bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Environmental Conditions on Pregnancy Rate in Replacement Beef Heifers
Authors: Oosthuizen Nicola , Poole Rebecca K , Houghton Patsy L , Rippe Janet M , Lamb Graham C
Published: May 2021

Five years of breeding records from Bos taurus replacement beef heifers (n = 21,134) were examined to quantify the effects of environmental conditions during the breeding season on first service pregnancy rate (PR) to artificial insemination (AI). Heifers were developed at Heartland Cattle Company in McCook, NE between April and July each year (2014–2018) where they were AI following estrus synchronization and detected estrus. Weather data were collected from a weather station located approximately 7.2 km from the research site, and included average, minimum, and maximum temperature and relative humidity (RH). Average daily temperature and RH were used to calculate average, minimum, and maximum temperature-humidity index (THI). Weather variables were analyzed for the week preceding AI, the day of AI, and for the week following AI (including the day of AI). Overall first service PR was 72.4% and ranged from 70.3 to 73.8% by year. On the day of AI, temperatures ranged from -15 to 40°C with a mean of 15.6°C ± 0.04. Positive linear relationships were determined for average, minimum, and maximum temperatures with PR for the week preceding AI (P ≤ 0.006), the day of AI (P ≤ 0.001), and the week following AI (P < 0.001). As average, minimum, and maximum temperature on the day of AI increased by 1°C, PR increased by 1.1, 1.0, and 0.7%, respectively. A positive linear relationship (P = 0.005) for maximum RH and a cubic relationship (P = 0.046) for minimum RH with PR were determined for the week preceding AI. Furthermore, positive linear relationships were determined for average, minimum, and maximum THI with PR for the week preceding AI (P ≤ 0.002), the day of AI (P ≤ 0.001), and the week following AI (P < 0.001). Therefore, temperature and THI during the breeding season may have a greater impact on pregnancy outcomes than RH. Linear effects demonstrate that increasing temperature, within the homeothermy zone, at the time of AI has a positive impact on PR.
Effects of Calcium-ammonium Nitrate on in Vitro Ruminal Fermentation Using a Mature Mixed Winter Forage-based Substrate
Authors: Osorio Andrea M , Madrid Kenneth , Buitrago Sergio , DiLorenzo Nicolas , Ciriaco Francine M , Sarturi Jhones O , Henry Darren D
Published: May 2021

A randomized complete block design was used to evaluate in vitro total gas production (TGP), methane production, concentration of NH3-N, and digestibility of mixed winter forage (CP 10.2% and NDF 58.6%) incubated with calcium-ammonium nitrate (CAN). In vitro fermentation consisted of 50 mL of a 4:1 buffer:ruminal fluid inoculum and 0.7 g of substrate [DM; wheat, triticale, and rye (Triticum aestivum, Triticosecale rimpaui, and Secale cereal; FOR) or forage:corn (90:10; CORN)] incubated for 48 h. Treatments included: 1) FOR; 2) CORN; 3) CORN + 2% CAN (DM; NIT); and 4) CORN + 0.67% UREA (DM; UREA). Treatments NIT and UREA were isonitrogenous. In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was determined after incubation for 48 h, followed by a 48-h incubation with HCl and pepsin solutions. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the fixed effect of treatment and random effect of day (block). There was a treatment effect (P = 0.024) on TGP where NIT decreased TGP compared with CORN (P = 0.023), and NIT was not different from UREA. A greater IVOMD (P = 0.017) was observed for CORN compared with FOR. No differences were observed in IVOMD between UREA and NIT. There were no differences (P = 0.727) among all treatments for concentration of NH3-N. Total methane production was lesser for NIT (P ≤ 0.018) compared with all other treatments. There was a treatment effect for molar proportion of acetate (P = 0.039) and acetate:propionate (P = 0.034) where NIT tended (P = 0.058) to have a greater molar proportion of acetate compared to UREA. Total VFA concentration was not affected by treatment (P = 0.454). Calcium-ammonium nitrate influenced in vitro ruminal fermentation of a mature mixed winter forage, decreasing methane production without negatively affecting IVOMD or concentration of VFA.
Effect of Anti-acaricide Treatment on Tick Species Present and Performance of Growing Beef Heifers
Authors: Hays Samantha R , Teel Pete D , Starns Heath D , Garza Nick E , Diaz-Gomez Jose M , Beall Sarah L , Tolleson Doug R
Published: May 2021

The Edwards Plateau region of Texas is largely used for grazing cattle and small ruminants. Tick parasitism in range livestock can occur year-round with direct production losses manifested as body weight or condition. The objective was to assess two acaricide treatments on the active tick burden on livestock within two forage growing seasons (winter through summer). At the Sonora AgriLife Station, 22 Bos taurus crossbred heifers (248 ± 47 kg) were maintained on 97 hectares of rangeland. Tick burden was assessed by individual animal inspection every two wk from 18-Dec-2019 to 11-May-2020 (Season 1) and from 8-Jun-2020 to 3-Aug-2020 (Season 2). Acaricide treatment was applied each date to heifers chosen randomly to serve in the non-treated control (control: 11 heifers) or acaricide-treated (treatment: 11 heifers) groups. Season 1 acaricide treatment was a pour-on synthetic pyrethroid (11 dates) and Season 2 was a diluted synthetic pyrethroid whole-body spray (5 dates). Tick species observed included Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor albipictus. Tick burden (total counts) and body condition score differences were determined by analysis of variance procedures. For tick burden, there were significant differences (P < 0.0012) between treatment (0.528 ± 0.06) and control (0.819 ± 0.06) heifers in Season 1 (0.673 ± 10.44), and no differences (P > 0.11) between treatment (0.642 ± 0.07) and control (0.799 ± 0.07) heifers in Season 2 (0.721 ± 2.64). For body condition score, there were no differences (P > 0.72) between treatment (5.61 ± 0.04) and control (5.59 ± 0.04) heifers in Season 1 nor Season 2 (5.51 ± 0.005 and 5.80 ± 0.47, respectively). Season 1 acaricide treatment was effective in controlling tick burden (efficacy = 3–4 wk) as compared to Season 2 (efficacy = 1–2 wk). Tick burdens observed under the conditions of this study had no effect on body condition.
Influence of Season of Birth, Breed and Reproductive Status on Carcass Traits of Male Hair Sheep Lambs
Authors: O’Brien Dahlia , Wildeus Stephan
Published: May 2021

Compared to intact males, castrated lambs generally grow slower and have lighter and fatter carcasses. However, short-scrotum lambs can retain growth and carcass composition of intact males. This study evaluated carcass traits of castrated and short-scrotum Barbados Blackbelly (BB; n = 16) and St. Croix (STX; n = 15) hair sheep lambs. Ram lambs born in December (DEC; n = 10) and April (n = 21) were used in the study and were either rendered short scrotum (SS; n = 17) or castrated (CA; n = 14) using elastrator bands at weaning (63 d). All lambs transitioned in dry lot for 2 mo before return to pasture. Lambs co-grazed in a rotational system, were moved based on visual assessment of forage availability and provided Bermuda grass hay when forage was limiting. Lambs were provided soy hull at 3% BW to ensure diet continuity between forage environments. At target weights of 40 kg, SS and CA lambs were slaughtered and carcass data recorded. Carcass data were analyzed with reproductive status, breed and season born as main effects. DEC (230 d) and STX lambs (251 d) attained target weights earlier (P < 0.02) than APR (307 d) and BB (317 d) lambs. APR lambs had lower (P < 0.04) breast (0.9 kg) and loin cut weights (2.1 kg) than DEC lambs (1.1 and 2.4 kg, respectively). Carcass length was greater (P < 0.05) for SS (109 cm) than CA lambs (106 cm). There were also significant interactions (P < 0.05). APR-STX lambs had the lowest dressing% (42%) compared to APR-BB (48%), DEC-STX (47%) and DEC-BB (46%) lambs. DEC-STX (109 cm) and APR-BB (109 cm) carcasses were longer than DEC-BB (104 cm) and APR-STX (106 cm) lambs. DEC-SS lambs (84 cm) had the greatest leg circumference, while CA-STX (16 mm) lambs had the greatest body wall thickness in this study. Data suggest that reproductive status, breed and birth season all had varying influences on carcass traits of lambs in this study.
Selection Methods for Models to Predict Feedstuff Associative Effects in Goats
Authors: Tsukahara Yoko , Gipson Terry A , Puchala Ryszard , Goetsch Arthur L
Published: May 2021

Animal nutrition models can be useful to gain an understanding of factors responsible for and predict biological responses. However, specific models developed can vary among statistical methods employed, especially with relatively small datasets. In this meta-analysis study, independent variables selected by regression tree, stepwise regression, and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) analyses were compared. The database consisted of 135 treatment means (weighted by the number observations) from 25 publications in which goats consumed forage ad libitum with or without supplementation and was divided into three subsets of forage with a crude protein (CP) concentration < 6% (Low; n = 46), 6–10% (Moderate; n = 50), and > 10% (High; n = 39). Regression tree analysis was conducted with rpart of the R statistical programming language and stepwise regression (proc stepwise) and LASSO (proc glmselect) were conducted with SAS. The target variable was forage metabolizable energy (ME) intake relative to metabolic body weight (BW0.75) and potential predictor variables were supplement ME intake also scaled to BW0.75, forage organic matter (OM) digestibility and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration, and supplement concentrations of ME and CP. As shown in Table 1, supplement ME intake was selected with each method. Based on the order of selection, forage NDF concentration had larger impact than supplement ME intake with the Low dataset, whereas supplement ME intake was most important with Moderate and High datasets. Among the statistical methods evaluated, selected variables varied most with the Low dataset, were similar for the Moderate dataset, and were the same for Stepwise and LASSO approaches with the High dataset. In conclusion, model development to predict feedstuff associative effects in goats requires careful attention to variable selection that is impacted by statistical method and varies with forage composition.
Effects of Sericea Lespedeza on Feed Intake, Digestion, and Ruminal Methane Emission in Hair Sheep
Authors: Ribeiro Luana L , Puchala Ryszard , Goetsch Arthur L
Published: May 2021

Eighteen Katahdin (initial body weight of 74 kg; SEM=1.8) and 18 St. Croix ewes (55 kg; SEM=1.3) were used in an experiment with four 6-wk periods to determine effects of dietary level of Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) containing 5.8% condensed tannins (dry matter; DM) and other supplemental ingredients on feed intake, digestion, and ruminal methane emission. Diets were consumed ad libitum and included a concentrate supplement at 0.45% BW (DM). Alfalfa was the basal forage for control (CON), ionophore (ION; lasalocid at 33 mg/kg DM), coconut oil (3%; CCO), and soybean oil (3%; SBO) diets, and forage in moderate- and high-lespedeza diets was a 1:1 mixture of alfalfa and lespedeza and all lespedeza, respectively (MSL and HSL, respectively). Data were analyzed with a 2 x 6 factorial arrangement of treatments, period as a repeated measure, and a mixed effects model. Digestion and methane emission were determined in weeks 4, 10, 16, and 22. Total DM intake was similar among treatments (P = 0.070) but numerically greatest for HSL (1,197, 1,297, 1,491, 1,203, 1,195, and 1,207 g/d; SEM=81.1), OM digestibility ranked (P < 0.05) CON, ION, CCO, and SBO > MSL > HSL (69.2, 57.6, 50.3, 66.3, 66.0, and 68.7%; SEM=1.57), and digestible OM intake was similar among treatments (P = 0.517; 697, 607, 589, 598, 635, and 690 g/d for CON, MSL, HSL, ION, CCO, and SBO, respectively; SEM=50.4). There were no interactions involving time in ruminal methane emission, which was greatest among treatments for CON (P < 0.05) in MJ/d (1.39, 0.93, 0.90, 0.92, 0.85, and 0.96; SEM=0.069) and relative to digestible energy intake (20.6, 15.7, 16.8, 16.1, 13.7, and 13.9% for CON, MSL, HSL, ION, CCO, and SBO, respectively; SEM=1.223). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of Sericea lespedeza may offer a natural and sustainable means of decreasing ruminal methane emission by hair sheep as previously shown in goats, with a magnitude of impact similar to that of some other supplemental dietary ingredients.
Survey to Determine Knowledge of Bioactive Forages Among Small Ruminant Producers
Authors: Whitley Niki C , Pulsifer Chelsea , Terrill Thomas H
Published: May 2021

A short survey was conducted in 2019 to determine knowledge of bioactive forages for parasite control, including specifically Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), before or during small ruminant workshops (also available online via SurveyMonkey® - link sent to a small ruminant email list). Questions also included livestock owned, hay grown and/or fed, and interest in bioactive forages, among others. Descriptive statistics were obtained by using weighted (by region for goat numbers) SURVEYMEANS procedures (SAS). A total of 151 surveys were completed, including paper (n = 45) and online responses (n = 106). Response rate for paper surveys was 90%. Twenty-six of the fifty states were represented and assigned to regions: Southeast (SE), Midwest (MW), Northeast (NE), and southwestern and western combined (SWW). The highest responses came from the SE (unweighted), but after weighting, the SWW region was represented at the highest level (P < 0.001). Nearly 100% of respondents had small ruminants on their farm, most fed both grass and legume hay (P < 0.001), 36.5 ± 8.6% raised hay, but very few sold hay (4.9 ± 1.5%; less than those that did not, P < 0.001). The most popular method of marketing for hay was “word of mouth” (P < 0.001). Prior knowledge of forage plants with bioactivity was noted for 78.0 ± 8.1% (P < 0.001) vs those without. Approximately a third of respondents had used or grown sericea lespedeza (32.8 ± 8.4%; P < 0.05) and most (tendency, P < 0.07) thought of it favorably. Almost half of respondents indicated they were willing to grow sericea lespedeza (P < 0.02). Other sericea lespedeza products of interest to respondents included primarily pellets (around 85.3 ± 8.3%), with little interest in silage (2.2 ± 1.1%; P < 0.0001). Producer surveys, such as this, help inform efforts for researchers and Extension staff.
Assessing the Use of Biometric Ear Tags as Body Temperature Monitoring Devices in Swine
Authors: Amerson Ellie A , Moss Harrison , Kumar Suresh , Brandebourg Terry D
Published: May 2021

It is difficult to detect the subtle changes associated with sickness behaviors in individual pigs early enough to prevent disease outbreaks in group housing settings within large production facilities. This failure results in significant losses to the swine industry. Strategies that allow early detection of parameters such as febrile responses could therefore significantly improve herd health and producer profitability. Our objective was to determine if the use of a biometric ear tag capable of measuring temperature could be used to accurately monitor body temperature in swine. To accomplish this, 42-d-old pigs (n = 21) were fitted with biometric ear tags for 35 d. These devices continuously measured auricular skin temperature and allowed data collection via a paired raspberry pi aggregator. During this period, repeated epidermal temperatures were also taken daily on the rump, shoulder, and ear using a clinical grade infrared thermometer. Correlation analysis using the PROC CORR procedure of SAS was then conducted to determine the ability of the biometric device to estimate body temperature relative to estimates from the clinical device. Infrared temperature readings for the ear significantly correlated with those taken at the shoulder (P < 0.0001) and rump (P < 0.0001). Importantly, temperature readings measured by the biometric ear tags also significantly correlated with infrared readings at the ear (P < 0.0001), shoulder (P < 0.0001) and rump (P < 0.0001) with Pearson Correlation coefficients of 0.51, 0.21, and 0.23, respectively. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that the biometric ear tag device tested during this trial can be used to continuously monitor body temperature in young swine. These results indicate that further efforts to develop these devices as novel herd health monitoring devices is indeed warranted with the next step involving the assessment of their ability to detect physiological changes in body temperature.
A combination ofLactobacillus buchneriandPediococcus pentosaceusextended the aerobic stability of conventional and brown midrib mutants–corn hybrids ensiled at low dry matter concentrations by causing a major shift in their bacterial and fungal community
Authors: Romero Juan J , Park Jin , Joo Younghoo , Zhao Yuchen , Killerby Marjorie , Reyes Diana C , Tiezzi Francesco , Gutierrez-Rodriguez Eduardo , Castillo Miguel S
Published: May 2021

We evaluated the effects of applying a combination inoculant to four corn hybrids harvested at high moisture on their nutritive value and microbial populations. The treatment design was the factorial combination of corn hybrids ensiled with (INO) and without (CON) inoculant. The hybrids were TMF2R737 (MCN), F2F817 (MBR), P2089YHR (PCN), and PI144XR (PBR), ensiled at dry matter (DM) concentrations of 30.5%, 26.3%, 31.1%, and 31.5%, respectively; MBR and PBR were brown midrib mutants (BMR). The inoculant contained Lactobacillus buchneri and Pediococcus pentosaceus (4 × 105 and 1 × 105 cfu/g of fresh corn). The experiment had a complete randomized design with treatments replicated six times. Corn was treated or not with inoculant, packed into 7.6 L bucket silos, and stored for 100 d. At d 0, the relative abundance (RA, %) of Enterobacteriaceae was lower in PBR vs. the other hybrids [51.3 vs. x¯ = (average of) 58.4] and in the case of fungi, incertae sedis (i.s.) Tremellales and Mucoraceae were more and less abundant, respectively, in conventional hybrids vs. BMRs (x¯= 25.8 vs. x¯ = 13.9 and x¯ = 3.64 vs. x¯ = 7.52; P < 0.04). After ensiling, INO had higher LAB (9.3 vs. 7.1 log cfu/g of fresh corn) and acetic acid (3.44% vs. 1.32% of DM) and lower yeast (3.1 vs. 4.6) and molds (1.5 vs. 3.0), and also extended the aerobic stability (582 vs. 111 h) but decreased DM recovery (95.6% vs. 97.4%) vs. CON (P < 0.02). Inoculation reduced bacterial phylogenetic diversity (6.75 vs. 14.4) but increased fungal observed taxonomical units (46 vs. 20) vs. CON (P < 0.01). Also, a higher relative abundance (RA) for Lactobacillaceae (99.2% vs. 75.7%) and lower for Enterobacteriaceae (0.28 vs. 9.93) was observed due to inoculation (P < 0.001). For fungi, INO had a lower RA compared to CON for Monascaceae (12.6 vs. 44.7) and increased i.s. Tremellales (8.0 vs. 1.2) and i.s. Saccharomycetales (6.4% vs. 0.3%; P < 0.006). Inoculation changed the diverse bacterial community found in the phyllosphere across hybrids to a taxonomically uneven one dominated by Lactobacillaceae. In the case of fungi, INO application increased the fungal diversity at d 100 mainly by reducing the dominance of Monascaceae vs. CON. In conclusion, the INO treatment overwhelmed the disparate microbial populations found across BMR and conventional hybrids ensiled at low DM concentrations and ensured a significant concentration of acetic acid that modified fungal populations and in turn extended the aerobic stability of all hybrids.
Quantities of ash, Ca, and P in metacarpals, metatarsals, and tibia are better correlated with total body bone ash in growing pigs than ash, Ca, and P in other bones
Authors: Lee Su A , Lagos L Vanessa , Bedford Mike R , Stein Hans H
Published: May 2021

The objective was to determine correlations between individual bones and total body bone ash to identify the bone that is most representative of total body bone ash in growing pigs. Twenty growing pigs were allotted to 1 of 2 diets that were formulated to contain 60% or 100% of the requirement for standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P. Both diets had an STTD Ca to STTD P ratio of 1.90:1. Growth performance and carcass weights were determined. Metacarpals, metatarsals, femur, tibia, fibula, 3rd and 4th ribs, and 10th and 11th ribs, and all other bones from the left half of the carcass were collected separately. Each bone was defatted and ashed. Pigs fed the diet containing 100% of required Ca and P had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain, gain to feed, and ash concentration (%) in total and all individual bones except femur and fibula compared with pigs fed the diet containing 60% of required Ca and P. Calcium and P concentrations in bone ash were not affected by dietary treatments. Weights (g) of bone ash, bone Ca, and bone P were greater (P < 0.05) or tended to be greater (P < 0.10) for pigs fed the diet containing 100% of required Ca and P. Correlation coefficients between the weight of ashed metacarpals, metatarsals, and tibia and the weight of total bone ash were >0.95. In conclusion, metacarpals, metatarsals, and tibia were more representative of total body bone ash compared with other bones.
Toys or Tools? Utilization of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Mosquito and Vector Control Programs
Authors: Faraji Ary , Haas-Stapleton Eric , Sorensen Brad , Scholl Marty , Goodman Gary , Buettner Joel , Schon Scott , Lefkow Nicholas , Lewis Colin , Fritz Bradley , Hoffman Clint , Williams Greg
Published: May 2021

Organized mosquito control programs (MCP) in the United States have been protecting public health since the early 1900s. These programs utilize integrated mosquito management for surveillance and control measures to enhance quality of life and protect the public from mosquito-borne diseases. Because much of the equipment and insecticides are developed for agriculture, MCP are left to innovate and adapt what is available to accomplish their core missions. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are one such innovation that are quickly being adopted by MCP. The advantages of UAS are no longer conjectural. In addition to locating mosquito larval habitats, UAS affords MCP real-time imagery, improved accuracy of aerial insecticide applications, mosquito larval detection and sampling. UAS are also leveraged for applying larvicides to water in habitats that range in size from multi-acre wetlands to small containers in urban settings. Employing UAS can reduce staff exposure to hazards and the impact associated with the use of heavy equipment in sensitive habitats. UAS are utilized by MCP nationally and their use will continue to increase as technology advances and regulations change. Current impediments include a dearth of major UAS manufacturers of equipment that is tailor-made for mosquito control, pesticides that are optimized for application via UAS and regulations that limit the access of UAS to national airspace. This manuscript highlights the strengths and weaknesses of UAS within MCP, provides an update on systems and methods used, and charts the future direction of UAS technology within MCP tasked with public health protection.
Restricted Rules of Inference and Paraconsistency
Authors: Basu Sankha S , Chakraborty Mihir K
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we study two companions of a logic, viz., the left variable inclusion companion and the restricted rules companion, their nature and interrelations, especially in connection with paraconsistency. A sufficient condition for the two companions to coincide has also been proved. Two new logical systems—intuitionistic paraconsistent weak Kleene logic (IPWK) and paraconsistent pre-rough logic (PPRL)—are presented here as examples of logics of left variable inclusion. IPWK is the left variable inclusion companion of intuitionistic propositional logic and is also the restricted rules companion of it. PPRL, on the other hand, is the left variable inclusion companion of pre-rough logic but differs from the restricted rules companion of it. We have discussed algebraic semantics for these logics in terms of Płonka sums. This amounts to introducing a contaminating truth value, intended to denote a state of indeterminacy.
Modeling Regional Economic Contributions of Forest Restoration: A Case Study of the Four Forest Restoration Initiative
Authors: Hjerpe Evan , Mottek Lucas Anne , Eichman Henry
Published: May 2021

Forest restoration positively affects rural economies by facilitating employment and income generation with logging, wood utilization, and other restoration activities. To investigate economic effects and modeling of forest restoration, a regional contribution analysis of the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) in Arizona was conducted. With over 12,000 acres mechanically thinned in 2017, 4FRI treatments led to the processing of 400,000 green tons of sawlogs and biomass. Restoration activities spurred more than 900 full-time equivalent jobs in the region, $50 million in regional labor income, and affected over 140 different industry sectors in the region. When compared to the US Forest Service Treatments for Restoration Economic Analysis Tool model estimates for 4FRI economic contributions, we found that using primary data from 4FRI contractors provided more conservative results. Primary considerations for modeling forest restoration contributions include contractor surveys, appropriate investigation of the regional context, methodological transparency in bridging restoration expenditures to input-output models, and consideration of how to enhance restoration contributions.
Regulation of plasmodesmata in Arabidopsis leaves: ATP, NADPH and chlorophyll b levels matter
Authors: Dmitrieva Valeria A , Domashkina Valentina V , Ivanova Alexandra N , Sukhov Vladimir S , Tyutereva Elena V , Voitsekhovskaja Olga V
Published: May 2021

In mature leaves, cell-to-cell transport via plasmodesmata between mesophyll cells links the production of assimilates by photosynthesis with their export to sink organs. This study addresses the question of how signals derived from chloroplasts and photosynthesis influence plasmodesmata permeability. Cell-to-cell transport was analyzed in leaves of the Arabidopsis chlorophyll b-less ch1-3 mutant, the same mutant complemented with a cyanobacterial CAO gene (PhCAO) overaccumulating chlorophyll b, the trxm3 mutant lacking plastidial thioredoxin m3, and the ntrc mutant lacking functional NADPH:thioredoxin reductase C. The regulation of plasmodesmata permeability in these lines could not be traced back to the reduction state of the thioredoxin system or the types and levels of reactive oxygen species produced in chloroplasts; however, it could be related to chloroplast ATP and NADPH production. The results suggest that light enables plasmodesmata closure via an increase in the ATP and NADPH levels produced in photosynthesis, providing a control mechanism for assimilate export based on the rate of photosynthate production in the Calvin–Benson cycle. The level of chlorophyll b influences plasmodesmata permeability via as-yet-unidentified signals. The data also suggest a role of thioredoxin m3 in the regulation of cyclic electron flow around photosystem I.
Nanofiber Wound Dressing Materials—A Comparative Study of Wound Healing on a Porcine Model
Authors: Menclová Katerina , Svoboda Petr , Hadač Jan , Juhás Štefan , Juhásová Jana , Pejchal Jaroslav , Mandys Václav , Eminger Karel , Ryska Miroslav
Published: May 2021

Background

Nanofiber wound dressings remain the domain of in vitro studies. The purpose of our study was to verify the benefits of chitosan (CTS) and polylactide (PLA)-based nanofiber wound dressings on a porcine model of a naturally contaminated standardized wound and compare them with the conventional dressings, i.e., gauze and Inadine.

Material and Methods

The study group included 32 pigs randomized into four homogeneous groups according to the wound dressing type. Standardized wounds were created on their backs, and wound dressings were regularly changed. We evaluated difficulty of handling individual dressing materials and macroscopic appearance of the wounds. Wound swabs were taken for bacteriological examination. Blood samples were obtained to determine blood count values and serum levels of acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, and haptoglobin). The crucial point of the study was histological analysis. Microscopic evaluation was focused on the defect depth and tissue reactions, including formation of the fibrin exudate with neutrophil granulocytes, the layer of granulation and cellular connective tissue, and the reepithelialization. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software. The analysis was based on the Kruskal–Wallis H test and Mann–Whitney U test followed by Bonferroni correction. Significance was set at P < .05.

Results

Macroscopic examination did not show any difference in wound healing among the groups. However, evaluation of histological findings demonstrated that PLA-based nanofiber dressing accelerated the proliferative (P = .025) and reepithelialization (P < .001) healing phases, while chitosan-based nanofiber dressing potentiated and accelerated the inflammatory phase (P = .006). No statistically significant changes were observed in the blood count or acute inflammatory phase proteins during the trial. Different dynamics were noted in serum amyloid A values in the group treated with PLA-based nanofiber dressing (P = .006).

Conclusion

Based on the microscopic examination, we have documented a positive effect of nanofiber wound dressings on acceleration of individual phases of the healing process. Nanofiber wound dressings have a potential to become in future part of the common wound care practice.
Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression in Active Duty Women
Authors: Garcia Valencia , Meyer Eric , Witkop Catherine
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common perinatal complication. Risk factors previously found to correlate with PPD in civilians include prenatal depression, childcare stress, limited social support, difficult infant temperament, and maternity blues. Previously identified risk factors in military spouses include spouse deployment/redeployment cycles. It is unclear if these previously identified risk factors are also a risk factor for AD women or if the additional stressors associated with being on active duty (AD) are risk factors for PPD. The purpose of this review is to determine if civilian risk factors have been found to put AD women at risk for PPD and to identify unique risk factors for PPD in AD women.

Materials and Methods

A scoping literature review was performed using PubMed, Defense Technical Information Center, and PsychINFO. The searches were conducted using relevant medical subject headings and keywords. The inclusion criteria included articles published since 1948 (the year women were legally allowed to join the military) that reference risk factors for postpartum/peripartum depression in AD women serving in the U.S. military. The following exclusion criteria were also applied: in a language other than English, opinion papers, and/or not published in a peer-reviewed journal. Articles meeting criteria were evaluated and mapped to stressors previously identified in the literature for civilian and military spouses with PPD with novel stressors identified as mapping outside this framework.

Results

Only two articles met the inclusion criteria. The first study included 87 AD women. The second study, a cohort study between 2001 and 2008, included 1660 AD women. Unique risk factors identified in AD women include previous deployments, serving in the Army, smoking status, alcohol use, and low self-esteem.

Conclusions

Few studies have investigated the risk factors for PPD in AD women. It appears that AD women share many risk factors, or variants of those risk factors, for PPD as their civilian and AD spouse counterparts, but there are also unique risks to consider. More work is needed to improve screening and prevention efforts.
Assessment of Commercial Off-the-Shelf Tissue Adhesives for Sealing Military-Relevant Corneal Perforation Injuries
Authors: Snider Eric J , Cornell Lauren E , Gross Brandon M , Zamora David O , Boice Emily N
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Open-globe ocular injuries have increased in frequency in recent combat operations due to increased use of explosive weaponry. Unfortunately, open-globe injuries have one of the worst visual outcomes for the injured warfighter, often resulting in permanent loss of vision. To improve visual recovery, injuries need to be stabilized quickly following trauma, in order to restore intraocular pressure and create a watertight seal. Here, we assess four off-the-shelf (OTS), commercially available tissue adhesives for their ability to seal military-relevant corneal perforation injuries (CPIs).

Materials and Methods

Adhesives were assessed using an anterior segment inflation platform and a previously developed high-speed benchtop corneal puncture model, to create injuries in porcine eyes. After injury, adhesives were applied and injury stabilization was assessed by measuring outflow rate, ocular compliance, and burst pressure, followed by histological analysis.

Results

Tegaderm dressings and Dermabond skin adhesive most successfully sealed injuries in preliminary testing. Across a range of injury sizes and shapes, Tegaderm performed well in smaller injury sizes, less than 2 mm in diameter, but inadequately sealed large or complex injuries. Dermabond created a watertight seal capable of maintaining ocular tissue at physiological intraocular pressure for almost all injury shapes and sizes. However, application of the adhesive was inconsistent. Histologically, after removal of the Dermabond skin adhesive, the corneal epithelium was removed and oftentimes the epithelium surface penetrated into the wound and was adhered to inner stromal tissue.

Conclusions

Dermabond can stabilize a wide range of CPIs; however, application is variable, which may adversely impact the corneal tissue. Without addressing these limitations, no OTS adhesive tested herein can be directly translated to CPIs. This highlights the need for development of a biomaterial product to stabilize these injuries without causing ocular damage upon removal, thus improving the poor vision prognosis for the injured warfighter.
Star cluster survival in dark matter haloes: an old cluster in Eridanus II?
Authors: Alzate Jairo A , Lora Verónica , Bruzual Gustavo , Lomelí-Núñez Luis , Cervantes Sodi Bernardo
Published: May 2021

The star formation history and the internal dynamics of Milky Way satellite galaxies are often complicated. In the last years, a substantial fraction of the known faint dwarf satellites have been studied. Some of them show embedded stellar substructures, such as star clusters and even globular star clusters. In this work, we study Eridanus II, a dwarf spheroidal satellite that hosts a star cluster, using published and archival data from the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys. We employ a Bayesian hierarchical method to infer the star formation history of Eridanus II. We find that the bulk of the stars in Eridanus II are very old ($13.5_{-1}^{+0.5}$ Gyr) and quite metal-poor (Z = 0.000 01). We do not find any evidence of the presence of an intermediate age or young population in Eri II. We cannot date the embedded star cluster as a separate entity, but we find it likely that the cluster has a similar age and metallicity as the bulk of the stars in Eri II. The existence of an old star cluster in a dark matter dominated old metal-poor dwarf galaxy is of major importance to cast light on the dark matter distribution within dwarf galaxies. The existence of intermediate age stars is required by the recent detection of carbon stars in Eri II. Since no recent star formation is detected, blue-straggler fusions of lower mass stars are the most likely origin of the carbon star progenitors.
Two alternative methods for the retrieval of somatic cell populations from the mouse ovary
Authors: Frost E R , Ford E A , Taylor G , Boeing S , Beckett E L , Roman S D , Lovell-Badge R , McLaughlin E A , Sutherland J M
Published: May 2021

Many modern techniques employed to uncover the molecular fundamentals underlying biological processes require dissociated cells as their starting point/substrate. Investigations into ovarian endocrinology or folliculogenesis, therefore, necessitate robust protocols for dissociating the ovary into its constituent cell populations. While in the mouse, methods to obtain individual, mature follicles are well-established, the separation and isolation of single cells of all types from early mouse follicles, including somatic cells, has been more challenging. Herein we present two methods for the isolation of somatic cells in the ovary. These methods are suitable for a range of applications relating to the study of folliculogenesis and mouse ovarian development. First, an enzymatic dissociation utilising collagenase and a temporary, primary cell culture step using neonatal mouse ovaries which yields large quantities of granulosa cells from primordial, activating, and primary follicles. Second, a rapid papain dissociation resulting in a high viability single cell suspension of ovarian somatic cells in less than an hour, which can be applied from embryonic to adult ovarian samples. Collectively these protocols can be applied to a broad array of investigations with unique advantages and benefits pertaining to both.
MEF2C silencing downregulates NF2 and E-cadherin and enhances Erastin-induced ferroptosis in meningioma
Authors: Bao Zhongyuan , Hua Lingyang , Ye Yangfan , Wang Daijun , Li Chong , Xie Qing , Wakimoto Hiroaki , Gong Ye , Ji Jing
Published: May 2021

Background

Ferroptosis, a programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation, is implicated in various diseases including cancer. Although cell density-dependent E-cadherin and Merlin/Neurofibromin (NF2) loss can modulate ferroptosis, the role of ferroptosis and its potential link to NF2 status and E-cadherin expression in meningioma remain unknown.

Methods

Relationship between ferroptosis modulators expression and NF2 mutational status was examined in 35 meningiomas (10 NF2 loss and 25 NF2 wild type). The impact of NF2 and E-cadherin on ferroptosis were examined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, lipid peroxidation, and western blot assays in IOMM-Lee, CH157, and patient-derived meningioma cell models. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to assess the ability of MEF2C (myocyte enhancer factor 2C) to drive expression of NF2 and CDH1 (E-cadherin). Therapeutic efficacy of Erastin-induced ferroptosis was tested in xenograft mouse models.

Results

Meningioma cells with NF2 inactivation were susceptible to Erastin-induced ferroptosis. Meningioma cells grown at higher density increased expression of E-cadherin, which suppressed Erastin-induced ferroptosis. Maintaining NF2 and E-cadherin inhibited ferroptosis-related lipid peroxidation and meningioma cell death. MEF2C was found to drive the expression of both NF2 and E-cadherin. MEF2C silencing enhanced Erastin-induced ferroptotic meningioma cell death and lipid peroxidation levels in vitro, which was limited by forced expression of MEF2C targets, NF2 and E-cadherin. In vivo, anti-meningioma effect of Erastin was augmented by MEF2C knockdown and was counteracted by NF2 or E-cadherin.

Conclusions

NF2 loss and low E-cadherin create susceptibility to ferroptosis in meningioma. MEF2C could be a new molecular target in ferroptosis-inducing therapies for meningioma.
Combination of targeted monitoring and Breeding Bird Survey data improves population trend estimation and species distribution modeling for the Common Nighthawk
Authors: Knight Elly C , Smith Adam C , Brigham R Mark , Bayne Erin M
Published: May 2021

Standardized monitoring is critical for conservation because reliable survey data are used to inform the necessity, type, and effectiveness of conservation actions. Many of the avian monitoring data used for conservation are collected by “comprehensive” programs that survey for all species observed; however, there are some species that have low availability for detection during comprehensive surveys and are instead monitored with targeted programs. Unfortunately, those targeted programs are rarely evaluated relative to existing programs and management objectives to inform allocation of effort. We assessed the statistical performance of the comprehensive North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), the targeted Canadian Nightjar Survey (CNS), and the two programs combined for the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor). First, we used parameters from the existing datasets to simulate population declines and determined the probability of detecting those declines. Analyses that combined both datasets resulted in higher probability of detecting a 30% population decline (BBS: 38%, CNS: 64%, combined: 69%). Next, we built probability of occurrence models and assessed the predictive performance of those models. Combined analyses had similar predictive performance to the CNS and moderated poor performance of the BBS in the north (mean Cohen’s kappa; BBS: 0.40, CNS: 0.46, combined: 0.50). Our results suggest that data from targeted monitoring is important for evaluation of Common Nighthawk population trend and habitat relationships but is best combined with BBS data. Comprehensive and targeted monitoring programs may be better when considered together, and exploration of data combination should become the rule, not the exception. We suggest that the framework we present can be used as a starting point for evaluating targeted monitoring programs relative to defined objectives and existing programs, with the potential to explore hypothetical management scenarios.
The histone variant H3.3 promotes the active chromatin state to repress flowering in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Fengyue , Zhang Huairen , Zhao Ting , Li Zicong , Jiang Danhua
Published: May 2021

The histone H3 family in animals and plants includes replicative H3 and nonreplicative H3.3 variants. H3.3 preferentially associates with active transcription, yet its function in development and transcription regulation remains elusive. The floral transition in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) involves complex chromatin regulation at a central flowering repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). Here, we show that H3.3 upregulates FLC expression and promotes active histone modifications histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and histone H3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3) at the FLC locus. The FLC activator FRIGIDA (FRI) directly mediates H3.3 enrichment at FLC, leading to chromatin conformation changes and further induction of active histone modifications at FLC. Moreover, the antagonistic H3.3 and H2A.Z act in concert to activate FLC expression, likely by forming unstable nucleosomes ideal for transcription processing. We also show that H3.3 knockdown leads to H3K4me3 reduction at a subset of particularly short genes, suggesting the general role of H3.3 in promoting H3K4me3. The finding that H3.3 stably accumulates at FLC in the absence of H3K36me3 indicates that the H3.3 deposition may serve as a prerequisite for active histone modifications. Our results reveal the important function of H3.3 in mediating the active chromatin state for flowering repression.
A Menu of Insurance Contracts for the Unemployed
Authors: Barnichon Regis , Zylberberg Yanos
Published: May 2021

Unemployment insurance (UI) programs traditionally take the form of a single insurance contract offered to job seekers. In this work, we show that offering a menu of contracts can be welfare improving in the presence of adverse selection and moral hazard. When insurance contracts are composed of (1) a UI payment and (2) a severance payment paid at the onset of unemployment, offering contracts with different ratios of UI benefits to severance payment is optimal under the equivalent of a single-crossing condition: job seekers in higher need of unemployment insurance should be less prone to moral hazard. In that setting, a menu allows the planner to attract job seekers with a high need for insurance in a contract with generous UI benefits, and to attract job seekers most prone to moral hazard in a separate contract with a large severance payment but little unemployment insurance. We propose a simple sufficient statistics approach to test the single-crossing condition in the data.
Instrument-Based versus Target-Based Rules
Authors: Halac Marina , Yared Pierre
Published: May 2021

We study rules based on instruments versus targets. Our application is a New Keynesian economy where the central bank has non-contractible information about aggregate demand shocks and cannot commit to policy. Incentives are provided to the central bank via punishment which is socially costly. Instrument-based rules condition incentives on the central bank’s observable choice of policy, whereas target-based rules condition incentives on the outcomes of policy, such as inflation, which depend on both the policy choice and realized shocks. We show that the optimal rule within each class takes a threshold form, imposing the worst punishment upon violation. Target-based rules dominate instrument-based rules if and only if the central bank’s information is sufficiently precise, and they are relatively more attractive the less severe the central bank’s commitment problem. The optimal unconstrained rule relaxes the instrument threshold whenever the target threshold is satisfied.
Predicting incident dementia and mild cognitive impairment in older women with nonparametric analysis of circadian activity rhythms in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
Authors: Posner Alexander B , Tranah Gregory J , Blackwell Terri , Yaffe Kristine , Ancoli-Israel Sonia , Redline Susan , Leng Yue , Zeitzer Jamie M , Chen Dorothy M , Webber Katey R , Stone Katie L
Published: May 2021

Study Objectives

Disrupted daily rhythms are associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. The specific nature of how rhythms and cognition are related, however, is unknown. We hypothesized characteristics from a nonparametric estimate of circadian rest-activity rhythm patterns would be associated to the development of MCI or dementia.

Methods

Wrist actigraphy from 1232 cognitively healthy, community-dwelling women (mean age 82.6 years) from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures was used to estimate rest-activity patterns, including intradaily variability (IV), interdaily stability (IS), most active 10-hour period (M10), least active 5-hour period (L5), and relative amplitude (RA). Logistic regression examined associations of these predictors with 5-year incidence of MCI or dementia. Models were adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Women with earlier sleep/wake times had higher risk of dementia, but not MCI, (early vs. average L5 midpoint: OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.08–2.55) as did women with smaller day/night activity differentials (low vs. high RA: OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.14–3.35). IV, IS, and M10 were not associated with MCI or dementia.

Conclusion

The timing and difference in day/night amplitude, but not variability of activity, may be useful as predictors of dementia.