bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
117 Organic and conventional pasture systems for lamb production in Southeastern U.S
Authors: Burke Joan M
Published: November 2020

Little is known about U.S. organic production of ruminant livestock. Objective was to examine growth, gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection, and eligibility of organic certification between conventional (CON) and organic (ORG) management (Mgt) up to 150 d of age. Katahdin lambs (ORG, n = 240; CON, n = 690) were born in fall (Oct–Dec) or winter (Jan–Mar) between 2014 and 2019 in Booneville, AR. Intact male and female lambs were fence line weaned ~90 d of age, grazed tall fescue and/or mixed forages and were supplemented (corn/soybean meal) when forage quality became limiting. Organic sheep and pastures were certified by NICS. Body weight was determined at birth and approximately 60, 90, 120, and 150 d of age. Blood and feces were collected for packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg counts (FEC) at 90, 105, 120, 135, and 150 d of age. Lambs were selectively dewormed based on Five Point Check and incidence recorded. Data were analyzed by Proc GLM or Mixed with repeated measures (SAS) and included Mgt, sex, season, yr, d of measurement and interactions; age of lamb was included as covariate if needed. Birth weight was usually greater in fall born ORG and less in winter born than CON (mgt x season x yr, P < 0.001), and varied between ORG and CON over time (mgt x season x yr x d, P < 0.001). A similar 4-way interaction occurred for FEC and PCV (P < 0.001). Incidence of deworming was similar between ORG and CON (ranged between 0 and 3 times/lamb, and 3.2% to 151% over season and yr). Because copper oxide wire particles were used for most ORG deworming, between 50 and 92% of lambs were eligible for organic certification by 150 d of age (mgt x season x yr, P = 0.03). Comparisons between farming systems are complex and should consider factors such as varietal and seasonal changes in forages.
194 Carcass and Meat Quality of Pasture-raised Lamb and Goat
Authors: Lee Jung
Published: November 2020

Various trials have been proceeded to develop forage feeding systems that meet nutritional requirements for meat producing sheep and goats under the SCC-81 project: Sustainable Small Ruminant Production in the Southeastern United States. Small ruminants are fed most of their required nutrients from forages to increase the profit to the livestock producers. However, pasture-based production systems have a limitation because of seasonal variation of nutrient contents in pastures. This often means pasture alone does not always provide adequate nutrition for fast growing animals. Furthermore, different forms and energy levels of diets influence carcass composition and meat properties in food animals. Meat animal carcasses vary in composition through genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. In general, dressing percentages of sheep and goats ranged from around 40% to 60%, and their shoulder and leg cuts represent more than half of their entire carcass weight. Pasture-based systems of meat production have sustained low live weight gains relative to those achieved with intensive grain-based systems. Subsequently, sheep and goats finished at pasture have produced lighter carcasses with a low fat content, which is rich in beneficial fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic and conjugated linoleic acids. Meat-producing sheep and goats with high-energy intake generally increased the juiciness, tenderness, and texture of their meat, but the consumer acceptability was lower because of higher content of fat in their meat than those from sheep and goats finished on forage diets. A brief overview of the recent works in the SCC-81 project will be presented in order to illustrate the impacts of newly developed forage feeding systems on carcass characteristics and meat quality of sheep and goats.
21 Comparison of Savanna, Kiko, and Spanish Sires for Meat Goat Doe-Kid Traits
Authors: Stevens Lauren , Hayes Emily G , Khanal Piush , Thomas Shaneqwa , Byars Mozell , Browning Richard
Published: November 2020

Savanna sires were evaluated for kid preweaning and doe reproductive traits over six years. Savanna (n = 17) and Kiko (n = 13) sires were bred to Kiko-base does producing 600 kids. Savanna (n = 17) and Spanish (n = 11) sires were bred to Spanish-base does producing 456 kids. Doe traits were evaluated on 536 Kiko and 441 Spanish doe exposures. Kids were weighed at birth and when weaned at 3 mo of age. Non-genetic factors sex and litter size influenced (P < 0.05) kid performance traits as expected. Birth weights of kids from Kiko does were heavier (P < 0.01) for Savanna sires than Kiko sires (3.11 vs. 2.83 ± 0.08 kg). Birth weights of kids from Spanish does were heavier (P < 0.01) for Savanna sires than Spanish sires (3.05 vs. 2.76 ± 0.09 kg). Sire breed did not affect (P < 0.05) weaning weight from Kiko does (15.0 vs 14.8 ±0.6 kg). Savanna sires generated heavier (P < 0.05) weaning weights than Spanish sires (14.2 vs. 13.3 ± 0.6 kg) from Spanish does. Sire breed did not affect ADG or kid survival rates in either doe group. Non-genetic factors litter size and age of dam affected (P < 0.05) doe performance traits in both doe groups. Savanna sires produced heavier litters (P < 0.01) at birth compared to Kiko sires on Kiko does (10.7 vs. 9.7 ± 0.4 kg) and compared to Spanish sires on Spanish does (9.4 vs. 8.3 ± 0.5 kg). Service sire breed did not affect kidding or weaning rate, number of kids born or weaned, or litter weaning weight in either doe group. Savanna sires consistently increased birth weight values. Sire breed did not consistently affect weaning weight values and did not influence other preweaning kid traits or doe reproductive traits.
45 Effect of terminal sire breed on grazing performance, parasitism, and market grade of crossbred lambs: year 2
Authors: Patton Curtis , Maierle Camren l , Weaver Andrew R , Greiner Scott P , Bowdridge Scott A
Published: November 2020

Improvements in growth and carcass conformation through terminal sire crossbreeding systems may improve lamb value in a pasture-based system. Therefore, the aim of this study was to replicate the previous model of this experiment and compare the effects of different terminal sires on parasitism, growth, composition and marketability of grazing lambs and lambs at weaning. Suffolk SU (n = 2) and Texel TX (n = 3) sires were mated to commercial ewes at the WVU Organic Farm. April-born lambs were managed as one group until weaning in mid-June. One group containing TX (n = 28) and SU (n = 22) was sold at weaning, the other group was sorted into 3 replicates per sire breed. Lambs were rotationally grazed for 62-d with paddock movements every 10-d. Lambs were supplemented at a rate of 2% of bodyweight with a 16% CP corn-soybean meal supplement. Weights and FAMACHA were collected at weaning and then weekly for the duration of the study. Fecal egg counts (FEC) and packed cell volumes (PCV) were collected bi-weekly. Lambs were dewormed when FAMACHA score was a 3 or greater. Ultrasound measures of rib eye area (REA) and fat depth were obtained at study conclusion and lambs were marketed at the same graded auction as the group sold at weaning. There was no significant difference in FEC and PCV data values during project duration (P = 0.32) (P = 0.19). Fewer deworming treatments were necessary in TX-sired lambs at 19% (7/36) whereas SU-sired lambs required 42% (15/36) (P = 0.04). REA and fat depth measurements were not significant between sired breeds (P = 0.21) (P = 0.50). Texel-sired lambs received a $0.26/Kg greater premium than the SU-sired lambs at weaning. Texel-sired lambs received a $0.29/Kg greater premium than the SU-sired lambs after the conclusion of grazing. These data demonstrate that Texel-sired lambs required fewer dewormer treatments and received premiums when marketed at a graded auction.
93 Health and Performance of Ewes in Woodland and Silvopasture Systems
Authors: Ellis Nevershi , Karki Uma , Paneru Bidur , Karki Lila B
Published: November 2020

The health and performance of small ruminants can be influenced by the type of vegetation available in the grazing lands, which are evolving from conventional sole pastures to other systems containing browse species, such as pastures incorporated with browse, silvopastures, and woodlands. However, how the type of grazing lands would impact animal performance and health is not documented well. The objective of this study was to determine the health and performance of ewe lambs in southern-pine silvopastures and woodlands. The study site consisted of pine silvopastures (3 plots, 0.4-ha each) planted with different cool- and warm-season forages, and woodlands (3 plots, 0.4-ha each) having numerous understory shrubs and herbaceous species. Katahdin-St. Croix-cross ewe lambs (n = 20; live weight – 29.4±1.03 kg., 5–6 months old) were rotationally stocked in study plots (10 animals/system) from May to August 2019. Both silvopasture and woodland systems consisted of 14-year-old longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees. Animal performance data [live weight (LW), body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA score, and fecal egg count] were collected every 14 days and blood samples collected at the beginning and on d 80 after they were stocked in the study plots. Blood samples were analyzed for PVC using centrifuge machine and other parameters in IDEXX. Data were analyzed using the multivariate analysis of variance in SAS 9.4. The silvopasture ewes gained more weight versus the woodland ewes (P < 0.0001). Fecal egg count was correlated negatively with live weight and BCS and positively with FAMACHA score in both groups (P < 0.05). Woodland ewes showed greater levels of RBC, hemoglobin, and lymphocyte, but less blood urea nitrogen (BUN), monocyte, and basophil than silvopasture ewes (P < 0.05). Results indicate that woodland ewes may need some supplement to improve their weight gain and BUN.
159 The effect of sire FEC EBV on parasitism and survivability in grazing Katahdin lambs
Authors: Weaver Andrew R , Burke Joan M , Morgan Jim , Wright Donald L , Greiner Scott P , Bowdridge Scott A
Published: November 2020

Selection for reduced fecal egg count (FEC) is an important management tool to combat anthelmintic resistance in worm populations. To understand consequences of selection for parasite resistance, a divergent mating scheme was established whereby Katahdin rams with high (HiFEC; n = 4) or low fecal egg count (LoFEC; n = 4) estimated breeding values (EBV) were randomly mated to ewes at the Southwest Virginia AREC. Mid-March born lambs (n = 199) were managed as one group until approximately 120 days of age (Weaning: June 4). Beginning at 45 days of age, BW and FAMACHA scores were collected weekly. Deworming occurred as necessary (FAMACHA ≥ 3) and fecal egg counts were taken biweekly. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS with fixed effects of sire EBV type. Fecal egg count was significantly higher in HiFEC-sired lambs one week prior to weaning (665 vs. 427 eggs/g, P < 0.05) and again at three (3398 vs. 2175 eggs/g, P < 0.01) and five (3596 vs. 2209 eggs/g, P < 0.01) weeks post-weaning. These FEC differences corresponded to differences in lamb weaning and post-weaning FEC EBV (43% vs. -43%, P < 0.05 and 82% vs. -66%, P < 0.01; respectively). Lambs sired by HiFEC-rams required more anthelmintic treatment than LoFEC-selected lambs (76% vs. 61%, P < 0.05). The weaning and post-weaning FEC EBV of HiFEC-sired lambs was greater in lambs that died than those that survived to 120 d (37% vs. 83%, P < 0.01 and 73% vs. 138%, P < 0.01; respectively); however, this phenomenon did not occur in LoFEC-sired lambs. Taken together, these data indicate that LoFEC-sired lambs have reduced parasite burden and are more likely to survive to weaning. Thus, sire selection for low FEC EBV can have indirect effects on lamb survival and general immunity.
56 Effects of creep feed supplementation and sire breed on the post-weaning performance of replacement doelings
Authors: Hayes Emily G , Stevens Lauren , Thomas Shaneqwa , Hurt Kaylee , Browning Richard
Published: November 2020

This study examined the influence of creep feeding and sire breed on post-weaning replacement doeling traits. Over 3 years, doelings by Kiko, Myotonic, Spanish and Savanna sires were creep-fed (CF; n = 116) for 60 d or not creep-fed (NC; n = 117). Sire breeds were balanced across creep treatments. Doelings were weighed at 3 mo old (weaning) and various postweaning ages. Doelings entered the breeding herd at 18 mo of age and fitness traits recorded. At 3-, 6-, and 12-mo of age CF (14.7 ± 0.6, 19.3 ± 1.2, and 24.6 ± 0.9 kg, respectively) were heavier (P < 0.05) than NC (13.8 ± 0.6, 17.9 ± 1.2, and 23.6 ± 0.9 kg, respectively). Treatment did not affect 18-mo weights. Sire breed did not affect 3-mo weight. Sire breed influenced (P < 0.05) 6-, 12-, and 18-mo weights. Myotonic-sired doelings were lightest (P < 0.05) and Kiko-sired doelings were heavier (P < 0.05) than Savanna-sired. Breed x treatment interacted (P < 0.05) for survival to 18 mo of age. Kiko-sired CF doelings had a higher (P < 0.05) survival rate than Savanna-sired CF (88.6 ± 6.0% vs. 44.6 ± 11.5%). Breed did not affect survival rate (P> 0.05) within the NC group. As a main effect, CF had a higher (P < 0.05) survival rate than NC (81.5 ± 6.3% vs. 65.6 ± 8.7%). Sire breed affected (P < 0.05) reproductive output. Cumulative kid crop weaned across the first 2 breeding years for the whole weaned doeling population was higher (P < 0.05) for Myotonic- and Kiko-sired (1.4 and 1.2 ± 0.2 kids) does than Savanna-sired (0.5 ± 0.1 kids). Creep feeding did not affect reproductive output. Creep feed supplementation and sire breed influenced post-weaning doeling weights. Only sire breed affected reproductive performance of the young does.
146 Survey of residual feed intake in Katahdin and Texel lambs in a feedlot environment
Authors: Maierle Camren l , Weaver Andrew R , Felton Eugene , Greiner Scott P , Bowdridge Scott A
Published: November 2020

Residual feed intake (RFI) is quickly becoming the preferred measurement of efficiency in many species due to its inherent independence of most other important production traits. Making meaningful improvement in feed efficiency of sheep will require a consistent methodology to accurately identify efficient individuals. Due to difficulty in measuring this trait efforts must be made to incorporate efficiency data in large-scale genetic evaluations. The aim of this study was to evaluate lambs in a feedlot with large-scale genetic evaluations for feed efficiency calculated by residual feed intake (RFI) utilizing a Growsafe™ system. RFI was calculated by subtracting expected intake from actual intake. Expected intake was determined by regressing metabolic body size of mid-test weight. Regression determined ADG on actual intake for individuals in the population. Texel (n = 58) and Katahdin (n = 118) lambs were placed in a feedlot and fed in separate feeding trials, a complete pellet ad libitum as the sole source of nutrition. In this environment Texel and Katahdin lambs had expected ADG values (0.27 kg/day, 0.32 kg/day respectively) and actual intake data (2154.17 g/day, 1909.33 g/day respectively. After a period of adaptation, Texel average intake was determined over a period of 27 consecutive days and used to calculate individual RFI within the test population. Observable ranges of RFI (-0.62 – +0.62) were seen in the Texel lambs. At the start of the Katahdin trial lambs were separated by sex and FEC treatment. After a period of adaptation, Katahdin average intake was determined over a period of 42 consecutive days and used to calculate individual RFI within the test population. Observable ranges of RFI (-0.53 – +0.50) were seen in the Katahdin lambs as well. In both feeding trials RFI appeared to be normally distributed. Use of this technology may be useful in identifying superior individuals for feed efficiency.
161 The effect on ADG, DMI, and blood metabolites of weaned Katahdin lambs offered chelated mineral with Ascophyllum nodosum on a high forage diet
Authors: Jolly Elizabeth , Boyd Jamie A
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Katahdin wethers supplemented with mineral product including Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed on a 100% forage feedlot diet. Twenty-three Katahdin wethers (24.930.59 kg) post-weaning were divided into a treatment group of 12 wethers and a control group of 11 wethers, in which both were fed an ad libitum diet of mixed alfalfa-Bermuda forage. The treatment group was supplemented with the chelated mineral with seaweed. The control group was supplemented with a non-chelated Cal Phos product without seaweed. To determine mineral absorption, 4 wethers from each group had blood metabolites analyzed for copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc via jugular pulls at weeks 0, 4 and 8 weeks. DMI was determined by group on a daily basis, and ADG was calculated. Forage samples were collected 2x week for dry matter analysis then compiled by week and analyzed for NDF, ADF, EE, and CP. Data was analyzed via SAS using a randomized block design. There were no significant differences in blood mineral levels between the two groups or between weeks; both groups displayed adequate or normal blood metabolite levels. Carcass data was collected after 77 days and is pending analysis. DMI was significantly higher (18.620.11 vs 20.610.11; P < 0.0001) in the treatment group, as was the BW (kg) of the treatment group (29.310.52 vs 31.110.52; P = 0.02). ADG was not significantly different (0.210.009 vs 0.220.009; P = 0.18) and efficiency (ADG/DMI) was not significantly different (0.010.001 vs 0.010.001; P = 0.95). Overall, the increase in ADG and BW in 8 week feed-out suggests that the lambs in the treatment group had performance benefits from the supplementation of the chelated mineral with seaweed. The shortened finishing time supplementing chelated mineral with seaweed is economical for producers; however, a study using traditional finishing diets is needed to confirm results.
183 Utilizing Breeding Indictors for an Effective AI Program in Brahman Cows
Authors: DeShazo Emily K , Reese Sydney T , Franco Gessica A , Neuendorff Don A , Randel Ron , Pohler Ky
Published: November 2020

Estrus detection is crucial to an effective AI program. The objective of this study was to assess whether Estrotect Breeding Indicators were comparable to vasectomized gomer bulls wearing chin ball markers to accurately and efficiently identify estrus. It was hypothesized that Estrotect Breeding Indicators will accurately and more efficiently detect estrus than gomer bulls. On day 0, an Estrotect Breeding Indicator was placed on Brahman cows (n = 204) that were kept with four vasectomized bulls for the following 45-day study period. Once estrus was detected via activated heat patch, cows were artificially inseminated 14 hours later and the bull score was recorded on a scale from 1–3 (1- no bull marks; 3- solid bull marks). Cows were continually monitored for return to estrus and a pregnancy diagnosis was conducted on day 110. All cows displaying estrus (n = 137) had fully activated patches, while 67 cows were anestrous for the trial duration. A ROC curve analysis indicated that the sensitivity of the bulls detecting estrus was 77.4% compared to the Estrotect Breeding Indicators. Out of the cows with a fully activated patch, 62.77% (86/137) became pregnant to AI. Of these, 17.4% (15/86) of pregnant cows received a bull score of 1 or 2, meaning there were little to no marks left from the bulls. Failure of bulls to identify estrus can be attributed to bulls’ loss of energy, cows displaying homosexual behavior, bulls staying with a chosen cow, or even calves preventing the bull access to the cows in estrus. In conclusion, the patches were able to detect estrus in a greater number of cows than the action of vasectomized bulls wearing chin ball markers leading to an increased pregnancy rate.
122 Physiological effects of low level laser therapy on exercised horses
Authors: Rosenkrans Ashley , Freeman Carson , Oberhaus Erin L , Dias Morse Palika , Rosenkrans Charles
Published: November 2020

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a form of phototherapy which may stimulate healing of injuries and lesions from exercise. Our objective was to determine effects of LLLT before or after exercise on equine serum concentrations of cortisol, lactate, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition. Twelve quarter horses were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (A) received no laser therapy, (B) received six minutes of laser therapy before exercise, and (C) received six minutes of laser therapy after exercise. Laser (635 nm) treatment was with a class II handheld low-level laser with constant wave modulation. Horses were exercised using a walker for 30 min five days a week for three weeks, and within 30 min after exercise blood was collected on day 7, 14, and 21; blood was collected on day 0 prior to exercise as a reference point. Serum was collected, frozen; and cortisol, lactate, and CYP inhibition were determined via validated assays. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with horse as the experimental unit; an interaction (P < 0.05) between treatment group and day of study affected serum concentrations of cortisol, lactate, and CYP inhibition. For group B horses, cortisol concentrations decreased (P < 0.001) from day 14 to day 21 (31 vs 20 ± 2.9 ng/mL). Serum lactate concentrations increased (P < 0.0001) during the three weeks of training (2700, 2773, 3064, and 6061 ± 232 μM; respectively for day 0, 7, 14, and 21); whereas, inhibition of CYP decreased (P < 0.01) from day 0 to day 21. Interaction of main effects on lactate can be explained by larger increases in lactate concentrations for horses treated with LLLT during the trial; conversely, CYP inhibition decreased for horses treated with LLLT after exercise. Our results suggest that LLLT may be useful in improving performance of equine athletes.
30 Determination of Optimal Harvest Weight for Mangalica Pigs Using a Serial Harvest Approach to Measure Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics
Authors: Reeves Maegan A , Charlton Courtney E , Wilkerson Shannon R , Rehm John G , Brandebourg Terry D
Published: November 2020

Mangalica pigs are a popular niche breed given their reputation for superior quality pork. However, growth and carcass parameters for this breed are poorly documented. Our objective was to better characterize optimal harvest weights for the Mangalica breed. To accomplish this, a growth trial was conducted whereby pigs (n = 56) were randomly distributed across stratified harvest weights (50, 57, 68, 82, 93, 102, 127 kg) in a completely randomized design. Pigs were fed standard finisher rations with individual daily feed intakes and weekly body weights recorded for all animals. At 24h postmortem, carcasses were split and ribbed with marbling and loin eye area (LEA) measured at the 10th rib. Primal cuts were fabricated and individually weighed. Fat back was separated from the loin and weighed. As expected, live weight significantly increased across weight class (P < 0.0001). ADG was similar across classes up to 82 kg live weight before steadily declining with increasing weight class (P < 0.0025). Likewise, feed efficiency did not differ between classes until weights heavier than 82 kg (P < 0.03). LEA significantly increased by class up to 82 kg and then plateaued as harvest weight increased further (P < 0.003). Marbling score significantly increased with increasing weight class up to 102 kg where they then plateaued (P < 0.04). Fat back dramatically increased across all weight classes (P < 0.0001) despite negligible increases in LEA or marbling after 102 kg. Primal cut weights for the ham (P < 0.0001), loin (P < 0.0001), Boston butt (P < 0.0001), shoulder (P < 0.0001), and belly (P < 0.0001) all significantly increased with increasing live weight. These data suggest an optimal harvest weight occurs between 82 to 102 kg while offering little objective justification for the current practice of harvesting Mangalica pigs at much heavier live weights.
100 Impact of weaning strategy on beef cow and calf weight and body condition
Authors: Moore Mikayla , Cox-O’Neill Jordan , Poore Matt H , Pickworth Carrie L
Published: November 2020

Weaning is one of the largest stressors in an animal’s life and can have long term impacts on the animal. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of weaning strategy on the weight and body condition of beef cattle. A total of 249 Angus-based pairs at two locations were assigned to one of three treatments: abrupt removal of the calf on d0 (Abrupt, n = 84), fenceline contact for 7 days followed by complete separation on d7 (Fence, n = 85), or late weaning d84 (Late, n = 80). Weaned calves were supplemented 0.23 kg/hd/d of grain as fed while Late were not supplemented. Weights were obtained on d0, 7, 14, 28, 56, 84, 91, and 112. Body condition scores were recorded monthly. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS and weights were analyzed with repeated measures. Significance was determined at P < 0.05. During the initial week post-abrupt weaning, Abrupt calves lost weight, Fence maintained weight, and Late calves gained weight (-0.4, 0, and 0.7 kg/d, respectively; P < 0.05). Over the complete weaning period (d0 to 112), Abrupt and Late weaned differed (P < 0.05) in their gains, while Fence was not different (P > 0.05) than either treatment (0.58, 0.64, and 0.62 kg/d, respectively). Cow overall ADG was not affected by weaning treatment (1.2, 0.8, and 0.5 kg/d, respectively; P >0.05). From d28 to 84, lactating Late cows gained less weight than Abrupt and Fence (0.3, 0.8, 0.8 kg/d, respectively; P < 0.0001). This contributed to a -0.1 BCS decrease at d112 for Late compared to a 0.3 and 0.2 BCS gain for Abrupt and Fence, respectively (P < 0.0001). Cows weaning calves after 10 mo of lactation were lighter than cows weaned after 7 mo; however, calves remaining with their dam maintained growth rates similar to grain supplemented weaned calves on pasture. While treatments influenced cow measures, all remained within normal values, therefore late weaning may be an option for producers to sell heavier calves without grain supplementation if marketing older calves.
18 Comparing stress indicators of horses used for therapy in riding activities and groundwork activities
Authors: Abbott Gabrielle , Jogan Kathi , Oberhaus Erin L , Apple Jason , Rosenkrans Charles
Published: November 2020

Equine therapy is used to assist people suffering from various physical and mental disabilities. Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) include therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. Our objective was to determine the effects of EAAT on horse heart rate, respiration rate, temperature, and serum cortisol. Horses (n = 7) were assigned to activity type (groundwork or riding) in a Latin square design in which all horses performed both activities twice. Heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, and serum cortisol concentrations were determined at 15 minutes before, and 15, 45, and 75 minutes after activity was initiated. Pearson correlations revealed that cortisol was not correlated (r < 0.12; P > 0.22) with heart rate, respiration rate, or rectal temperature. Heart rate was correlated (P < 0.05) with respiration rate (r = 0.77) and body temperature (r = 0.2); and body temperature was correlated with respiration rate (r = 0.21; P < 0.05). Analysis of variance was performed with horse within date as the experimental unit, main effects of activity type, horse, date, experimental time, and interactions. Serum concentrations of cortisol (varied from 2.8 to 89.7 ng/mL) and body temperature (37.4 ± 0.06) were affected (P < 0.01) by an interaction between experimental time and horse. Heart rate (61 ± 2.1) and respiration rate (30 ± 1.4) were affected (P < 0.01) by interactions between experimental time and horse; and experimental time and activity type. Our results demonstrate that equine athletes serving in EAAT programs have altered physiological responses depending on the horse, type of activity, and length of time performing the task. Based on our results, cortisol concentrations are not the best indicator of a horse’s response to EAAT work, and we recommend that trainers monitor horses’ heart and respiration rates as an indicator of horse well-being while working with patients.
Hip–spine syndrome: rationale for ischiofemoral impingement, femoroacetabular impingement and abnormal femoral torsion leading to low back pain
Authors: Khoury Anthony N , Hatem Munif , Bowler Joshua , Martin Hal David
Published: November 2020

The term ‘hip–spine syndrome’ was introduced in recognition of the frequent occurrence of concomitant symptoms at the hip and lumbar spine. Limitations in hip range of motion can result in abnormal lumbopelvic mechanics. Ischiofemoral impingement, femoroacetabular impingement and abnormal femoral torsion are increasingly linked to abnormal hip and spinopelvic biomechanics. The purpose of this narrative review is to explain the mechanism by which these three abnormal hip pathologies contribute to increased low back pain in patients without hip osteoarthritis. This paper presents a thorough rationale of the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the aforementioned hip pathologies, and how each contributes to premature coupling and limited hip flexion/extension. The future of hip and spine conservative and surgical management requires the implementation of a global hip–spine–pelvis-core approach to improve patient function and satisfaction.
Methoxyfenozide, a Molting Hormone Agonist, Affects Autogeny Capacity, Oviposition, Fecundity, and Fertility in Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Hamaidia Kaouther , Soltani Noureddine
Published: November 2020

The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of methoxyfenozide (RH-2485), an insect growth disrupter (IGD) belonging to molting hormone agonist class, against female adults of Culex pipiens L. under laboratory conditions. Lethal concentrations (LC50 = 24.54 µg/liter and LC90 = 70.79 µg/liter), previously determined against fourth instar larvae, were tested for adult female fertility, fecundity and oviposition after tarsal contact before mating and any bloodmeal. Methoxyfenozide was found to alter negatively their autogeny capacity and oviposition. A strong reduction of 56% and 72% (P < 0.001) in females’ autogeny capacity was observed in both treated series, respectively. Alteration in oviposition were found to be higher with LC90 (OAI-LC90 = −0.62) than with the LC50 (OAI-LC50 = −0.42). Also fecundity and hatching rate (fertility) were significantly reduced in treated series as compared to controls. A significant reduction of 37.65 and 28.23% in fecundity and decrease of 56.85 and 71.87% in fertility were found, respectively in LC50 and LC90 treated series. Obtained data clearly demonstrated that methoxyfenozide have significant depressive effect on reproductive potential against medically important vector with minimizing ecotoxicological risks in mosquitoes management.
Latina/o/x Immigrant Youth’s Motivations for Disclosing their Family-Undocumented Experiences to a Teacher(s): A Latent Transition Analysis
Authors: Kam Jennifer A , Marcoulides Katerina M , Fazio Keli Steuber , Murillo Roselia Mendez , Cornejo Monica
Published: November 2020

Using the revelation risk model (RRM), we examined factors that might motivate family-undocumented youth (i.e., youth who are undocumented or who have an immediate family member who is undocumented) to confide in a teacher(s). Latent transition analysis with 414 Latina/o/x 9th-12th grade students uncovered three profiles: concerned indirect revealers (i.e., moderate teacher-student relational closeness, highest perceived risk of disclosing, lowest communication efficacy, moderate indirect disclosure, low direct disclosure), relationally-close revealers (i.e., strongest teacher-student closeness, low perceived risk of disclosing, low communication efficacy, and highest moderate indirect and direct disclosure), and confident nonrevealers (i.e., moderate teacher-student closeness, lowest perceived risk of disclosing, highest communication efficacy, and lowest indirect and direct disclosure). Greater fear of deportation at Wave 1 predicted relationally-close revealers becoming concerned indirect revealers three months later. These findings identify experiences that could affect the extent to which family-undocumented youth turn to a teacher(s), which has implications for youth’s well-being.
How vocal temporal parameters develop: a comparative study between humans and songbirds, two distantly related vocal learners
Authors: Takahasi Miki , Okanoya Kazuo , Mazuka Reiko
Published: November 2020

Human infants acquire motor patterns for speech during the first several years of their lives. Sequential vocalizations such as human speech are complex behaviors, and the ability to learn new vocalizations is limited to only a few animal species. Vocalizations are generated through the coordination of three types of organs: namely, vocal, respiratory, and articulatory organs. Moreover, sophisticated temporal respiratory control might be necessary for sequential vocalization involving human speech. However, it remains unknown how coordination develops in human infants and if this developmental process is shared with other vocal learners. To answer these questions, we analyzed temporal parameters of sequential vocalizations during the first year in human infants and compared these developmental changes to song development in the Bengalese finch, another vocal learner. In human infants, early cry was also analyzed as an innate sequential vocalization. The following three temporal parameters of sequential vocalizations were measured: note duration (ND), inter-onset interval, and inter-note interval (INI). The results showed that both human infants and Bengalese finches had longer INIs than ND in the early phase. Gradually, the INI and ND converged to a similar range throughout development. While ND increased until 6 months of age in infants, the INI decreased up to 60 days posthatching in finches. Regarding infant cry, ND and INI were within similar ranges, but the INI was more stable in length than ND. In sequential vocalizations, temporal parameters developed early with subsequent articulatory stabilization in both vocal learners. However, this developmental change was accomplished in a species-specific manner. These findings could provide important insights into our understanding of the evolution of vocal learning.
Multiple competing RNA structures dynamically control alternative splicing in the human ATE1 gene
Authors: Kalinina Marina , Skvortsov Dmitry , Kalmykova Svetlana , Ivanov Timofei , Dontsova Olga , Pervouchine Dmitri D
Published: November 2020

The mammalian Ate1 gene encodes an arginyl transferase enzyme with tumor suppressor function that depends on the inclusion of one of the two mutually exclusive exons (MXE), exons 7a and 7b. We report that the molecular mechanism underlying MXE splicing in Ate1 involves five conserved regulatory intronic elements R1–R5, of which R1 and R4 compete for base pairing with R3, while R2 and R5 form an ultra-long-range RNA structure spanning 30 Kb. In minigenes, single and double mutations that disrupt base pairings in R1R3 and R3R4 lead to the loss of MXE splicing, while compensatory triple mutations that restore RNA structure revert splicing to that of the wild type. In the endogenous Ate1 pre-mRNA, blocking the competing base pairings by LNA/DNA mixmers complementary to R3 leads to the loss of MXE splicing, while the disruption of R2R5 interaction changes the ratio of MXE. That is, Ate1 splicing is controlled by two independent, dynamically interacting, and functionally distinct RNA structure modules. Exon 7a becomes more included in response to RNA Pol II slowdown, however it fails to do so when the ultra-long-range R2R5 interaction is disrupted, indicating that exon 7a/7b ratio depends on co-transcriptional RNA folding. In sum, these results demonstrate that splicing is coordinated both in time and in space over very long distances, and that the interaction of these components is mediated by RNA structure.
SL-2 Breast cancer treatment system
Authors: Toi Masakazu
Published: November 2020

Surgery under general anesthesia for breast cancer was performed for the first time in Japan. Hormone therapy (bilateral ovariectomy, selective estrogen receptor modulator, LHRH analog, aromatase inhibitor, selective estrogen receptor down-regulator) has been developed for more than 120 years. Radiation therapy also has a history of more than 100 years. Anti-cancer chemotherapy has a history of about 50 years. It has been about 20 years since the development of molecular-targeted therapy began, and we have succeeded in developing therapeutic methods targeting HER2, mTOR, CDK4 / 6, PARP, PI3K, etc.in breast cancer, and immunotherapy is currently the biggest topic. Breast cancer is a highly heterogenous cancer, and multidisciplinary treatment and individualized treatment are the central concepts of treatment. Recent trends in multidisciplinary treatment are measures to promote treatment escalation, and de-escalation, ‘Do More and Do Less’, to maximize treatment benefits and minimize treatment-related toxicity and quality of life reduction. On the other hand, individualization of treatment has made great progress in the last 20years with the generalization of high-standard pathological diagnosis, characterization of tumor subtypes and prediction of prognosis and therapeutic outcomes using multi-gene assay / expression profiles. Recently, it has become possible to test pathogenic variants of breast cancer-related genes such as BRCA1 / 2 in clinical practice, and it has been applied to surgery for patients with primary breast cancer, preventive resection for reducing contralateral breast cancer, and to indicate PARP inhibitor as companion diagnostics for patients with recurrent breast cancer. These current situations and prospects will be described.
SS-5 Current management of primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Mishima Kazuhiko , Shirahata Mitsuaki , Adachi Junichi , Suzuki Tomonari , Uchida Eita , Nishikawa Ryo
Published: November 2020

Primary CNS Lymphomas (PCNSLs) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with poor prognosis and increasing incidence in elderly patients. High-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) followed by whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) improves survival in PCNSLs. Several HD-MTX–based regimens, in combination with alkylating agents and rituximab, have been developed that can achieve high and durable complete response rates in patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL. In Japan, the R-MPV regimen using rituximab, HD-MTX, procarbazine, and vincristine has been recognized as the standard treatment for initial induction for newly diagnosed PCNSL. The optimal consolidative therapy for patients with disease responsive to induction chemotherapy is not yet defined. WBRT at standard dose (30–45 Gy) has a risk of neurotoxicity. To minimize the effects of delayed neurotoxicity, high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell transplantation, reduced dose WBRT (23.4Gy), non-myeloablative chemotherapy, and maintenance chemotherapy have been addressed in large randomized trials. Gene expression profiling has provided insights into the pathogenesis of PCNSL. Recent insight into the pathophysiology of PCNSL has led to the investigation of targeted agents in the treatment of recurrent disease. In March 2020, Tirabrutinib (TIR), a second-generation oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was approved for relapsed or refractory PCNSL based on the results of the phase I/II study in Japan. Seventeen of 44 patients treated with TIR at 480 mg fasted QD, an approved dose, had overall response rate of 52.9%, median progression-free survival of 5.8 months, and time to response as short as 0.92 months. The most common adverse event at any grade was rash (32%). The skin-related disorders were manageable with appropriate skin treatments. However, greater attention and management is needed the case of more rare adverse events such as severe skin-related disorders and pneumocystis pneumonia. This lecture aims to present the recent development in treatment for PCNSL.
ES-2 Phase 3 TRIDENT Trial: Radiation and Temozolomide with or without Tumor Treating Fields in newly diagnosed glioblastoma
Authors: Nakada Mitsutoshi
Published: November 2020

Background: Tumor treating fields (TTFields) is a non-invasive, regional antimitotic treatment approved as a standard-of-care for glioblastoma. In the EF-14 Phase 3 trial, TTFields (200 kHz) plus temozolomide (TMZ) significantly increased survival of patients with newly diagnosed GBM(ndGBM) without increasing systemic toxicity. TTFields-related AEs were mainly skin AEs. In preclinical models, TTFields increase the therapeutic effects of radiation therapy (RT). A pilot study showed that TTFields concomitant with RT and TMZ is well tolerated. The benefit of concomitant TTFields with RT and TMZ will be tested in the TRIDENT trial. Methods: TRIDENT is an international phase III randomized trial comparing standard RT/TMZ vs the triple combination of RT/TMZ with concomitant TTFields. RT is delivered through the TTFields arrays. Patients in both arms will receive maintenance TTFields/TMZ. TTFields (200 kHz) will be delivered over18 hours/day using Optune. Patients will continue TTFields treatment until second recurrence. Patients with pathologically confirmed ndGBM, over 18 years old, KPS over 70, either sex, post-surgery or biopsy, and amenable for RT/TMZ therapy will be stratified by extent of resection and MGMT promoter methylation status. The primary endpoint is overall survival (OS). Secondary end points: progression free survival (PFS; RANO), 1- and 2-year survival rates, overall radiological response (ORR; RANO), progression-free survival (PFS2, PFS6, PFS12); severity and frequency of AEs (CTCAE V5.0); pathological changes in resected GBM tumors post treatment; quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30); and correlation of OS to TTFields compliance. The hypothesis is that concomitant TTFields/RT/TMZ will significantly improve OS versus RT/TMZ. Sample size (N=950; 475/arm) will detect a HR lower than 0.8 with 5% type I error. Survival will be measured from the time of randomization until date of death. At the time of analysis, patients lost to follow-up or still on protocol follow-up will be censored at the last date known to be alive.
ANGI-03 Functional roles of CD166/activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (CD166/ALCAM) for glioblastoma invasion
Authors: Kijima Noriyuki , Nakagawa Tomoyoshi , Achiha Takamune , Hirayama Ryuichi , Kinoshita Manabu , Kagawa Naoki , Kishima Haruhiko
Published: November 2020

CD166/activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (CD166/ALCAM) is a transmembrane receptor, widely expressed in various tissues, and is involved in several functions such as cell adhesion, neurogenesis and angiogenesis. We have previously reported that CD166/ALCAM is expressed on glioblastoma progenitor cells and is involved in glioblastoma invasion. However, we only have analyzed the functional roles of ALCAM using glioblastoma cell lines, not using patient derived xenografts. In this study, we investigated the functional roles of CD166/ALCAM using patient derived xenografts. We established CD166/ALCAM knocked-down glioblastoma patient derived cell lines by shRNA. For in vitro analysis, we seeded control and CD166/ALCAM knocked-down glioblastoma cells on culture dishes and performed time lapse analysis to investigate cell motility. For in vivo analysis, we orthotopically injected control and CD166/ALCAM knocked-down glioblastoma cells into the immunodeficient mice. When the mice got sick due to the tumor, we dissected the mice and analyzed the difference in invasion by immunohistochemical analysis. We found that CD166/ALCAM knocked-down glioblastoma cells significantly decreased cell motility by time lapse analysis. In addition, CD166/ALCAM knocked-down glioblastoma cells suppressed cell invasion and leptomeningeal metastasis by immunohistochemical analysis from patient derived xenografts. Our results suggest that CD166/ALCAM is involved in glioblastoma invasion, thus future studies are necessary to investigate whether CD166/ALCAM could be a therapeutic target for glioblastoma.
CBMS-01 Mechanism of brain tumor malignancy caused by aging and social isolation
Authors: Yamashita Daisuke , Flanary Victoria , Yamaguchi Shinobu , Ohtsuka Yoshihiro , Ozaki Saya , Suehiro Satoshi , Inoue Akihiro , Gorospe Myriam , Nakano Ichiro , Kunieda Takeharu
Published: November 2020

The rise in population aging worldwide is causing an unparalleled increase in death from many cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM). In advanced countries, the number of elderly people living alone is increasing due to the rapid aging of the population and the socialization of nuclear families. Here, we explored the impact of aging and social isolation on GBM tumorigenesis. In normal brain tissue, aging promoted pathways related to cytokines and inflammation, which were further promoted by social isolation. In tumor tissues, the expression of neuron/synapse-related genes was significantly reduced in aged mice, and their expression was further reduced by social isolation. In addition, the survival period of aged mice was significantly shorter than that of young mice, and the survival period was further shortened by social isolation, which was characteristic of males. This phenomenon was the same in humans, and the survival period in the young group was significantly longer than that in the elderly group, and in the elderly group, the survival period was shortened in the male elderly group living alone. Our data indicate that social isolation contributes to the highly aggressive GBM by the shift to neuro-inflammation in the elderly brain.
CBMS-02 Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) controls DNA damage repair via regulation of WIP1 activity
Authors: Ohba Shigeo , Johannessen Tor-Christian , Chatla Kamalakar , Yang Xiaodong , Hirose Yuichi , Pieper Russell , Mukherjee Joydeep
Published: November 2020

Phosphoglycerate Mutase 1 (PGAM1) is overexpressed in different forms of cancer and has been suggested to have additional functions beyond its role in metabolism. We here report that PGAM1 is overexpressed in GBMs and indirectly regulates activation of ATM, Chk1 and Chk2 but not ATR, thereby increasing the efficiency of DNA damage repair and resistance to radiation (IR) and temozolomide (TMZ) treatment. Genetic suppression of PGAM1 in multiple GBM cell lines resulted in decrease proliferation, apoptosis and colony formation after radiation and temozolomide treatment compared to parental cells. Moreover, parental cells demonstrated DNA damage (gH2AX foci) whereas isogenic PGAM1 knockdown cells exhibited no DNA damage repair activation and a significant increase in sub-G0 apoptotic cells that expressed annexin-V, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP-1. Mechanistically, suppression of PGAM1 expression inhibited phosphorylation of ATM at s1981 and the subsequent downstream phosphorylation of Chk2 and cdc25C. Moreover, PGAM1 co-immunoprecipitated with WIP1, a phosphatase reported to bind and dephosphorylate ATM, Chk1, and Chk2. Cytoplasmic binding of WIP1 with PGAM1 prevented nuclear localization of WIP1, leaving ATM and its downstream substrates phosphorylated, which is required for DNA damage repair activity. Consistent with these observations, mice intracranially implanted with PGAM1 knockdown GBM cells and treated with TMZ and IR had longer survival than similarly treated mice implanted with matched control cells. These results therefore define PGAM1 as an activator of DNA damage repair pathway and link tumor metabolism to drug response in GBM.