bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of flush feeding strategy before breeding on reproductive performance of modern replacement gilts: impacts on ovulation rate and litter traits
Authors: Mallmann André L , Arend Lidia S , Oliveira Gabriela S , Mellagi Ana P G , Ulguim Rafael R , Bernardi Mari L , Bortolozzo Fernando P , Knox Robert V
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe effects of two feed levels offered during two estrous cycles before insemination were evaluated on the reproductive performance of gilts. A total of 93 gilts (PIC Hendersonville, TN) were individually housed and manually fed twice a day with 2.1 or 3.6 kg/d of a corn and soybean meal-based diet (3.15 Mcal ME/kg and 0.64% standardized ileal digestible lysine), during two estrous cycles before breeding (cycle 1, between first and second estrus; cycle 2, between second and third estrus). Gilts were weighed at the beginning of the experiment, at second and third estrus, and at slaughter (30.2 ± 1.2 d of gestation). Follicles were counted at second estrus, and the embryo-placental units and the corpora lutea were individually counted, measured, and weighed at slaughter. Gilts fed 3.6 kg/d had greater BW gain during cycle 1 and cycle 2 (P < 0.001; + 9.8 kg and + 10.0 kg, respectively) becoming heavier at second and third estrus (P < 0.001). At second estrus, gilts fed 3.6 kg/d had 1.6 more medium-large follicles (P = 0.074) but no difference in follicle size (P = 0.530) was observed. Gilts fed 3.6 kg/d in cycle 1 or cycle 2 had a greater ovulation rate at third estrus (P < 0.016) than those receiving 2.1 kg/d. Also, 3.6 kg/d in cycle 2 increased early embryo mortality (P = 0.006; 2.3 vs. 1.1 dead embryos) and consequently reduced total embryo survival (P = 0.002; 84.6 vs. 90.1%). Gilts fed 3.6 kg/d during cycle 1 had two more total embryos (P < 0.001; 17.2 vs. 15.1) and two more vital embryos on day 30 (P < 0.001; 16.7 vs. 14.5) in comparison with gilts fed 2.1 kg/d. The coefficient of variation for placental length was greater for gilts fed 3.6 kg/d during cycle 1 (P = 0.003). No further significant effects of feeding levels were observed on embryo and placental traits (P ≥ 0.063). These results suggest that the feeding level during the first cycle after pubertal estrus is crucial to set ovulation rate and potential litter size for breeding at next estrus. However, flush feeding gilts before insemination can negatively impact litter size by reducing embryo survival when breeding at third estrus.
Sow and piglet traits associated with piglet survival at birth and to weaning
Authors: Gourley Kiah M , Calderon Hilda I , Woodworth Jason C , DeRouchey Joel M , Tokach Mike D , Dritz Steve S , Goodband Robert D
Published: June 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the relationship between sow and piglet characteristics that are associated with stillborn rate and preweaning mortality is beneficial as litter size continues to increase. Two experiments were previously conducted to evaluate prefarrowing nutrition regimens on sow and litter characteristics. These two datasets (experiments 1 and 2) were then used to identify sow and piglet characteristics associated with stillborn rate and piglet survival to weaning. A total of 1,201 sows that gave birth to 19,168 pigs comprised the dataset. The following characteristics were used in multivariate logistic regression analysis for traits associated with stillborn rate or survival to weaning: parity, litter weight, mean piglet birth weight, sow backfat, and BW at day 113 of gestation, gestation length, farrowing duration, litter size, piglet birth order, farrowing assistance, pig to teat ratio, colostrum intake, and colostrum yield. Sows within each experiment (herd) were categorized into quartiles for each of the independent variables to quantify the relationship to stillborn rate or survival to weaning. Increased stillborn rate was associated (P < 0.01) with heavier litter weights, lighter piglet birth weights, and larger litters in both experiments. In experiment 1, increased stillborn rate was associated (P < 0.01) with longer farrowing duration. Increased stillborn rate was associated with sows with less backfat depth at day 113, older parity, or increased farrowing assistance in experiment 2. In both experiments, pigs born later in the birth order had an increased (P < 0.01) risk of being stillborn. In both experiments, heavier piglet birth weight, greater colostrum intake, and lower total born were associated (P < 0.01) with increased survival to weaning. In experiment 2, pigs born in the first 75% of the litter, or in a litter with lower pig to teat ratio were associated (P < 0.01) with increased survival to weaning. Although the stillborn rate was similar between experiments (6.5% vs. 6.6%), differences in the traits associated with stillborn rate between studies indicate that some associated traits may be herd dependent. However, improving piglet birth weight, placing an emphasis on assisting pigs born later in the birth order and increasing colostrum intake will increase piglet survival from birth to weaning.
Animal-level factors associated with the achievement of desirable specifications in Irish beef carcasses graded using the EUROP classification system
Authors: Kenny David , Murphy Craig P , Sleator Roy D , Judge Michelle M , Evans Ross D , Berry Donagh P
Published: June 2020

Beef carcasses in Europe are classified on measures of carcass weight, conformation, and fat cover. These measurements provide the basis for payment to producers, with financial penalties for carcasses that do not conform to desirable characteristics. The objective of the present study was to identify animal-level factors associated with the achievement of a desirable carcass weight, conformation score, fat score, and age at harvest, as stipulated by Irish beef processors in accordance with the EUROP carcass classification system. The stipulated specifications were a EUROP conformation score ≥O=, a carcass weight between 270 and 380 kg, a EUROP fat score between 2+ and 4=, and an age at harvest ≤ 30 mo. In the present study, 59% of cattle failed to achieve at least one of these desired specifications. The logit of the probability of achieving the desired specifications was estimated using multivariable logistic regression and carcass data from 4,717,989 cattle finished and harvested in Ireland between the years 2003 and 2017. In comparison to beef-origin carcasses and after accounting for breed differences, the likelihood of dairy-origin carcasses achieving the desired age, conformation, fat, and weight specifications was 0.97, 0.88, 1.14, and 1.05, respectively. In comparison to heifer carcasses, the odds ratio (OR) of bull and steer carcasses simultaneously achieving all of the desired specifications (i.e. the overall specification) was 0.35 and 0.95, respectively. Additionally, after accounting for breed differences, heifers from the dairy herd were half as likely as heifers from the beef herd to achieve the overall specification, whereas the odds of dairy-origin bulls (OR = 3.46) and steers (OR = 2.41) achieving the overall specification was greater than that of their respective beef-origin counterparts. Finally, cattle with a greater breed proportion of Angus were most likely to achieve the overall specification. Results from the present study could provide a deeper understanding as to why animals fail to achieve desirable carcass specifications and could be implemented into the management decisions made on farm to ensure that the supply of beef carcasses that achieve the desired metrics is maximized.
Stability analysis of nanobeams in hygrothermal environment based on a nonlocal strain gradient Timoshenko beam model under nonlinear thermal field
Authors: Jena Subrat Kumar , Chakraverty S , Malikan Mohammad
Published: June 2020

This article is dedicated to analyzing the buckling behavior of nanobeam subjected to hygrothermal environments based on the principle of the Timoshenko beam theory. The hygroscopic environment has been considered as a linear stress field model, while the thermal environment is assumed to be a nonlinear stress field based on the Murnaghan model. The size-dependent effect of the nanobeam is captured by the nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT), and the governing equations of the proposed model have been derived by implementing a variational principle. The critical buckling loads have been calculated for the hinged–hinged boundary condition by incorporating the Navier approach and considering other elasticity theories such as classical elasticity theory, Eringen nonlocal elasticity theory, and strain gradient theory along with the NSGT. The present model is also validated with the pre-existing model in exceptional cases. Further, a parametric investigation has been performed to report the influence of various scaling parameters like hygroscopic environment, thermal environment, length-to-diameter ratio, small scale parameter, and length scale parameter on critical buckling loads by considering both the linear and nonlinear temperature distributions.
Weeping in Modern Jihadi Groups
Authors: Hegghammer Thomas
Published: June 2020

Abstract This article, using a wide range of primary sources, describes the practice of weeping (bukā) in contemporary jihadi groups. It shows that weeping is widespread and encouraged in militant Islamist groups such as al-Qaida and Islamic State. Modern jihadis weep in at least six main types of situations: during prayer, during sermons, when listening to hymns, pre- and post-combat, on losing comrades, and upon seeing civilian Muslim suffering. Weeping is socially appreciated; it often happens in groups, it is rewarded with praise and honorifics, and it is advertised in propaganda. Weeping for more mundane reasons is also reported, but not similarly valued. The findings add to other recent evidence suggesting modern jihadis are influenced by Sufism. Today's weeping practices also suggest a long historical association in Islam between asceticism and military jihad going back to eighth-century warrior-ascetics such as Ibn al-Mubārak (d. 797 Ce).
Massive hemoptysis resulting from a fistula between the bronchus intermedius and pulmonary artery: a novel clinical presentation
Authors: Yee Gabrielle , Hall John D , Hampton William R , Yendamuri Sai , Xu Bo , Dexter Elizabeth U
Published: June 2020

This is a case of a woman with massive hemoptysis, associated with a pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm, and a fistula between the right pulmonary artery and bronchus intermedius. Bronchoscopic evaluation revealed an endobronchial mass in the right bronchus intermedius, suspicious for a tumor. Upon biopsy of the mass, massive bleeding occurred. The right lung was surgically resected. No specific etiology for the fistula was identified on pathologic examination. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a pulmonary artery-bronchial fistula presenting without typically known predisposing factors.
The ASAS-SN catalogue of variable stars – VIII. ‘Dipper’ stars in the Lupus star-forming region
Authors: Bredall J W , Shappee B J , Gaidos E , Jayasinghe T , Vallely P , Stanek K Z , Kochanek C S , Gagné J , Hart K , Holoien T W-S , Prieto J L , Van Saders J
Published: June 2020

Some young stellar objects such as T Tauri-like ‘dipper’ stars vary due to transient partial occultation by circumstellar dust, and observations of this phenomenon inform us of conditions in the planet-forming zones close to these stars. Although many dipper stars have been identified with space missions such as Kepler/K2, ground-based telescopes offer longer term and multiwavelength perspectives. We identified 11 dipper stars in the Lupus star-forming region in data from the All-Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN), and further characterized these using observations by the Las Cumbres Global Observatory Telescope (LCOGT) and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), as well as archival data from other missions. Dipper stars were identified from a catalogue of nearby young stars and selected based on the statistical significance, asymmetry, and quasi-periodicity or aperiodicity of variability in their ASAS-SN light curves. All 11 stars lie above or redwards of the zero-age main sequence and have infrared (IR) excesses indicating the presence of full circumstellar discs. We obtain reddening–extinction relations for the variability of seven stars using our combined ASAS-SN-TESS and LCOGT photometry. In all cases, the slopes are below the ISM value, suggesting larger grains, and we find a tentative relation between the slope (grain size) and the $K_\text{s}-[22 \, \mu \text{m}]$ IR colour regarded as a proxy for disc evolutionary state.
Swarm of fragments from the Tunguska event
Authors: Gladysheva Olga G
Published: June 2020

The Tunguska event took place on 1908 June 30. It was accompanied by an abnormal effect on the Earth's atmosphere, manifesting itself through ‘white nights’. These nights were associated with a dispersion of cosmic matter and the formation of a field of noctilucent clouds with a uniquely large size of over 10 million km2. However, overall, the cosmic matter was scattered over a territory of around 18 million km2. The most likely cause of the Tunguska event was the flux of fragments from the broken-up cometary object. The destruction of the cosmic body over Siberia, according to local inhabitants, was marked by numerous sound phenomena. After analysing eyewitness accounts, we can conclude that there were at least two major objects at the Tunguska event. The largest object exploded over the Taiga and caused damage to the forest. In addition, there were several dozen fragments of around 10 m in size, as well as many fragments of a smaller size.
Testing the relativistic Doppler boost hypothesis for the binary candidate quasar PG1302-102 with multiband Swift data
Authors: Xin Chengcheng , Charisi Maria , Haiman Zoltán , Schiminovich David , Graham Matthew J , Stern Daniel , D’Orazio Daniel J
Published: June 2020

The bright quasar PG1302-102 has been identified as a candidate supermassive black hole binary from its near-sinusoidal optical variability. While the significance of its optical periodicity has been debated due to the stochastic variability of quasars, its multiwavelength variability in the ultraviolet (UV) and optical bands is consistent with relativistic Doppler boost caused by the orbital motion in a binary. However, this conclusion was based previously on sparse UV data that were not taken simultaneously with the optical data. Here, we report simultaneous follow-up observations of PG1302-102 with the Ultraviolet Optical Telescope on the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory in six optical + UV bands. The additional nine Swift observations produce light curves roughly consistent with the trend under the Doppler boost hypothesis, which predicts that UV variability should track the optical, but with a ∼2.2 times higher amplitude. We perform a statistical analysis to quantitatively test this hypothesis. We find that the data are consistent with the Doppler boost hypothesis when we compare the the amplitudes in optical B-band and UV light curves. However, the ratio of UV to V-band variability is larger than expected and is consistent with the Doppler model, only if either the UV/optical spectral slopes vary, the stochastic variability makes a large contribution in the UV, or the sparse new optical data underestimate the true optical variability. We have evidence for the latter from comparison with the optical light curve from All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae. Additionally, the simultaneous analysis of all four bands strongly disfavours the Doppler boost model whenever Swift V band is involved. Additional, simultaneous optical + UV observations tracing out another cycle of the 5.2-yr proposed periodicity should lead to a definitive conclusion.
The impact of projection effects on cluster observables: stacked lensing and projected clustering
Authors: Sunayama Tomomi , Park Youngsoo , Takada Masahiro , Kobayashi Yosuke , Nishimichi Takahiro , Kurita Toshiki , More Surhud , Oguri Masamune , Osato Ken
Published: June 2020

An optical cluster finder inevitably suffers from projection effects, where it misidentifies a superposition of galaxies in multiple haloes along the line of sight as a single cluster. Using mock cluster catalogues built from cosmological N-body simulations, we quantify the impact of these projection effects with a particular focus on the observables of interest for cluster cosmology, namely the cluster-lensing and the cluster-clustering signals. We find that ‘observed’ clusters, i.e. clusters identified by our cluster finder algorithm, exhibit lensing and clustering signals that deviate from expectations based on a statistically isotropic halo model – while both signals agree with halo model expectations on small scales, they show unexpected boosts on large scales by up to a factor of 1.2 or 1.4, respectively. We identify the origin of these boosts as the inherent selection bias of optical cluster finders for clusters embedded within filaments aligned with the line of sight and show that a minority ($\sim 30{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) of such clusters within the entire sample is responsible for this observed boost. We discuss the implications of our results on previous studies of optical cluster, as well as prospects for identifying and mitigating projection effects in future cluster cosmology analyses.
The GALAH survey: a new constraint on cosmological lithium and Galactic lithium evolution from warm dwarf stars
Authors: Gao Xudong , Lind Karin , Amarsi Anish M , Buder Sven , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Campbell Simon W , Asplund Martin , Casey Andrew R , De Silva Gayandhi M , Freeman Ken C , Hayden Michael R , Lewis Geraint F , Martell Sarah L , Simpson Jeffrey D , Sharma Sanjib , Zucker Daniel B , Zwitter Tomaž , Horner Jonathan , Munari Ulisse , Nordlander Thomas , Stello Dennis , Ting Yuan-Sen , Traven Gregor , Wittenmyer Robert A ,   the GALAH Collaboration
Published: June 2020

Lithium depletion and enrichment in the cosmos is not yet well understood. To help tighten constraints on stellar and Galactic evolution models, we present the largest high-resolution analysis of Li abundances A(Li) to date, with results for over $100\, 000$ GALAH (Galactic Archeology with HERMES) field stars spanning effective temperatures $5900\, \mathrm{K} \lesssim T_{\mathrm{eff}}\lesssim 7000\, \mathrm{K}$ and metallicities −3 ≲ [Fe/H] ≲ +0.5. We separated these stars into two groups, on the warm and cool sides of the so-called Li dip, a localized region of the Kiel diagram wherein lithium is severely depleted. We discovered that stars in these two groups show similar trends in the A(Li)–[Fe/H] plane, but with a roughly constant offset in A(Li) of $0.4\, \mathrm{dex}$, the warm group having higher Li abundances. At $\rm [Fe/H]\gtrsim -0.5$, a significant increase in Li abundance with increasing metallicity is evident in both groups, signalling the onset of significant Galactic production. At lower metallicity, stars in the cool group sit on the Spite plateau, showing a reduced lithium of around $0.4\, \mathrm{dex}$ relative to the primordial value predicted from big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN). However, stars in the warm group between [Fe/H] = −1.0 and −0.5 form an elevated plateau that is largely consistent with the BBN prediction. This may indicate that these stars in fact preserve the primordial Li produced in the early Universe.
Rational design of antisense oligonucleotides modulating the activity of TLR7/8 agonists
Authors: Alharbi Arwaf S , Garcin Aurélie J , Lennox Kim A , Pradeloux Solène , Wong Christophe , Straub Sarah , Valentin Roxane , Pépin Geneviève , Li Hong-Mei , Nold Marcel F , Nold-Petry Claudia A , Behlke Mark A , Gantier Michael P
Published: June 2020

Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics have become a reality, and are set to transform management of many diseases. Nevertheless, the modulatory activities of these molecules on immune responses remain incompletely defined. Here, we show that gene targeting 2′-O-methyl (2′OMe) gapmer antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can have opposing activities on Toll-Like Receptors 7 and 8 (TLR7/8), leading to divergent suppression of TLR7 and activation of TLR8, in a sequence-dependent manner. Surprisingly, TLR8 potentiation by the gapmer ASOs was blunted by locked nucleic acid (LNA) and 2′-methoxyethyl (2′MOE) modifications. Through a screen of 192 2′OMe ASOs and sequence mutants, we characterized the structural and sequence determinants of these activities. Importantly, we identified core motifs preventing the immunosuppressive activities of 2′OMe ASOs on TLR7. Based on these observations, we designed oligonucleotides strongly potentiating TLR8 sensing of Resiquimod, which preserve TLR7 function, and promote strong activation of phagocytes and immune cells. We also provide proof-of-principle data that gene-targeting ASOs can be selected to synergize with TLR8 agonists currently under investigation as immunotherapies, and show that rational ASO selection can be used to prevent unintended immune suppression of TLR7. Taken together, our work characterizes the immumodulatory effects of ASOs to advance their therapeutic development.
Disease-associated DNA2 nuclease–helicase protects cells from lethal chromosome under-replication
Authors: Falquet Benoît , Ölmezer Gizem , Enkner Franz , Klein Dominique , Challa Kiran , Appanah Rowin , Gasser Susan M , Rass Ulrich
Published: June 2020

DNA2 is an essential nuclease–helicase implicated in DNA repair, lagging-strand DNA synthesis, and the recovery of stalled DNA replication forks (RFs). In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, dna2Δ inviability is reversed by deletion of the conserved helicase PIF1 and/or DNA damage checkpoint-mediator RAD9. It has been suggested that Pif1 drives the formation of long 5′-flaps during Okazaki fragment maturation, and that the essential function of Dna2 is to remove these intermediates. In the absence of Dna2, 5′-flaps are thought to accumulate on the lagging strand, resulting in DNA damage-checkpoint arrest and cell death. In line with Dna2’s role in RF recovery, we find that the loss of Dna2 results in severe chromosome under-replication downstream of endogenous and exogenous RF-stalling. Importantly, unfaithful chromosome replication in Dna2-mutant cells is exacerbated by Pif1, which triggers the DNA damage checkpoint along a pathway involving Pif1’s ability to promote homologous recombination-coupled replication. We propose that Dna2 fulfils its essential function by promoting RF recovery, facilitating replication completion while suppressing excessive RF restart by recombination-dependent replication (RDR) and checkpoint activation. The critical nature of Dna2’s role in controlling the fate of stalled RFs provides a framework to rationalize the involvement of DNA2 in Seckel syndrome and cancer.
P1869COFFEE INTAKE AND HEADACHE IN HAEMODIALYSIS (COFFEEHD TRIAL): A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE BLIND MULTICENTER CLINICAL TRIAL
Authors: Aoun Mabel , Hilal Najla , Chadia Beaini , Sleilaty Ghassan , Hajal Joseph , Boueri Celine , Nehme Chelala Dania
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Coffee with its major component caffeine can enhance alertness and decrease tiredness and headache. Headache was reported in 40 to 75 % of hemodialysis patients. Caffeine circulates unbound in the blood and passes the dialysis membrane. Some authors suggested that headache can result from caffeine withdrawal. This study aims to compare the incidence of headache and hypotension between patients taking or not coffee during dialysis.

Method

This is a randomized double-blind multicenter trial. Patients of three hemodialysis units were included. Patients with atrial fibrillation were excluded. 156 patients were randomized to two groups, group A was given 80 cc of coffee and group B 80 cc of decaffeinated coffee in the middle of the session for 12 consecutive sessions. Ultrafiltration rate was fixed to a maximum of 13 ml/kg/h. The primary outcome was the incidence of headache and the secondary incidence of hypotension. This clinical trial received the approval of the ethics committee of Saint-Joseph University (HDF-1463) and was registered on ClinicalTrials.Gov (NCT04057313).

Results

A total of 139 patients completed the trial (6.4% vs 15.4 % of withdrawal in groups A and B respectively). Baseline characteristics are summarized in Table 1. The number of sessions with headache was not significantly different between group A and B (34% vs 37% respectively, p=0.522), nor the number of sessions with hypotension (27% vs 26% respectively, p= 0.539). In a subgroup analysis, headache was higher in group B (p=0.06) in two categories of patients: those with the highest potassium dialysate (K=2) and the non-hypertensive patients.

Conclusion

Headache occurred in 34 to 37% of dialysis sessions. There was no difference in headache or hypotensive episodes between patients in the coffee versus decaffeinated group.
LB002ILLUMINATE-A, A PHASE 3 STUDY OF LUMASIRAN, AN INVESTIGATIONAL RNAI THERAPEUTIC, IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH PRIMARY HYPEROXALURIA TYPE 1 (PH1)
Authors: Garrelfs Sander , Frishberg Yaacov , Hulton Sally , Koren Michael , O'Riordan William , Cochat Pierre , Deschenes Georges , Shasha-Lavsky Hadas , Saland Jeffrey , Van't Hoff William , Fuster Daniel Guido , Magen Daniella , Moochhala Shabbir , Schalk Gesa , Simkova Eva , Groothoff Jaap , Sas David , Meliambro Kristin , Lu Jiandong , Garg Pushkal , Gansner John , McGregor Tracy , Lieske John
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

PH1 is a rare genetic disorder characterized by hepatic oxalate overproduction, leading to recurrent kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, progressive kidney failure, and multiorgan damage from systemic oxalosis. There are no approved pharmacologic therapies for PH1. Lumasiran is a subcutaneously-administered investigational RNAi therapeutic that targets glycolate oxidase to reduce hepatic oxalate production. We report the first results from the six-month, double-blind period of ILLUMINATE-A, a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study to evaluate lumasiran in patients with PH1.

Method

Key inclusion criteria: age≥6 years, 24hr urinary oxalate (UOx)≥0.70 mmol/24hr/1.73m2, confirmed PH1 diagnosis, eGFR≥30 mL/min/1.73m2. Randomization: 2:1; lumasiran (n=26), placebo (n=13). Dosing: 3 mg/kg monthly×3, then quarterly. Primary endpoint: percent change in 24hr UOx excretion from baseline to month (M) 6. Primary comparison: least square (LS) mean treatment difference in percent change from baseline (average of M3-6).

Results

Lumasiran led to a statistically significant percent reduction in 24hr UOx excretion compared to placebo: the LS mean change from baseline to M6 (average of M3-6) was −65.4% with lumasiran and −11.8% with placebo (LS mean difference: −53.5%; p=1.7 × 10−14). Subgroup analyses of the primary endpoint showed a consistent effect of lumasiran across age, baseline UOx, eGFR, and concomitant pyridoxine use. Lumasiran led to statistically significant improvements in all hierarchically tested secondary endpoints, including: proportion of lumasiran-treated patients that achieved normalization or near-normalization of 24hr UOx at M6 (84% vs 0% of placebo-treated patients, p=8.3 × 10−7), and percent change in plasma oxalate from baseline to M6 (average of months 3-6) (-39.5%, p=2.9 × 10−8). There were no serious or severe adverse events. The most common adverse events related to lumasiran were mild, transient injection site reactions.

Conclusion

Lumasiran resulted in clinically meaningful, rapid, sustained, and statistically significant reductions in urinary and plasma oxalate levels compared to placebo during the six-month double-blind period. Lumasiran has a favorable safety profile.
Rat-Bite Fever in the United States: An Analysis Using Multiple National Data Sources, 2001–2015
Authors: Kache Pallavi A , Person Marissa K , Seeman Sara M , McQuiston John R , McCollum Jeffrey , Traxler Rita M
Published: June 2020

Background

Rat-bite fever is a rare disease associated with rat bites or direct/indirect rodent contact.

Methods

We examined rat-bite fever and rat-bite injury diagnoses in the United States during 2001–2015. We analyzed national, state, and Indian Health Service healthcare encounter datasets for rat-bite fever and rat-bite injury diagnoses. We calculated average-annual encounter rates per 1 000 000 persons.

Results

Nationally, the rat-bite fever Emergency Department visit rate was 0.33 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19–0.47) and the hospitalization rate was 0.20 (95% CI, 0.17–0.24). The rat-bite injury Emergency Department visit rate was 10.51 (95% CI, 10.13–10.88) and the hospitalization rate was 0.27 (95% CI, 0.23–0.30). The Indian Health Service Emergency Department/outpatient visit rate was 3.00 for rat-bite fever and 18.89 for rat-bite injury. The majority of rat-bite fever encounters were among individuals 0–19 years of age.

Conclusions

Our results support the literature that rat-bite fever is rare and affects children and young adults. Targeted education could benefit specific risk groups.
Minimally Invasive Resection of a Pediatric Lumbar Osteoblastoma: Case Report
Authors: Brunette-Clément Tristan , Lavergne Pascal , Shedid Daniel , Weil Alexander G
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Osteoblastomas are locally aggressive bone tumors typically affecting the posterior elements of the vertebral column. The treatment of choice is total surgical resection, traditionally through an open laminectomy, often with facetectomy and fusion when the lesion is in the foramen.

OBJECTIVE

To seek an alternative to open surgery, allowing quick and full functional recovery, to meet the youth and athlete population's specific surgical goals. In this population especially, open surgery can be associated with significant impairment and morbidity.

METHODS

 We report a pediatric case of posterior L5 osteoblastoma completely removed using a facet-sparing and fusion-avoiding contralateral foraminal minimally invasive approach using a tubular retractor system. A 12-yr-old male competitive tennis player presented with progressive right L5 lumbosciatica. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion of the right L5 pedicle, facet, and vertebral body with significant foraminal soft-tissue extension. Being unfit for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, the patient underwent a minimally invasive biopsy and resection using an 18-mm-wide METRx nonexpandable tubular retractor (Medtronic) through a contralateral approach, sparing the facet and avoiding fusion surgery.

RESULTS

Postoperative imaging showed residual tumor. The patient was reoperated in a similar fashion with complete tumor removal. His symptoms resolved completely postoperatively. He resumed tennis within 4 mo and remains symptom- and tumor-free at 12-mo follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive contralateral facet-sparing resection of a pediatric lumbar osteoblastoma is an alternative to standard technique and is associated with significant advantages for young athletes, such as quick and full functional recovery, along with avoidance of fusion when the facet joint is involved.
Conversion of Schedule II Opioids to Buprenorphine Buccal Film: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zimmerman Amanda , Bikdash Rami , Rauck Richard
Published: June 2020

Objective

To provide clinical data for the conversion of Schedule II opioids to buprenorphine buccal film and to demonstrate sustained analgesia and a reduction in morphine milligram equivalents after conversion.

Design

Retrospective review of electronic medical records.

Setting

Group clinical practice providing outpatient chronic pain management care in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Subjects

Patients who received opioids for chronic pain between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2019, were selected for chart review if they were converted to buprenorphine buccal film from a Schedule II opioid.

Methods

Patients who met inclusion criteria were stratified into subgroups on the basis of preconversion morphine milligram equivalents, whether they remained on opioids for breakthrough pain postconversion, and pre- and postconversion numerical rating scale pain scores. Outcomes of interest included the differences between pre- and postconversion numerical rating scale pain scores and daily morphine milligram equivalents for each subgroup.

Results

Of 157 patients reviewed, 87.9% were successfully converted to buprenorphine buccal film. Overall, numerical rating scale pain scores were stable after conversion. Statistically significant reductions were demonstrated in the <90 daily morphine milligram equivalent subgroup. Postconversion daily morphine milligram equivalents decreased by 85.4% from baseline. Change in daily morphine milligram equivalents is representative of patients who remained on breakthrough pain medication.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate continued analgesia after conversion to buprenorphine buccal film despite reductions in daily morphine milligram equivalents. Most patients were able to convert directly from their long-acting opioid to buprenorphine buccal film and stabilized without the use of concomitant opioids for breakthrough pain. Aggressive titration strategies were associated with greater success.
David Bayley: An Appreciation
Authors: Punch Maurice
Published: June 2020

An appreciation of the work and influence of the late David Bayley, a major pioneer and leading light in the policing field.
Comparable or higher prevalence of comorbidities in antiphospholipid syndrome vs rheumatoid arthritis: a multicenter, case-control study
Authors: Panopoulos Stylianos , Thomas Konstantinos , Georgiopoulos Georgios , Boumpas Dimitrios , Katsiari Christina , Bertsias George , Drosos Alexandros A , Boki Kyriaki , Dimitroulas Theodoros , Garyfallos Alexandros , Papagoras Charalampos , Katsimbri Pelagia , Tziortziotis Apostolos , Adamichou Christina , Kaltsonoudis Evripidis , Argyriou Evangelia , Vosvotekas Georgios , Sfikakis Petros P , Vassilopoulos Dimitrios , Tektonidou Maria G
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Evidence on comorbidity prevalence in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and its difference from high comorbidity burden rheumatic diseases is limited. Herein, we compare multiple comorbidities between APS and RA.

Methods

A total of 326 patients from the Greek APS registry [237 women, mean age 48.7 (13.4) years, 161 primary APS (PAPS), 165 SLE-APS] were age/sex matched (1:2 ratio) with 652 patients from a Greek multicentre RA cohort of 3115 patients. Prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, stroke, coronary artery disease (CAD), osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), depression and neoplasms were compared between APS and RA patients using multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Ηyperlipidemia and obesity (ΒΜΙ ≥ 30 kg/m2) were comparable while hypertension, smoking, stroke and CAD were more prevalent in APS compared with RA patients. Osteoporosis and depression were more frequent in APS, while DM, COPD and neoplasms did not differ between the two groups. Comparison of APS subgroups to 1:2 matched RA patients revealed that smoking and stroke were more prevalent in both PAPS and SLE-APS vs RA. Hypertension, CAD and osteoporosis were more frequent only in SLE-APS vs RA, whereas DM was less prevalent in PAPS vs RA. Hyperlipidaemia was independently associated with CV events (combined stroke and CAD) in PAPS and SLE-APS, while CS duration was associated with osteoporosis in SLE-APS.

Conclusion

Comorbidity burden in APS (PAPS and SLE-APS) is comparable or higher than that in RA, entailing a high level of diligence for CV risk prevention, awareness for depression and CS exposure minimization.
Interpreting Frequently Amended Constitutions: Singapore’s Dual Approach
Authors: Teo Marcus
Published: June 2020

In a time where many constitutions are as frequently amended as ordinary statutes, purposive constitutional interpretation is both commonplace and normatively justifiable. However, as recent Singaporean decisions demonstrate, a common purpose-related problem arising in statutory interpretation—the existence of conflicting purposes at different levels of abstraction—takes on an additional dimension of complexity in constitutional interpretation. While courts prefer specific over general purposes in statutory interpretation, on grounds that this upholds Parliament’s most precise intent, they hesitate to consistently do the same in constitutional interpretation. This article rationalizes this difference between statutory and constitutional interpretation, taking as its point of departure a unique dual function that all constitutions, even oft-amended constitutions, must discharge: the creation of efficient government and the legitimation of political systems. It develops a dual approach to constitutional interpretation in response to this dual function, which requires courts to prefer specific over general constitutional purposes in the event of conflict, except when those general purposes reflect norms which legitimate the constitution in society’s eyes. In doing so, this article develops an understanding of purposive constitutional interpretation that preserves a constitution’s essence, while accommodating the reality of frequent amendments.
Synchronizing the Biological Clock: Managing Professional and Romantic Risk through Company-Sponsored Egg Freezing
Authors: Zeno Elissa
Published: June 2020

Increasingly, major U.S. employers in industries notorious for work-family conflict are beginning to offer egg freezing as an employee benefit. Proponents celebrate the inclusion of this technology into company-sponsored health plans as empowering professional women to “have it all” by postponing motherhood in favor of their professional pursuits, while critics voice concerns regarding its implications for reproductive autonomy and gender equality. Through 40 interviews with child-free women of reproductive age who work in industries that sponsor egg freezing, I investigate how work and career concerns shape professional women’s engagement with elective egg freezing. The dominant narrative established in earlier research on women’s motivations for undertaking the procedure downplays the significance of career pressures. However, this article finds that egg freezing manifests as an attempt to manage risks inherent to women’s intentions to form families in a professional landscape that is resistant to motherhood and family. Egg freezing suggests a potential reconciliation of future motherhood and professional work by adjusting women’s reproductive timelines to “perfect” the timing of reproduction to synchronize with career trajectory.
Growth performance and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility of limit-fed diets containing wet brewer’s grains to Holstein heifers
Authors: Hatungimana Eric , Stahl Tess C , Erickson Peter S
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility of Holstein heifers limit-fed diets containing different amounts of wet brewer’s grains (WBG). A 12-wk randomized complete block study was conducted using 30 yearling Holstein heifers [378 ± 27 d of age, and body weight (BW) of 357.8 ± 27.6 kg (mean ± SD)]. Treatments were 0%, 10% and 20% of WBG on a dry matter (DM) basis and diets were formulated to be limit-fed for dry matter intake (DMI) at 2.35% of BW and provided 15% crude protein (CP) and 2.27 Mcal metabolizable energy/kg of DM. Dry matter intake was recorded daily, while BW and skeletal measurements were measured every 2 wk. During week 12, fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum over four consecutive days and composited by heifer to determine apparent total tract nutrient digestibility using acid detergent insoluble ash as a marker. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Dry matter intakes, BW, and average daily gain were not different among treatments (P = 0.2, P = 0.4, and P = 0.6, respectively). Dry matter intakes ranged from 8.6 to 9.0 kg/d. Average BW were 404.4, 411.5, and 409.3 kg for heifers fed the 0%, 10%, and 20% WBG diets, respectively. Average daily gains were 1.03, 1.04, and 0.96 kg/d for heifers fed the 0%, 10%, and 20% WBG diets respectively. Skeletal measurements and body condition scores (BCS) were not different among treatments except for the change in heart girth (P < 0.01) and initial BCS (P < 0.01). Apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, organic matter, CP, fat, and hemicellulose were greater or tended to be greater in heifers fed 0% and 20% WBG treatments than heifers fed 10 % WBG (P = 0.04, P = 0.04, P = 0.06, P = 0.06, and P = 0.01, respectively). Neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and fat digestibilities were similar among treatments (P = 0.2, P = 0.3, and P = 0.3, respectively). During the digestibility phase, DMI tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for the 10% WBG treatment. These results demonstrate that limit-feeding heifers with diets containing up to 20% WBG could replace soybean- and corn-based concentrates in diets without adverse consequences to the heifer growth performance.
Ty-2 and Ty-3a Conferred Resistance are Insufficient Against Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Kanchanaburi Virus from Southeast Asia in Single or Mixed Infections of Tomato
Authors: Koeda Sota , Fujiwara Ikuya , Oka Yuki , Kesumawati Elly , Zakaria Sabaruddin , Kanzaki Shinya
Published: June 2020

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a monopartite begomovirus that originated in the eastern Mediterranean, has spread worldwide, becoming a serious threat to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production. Southeast Asia is considered one of the hotspots for begomovirus diversity, and a wide variety of local begomovirus species distinct from TYLCV have been identified. In this study, the protection effect of introgressions of single TYLCV Ty resistance genes, Ty-2 and Ty-3a, in tomato was examined against inoculations of the bipartite begomoviruses Tomato yellow leaf curl Kanchanaburi virus (TYLCKaV) and Pepper yellow leaf curl Indonesia virus (PepYLCIV) isolated from Indonesia. Our findings suggest that Ty-2 in the heterozygous state was found to be ineffective against PepYLCIV and TYLCKaV, whereas Ty-3a in the heterozygous state was effective against PepYLCIV and partially effective against TYLCKaV. Quantification of viral DNAs showed correlation between symptom expression and viral DNA accumulation. Moreover, mixed infections of TYLCKaV and PepYLCIV caused notably severe symptoms in tomato plants harboring Ty-3a. In cases of mixed infection, quantifying viral DNAs showed a relatively high accumulation of PepYLCIV, indicating that Ty-3a loses its effectiveness against PepYLCIV when TYLCKaV is also present. This study demonstrates the lack of effectiveness of Ty resistance genes against single and mixed infections of distinct local begomoviruses from Southeast Asia.
Crossover associations of alcohol and smoking, craving and biochemically verified alcohol and nicotine use in heavy drinking smokers
Authors: Smith Crystal Lederhos , Jenkins Garrett , Burduli Ekaterina , Tham Phoebe , Miguel Andre , Roll John , Mcpherson Sterling
Published: June 2020

This study examined associations between drinking and smoking prior to treatment (biochemically measured at baseline), alcohol and tobacco craving, and biochemical alcohol and tobacco use during the analog trial period. We conducted a secondary data analysis of a randomized clinical analog trial where participants with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) diagnosis of alcohol dependence, abuse or reported heavy drinking, with a co-occurring DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of nicotine dependence, abuse or reported heavy use, who were not seeking treatment were recruited. A generalized estimation equation model for longitudinal binary outcomes was created (N = 34) to determine the predictive effects of baseline tobacco use, alcohol craving, and tobacco craving on alcohol use over the 4 weeks of the trial. Baseline smoking was significantly (*p < 0.05) associated with drinking over time [odds ratio (OR) = 3.09*], while baseline drinking was associated with smoking (OR = 4.17*). Baseline alcohol and tobacco craving were positively associated with smoking over time (OR = 3.21* and OR = 1.92*, respectively) but were negatively associated with alcohol use over time (OR = 0.79* and OR = 0.57*, respectively). Heavier use of either tobacco or alcohol preceding treatment may require more intensive interventions in order to reduce tobacco and alcohol use. Future trials designed to address mechanisms of behavior change in the context of novel treatments could promote a better understanding of the cross-rewarding effects related to the co-use of these substances and lead to the development of more integrated and appropriately intense treatments for individuals with concomitant tobacco and alcohol use disorders.
The Goal of Continuous Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring During Labor: Have We Been Successful?
Authors: ESPLIN M. SEAN
Published: June 2020

Despite its ubiquitous use, fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring has not resulted in a significant reduction in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy following delivery. This manuscript reviews the reasons for this failure including limitations of FHR to accurately predict hypoxia, low prevalence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and lack of standardization of interpretation and intervention. We propose an alternative goal for FHR monitoring during labor to provide optimal care by early identification of truly concerning features, initiation of appropriate interventions, clear documentation of concerns and plans, and clear communication between team members on labor and delivery, including initiation of the chain of command as needed.
The Golden Hours of Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring: Systematic Approach to the Critical Times of Labor and Delivery
Authors: ESPLIN M. SEAN
Published: June 2020

The first hour after admission and the last hour before delivery are critical times for identifying and preventing hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. These are times of transition that require coordinated steps to identify fetuses at risk, institute effective plans for fetal heart rate monitoring, and to establish situational awareness. Interpretation and intervention based on fetal heart rate monitoring is an important part of the care provided during these crucial times. We present checklists for the first and last hour of labor for use on labor and delivery to help standardize and optimize the approach to care during these times.