruitfully developed the DRLs for head, chest, pelvic and c-spine and can be accepted for clinical purposes.
DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS AND COMPLEXITY INDICES IN INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
Authors: Vossou Marialena , Spiliopoulos Stavros , Palialexis Kostas , Antonakos John , Efstathopoulos Efstathios P
Published: December 2022

The establishment of typical diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) values according to the complexity indices (CIs) for hepatic chemoembolisation (HC), iliac stent placement (ISP) and femoropopliteal revascularisation (FR) is reported in this study. To estimate patients’ stochastic effects, effective dose was calculated through dose area product (DAP) values of this study and E/DAP conversion factors derived from the literature. Data for DAP, Reference Air Kerma (Ka,r) and fluoroscopy time (FT) were collected for 218 patients and CIs were assigned to each procedure to extract DRLs. To estimate effective dose, conversion factors and DAP values were used for seven IR procedures. DRL values for DAP were 141, 130 and 28 Gy*cm2 for HC, ISP, and FR, respectively. The corresponding DRL values for Ka,r were 634.6, 300.1 and 112.0 mGy, and for FT were 15.3, 12.4 and 17.9 min, respectively. CIs in interventional radiology are a useful tool for the optimisation of DRLs since they contribute to patient’s doses.