bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSX-20 Effect of nutritional supplementation upon colostrum quality in goats under rangeland conditions in Northern México
Authors: De Santiago-Miramontes Angeles , Guillén-Muñoz Juan M , Véliz-Deras Francisco G , Contreras-Villarreal Viridiana , Vélez-Monroy Leonardo I , Machado-Ramos María G
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-partum nutritional supplementation upon colostrum quality in goats managed under extensive grazing conditions (November and December) in northern Mexico (26ºN). Multiparous-pregnant crossbred native goats (n = 43; 130 days of gestation) were randomly divided into 2 groups homogenized by body weight (BW, kg) and body condition score (BCS, units; scale:1 emaciated to 5: obese): GS (nutritionally supplemented group; n = 22 and GC (control group; n = 21). Nutritional Supplementation consisted of chicken manure (40%), wheat bran (27%), sorghum seed (27%), molasses (4%), and salt (2%); totaling 500 g; 18% CP, 2.7 Mcal/kg DM, offered from 22 d pre-partum to 7 d post-partum. Colostrum was collected during the first 24 h postpartum and preserved at 5 °C until analyzed. Response variables were BW, BCS, and fat and lactose percentages. While data were analyzed by ANOVA, mean differences were analyzed with a Student-t test (SYSTAT 10). Results are shown in table 1. To conclude, pre-partum nutritional supplementation only enhanced BCS at parturition and the lactose content, with no effect upon fat percentage in goats managed under semiarid-subtropical rangeland conditions in Northern Mexico (26 ° NL).
PSX-24 Effect of alkali treated palm kernel meal on nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, performance and carcass characteristics by lambs
Authors: Herrera Jazmin H , Velasco Stefano , Vela Diego , Garrido Javier , Ponce Christian H
Published: December 2019

Limited research has been conducted to evaluate alternatives to enhance nutritional value of palm kernel meal (PKM) for ruminants. Therefore, 2 experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of treating palm kernel meal with calcium hydroxide (CH) on nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, performance and carcass characteristics of growing lambs. In Exp. 1, three lambs were randomly allotted in a 3 × 3 Latin square. Treatment diets include: (1) 0% PKM (Ctrl), (2) 25% PKM (PKM-NT) and (3) 25% PKM (PKM-T) treated with 5% CH. Data were analyzed as a Latin square with 3 dietary treatments and 3 periods using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Nutrient intake was not altered by experimental diet (P > 0.05). Fiber digestibility was decreased by inclusion of PKM (P = 0.043). However, Fiber digestibility was not different between PKM-T and PKM-NT (P = 0.613). Nitrogen free-extract was decreased by PKM-T vs PKM-NT (P = 0.037). Blood parameters evaluated (i.e. triglycerides, cholesterol, urea, total protein, TGO, TGP) were not altered by experimental treatment (P > 0.073). In Exp. 2, 14 lambs (19.3±3.32 kg of BW) were allocated into 1 of 2 experimental diets (PKM-NT or PKM-T) based on their live BW. Animals were fed individually for 93 d. Carcass characteristics were measured at the end of the feeding trial after a 24-h chilling period. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedures of SAS as a completely randomized block design. Overall, DMI and ADG was increased by PKM-T (P < 0.049). Nevertheless, Feed efficiency was not altered by experimental treatment (P = 0.214). Dressing percent was enhanced by PKM-T (P = 0.036). Remaining carcass characteristics were not altered by experimental diet (P > 0.112). Growing data, suggest that treating PKM with alkali increased its nutritional value based on performance results. However, nutrient digestibilities does not support the benefit from alkali treatment.
PSX-16 Appetitive and consummatory sexual behavior of Dorper rams of high or low social hierarchy
Authors: Contreras-Villarreal Viridiana , Gonzalez-Tavizon Andrea , Meza-Herrera Cesar , Ordoñez-Morales Julieta
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to determine a possible difference in sexual behavior of Dorper rams of either high or low social hierarchy in northern Mexico (26°N). The male′s social status was quantified through a competitive behavioral test in 36 males; the aggressive interactions and their consequences were registered to calculate the success index (SI), where low hierarchy (LH) rams had a SI of 0 to 0.33, and high hierarchy (HH) had a SI of 0.67 to 1.Then, 4-LH-rams (BW:76.5±4.25 and BCS:3.62±0.21) and 4-HH-rams (BW:76.5±2.25 and BW:3.62±0.09), were selected. Thereafter, each male was subjected to a sexual behavior test by exposing each male to one estrus female during 15 min. The appetitive (ASB, anogenital sniffing, approaching, kicking, vocalizations) and consummatory (CSB: unsheathing, mount attempt, full mount, mount with unsheathing and mount with ejaculation) sexual behaviors were registered. The ASB and CSB frequencies between groups were compared with a χ2 test (SYSTAT 12). The HHG showed a higher frequency for both ASB and CSB than the LHG (4225 and 369 vs 3414 and 250, respectively; P < 0.05). In conclusion, high hierarchy Dorper rams displayed more appetitive and consummatory sexual behaviors than low hierarchy ram, without differences regarding body weight and body condition score between experimental groups. Such information non-dependent upon BW or BCS, should be important to further define a possible male-social hierarchy effect to stimulate sexual behavior in anestrous females.
PSX-13 Correlation between superficial body temperatures measured with an infrared thermometer in alpacas
Authors: Vilela jorge L , Ascue Jorge , Callan Milagros , Goycochea Gianella , Jauregui Andrea , Miranda Almendra , Montalvo Pamela , Serna Alisson , Sandoval Aranza , Solis Enrique , Veramendi Frank
Published: December 2019

The temperature measurement is essential during the physical examination since it helps to detect abnormalities on animal health. In addition, it should be done in the shortest possible time to avoid stress. The objective of this research is to calculate the correlation between rectal temperature and the superficial body temperature by means of a digital infrared thermometer. Ten alpacas huacaya from the center of development Alpaquero (CEDAT-DESCOSUR), located in Arequipa region at 4,365 m.a.s.l, and eight alpacas huacaya of the zootechnical and technological unit (UZYT) of the Universidad Cientifica del Sur, located in Lima at 0 m.a.s.l., were used. Rectal temperature measurement (RECTAL) was done with a veterinary clinical thermometer for one minute. Superficial body temperature measurement was conducted with infrared thermometer model CENTER 350®, at a distance of between 20 to 25 cm. Six measuring points were established by infrared thermometer: the outer zone of the nose (ON), the inner zone of the nose (IN), the extreme zone of ear (EE), middle zone of ear (ME), lower zone of the ear (LE) and the belly of the animal (BE). Rectal temperatures were measured at the same time as superficial body temperatures. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and graphs were calculated using an R software package called “CORRGRAM.” The results are presented in Table 1. Mean and deviation standard for rectal temperature from CEDAT-DESCOSUR and UZYT were 38.03 ± 0.37 and 37.46 ± 0.35 ° C, respectively. The results showed that there is a major correlation between rectal temperature and the temperature of the middle of the ear and the outer zone of the nose. In conclusion, there is a highly significant correlation between rectal temperature and superficial body temperature in some areas of the body, being an alternative option for the prediction of temperature in alpacas.
PSX-12 Comparison of transcervical and intracervical artificial insemination techniques for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in the goat
Authors: Foxworth William B , Horner Scott , Ho-Watson Alphina , Gilmore Islyn , Gutierrez Katherine , Lewis Shaye , Newton Gary
Published: December 2019

The efficacy of transcervical (TC) and intracervical (IC) semen deposition was evaluated for pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) in a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) program in the goat. Three breeds (Alpine, n = 50, Boer, n = 17 and Spanish n = 20) were synchronized by a Co-synch program and then inseminated by TCAI (n = 52) or a commercial ICAI (RamGo, TecnoGen) technique (n = 35). On d0, the goats received a CIDR insert and a single injection of GnRH. On d12, CIDRs were removed and a single injection of PGF2α was administered, followed seventeen hours by an injection of GnRH. On d14, 49–50 hours post CIDR removal, the does were inseminated with fresh, cooled (4OC) semen. For TCAI, the external os cervix was visualized and the insemination gun inserted. Following manipulation through the cervical rings, semen was deposited in the uterine body. For ICAI, the straw was loaded into a RamGo intracervical catheter (ICC) and mixed with media to increase the volume. The doe was held at 60–70 degrees (head down). The external os cervix was visualized, the tip of the ICC placed in the os cervix and manipulated into the first cervical ring. Semen was deposited intracervically. Pregnancy status was determined on day 30–35 via transrectal ultrasound. No difference in P/AI was noted between the TC or IC technique (45.7 and 30.8 %, respectively). Additionally, no interactive effect on P/AI was found between insemination method and breed. The timing of FTAI did present a significant difference in the P/AI among the breeds. Spanish does demonstrated a lower P/AI than the Boer and Alpine does (10 vs 41.2 and 46 %, respectively). In summary, ICAI requires less technical proficiency and is a practical technique for FTAI in the goat. The P/AI results further demonstrate a need for continued evaluation of the optimal timing of insemination between breeds.
PSX-2 Growth and lactating performance of ewes fed with different energy levels
Authors: Santos Fernanda F , Brochine Luciano , Junior Vanderlei Benetel , Coelho Maria Laura R , Gameiro Augusto H , Balieiro Júlio C , Gallo Sarita B , Tedeschi Luis O
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk production, body weight, and body condition score (BCS) of ewes fed with different energy levels. Seventy-one ewes were used and distributed in three treatments according to the metabolizable energy (ME, Mcal/kg) levels in the diet: CTL = according to the NRC (2007) recommendation for each stage (gestation and lactation); PLUS = CTL plus 10% of ME per kilogram of dry matter; LESS = CTL less 10% ME per kilogram of dry matter. Body weight and body condition score were evaluated a week before the expected date of parturition, a week after giving birth, and at weaning (60 days). Dairy production was evaluated at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after giving birth by the indirect method of the two weighing. The experimental design was analyzed as randomized complete blocks. There were no differences on milk production during almost all the lactation curve. Only on day 50 (P = 0.051), CTL was still at peak, while LESS and PLUS had already decreased their production. However, at 60 days, all treatments were already with low production, justifying weaning in this period. Results of weight and BCS showed a significant difference in all periods evaluates. Ewes in the PLUS diet had greater BW and BCS. The BCS before giving birth is expected to be over 3.5 and treatment LESS was the only one that did not achieve this score (2.66, 3.37, 3.83 for LESS, CTL, and PLUS, respectively). At weaning, ewes fed PLUS and CTL had BCS of 3.51 and 2.92, respectively, but treatment LESS had only 1.82. That is prejudicial for the next mating seasonal and this animal. We concluded that LESS diet interfered with the body reserves of sheep.
PSX-3 The impact of energy nutrition planes of ewes on the productive and reproductive performance of their offspring
Authors: Santos Fernanda F , Oliveira Mariluce C , Moreira Flávia M , Buzzato Lucas Péricles A , Santos Tamires S , Gameiro Augusto H , Gallo Sarita B , Tedeschi Luis O
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate different levels of metabolizable energy (ME) intake of late-gestating ewes on the productive and reproductive performance of their female offspring. Seventy-one crossbred ewes were distributed in three treatments: CTL = ME level according to recommendations of the NRC (2007); LESS = CTL less 10% ME per kilogram of dry matter (DM); and PLUS = CTRL plus 10% ME per kilogram of DM. Ewes were synchronized with hormonal protocol, controlled natural mating, and confirmed pregnancy using ultrasonographic imaging. The diets were given at the end of gestation (50 days) through weaning (60 days). The female progeny, from birth to the first mating season, received the same nutrition and sanitary management as their dams. They were weighed every 15 days from birth to the eighth month of age (first mating season), and the mortality rate was measured. The mating season lasted 34 days. The confirmation of pregnancy was performed with 30 and 60 days. The chi-square test was used to compare mortality and pregnancy rates, all with a 5% probability. Ewes in the LESS diet presented lower birth weight up to 8 months of age when compared to CTL and PLUS diets (P < 0.005), which were not different from each other (P > 0.005). Mortality was influenced by the maternal diet (P = 0.0017), with values of 57.1, 20, and 7.41% for the LESS, CTL, and PLUS groups, respectively. The pregnancy rate was 21.4, 70 and 55.6% for the LESS, CTL, and PLUS groups, respectively, with a difference between them (P = 0.0390). We concluded that the supply of low energy diets for dams caused losses in the performance and reproduction indexes of replacement ewes.
PSXIII-17 Impact of Ambitine® Feed Additive on late finishing pig growth performance: A meta-analysis
Authors: Bass Benjamin , Crowder Stacie , Rao Murali Raghavendra
Published: December 2019

Ambitine Feed Additive (AMB), a proprietary blend of phytogenics and acidifiers (PMI, Arden Hills, MN), is formulated to help mitigate late finishing stress in pigs. Several studies using AMB in the late finishing period resulted in improved pig performance. A meta-analytic method used 13 studies (3 studies with ractopamine and 10 studies without) to determine the overall impact of AMB on average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion. The combined data were considered a randomized complete block design. Analysis of variance was completed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (9.4; Cary, NC) and least squares means were compared using Fisher’s least significant difference (P < 0.05). In the analysis of 10 studies with no added ractopamine (73 pens/treatment of 5 to 10 pigs/pen and 48 pens/treatment of 17 to 20 pigs/pen), pigs provided AMB had higher average daily gain (0.90 vs 0.86 kg/d; P < 0.05), increased average daily feed intake (2.99 vs 2.94 kg/d; P < 0.05), and improved feed efficiency (0.30 vs 0.29 kg gain/kg feed intake; P < 0.05) compared to pigs fed control diets. Additionally, when pigs were provided AMB in addition to ractopamine (3 studies; 33 pens/treatment of 18 to 22 pigs/pen), average daily gain was increased 4.7% (1.206 vs 1.152 kg/d; P < 0.05) and feed efficiency was improved 5.3% (0.40 vs 0.38 kg gain/kg feed intake; P < 0.05) compared to pigs provided only ractopamine, with no difference in feed intake. Pigs provided AMB in addition to ractopamine had increased hot carcass weight and dressing percentage (P < 0.05) compared to those provided ractopamine alone. In conclusion, providing AMB to pigs in late finishing improved ADG and feed efficiency and the improvement was maintained when ractopamine was included in the diets.
PSXIII-24 Effect of wet versus dry feeding on digestibility, growing performance, carcass composition, and meat eating quality of finishing pigs
Authors: Vazquez Nestor Arce , Brenner Estela Garza
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding finishing pigs either dry (DF) feed (sorghum-soybean meal based diet; 16% CP, 3200 kcal ME/kg) or wet (WF; 1water:1DF) on digestibility, growing performance, carcass composition, and meat eating quality. Sixteen (Yorkshire-Landrace x Duroc) crossbred pigs (68.4 ± 2.4 kg initial BW) were individually housed and randomly assigned (4 barrows and 4 gilts) to the dietary treatments (n = 8) for five weeks. Feed was offered daily in two portions at 0800 and 1500 h. BW and feed intake were measured weekly to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Digestibility was measured on week 5 after quantitatively collecting fresh feces during 24 h. After slaughtering, carcass measurements were recorded, and chemical composition and eating quality was analyzed in samples of loin taken at 10th to 12th rib. Results were statistically analyzed with SPSS for a completely randomized design with 2 treatments and mean comparisons were performed using Tukey. Digestibility of DM, OM, and energy was greater (P < 0.05) for DF than WF. Final BW (108.4 vs 101.9 kg) and ADG (1.043 vs. 0. 990 kg/d, respectively) was higher (P < 0.05) for WF than DF. DF-fed pigs ate less at week 5 and had less G:F at week 3 than WF-fed pigs (P < 0.05). Hot and cold carcasses and ham were heavier (P < 0.05) in WF-fed pigs. Loin, rib, and shoulder weights were similar between treatments. Dietary treatment had no effect (P > 0.05) on the protein, ash, and carbon content, water retention, and pH of meat. Values of hardness, and chewiness in the meat were lower (P < 0.05) for pigs fed WF. In conclusion, finishing pigs fed WF had better growth performance, and heavier carcasses, but similar meat characteristics relative to pigs fed DF.
PSXIII-16 Comparison of models for prediction of pig body weight using features from an autonomous 3D computer vision system
Authors: Fernandes Arthur Francisco Araujo , Dorea João R R , Fitzgerald Robert , Herring William O
Published: December 2019

Computer vision systems (CVS) have many applications in livestock, for example, they allow measuring traits of interest without the need for directly handling the animals, avoiding unnecessary animal stress. The objective in the current study was to devise an automated CVS for extraction of variables as body measurements and shape descriptors in pigs using depth images. These features were then tested as potential predictors of live body weight (BW) using a 5-fold cross validation (CV) with different modeling approaches: traditional multiple linear regression (LR), partial least squares (PLS), elastic networks (EL), and artificial neural networks (ANN). The devised CVS could analyze and extract features from a video fed at a rate of 12 frames per second. This resulted in a dataset with more than 32 thousand frames from 655 pigs. However, only the 580 pigs with more than 5 frames recorded were used for the development of the predictive models. From the body measures extracted from the images, body volume, area and length presented the highest correlations with BW, while widths and heights were highly correlated with each other (Figure 1). The results of the CV of the models developed for predictions of BW using a selected set of the more significant variables presented mean absolute errors (MAE) of 3.92, 3.78, 3.72, and 2.57 for PLS, LR, EN, and ANN respectively (Table 1). In conclusion, the CVS developed can automatically extract relevant variables from 3D images and a fully connected ANN with 6 hidden layers presented the overall best predictive results for BW.
Mitochondrial dynamics and interorganellar communication in the development and dysmorphism of mammalian oocytes
Authors: Udagawa Osamu , Ishihara Naotada
Published: December 2019

Mitochondria play many critical roles in cells, not only by supplying energy, but also by supplying metabolites, buffering Ca2+ levels and regulating apoptosis. During oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development, mitochondria change their morphology by membrane fusion and fission, and coordinately undergo multiple cellular events with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) closely apposed. Mitochondrial fusion and fission, known as mitochondrial dynamics, are regulated by family members of dynamin GTPases. Oocytes in animal models with these regulators artificially altered exhibit morphological abnormalities in nearby mitochondria and at the ER interface that are reminiscent of major cytoplasmic dysmorphisms in human assisted reproductive technology, in which a portion of mature oocytes retrieved from patients contain cytoplasmic dysmorphisms associated with mitochondria and ER abnormal morphologies. Understanding organelle morpho-homeostasis in oocytes obtained from animal models will contribute to the development of novel methods for determining oocyte health and for how to deal with dysmorphic oocytes.
Biology and Management of Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies
Authors: Roth Morgan A , Wilson James M , Tignor Keith R , Gross Aaron D
Published: December 2019

Varroa mite (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman) infestation of European honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies has been a growing cause of international concern among beekeepers throughout the last 50 yr. Varroa destructor spread from the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana Fabricius [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) to A. mellifera populations in Europe in the 1970s, and subsequently traveled to the Americas. In addition to causing damage through feeding upon lipids of larval and adult bees, V. destructor also facilitates the spread of several viruses, with deformed wing virus being most prevalent. Several sampling methods have been developed for estimating infestation levels of A. mellifera colonies, and acaricide treatments have been implemented. However, overuse of synthetic acaricides in the past has led to widespread acaricide resistant V. destructor populations. The application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques is a more recent development in V. destructor control and is suggested to be more effective than only using pesticides, thereby posing fewer threats to A. mellifera colonies. When using IPM methods, informed management decisions are made based upon sampling, and cultural and mechanical controls are implemented prior to use of acaricide treatments. If acaricides are deemed necessary, they are rotated based on their mode of action, thus avoiding V. destructor resistance development.
Vegetal resources drive phylogenetic structure of phyllostomid bat assemblages in a Neotropical wetland
Authors: Silveira Maurício , Tomas Walfrido Moraes , Martins Clarissa de Araújo , Fischer Erich
Published: December 2019

The consumption of fruits and floral resources, as core or complementary food items, occurs in 75% of phyllostomid species. If phylogenetically related bat species have similar plant species in their diets, then it is expected that vegetal resources composition influences the phylogenetic structure of phyllostomid assemblages. We ask here if the phylogenetic structure of phyllostomid assemblages is associated with vegetation structure and resources. Our results showed that proportions of plant sources consumed by phyllostomids in the Pantanal wetland have phylogenetic signal, and that variation of the available vegetal resources influences the phylogenetic structure of phyllostomid assemblages. Considering the availability of their principal food resources, the two major phyllostomid clades (Phyllostominae and Stenodermatinae) responded in opposite ways to the vegetal resources gradient, formed by plant species with distinct adaptations to inundation. Our results indicate that the use of different habitats based on variation of vegetal resources is the main driver of phylogenetic structure of phyllostomid assemblages in the Pantanal wetland.

O consumo de frutos e de recursos florais como itens principais ou complementares da dieta ocorre em 75% das espécies de filostomídeos. Se morcegos filogeneticamente mais próximos apresentam maior similaridade de espécies de plantas em suas dietas, espera-se que a composição de recursos vegetais influencie a estrutura filogenética das comunidades de filostomídeos. Perguntamos neste estudo se as comunidades de filostomídeos são filogeneticamente estruturadas em resposta à variação da disponibilidade de recursos e da estrutura da vegetação. Os resultados mostraram que a porcentagem de recursos vegetais consumidos pelos filostomídeos no Pantanal apresenta sinal filogenético, e que a variação da composição dos recursos disponíveis influencia a estrutura filogenética das comunidades. Em resposta à disponibilidade de seus principais recursos alimentares, os dois principais clados de filostomídeos (Phyllostominae e Stenodermatinae) respondem de forma oposta ao gradiente de composição de recursos vegetais, formado por espécies de plantas com diferentes adaptações à inundação. Nossos resultados indicam que o uso de diferentes hábitats, baseado na variação dos recursos vegetais, é o principal direcionador da estrutura filogenética das comunidades de filostomídeos no Pantanal.
THE FAILING FIRM DEFENSE—AN EQUITY-BASED APPROACH
Authors: Ayal Adi , Rotem Yaad
Published: December 2019

The failing firm defense is used to allow a seemingly anti-competitive merger, when one of the parties is a financially distressed firm. The basic argument is that harm to competition will ensue regardless of the merger, while allowing it provides a preferable alternative, maintaining commercial activity and protecting employment. The problem with the failing firm doctrine lies in antitrust enforcement agencies making highly uncertain predictions regarding future states of competition and broadening their discretion to encompass non-competition-related goals. As a result, enforcement agencies are pushed to extremes, succumbing to either type I errors (enjoining mergers that should have been approved) or type II errors (approving mergers that should have been blocked). Legal history suggests that regulators are excessively risk-averse, rarely accepting the failing firm defense. This paper offers a novel approach which minimizes the costs of both types of errors. We argue that rather than merely approve of, or forbid, the merger, antitrust agencies should also consider a third possibility: approval of the merger under the condition that the Government receive a passive equity stake in the merged entity in proportion to the actual post-merger decrease in market competition. The decrease in competition and the subsequent dilution of incumbent equity holders is to be decided ex post facto by comparing the change in an agreed-upon measure before and after the merger, preferably over several time intervals. This approach transforms the ex ante complex and uncertain regulatory decision to a rather simple ex post measurement problem. The proposed solution also deters firms from post-merger exploitation of market power, while allowing the public to be compensated for any harm to competition caused by the merger. All this, while reducing the costs of administrating the regulatory process. Finally, our approach also allows consideration of various stakeholders’ interests beyond direct consumers, that is, employees and creditors of the financially distressed firm, as well as economy-wide interests and the interest of the public at large.
Correlates of Cognitive Function in Sickle Cell Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Prussien Kemar V , Siciliano Rachel E , Ciriegio Abagail E , Anderson Allegra S , Sathanayagam Radha , DeBaun Michael R , Jordan Lori C , Compas Bruce E
Published: December 2019

Objective

To provide a comprehensive quantitative review of biological, environmental, and behavioral correlates across domains of cognitive function in sickle cell disease (SCD).

Methods

Forty-seven studies were identified in PubMed, MedLine, and PsycINFO involving 2573 participants with SCD.

Results

Meta-analytic findings across all identified samples indicate that hemoglobin and hematocrit were positively correlated with Full Scale IQ [FSIQ; r = .15, 95% confidence interval (CI) = .10 to .21], language and verbal reasoning (r = .18, 95% CI = .11 to .24), and executive function (r = .10, 95% CI = .01 to .19) with small effects and significant heterogeneity. Transcranial Doppler velocity was negatively associated with visual spatial and perceptual reasoning (r = −.18, 95% CI = −.31 to −.05). Socioeconomic status was positively associated with FSIQ (r = .23, 95% CI = .17 to .28), language and verbal reasoning (r = .28, 95% CI = .09 to .45), visual spatial and perceptual reasoning (r = .26, 95% CI = .09 to .41), and executive function (r = .18, 95% CI = .07 to .28) with small to medium effects. Finally, total behavioral problems were negatively associated with FSIQ (r = −.12, 95% CI = −.21 to −.02) such that participants with lower FSIQ exhibited greater behavioral and emotional problems.

Conclusions

Findings provide evidence for biological, environmental, and psychosocial corelates across multiple domains of cognitive function in SCD. More research on more specific cognitive domains and psychosocial correlates is needed in addition to assessments of interactional models among risk factors.
The many roads to and from multicellularity
Authors: Niklas Karl J , Newman Stuart A
Published: December 2019

The multiple origins of multicellularity had far-reaching consequences ranging from the appearance of phenotypically complex life-forms to their effects on Earth’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, many important questions remain. For example, do all lineages and clades share an ancestral developmental predisposition for multicellularity emerging from genomic and biophysical motifs shared from a last common ancestor, or are the multiple origins of multicellularity truly independent evolutionary events? In this review, we highlight recent developments and pitfalls in understanding the evolution of multicellularity with an emphasis on plants (here defined broadly to include the polyphyletic algae), but also draw upon insights from animals and their holozoan relatives, fungi and amoebozoans. Based on our review, we conclude that the evolution of multicellular organisms requires three phases (origination by disparate cell–cell attachment modalities, followed by integration by lineage-specific physiological mechanisms, and autonomization by natural selection) that have been achieved differently in different lineages.
Localization and Microsurgical Resection of Left Postcentral Gyrus Spetzler-Martin Grade 3 Arteriovenous Malformation by Intraoperative Neuronavigation and Tracing of Subcortical Draining Vein: 3-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Zeeshan Qazi , Carrasco Hernandez Juan P , Sekhar Laligam N
Published: December 2019

This 42-yr-old man presented with a history of sudden right-sided facial and right arm weakness and dysarthria. Head computed tomography showed a left frontal-parietal blood clot. An intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography demonstrated a left subcortical postcentral, Spetzler-Martin Grade 3 arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with a diffuse nidus, measuring 2.1 × 1.5 cm, supplied by branches of the left MCA, and draining into a cortical vein and a deep vein, which was going toward the ventricle. Preoperative embolization was not possible.

 The patient underwent left frontal-parietal craniotomy with intraoperative motor and sensory mapping. No arterialized veins were visible on the cortical surface. Neuronavigation localized the AVM in the subcortical postcentral gyrus. Through an incision in the postcentral sulcus, microdissection led to a yellowish gliotic plane. The large cortical vein was in the gliotic area and traced to the AVM. Circumferential microdissection was performed around the AVM. It had a very diffuse nidus; the arterial feeders were cauterized and divided, and the superior superficial and inferior deep draining veins were finally occluded, and AVM was removed.

 Postoperative angiogram showed total removal of the AVM. At discharge, his right arm weakness had improved (power 5/5), and facial weakness and dysarthria were improving (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 2). At 1-yr follow-up, facial weakness and dysarthria had improved considerably, and patient returned to work (mRS 1).

 This video shows microsurgical resection of an AVM by neuronavigation and tracing of the subcortical draining vein. The technique of cauterizing the perforating arteries after temporary clipping with flow arrest is shown in the video.

Informed consent was obtained from the patient prior to the surgery that included videotaping of the procedure and its distribution for educational purposes. All relevant patient identifiers have also been removed from the video and accompanying radiology slides.
Microsurgical Resection of a Spinal Cord Pial Arteriovenous Fistula: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Haynes Joseph , Shapiro Maksim , Raz Eytan , Frempong-Boadu Anthony , Nossek Erez
Published: December 2019

We present a patient who was diagnosed 20 yr prior to current presentation with a spinal arteriovenous malformation. This patient had a 10-yr history of worsening back pain (and underwent lumbar fusion), urinary dysfunction leading to 3-yr dependence on intermittent catheterization, lower extremity paresthesias and pain, and progressive weakness with multiple falls, leading to walker then wheelchair dependence for mobility. Magnetic resonance studies showed extensive thoracic cord expansion and edema with enlarged spinal cord surface veins and flow voids extending from spinal levels T6 to the conus medullaris. Partial embolization at an outside institution elicited transient symptom improvement. Repeated spinal angiogram demonstrated persistent T10 pial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) supplied by the posterior spinal artery arising from the right T11 segmental artery as well as by the anterior spinal artery from the left T10 segmental artery. Because additional embolization carried significant risk, we planned open surgery with fistula resection. Informed consent for the surgery and video recording was obtained. The patient was placed in the prone position, and a radial artery access was obtained for intraoperative angiogram. Following a posterior T9-T11 laminectomy and dural opening, a pial dissection was performed to expose the AVF. Intraoperative indocyanine green angiography was used to assist in identifying the feeders and major drainage of the AVF. Post-AVF resection, a formal intraoperative radial access spinal angiogram demonstrated complete resection of the lesion with no residual shunt or early venous drainage. The patient improved significantly and, on last follow-up, is ambulating without any assistive devices.
Effects of steroidal implants on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and serum and meat estradiol-17β concentrations of Holstein steers
Authors: Carvalho Pedro Henrique Vilela , Perry George A , Felix Tara L
Published: December 2019

The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of steroidal implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations in the blood and longissimus muscle of Holstein steers fed a grain-based diet. Seventy Holstein steers (average initial BW = 275 ± 6.4 kg, 10 to 12 mo of age) were assigned to treatments: (i) implanted with 80 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 16 mg of E2 (Component TE-IS with Tylan; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) at the start of the trial (day 0), and reimplanted with 120 mg of TBA and 24 mg of E2 (Component TE-S with Tylan; Elanco Animal Health) on day 84 of the experiment; or (ii) no implant. Implanted Holstein steers were heavier (P ≤ 0.01) than nonimplanted Holstein steers in the middle (day 84) and at the end of the experiment (day 186). Implanting Holstein steers increased (P < 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) without affecting gain-to-feed ratio compared with nonimplanted animals. Carcasses from implanted Holstein steers had greater (P < 0.01) hot carcass weight (HCW) and longissimus muscle (LM) area than carcasses from nonimplanted steers. Implanting did not affect (P ≥ 0.21) other carcass characteristics. There was an increase (P = 0.03) of 1.3 pg of E2/g of muscle in implanted Holstein steers compared with that from nonimplanted Holstein steers. There was an implant × day interaction (P < 0.01) in serum E2 concentrations. Serum E2 concentrations were not altered in nonimplanted Holstein steers, whereas E2 concentration increased (P < 0.01) after steers were implanted, regardless of implant characteristics. Serum E2 peaked at 28 days after the first implant and then rapidly declined after day 56. In summary, steroidal implants administered on days 0 and 84 increased DMI, ADG, HCW, and LM area in Holstein steers compared with nonimplanted steers due to increased serum E2 concentrations. However, these changes did not improve feed efficiency or other carcass characteristics.
Phenotypic plasticity and genetic adaptation of functional traits influences intra-specific variation in hydraulic efficiency and safety
Authors: Pritzkow Carola , Williamson Virginia , Szota Christopher , Trouvé Raphael , Arndt Stefan K
Published: December 2019

Understanding which hydraulic traits are under genetic control and/or are phenotypically plastic is essential in understanding how tree species will respond to rapid shifts in climate. We quantified hydraulic traits in Eucalyptus obliqua L'Her. across a precipitation gradient in the field to describe (i) trait variation in relation to long-term climate and (ii) the short-term (seasonal) ability of traits to adjust (i.e., phenotypic plasticity). Seedlings from each field population were raised under controlled conditions to assess (iii) which traits are under strong genetic control. In the field, drier populations had smaller leaves with anatomically thicker xylem vessel walls, a lower leaf hydraulic vulnerability and a lower water potential at turgor loss point, which likely confers higher hydraulic safety. Traits such as the water potential at turgor loss point and ratio of sapwood to leaf area (Huber value) showed significant adjustment from wet to dry conditions in the field, indicating phenotypic plasticity and importantly, the ability to increase hydraulic safety in the short term. In the nursery, seedlings from drier populations had smaller leaves and a lower leaf hydraulic vulnerability, suggesting that key traits associated with hydraulic safety are under strong genetic control. Overall, our study suggests a strong genetic control over traits associated with hydraulic safety, which may compromise the survival of wet-origin populations in drier future climates. However, phenotypic plasticity in physiological and morphological traits may confer sufficient hydraulic safety to facilitate genetic adaptation.
Reductions in skeletal muscle mitochondrial mass are not restored following exercise training in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Watson Emma L. , Baker Luke A. , Wilkinson Thomas J. , Gould Douglas W. , Graham‐Brown Matthew P.M. , Major Rupert W. , Ashford Robert U. , Philp Andrew , Smith Alice C.
Published: December 2019

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit reduced exercise capacity, poor physical function and symptoms of fatigue. The mechanisms that contribute to this are not clearly defined but may involve reductions in mitochondrial function, mass and biogenesis. Here we report on the effect of non‐dialysis dependent CKD (NDD‐CKD) on mitochondrial mass and basal expression of transcription factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis compared to a healthy control cohort (HC). In addition, we sought to investigate the effect of a 12‐week exercise‐training programme on these aspects of mitochondrial dysfunction in a NDD‐CKD cohort.For the comparison between NDD‐CKD and HC populations, skeletal muscle biopsies were collected from the vastus lateralis (VL) of n=16 non‐dialysis dependent CKD patient’s stage 3b‐5 (NDD‐CKD) and n=16 healthy controls matched for age, gender and physical activity (HC). To investigate the effect of exercise training, VL biopsies were collected from n=17 NDD‐CKD patients before and after a 12‐week exercise intervention that was comprised of aerobic exercise (AE) or a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training (CE). Mitochondrial mass was analysed by citrate synthase activity and mitochondrial protein content by Porin expression, whilst the expression of transcription factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis were quantified by real‐time qPCR. NDD‐CKD patients exhibited a significant reduction in mitochondrial mass when compared to HC, coupled to a reduction in PGC‐1α, NRF‐1, Nrf2, TFam, mfn2 and SOD1/2 gene expression. 12‐weeks of exercise training resulted in a significant increase in PGC‐1α expression in both groups, with no further changes seen across indicators of mitochondrial biogenesis. No significant changes in mitochondrial mass were observed in response to either exercise programme. NDD‐CKD patients exhibit reduced skeletal muscle mitochondrial mass and gene expression of transcription factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis compared to HC. These reductions were not restored following 12‐weeks of exercise training implying exercise resistance in this cohort. The reasons for this lack of improvement are currently unknown and require further investigation, as reversing the dysregulation of these processes in NDD‐CKD may provide a therapeutic opportunity to improve muscle fatigue and dysfunction in this population.
Dermal Triangular Flaps to Prevent Pseudoptosis in Mastopexy Surgery: The Hammock Technique
Authors: Watfa William , Zaugg Patrice , Baudoin Julien , Bramhall Russell J. , Raffoul Wassim , di Summa Pietro G.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Mastopexy is one of the most performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States. Despite the numerous mastopexy techniques that were published in the past decades, preventing pseudoptosis to ensure longer lasting results remains the principal challenge.

Objectives:

This paper describes a new mastopexy technique developed for moderate to severe ptosis/pseudoptosis associated with upper pole deflation. Considering some of the commonest risk factors generally considered predictive of worse outcomes (massive weight loss, multiple pregnancies, skin quality, smoking, age), we aimed to assess whether this technique could be beneficial in the support of the desired breast shape over time.

Methods:

Twelve patients, all featuring 1 or more of the abovementioned preoperative risk factors, were operated on by the same senior surgeon with the hammock mastopexy technique using dermal flaps as a support for the glandular reshaping (6 bilateral mastopexies and 6 unilateral mastopexies for contralateral symmetrization after breast reconstruction). Patients’ characteristics, such as smoking, weight loss, or multiparity with consequent inelastic skin, age, and lengthy nipple–areola complex lift, were considered as independent risk factors for ptosis recurrence and bottoming out. Patients were divided into 3 subgroups according to the number of their risk factors. Aesthetic results were assessed at 12 months postoperatively. Changes in postoperative were assessed for each patient by breast measurements and a superposition of the standardized breast photographs. Long-term outcomes were compared with a control group of 6 patients who benefited from mastopexy without “hammock technique.”

Results:

Satisfactory maintenance of shape and stable nipple–areola complex position was seen at 12 months regardless of the number of risk factors. However, a statistically significant difference was found in lower pole lengthening between patients with more than 3 risk factors compared to other groups. Aesthetic measurement results were consistent between the patient and surgeon reporting a satisfying cosmetic result, regardless of the number of risk factors. In the control group, we found a significant increase in breast lower pole measurements at 12 months when compared with the hammock group.

Conclusions:

This mastopexy technique improves projection and reinforces the lower pole support with lateral and medial dermal flaps. The technique is safe and reliable and provides easily reproducible results for patients with risk factors for postoperative pseudoptosis.
Transjugular Versus Percutaneous Liver Biopsy in Children
Authors: Srivastava Anshu , Prasad Durga , Panda Ipsita , Yadav Rajanikant , Jain Manoj , Sarma Moinak Sen , Prasad Raghunandan , Poddar Ujjal , Yachha Surender Kumar
Published: December 2019

Background/Objective:

Percutaneous biopsy (PB) and transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) are 2 main ways of obtaining liver tissue. We evaluated the indications, success rate, tissue yield, and complications of TJLB in comparison to PB in children.

Methods:

Electronic records of children undergoing liver biopsy (LB) were reviewed. Clinico laboratory data including indication, type of biopsy, complications, and tissue yield (length and number of complete portal tracts [CPT]) were noted.

Results:

Five hundred forty LB (indication: neonatal cholestasis [42.9%], chronic liver disease [43.7%], liver failure [3.7%], focal lesions [3.3%] and others [6.3%]) were done. Four hundred seventy‐three were PB (317 boys, 14 [1‐‐216] months) done by percussion (322 [68%]), real‐time ultrasound guidance (125 [26.4%]), or plugged method [26 (5.5%)]. Sixty‐seven (12.4%) were TJLB [38 boys, 140 (24‐‐216) months], done in patients with contraindications for PB. Technical success (67/68 vs 473/473; P = 0.7) and complications (4 [6%]; vs 15 [3.3%]; P = 0.2) of TJLB and PB were similar. Major complications (0.5%) included supraventricular tachycardia (n = 1) in TJLB and hemoperitoneum (n = 2) in PB. Tissue yield of TJLB was poorer in terms of length (1.0 [0.2‐‐2.0] vs 1.1 [0.4‐‐2.1] cm; P < 0.001), CPT (4 [0‐‐9] vs 5 [2‐‐17]; P < 0.001) and adequacy for reporting (56/67 vs 459/473; P < 0.001). Biopsy yield of <6 CPT was predicted by cirrhosis at histology and TJLB. No factor identified risk of complications with LB.

Conclusions:

LB is a safe procedure and only 12% children require TJLB because of contraindications of PB. Technical success and complications are similar but tissue yield is poorer in TJLB than PB. Presence of cirrhosis and TJLB adversely affected tissue yield.
Genome-Scale Characterization of Predicted Plastid-Targeted Proteomes in Higher Plants
Authors: Christian Ryan W. , Hewitt Seanna L. , Roalson Eric H. , Dhingra Amit
Published: December 2019

Plastids are morphologically and functionally diverse organelles that are dependent on nuclear-encoded, plastid-targeted proteins for all biochemical and regulatory functions. However, how plastid proteomes vary temporally, spatially, and taxonomically has been historically difficult to analyze at genome-wide scale using experimental methods. A bioinformatics workflow was developed and evaluated using a combination of fast and user-friendly subcellular prediction programs to maximize performance and accuracy for chloroplast transit peptides and demonstrate this technique on the predicted proteomes of 15 sequenced plant genomes. Gene family grouping was then performed in parallel using modified approaches of reciprocal best BLAST hits (RBH) and UCLUST. Between 628 protein families were found to have conserved plastid targeting across angiosperm species using RBH, and 828 using UCLUST. However, thousands of clusters were also detected where only one species had predicted plastid targeting, most notably inPanicum virgatumwhich had 1,458 proteins with species-unique targeting. An average of 45% overlap was found in plastid-targeted gene families compared with Arabidopsis, but an additional 20% of proteins matched against the full Arabidopsis proteome, indicating a unique evolution of plastid targeting. Neofunctionalization through subcellular relocalization is known to impart novel biological functions but has not been described before on genome-wide scale for the plastid proteome. Further work to correlate these predicted novel plastid-targeted proteins to transcript abundance and high-throughput proteomics will uncover unique aspects of plastid biology and shed light on how the plastid proteome has evolved to change plastid morphology and biochemistry.