bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSIV-7 Optimization of Indigestible Neutral and Acid Detergent Fiber Measurement Protocols
Authors: Griffin MacKenzie L , Proctor Jarret A , Long Nathan S , Smith Jason K , Gouvea Vinicius N , Perkins Tommy L , Beck Matthew R
Published: November 2023

Dry matter digestibility (DMD) is a factor that impacts nutrient use efficiency and growth performance of beef cattle. Indigestible neutral (INDF) and acid detergent fiber (IADF) are internal markers commonly used to estimate DMD. The objective of this experiment was to optimize existing protocols for determination of INDF and IADF in feedlot rations and feces. This experiment implemented a 2×2×4 factorial arrangement with a starter or finisher diet, with or without a pepsin and HCl pre-digestion of the diets, and with four ruminal incubation lengths (72, 96, 120, or 288 h). The samples used in this experiment were from diets fed and total fecal collections obtained from 6 steers consuming the starter or finisher diet. Fecal and diet marker concentrations were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA with ruminally canulated steer (n = 2) as a random effect and diet, pre-digestion, marker, time, and possible interactions as fixed effects. A two-sided t-test was used to test if marker fecal recoveries differed from 100%. When diets were pre-digested, a plateau in dietary marker concentration was achieved, where concentrations of both markers were not different (P ≥ 0.10) when incubated for 120 h compared with 288 h. When diets were not predigested, the dietary content of both markers continued to decrease with increasing ruminal incubation length so that marker content of 120-h incubations were significantly greater (P < 0.01) than 288-h incubations, except for IADF content of the finisher diet where the 120 and 288 h were not different (P = 0.77). The dietary content of INDF and IADF for samples that were not pre-digested and incubated for 288 h were not different (P ≥ 0.64) from the samples that were pre-digested and incubated for 120-h. For the INDF marker across both diets, fecal concentrations were lowest (P ≤ 0.01) when ruminally incubated for 288 h compared with all other ruminal incubation durations. The fecal concentrations of IADF were less (P < 0.01) when incubated for 288 h compared with those incubated for 120 h for the starter diet, but only tended (P = 0.07) to be less at those same time points for the finisher diet. When pre-digestion was conducted, only 120-h ruminal incubations had fecal recoveries that were not different (P ≥ 0.26) from 100% for all markers and diet types. If a pre-digestion was not conducted, then only the 288 h length provided fecal recoveries that were not different (P ≥ 0.12) from 100% for all diets and markers. Based on these results, using a pepsin and HCl pre-digestion followed by a 120-h ruminal incubation shortens time requirements and provides acceptable measurements of INDF and IADF concentrations in feeds and feces. If pre-digestion of diet samples is not possible then a 288-h ruminal incubation length is required.
PSX-8 Effect of Feeding Additional Whey Protein to Senior Labrador Retrievers for Maintaining Lean Mass and Minimizing Inflammation
Authors: Coon Craig N , Timlin Claire , Fowler Jason , Mccracken Fiona
Published: November 2023

We previously reported increases in lean mass and lean:fat ratio in senior Labrador Retrievers fed a commercial whey protein supplement after a 26-week trial with exercise regimen. Further work on this project examined the impacts of this supplement on immunity and inflammation. Thirty-six senior (>7 yr) Labrador Retrievers received a basal diet meeting AAFCO crude protein (CP) requirements (45g/1,000 kcal, 18% CP on DM basis) and were randomly assigned to one of three supplements: 1) an additional 22.5 g CP/1,000 kcal (27% CP on DM basis) sourced from hydrolyzed pea protein isolate (Pea); 2) additional 22.5 g CP/1,000 kcal (27% CP on DM basis) sourced from whey protein (Whey; Hilmar Protelyze Pet; Hilmar, CA) or 3) poultry fat and sucrose to equalize calories but provide no additional CP (Control). All dogs participated in an exercise regimen consisting of twice weekly 2.2 km runs. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture at week 0 (baseline) and week 26 (end of trial) for analysis of cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, NGF-β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, VEGFA, and SCF) and immune cell proliferation. Cytokines were measured with Luminex MAGPIX analyzer. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from whole blood, plated, challenged with pokeweed mitogen. Proliferation was evaluated with a 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine proliferation assay kit. Gait analysis was evaluated at weeks 0 (baseline), 4, 8, 16 and 26 using a Gait4Dogs pressure walkway (CIR Systems, Inc; Franklin, NJ). Gait data were processed to generate a FRK Total Gait Inflammation Index, calculated by the sum of the differences from the ideal scores for gait lameness score, total pressure index, step/stride ratio, and hind reach. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc adjustments. We observed increases in IL-12 (P = 0.004), MCP-1 (P = 0.04), VEGFA (P = 0.05), and SCF (P = 0.04) in Control vs Whey at week 26, with Pea intermediate. Spontaneous immune cell proliferation was less in both Pea and Whey compared with Control (P < 0.01). Proliferation after challenge was less in Whey compared with Pea (P = 0.05), with Control intermediate. The FRK Total Gait Inflammation Index significantly increased after exercise in Control and Pea dogs, but not Whey (P < 0.01). Scores of Control dogs remained increased compared with Whey dogs from weeks 4 to 26 (P < 0.01). Dietary supplementation with whey protein at 1.5 x AAFCO minimum proved beneficial for Labrador Retrievers by maintaining more lean mass with improved lean/fat ratio, reduced inflammatory biomarkers, immune cell proliferation, and FRK Total Gait Inflammation Index after an exercise regimen when compared with seniors only consuming a 18% protein basal diet. Supplemental whey protein may better maintain senior dogs experiencing chronic inflammation from aging or disease.
PSX-16 The Effects of Vaccination Program and Grazing Season on Beef Cattle Milk Fatty Acid Composition When Grazing Native Rangeland in New Mexico
Authors: Ropp Kate , Melchior-Tiffany Emily A , Scholljegerdes Eric J
Published: November 2023

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of vaccine program and progression of grazing season on beef cow milk fatty acid composition. In 2015, Fifty-one Angus-crossed beef heifers were randomly assigned to receive a modified-live viral vaccine (MLV; Bovishield Gold 5 FP) or killed viral vaccine (KV; Cattlemaster Gold 5 FP) against BVDV beginning at 3 months of age and for the duration of their lifespan in the herd. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, milk samples were collected on days 1, 63, and 205 of lactation. Milk samples were subjected to fatty acid analysis using Gas Chromatography. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with repeated measures using SAS. Milk concentrations of 16:0, 18:0, 18:1n-9, 18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, or total fatty acids when expressed as mg/g were not affected by vaccine treatment (P ≥ 0.58). However, milk 16:0 concentrations decreased linearly (P < 0.0001) as the grazing season progressed from day 1 to day 205 of lactation. This was despite a linear increase (P = 0.05) in forage concentrations of 16:0. Milk concentrations of 18:0 decreased linearly throughout lactation (P = 0.002). Likewise, milk concentrations of 18:1n-9 decreased throughout lactation (P < 0.0001). Milk concentrations of 18:2n-6 declined linearly (P < 0.0001) as the grazing season progressed into the fall weaning period. Interestingly, milk concentration of 18:3n-3 did not change (P = 0.62) with time. Biohydrogenation intermediates were reduced in concentration and did not vary across grazing season (P ≥ 0.06) Total fatty acids decreased throughout lactation (P < 0.0001). Total fatty acid content of forage did increase linearly (P = 0.02), which would suggest milk production (volume) and de novo milk fatty acid synthesis altered milk composition more so than forage fatty acid composition. In conclusion, vaccine treatment did not affect milk composition. However, grazing season progression resulted in decreased milk fatty acid concentrations from day 1 to day 205 of lactation.
PSXIV-17 Examining Mammary Gland Transcriptomic Profiles Using Rna-Seq in Slick and Wild-Type Haired Holstein Cattle Under Tropical Conditions
Authors: Contreras-Correa Zully E , Arick Mark A , Sánchez-Rodríguez Héctor L , Lemley Caleb O
Published: November 2023

In lactating dairy cows, heat stress reduces feed intake, alters the metabolism of the animal, and compromises milk production. Holstein cattle carrying the prolactin receptor gene mutation (SLICK) have been shown to have superior performance under tropical conditions by exhibiting increased milk yield compared with wild-type haired Holstein cattle (WT). Recent research indicated that SLICK cattle have greater mammary gland blood flow and lower vaginal temperatures, while maintaining prolonged voluntary exposure to direct solar radiation than their WT counterparts. Nevertheless, differences in molecular mechanisms between genotypes at the mammary gland level have been unexplored. The objective of the current study was to investigate possible differences in the mammary gland transcriptome from SLICK (n = 7) and WT (n = 6) Puerto Rican Holstein cattle. At 160 ± 3 days in milk (DIM), ultrasound guided mammary biopsies were collected from the left rear quarter of each animal and samples were snap frozen. Unstranded RNA-seq libraries were created from the frozen mammary tissue and sequenced using Illumina Novaseq 2x150bp. Quantification of expression was done by salmon [v1.9.0] using the Bos taurus (ARS UCD1.3) transcriptome database. Testing for significant differential expression (DE) was done using a pipeline consisting of the R packages tximport [v1.26.1] and edgeR [v3.40.2]. The fry method from edgeR was used to do gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and Gene Ontology (GO) terms. A single gene (GeneID:513329, major allergen Equ c 1 isoform X2) showed significant (B.H. adjusted P-value ≤ 0.05) differential expression. Aligning the protein sequence for this gene using the BLASTp against the non-redundant (NR) database revealed high similarity to two pheromones, salivary lipocalin 2 and salivary lipocalin-like. Both the KEGG pathway and GO term GSEA showed no statistically significant enrichment at B.H. adjusted P-value ≤ 0.05; however, using a less stringent criteria with a normal P-value ≤ 0.05, multiple relevant pathways were identified. For example, the KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway (bta00590) was enriched, and the tight junction function pathway (bta4530) was depleted in the SLICK Holstein samples. Among the GO analysis, genes were found to be downregulated in response to cold (GO:0009409), hair follicle development (GO:0001942), and vasoconstriction (GO:0042310), whereas positive regulation of oxytocin production (GO:0140668), and defense response to Gram-positive bacterium (GO:0050830) were upregulated. In conclusion, differences in gene expression were limited, but after enrichment interesting pathways were revealed and deserve further exploration to aid in elucidating different molecular mechanisms between SLICK and WT cattle.
PSVII-18 Applying the Marbling Window Concept to Enhance Intramuscular Fat Development in Beef Cattle
Authors: Santos Marta M , Costa Thais C , Silva Walmir , Pistillo Leticia Z , Dean Sarah E , Teixeira Dante V , Sampaio Claudia B , Gionbelli Mateus P , Verardo Lucas L , Paulino Pedro Veiga Rodrigues , Duarte Marcio S
Published: November 2023

The increase in marbling deposition without increasing the overall fatness of the carcass is one of the most challenge goals in meat industry. Previous studies have suggested the nutritional interventions at the neonatal stages as a strategy to enhance the commitment of muscular mesenchymal stem cells to adipogenesis, which may contribute to enhance marbling deposition at the finishing phase. As such the objective of this study was designed the evaluate the impact nutrient supplementation during the pre-weaning stage of beef calves has on intramuscular adipogenic determination. Thirty-four female calves were assigned to two experimental treatments: Control (CON, n = 17), where calves received only a mineral mixture as a supplement; Supplemented (SUP, n = 17), where calves received an energy-protein supplement (0.5 kg·100 kg of BW-1·day-1; the same mineral mixture was used in the CON supplement). Calves were supplemented from 100 to 250 days of age. Once animals reached 250 days of age, skeletal muscle tissue samples were biopsied from the 10th and 11th rib and used for identification of mesenchymal stem cells and preadipocytes through immunofluorescence, mRNA and protein abundance of adipo-fibrogenic markers, and abundance of candidate miRNA controlling expression of adipogenic commitment. Data were analyzed considering the completely randomized design of the experiment. Heifers were randomized across paddocks, and paddocks were randomized across treatments. The PROC MIXED of SAS 9.2 was used for all analyses. The average daily gain (P = 0.08) and final body weight (P = 0.07) tended to be greater in SUP than CON calves. The number of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (P = 0.69) did not differ between treatments, while a greater number of intramuscular pre-adipocytes were observed in SUP than CON calves (P = 0.01). The expression of miRNA-4429 (P = 0.20) did not differ between treatments, while the expression of miRNA-129-5p (P = 0.09) and miRNA-129-2-3p (P = 0.05) tended to be greater in CON than SUP calves. Our findings demonstrate that energy-protein supplementation from 100 to 250 days of age is capable to enhance intramuscular adipogenesis in beef cattle. Moreover, our results suggest that regulation of adipogenic commitment occurs by post-transcriptional regulation through miR-129 family.
PSXI-20 Effects of Termite Meal Supplementation on Egg-Laying Hens and Their Egg Quality
Authors: Tsukahara Yoko , Kumagai Hajime , Nishida Keisuke , Tomonaga Shozo , Hirooka Hiroyuki , Matsuura Kenji
Published: November 2023

Recently, the interest in utilizing insect meal as an alternative protein and energy source in chicken production has emerged in developed and developing countries. The damp wood termite Hodotermopsis sjostedti is most unlikely to be a pest among termite species, which enhances its expectation as a potential feed source. Furthermore, termites are generally known for their longevity. This study investigated the effects of termite (H. sjostedti) meal supplementation on BW, feed intake, laying performance, egg quality, and blood plasma profiles for aged Japanese Momiji layer hens as a small-scale preliminary trial. Ten laying aged hens [initial age 99.4 wk old and body weight (BW) 1.98 kg] resided in individual pens were randomly divided into two groups for similar mean BW, egg laying rate, and egg weight and offered either a high-performance commercial formula [COM; 18.0% crude protein (CP) and > 2,850 kcal/kg metabolic energy] or [TM; 2.5% inclusion of freeze-dried ground termite meal (19.1% CP)]. After 12 d of an adaptation period with the treatment diets, eggs were collected daily for 8 d. Each sampled egg was measured for a whole egg, albumen, and yolk weight, albumen and yolk height, yolk diameter, and yolk color referring to the DSM Yolk Color Fan, and eggshell thickness and strength. The egg-laying rate and Haugh unit were calculated. At the end of the study, BW and feed intake were measured individually, and blood samples were collected from the brachial wing vein. All the egg quality values were averaged by hen so that data with one value per hen were analyzed by GLM of SAS. Final BW (P = 0.069) and egg yolk height (P = 0.082) tended to be greater for TM hens than COM hens, whereas feed intake, egg weight, feed efficiency, egg laying rate, and also egg quality traits were similar between the treatments. The whole egg and albumen weights of hens were greater than regular eggs because of their old age. All the hens had increased blood Ca, triglyceride, and phospholipid concentrations, probably because of the base diet formulation and their old age. On the other hand, blood urea nitrogen for TM hens tended to be less (P = 0.055) than COM hens, despite the greater CP concentration in the TM diet. Blood total protein was numerically greater for TM than COM, which implies greater protein metabolism in the diet for TM hens and may support and explain their greater final BW. In conclusion, termite meal supplementation in the high-performance commercial chicken diet enhanced the protein concentration and potential metabolization that suggested preferable tendencies in aged laying hens, which requires further investigation.
PSXI-1 A Case Study of the Environmental Footprint of Dairy-Beef Production in Catalonia: a Tool to Improve Sustainability
Authors: Devant Maria , Ruiz-Colmenero Marta , Terre Marta , De Planell Guillem , Ballega Adriadna , Andón Miquel , Anton Assumpció , Rosenbaum Ralph , Núñez Montserrat
Published: November 2023

This study aims to assess the environmental impact of the dairy beef meat value chain in Catalonia, north-eastern Spain, from cradle to distribution, using the methodology recommended by the European Commission’s in its Product Environmental Footprint (PEF; EC, 2021) initiative. Case studies and the construction of regionalized databases are needed, together with addressing the challenges when utilizing the PEF methodology in real-world applications, to address primary sector large variability. For that, the PEF methodology was applied in 2 beef farms which grow calves from 120 kg to 410 kg fed with 2 different feed compounds each (growing and finishing). Data gathering was performed at the distribution gate including the following stages: raw milk production at farm, transport to dairy centrals, milk processing and packaging, and transport to market and supermarket centrals. The contribution analysis showed that the farm was the life cycle stage with the major contribution to the environmental impact (65% or more in all 16 PEF indicators). Results at farm gate showed the overall importance of the feed production impact (between 30% and 90% of the impact at farm gate in all indicators). Looking specifically at climate change (CC), emissions produced at the farm from manure management and enteric fermentation (IPCC & EMEP/EEA, 2019) were a major contributor to the impact: 19 and 36% contribution to CC respectively. Results of this study showed an average final carbon footprint of 6.62 kg CO2 eq per kg body weight at farm gate, what corresponds to 12.00 kg CO2 eq per kg carcass at farm gate (55% carcass dressing). This value increases slightly to 12.7 kg CO2 eq per kg carcass meat at distribution gate. These results are considerably below the benchmark value found in literature of 32.5 kg CO2 eq per kg carcass meat sold to retailers (TS Red meat FCR, 2019). This benchmark is calculated considering an average mix of production systems and technologies using both dairy and beef enterprises (TS Red meat FCR, 2019). Currently, different feed alternatives are being studied with the aim to improve beef production sustainability, without compromising animal performance and wellbeing. These might include assessing alternative ingredients that are nutritionally equivalent to the major impact contributors, additives that reduce emissions, research for optimizing crop production rates, and assessing different geographical origin of ingredients where improved agronomic practices are used or where crop production is located in ecosystems with lower susceptibility to environmental impact.
PSI-30 A Novel Direct-Fed Microbial Influences Growth Performance, Health Parameters, and Carcass Characteristics in Feedlot Finishing Steers
Authors: Preedy Garrett W , Guimaraes Octavio , Schutz Jennifer S , Fox Trent , Theurer Miles
Published: November 2023

Non-hormone-treated beef steers (n = 1,625; 370.6 ± 8.4 kg) were used to determine the impact of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, health parameters, and cost of gain in finishing beef cattle. Steers were sorted into 3 optimal marketing groups for each day of enrollment and randomly assigned, within block to 1 of 2 treatments (12 replicates per treatment). Treatments included: 1) Control (no DFM), 2) BDP (BOVAMINE DEFEND Plus containing (50 mg· animal-1· /day-1; Lactobacillus animalis, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus subtilis). Steers averaged 133 days on feed (DOF) at time of harvest. Both pens within a block were harvested on the same day. Steers were weighed in drafts on a certified scale by pen at closeout. Hot carcass weights and liver scores were collected at the time of slaughter. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized block design and pen was considered the experimental unit. Dry matter intake and final body weight were not different across treatments. Total outs (dead animals and removed) throughout the experiment were less (P < 0.01) for BDP steers. Performance tended to be greater as ADG (P < 0.06) and FE (P < 0.01) were better for steers receiving BDP treatment. Hot carcass weight and quality grade were not different across treatments; however, total liver abscesses were found to be less (P < 0.01) in steers receiving BDP compared with controls. These data suggest that BOVAMINE DEFEND Plus supplementation improves growth performance during the finishing phase, reduces overall mortality, and increases return on investment of feedlot cattle.
PSII-22 Effect of Protein Supplementation Level and Degradability on N Balance By Steers Consuming Low-Quality Forage: I.Bos Taurus Taurus
Authors: Cox Jodi R , Wickersham Tryon A
Published: November 2023

Globally, cattle convert low-quality forage to beef and milk; therefore, understanding protein utilization in Bos taurus taurus is critical to enhancing sustainability as over and under-supplementation of protein are economically and environmentally costly. Low-quality forage lacks the N necessary for proper utilization and metabolic function. Supplemental protein improves low-quality forage utilization and is expected to increase N absorption and retention. Accordingly, our objective was to determine the effect of ruminal degradability and level of protein supplementation on N balance in Bos taurus taurus steers. To achieve this objective, six ruminally cannulated Angus steers (BW 294 ± 37.7 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square to evaluate the interaction between level and degradability of protein supplementation when consuming King Ranch Bluestem hay (3.5% CP, 71.0% NDF). Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial steers receiving protein supplements (43% CP) with two ruminal degradable protein levels; 35% RDP (35%; 58% corn gluten meal and 42% soybean hulls) and 70% RDP (70%; 100% soybean meal). Supplements were fed at two levels, providing 1.26 or 2.53 g of supplement/kg BW (LOW and HIGH, respectively). A control (CON) provided no supplement. Five, 14-d periods, consisted of 9 d adaptation and 4 d to measure intake, digestion, and N balance, and 1 d for ruminal fermentation. No significant (P ≥ 0.14) degradability × level interactions were detected for any measures of N balance. Although forage organic matter intake increased (P < 0.01) in response to supplementation, forage N intake was not improved. Supplemental N intake increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increased supplementation, as designed, resulting in a significant linear (P < 0.01) increase in total N intake. In addition, 70% RDP supplement resulted in greater supplemental N intake than the 35% RDP supplement. Fecal N excretion increased linearly with supplementation. Supplementation at the HIGH level increased (P < 0.01) fecal N excretion 90% compared with CON. There was no significant (P = 0.94) effect of ruminal degradability. Urinary N excretion was greater (P < 0.01) when the 70% RDP supplement was fed than the 35% RDP. Nitrogen absorption linearly increased with supplementation (P < 0.01). Similarly, nitrogen retention linearly increased (P < 0.01) with level of supplementation but was not significantly affected by degradability (P = 0.87). In conclusion, providing supplemental N to Bos taurus taurus increased N intake, excretion, absorption, and retention. Level of ruminal degradability did not affect N retention or absorption suggesting that protein supplementation regardless of ruminal N degradability improves N balance in Bos taurus taurus consuming low-quality forage.
PSXI-27 Live Yeasts Enhance Ruminal Fermentation of Fibrous Feedstuffs
Authors: Castillo-Castillo Yamicela , Gonzalez-Mora Bexy , Anderson Robin C , Salinas-Chavira Jaime , Angulo-Montoya Claudio , Romero-Vilorio Lianne , Ruiz-Barrera Oscar , Copado-Garcia Ramon
Published: November 2023

Since the beginning of the present century, research results have shown that ruminant researchers have explored the idea of manipulate ruminal fermentation, trying to improve a much better metabolism of nutrients in the rumen, all of this with the aim to increase the productivity of ruminants. The main goal of this experiment was to evaluate the potential use of a savage yeast strain (Pichia guilliermondii) on the ruminal fermentation of maize stover. To accomplish the objective two in vitro treatments were examined: a) filtered rumen liquid + powdered maize stover + yeast-free culture medium, and b) filtered rumen liquid + powdered maize stover + culture medium inoculated with yeast. Samples were collected at different time, 0, 6, 12, and 24 h and examined for effects on culture pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), the fiber digestibility percentages of neutral detergent fiber (NDFD) and acid detergent fiber (ADFD), as well the digestibility of dry matter (DMD), and the concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The results showed that the addition of Levica 27 had no effect on the ruminal pH, NH3-N or the digestibility indicators (P > 0.05). However, at 12 h, the inclusion of Levica 27 increased (P < 0.05) the molar total of VFAs, and acetic and propionic acids in ruminal fluid and decreased (P < 0.05) the C2:C3 ratio. Our conclusion was that Pichia guilliermondii had a stimulating effect on the in vitro ruminal fermentation over a range within 6 and 12 h, a result that should be taken into account when in vivo studies are replicated with this yeast strain.
PSXIII-14 Supplementation of a Phytogenic Feed Additive on Growth Performance, Feed Intake and Carcass Traits of Growing and Finishing Beef Steers
Authors: Yang Wenzhu , de Lima Paulo Mello Tavares Lima , Ramirez Shelby M , Schwandt Erin F , McAllister Tim A
Published: November 2023

Phytogenic feed additives (PFA) have been shown to provide anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antioxidant properties across many species including livestock and can positively influence animal performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding a PFA to growing and finishing beef steers on growth performance, feed efficiency, carcass traits, and liver abscesses. Forty-five crossbred steers (initial BW; 272 ± 20.5 kg) were housed in individual pens and used in a randomized complete block design including a 110-d growing period followed by a 120-d finishing period. The steers were blocked by BW and randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatments: control (CON) basal diet without PFA or monensin; basal diet with a phytogenic feed additive (PFA; 500 mg· animal-1· /day-1) or basal diet with monensin (MON; 300 mg/head/d). The growing diet consisted of 60% silage and 40% concentrate, while the finishing diet consisted of 10% silage and 90% of concentrate (DM basis). In the growing period, dry matter intake (DMI) did not differ; whereas, final BW (415 vs. 403 kg; P = 0.10) and average daily gain (1.31 vs. 1.20 kg/d; P = 0.12) was numerically greater with PFA than CON, respectively, with no difference from MON. Feed efficiency (gain:feed) in the growing period was greater (P = 0.04) with MON (173 g/kg) than PFA (161 g/kg) and CON (156 g/kg). In the finishing period, growth performance, feed efficiency, carcass traits did not differ among treatments; whereas, DMI was numerically less (P = 0.11) with PFA (10.2 kg/d) than CON (10.8 kg/d), but there was no difference between PFA and MON (9.8 kg/d). The percentage of abscessed livers did not differ between PFA and CON, but the proportion of abscessed livers tended (P = 0.09) to be greater with MON compared with PFA and CON, without difference in severely abscessed livers among treatments. These results indicate that feed efficiency of growing steers was not improved by PFA to the level with MON. However, supplementation of PFA or MON resulted in similar finishing performance and feed efficiency.
PSXIII-20 The Effect of Hemp Varieties and Cannabidiol Concentrations on the in Vitro Ruminal Microbiome
Authors: Silva Aghata , Franco Arturo Macias , Brody Tio , Frese Steven , Fonseca Mozart A
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hemp varieties and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations on in vitro ruminal microbiota diversity and abundance relative do alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Two ruminally cannulated Angus steers were used as inoculum donors for in vitro incubation. Two 160-mL serum bottles containing 200 mg air-dried of either alfalfa, fedora 17 (F17) and felina 32 after late harvest (F32S) or without seeds (F32O) were incubated in 14 mL of buffering media and 4 mL of rumen inoculum. A stock solution of 1mg/mL of CBD was prepared and added in increasing concentrations into each bottle to reach a final concentration of 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, and 0.004% of CBD. After a period of 48 hours, the whole content inside of the serum bottles was used immediately for DNA extraction followed by 16S rRNA sequencing with an Oxford Nanopore technologies MiniON. Amplicon sequence data were bioinformatically processed in QIIME2 version 2022.2. Alpha diversity was measured by the Shannon diversity index. Bray-Curtis’s dissimilarity matrix was constructed to estimate the differences among the samples and CBD levels, and differential abundance was then evaluated using analysis of compositions of microbiomes with bias correction (ANCOM) testing. Statistical significance was established at P < 0.05. All data were visualized in R version 4.1.2 (R Core Team, 2022) using the qiime2R package. Shannon diversity index was the highest for alfalfa (P < 0.05), but no difference was observed among the different CBD inclusion levels. When looking at beta diversity through Bray-Curtis, differences were only observed when comparing the different alfalfa and hemp varieties (P < 0.05), where alfalfa grouped separately from all the hemp samples. The most abundant phyla included Firmicute, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria (P < 0.05). At family level, alfalfa samples had greater Aerococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae than all the hemp treatments, but less Lactobacillales (unclassified), Streptococcaceae, Succinivibrionaceae, and Bacilli (unclassified) than F32S and F17 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that sample type might play a larger role on microbiome than CBD lconcentrations. Further studies are required to determine if greater concentrations of CBD than those examined herein could also lead to a shift on rumen microbes.
Cytoplasmic zoning in membrane blebs
Authors: Fujii Yuki , Ikenouchi Junichi
Published: November 2023

Blebs are membrane structures formed by the detachment of the plasma membrane from the underlying actin cytoskeleton. It is now clear that a wide variety of cells, including cancer cells, actively form blebs for cell migration and cell survival. The expansion of blebs has been regarded as the passive ballooning of the plasma membrane by an abrupt increase in intracellular pressure. However, recent studies revealed the importance of ‘cytoplasmic zoning’, i.e. local changes in the hydrodynamic properties and the ionic and protein content of the cytoplasm. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind cytoplasmic zoning and its role in bleb expansion.
The Role of Tofacitinib in the Treatment of Acute Severe Colitis in Children
Authors: Costaguta Guillermo Alejandro , Girard Chloé , Groleau Véronique , Grzywacz Kelly , Dirks Martha Heather , Deslandres Colette
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Acute severe colitis (ASC) occurs in up to 15 percent of children with ulcerative colitis, with a high index of morbidity and mortality. Treatment includes high-dose steroids, infliximab, and salvage therapies. Unfortunately, up to 20 percent of patients may need an urgent colectomy due to treatment failure. We report our experience using tofacitinib for the treatment of six patients.

Methods

A retrospective review of our medical electronic records was conducted. We included every patient with ASC and treatment failure, in whom tofacitinib was used as a salvage therapy. Response, complications, and disease course were noted.

Results

Six patients were included with Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) scores ranging from 65 to 85 on admission, and 35 to 85 before tofacitinib was started (P 0.07). Median response time was 72 h. A median decrease of 40 points in PUCAI was noted (P 0.00001). Mean length of stay was 18 days with discharge 9 days after tofacitinib introduction. Haemoglobin, albumin, fecal calprotectin, and CRP improved after tofacitinib (P 0.02, P 0.02, P 0.025, and P 0.01, respectively). The mean follow-up was 8.5 months, four patients achieved complete remission and only one had a recrudescence of symptoms (P 0.01). One patient had a systemic Epstein-Barr virus infection prior to tofacitinib therapy, which resolved with rituximab treatment. No other complications were noted.

Conclusions

Tofacitinib response is rapid and impressive in children suffering from ASC, and the safety profile appears comparable to or better than other available treatments. In the future, tofacitinib should be integrated into pediatric protocols.
Chemical sensing and avoidance of PaV1-infected conspecifics by pueruli post-larvae of the reef-dwelling Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus Latreille, 1804 (Decapoda: Achelata: Palinuridae)
Authors: Ambrosio Louis J , Baeza J Antonio
Published: November 2023

Little is known about chemical sensing during settlement by pueruli of the Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus Latreille, 1804 and the effect that Panulirus argus virus 1 (PaV1), the first pathogenic virus to infect any spiny lobster, has on settling pueruli. Considering that the avoidance of PaV1-infected lobsters by early-benthic juveniles is well documented and the previously reported costs of close proximity to PaV1-infected early-benthic juveniles (increased mortality risk), pueruli of P. argus should avoid infected conspecifics during settlement. We experimentally tested if pueruli show aversion to PaV1-infected conspecifics. We also re-tested the previously reported effect of red algae (Laurencia spp.) and healthy conspecifics on pueruli settlement decisions. Considering the known benefits of inhabiting red algae and costs of close proximity to conspecific juveniles, pueruli were predicted to be attracted to metabolites produced by red algae and repulsed by metabolites produced by conspecifics. We also predicted that attraction to red algae would decrease or cease if this cue was presented together with cues produced by PaV1-infected conspecifics. Our experiments indicate that pueruli do not avoid metabolites produced by benthic juveniles and are not attracted to metabolites produced by red algae. Importantly, pueruli are attracted to a combination of metabolites produced by red algae and conspecific juveniles but this attraction ceases if conspecifics are PaV1-infected. Our results indicate that PaV1 disrupts habitat selection by settling pueruli and suggest that assumptions about cost and benefits experienced by settling pueruli need to be revisited. Research to improve the understanding of the relationship between recruitment, disease avoidance, and fishery stock in this heavily exploited spiny lobster is needed.
Seasonal activity of Trechnites insidiosus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and its host Cacopsylla pyricola (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in pear
Authors: Zilnik Gabriel , Cooper W Rodney , Horton David R , Orpet Robert , Nottingham Louis , Hilton Richard , Adams Chris , Dickens Katrina L , Halbert Susan E , Snyder James , Schmidt-Jeffris Rebecca
Published: November 2023

Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is the most expensive and challenging insect pest of commercial pear trees in the Pacific Northwest. Integrated pest management (IPM) programs are working toward relying more heavily on natural enemies to reduce insecticide use. Trechnites insidiosus (Crawford) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is the main parasitoid of C. pyricola, but little is known about its biology in the region. Developing sampling tools is important for the deployment of IPM programs, including monitoring of natural enemies. In this study, we examined 2 conventional monitoring methods: beat trays and yellow sticky cards, in addition to screened sticky cards and 3D-printed cylinder traps. Additionally, we tested an overwintering trap for the collection of parasitized C. pyricola. The trapping methods were tested in orchards in Oregon and Washington. Unscreened cards caught the most T. insidiosus and C. pyricola, followed by screened cards, cylinder traps, and then beat trays. Beat trays sometimes failed to catch any T. insidiosus, even when it was found in abundance via other methods. Screened cards and cylinder traps reduced bycatch and increased ease of identifying T. insidiosus. Specimens from the cylinder traps were also more suitable for use in molecular analysis. The overwintering traps were effective at capturing parasitized C. pyricola, but were highly variable year to year. The ideal trapping method will vary based on research needs (e.g., DNA preservation, reducing bycatch, catching higher numbers), but both screened sticky cards and cylinder traps were viable methods for monitoring T. insidiosus and its host.
Amplifying Civil Society Narratives: CIVICUS’s Journey in Exploring Trends in Engagement and Civic Space Conditions
Authors: Tiwana Mandeep S , Belalba Barreto Marianna
Published: November 2023

Civil society groups, in all their diversity, contribute to the creation of peaceful, just, equal and sustainable societies in myriad ways: as sources of innovation and solutions to pressing problems, as service providers for equity, as watchdogs over public resources and more. But they continue to face an onslaught of attacks and civic space restrictions in most countries. This article examines three key research and analysis initiatives developed over a decade by CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance, to help shine a spotlight on civic participation and freedoms, and the challenges and opportunities that gave rise to each and that helped shape a growing focus on civil society narratives.
Acetolysis modifications to process small pollen samples swabbed from live bees
Authors: Warcup Kirsten , Roberton Bethany , Kral-O’Brien Katherine , Harmon Jason
Published: November 2023

Understanding the resources bees use is essential because we depend greatly on their ecosystem services, and this information could help guide conservation efforts. One way to identify the flowers that bees visit is to collect pollen directly from the bee and then identify the pollen with plant taxa. However, the current method for processing such pollen samples, acetolysis, is designed for samples such as those collected across individuals (e.g., pollen trap), bee nests, or, at the very least, from pollen pellets collected from live bees or from the exhaustive removal of pollen from lethally collected individuals. Smaller samples, including those down to just a few pollen grains sampled from live bees, could facilitate additional opportunities for bee-pollen research, if they can be processed effectively. We present a revised acetolysis methodology designed specifically for processing small pollen samples, so that they can then be used for more accurate identification. Using pollen samples from cotton swabs directly applied to live bees in the field, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our methodology for processing small pollen samples, including samples too small to be visually detected. This methodology can permit nonlethal collections in the field from a greater number of bee species.
Panton-Valentine leukocidin–induced neutrophil extracellular traps lack antimicrobial activity and are readily induced in patients with recurrent PVL + -Staphylococcus aureus infections
Authors: Jhelum Hina , Čerina Dora , Harbort C J , Lindner Andreas , Hanitsch Leif Gunnar , Leistner Rasmus , Schröder Jennyver-Tabea , von Bernuth Horst , Stegemann Miriam Songa , Schürmann Mariana , Zychlinsky Arturo , Krüger Renate , Marsman Gerben
Published: November 2023

Staphylococcus aureus strains that produce the toxin Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL-SA) frequently cause recurrent skin and soft tissue infections. PVL binds to and kills human neutrophils, resulting in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), but the pathomechanism has not been extensively studied. Furthermore, it is unclear why some individuals colonized with PVL-SA experience recurring infections whereas others are asymptomatic. We thus aimed to (1) investigate how PVL exerts its pathogenicity on neutrophils and (2) identify factors that could help to explain the predisposition of patients with recurring infections. We provide genetic and pharmacological evidence that PVL-induced NET formation is independent of NADPH oxidase and reactive oxygen species production. Moreover, through NET proteome analysis we identified that the protein content of PVL-induced NETs is different from NETs induced by mitogen or the microbial toxin nigericin. The abundance of the proteins cathelicidin (CAMP), elastase (NE), and proteinase 3 (PRTN3) was lower on PVL-induced NETs, and as such they were unable to kill S. aureus. Furthermore, we found that neutrophils from affected patients express higher levels of CD45, one of the PVL receptors, and are more susceptible to be killed at a low PVL concentration than control neutrophils. Neutrophils from patients that experience recurring PVL-positive infections may thus be more sensitive to PVL-induced NET formation, which might impair their ability to combat the infection.
Aberrant immune programming in neutrophils in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Hu Yawen , Bojanowski Christine M , Britto Clemente J , Wellems Dianne , Song Kejing , Scull Callie , Jennings Scott , Li Jianxiong , Kolls Jay K , Wang Guoshun
Published: November 2023

Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic disorder, caused by mutations in the gene that encodes cystic fibrosis transmembrane-conductance regulator, a cAMP-activated chloride and bicarbonate channel. Persistent neutrophilic inflammation is a major contributor to cystic fibrosis lung disease. However, how cystic fibrosis transmembrane-conductance regulator loss of function leads to excessive inflammation and its clinical sequela remains incompletely understood. In this study, neutrophils from F508del-CF and healthy control participants were compared for gene transcription. We found that cystic fibrosis circulating neutrophils have a prematurely primed basal state with significantly higher scores for activation, chemotaxis, immune signaling, and pattern recognition. Such an irregular basal state appeared not related to the blood environment and was also observed in neutrophils derived from the F508del-CF HL-60 cell line, indicating an innate characteristic of the phenotype. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation drastically shifted the transcriptional landscape of healthy control neutrophils toward a robust immune response; however, cystic fibrosis neutrophils were immune-exhausted, reflected by abnormal cell aging and fate determination in gene programming. Moreover, cystic fibrosis sputum neutrophils differed significantly from cystic fibrosis circulating neutrophils in gene transcription with increased inflammatory response, aging, apoptosis, and necrosis, suggesting additional environmental influences on the neutrophils in cystic fibrosis lungs. Taken together, our data indicate that loss of cystic fibrosis transmembrane-conductance regulator function has intrinsic effects on neutrophil immune programming, leading to premature priming and dysregulated response to challenge.
miR-15b-5p transcription mediated by CREB1 protects against inflammation and apoptosis in Parkinson disease models by inhibiting AXIN2 and activating Wnt/β-catenin
Authors: Liu Tianyi , Li Guozhong
Published: November 2023

Parkinson disease (PD) is a major neurodegenerative disease that greatly undermines people’s health and for which effective therapeutic strategies are currently limited. This study dissected the effects of expression changes of AXIN2, a modulator of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, the transcription factor CREB1, and of the microRNA miR-15b-5p on apoptosis and the inflammatory response in a PD mouse model in vivo and in a cellular PD model in vitro. The analyses demonstrated low CREB1 and miR-15b-5p expression and high AXIN2 expression in both models. miR-15b-5p overexpression or AXIN2 knockdown alleviated the inflammatory response indicated by decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and apoptosis indicated by decreased levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax and elevated Bcl-2. Protection by miR-15b-5p upregulation was counteracted by the simultaneous overexpression of AXIN2. miR-15b-5p targeted AXIN2. CREB1 promoted miR-15b-5p expression, which activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by inhibiting AXIN2. Collectively, the data indicate that transcriptional expression of miR-15b-5p can be promoted by CREB1 to inhibit AXIN2 and activate Wnt/β-catenin, thereby reducing the inflammatory response and apoptosis in these PD models. These data suggest the CREB1/miR-15b-5p/AXIN2 axis is a potential therapeutic target in PD patients.
Parental Feeding Style, Parenting Stress, and Child Mealtime Behaviors in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Maliszewski Genevieve , High Robin , Lee Junghyae , Deschamp Ashley
Published: November 2023

Objective

Nutrition and weight gain significantly contribute to overall health outcomes in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Strong emphasis is placed on these entities by the CF team, which can cause stress for parents and impact parent and child mealtime behaviors. The current study sought to investigate the relationship between parental feeding style, parenting stress, and parent and child mealtime behaviors in families of children with CF.

Methods

Forty-five parents of a child with CF between the ages of 2 and 10 years were recruited during a CF clinic appointment. They completed surveys assessing child mealtime behaviors, parental feeding style, and parental stress. Medical data including body mass index (BMI) were collected from the medical record.

Results

There was a significant difference in behavioral feeding scores based on feeding style (F3,41 = 13.48, p <.001), with authoritarian parents reporting significantly greater mealtime behavior problems than all other parents. There was also a significant difference in parenting stress based on parental feeding style (F3,41=4.11, p <.05), with authoritarian parents showing more stress than authoritative parents (Mdiff=23.70, p <.05). Correlation analyses showed a positive relationship between behavioral feeding problems and parent stress, r(45)=0.403; p <.01.

Conclusions

Data suggest parents using an authoritarian feeding style experience more stress and behavioral feeding problems than other parents. More feeding problems were also associated with more stress. Findings help determine how pediatric psychologists can intervene to support positive parenting behaviors that reduce children’s mealtime behavior problems and parental stress, thus improving health outcomes in this vulnerable population.