bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic impact of neurohormonal modulation in very old patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Silva João Enes , Melo Nuno , Ferreira Ana Isabel , Silva Clara , Oliveira Diana , Lume Maria João , Pereira Joana , Araújo José Paulo , Lourenço Patrícia
Published: March 2022

Background

A gap in evidence exists concerning the survival-benefit of neurohormonal blockade in older patients with chronic heart failure (HF). The purpose of our study was to investigate the neurohormonal modulation therapy in older HF patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed data on chronic HF patients with systolic dysfunction from January 2012 to May 2018 at a central tertiary academic hospital in Porto, Portugal. Very old (VO) patients were those ≥80 years. Endpoint under analysis: all-cause mortality; patients were followed until January 2021. The prognostic impact of beta-blockers (BBs) and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) use was assessed with a Cox-regression analysis adjusting for confounders.

Results

We studied 934 patients, 65.5% male; 45.3% had ischemic HF. BBs were used in 92.2% and RASi in 83.5%; 255 (27.3%) were VO patients. VO more often presented co-morbidities, were more symptomatic, presented worse renal function and higher BNP levels. BB prescription was similar in VO and non-VO patients, however RASi were less used in VO: 74.9% versus 86.7%, respectively. During a median follow-up of 47 months, 479 (51.3%) patients died: 71.4% among VO versus 43.7% in non-VO. BBs increased survival both in non-VO and VO—multivariate adjusted HRs of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.38–0.85) and 0.59 (0.36–0.97), respectively. A survival-benefit was also observed with RASi—adjusted HR of 0.71 (0.50–1.01) and 0.59 (0.42–0.83) in non-VO and VO.

Conclusions

VO patients with chronic HF with systolic dysfunction have a very ominous outcome. Neurohormonal modulation therapy appears to portend survival-benefit also in this particularly vulnerable subgroup of patients.
Epidemiological Survey of Hypertension Among Adolescents in Xuzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Pei-an , Liu Zhao-qin , Qi Yao , Li Chun-mei , Wang Lei , Xiao Jun-ying , Gong Hai-bin
Published: March 2022

Background

To investigate the regional prevalence of hypertension, overweight, and obesity among adolescents aged 11–17 years in Xuzhou. The relationships between overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, age, gender, grades, and hypertension were studied.

Methods

The stratified cluster random sampling method was used and the middle school students from the first to the third grade of 10 junior and senior middle schools in Xuzhou were involved. Blood pressure, weight, height, and waist circumference were measured for each participant. Hypertension was diagnosed according to the standards of high blood pressure by gender, age, and height of children aged 3–17 in China in 2017. Overweight and obesity were defined based on the standards of the Chinese Obesity Working Group. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist-to-height ratio >0.46.

Results

A total of 10,004 students aged 11–17 years were enrolled with 4,774 females and 5,230 males. The prevalence of hypertension was 9.8% in all participants, 7.2% in females, and 12.2% in males. There were 1,495 students with obesity (14.9%), and 1,698 with overweight (17.0%). The prevalence of hypertension was 5.6%, 12.8%, and 25.4% in normal weight, overweight, and obese adolescents, respectively. A multivariate analysis showed that males (odd ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.450, 1.256–1.674), age (1.770, 1.537–2.037), overweight (1.858, 1.465–2.357), obesity (4.010, 3.084–5.214), abdominal obesity (1.497, 1.184–1.892), and third grade (1.488, 1.250–1.772) were risk factors for adolescent hypertension. The risk of hypertension in male adolescents over 14 years old was 2.456 times than that of adolescents under 14 years old, while there was no significant difference in the risk of hypertension between female adolescents over and under 14 years old. In adolescents with normal weight, subjects with abdominal obesity had a much higher risk of hypertension compared with those without abdominal obesity (1.848, 1.334–2.559).

Conclusions

The prevalence of hypertension among adolescent school students in Xuzhou is high. Overweight and obesity are independent risk factors of hypertension in adolescents.
NewWave: a scalable R/Bioconductor package for the dimensionality reduction and batch effect removal of single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Agostinis Federico , Romualdi Chiara , Sales Gabriele , Risso Davide
Published: March 2022

We present NewWave, a scalable R/Bioconductor package for the dimensionality reduction and batch effect removal of single-cell RNA sequencing data. To achieve scalability, NewWave uses mini-batch optimization and can work with out-of-memory data, enabling users to analyze datasets with millions of cells.

Availability and implementation

NewWave is implemented as an open-source R package available through the Bioconductor project at https://bioconductor.org/packages/NewWave/

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Human cytomegalovirus alters immune cell profile with potential implications for patient survival in head and neck cancer
Authors: Nelson Heather H , Contestabile Emma , Hunter-Schlichting DeVon , Koestler Devin , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Christensen Brock C , Petersen Curtis L , Miller Jeffrey S , Kelsey Karl T
Published: March 2022

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a highly prevalent human herpes virus that exerts a strong influence on immune repertoire which may influence cancer risk. We have tested whether CMV immunoglobulin G (IgG) serostatus is associated with immune cell proportions (n = 132 population controls), human papillomavirus (HPV) co-infection and head and neck cancer risk (n = 184 cancer cases and 188 controls) and patient survival. CMV status was not associated with the proportion of Natural Killer cells, B cells or the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. However, CD8+ T cells increased with increasing categories of IgG titers (P =1.7 × 10−10), and titers were inversely associated with the CD4:CD8 ratio (P = 5.6 × 10−5). Despite these differences in T cell proportions, CMV was not associated with HPV16 co-infection. CMV seropositivity was similar in cases (52%) and controls (47%) and was not associated with patient survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70 to 1.86). However, those patients with the highest titers had the worst survival (HR 1.91, 95% CI: 1.13 to 3.23). Tumor-based data from The Cancer Genome Atlas demonstrated that the presence of CMV transcripts was associated with worse patient survival (HR 1.79, 95% CI: 0.96 to 2.78). These findings confirm that a history of CMV infection alters T cell proportions, but this does not translate to HPV16 co-infection or head and neck cancer risk. Our data suggest that high titers and active CMV virus in the tumor environment may confer worse survival.
Rapid Spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron Subvariant BA.2 in a Single-Source Community Outbreak
Authors: Cheng Vincent Chi Chung , Ip Jonathan Daniel , Chu Allen Wing Ho , Tam Anthony Raymond , Chan Wan Mui , Abdullah Syed Muhammad Umer , Chan Brian Pui Chun , Wong Shuk Ching , Kwan Mike Yat Wah , Chua Gilbert T , Ip Patrick , Chan Jacky Man Chun , Lam Bosco Hoi Shiu , To Wing Kin , Chuang Vivien Wai Man , Yuen Kwok Yung , Hung Ivan Fan Ngai , To Kelvin Kai Wang
Published: March 2022

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant BA.2 sublineage has increased rapidly in Europe and Asia since January 2022. Here, we report the epidemiological and genomic analysis of a large single-source BA.2 outbreak in a housing estate.

Methods

We analyzed the epidemiological information on a community outbreak of BA.2 (STY outbreak). We performed whole viral genome sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore MinION device. We calculated the doubling time of the outbreak within a housing estate.

Results

The STY outbreak involved a total of 768 individuals as of 5 February 2022, including 432 residents, visitors, or staff (56.3%) from a single housing estate (KC Estate). The outbreak at the KC Estate had a short doubling time of 1.28 days (95% confidence interval: .560–1.935). The outbreak was promptly controlled with the lockdown of 3 buildings within the housing estate. Whole-genome sequencing was performed for 133 patients in the STY outbreak, including 106 residents of the KC Estate. All 133 sequences from the STY outbreak belonged to the BA.2 sublineage, and phylogenetic analysis showed that these sequences cluster together. All individuals in the STY cluster had the unique mutation C12525T.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the exceptionally high transmissibility of the Omicron variant BA.2 sublineage in Hong Kong, where stringent measures are implemented as part of the elimination strategy. Continual genomic surveillance is crucial in monitoring the emergence of epidemiologically important Omicron sublineages.
Reproductive Ecology ofDrosophila obscura: A Cold Adapted Species
Authors: Canal Domenech Berta , Seipelt Aileen , Fricke Claudia
Published: March 2022

The study of insect reproductive ecology is essential to determine species distributions and fate under changing environments. Species adapted to harsh environments are good examples to investigate the reproductive mechanisms that allow them to cope with the challenging conditions. We here focus on studying for the first time the reproductive ecology of a cold-adapted Drosophila obscura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) strain collected in Finland (subarctic climate region). We tested several reproductive traits such as fertility and fecundity to observe the onset of reproduction and gauge when sexual maturity is reached in both males and females. We combined these measures with an analysis of changes of their reproductive organs shortly after eclosion. We found that males matured several days before females and that this process was underpinned by female egg maturation and male accessory gland growth, while sperm was already present in two-day old males. This delayed maturation is not observed to the same extent in other closely related species and might be a signature of exposure to harsh environments. Whether this delay is an adaptation to cope with variation in resource availability or prolonged unfavorable temperatures is though not clear. Finally, our study adds to the set of reproductive mechanisms used by cold adapted species and the information presented here contributes to understanding the breadth of Drosophila reproductive ecology.
Importance of genetic testing in unexplained cardiac arrest
Authors: Grondin Steffany , Davies Brianna , Cadrin-Tourigny Julia , Steinberg Christian , Cheung Christopher C , Jorda Paloma , Healey Jeffrey S , Green Martin S , Sanatani Shubhayan , Alqarawi Wael , Angaran Paul , Arbour Laura , Antiperovitch Pavel , Khan Habib , Leather Richard , Guerra Peter G , Rivard Lena , Simpson Christopher S , Gardner Martin , MacIntyre Ciorsti , Seifer Colette , Fournier Anne , Joza Jacqueline , Gollob Michael H , Lettre Guillaume , Talajic Mario , Laksman Zachary W , Roberts Jason D , Krahn Andrew D , Tadros Rafik
Published: March 2022

Aims

Genetic testing is recommended in specific inherited heart diseases but its role remains unclear and it is not currently recommended in unexplained cardiac arrest (UCA). We sought to assess the yield and clinical utility of genetic testing in UCA using whole-exome sequencing (WES).

Methods and results

Survivors of UCA requiring external defibrillation were included from the Cardiac Arrest Survivor with Preserved Ejection fraction Registry. Whole-exome sequencing was performed, followed by assessment of rare variants in previously reported cardiovascular disease genes. A total of 228 UCA survivors (mean age at arrest 39 ± 13 years) were included. The majority were males (66%) and of European ancestry (81%). Following advanced clinical testing at baseline, the likely aetiology of cardiac arrest was determined in 21/228 (9%) cases. Whole-exome sequencing identified a pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant in 23/228 (10%) of UCA survivors overall, increasing the proportion of ‘explained’ cases from 9% only following phenotyping to 18% when combining phenotyping with WES. Notably, 13 (57%) of the 23 P/LP variants identified were located in genes associated with cardiomyopathy, in the absence of a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy at the time of arrest.

Conclusions

Genetic testing identifies a disease-causing variant in 10% of apparent UCA survivors. The majority of disease-causing variants was located in cardiomyopathy-associated genes, highlighting the arrhythmogenic potential of such variants in the absence of an overt cardiomyopathy diagnosis. The present study supports the use of genetic testing including assessment of arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy genes in survivors of UCA.
Strong Parallel Differential Gene Expression Induced by Hatchery Rearing Weakly Associated with Methylation Signals in Adult Coho Salmon (O. kisutch)
Authors: Leitwein Maeva , Wellband Kyle , Cayuela Hugo , Le Luyer Jérémy , Mohns Kayla , Withler Ruth , Bernatchez Louis
Published: March 2022

Human activities and resource exploitation led to a massive decline of wild salmonid populations, consequently, numerous conservation programs have been developed to supplement wild populations. However, many studies documented reduced fitness of hatchery-born relative to wild fish. Here, by using both RNA sequencing and Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing of hatchery and wild-born adult Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) originating from two previously studied river systems, we show that early-life hatchery-rearing environment-induced significant and parallel gene expression differentiation is maintained until Coho come back to their natal river for reproduction. A total of 3,643 genes differentially expressed and 859 coexpressed genes were downregulated in parallel in hatchery-born fish from both rivers relative to their wild congeners. Among those genes, 26 displayed a significant relationship between gene expression and the median gene body methylation and 669 single CpGs displayed a significant correlation between methylation level and the associated gene expression. The link between methylation and gene expression was weak suggesting that DNA methylation is not the only player in mediating hatchery-related expression differences. Yet, significant gene expression differentiation was observed despite 18 months spent in a common environment (i.e., the sea). Finally, the differentiation is observed in parallel in two different river systems, highlighting the fact that early-life environment may account for at least some of the reduced fitness of the hatchery salmon in the wild. These results illustrate the relevance and importance of considering both epigenome and transcriptome to evaluate the costs and benefits of large-scale supplementation programs.
Carbohydrate Structure Database oligosaccharide conformation tool
Authors: Scherbinina Sofya I , Frank Martin , Toukach Philip V
Published: March 2022

Population analysis in terms of glycosidic torsion angles is frequently used to reveal preferred conformers of glycans. However, due to high structural diversity and flexibility of carbohydrates, conformational characterization of complex glycans can be a challenging task. Herein, we present a conformation module of oligosaccharide fragments occurring in natural glycan structures developed on the platform of the Carbohydrate Structure Database. Currently, this module deposits free energy surface and conformer abundance maps plotted as a function of glycosidic torsions for 194 “inter”residue bonds. Data are automatically and continuously derived from explicit-solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The module was also supplemented with high-temperature MD data of saccharides (2,403 maps) provided by GlycoMapsDB (hosted by GLYCOSCIENCES.de project). Conformational data defined by up to 4 torsional degrees of freedom can be freely explored using a web interface of the module available at http://csdb.glycoscience.ru/database/core/search_conf.html.
Mitochondrial DNA variants segregate during human preimplantation development into genetically different cell lineages that are maintained postnatally
Authors: Mertens Joke , Regin Marius , De Munck Neelke , Couvreu de Deckersberg Edouard , Belva Florence , Sermon Karen , Tournaye Herman , Blockeel Christophe , Van de Velde Hilde , Spits Claudia
Published: March 2022

Humans present remarkable diversity in their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in terms of variants across individuals as well as across tissues and even cells within one person. We have investigated the timing of the first appearance of this variant-driven mosaicism. For this, we deep-sequenced the mtDNA of 254 oocytes from 85 donors, 158 single blastomeres of 25 day-3 embryos, 17 inner cell mass and trophectoderm samples of 7 day-5 blastocysts, 142 bulk DNA and 68 single cells of different adult tissues. We found that day-3 embryos present blastomeres that carry variants only detected in that cell, showing that mtDNA mosaicism arises very early in human development. We classified the mtDNA variants based on their recurrence or uniqueness across different samples. Recurring variants had higher heteroplasmic loads and more frequently resulted in synonymous changes or were located in non-coding regions than variants unique to one oocyte or single embryonic cell. These differences were maintained through development, suggesting that the mtDNA mosaicism arising in the embryo is maintained into adulthood. We observed a decline in potentially pathogenic variants between day 3 and day 5 of development, suggesting early selection. We propose a model in which closely clustered mitochondria carrying specific mtDNA variants in the ooplasm are asymmetrically distributed throughout the cell divisions of the preimplantation embryo, resulting in the earliest form of mtDNA mosaicism in human development.
Neutralizing Activities Against the Omicron Variant After a Heterologous Booster in Healthy Adults Receiving Two Doses of CoronaVac Vaccination
Authors: Assawakosri Suvichada , Kanokudom Sitthichai , Suntronwong Nungruthai , Auphimai Chompoonut , Nilyanimit Pornjarim , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Thongmee Thanunrat , Duangchinda Thaneeya , Chantima Warangkana , Pakchotanon Pattarakul , Srimuan Donchida , Thatsanatorn Thaksaporn , Klinfueng Sirapa , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Honsawek Sittisak , Poovorawan Yong
Published: March 2022

Background

The use of an inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine (CoronaVac) against SARS-CoV-2 is implemented worldwide. However, waning immunity and breakthrough infections have been observed. Therefore, we hypothesized that the heterologous booster might improve the protection against the delta and omicron variants.

Methods

A total of 224 individuals who completed the 2-dose CoronaVac for 6 months were included. We studied reactogenicity and immunogenicity after a heterologous booster with the inactivated vaccine (BBIBP), the viral vector vaccine (AZD1222), and the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine (both BNT162B2 and mRNA-1273). We also determined immunogenicity at 3- and 6-month boosting intervals.

Results

The solicited adverse events were mild to moderate and well tolerated. Total receptor binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin (Ig), anti-RBD IgG, focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT50) against delta and omicron variants, and T-cell response were highest in the mRNA-1273 group followed by the BNT162b2, AZD1222, and BBIBP groups, respectively. We also witnessed a higher total Ig anti-RBD in the long-interval than in the short-interval group.

Conclusions

All 4 booster vaccines significantly increased binding and neutralizing antibodies in individuals immunized with 2 doses of CoronaVac. The present evidence may benefit vaccine strategies to thwart variants of concern, including the omicron variant.
44 Evaluation of the Relationship Between Hair Coat Shedding Ability and Apparent Digestibility in Angus Cattle
Authors: Loftin Margaret P , Burnett Randy H , Smith Trent , Rude Brian J
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate winter hair coat shedding ability in conjunction with apparent forage digestibility. Data were collected on fall calving purebred Angus females with calves from March until July in 2019 (n = 10) and 2020 (n = 31). Dams were observed once monthly by two trained technicians for winter hair coat shedding and were given a visual score of 1 to 5 with 1 indicating complete shed and 5 indicating no shed. Month of first shed (MFS) was determined when a female reached an average hair shedding score of 3.5 for any given month. Fecal samples were collected during the grazing months of March, May, and July for 5 consecutive days and were then analyzed via proximate analysis to calculate apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ash, and dry matter percentage (DM) of forage. Data were analyzed using repeated measures of the MIXED procedure of SAS with a significance declared at P ≤ 0.05. The model included MFS, month, and MFS by month interaction with year and ambient temperature as a covariate with cow ID nested within MFS Interactions of MFS by month were observed for CP, ADF, NDF, ash, and DM. Females with a MFS in May or June showed decreased CP apparent digestibility during the month of May when compared with cows reaching a MFS in April or July (P = 0.04). For DM in July, females with an MFS in June and July were similar but decreased when compared to females with an MFS in April and May (P = 0.015). Interpretation of these results show no clear trend of an association between hair shedding ability and apparent digestibility. Further research into this area is important in understanding changes in overall cow performance due to adaptability.
139 Determination of Population, Demographics, and Location of Equids in Tennessee Using Coggins Test Records and United States Department of Agriculture Census Data
Authors: Berger Amy M , Schneider Liesel G , Horsman Matt , Beaty Samantha , Ivey Jennie L
Published: March 2022

Knowledge of equine populations and demographics is of vital importance to educational, economic, and health aspects within Tennessee. While the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) census assesses equids on operations making a set amount of income per year, this method alone may not effectively capture the recreational-use equine population. This study aimed to develop a novel approach of characterizing the population, demographics, and location of equids in Tennessee through annual Coggins test reports and to determine how Coggins test data compared to the USDA census population data. Information was collected from the 2018 Coggins tests (n = 31195), provided by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, including sex, age, breed, owner location, equid location, and reason for testing. The equine population and location of equids per county (n = 86928) were collected from USDA census data. Statistical analysis was performed using the frequency procedure and means procedure in SAS 9.4. The middle region of Tennessee represented the highest proportion of equids in both the Coggins (60.32%, n = 18816) and USDA (52.05%, n = 45244) data. The counties with the highest proportion of equids from the Coggins data were Putnam (10.21%, n = 3186), Bedford (5.33%, n = 1664), and Shelby (4.18%, n = 1304) whereas the USDA data showed Bedford (4.41%, n = 3832), Williamson (3.38%, n = 2941), and Wilson (3.04%, n = 2643) as the most populated. Per the Coggins data where sex was reported (n = 31073), 48.46% (n = 15059) of the equids were geldings and 51.44% (n = 15983) were mares. Reported breeds within Coggins data (n = 31043) indicated the highest proportion of non-mixed breeds were Quarter Horses (28.20%, n = 8755), Tennessee Walking Horses (22.20%, n = 6892), and Spotted Saddle Horses (7.46%, n = 2316). While neither method fully captures the entire population of the equine industry, assessing both data sets may be helpful in developing targeted strategies for educational programming, population or disease models, and marketing campaigns.
24 Prevalence, Usage, and Perceptions of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) in the Equine Industry
Authors: Rostad Delaney R , Ivey Jennie L
Published: March 2022

The use of alternative therapies in the equine industry is increasing in popularity and spans manual manipulation to more progressive forms of technology. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) has shown to reduce pain and increase range of motion within human and canine medicine. Often, PEMF is touted to improve performance and reduce stress prior to competition, yet little information exists on effectiveness, perceptions, treatment protocols, and therapeutic response within equids. Our objective was to assess how PEMF is administered and perceived therapy impact on equine patients. An online survey (Qualtrics) was disseminated to United States residents over 18 years of age and deemed exempt by the institutional review board. Data were analyzed using the frequency procedure in SAS (v9.4). Three groups within the equine industry were targeted: equine owners and leasers (OL, n = 350); trainers, coaches, grooms, and jockeys (TC, n = 80); and administrators of PEMF therapy (AD, n = 237). Across all survey respondents (n = 355), 86% (n = 305) exercise or ride their horses and 85.08% (n = 268) of individuals who ride have used PEMF therapy on their performance horse. Among TC, 96.25% (n = 77) respondents reported the use of PEMF therapy on a horse under their care. Whole body therapy was the most commonly reported location for PEMF by OL (91.6%, n = 240) and AD (96.12%, n = 223), followed by back and loin(47.33%, 124) for OL and front legs (56.47%, n = 131) for AD. Most frequent session length reported by OL was 45-90 minutes (30.96%, n = 61). Within 1 day of treatment, the majority of AD (n = 85, 40.28%) and OL (n = 104, 39.54%) perceived the greatest effects of PEMF therapy. Use and positive perception of PEMF in the equine industry is evident; however, more research is needed to elicit therapeutic effects for performance animals.
27 Transcriptome Comparison of Parthenogenetic vs. Biparental Embryos in Beef Cattle
Authors: Singleton Sarah A , Franco-Johannsen Gessica , Dalmaso Gabriela , Ortega M Sofia , Pohler Ky G
Published: March 2022

This experiment aimed to determine differences in circulating pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) concentrations, differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and comparative gene ontology profiles between parthenogenetic embryos (PA; absence of paternal genetics) and biparental control embryos (CON). PA embryos were produced in vitro using a validated chemical activation method, and CON embryos were produced in vitro using industry standard techniques. A blood sample was collected on day 31, and PAG concentrations were determined by an in-house ELISA. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed daily to monitor conceptus development. Cows (n = 30) were synchronized, underwent embryo transfer [ET; 7 days after onset of estrus (day 0)] and were euthanized at approximately day 31 of gestation. Tissues from endometrium (EM), trophectoderm (TE), and corpus luteum (CL) were collected and sequenced from both groups (3 PA; 3 CON). Average PAG concentrations between PA and CON on day 31 were 0.81±0.44 ng/mL and 5.23±0.44 ng/mL (P = 0.01), respectively. When comparing PA to CON, there were 969 DEG in the EM (599 genes upregulated; 269 genes downregulated; 101 nonannotated genes) and 250 DEG in the TE (163 genes upregulated; 47 downregulated; 40 nonannotated genes). Comparative gene ontology profiles between DEGs showed an upregulation in immune system-associated activities and extracellular matrix interactions and a downregulation in redox reactions and proteolytic activities involving PAGs for PA as compared to CON. Similarly, the TE comparisons showed an upregulation in prolactin (PRL) inhibiting pathways and a downregulation in structural molecule activity and signaling for PA as compared to CON. The DEGs observed in PAs show significant decreases in conceptus-derived products and gene ontology profiles associated with pregnancy. Overall, these findings demonstrate that uniparental embryos can be a useful model to better understand pregnancy development and loss in cattle.
13 Influence of Prenatal Exposure to Endophyte-infected Tall Fescue on Glucose Metabolism in Weaned Steer Calves
Authors: Benefield R F , Hubbell D S , Galloway D L , Looney C R , Powell J G , Kegley E B , Littlejohn B P
Published: March 2022

The objective was to evaluate the influence of prenatal exposure to endophyte-infected tall fescue (toxic fescue) on postweaning glucose metabolism in crossbred steers. Pregnant multiparous cows (n = 36) were maintained on replicated novel or toxic fescue pastures throughout gestation and bermudagrass pastures following calving. From the subsequent calf crop, weaned steers (257±28 d of age) of similar body weight (234±32 kg Toxic; 236±44 kg Novel) were randomly selected (n = 8 Toxic; n = 7 Novel) for a glucose tolerance test. Steers were fitted with jugular vein catheters and fasted for a minimum of 12 h before intravenous administration of a 50% dextrose solution (0.5 mL/kg of body weight). Blood was collected at -10, 0, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 150 min (0 min=glucose administration). Plasma glucose and serum insulin were determined by hexokinase colorimetric assay and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Glucose, insulin, and the insulin to glucose (I:G) ratio were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS specific for repeated measures with treatment as a fixed effect and sire as random. All other variables were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS with treatment as a fixed effect and sire as random. As expected, glucose, insulin, and the I:G ratio increased in response to glucose administration (time P < 0.01). There was no effect of treatment (P > 0.39) or the treatment by time interaction (P > 0.19) for glucose, insulin, or the I:G ratio. However, Toxic steers exhibited numerically increased glucose, decreased insulin, and decreased I:G ratios relative to Novel steers following glucose administration. There was no difference (P > 0.13) in baseline, peak, time at peak, or time at return to baseline concentrations for insulin or glucose. While prenatal exposure to toxic fescue did not influence glucose or insulin homeostasis in response to exogenous glucose administration in this preliminary study, numerical differences warrant future evaluation with increased animal numbers.
5 Early Pregnancy Diagnosis inbos Taurus beef Replacement Heifers Using Color Doppler Ultrasonography
Authors: Holton Matthew P , Dalmaso Gabriela , Dias Nicolas W , Pancini Stefania , Lamb G C , Pohler Ky G , Mercadante Vitor R G , Harvey Kelsey M , Fontes Pedro
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of corpus luteum (CL) color doppler ultrasonography (CD) for early pregnancy diagnosis in Bos taurus beef replacement heifers. Beef heifers (n = 183) from two locations were exposed to a 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol followed by fixed-time artificial insemination (day 0). On days 20 and 22, B-mode and CD ultrasonography were performed to evaluate CL morphometries and blood perfusion, respectively. Heifers were considered non-pregnant when CL area was < 20 mm2 or estimated luteal blood perfusion was ≤ 25%. Conventional ultrasonography on day 29 was utilized to determine pregnancy status and considered the gold standard method for pregnancy diagnosis. Pregnant heifers had greater CL diameter, CL area, and CL volume when compared to non-pregnant heifers on days 20 and 22 (P < 0.001). Additionally, percentage of central, peripheral, and total luteal blood perfusion, as well as the respective blood perfusion scores were greater (P < 0.001) in pregnant compared with non-pregnant heifers on both day 20 and 22. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value (PPV), negative predicted value (NPV), and accuracy for CD on day 20 were 100, 70, 86, 100, and 90, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for CD on day 22 were 100, 76, 90, 100, and 92, respectively. Pairwise comparison of receiver operating characteristics curve analysis indicated no differences (P = 0.47) between CD on days 20 and 22 (area under the curve = 0.82 and 0.84, respectively). In conclusion, CD successfully detected most non-pregnant replacement heifers on day 20 and 22, while false negative results were absent (NPV = 100%).
18 Effects of Protein Concentration, Degradability, and Beta-adrenergic Agonists on Ruminal Microbial Communities in Finishing Heifers
Authors: Pfau Alison P , Samuelson Kendall L , Henniger Madison T , Hales Kristin E , Lindholm-Perry Amanda , Myer Phillip R
Published: March 2022

To improve animal performance and modify growth by increasing lean tissue accretion, beef cattle production has relied on use of growth promoting technologies such as beta-adrenergic agonists. These synthetic catecholamines, combined with the variable inclusion of rumen degradable (RDP) and undegradable protein (RUP), may improve feed efficiency and rate of gain in finishing beef cattle. However, the impact of beta-adrenergic agonists and protein level and source on the ruminal microbiome is limited. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different protein concentrations and beta-adrenergic agonist (ractopamine hydrochloride; RAC) on ruminal bacterial communities in finishing beef heifers. Heifers (n = 140) were ranked according to body weight and assigned to pens in a randomized complete design to 6 different treatments, containing 3 protein treatments (Control: 13.9% CP, 8.8% RDP, and 5.0% RUP; High RDP: 20.9% CP, 13.4% RDP, 6.1% RUP; or High RUP: 20.9% CP, 9.1% RDP, 10.4% RUP) and 2 RAC treatments (0 and 400 mg/day). Rumen samples were collected from heifers by oral lavage 7 days before harvest. The DNA from the samples were sequenced to identify bacteria based on the V1-V3 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq. Sequences and data from the treatments were analyzed using the R environment and PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4 (SAS Inst.; Cary, NC). Beta diversity was analyzed using PERMANOVA based on PCoA Bray-Curtis distances and were significant among the treatments (P < 0.05). Alpha diversity metrics such as Chao1 and Shannon diversity indices were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Differences among treatments at variable taxonomic levels after analyses through DESeq2 were significantly different for the main effects of protein and RAC, as well as their interaction (P < 0.05). These results suggest possible effects on the microbial communities, potentially acting synergistically to improve performance.
33 Dietary Impacts on Rumen, Vaginal, and Uterine Microbiota in Beef Heifers
Authors: Pickett Autumn , Cooke Reinaldo F , Colombo Eduardo , Mackey Shea , Filho Ramiro Oliveira , Dalmaso Gabriela , Poole Rebecca K , Pohler Ky G
Published: March 2022

This experiment investigated the effects of diet composition on rumen, vaginal, and uterine microbiota of beef heifers. Fifteen rumen-cannulated, pubertal Angus-influenced heifers were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design (28-d periods and 21-d washout intervals). Dietary treatments included diets based on (as-fed) 100% grass hay (HF), 61% grass hay + 39% corn-based concentrate (INT), or 25% grass hay + 75% corn-based concentrate (HG). Treatments were offered individually to heifers once daily at 2% BW. Heifers also received 280 g/d of a mineral mix containing melengestrol acetate. Rumen, vaginal, and uterine samples were collected on d 0 and 28 of each period for bacterial profiling of the 16S rRNA gene and pH measurement. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS using results from d 0 as independent covariates, and heifer as the experimental unit. Ruminal pH on d 28 was greater (P < 0.01) in HF compared with INT and HG, and greater (P < 0.01) in INT compared with HG. Uterine and vaginal pH on d 28 did not differ among treatments (P > 0.10). In the rumen, Bacteriodetes was the most abundant phylum with the relative abundance being significantly greater (P < 0.01) in HF and INT (64.9 and 62.6%, respectively) when compared with HG (53.9%). Prevotella was the most abundant genus of bacteria within the rumen but did not differ (P > 0.10) by dietary treatment. While there were no significant differences (P > 0.10) for bacterial phyla in vaginal samples, Prevotella was the most abundant genus with the relative abundance being significantly greater (P < 0.01) for the HG (18.62%) when compared with HF and INT (7.78 and 10.35%, respectively). There were no significant differences (P > 0.10) for bacterial phyla in uterine samples, and while Prevotella was the most abundant, it was unaffected (P > 0.10) by diet. Therefore, diet impacted rumen microbiota and appears to have an influence on vaginal microbiota of beef heifers.
123 Selection for Post-weaning Fecal Egg Count Estimated Breeding Value Is Associated with Greater Antibody Production After Clostridial Vaccination in Katahdin Sheep
Authors: Bentley Kelsey , Weaver Andrew R , Wright Lee , Griener Scott , Bowdridge Scott A
Published: March 2022

In a previous study, Katahdin lamb survivability to weaning was affected by sire post-weaning fecal egg count estimated breeding values (PFEC EBV) where lambs sired by low PFEC rams had greater survivability than high-PFEC-sired lambs. Therefore, selection for PFEC may also select for improved generalized immunity. The aim of this study was to compare effects of divergent PFEC mating on antibody production in purebred Katahdin lambs in response to vaccination. Katahdin dams with a PFEC value of greater than zero were bred to positive (high-PFEC) FECEBV rams, likewise, dams with a PFEC value of less than zero were bred to negative (low-PFEC) FECEBV rams. All lambs were managed as one cohort until approximately 105 days of age. During this time on pasture, a natural helminth infection was established, blood samples were taken weekly, and fecal samples were collected bi-weekly. Lamb FEC corresponded to sire/dam genotype (943 epg high-PFEC vs. 455 epg low-PFEC; P < 0.001). Serum samples were taken weekly for 3 wks after initial vaccination for Clostridium perfringens type C&D and C. perfringens type A and for 4 wks after booster vaccination, which occurred 3 wk following primary vaccination. Total circulating IgG was measured used an ovine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To evaluate lamb IgG differences, data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS with fixed effects of genotype, time, and genotype X time interactions. Means comparisons were performed on LS means of fixed affects or interactions, using Bonferroni adjustment. A genotype by time interaction revealed that IgG response to boostering favored LoPFEC lambs (1679.91 vs 1153.08 ug/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). When averaged across time, LoPFEC lambs generated greater IgG concentration than HiPFEC lambs (886.79 ug/mL vs 465.15 ug/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). These data indicate that PFEC breeding values in Katahdin sheep may predict immunological fitness outside the context of parasitic infections and has implications for use in selection of individuals less prone to disease.
122 Evaluation of Sire FEC EBV Type andHaemonchus contortous Infection on Feed Efficiency in Katahdin Sheep
Authors: Maierle Camren L , Weaver Andrew R , Maierle Eugene , Greiner Scott P
Published: March 2022

Understanding the impact of genetic resistance to internal parasitism and infection status on feed efficiency could be valuable to selection and management programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fecal egg count (FEC) estimated breeding value (EBV) and Haemonchus contortous (H.C.) infection on intake, feed:gain (F:G), and residual feed intake (RFI). Over two years, Katahdin lambs divergently selected for FEC EBV (LowFEC, n = 86; HighFEC, n = 87) were born mid-March at the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Mid-July, lambs were transported to West Virginia University’s Animal Science Farm and fed using a Growsafe™. Lambs were provided a complete pellet (16% CP) ad libitum while individual intake was measured. Half of the lambs from each sire FEC EBV type were infected with 5,000 H.C. L3 larvae and observed for 6 weeks alongside uninfected contemporaries. Artificial H.C. infection resulted in lambs becoming moderately infected with FEC ranging from (0 – 1208 eggs/g). RFI was calculated as the difference between actual and expected intake. Expected intake was predicted based on average daily gain and metabolic body size. Intake was not affected by sire FEC EBV type or infection status (P > 0.10). Infection status did not affect F:G, however HighFEC lambs tended to have greater F:G values (13.5 vs. 6.8 kg feed:kg gain; P = 0.07). RFI was not affected by sire FEC EBV type or infection status (P > 0.10). Individual sire (n = 9) had a significant effect on intake and RFI (P < 0.05). Year and year x sire interaction did not have an effect on RFI or F:G (P > 0.40). Sire FEC EBV type and infection status did not impact feed efficiency. However, variation between sires independent of year indicates potential sire impact on progeny feed efficiency in sheep.
70 Evaluating Network Maps from Student Self-reflections During a Departmental Internship Program
Authors: Paudyal Sushil , Cameron Walker , Donaldson Jonan , Zhao Yingying
Published: March 2022

Student reflection presents opportunities to think through the learning process especially in a non-guided experiential learning course where students themselves need to focus on learning outcomes and course objectives. The purpose of this study is to explore students learning experiences by examining their reflections of university students participating in internships in the animal science industry during the summer semester of 2021 while taking coursework at the university. A total of 12 bi-weekly reflections collected and a qualitative thematic analysis was conducted with strengths, struggles, skill development, and disposition development as major theme categories. The reflections were coded in MAXQDA and network maps were created with Girvan-Newman cluster analyses in the UCINET and NetDraw software. We identified 5 clusters (Q=0.613) from correlations of the reflection codes at P < 0.01 (Fig.1). In the cluster with the highest correlations, students associated internship activities with networking opportunities, gaining new perspectives, observation of experts working in context, and problem-solving, indicating that most students appreciated these aspects of the program. In another cluster, students associated skill development, experiential learning opportunities, and collaborations, with productive failure indicating that they learn from trying and making mistakes. In the third cluster, students' perceptions of career advancement, mental stamina, and work ethic were correlated with reduced confidence in their new work environment. In the fourth cluster, students identify that the activity stimulated curiosity, however, this is linked with necessary repetition, collaboration, and interpersonal skills while they struggle with the application of the concepts in the real world. In the final cluster, students’ career experience was correlated with their development of marketing skills, sense of self, responsibility, and time management. Although the internship program enhanced the students' knowledge and skills, a structured instead of open reflection is recommended to gain a better understanding of the overall picture.
A Modified Burn Comb Model With a New Dorsal Frame That Allows for Local Treatment in Partial-Thickness Burns in Rats
Authors: Weiss Fabian , Agua Kariem , Weinzierl Andrea , Schuldt Anna , Egana Jose Tomas , Schlitter Anna Melissa , Steiger Katja , Machens Hans-Günther , Harder Yves , Schmauss Daniel
Published: March 2022

Burn wound progression (BWP) leads to vertical and horizontal injury extension. The “burn comb model” is commonly used, in which a full-thickness burn with intercalated unburned interspaces is induced. We aimed to establish an injury progressing to the intermediate dermis, allowing repeated wound evaluation. Furthermore, we present a new dorsal frame that enables topical drug application. Eight burn fields and six interspaces were induced on each of 17 rats’ dorsa with a 10-second burn comb application. A developed 8-panel aluminum frame was sutured onto 12 animals and combined with an Elizabethan collar. Over 14 days, macroscopic and histologic wound assessment and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) were performed besides evaluation of frame durability. The 10-second group was compared with nine animals injured with a full-thickness 60-second model. Frame durability was sufficient up to day 4 with 8 of the 12 frames (67%) still mounted. The 60-second burn led to an increased extent of interspace necrosis (P = .002). The extent of necrosis increased between days 1 and 2 (P = .001), following the 10-second burn (24% ± SEM 8% to 40% ± SEM 6%) and the 60-second burn (57% ± SEM 6% to 76% ± SEM 4%). Interspace LSCI perfusion was higher than burn field perfusion. It earlier reached baseline levels in the 10-second group (on day 1: 142% ± SEM 9% vs 60% ± SEM 5%; P < .001). Within day 1, the 10-second burn showed histological progression to the intermediate dermis, both in interspaces and burn fields. This burn comb model with its newly developed fixed dorsal frame allows investigation of topical agents to treat BWP in partial-thickness burns.
Non-marginal jejunal ulcer perforation following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Authors: Fairweather Luke D , Pham Toan D
Published: March 2022

We present a rare case of a jejunal ulcer perforation in the alimentary limb ~15 cm distal to the gastro-jejunal anastomosis on the background of a previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) 4 months prior to presentation. Marginal ulcer is the most common cause of jejunal perforation following RYGB. However, this is usually confined to the first few centimetres, and the incidence is highest within the first month following surgery. Other risk factors include smoking and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, Helicobacter pylori infection, trauma, foreign body ingestion, Crohn’s disease, typhoid, tuberculosis and malignancy. This case does not possess any of these risk factors and thus represents a unique presentation. Not all jejunal ulcers will present with classical risks factors but still will need to be excluded, given their life-threatening nature. Also, the whole alimentary limb can be susceptible to ulceration; therefore, a thorough investigation of this limb is important to exclude perforation.