bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Networks and Cognitive Reserve: Network Structure Moderates the Association Between Amygdalar Volume and Cognitive Outcomes
Authors: Perry Brea L , Roth Adam R , Peng Siyun , Risacher Shannon L , Saykin Andrew J , Apostolova Liana G
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The cognitive reserve hypothesis has been proposed as a key mechanism explaining the link between social networks and cognitive function but has rarely been empirically tested using neuroimaging data. This study examines whether social network attributes moderate the association between amygdalar volume and cognitive function.

Methods

Data were from the Social Networks in Alzheimer Disease study (N = 154) and Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Social networks were measured using the PhenX Social Network Battery. Regional data from magnetic resonance imaging (amygdalar volume [AV]) were analyzed using FreeSurfer software. Cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and consensus diagnosis. Linear regression analyses were conducted to test the moderating role of social networks on the association between AV and cognitive function.

Results

Participants with greater ability to span multiple social roles and subgroups within their networks scored higher on the MoCA after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, depression, frequency of contact, and AV. Social networks moderated the association between AV and cognitive function.

Discussion

Among participants who engaged in diverse and loosely connected social networks, the expected adverse cognitive effects of brain volume in regions implicated in socioemotional processing were attenuated. These findings suggest that cognitive stimulation achieved through social interaction with a diverse array of social relationships across multiple contexts may help promote cognitive reserve.
Interplay of large-scale tectonic deformation and local fluid injection investigated through seismicity patterns at the Reykjanes Geothermal Field, Iceland
Authors: Duboeuf Laure , Dichiarante Anna Maria , Oye Volker
Published: October 2021

Occurrence of seismicity sequences as consequence of fluid injection or extraction has long been studied and documented. Causal relations between injection parameters, such as injection pressure, injection rates, total injected volumes and injectivity, with seismicity derived parameters, such as seismicity rate, cumulative seismic moment, distance of seismicity (RT-plot), b-values, etc. have been derived. In addition, reservoir engineering parameters such as permeability/porosity relations and flow types play a role together with geology knowledge on fault and fracture properties, influenced by the stress field on different scales. In this paper, we study observed seismicity related to water injection at the Reykjanes Geothermal Field, Iceland. The region near the injection well did not experience seismicity before the start of injection. However, we observed continued seismic activity during the 3 months of injection in 2015, resulting in a cloud of about 700 events ranging in magnitude from Mw 0.7 to 3.3. We re-located these events using a modified double-difference algorithm and determined focal mechanism of event subsets. Characteristic for the site is that the events are bound to about 4 km distance to the injection point, and moreover known faults seem to act as barrier to fluids and seismicity. Several repeating sequences of seismicity, defined as bursts of seismicity have hypocenter migration velocities larger than 4 km d–1 and their dominant direction of propagation is away from the injection point towards larger depths. The seismic events within the bursts lack larger magnitude events, have elevated b-values (∼1.5) and consist of many multiplets. Except from the coinciding onset of seismicity with the start of fluid injection, no correlation between injection rates and volumes could be identified, neither could hydraulic diffusivity models explain observed seismicity patterns. Comparison of our results with investigations on background seismicity from 1995 to 2019 and from a seismic swarm in 1972 revealed similar focal mechanism patterns and burst-like seismicity patterns. We finally present a conceptual model where we propose that the observed seismicity patterns represent a stress release mechanism in the area close to the injection well, controlled by an interplay of local pore pressure and stress field changes with continued extensional stress build up at the Reykjanes Ridge.
Development of an exoglycosidase plate-based assay for detecting α1-3,4 fucosylation biomarker in individuals with HNF1A-MODY
Authors: Demus Daniel , Urbanowicz Paulina A , Gardner Richard A , Wu Haiyang , Juszczak Agata , Štambuk Tamara , Medvidović Edita Pape , Owen Katharine R , Gornik Olga , Juge Nathalie , Spencer Daniel I R
Published: October 2021

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young due to hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha variants (HNF1A-MODY) causes monogenic diabetes. Individuals carrying damaging variants in HNF1A show decreased levels of α1-3,4 fucosylation, as demonstrated on antennary fucosylation of blood plasma N-glycans. The excellent diagnostic performance of this glycan biomarker in blood plasma N-glycans of individuals with HNF1A-MODY has been demonstrated using liquid chromatography methods. Here, we have developed a high-throughput exoglycosidase plate-based assay to measure α1-3,4 fucosylation levels in blood plasma samples. The assay has been optimized and its validity tested using 1000 clinical samples from a cohort of individuals with young-adult onset diabetes including cases with HNF1A-MODY. The α1-3,4 fucosylation levels in blood plasma showed a good differentiating power in identifying cases with damaging HNF1A variants, as demonstrated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis with the AUC values of 0.87 and 0.95. This study supports future development of a simple diagnostic test to measure this glycan biomarker for application in a clinical setting.
N-acetyl-β-D-hexosaminidases mediate the generation of paucimannosidic proteins via a putative noncanonical truncation pathway in human neutrophils
Authors: Ugonotti Julian , Kawahara Rebeca , Loke Ian , Zhu Yuqi , Chatterjee Sayantani , Tjondro Harry C , Sumer-Bayraktar Zeynep , Neelamegham Sriram , Thaysen-Andersen Morten
Published: October 2021

We recently discovered that human neutrophils express immunomodulatory glycoproteins carrying unusual and highly truncated paucimannosidic N-glycans (Man1-3GlcNAc2Fuc0–1), but their biosynthesis remains elusive. Guided by the well-characterized truncation pathway in invertebrates and plants in which the N-acetyl-β-D-hexosaminidase (Hex) isoenzymes catalyze paucimannosidic protein (PMP) formation, we here set out to test if the homologous human Hex α and β subunits encoded by HEXA and HEXB drive a similar truncation pathway in human neutrophils. To this end, we performed quantitative glycomics and glycoproteomics of several CRISPR-Cas9-edited Hex-disrupted neutrophil-like HL-60 mutants (HEXA-KO and HEXB-KO) and matching unedited cell lines. Hex disruption was validated using next-generation sequencing, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative proteomics and Hex activity assays. Excitingly, all Hex-disrupted mutants displayed significantly reduced levels of paucimannosylation, particularly Man2-3GlcNAc2Fuc1, relative to unedited HL-60 suggesting that both HEXA and HEXB contribute to PMP formation via a hitherto unexplored truncation pathway in neutrophils. Quantitative N-glycomics indeed demonstrated reduced utilization of a putative noncanonical truncation pathway in favor of the canonical elongation pathway in all Hex-disrupted mutants relative to unedited controls. Quantitative glycoproteomics recapitulated the truncation-to-elongation switch in all Hex-disrupted mutants and showed a greater switch for N-glycoproteins cotrafficking with Hex to the azurophilic granules of neutrophils such as myeloperoxidase. Finally, we supported the Hex-PMP relationship by documenting that primary neutrophils isolated from an early-onset Sandhoff disease patient (HEXB−/−) displayed dramatically reduced paucimannosylation relative to neutrophils from an age-matched unaffected donor. We conclude that both human Hex α and β mediate PMP formation via a putative noncanonical truncation pathway in neutrophils.
Effects of COVID-19 and mRNA vaccines on human fertility
Authors: Chen Fei , Zhu Shiheng , Dai Zhiqing , Hao Lanting , Luan Chun , Guo Qi , Meng Chaofan , Zhang Yankun
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has precipitated a global health crisis of unprecedented proportions. Because of its severe impact, multiple COVID-19 vaccines are being rapidly developed, approved and manufactured. Among them, mRNA vaccines are considered as ideal candidates with special advantages to meet this challenge. However, some serious adverse events have been reported after their application, significantly increasing concerns about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines and doubts about the necessity of vaccination. Although several fertility societies have announced that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are unlikely to affect fertility, there is no denying that the current evidence is very limited, which is one of the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in the population, especially in pregnant women. Herein, we provide an in-depth discussion on the involvement of the male and female reproductive systems during SARS-CoV-2 infection or after vaccination. On one hand, despite the low risk of infection in the male reproductive system or fetus, COVID-19 could pose an enormous threat to human reproductive health. On the other hand, our review indicates that both men and women, especially pregnant women, have no fertility problems or increased adverse pregnancy outcomes after vaccination, and, in particular, the benefits of maternal antibodies transferred through the placenta outweigh any known or potential risks. Thus, in the case of the rapid spread of COVID-19, although further research is still required, especially a larger population-based longitudinal study, it is obviously a wise option to be vaccinated instead of suffering from serious adverse symptoms of virus infection.
Quantifying Glucocorticoid Plasticity Using Reaction Norm Approaches: There Still is So Much to Discover!
Authors: Malkoc Kasja , Mentesana Lucia , Casagrande Stefania , Hau Michaela
Published: October 2021

Synopsis

Hormones are highly responsive internal signals that help organisms adjust their phenotype to fluctuations in environmental and internal conditions. Our knowledge of the causes and consequences of variation in circulating hormone concentrations has improved greatly in the past. However, this knowledge often comes from population-level studies, which generally tend to make the flawed assumption that all individuals respond in the same way to environmental changes. Here, we advocate that we can vastly expand our understanding of the ecology and evolution of hormonal traits once we acknowledge the existence of individual differences by quantifying hormonal plasticity at the individual level, where selection acts. In this review, we use glucocorticoid (GC) hormones as examples of highly plastic endocrine traits that interact intimately with energy metabolism but also with other organismal traits like behavior and physiology. First, we highlight the insights gained by repeatedly assessing an individual's GC concentrations along a gradient of environmental or internal conditions using a “reaction norm approach.” This study design should be followed by a hierarchical statistical partitioning of the total endocrine variance into the among-individual component (individual differences in average hormone concentrations, i.e., in the intercept of the reaction norm) and the residual (within-individual) component. The latter is ideally further partitioned by estimating more precisely hormonal plasticity (i.e., the slope of the reaction norm), which allows to test whether individuals differ in the degree of hormonal change along the gradient. Second, we critically review the published evidence for GC variation, focusing mostly on among- and within-individual levels, finding only a good handful of studies that used repeated-measures designs and random regression statistics to investigate GC plasticity. These studies indicate that individuals can differ in both the intercept and the slope of their GC reaction norm to a known gradient. Third, we suggest rewarding avenues for future work on hormonal reaction norms, for example to uncover potential costs and trade-offs associated with GC plasticity, to test whether GC plasticity varies when an individual's reaction norm is repeatedly assessed along the same gradient, whether reaction norms in GCs covary with those in other traits like behavior and fitness (generating multivariate plasticity), or to quantify GC reaction norms along multiple external and internal gradients that act simultaneously (leading to multidimensional plasticity). Throughout this review, we emphasize the power that reaction norm approaches offer for resolving unanswered questions in ecological and evolutionary endocrinology.
Whale depredation in the South Georgia Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) fishery in the South Atlantic: a comparison of estimation methods
Authors: Earl Timothy , MacLeod Eleanor , Söffker Marta , Gasco Nico , Massiot-Granier Félix , Tixier Paul , Darby Christopher
Published: October 2021

Removal of fish from gear by marine predators, known as depredation, is a fishery dependent mortality that needs to be included in stock assessments for affected stocks to avoid misestimation of the assessed resource. Toothed whales engage regularly in depredation from longlines, and while in some regions they leave clear marks of depredation activity, in the longline fisheries in the Southern Ocean they often leave no trace of removal, making it necessary to estimate depredation through modelling approaches. Several modelling approaches have been developed over the past decade in affected Southern Ocean fisheries, and in this paper, we examine five applications of common CPUE model structures to the same dataset from the longline fishery around South Georgia. We then compare the estimates of depredation with those based on observed bycatch ratios. The different model structures estimated very similar annual depredation removals, with all approaches averaging around 5% of the catch removed throughout the entire fishery. While depredation varies spatially, the different modelling approaches consistently highlighted areas where the impact of depredation was highest.
La idea de un derecho común en América Latina a la luz de sus críticasThe idea of a common law in Latin America in light of its critiques
Authors: Herrera Juan C
Published: October 2021

In Latin America, recent developments have achieved a significant relevance for contemporary debates on public law. This emergence is characterized by a transformative and original ius commune in several parts of the region. The potential of this phenomenon from the perspective of the Ius Constitutionale Commune in Latin America is defined as the emergence of a special form of understanding of the legal interconnections between the national and the international. The critical legal studies consider it to be an anti-formalist academic project of a universalist nature. Therefore, it does not represent a phenomenon that is specific to the region, rather a Eurocentric aspiration. Regarding the practical field, critiques question the overemphasis on the judiciary and how judicial dialogue is developing in the region, as well as the risks involved in adopting maximalist positions. In this article, I engage in a dialectical exchange with the central axes of these critiques.
La permanente necesidad de un mecanismo transparente de elección de miembros de la CIDH y la Corte IDHThe permanent need for a transparent mechanism for the election of the members of the IACHR and the IACtHR
Authors: Salmón Elizabeth
Published: October 2021

Due to the impact of the work of the Inter-American Human Rights System, its bodies must have an adequate level of acceptance from the states as well as civil society and victims, who will be directly affected by these decisions. This article postulates that the election of magistrates and members of other bodies must be carried out through transparent processes that allow adequate participation of civil society. Such mechanisms are needed so that there is coherence with the standards of competence, independence, and impartiality that the Inter-American system demands from other state institutions and to guarantee its legitimacy and effectiveness. Public processes are also needed at the national level, as well as transparent voting within the General Assembly of the Organization of American States, to avoid practices that undermine legitimacy, such as vote-swapping.
La igualdad sustantiva interamericana: Avances y debates pendientesInter-American substantive equality: Steps forward and pending debates
Authors: Pou Giménez Francisca
Published: October 2021

Assuming equality in its different dimensions is at the center of the Inter-American agenda for the 21st century, this text joins in the collective follow-up and critical analysis of the case-law by focusing on Fábrica de fuegos v. Brazil. In this case the Court deepens or expands in various ways existing criteria, giving a distinctive place to structural discrimination, intersectional discrimination, poverty-based discrimination, and substantive equality. The contributions of the ruling are emphasized, but so is the still non entirely precise use of the notions of structural discrimination and intersectionality, as well as the complexity of simultaneously translating structural and intersectional framings into remedies.
Role of left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with HeartMate 3
Authors: Melehy Andrew , O’Connell Gillian , Ning Yuming , Kurlansky Paul , Kaku Yuji , Topkara Veli , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Colombo Paolo C , Sayer Gabriel , Uriel Nir , Naka Yoshifumi , Takeda Koji
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) at the time of implantation may reduce thromboembolic events (TEs) during continuous-flow left ventricular assist device support. The HeartMate 3 (HM3) reduces TEs overall, but the efficacy of LAAO in HM3 is unknown.

METHODS

Adults receiving first HM3 implantation from November 2014 through December 2019 at a single, large medical centre were retrospectively reviewed. TEs included device thrombosis and ischaemic stroke. Patients were classified by whether they received LAAO or not. Incidence of TEs was compared between groups using cumulative incidence curves with competing risks (death and heart transplant) and risk factors for TEs were assessed with Fine and Gray competing risk regression.

RESULTS

A total of 182 patients received HM3, of whom 99 (54%) received LAAO versus 83 (46%) who did not. There were 14 TEs, including 13 strokes (7%) and 1 pump thrombosis (0.5%). No significant difference in the incidence of TEs in each group was found (Gray’s test: P = 0.35). LAAO was not associated with TEs in multivariable Fine–Gray analysis (P = 0.10) and no significant risk factors for TEs were found. There were zero disabling strokes in those who received LAAO compared to 6 (7%) in those who did not receive LAAO (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

A low number of TEs was observed in HM3 recipients. LAAO did not further reduce the overall rate of TEs in this patient population, though its use may be beneficial in preventing disabling ischaemic strokes after HM3 implantation.
Importance of tumour volume and histology in trimodality treatment of patients with Stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer—results from a retrospective analysis
Authors: Joosten Pieter J M , Dickhoff Chris , van der Noort Vincent , Smeekens Maarten , Numan Rachel C , Klomp Houke M , van Diessen Judi N A , Belderbos Jose S A , Smit Egbert F , Monkhorst Kim , Oosterhuis Jan W A , van den Heuvel Michel M , Dahele Max , Hartemink Koen J
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has been the backbone of guideline-recommended treatment for Stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, in selected operable patients with a resectable tumour, good results have been achieved with trimodality treatment (TT). The objective of this bi-institutional analysis of outcomes in patients treated for Stage IIIA NSCLC was to identify particular factors supporting the role of surgery after CRT.

METHODS

In a 2-centre retrospective cohort study, patients with Stage III NSCLC (seventh edition TNM) were identified and those patients with Stage IIIA who were treated with CRT or TT between January 2007 and December 2013 were selected. Patient characteristics as well as tumour parameters were evaluated in relation to outcome and whether or not these variables were predictive for the influence of treatment (TT or CRT) on outcome [overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS)]. Estimation of treatment effect on PFS and OS was performed using propensity-weighted cox regression analysis based on inverse probability weighting.

RESULTS

From a database of 725 Stage III NSCLC patients, 257 Stage IIIA NSCLC patients, treated with curative intent, were analysed; 186 (72%) with cIIIA-N2 and 71 (28%) with cT3N1/cT4N0 disease. One hundred and ninety-six (76.3%) patients were treated by CRT alone (high-dose radiation with daily low-dose cisplatin) and 61 (23.7%) by TT. The unweighted data showed that TT resulted in better PFS and OS. After weighting for factors predictive of treatment assignment, patients with a large gross tumour volume (>120 cc) had better PFS when treated with TT, and patients with an adenocarcinoma treated with TT had better OS, regardless of tumour volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Stage IIIA NSCLC and large tumour volume, as well as patients with adenocarcinoma, who were selected for TT, had favourable outcome compared to patients receiving CRT. This information can be used to assist multidisciplinary team decision-making and for stratifying patients in studies comparing TT and definitive CRT.
Clinical outcome of patients after recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pai Chu-Pin , Hsu Po-Kuei , Chien Ling-I , Huang Chien-Sheng , Hsu Han-Shui
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES

Recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection (LND) has been incorporated into oesophagectomy for patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but with uncertain oncological efficacy.

METHODS

The data of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, including who underwent upfront surgery (surgery group) and those who received neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery (neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy group), were retrospectively examined. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between patients with and without recurrent laryngeal nerve LND.

RESULTS

Among the 312 patients, no significant differences were found in 3-year OS and DFS between patients with and without recurrent laryngeal nerve LND in the entire cohort (OS: 57% vs 52%, P = 0.33; DFS: 47% vs 41%, P = 0.186), or the surgery group (n = 173, OS: 69% vs 58%, P = 0.43; DFS: 52% vs. 48%, P = 0.30) and the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy group (n = 139, OS: 44% vs 43%, P = 0.44; DFS: 39% vs 32%, P = 0.27). However, among patients with clinical positive recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node involvement before treatment, there was significant OS and DFS differences between patients with and without recurrent laryngeal nerve LND (OS: 62% vs 33%, P = 0.029; DFS: 49% vs 26%, P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent laryngeal nerve LND is not a significant prognostic factor in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma; however, it is associated with better outcomes in patients with pre-treatment radiological evidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node involvement.
Successful conservative treatment of an isolated inflammatory superior mesenteric artery aneurysm
Authors: Jiang Jianjun , Liu Yang , Ding Xiangjiu
Published: October 2021

Inflammatory superior mesenteric artery aneurysm is an extremely rare but life-threatening condition that can result in fatal rupture. Early surgery has been emphasized to prevent aneurysm rupture. We present a case that was successfully managed with conservative treatment. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by oral prednisolone. Steroid therapy should be considered for unruptured inflammatory superior mesenteric artery aneurysms before surgery.
Reimplantation of the left coronary artery with aortic intramural course in an ALCAPA patient
Authors: Krokovay Anna , Schweiger Martin , Kretschmar Oliver , Prêtre René
Published: October 2021

We present a case of an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, with a proximal intramural course in the aortic wall. We describe the technique of its reimplantation at the site of the transverse aortotomy, using autologous pericardial patch enlargement of the newly created coronary ostium.
Easy surgical explantation technique for self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve: ‘lasso technique’
Authors: Kim Yun Seok , Yoo Jae Suk
Published: October 2021

A prosthesis with a self-expanding nitinol frame firmly incorporates into the aortic wall and thus is difficult to explant. We introduce a novel technique that simplifies explantation.
Cumulative Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 Infections Among Adults in Georgia, United States, August to December 2020
Authors: Chamberlain Allison T , Toomey Kathleen E , Bradley Heather , Hall Eric W , Fahimi Mansour , Lopman Benjamin A , Luisi Nicole , Sanchez Travis , Drenzek Cherie , Shioda Kayoko , Siegler Aaron J , Sullivan Patrick Sean
Published: October 2021

Background

Reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases underestimate true severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Data on all infections, including asymptomatic infections, are needed. To minimize biases in estimates from reported cases and seroprevalence surveys, we conducted a household-based probability survey and estimated cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections adjusted for antibody waning.

Methods

From August to December 2020, we mailed specimen collection kits (nasal swabs and blood spots) to a random sample of Georgia addresses. One household adult completed a survey and returned specimens for virus and antibody testing. We estimated cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections adjusted for waning antibodies, reported fraction, and infection fatality ratio (IFR). Differences in seropositivity among demographic, geographic, and clinical subgroups were explored with weighted prevalence ratios (PR).

Results

Among 1370 participants, adjusted cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 was 16.1% (95% credible interval [CrI], 13.5%–19.2%) as of 16 November 2020. The reported fraction was 26.6% and IFR was 0.78%. Non-Hispanic black (PR, 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–4.1) and Hispanic adults (PR, 1.98; 95% CI, .74–5.31) were more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to be seropositive.

Conclusions

As of mid-November 2020, 1 in 6 adults in Georgia had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. The COVID-19 epidemic in Georgia is likely substantially underestimated by reported cases.
Pricing air pollution: evidence from short-term exposure to air pollution on hospitalization of acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in southwestern China
Authors: Zhang Pei , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: October 2021

Existing evidence suggests that ambient air pollution has serious adverse effects on respiratory diseases, yet there is little direct evidence from China regarding corresponding economic losses. Here we quantified air pollution–related acute health effects and related economic losses of the most common two respiratory diseases in southwestern China, acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We applied a distributed lag non-linear model to analyse the relationship between ambient air pollutants and hospital admissions of acute bronchitis and COPD, then applied the cost of illness method to explore the attributing economic burden. During the study period, 528 334 and 99 419 hospital admissions of acute bronchitis and COPD, respectively, were recorded. As a result, during the study period the total hospitalization economic losses attributable to air pollution were 486.40 and 254.74 million yuan for acute bronchitis and COPD, respectively, accounting for 0.015% of local gross domestic product. Our research provides intuitive evidence on the health and economic impacts of short-term exposure to air pollution, which is a key basis for the formulation of environmental policies.
Macrolides mediate transcriptional activation of the msr(E)-mph(E) operon through histone-like nucleoid-structuring protein (HNS) and cAMP receptor protein (CRP)
Authors: Duan Yitao , Liu Shuangqing , Gao Yuting , Zhang Peng , Mao Daqing , Luo Yi
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The msr(E)-mph(E) operon exists widely in diverse species of bacteria and msr(E) and mph(E) genes confer high resistance to macrolides. We aimed to explore whether macrolides regulate the transcription of the operon.

Methods

Antibiotic resistance genes in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae were analysed by WGS. The transcription of the msr(E)-mph(E) operon was investigated by quantitative PCR. Construction of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter plasmids, gene knockout and complementation experiments were used to further explore the induction mechanism of macrolides for the operon. Sequence analysis was finally used to investigate whether the operon exists widely in diverse species of bacteria.

Results

We originally found that the treatment of a pandrug-resistant isolate of K. pneumoniae (KP1517) with macrolides obviously up-regulated the msr(E)-mph(E) operon, which was further confirmed in another nine clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. The induction mechanism of macrolides for the operon was partly elucidated. Macrolides could activate the operon promoter, and the J10/J35 regions (J10: 5′-AGTTATCAT-3′; J35: 5′-TTGTCT-3′) of the promoter were determined. Histone-like nucleoid-structuring protein (HNS) and cAMP receptor protein (CRP) were involved in the erythromycin-mediated activation of the operon promoter. The 476 strains of bacteria carrying the msr(E)-mph(E) operon currently in the NCBI database are mainly Acinetobacter baumannii (158; 33%), K. pneumoniae (95; 20%), Escherichia coli (26; 5%) and Proteus mirabilis (25; 5%). They were mainly isolated from human clinical samples (287; 60%) and had a wide geographical distribution.

Conclusions

Macrolides could activate transcription of the msr(E)-mph(E) operon through HNS and CRP in K. pneumoniae and E. coli, and this might occur in diverse species of bacteria.
Dynamics of social corrections to peers sharing COVID-19 misinformation on WhatsApp in Brazil
Authors: Vijaykumar Santosh , Rogerson Daniel T , Jin Yan , de Oliveira Costa Mariella Silva
Published: October 2021

Objective

Online COVID-19 misinformation is a serious concern in Brazil, home to the second-largest WhatsApp user base and the second-highest number of COVID-19 deaths. We examined the extent to which WhatsApp users might be willing to correct their peers who might share COVID-19 misinformation.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey using Qualtrics among 726 Brazilian adults to identify the types of social correction behaviors (SCBs) and health and technological factors that shape the performance of these behaviors.

Results

Brazil’s WhatsApp users expressed medium to high levels of willingness to engage in SCBs. We discovered 3 modes of SCBs: correction to the group, correction to the sender only, and passive or no correction. WhatsApp users with lower levels of educational attainment and from younger age groups were less inclined to provide corrections. Lastly, the perceived severity of COVID-19 and the ability to critically evaluate a message were positively associated with providing corrections to either the group or the sender.

Discussion

The demographic analyses point to the need to strengthen information literacy among population groups that are younger with lower levels of educational attainment. These efforts could facilitate individual-level contributions to the global fight against misinformation by the World Health Organization in collaboration with member states, social media companies, and civil society.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that Brazil’s WhatsApp users might be willing to actively respond with feedback when exposed to COVID-19 misinformation by their peers on small-world networks like WhatsApp groups.
PSVIII-23 Mycotoxin exposure on fetal skeletal muscle fiber hypertrophy and miRNA transcriptome
Authors: Greene Maslyn A , Udoka Aliute , Powell Rhonda , Noorai Rooksana , Bruce Terri , Duckett Susan K
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the miRNA transcriptome and muscle fiber characteristics of lambs from ewes consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue (E+) seed during two stages of gestation at two animal ages. Pregnant Suffolk ewes (yr 1 n = 36; yr 2 n = 60) were randomly assigned to one of two gestational treatments: E+ seed (1.77 mg/hd/d of ergovaline/ergovalinine) during mid- (gd 35 - 85; MID) or late-gestation (gd 86 – 133/parturition; LATE). Longissimus muscle samples (n = 3/E+ treatment/time) were collected from fetuses on gd 133 (FETAL; expt. 1) or from wethers after finishing to market weight (MKT; expt. 2) from ewes from MID and LATE E+ treatments. Data were analyzed as a 2 x 2 factorial with E+ treatment (MID or LATE), time (FETAL or MKT), and the two-way interaction in the model. Exposure to E+ fescue seed during LATE gestation reduced (P = 0.03) cross-sectional area of Type II muscle fibers at MKT but not at FETAL. Cross-sectional area of Type II muscle fibers were larger (P < 0.05) at MKT than FETAL. Animal age influenced miRNA expression with 120 miRNA differentially expressed. miRNA-22-3p and -29a were down regulated (P < 0.001; > -5 log fold change) with animal age; whereas miR-3958-3p, -410-3p, -299-5p and -487b-3p (P < 0.0001; > 3 log fold change) were up-regulated. Exposure to E+ during MID or LATE gestation did not alter miRNA expression. Muscle fiber hypertrophy increased from FETAL to MKT age altered the expression of miRNA in longissimus muscle.
PSXV-16 Blood glucose dynamics after feeding in the Orlov trotter horses in the conditions of the training center in preparation for trotter-racing
Authors: Sharaskina Olga
Published: October 2021

It is necessary to consider the factors affecting the dynamics and blood glucose (BG) level to maintain a horse’s high performance and health during intensive training. The study aimed to research the influence of the feeding regime on the change in BG level in the Orlov trotter horses during the period of intensive training (summer) in the conditions of the stud farm’s training center in the Kaluga region (Russia). Horses aged 2 to 4 years, stallions (n = 7), and mares (n = 5) received commercial mixed feed three times a day and grass hay in free access. Four times a week after lunch, horses are released into the paddock with cut grass. Blood was collected from the jugular vein. Blood was collected before morning feeding and then every hour until four h after morning and afternoon feeding. The dynamics of BG changes depending on the presence or absence of the grass paddock after feeding were evaluated. If horses remained in the stall after feeding, the BG level gradually increased, reaching a maximum (4.95 ± 0.21 mmol/L) 3 hours after feeding and was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than when they were immediately moved to the paddock with grass. The maximum BG concentration in horses in the paddock was observed 1 hour after feeding (4.55 ± 0.21 mmol/L); it didn’t have significant differences with the BG level after 1 hour in “stall horses” (4.5 ± 0.14 mmol/L). Then the BG level of the “paddock horses” gradually decreased, and in the “stall horses” increased. No significant difference in BG levels was observed 4 hours after feeding. When horses can walk in a paddock after feeding concentrates and eat grass, blood glucose levels do not rise and tend to decrease.
PSXV-13 The activity of thiol cathepsins in seminal plasma of stallions with different percentages of viable sperm after freezing-thawing
Authors: Atroshchenko Mikhail , Shitikova Anna , Engalycheva Mariya
Published: October 2021

The aim of this work was to study the activity of cathepsins B, L and H in the seminal plasma of stallions with normal (>25%, n = 11) and low (< 25%, n = 13) percentage of viable sperm after freezing-thawing. Sperm of 24 Arabian stallions aged from 5 to 20 years (12.1 ± 4.8 years on average) was collected during the breeding season (February-May). The activity of cathepsins in spermoplasm was studied by the spectrofluorometric method (System 3 Scanning Spectrofluorometry, Optical technology devices, inc. Elmstord, New York, 10523) by Barrett&Kirschke. The viability of the sperm was determined after its freezing-thawing. Sperm smears were eosin stained and live:dead-ratio was examined using an Olympus BX41 phase contrast microscope (Olympus Corporation, Japan). The significance of differences in the studied groups was determined using the Mann-Whitney U-test. There were no significant differences in the activity of catepsins B and L in the spermoplasm of stallions with normal and low percentages of viable spermatozoa after freezing-thawing. It was found that in the group of stallions with a normal percentage of viable spermatozoa after freezing-thawing, the activity of cathepsin H in the spermoplasm was significantly higher than in the group with a low percentage of viable spermatozoa (P = 0.0219). Free radicals formed during freezing-thawing of sperm can damage cell membranes, leading to loss of sperm viability. Thiol cathepsins are involved in the degradation of oxidatively modified proteins and, apparently, it is cathepsin H that is most actively involved in this process in the sperm of stallions. We assume that the low activity of cathepsin H in the seminal plasma of stallions with a low percentage of viable spermatozoa indicates a high involvement of this enzyme in the protection of sperm membranes from oxidative damage. The research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation grant No. 20-16-00101.
PSXV-15 Application of a survey instrument for understanding pain management practices associated with equine assisted activities and therapy horses
Authors: Clark Carter , Nicodemus Molly , Cavinder Clay A , Memili Erdogan , Holtcamp Katie , Brunson Cassie , Irvin Lori
Published: October 2021

Equine assisted activities and therapy (EAAT) is a popular therapy option for physical, psychological, and cognitive disorders. A critical component of this treatment option is the horse, and while research has reported the benefits for human participants, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the therapy horse due to limited research documenting the impact of these activities. Nevertheless, those that manage these animals understand the demanding activities placed on the therapy horse, and thus, can play a vital role in educating those new to the industry. Therefore, the objective of this study was to utilize a survey instrument to document management activities associated with pain for the therapy horse. An 11 forced-choice question survey was developed and sent out to 97 EAAT programs within the U.S. Participation was available online for a total of four months. Response rate was 31% (n = 30). From the respondents, 50% answered +46 yrs old for age, 70% answered +15 yrs equine experience, and 60% answered +11 yrs working in EAAT. The most popular answer for number of horses in the respondents’ EAAT program was >11 horses (53%), and as to the horses in the program, 50% answered they had >7 geriatric horses. The majority of the respondents answered “definitely yes” to having functionally lame horses used regularly in their programs (53%) and having experience with pain management practices associated with orthopedic (50%) and gastrointestinal (67%) conditions. The majority of the programs used vital sign measurements (67%), facial expressions (73%), and behavioral changes (87%) to detect equine pain. In conclusion, EAAT horses appear to commonly need healthcare practices for pain management suggesting further research is needed in precision medicine and animal welfare. In addition, educational programs covering pain management practices for individuals going into the EAAT industry would assist in ensuring the welfare of these animals.
PSXV-19 Informative value of study of mineral composition of the mane hair to assess quality of stallions’ sperm
Authors: Kalashnikov Valeriy , Zaitcev Alexander , Atroshchenko Mikhail , Zavyalov Oleg , Frolov Alexey , Kurilkina Marina , Frolova Natalia , Makhmutova Oksana , Shirokova Olga
Published: October 2021

The research aim was to study the effect of the elemental status of stallions detected by concentration of chemical elements in the mane hair on the quality indicators of sperm. The research was done on stallions of Arabian breed (n = 54) aged from 5 to 15 years. Hair samples were taken from plot of the mane in the area of projection of the first cervical vertebra (not less 0.24g). The elemental composition of biosubstrates was explored for 5 toxic elements (Al, Cd, Pb, Sn, Sr) by atomic emission and mass spectrometry (AES-ICP and MS-ICP). Spearman rank correlation was calculated at the first stage of the experiment that demonstrated negative correlation of Sr in the hair with volume of ejaculate (r=-0.55; P < 0.05) and total number of progressive motile spermatozoa (r=-0.31; P < 0.05). The entire research sample was divided into three groups: I - concentration of Sr in the hair below 1.88 mcg/g; II – within 1.89 – 3.89 mcg/g; III – above 3.9 mcg/g. Comparative analysis showed that stallions with Sr levels below 1.88 mcg/g (group I) exceed stallions from group II by ejaculate volume by 18.2%; sperm survival in hypothermic sperm preservation after cryopreservation by 24.1% (P < 0.05); total spermatozoa number by 14.6% (P < 0.05); total number of progressive motile spermatozoa by 15.0% (P < 0.05). Difference in the value of the studied parameters between the animals of groups I and III was even more pronounced and was at the level of 38.2% (P < 0.01); 34.7 (P < 0.05); 23.7 (P < 0.05); 26.7% (P < 0.05), respectively. The research was carried out with the support of Russian Science Foundation (project №. 17-16-01109 P).
PSV-B-29 Late-Breaking: Comparisons of Practices of Raw Diet Versus Kibble Diet Dog Owners
Authors: Petree Madison , Sypniewski Lara M , McFarlane Dianne , Hiney Kris
Published: October 2021

An increasing number of pet owners feed raw meat-based diets (RD) to their dogs. Reasons include food safety concerns and the belief that feeding RD improves the overall health of dogs. However, it is unknown if owners that chose to feed RD also elect alternative healthcare and management strategies compared to owners that feed commercial kibble (CK). A survey was created to investigate differences in strategies between owners that feed RD versus CK. The survey was distributed via Qualtrics through social media, veterinary clinics, and food cooperatives. Participants were asked questions to determine demographics, feeding practices, and management decisions. Data were separated into the two populations, reported by frequency, and compared using Fisher’s exact test with P < .05 considered significant. A total of 1,249 participants completed the survey. Owners of RD dogs more commonly had intact dogs (RD 42.7% vs KB = 28.7%, P < 0.0001) or chose to spay/neuter after 1 year of age (RD = 55%, KB = 47.8%, P = 0.02). CK and RD owners differed in preventative medicine strategies. RD owners were more likely to not vaccinate for DHPP (n = 296; 52%) compared to only 16.7% (n = 111, P < 0.0001) of CK owners. However, RD owners used antibody titer tests to monitor immunity (n = 234, 46.8%) much more frequently compared to CK owners (n = 86;13.4%, P < 0.0001). RD owners were less likely (P < 0.0001) to vaccinate for Bordetella, (a non-core vaccine; n = 356; 62%) compared to CK (n = 218; 32.9%). More CK owners had their dog(s) on heartworm prevention, compared to RF (CK= 79%; RF = 62% P < 0.0001) and provided chemical or prescription flea/tick medication for their dog(s) (RD = 57% vs CK = 83%; P < 0.0001). The results of this survey support differences in management between owners that feed RD compared to CK.
PSX-A-4 Late-Breaking: Assessing the antifungal efficacy of EverWildTM D01 against Aspergillus flavus in semi-moist pet treats
Authors: Kiprotich Samuel
Published: October 2021

Semi-moist pet treats contain moisture levels ranging from 20–30% making them ideal for mold growth and mycotoxin production. To control mold, synthetic mold inhibitors such as potassium sorbate or calcium propionate are used. Synthetic additives are effective, but there is a shift in the pet owner preferences for ‘natural’ products. Fermented and (or) cultured whey has been shown to contain antifungal metabolites and has been used to control fungal growth in bread. EverWildTM D01 is a commercially available cultured whey product. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of EverWildTM D01 against Aspergillus flavus in a semi-moist pet treat. A model semi-moist pet treat fortified to be nutritionally complete was produced with three levels of powdered whey fermentate, [1.0%, 3.0% and 5% (w/w)], a negative control with no antifungal and a “positive control” which contained potassium sorbate as a standard industrial mold inhibitor. Treats were produced by baking in 3cm x 3cm squares. Individual squares were inoculated with 0.1 mL of Aspergillus flavus (ATCC 204304) to achieve a final concentration of ~ 5.0 Log CFU/square. The inoculated squares were individually incubated at 250 C. Fungal analysis was performed at day 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 and 28 by surface plating on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) followed by incubation at 250 C for 72h. The total log reductions were calculated by subtracting the initial inoculum with the colony counts on day 28. EverWildTM D01 at 1.0%, 3.0%, and 5% (w/w) had a 1.90, 3.89 and 4.58 Log CFU/square log reduction, respectively. The positive control had a 1.19 Log CFU/square log reduction. All treatments differed from the negative control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, EverWildTM D01 may be effective as a natural alternative to synthetic mold inhibitors in semi-moist pet treats.