bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSVII-2 Influence of source and concentration of phosphorus on apparent ileal digestibility and apparent total tract digestibility of phosphorus in growing pigs
Authors: Aderibigbe Ayodeji , Adeola Olayiwola
Published: December 2019

A study was conducted to examine the influence of source and concentration of phosphorus (P) on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P in growing pigs. Six diets were formulated in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with soybean meal (SBM) or corn distillers’ dried grain with solubles (DDGS) as sole sources of dietary P, and concentration of P at 2.0, 2.5 or 3.0 g/kg. Eighteen cannulated pigs (initial BW = 40 ± 5 kg) were allotted to triplicate 6 × 3 incomplete Latin square design with 6 diets and 3 periods, which consisted of 5 d adaption, 2 d fecal collection, and 2 d ileal digesta collection. The results indicated that AID of P was not different from ATTD of P in all diets (P = 0.45). The digestibility of P was affected by source of P (P < 0.01), with mean of 33.7% in SBM and 50.3% in DDGS. The AID of P in SBM increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing P concentrations; however, there was no effect of increasing P concentrations on AID and ATTD of P in DDGS. Determined by regression analysis, true ileal digestibility of P was 58.3% or 57.6%, and true total tract digestibility of P was 56.0% or 62.6%, for SBM or DDGS respectively. The estimated ileal endogenous P loss was 0.61 or 0.13 g//kg DMI, and total tract endogenous P loss was 0.53 or 0.35 g/kg DMI, for SBM or DDGS respectively. In summary, source and concentration of dietary P affect the digestibility of P in growing pigs but there was no difference between AID and ATTD of P.
PSXIII-35 Relationship between early gestation maternal plasma progesterone concentrations and within-litter birth weight variation from Yorkshire sired litters
Authors: Miles Jeremy , Rempel Lea A , Cushman Robert , Lents Clay
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to determine if maternal plasma progesterone (P4) during early gestation influences within-litter birth weight variation in pigs. White crossbred females (n = 589) of mixed parity (1–4) were bred at standing estrus designated as day 0 of pregnancy and again 24 h later using single-sire semen from commercial Yorkshire genetics. At day 7 of pregnancy, a single blood sample from each female was collected, processed for plasma and P4 was analyzed using a validated RIA for swine. Dams were allowed to farrow under normal management procedures and standard litter statistics (e.g., number born alive, piglet birth weight, etc.) were recorded. Within-litter birth weight variation (BWV) was determined for each litter using the coefficient of variation of birth weight. Pearson correlation analysis illustrated there was a low (r = 0.0967) but significant (P = 0.0191) positive correlation between P4 and BWV. Linear regression demonstrated that for every ng/ml increase in P4 during early gestation, BWV increased 0.11 ± 0.04%. For this population, the mean BWV was 19.4% with a SD of 7.8%. When analyzing P4 concentrations from extreme groups of females with high or low BWV [i.e. females with 1 SD above, high group (>27.2%; n = 100); or below, low group (< 11.6%; n = 106) the mean BWV] by GLM procedures, high BWV group females had increased (P = 0.0473) concentrations of P4 during early gestation compared to low BWV group (13.9 ± 1.4 vs. 9.0 ± 1.7 ng/ml, respectively). These data demonstrate a positive relationship for early gestation plasma P4 concentrations with greater BWV; thereby, illustrating that high concentrations of P4 during early gestation influence within-litter birth weight variation in pigs. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
PSIX-2 Potential role of rumen microbiota in altering average daily gain and feed efficiency in meat goats fed simple and mixed pastures using bacterial tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing
Authors: Min Byeng Ryel , Gurung Nar , Shange Raymond , solaiman sandra
Published: December 2019

Our objective was to examine whether the comparative abundance of the Bacteroidetes (B) and Firmicutes (F) bacterial phyla in meat goats fed simple and mixed forages influenced average daily gain (ADG), rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial diversity changes using a tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing (bTEFAP). Thirty-six Kiko-cross growing meat goats (BW = 27.7 ± 2.83) at approximate age of 7 mo were used in this study. Animals were randomly allocated to three pasture treatment groups (n = 12) as follows: (1) bermudagrass (BG; Cynodon dactylon), (2) sun hemp (SH; Crotalaria juncea) forage, and (3) BG + SH forage combinations for 45-d. Results indicated that there were no differences in initial BW among treatments, but final BW and ADG were higher (P < 0.01) for SH and BG + SH combinations than for BG alone. We investigated the alterations between the different forage diets and found that ADG and rumen fermentation (A/P ratio), were highly correlated with the abundance of various bacterial populations within the rumen microbiome. There were linear decreases in percentage of Bacteroidetes (R2 = -0.84; P < 0.05) associated with decreasing ADG. In contrast, increased ADG was linearly associated with higher percentages of Firmicutes (R2 = 0.79; P < 0.05), F/B ratio (R2 = 0.88; P = 0.07), total VFA (R2 = 0.45; P < 0.05), and lower A/P ratio (R2 = -0.72; P < 0.01). This suggest that the substrate and bacterial community have the role in adapting host biological parameters in meat goats. The abundance examination of both Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes will be useful for exploring the structure of gut microbiota as an estimate of animal performance.
PSXI-19 Levels of a blend of clove, castor and cashew oils and microencapsulated active ingredients (eugenol, thymol and vanillin) against some ruminal Prevotella
Authors: Matos Aylle Medeiros , Carvalho Venício M , Avila Vicente A Diaz , Ornaghi Mariana Garcia , Bonin Edineia , Castilho Ricardo Araújo , Prado Rodolpho Martin Do , Prado Ivanor Nunes do
Published: December 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a blend of vegetable oils and active ingredients (Ruminatus® - safeeds@safeeds.com.br) on ruminal population density of Prevotella albensis, Prevotella bryantii and Prevotella ruminicola. The blend contained clove (Eugenia caryophyllata), castor (Ricinus communis) and cashew (Anacardium occidentale) oils and microencapsulated active ingredients (eugenol, thymol and vanillin). The experiments were designed using each bacteria exposed to doses of 1.5; 3.0; 4.5 and 6.0 mg/ml of the product and having six replicates. Bacteria were cultivated on Hobson’s M2 medium in Hungate tubes. Cultures cultivated without the addition of any oils were considered as control. Bacteria were cultivated overnight and freshly inoculated into new tubes containing medium. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using a Spectrophotometer Evolution 201 UV-visible (Thermo Scientific) at 600 nm. Readings were performed at 0, 8, 12 and 24 hours after inoculation. Data were analyzed using the linear mixed models and the NLME Procedure in R software. The use of the blend reduced (P < 0.05) the population density of P. albensis and P. bryantii in comparison to the control treatment. P. ruminicola population only decreased (P < 0.05) when 3.0 mg/ml of the blend was used. Growth impairment of Prevotellaceae prevent excessive degradation of dietary protein, increasing protein digestibility. In addition, there is a reduction on ammonia synthesis, the end product of proteolysis, which is excreted in animal waste. Therefore, the combined action of clove, castor and castor essential oils and microencapsulated active ingredients influences the growth of Gram-negative bacteria and can be used as a rumen modulator.
PSXII-10 Voluntary water intake of calves and fattening Holstein bulls fed high-concentrate diets
Authors: Devant Maria , Verdú Marçal , Medinya Carles , Riera Joan , Marti Sonia
Published: December 2019

The objective of the present study was to obtain voluntary water intake equations of calves and fattening bulls raised under Mediterranean conditions. Two data sets were created. Calves data set had a total of 283 records (from 25 to 80 d of age and 54 to 102 kg of BW) summarized weekly from 20 studies (108 calves in each study). Mean records were: milk water intake (2.8 ± 1.00 L), drinker water intake (4.3 ± 3.49 L), concentrate intake (1.5 ± 0.86 kg), straw intake (0.1 ± 0.04 kg). Mean climatic records were: mean, maximum and minimum temperature were 15.6 ± 7.75 ºC, 22.1 ± 9.30 ºC, and 9.9 ± 6.56 ºC, respectively, and mean humidity and THI were 62.4 ± 15.72% and 58.9 ± 11.11%, respectively. Fattening bulls data set had a total of 304 records (from 120 to 330 d of age and 150 to 475 kg of BW) summarized daily from 4 studies (145 bulls in each study). Mean records were: drinker water intake (20.4 ± 6.99 L), concentrate intake (7.6 ± 1.32 kg), and straw intake (1.1 ± 0.04 kg). Mean climatic records were: mean, maximum and minimum temperature were 11.6 ± 7.59 ºC, 18.8 ± 8.53 ºC, and 4.5 ± 6.27 ºC, respectively, and mean humidity and THI were 73.5 ± 11.81% and 52.9 ± 11.72%, respectively. A meta-analyses was conducted and following water intake equations were obtained: calves (R2= 0.76, P < 0,01), water intake (L/day) = -5,32 + 2,99 x concentrate intake (kg as fed/d) + 0,23 x maximum daily temperature (º C), and in fattening bulls (R2= 0.54, P < 0,01) water intake (L/day) = -8,98 + 0,06 x BW (kg) + 0.41 x maximum daily temperature (º C) + 0.01 (maximum daily temperature (º C)2.
PSXII-4 Beef quality from animals in long term feeding with DDG’s in the diet
Authors: Lage Josiane , Hoffmann Alvair , Ferrari Adriana , Delevatti Lutti Maneck , Reis Ricardo
Published: December 2019

Dried distiller grains with solubles (DDG’s) represent an alternative to replace protein sources. The trial included 2 seasons: growing in pasture (Brachiaria brizantha, Marandu grass) for 5 months (wet), and finishing in the dry season (100 d). Two different feeding approaches were applied in the dry season: Express Feedlot® (EF) - high concentrate in pasture (1.5% of BW), or conventional feedlot (CF) - 70% concentrate. The pastures were divided into 9 paddocks totaling 9.9 ha (wet season). Sixty-nine Nellore bulls (12 mo; 249.03 ± 36.84 kg), were divided in 3 treatments: conventional supplement (CON) with cottonseed meal as a protein source; DDG’s replacing 50% of protein source (DDG50) or 100% of protein source (DDG100). In the dry season, the animals maintained the same protein source treatment (CON, DDG50 and DDG100) applied either on EF or CF. EF bulls (n = 33; 392 ± 33.18 kg BW) were finished on Marandu grass in 9 paddocks (3 by treatment). CF bulls (n = 36; 391 ± 35.2 kg BW) were confined in 9 collective pens (3 by treatment). Animals were slaughtered with the same age and the carcasses were refrigerated (0°C - 48 h). Samples were collected from the longissimus to determine pH, L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness), CKL (cooking losses) and WBSF (Warner-Bratzler shear force). The pH, L*, a*, b* and WBSF were not influenced by finishing system (P > 0.05). However, CKL was greater (P = 0.002) in beef from animals finished in EF. The use of DDGS in long-term feeding replacing the protein sources in the diets did not influence the beef quality traits (P > 0.05). Animals in EF produces beef with the same quality from animals finished in CF. The use of DDG’s replacing protein source in long term feeding can be used without promotes negative impact on beef quality.
PSXII-38 Effect of crude protein sources on feedlot performance and carcass traits of Nellore young bulls
Authors: Fernandes Juliano José R , Bomfim Lorena E L M , Teixeira Daniel Augusto A , Couto Victor R M , Lopes Ana Laura A
Published: December 2019

In this trial, 120 Nellore young bulls of ± 386kg kg initial weight were used to evaluate the effect of different sources of crude protein on the feedlot performance (finishing phase) and carcass characteristics. Animals were maintained in fifteen pens for 105 days. Animals were individually weighed and blocked by initial body weight. Pens within a block were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: (D14) Control diet including 14% of crude protein (CP) on dry matter; (D12) Inclusion of 12.5% CP/dry matter and (D11), inclusion of 11% of CP/dry matter. Feed offered was monitored daily as well as feed refusals were collected and weighed to determine the DMI and feed efficiency (F:G). Animals were weighed every 28 d after 16 h feed withdrawal for calculating ADG. The D14 and D12 treatments increased the final weight (P = 0.008) when compared to D11 (564.13; 550.96 and 529.73 kg, respectively). The D14 treatment increased the ADG (1.69 kg; P = 0.002) when compared to D12 (1.54 kg) and D11 animals (1.35 kg). The same was observed for DMI (P = 0.001) (10.40kg, 9.77kg e 8.68kg, respectively) and % BW (P = 0.001), when D14 had the greatest value (2.2%), and D11 the worst (1.90%). There were no effect of the treatments for F:G (P = 0.202). Hot carcass weight was increased by the D14 treatment (P = 0.006) (311.97kg; 300.55 and 289.30kg, respectively). However, the cooling losses were not affected (P = 0.0843), as well as were observed for dressing (P = 0.089). Nevertheless, the carcass daily gain was improved by the D14 (P = 0.02), with animals increasing 1.13 kg/d; D12 with 1.01kg/d and D11, 0.91 kg. In conclusion, the sources of crude protein can affect the feedlot cattle performance, in agreement with the Brazilian Nellore requirement program (Br-Corte). However, in this trial, diets with 14% of CP improved the animal’s performance.
PSX-41 Effect of Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid on gene expression in goat blood
Authors: Ekwemalor Kingsley , Worku Mulumebet
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Polyinosinic-polycytidylic [poly(I:C)] acid on gene activation in goat blood. Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid is a synthetic dsRNA analogue that binds to Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3. Synthetic TLR agonists are promising immune modulators. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of BoerXSpanish goats (n = 3) into tubes containing an anticoagulant. Whole blood was treated with the 12.5 µg/ml of poly I:C or 200µl of PBS which served as control. Cells were incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2 and 85% humidity for 30 minutes. Total RNA was isolated from the pellet using Trizol and then converted to cDNA using RETROscript kit (Qiagen). The expression of 84 genes in the human TLR signaling pathway RT2 PCR Array was evaluated using real-time PCR. Fold change in gene expression was calculated using the 2−ΔΔCt method. The housekeeping gene GAPDH, ACTB, HPRT1, TBP, and YWHAZ was used to normalize the data. Fold change was set at a cutoff of 2. Following treatment with poly I:C, 24 genes were up-regulated, 15 genes were down-regulated. The gene MAPK8 was induced by poly I:C treatment. Only 74 genes were expressed in the control. Thirty-nine genes were expressed in both the control group and poly I:C treatment group. Treatment with poly I:C also down-regulated some of the genes tested. Our results show that treatment poly I:C modulated the expression of genes in the TLR signaling pathway and provides insights into how goats respond to viral pathogens for the design of adjuvants to enhance the immune response.
PSX-32 Prediction of energy requirements for maintenance and growth of female Korean black goats
Authors: Lee Jinwook , Lee Sang Hoon , Lee Sung Soo , Kim Dong Kyo
Published: December 2019

The consumption of goat has changed from medicinal to meat in Korea. Thus, the population of Korean black goats (KBG) are continuously increased in recent years. However, the nutrition requirement of KBG has not been clearly defined. Therefore, this study was conducted to predict the energy requirements for maintenance and growth of female Korean black goats during their growth and pregnancy phases. Fifty female goats (18.7±0.27 kg) in their growth phase with an average age of 5 months were stratified by weight and randomly assigned into 5 groups. They were fed 5 diets varying in metabolic energy (ME) [2.32 (G1), 2.49 (G2), 2.74 (G3), 2.99 (G4), and 3.24 (G5) Mcal/kg] until they were 9-month-old. After natural breeding, 50 female goats (30.7±0.59 kg) were stratified by weight and randomly assigned into 5 groups. They were fed 5 diets varying in ME [2.32 (P1), 2.43 (P2), 2.55 (P3), 2.66 (P4), and 2.78 (P5) Mcal/kg]. The average feed intake ranged between 1.5 and 2.0% of the body weight (BW), and there was no significant difference between the treatment groups with goats in growth or pregnancy phases. Average daily gain (ADG) in diet demand during the growth phase increased with an increasing ME density and ranged from 46 to 69 g/d (P < 0.01). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved with the ME density during the growth phase (P < 0.01). The intercept of the regression equation between ME intake and ADG indicated that energy requirement for maintenance of goats during growth and pregnancy phases was 103.53 kcal/BW0.75 and 102.7 kcal/BW0.75, respectively. These results may serve as a basis for the establishment of goat feeding standards in Korea. Further studies are required to assess the nutrient requirement of goats using various methods for improving accuracy.
PSX-8 Effects of hair sheep breed and region of origin on feed dry matter required for maintenance without and with a marked feed restriction
Authors: Tadesse Dereje , Puchala Ryszard , Goetsch Arthur L
Published: December 2019

Effects of hair sheep breed and region of origin on feed required for maintenance without and with a substantial restriction were determined with 46 Dorper, 47 Katahdin, and 41 St. Croix females (initial BW of 62, 62, and 51 kg, respectively, SEM=1.43; 3.8±0.18 yr of age, 1.2–11.7) from 45 commercial farms in midwest, northwest, southeast, and central Texas regions of the USA. A 50% concentrate pelleted diet was fed, with the amount varied in the first 4 wk for stable BW and average DM intake in wk 3–4 relative to BW0.75 considered DM required for maintenance without restriction (DMm-m). Feed offered in wk 6–10 was 55% of DMm-m, with DM intake relative to BW0.75 in wk 9–10 considered the requirement with feed restriction (DMm-r). Region had little effect on any measure. The DMm-m was slightly greater (P < 0.05) for St. Croix than for Dorper and Katahdin (49.4, 48.9, and 50.9 g/kg BW0.75 for Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively; SEM=0.48). The decline in BW during the restriction phase was relatively small and similar among breeds (wk 9–10 vs. 3–4: 3.6, 3.2, and 2.9 kg for Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively; SEM=0.21). The DMm-r averaged 43% less than DMm-m, again being greater (P ≤ 0.056) for St. Croix than for Dorper and Katahdin (28.3, 27.9, and 29.1 g/kg BW0.75 for Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively; SEM=0.28). The DMm-m and DMm-r were highly related, indicating that animals would rank similarly at both levels of intake, and variation was similar among breeds. In conclusion, the amount of feed required for BW maintenance was greatest for St. Croix regardless of feed restriction, but differences were minor. The hair sheep exhibited considerable capacity for decreasing the feed requirement for maintenance when offered feed was markedly restricted.
PSXIII-23 Dietary glutamine, glutamate, and aspartate supplementation improves morphology and intercellular junction of small intestine in piglets
Authors: Wang Jing , Tan Bi E , Li Jianjun , Qi Ming , Ren Wenkai , Yin Yulong
Published: December 2019

Weaning-stress decreases the digestive and absorptive capacity of small intestine in piglets, resulting in reduction in energy intake for intestine cells and defects in epithelial structure. As glutamine (Gln), glutamate (Glu), and aspartate (Asp) are major energy sources for small intestine; thus, this study was conducted to test the hypotheses that supplementation with Gln, Glu, and Asp in diets will improve the intestinal morphology and tight junction in weaning piglets. 198 weaned piglets were assigned to the following treatments: i) Control (Basal diet + 1.59% L-Alanine); ii) T1 (Basal diet + 1% L-Glutamine + 0.5% L-Glutamate + 0.1% L-Aspartate); iii) T2 (Low energy diet + 1% L-Glutamine + 0.5% L-Glutamate + 0.1% L-Aspartate). The small intestinal samples were obtained on 5 or 21-day-post-weaning. The results showed that basal dietary supplementation with Gln, Glu, and Asp in basal diet improved the final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) of piglets on 21-day of post-weaning. Supplementation with Gln, Glu, and Asp in diet with low energy decreased the villus height and crypt depth in ileum of piglets on 5-day-post-weaning, but increased villus height and goblet cell number in jejunum on 21-day post-weaning compared with those in control group. On 5-day-post-weaning, high mRNA levels of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) 1.1 in ileum and Kv 1.5 in jejunum were observed in T 1 and T 2 groups, respectively. Other indicators were higher than those in control piglets on day 5 or 21 post-weaning, including protein abundances of claudin-1, laudin-3 and occluding, and the percentage of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells in jejunum and ileum in T 1 or T 2 groups. Collectively, these findings indicated that Gln, Glu, and Asp can alleviate the intestinal barrier injury in piglets induced by weaning stress even under low energy diet.
PSXIII-30 Analysis of gene expression profiles in liver and muscle tissue of pigs divergent in feed efficiency
Authors: Vigors Stafford , Sweeney Torres
Published: December 2019

The improvement of feed efficiency is a key economic goal within the pig production industry. The objective of this study was to examine transcriptomic differences in both the liver and muscle in pigs divergent for feed efficiency, thus improving our understanding of the molecular mechanisms influencing feed efficiency and enabling the identification of candidate biomarkers. Residual feed intake (RFI) was calculated in two populations of pigs from two different farms of origin. The 6 most efficient (LRFI) and 6 least efficient (HRFI) animals in each population were selected for further analysis of Longissimus Dorsi muscle and liver. Three different analysis were performed: 1) Identification of differentially expressed genes (DE) in liver, 2) Identification of DE genes in muscle and 3) Identification of genes commonly DE in both tissues. Hierarchical clustering revealed that transcriptomic data segregated based on the RFI value of the pig rather than farm of origin. A total of 6464 genes were identified as being differentially expressed (DE) in muscle, while 964 genes were identified as being DE in liver. In the muscle-only analysis, genes associated with RNA, protein synthesis and energy metabolism were downregulated in the LRFI animals while in the liver-only analysis, genes associated with cell signalling and lipid homeostasis were upregulated in the LRFI animals. Genes that were commonly DE between muscle and liver (n = 526) were used for the joint analysis. These 526 genes were associated with protein targeting to membrane, extracellular matrix organization and immune function. There are pathways common to both muscle and liver in particular genes associated with immune function. In contrast, tissue-specific pathways contributing to differences in feed efficiency were also identified with genes associated with energy metabolism identified in muscle and lipid metabolism in liver. This study identifies key mechanisms driving changes in feed efficiency in pigs.
Cerium Nitrate Treatment Provides Eschar Stabilization through Reduction in Bioburden, DAMPs, and Inflammatory Cytokines in a Rat Scald Burn Model
Authors: Qian Li-Wu , Evani Shankar J , Chen Ping , Brandenburg Kenneth S , Weaver Alan J , Fourcaudot Andrea B , Abercrombie Johnathan J , Sebastian Eliza A , Leung Kai P
Published: December 2019

In this study, we used a clinically relevant rat scald burn model to determine the treatment effects of cerium nitrate (CN) for stabilizing burn eschars through reduction of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), inflammatory cytokines, and bioburden. Forty-two male Sprague–Dawley rats were anesthetized before undergoing a scald burn at 99°C for 6 seconds to create a 10% full-thickness burn. The test groups included sham burn, burn with water bathing, and burn with CN bathing. End point parameters included circulating DAMPs, proinflammatory cytokines, tissue myeloperoxidase activity, and quantification of resident flora in burn skin. The high mobility group protein box 1 was found to be elevated in burn animals at postoperative days (POD) 1 and 7. CN significantly alleviated the increase (P < .05 at POD 1 and P < .01 at POD 7). CN also lessened the heightened levels of hyaluronan in burn animals (P < .05 at POD 7). Additionally, CN significantly reduced the burn-induced increases in interleukin-1β, growth-regulated oncogene/keratinocyte chemoattractant, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α in burn wounds. The anti-inflammatory effect of CN was also demonstrated in its ability to mitigate the upregulated circulatory xanthine oxidase/dehydrogenase and increased tissue neutrophil infiltration in burn animals. Last, CN suppressed postburn proliferation of resident skin microbes, resulting in a significant 2-log reduction by POD 7. In conclusion, these results suggest that CN attenuates the burn-induced DAMPs, tissue inflammatory responses, and regrowth of resident skin flora, all of which collectively could improve the quality of burn eschar when applied at the point of injury in prolonged field care situations.
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Bile Acid Diarrhea
Authors: Sadowski Daniel C , Camilleri Michael , Chey William D , Leontiadis Grigorios I , Marshall John K , Shaffer Eldon A , Tse Frances , Walters Julian R F
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims

Chronic diarrhea affects about 5% of the population overall. Altered bile acid metabolism is a common but frequently undiagnosed cause.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of publication databases for studies of assessment and management of bile acid diarrhea (BAD). The certainty (quality) of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Patient population, intervention, comparator and outcome questions were developed through an iterative process and were voted on by a group of specialists.

Results

The certainty of evidence was generally rated as very low. Therefore, 16 of 17 recommendations are conditional. In patients with chronic diarrhea, consideration of risk factors (terminal ileal resection, cholecystectomy or abdominal radiotherapy), but not additional symptoms, was recommended for identification of patients with possible BAD. The group suggested testing using 75selenium homocholic acid taurine (where available) or 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, including patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, functional diarrhea and Crohn’s disease without inflammation. Testing was suggested over empiric bile acid sequestrant therapy (BAST). Once remediable causes are managed, the group suggested cholestyramine as initial therapy, with alternate BAST when tolerability is an issue. The group suggested against BAST for patients with extensive ileal Crohn’s disease or resection and suggested alternative antidiarrheal agents if BAST is not tolerated. Maintenance BAST should be given at the lowest effective dose, with a trial of intermittent, on-demand administration, concurrent medication review and reinvestigation for patients whose symptoms persist despite BAST.

Conclusions

Based on a systematic review, BAD should be considered for patients with chronic diarrhea. For patients with positive results from tests for BAD, a trial of BAST, initially with cholestyramine, is suggested.
Heterodox markets and ‘market distortions’ in the global trading system
Authors: Lang Andrew
Published: December 2019

An important context for contemporary trade frictions is the emergence, since the 1990s, of a wide range of new forms of market capitalism, of which China’s hybrid market economy is the most significant. Institutional diversity of this kind is a source of strength and dynamism for the global trading system, but it is also the cause of very serious friction. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade/World Trade Organization system has dealt with this problem before, but the existing settlement regarding the legitimate boundaries of institutional diversity is under pressure and needs to be revisited. One concept that has been incorporated into World Trade Organization trade defence law (and elsewhere) to help draw these boundaries is the concept of the ‘market distortion’. The concept can be a useful one, but it has so far been interpreted and applied with an inadequate appreciation of its serious conceptual and practical difficulties. The potential result is a system of trade defences targeted in a discriminatory and even punitive manner against heterodox institutional forms, in ways that may excessively disincentivize institutional experimentation. In response, this paper argues for an approach to the interpretation and application of this concept, which proceeds from an understanding of the institutionally embedded character of markets. This does not take the form of a readily available ‘solution’, but rather a messy and evolving set of legal techniques that, in the best case, can form the legal basis of a practical and justifiable approach to the tensions caused by institutional diversity. A toolkit of legal techniques of this kind clearly cannot take the place of a more foundational political settlement of some sort, but it is a necessary accompaniment to it, if we are to preserve the aspiration towards a genuinely non-discriminatory and rules-based global economic order.
Malaria and Dengue Mosquito Vectors from Lao PDR Show a Lack of the rdl Mutant Allele Responsible for Cyclodiene Insecticide Resistance
Authors: Marcombe Sebastien , Thammavong Phoutmany , Luangamath Phonesavanh , Chonephetsarath Somsanith , Phommavanh Nothasin , Lakeomany Khaitong , Nilaxay Somphat , Rahmani Zuhal , Saverton Penelope J , Abdullateef Omobolanle H , Forward Jordan , Jacob Anna E , Khadam Safina , Ali Wlaa , Boer Chloé , Kakinuma Hayato , Hawkins Joseph , Longstreeth Rosie , Portwood Natalie M , Smee Madeleine , Brown Natasha , Kuyucu Nursu C , Lechmere Susannah , Stieger Gabriela , Maithaviphet Santi , Nambanya Simone , Brey Paul T , Jones Andrew K
Published: December 2019

The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, RDL, plays important roles in neuronal signaling and is the target of highly effective insecticides. A mutation in RDL, commonly A296S, underlies resistance to several insecticides such as cyclodienes. Even though the use of cyclodienes has been banned, the occurrence of mutations substituting A296 is notably high in mosquitoes from several countries. Here, we report a survey investigating the prevalence of the Rdl mutant allele in mosquitoes from Laos, a country where mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are health concerns. Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes were collected from 12 provinces in Laos. Adult bioassays on Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) showed that all the populations tested were susceptible to dieldrin (4%) following WHO protocols. Exon 7 from a total of 791 mosquitoes was sequenced to identify the amino acid encoded for at 296 of RDL. Only one of these mosquitoes, Anopheles maculatus rampae Harbach and Somboon (Diptera: Culicidae) from Attapeu, carried the mutant allele being heterozygous for A296S. We therefore found a general lack of the Rdl mutant allele indicating that mosquitoes from Laos are not exposed to insecticides that act on the GABA receptor compared to mosquitoes in several other countries. Identifying the prevalence of the Rdl mutation may help inform the potential use of alternative insecticides that act on the GABA receptor should there be a need to replace pyrethroids in order to prevent/manage resistance.
Estimating the Natural History of Cervical Carcinogenesis Using Simulation Models: A CISNET Comparative Analysis
Authors: Burger Emily A , de Kok Inge M C M , Groene Emily , Killen James , Canfell Karen , Kulasingam Shalini , Kuntz Karen M , Matthijsse Suzette , Regan Catherine , Simms Kate T , Smith Megan A , Sy Stephen , Alarid-Escudero Fernando , Vaidyanathan Vivek , van Ballegooijen Marjolein , Kim Jane J
Published: December 2019

Background

The natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cervical cancer (CC) is not directly observable, yet the age of HPV acquisition and duration of preclinical disease (dwell time) influences the effectiveness of alternative preventive policies. We performed a Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) comparative modeling analysis to characterize the age of acquisition of cancer-causing HPV infections and implied dwell times for distinct phases of cervical carcinogenesis.

Methods

Using four CISNET-cervical models with varying underlying structures but fit to common US epidemiological data, we estimated the age of acquisition of causal HPV infections and dwell times associated with three phases of cancer development: HPV, high-grade precancer, and cancer sojourn time. We stratified these estimates by HPV genotype under both natural history and CC screening scenarios, because screening prevents cancer development that affects the mix of detected cancers.

Results

The median time from HPV acquisition to cancer detection ranged from 17.5 to 26.0 years across the four models. Three models projected that 50% of unscreened women acquired their causal HPV infection between ages 19 and 23 years, whereas one model projected these infections occurred later (age 34 years). In the context of imperfect compliance with US screening guidelines, the median age of causal infection was 4.4–15.9 years later compared with model projections in the absence of screening.

Conclusions

These validated CISNET-CC models, which reflect some uncertainty in the development of CC, elucidate important drivers of HPV vaccination and CC screening policies and emphasize the value of comparative modeling when evaluating public health policies.
The Application of Teachings by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Authors: Helmersen Sondre Torp
Published: December 2019

Scholars have examined the role of ‘teachings’ (or ‘literature’, ‘doctrine’ or ‘scholarship’) in various international courts and tribunals, but never the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). This article analyses the general weight ITLOS judges assign to teachings, how the judges distinguish between more and less significant teachings, and how and why different judges use teachings differently. ITLOS judges generally seem to assign teachings low weight, albeit with some exceptions. Some teachings are seen as more important, on the basis of their quality and on the fact that multiple writers agree. Judges treat teachings somewhat differently, with Judge Laing being a significant outlier, responsible for roughly half of all citations.
Message-Elicited Brain Response Moderates the Relationship Between Opportunities for Exposure to Anti-Smoking Messages and Message Recall
Authors: Kranzler Elissa C , Schmälzle Ralf , Pei Rui , Hornik Robert C , Falk Emily B
Published: December 2019

Campaign success is contingent on adequate exposure; however, exposure opportunities (e.g., ad reach/frequency) are imperfect predictors of message recall. We hypothesized that the exposure-recall relationship would be contingent on message processing. We tested moderation hypotheses using 3 data sets pertinent to “The Real Cost” anti-smoking campaign: past 30-day ad recall from a rolling national survey of adolescents aged 13–17 (n = 5,110); ad-specific target rating points (TRPs), measuring ad reach and frequency; and ad-elicited response in brain regions implicated in social processing and memory encoding, from a separate adolescent sample aged 14–17 (n = 40). Average ad-level brain activation in these regions moderates the relationship between national TRPs and large-scale recall (p < .001), such that the positive exposure-recall relationship is more strongly observed for ads that elicit high levels of social processing and memory encoding in the brain. Findings advance communication theory by demonstrating conditional exposure effects, contingent on social and memory processes in the brain.
Validation of an Electronic Surveillance Algorithm to Identify Patients With Post-Operative Surgical Site Infections Using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric Data
Authors: Berrondo Claudia , Bettinger Brendan , Katz Cindy B , Bauer Jennifer , Shnorhavorian Margarett , Zerr Danielle M
Published: December 2019

Background

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common, but data related to these infections maybe difficult to capture. We developed an electronic surveillance algorithm to identify patients with SSIs. Our objective was to validate our algorithm by comparing it with our institutional National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric (NSQIP Peds) data.

Methods

We applied our algorithm to our institutional NSQIP Peds 2015–2017 cohort. The algorithm consisted of the presence of a diagnosis code for post-operative infection or the presence of 4 criteria: diagnosis code for infection, antibiotic administration, positive culture, and readmission/surgery related to infection. We compared the algorithm’s SSI rate to the NSQIP Peds identified SSI. Algorithm performance was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and Cohen’s kappa. The charts of discordant patients were reviewed to understand limitations of the algorithm.

Results

Of 3879 patients included, 2.5% had SSIs by NSQIP Peds definition and 1.9% had SSIs by our algorithm. Our algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 44%, specificity of 99%, NPV of 99%, PPV of 59%, and Cohen’s kappa of 0.5. Of the 54 false negatives, 37% were diagnosed/treated as outpatients, 31% had tracheitis, and 17% developed SSIs during their post-operative admission. Of the 30 false positives, 33% had an infection at index surgery and 33% had SSIs related to other surgeries/procedures.

Conclusions

Our algorithm achieved high specificity and NPV compared with NSQIP Peds reported SSIs and may be useful when identifying SSIs in patient populations that are not actively monitored for SSIs.
Gastric schwannoma: a diagnosis that should be known in 2019
Authors: Lomdo Massama , Setti Khadija , Oukabli Mohamed , Moujahid Mountassir , Bounaim Ahmed
Published: December 2019

Gastric schwannoma (GS) is a rare neoplasm of the stomach deriving from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerves in the stomach. It accounts for 0.2% of all gastric tumors and is mostly benign, slow-growing and asymptomatic. Due to its rarity, GS is not widely recognized by clinicians. Preoperatively, GSs are difficult to differentiate from other mesenchymal tumors, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) or leiomyoma, which develop from mesenchymal stem cells. The optimal management of GS is based on the symptoms of the patient, tumor size and histologic grading. Here, we report the case of a GS in a 73-year-old female who underwent a wedge gastric resection following a clinical diagnosis of GIST. A histological and immunohistochemical study was performed excluding the misdiagnosis of GIST. The histomorphological features of the lesion and absence of c-Kit and strong positivity of S100 indicated the diagnosis of GS.
MYB57 transcriptionally regulates MAPK11 to interact with PAL2;3 and modulate rice allelopathy
Authors: Fang Changxun , Yang Luke , Chen Weisi , Li Lanlan , Zhang Pengli , Li Yingzhe , He Haibin , Lin Wenxiong
Published: December 2019

Rice allelopathy is a natural method of weed control that is regarded as an eco-friendly practice in agroecology. The allelopathic potential of rice is regulated by various genes, including those that encode transcription factors. Our study characterized a MYB transcription factor, OsMYB57, to explore its role in the regulation of rice allelopathy. Increasing the expression of OsMYB57 in rice using the transcription activator VP64 resulted in increased inhibitory ratios against barnyardgrass. The gene expression levels of OsPAL, OsC4H, OsOMT, and OsCAD from the phenylpropanoid pathway were also up-regulated, and the content of l-phenylalanine increased. Chromatin immunoprecipitation incorporated with HiSeq demonstrated that OsMYB57 transcriptionally regulated a mitogen-activated protein kinase (OsMAPK11); in addition, OsMAPK11 interacted with OsPAL2;3. The expression of OsPAL2;3was higher in the allelopathic rice PI312777 than in the non-allelopathic rice Lemont, and OsPAL2;3 was negatively regulated by Whirly transcription factors. Moreover, microbes with weed-suppression potential, including Penicillium spp. and Bacillus spp., were assembled in the rhizosphere of the rice accession Kitaake with increased expression of OsMYB57, and were responsible for phenolic acid induction. Our findings suggest that OsMYB57 positively regulates rice allelopathy, providing an option for the improvement of rice allelopathic traits through genetic modification.
Empty Bullet-Related Ocular Injuries During Military Shooting Training: A 20-Year Review
Authors: Guven Soner , Durukan Ali Hakan
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Empty bullet-related ocular injuries (EBOI) are rare and may result in unfavorable visual outcomes due to both open globe and closed globe injuries. To our knowledge, no reports of such injuries in terms of outcomes have been previously described in the literature. The aim of this study was to describe the treatment performed and ocular outcomes of such injuries.

Materials and Methods

EBOI of 23 cases were reviewed who were referred to Gulhane School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology between January 1998 and January 2018. Patient demographics, ocular signs (initial and final), injury types, type and number of interventions, and ocular trauma scores were recorded.

Results

In total, 23 eyes of the 23 patients with an average age of 22.3 ± 4.54 years (range, 20–41 years) were included in the study. All of the patients were male, and all injuries were due to empty bullets during shooting training. None had ocular protection at the time of ocular injury. Fourteen patients (60.9%) were open globe injuries, whereas nine (39.1%) of them were closed globe injuries. Mean ocular trauma scores category of the cases was 2.52 ± 1.03. The baseline and final visual acuity was 20/200 or better in 21.7% and 69.5% of eyes, respectively. Nineteen eyes (82.7%) had undergone a total of 31 surgeries with a 1.34 ± 0.88 surgery average.

Conclusions

The prognosis of EBOI is unpredictable and is dependent on the severity of ocular damage. The best treatment option is prevention of EBOI with protective eyewear.
Interplasmoid Compton scattering and the Compton dominance of BL Lacs
Authors: Christie I M , Petropoulou M , Sironi L , Giannios D
Published: December 2019

Blazar emission models based on magnetic reconnection succeed in reproducing many observed spectral and temporal features, including the short-duration luminous flaring events. Plasmoids, a self-consistent by-product of the tearing instability in the reconnection layer, can be the main source of blazar emission. Kinetic simulations of relativistic reconnection have demonstrated that plasmoids are characterized by rough energy equipartition between their radiating particles and magnetic fields. This is the main reason behind the apparent shortcoming of plasmoid-dominated emission models to explain the observed Compton ratios of BL Lac objects. Here, we demonstrate that the radiative interactions among plasmoids, which have been neglected so far, can assist in alleviating this contradiction. We show that photons emitted by large, slow-moving plasmoids can be a potentially important source of soft photons to be then upscattered, via inverse Compton, by small fast-moving, neighbouring plasmoids. This interplasmoid Compton scattering process can naturally occur throughout the reconnection layer, imprinting itself as an increase in the observed Compton ratios from those short and luminous plasmoid-powered flares within BL Lac sources, while maintaining energy equipartition between radiating particles and magnetic fields.
The case against gravitational millilensing in the multiply-imaged quasar B1152+199
Authors: Asadi Saghar , Zackrisson Erik , Varenius Eskil , Freeland Emily , Conway John , Wiik Kaj
Published: December 2019

Previous very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of the quasar B1152+199 at 5 GHz has revealed two images of a strongly lensed jet with seemingly discordant morphologies. Whereas the jet appears straight in one of the images, the other exhibits slight curvature on milliarcsecond scales. This is unexpected from the lensing solution and has been interpreted as possible evidence for secondary, small-scale lensing (millilensing) by a compact object with a mass of 105–107 M⊙ located close to the curved image. The probability for such a superposition is extremely low unless the millilens population has very high surface number density. Here, we revisit the case for millilensing in B1152+199 by combining new global–VLBI data at 8.4 GHz with two data sets from the European VLBI Network (EVN) at 5 GHz (archival), and the previously published 5 GHz Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) data. We find that the new data with a more circular synthesized beam, exhibits no apparent milliarcsecond-scale curvature in image B. Various observations of the object spanning ∼15 yr apart enable us to improve the constraints on lens system to the point that the only plausible explanation left for the apparent curvature is the artefact due to the shape of the synthesized beam.
Distinct Evolutionary Trajectories of Neuronal and Hair Cell Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Authors: Marcovich Irina , Moglie Marcelo J , Carpaneto Freixas Agustín E , Trigila Anabella P , Franchini Lucia F , Plazas Paola V , Lipovsek Marcela , Elgoyhen Ana Belén
Published: December 2019

The expansion and pruning of ion channel families has played a crucial role in the evolution of nervous systems. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels with distinct roles in synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction, the central and peripheral nervous system, and the inner ear. Remarkably, the complement of nAChR subunits has been highly conserved along vertebrate phylogeny. To ask whether the different subtypes of receptors underwent different evolutionary trajectories, we performed a comprehensive analysis of vertebrate nAChRs coding sequences, mouse single-cell expression patterns, and comparative functional properties of receptors from three representative tetrapod species. We found significant differences between hair cell and neuronal receptors that were most likely shaped by the differences in coexpression patterns and coassembly rules of component subunits. Thus, neuronal nAChRs showed high degree of coding sequence conservation, coupled to greater coexpression variance and conservation of functional properties across tetrapod clades. In contrast, hair cell α9α10 nAChRs exhibited greater sequence divergence, narrow coexpression pattern, and great variability of functional properties across species. These results point to differential substrates for random change within the family of gene paralogs that relate to the segregated roles of nAChRs in synaptic transmission.