bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CISS effect: Magnetocurrent–voltage characteristics with Coulomb interactions. II
Authors: Huisman K. H. , Heinisch J. B. M. Y. , Thijssen J. M.
Published: May 2023

One of the manifestations of chirality-induced spin selectivity is the appearance of a magnetocurrent. Magnetocurrent is defined as the difference between the charge currents at finite bias in a two terminal device for opposite magnetizations of one of the leads. In experiments on chiral molecules assembled in monolayers the magnetocurrent is dominantly odd in bias voltage, while theory often yields an even one. From theory it is known that the spin–orbit coupling and chirality of the molecule can only generate a finite magnetocurrent in the presence of interactions, either of the electrons with vibrational modes or among themselves, through the Coulomb interaction. Here we analytically show that the magnetocurrent in bipartite-chiral structures mediated through Coulomb interactions is exactly even in the wide band limit and exactly odd for semi-infinite leads due to the bipartite lattice symmetry of the Green’s function. Our numerical results confirm these analytical findings.
Nanomedicine-based modulation of redox status for cancer therapy
Authors: Jin Ping , Li Lei , Nice Edouard Collins , Huang Canhua
Published: May 2023

Cancer has always been a major disease with an unfavorable impact on human health worldwide. Redox biology has a close and complicated relationship to the initiation and progression of cancer. Continuous work is being conducted to develop novel approaches for cancer prevention and therapy by modulating redox homeostasis, but problems in drug targeting, drug resistance, adverse effects and recurrence are persistent challenges. Nanotechnology is emerging as a powerful tool to achieve specific targeting, non-invasive therapeutics, high therapeutic efficiency and improved drug sensitivity for cancers by exploiting the features of their microenvironment, especially the redox properties. In addition, nanoplatform-mediated delivery of anticancer drugs or exogenous antioxidants/oxidants affords a promising prospect for cancer therapy. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in redox species-responsive nanoplatforms for tumor treatment. Current nanocarrier mediated strategies that manage redox status for cancer treatment will also be discussed.
BK channel modulation by positively charged peptides and auxiliary γ subunits mediated by the Ca2+-bowl site
Authors: Chen Guanxing , Li Qin , Webb Timothy I. , Hollywood Mark A. , Yan Jiusheng
Published: May 2023

The large-conductance, Ca2+-, and voltage-activated K+ (BK) channel consists of the pore-forming α (BKα) subunit and regulatory β and γ subunits. The γ1–3 subunits facilitate BK channel activation by shifting the voltage-dependence of channel activation toward the hyperpolarization direction by about 50–150 mV in the absence of Ca2+. We previously found that the intracellular C-terminal positively charged regions of the γ subunits play important roles in BK channel modulation. In this study, we found that the intracellular C-terminal region of BKα is indispensable in BK channel modulation by the γ1 subunit. Notably, synthetic peptide mimics of the γ1–3 subunits’ C-terminal positively charged regions caused 30–50 mV shifts in BKα channel voltage-gating toward the hyperpolarization direction. The cationic cell–penetrating HIV-1 Tat peptide exerted a similar BK channel–activating effect. The BK channel–activating effects of the synthetic peptides were reduced in the presence of Ca2+ and markedly ablated by both charge neutralization of the Ca2+-bowl site and high ionic strength, suggesting the involvement of electrostatic interactions. The efficacy of the γ subunits in BK channel modulation was reduced by charge neutralization of the Ca2+-bowl site. However, BK channel modulation by the γ1 subunit was little affected by high ionic strength and the positively charged peptide remained effective in BK channel modulation in the presence of the γ1 subunit. These findings identify positively charged peptides as BK channel modulators and reveal a role for the Ca2+-bowl site in BK channel modulation by positively charged peptides and the C-terminal positively charged regions of auxiliary γ subunits.
Risk of Complications in Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures Using the Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons Database
Authors: Schafer Rachel E , Blazel Madeleine M , Nowacki Amy S , Schwarz Graham S
Published: May 2023

Background

Combining multiple surgical procedures into a single operative session is widespread in the field of plastic surgery; however, the implications of this practice are not fully understood.

Objectives

This study compared 30-day complication rates associated with combined plastic surgery procedures with the rates for index procedures.

Methods

This retrospective cohort analysis utilized the Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons database from 2016 to 2020 to identify the 3 most frequent combinations of augmentation mammaplasty, reduction mammaplasty, trunk liposuction, mastopexy, and abdominoplasty.

Results

The 30-day overall complication rate was 5.0% (1400 of 26,771 patients), with a higher complication rate for combined procedures compared with index (7.6% vs 4.2%, adjusted odd ratio [aOR], 1.91 [95% CI, 1.61-2.27], P < .001). There were no significant differences in complication rates for abdominoplasty or mastopexy combinations compared with index. Complication rates for reduction mammaplasty combinations compared with index were not statistically different after controlling for demographics (aOR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.61-1.64], P = .93). Higher rates of minor and major complications were observed for combinations of trunk liposuction (aOR, 4.84 [95% CI, 3.31-7.21), P < .001) and augmentation mammaplasty (aOR, 1.60 [95% CI 1.13-2.22], P = .007) compared with index.

Conclusions

Combinations with trunk liposuction or augmentation mammaplasty present with increased risk of complications compared with index, controlling for demographics. Abdominoplasty and mastopexy may be combined with other plastic surgery procedures without increased risk to patients. The complication risk of reduction mammaplasty combinations is mediated by other variables, suggesting the need for shared surgical decision-making when recommending these combinations to patients.

Level of Evidence: 4
Activation of the cGAS-STING innate immune response in cells with deficient mitochondrial topoisomerase TOP1MT
Authors: Al Khatib Iman , Deng Jingti , Lei Yuanjiu , Torres-Odio Sylvia , Rojas Gladys R , Newman Laura E , Chung Brian K , Symes Andrew , Zhang Hongliang , Huang Shar-yin N , Pommier Yves , Khan Aneal , Shadel Gerald S , West Andrew Phillip , Gibson William T , Shutt Timothy E
Published: May 2023

The recognition that cytosolic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) activates cyclic GMP–AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) innate immune signaling has unlocked novel disease mechanisms. Here, an uncharacterized variant predicted to affect TOP1MT function, P193L, was discovered in a family with multiple early onset autoimmune diseases, including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Although there was no previous genetic association between TOP1MT and autoimmune disease, the role of TOP1MT as a regulator of mtDNA led us to investigate whether TOP1MT could mediate the release of mtDNA to the cytosol, where it could then activate the cGAS-STING innate immune pathway known to be activated in SLE and other autoimmune diseases. Through analysis of cells with reduced TOP1MT expression, we show that loss of TOP1MT results in release of mtDNA to the cytosol, which activates the cGAS-STING pathway. We also characterized the P193L variant for its ability to rescue several TOP1MT functions when expressed in TOP1MT knockout cells. We show that the P193L variant is not fully functional, as its re-expression at high levels was unable to rescue mitochondrial respiration deficits, and only showed partial rescue for other functions, including repletion of mtDNA replication following depletion, nucleoid size, steady state mtDNA transcripts levels and mitochondrial morphology. Additionally, expression of P193L at endogenous levels was unable to rescue mtDNA release-mediated cGAS-STING signaling. Overall, we report a link between TOP1MT and mtDNA release leading to cGAS-STING activation. Moreover, we show that the P193L variant has partial loss of function that may contribute to autoimmune disease susceptibility via cGAS-STING mediated activation of the innate immune system.
Combining fishery data through integrated species distribution models
Authors: Paradinas Iosu , Illian Janine B , Alonso-Fernändez Alexandre , Pennino Maria Grazia , Smout Sophie
Published: May 2023

Species Distribution Models are pivotal for fisheries management. There has been an increasing number of fishery data sources available, making data integration an attractive way to improve model predictions. A wide range of methods have been applied to integrate different datasets in different disciplines. We focus on the use of Integrated Species Distribution Models (ISDMs) due to their capacity to formally accommodate different types of data and scale proportional gear efficiencies. ISDMs use joint modelling to integrate information from different data sources to improve parameter estimation by fitting shared environmental, temporal and spatial effects. We illustrate this method first using a simulated example, and then apply it to a case study that combines data coming from a fishery-independent trawl survey and a fishery-dependent trammel net observations on Solea solea. We explore the sensitivity of model outputs to several weightings for the commercial data and also compare integrated model results with ensemble modelling to combine population trends in the case study. We obtain similar results but discuss that ensemble modelling requires both response variables and link functions to be the same across models. We conclude by discussing the flexibility and requirements of ISDMs to formally combine different fishery datasets.
196 CRISPR Technology and its Many Applications with Select Examples Related to Animal Agriculture
Authors: Barrangou Rodolphe
Published: May 2023

Dr. Barrangou’s research focuses on the biology and genetics of CRISPR-Cas immune systems in bacteria. Using microbiology, molecular biology and genomics approaches, he investigates the use of CRISPR-Cas systems to generate novel tools for the manipulation of industrially relevant organisms for food and biotechnological applications. Dr. Barrangou talk will be an update on CRISPR technology and its many applications with select examples related to animal agriculture.
59 Supranutritional Selenium Supplementation During Different Trimesters of Pregnancy in Beef Cows Affects Gene Expression of Monocyte Cells
Authors: Diniz Wellison j , Bobe Gerd , Klopfenstein Joseph J , Zane Davis T , Ward Alison K , Hall Jean A
Published: May 2023

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient with beneficial effects on performance and immune function. Selenium plays a key role in enzymatic and metabolic pathways, primarily through selenocysteine-containing proteins. Despite increasing knowledge on the role of Se on conceptus development, less is known about its effects on maternal immune responses during gestation. Thus, our goal was to investigate the effects of supranutritional Se-supplementation during different trimesters of pregnancy on gene expression of monocyte blood cells and the underlying biological pathways. To this end, crossbred Angus cows (n = 40) received, except for the control group (CTR), Se-yeast boluses (105 mg of Se/wk) during the first (TR1), second (TR2), or third (TR3) trimester of gestation. Before calving, blood samples were collected from a jugular vein, and the monocytes were isolated and used for total RNA extraction. After quality control of the RNA-Seq data, 13,810 genes were tested for differential expression analysis using a t-test method implemented in the CeTF R-package. We identified 3,904 unique differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across all group comparisons (FDR < 0.05). Differentially expressed selenoprotein-coding genes included SELENOI, SELENOM, SELENON, SELENOP, SELENOT, and SEPSECS. Most of these genes were downregulated in the Se-supplemented groups compared with CTR. However, SELONOP was upregulated in TR1 and TR2 groups, and SELENOM in TR3 compared with CTR. Biological processes over-represented by the DEGs, were retrieved using the WebGestalt software (FDR < 0.05). Immune-related biological processes included positive regulation of the immune system process, immune system development, leukocyte migration, and inflammatory response. Genes underlying these biological processes included ILDR1, IL21R, IL9R, and IL18BP, all of which were upregulated in TR2 compared with CTR. On the other hand, IL1R1, IL6R, and IL1RN genes were downregulated in the Se-supplemented groups. Our results provide evidence that genes underlying immune cell function and Se metabolism were affected by supranutritional Se supplementation.
42 Adrenomedullin Stimulates Proliferation, Migration and Adhesion of Porcine Trophectoderm Cells Via CALCRL-AKT-TSC2-MTORC1 Cell Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Bangmin , Paudel Sudikshya , Flowers William L , Piedrahita Jorge A , Wang Xiaoqiu
Published: May 2023

Adrenomedullin (ADM) as a highly conserved peptide hormone has been reported to increase significantly in the uterine lumen during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy in pigs, but its functional roles in growth and development of porcine conceptus (embryonic/fetus and its extra-embryonic membranes) as well as underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Therefore, we conducted in vitro experiments using our established porcine trophectoderm cell line (pTr1) isolated from day -12 porcine conceptuses to test the hypothesis that porcine ADM stimulates cell proliferation, migration and adhesion via AKT-TSC2-MTOR cell signaling pathway in pTr1 cells. The pTr1 cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 50 U/mL penicillin, 50 μg/mL streptomycin, 0.1 mM each for nutritionally nonessential amino acids, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 2 mM glutamine, and 4 μg/mL insulin. Opti-MEM supplied with 2.5% (vol/vol) charcoal-stripped FBS was used for siRNA-mediated knockdown targeting non-treated control (siNTC) or specific genes including ADM (siADM) and its shared receptor component calcitonin-receptor-like receptor (CALCRL; siCALCRL). Cells were starved in FBS- and insulin-free medium for 24 hours before treatment. For proliferation assay, cell numbers were determined by staining with Janus-Green B after 48 h incubation. For migration assay, cells were treated with ADM after straight scratch in 6-well plates, and area of cell migration was calculated after 12 h treatment. For adhesion assay, cells were trypsinized in T-25 flasks and allowed for seeding in 96-well plates with density of 2×105 cells/0.2 mL/well, and the numbers of attached cells were determined after 12 h incubation. Western blot analyses were used to determine the expressions of target proteins at total and phosphorylated level. Porcine ADM at 10-7 M stimulated (P < 0.05) pTr1 cell proliferation, migration and adhesion by 1.4%-, 1.5%- and 1.2%-folds, respectively. These ADM-induced effects were abrogated (P < 0.05) by siADM and siCALCRL, as well as by rapamycin, the inhibitor of mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR). Using siRNA-mediated knockdown of CALCRL coupled with Western blot analyses, ADM signaling transduction was determined in which ADM binds to CALCRL to increase phosphorylation of MTOR, its downstream effectors (4EBP1, P70S6K, and S6), and upstream regulators (AKT and TSC2). Collectively, these results suggest that porcine ADM in histotroph act on its receptor component CALCRL to activate AKT-TSC2-MTOR, particularly MTORC1 signaling cascade, leading to elongation, migration and attachment of conceptuses. This research was supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no. 2022-67015-36491 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
99 Dietary Inclusion of a High-Anthocyanin Corn Cob Meal into Feedlot Rations Reducesin Vitro Methane Emissions
Authors: Long Nathan S , Proctor Jarret A , Smith Jason K , Piñeiro Juan M , Foster Ryan C , Gouvêa Vinícius N , Castleberry Bobbie L , Hiltbrunner Bridgette D , Xu Wenwei W , Molsbee Morgan K , Beck Matthew R
Published: May 2023

Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas associated with global warming that is released as a byproduct of rumen fermentation. Two experiments were conducted to determine if dietary inclusion of a novel high anthocyanin (Hi-A) containing corn cob meal [CCM; 4.99 mg anthocyanin×g-1 of dry matter (DM)] influences in vitro CH4 emissions relative to a conventional CCM (CNV; 0.04 mg anthocyanin×g-1 of DM). High-roughage starter (experiment 1) and low-roughage finisher (experiment 2) diets were formulated to contain 20% and0% total CCM (DM-basis), respectively. Treatments were based on the proportion of Hi-A to CNV CCM within each diet and consisted of 0% (0A), 25% (25A), 50% (50A), 75% (75A), and 100% Hi-A (100A) CCM. In experiments 1 and 2, ruminal fluid was collected from 4 cannulated steers offered traditional feedlot starter or finisher diets, respectively. Filter bags (F57; ANKOM; Macedon, NY) were loaded with 0.5 g of substrate and 2 bags per ANKOM RF system were incubated in buffer and rumen fluid for 48 h at 39°C. Cumulative gas production was recorded at 10-min intervals. The concentration of CH4 as a proportion of total gas production (%CH4) was measured using gas chromatography after 48 h. Total gas production was fit to the Ørskov model to determine asymptotic and fractional rates of gas production. In experiment 1, there was a cubic relationship between total gas production and Hi-A CCM inclusion for the intercept, asymptote, and fractional gas production rate (P ≤ 0.04). There was also a cubic relationship between %CH4 and Hi-A CCM inclusion (P = 0.04), where 50A had the largest reduction relative to 0A at -19.6% (P = 0.05). Total CH4 production (mL CH4×g DM-1) also exhibited a cubic relationship with Hi-A-CCM inclusion (P = 0.03), where 100A produced 20% less CH4 than 0A. In experiment 2, there was a cubic relationship between total gas production and Hi-A CCM inclusion for the intercept and asymptote (P ≤ 0.02) of the Ørskov model; however, fractional gas production rate expressed a quadratic relationship (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a cubic relationship existed between %CH4 and Hi-A CCM inclusion, where 100A had the largest reduction relative to 0A (17.4%; P = 0.03). Lastly, there was a tendency for a cubic relationship between Hi-A CCM inclusion and total CH4 production (P = 0.06); however, 100A reduced total CH4 production by 22% relative to 0A (P = 0.01). Collectively, the greatest level of Hi-A CCM inclusion reduced total CH4 production relative to 0A in both starter and finisher diets. These results indicate that dietary inclusion of anthocyanins through CCM decreased CH4 emissions in vitro. Further research is needed to determine if anthocyanins from Hi-A CCM are effective at mitigating CH4 emissions in vivo.
190 Assessment of Weaning Management on Growth Performance and Health in Southeastern Beef Calves
Authors: Justice Maggie M , Mullenix Kim K , Tigue Daniel A , Zessin Peyton , Dillard Leanne L , Rodning Soren P , Chamorro Manuel
Published: May 2023

The beef calf weaning period is a time of transition in the cow-calf production cycle and can be one of the most stressful stages in the life of a beef calf. This transition can have a major impact on both calf short- and long-term health, growth performance and economic returns. There are several different weaning management strategies cattle producers can use in this transition period. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of weaning management practices on beef calf performance and health before backgrounding. A two-year study was conducted using 427 steer calves (216 year 1, average BW 297 kg; 213 year 2, average BW 291 kg) from three Auburn University research farms were randomly assigned based on weaning weight to one of three different weaning method groups for a 14-day observation period: fenceline, nose-flap, or abrupt weaning. On day 0, all calves assigned to the abrupt weaning group traveled 3 hours to one central location. Calves in the fenceline and nose-flap groups traveled to the same location on day 14 of study. Calves were weighed on day 0, day 14 and 24 hours following any travel event. Blood samples were also collected to determine haptoglobin concentrations surrounding the travels events and blood titers following vaccinations. In both years of the study, fenceline weaned calves had the greatest average daily gain at 1.08 kg/d (P < 0.0001) and abruptly weaned calves had the least average daily gain, losing 0.15 kg/d during the 14-d observation period. In Year 1, steers had a significantly greater (P < 0.0001) gain across all treatments than calves in Year 2, with Year 1 calves gaining 7.72 kg more during the weaning period than Year 2 calves. Over both years of the study, fenceline weaned calves gained more (P =0.0008) than both nose-flap and abruptly weaned calves. In Year, abruptly weaned calves had greater blood concentrations of haptoglobin (0.084mg/mL; P < 0.0001) than both the fenceline and noseflap weaned calves (0.023mg/mL; 0.020mg/mL). This data demonstrates how weaning management strategies may influence calf growth performance and the transition into the post-weaning period.
134 Effect of Rumen Degradable Protein Intake on Performance, Carcass Quality, and Methane Emissions of Yearling Finishing Steers
Authors: Proctor Jarret A , Beck Matthew R , Long Nathan S , Kasuske Zachery A , Foster Ryan C , Castleberry Bobbie L , Hiltbrunner Bridgette D , Gouvêa Vinícius N , Smith Jason K
Published: May 2023

The performance, economic, and environmental consequences of feeding rumen degradable protein (RDP) levels above and below calculated maximum energy-dependent microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis potential are poorly understood. Yearling steers (n = 54; initial BW = 484.1 ± 26.03 kg) were assigned to one of two pens that each contained an automated head chamber system (GreenFeed; C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) for individual measurement of enteric methane (CH4) emissions. Each steer was assigned to an individual feed bunk (Calan Gate; American Calan, Northwood, NH) and randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments: low RDP intake (LRDPI; n = 8), neutral RDP intake (NRDPI; n = 8), or high RDP intake (HRDPI; n = 8) in a completely randomized design. Steers were transitioned to treatment diets utilizing a two-ration blend system for 20-day followed by an 80-day finishing period. Diets were formulated to provide cattle with similar metabolizable protein (MP) and net energy for gain (NEg) but different RDP supply. Diets were formulated to provide approximately 87% (LRDPI), 100% (NRDPI), or 113% (HRDPI) of calculated RDP requirements to maximize energy-allowable MCP-yield. Paired-day, unshrunk BW was collected on d 0, 50, and 80, and cattle were transported to a commercial abattoir for carcass data collection. Statistical analyses were conducted using Analysis of Variance in JMP Pro6.0 using the Fit Model procedure. Least-squares means differences were considered statistically significant if P < 0.05 and considered a tendency toward significant if 0.05 ≤ P < 0.15. Treatment rations provided approximately 94% (LRDPI), 106% (NRDPI), and 118% (HRDPI) of the RDP required to maximize energy-allowable MCP yield, respectively. Daily DMI was similar (P > 0.15) for HRDPI and NRDPI cattle, but LRDPI cattle tended (P = 0.06) to have less DMI than NRDPI cattle. Dietary treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.32) ADG, feed conversion efficiency, ribeye area, marbling score or carcass yield grade. Yet, LRDPI cattle had lighter hot carcass weight (P < 0.05) and less subcutaneous fat thickness (P < 0.05) than NRDPI cattle, whereas HRDPI cattle were not different (P ≥ 0.15) from the other treatments. On average, LRDPI cattle tended to emit 7.0% more daily CH4 (g×d-1; P = 0.05) than both NRDPI and HRDPI. Moreover, the LRDPI treatment elicited a 14.7% and 18.1% increase in CH4-yield (g CH4×kg DMI-1; P < 0.01) and emission intensity (g CH4×kg ADG-1; P < 0.05) compared with the other treatments, respectively. These data indicate that limiting MCP-yield by restricting RDP intake may reduce subcutaneous fat thickness and carcass weight while increasing enteric CH4 emissions. These results reiterate the importance of meeting RDP requirements and suggest no performance or methane emission benefits of overfeeding RDP.
131 Evaluating Supplementation Programs for Growing Calves Grazing Bermudagrass Pastures
Authors: Womack Addie , Beck Paul A , Kegley Elizabeth B , Hess Tom , Hubbell Don S , Gadberry Shane
Published: May 2023

Due to factors such as, high delivery costs, supplement availability, and labor; producers are interested in supplement delivery alternatives. Our objective was to determine gain in response to hand-fed (HF) or self-fed (SF) summer supplementation programs at the University of Arkansas Livestock and Forestry Research Station, on 20, 0.81-ha common bermudagrass pastures at a stocking rate of 5 growing calves per pasture (BW ± SD = 247 ± 24.6) over three years. This was a 2 x 2 + factorial arrangement of treatments, which included: Control (CON) – only free choice mineral; HF 1.13 kg/d by-product-based supplement offered only late summer (LS) or all summer (AS); SF tub supplement (PVM Cattle Tub, Positive Feed Ltd., Sealy, TX) either LS or AS. The HF supplement in year was a 50:50 blend of soybean hulls and corn gluten feed, in year 2 an extruded dried distillers grains cube (MasterHand Milling, Lexington NE) was used for HF, while in year 3 corn gluten feed was the HF supplement. Data were analyzed as a generalized randomized complete block design using the mixed procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Fixed effects in the model included supplementation treatment, year, and year by treatment interaction. Even though different HF supplements were used each year there was no year X treatment interactions (P ≥ 0.10); therefore, results are presented pooled across years. Early summer ADG was greater for HFAS (P < 0.01) than CON and SFAS, while supplemental efficiency (SE, kg added gain/kg supplement) in early summer was less (P = 0.05) SFAS than HFAS. Late summer ADG was greater for HF than SF and CON; while SE did not differ (P = 0.52) among treatments. Total supplement costs, in US dollars per steer for SF, were $67.50 when fed AS and $49.36 when fed in late summer only. Supplement costs for HF were much lower, $33.54 and $15.72/steer for AS and LS, respectively. Cost of added gain for SF was $28.33 and $16.14/kg for SFAS and SFLS, respectively. When providing supplement by HF, cost of added gain was $3.32 and $1.68/kg for HFAS and HFLS, respectively. With these results, we determined the most cost-effective way to add gain with supplement to growing calves grazing bermudagrass pasture is to hand-feed. When calves were HFAS, total supplement costs were higher, but considering the greater ADG, ending bodyweight, and supplemental efficiency ratio, HF supplements should provide a positive net return. Calves on this experiment did not respond as expected to the SF supplement, likely because the bermudagrass pastures in this experiment averaged over3% CP and were in excess of 10% even in the LS sampling periods.
138 Investigation of Supplementation Rates for Extruded 100% DDGS Cube on Native Range in Northwest Oklahoma
Authors: Grigsby Zane N , Beck Paul A , Gunter Stacey A
Published: May 2023

A 2-year trial was conducted at the USDA ARS- Southern Plains Experimental Range (SPER), near Fort Supply, Oklahoma to test the effects of supplementing 100% DDGS cubes at different rates to steers on native range during the summer grazing period. The purpose of these trials was to analyze the effect that increased levels of supplementation have on performance and supplemental efficiency. In both 2021 and 2022, steers (294 ± 32 kg, n=118) were allocated to 4 season-long supplementation (Mid-May until Late September) treatments, 1) Negative Control, (NC), no supplement with ad libitum access to lose mineral, 2) Light Supplement, (LS), 0.91 kg∙animal-1∙day-1, 3) Medium Supplement, (MS), 1.81 kg∙animal-1∙day-1, and 4) High Supplement, (HS), 2.72 kg∙animal-1∙day-1. All pastures (n = 12) were stocked at 2.02 ha/animal, forage biomass data and nutritive value data were collected at the beginning middle and end of the summer. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED and linear and quadratic contrasts were made using PROC GLM in SAS 9.4. Early season ADG followed a linear pattern (R2 = 0.47, P = 0.0009) for HS, MS, and LS which was 0.55, 0.48, and 0.37 ± 0.06 kg/d greater (P < 0.001) than NC, respectively. Early season supplemental efficiency for LS was 0.18 ± 0.016 kg of added gain per kg of supplement but decreased in a quadratic pattern (R2 = 0.79, P < 0.001) with increased rates of supplementation. Early season supplemental efficiency for MS and HS were 0.12 and 0.09 ± 0.02 kg of added gain/kg of supplement. Late season ADG for HS, MS, and LS was 0.25, 0.13, and 0.11 ± 0.05 kg greater (P ≤ 0.03) than NC, respectively. Late season supplemental efficiency for HS, MS, and LS decreased linearly (R2 = 0.43, P = 0.0048) was 0.07, 0.04, and 0.06 ± 0.01 kg of added gain per kg of supplement. Overall ADG was greatest for HS steers, with 0.41, 0.16, and 0.09 ± 0.03 kg/d greater (P ≤ 0.01) than NC, LS, and MS, respectively. Supplemental efficiency over the entire grazing season followed a quadratic pattern (R2 = 0.91, P < 0.0001), with increased supplementation we saw a decrease in supplemental efficiency. These data suggest that increased supplementation rates with a 100% DDGS cubes increases performance but decreases supplemental efficiency when forage quality is greater. However, as forage quality declines and becomes less palatable in the later summer, increased supplementation levels appear to supply energy and protein lacking in the forage to continue to promote increased performance and increase the efficiency of the supplement.
128 Effects of Cottonseed Meal Supplementation Strategy to Stocker Calves Grazing Late Season Summer Forage
Authors: Kern Connor R , Crossland Whitney L , Rathmann Ryan R , Norris Aaron B
Published: May 2023

Summer stocker calves grazing perennial warm-season grasses may benefit from protein supplementation due to the low protein content typically observed in these forages. Cottonseed meal (CSM) is an excellent protein supplement that is readily available in the south and is competitively priced per unit of protein in early summer. However, research regarding the effects of CSM supplementation level and frequency on calf gain and composition of gain is limited. It was hypothesized that supplementing CSM to grazing heifers would improve ADG and perhaps alter composition of gain when compared with non-supplemented heifers. Objectives for this experiment were to 1) compare gain and composition of gain between calves supplemented with CSM to non-supplemented calves, and 2) compare the effect of daily vs. alternating days of CSM supplementation. A total of 27 commercial Angus beef heifers weighing 234.1 ± 4.18 kg were blocked by BW (light, medium, and heavy) and allocated to 9 paddocks of W.W. B-Dahl Bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii) for 67 d. The experimental was designed as a RCBD with 3×3 factorial arrangement of 3 treatments and 3 weight blocks. Heifers were supplemented daily with a mineral mix and either no cottonseed meal (CON), 454 g/animal of CSM daily (CSM1), or 909 g/animal of CSM every other day (CSM2). Initial and final shrunk BW was measured, and total gain, ADG, and percent of BW gained were calculated. Ultrasound of initial and final longissimus muscle area (LMA), backfat (BF), and intramuscular fat (IMF) were measured. There were no treatment by block interactions for any measured variable. Treatment significantly affected total gain and ADG (P = 0.0156), as well as percent of BW gain (P = 0.029). Heifers receiving CSM1 treatment gained 28.3% more total BW than heifers receiving CON (47.27 vs. 36.82 kg, respectively) and CSM2 was intermediate (42.73 kg). Likewise, percent of BW gained was greatest for CSM1 and least for CON (16.9 vs.3.8% of initial BW), with CSM2 not differing (15.5% of initial BW). Treatment did not affect the composition of gain (P ≥ 0.190); however, block tended (P = 0.0812) to affect LMA % gain, with light heifers being greater than medium and heavy heifers (12.00% vs. 7.35% and 5.09% increase, respectively). As expected, heifers grazing late summer W.W. B-Dahl Bluestem forage who received 454 g of CSM daily had significantly greater ADG than heifers not receiving CSM. Heifers receiving 909 g of CSM every other day tended to gain more than heifers not receiving CSM, but replication of this experiment is needed for validation of this specific supplementation strategy. In conclusion, supplementation of CSM to calves grazing low protein summer forage within a limited period may have positive measurable effects on gain.
143 Retrospective Look at Cow-Calf Performance in Spring-Calving Dexter Cattle Scored for Winter Hair Shedding Level
Authors: Browning Richard , Hurt Kaylee , Hayes Emily G , Leite-Browning Maria L
Published: May 2023

Delayed winter hair coat loss in beef cows through the spring and summer may contribute to heat stress and reduce herd performance. This study evaluated the performance history of cows in the years that preceded scoring and during the first year, cows were scored for hair shedding levels. Hair shedding levels of purebred Dexter cows (n = 72; mean age = 5.6 years; mean body weight = 321.6 kg) in the university herd were recorded based on the percentage of their body exhibiting winter hair loss (0% = thick winter coat, 100% = short summer coat) at eight biweekly evaluation periods from April to August 2019. Hair shedding levels were observed by two herd managers. Average hair shedding levels for the eight periods were 9%, 31%, 58%, 73%, 83%, 93%, 96%, and 96%, respectively. Cow reproductive performance from 2016 to 2020 (reflective of 2015 to 2019 breeding seasons) and calf growth performance from 2016 to 2019 were analyzed. Cows were exposed to Dexter bulls by natural service annually for an average of 56 days in July and August. Spring-born calves (n =39) were weighed at birth, at the midpoint of the preweaning period (3.5 mo of age), and at weaning (7 mo of age). Hair shedding levels averaged across periods 3 (May 20-21) and 4 (June 3-4) were used to classify cows as low shedders (0 to 50%; LoShed; n = 26) or high shedders (51 to 100%; HiShed; n = 46). Calf weights were tested using SAS MIXED models. Along with dam hair shedding group, dam lactation history, dam hair color, and calf sex were also used as model terms. Cow reproductive rates (n = 239 matings) were tested using SAS GLIMMIX models that included hair shed class, lactation history, and hair color. The HiShed cow group had greater (P < 0.01) winter hair shedding levels compared with the LoShed cow group (86 ± 2% vs. 30 ± 3%). Birth weight was not affected (P = 0.39) by dam shedding level. The midpoint calf weights tended to be heavier (P = 0.07) for HiShed cows than for LoShed cows (91.9 ± 3.7 vs. 84.9 ± 4.6 kg). Calf weaning weights were heavier (P < 0.05) for HiShed cows than for LoShed cows (139.8 ± 7.0 vs.26.3 ± 8.2 kg). Calving rates and weaning rates were greater (P < 0.05) for HiShed cows (86.9 ± 5.3%; 86.8 ± 5.2%) than for LoShed cows (78.9 ± 8.1%; 77.3 ± 8.2%). Results indicated that cow groups based on high or low winter hair shedding level had historically different reproductive rates and calf weaning weights. The high shedding cow group weaned heavier calves and had greater levels of reproductive success.
145 Specific Gravity as an Assessment of Embryonic Viability to Improve Implantation Rates for in Vitro Produced and in Vivo Derived Bovine Embryos
Authors: Richardson Katylyn J , Perkins Tommy L , Lust David G , Killingsworth Russell , Wessells Wells Cara W
Published: May 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of a specific gravity chamber (SGC) to identify embryos most likely to result in successful implantation following embryo transfer. In this study, 19 in vitro produced (IVP) and 15 in vivo derived (IVD) Grade bovine embryos were allowed to descend through media in an SGC. Descent time through a 1-cm timing region was recorded, and embryos were retrieved from the chamber and transferred into recipient females or cryopreserved and transferred at a later date. To determine if chamber evaluation had an effect on pregnancy status, 27 IVP and 12 IVD embryos that were not evaluated with the SGC were also transferred alongside project embryos. Pregnancy was determined via transrectal ultrasound palpation and recorded. There was no significant difference in conception rates between embryos evaluated with the SGC and those not, indicating that chamber analysis had no negative impact on viability of both IVP (P = 0.54) and IVD (P = 0.93) embryos. Twenty-two of the 34 total project embryos resulted in successful implantation and pregnancy, with 13 pregnancies (68.4%) by IVP and 9 (60%) by IVD. There was no difference in average descent time of pregnant and non-pregnant embryos for IVP (P = 0.54) or IVD embryos (P = 0.24). When divided into groups according to descent time, 32% of all observations for IVP embryos occurred between 30 to 50 seconds with a 66.7% conception rate, and 42% occurred between 70 to 90 seconds with a 75% conception rate (P = 0.85). For IVD, 60% of all observations occurred between 90 to10 seconds, with a conception rate of 66.7% (P = 0.35). Though not significant, the numeric trends highlighted in these data lend support to previous research utilizing specific gravity. Further research is needed to thoroughly evaluate the potential of this technology as a method of noninvasive assessment of embryo viability.
154 Growth, Libido, Semen Quality, and Reproductive Organ Weights of Hair Sheep Rams Rendered Short-Scrotum at Birth or Weaning
Authors: Wildeus Stephan , O’Brien Dahlia
Published: May 2023

Rendering male lambs short-scrotum interferes with testicular development and thermoregulation, and has been proposed as a management tool to control male reproduction. This study evaluated at the effect of timing of the procedure (birth or weaning) on growth rate, testis size, libido, ejaculate characteristics and carcass traits in male landrace hair sheep lambs. April- (n = 31) and August-born (n = 23) Barbados Blackbelly (BB) and St. Croix (SC) male hair sheep lambs, balanced by breed and birth type, were rendered short-scrotum (SS) using elastrator bands at birth (B) or weaning (W), or left intact (I). Lambs were born on pasture, weaned at 9 weeks, transitioned in pens for two months post weaning, and then rotationally grazed as a single group to a target weight of 40 kg. At 6-mo of age (peri-pubertal), and again at target weight (post-pubertal), mating behavior was recorded (day) and ejaculate samples collected (day 2). Mating behavior was recorded in a0-min test with males individually exposed to estrus-induced ewes pen. An initial attempt was made to collect semen using an estrus-induced teaser ewe, and if not successful, the semen sample was collected by electro-ejaculation. At target weight lambs were harvested, scrotal content collected, and carcass characteristics (April cohort) determined. Data were analyzed in a model with sex class, breed and cohort as main effects. Pen and pasture ADG (142 and 129 g/d, respectively) and age at target weight (287 d) was not affected (P > 0.1) by SS treatment. However, April-born lambs grew 19 g/d less (P < 0.01) and reached target weight 40 d later (P < 0.001) than August-born males. As for breed, STX had greater pasture ADG (139 vs 124 g/d; P < 0.05) and reached target age 19 days earlier (P< 0.05) than BB males. Libido (number of mounts and services) was not affected by SS treatment, breed or cohort. The frequency of ejaculates containing sperm was less (P < 0.001) in SS (26 to 33%) than intact males (97%) and increased with age in SS but not I males. Sperm concentration and motile sperm in ejaculates were greater (P< 0.05) in I than SS males. Testis and epididymis were larger (P < 0.001) in I (300 and 44.3 g) than in B (134 and 20.0 g) and W (154 and 23.8 g), which were not different. Cohort and breed had no effect (P > 0.1) on mating behavior, ejaculate characteristics, and organ weights. Results suggest that SS and its timing had no effect on growth rate or on mating behavior. Though the procedure depressed the presence of sperm in the ejaculate and decreased testis weight, the suppression was not complete, and caution is warranted in utilizing the technique to facilitate co-grazing ewe lambs.
163 The Efficacy of Copper Oxide Wire Particles Alone or in Combination with Moxidection to Reduce Parasite Loads in Meat Goat Kids
Authors: O’Brien Dahlia , Matthews Kwame , Wildeus Stephan , Whitley Niki C , Schoenian Susan
Published: May 2023

Infections with the blood sucking parasite, Haemonchus contortus, are of primary concern for small ruminant producers, especially due to the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of copper oxide wire particles alone (COWP; n = 12; 1 g bolus Copasure; Animax Ltd), Cydectin alone (CYD; n = 10; 0.4 mg/kg; Bayer), a combination of COWP + CYD (n = 12) and an untreated control group (CON; n = 11) in reducing fecal egg counts (FEC) in meat goat kids. At weaning (88.4 ± 0.7 d), 45 meat goat kids with FAMACHA scores ≥ 3 and weighing 12.5 ± 0.4 kg were separated into the four treatment groups after accounting for initial FAMACHA eyelid color score, breed (Spanish or Myotonic), and birth type (single or multiple). Feces were collected on d 0 and 14 for determination of FEC. Pooled treatment group feces were also cultured on d 0 and 4 to determine gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) genera. Individual FEC were calculated, and treatment efficacy was determined according to the guidelines established by the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology. FEC were log transformed and analyzed using repeated measures in a mixed model with d 0 FEC as a covariate. Individuals were removed from the study if d 0 FEC was less than 400 eggs/g (n = 3, n = 3, n = 2, and n = 2 for CON, COWP, CYD and COWP + CYD, respectively). There was a mixed population of GIN cultured from pooled fecal samples (averaging 70.3%, 17.7%, and 12.0% for H. contortus, Tricostrongylus spp., and Oesphagostomum spp., respectively). Pre-treatment FEC averaged 1,262 ± 241, 2,794 ± 765, 2,050 ± 378 and 1,375 ± 221 eggs per gram (epg), for the CON, COWP, CYD and CYD+COWP, respectively. There was an effect of treatment on FEC with FEC on day 14 less (P < 0.05) for COWP (497 ± 200 epg), CYD (746 ± 334 epg) and COWP + CYD (559 ± 246 epg) treated kids than CON (1,701 ± 895 epg). CON group FEC increased by 35% while treatment with COWP reduced FEC by 71% (84 - 92% Confidence Interval; CI), compared with 56% (60 - 89% CI) for CYD and 67% (88 – 90% CI) for COWP + CYD. Even though all treatments were more effective than the CON, the effect of COWP + CYD was similar to COWP and CYD when used alone and no additive effect was observed. Under the conditions of this study, COWP, COWP + CYD and CYD were all effective in reducing FEC compared with leaving meat goat kids untreated.
Depressive Symptom Trajectories Across Adolescence and Adulthood Among Individuals With Asthma
Authors: Ruppe Nicole M , Clawson Ashley H , Ankney Rachel L , Welch Ginger , Mullins Larry L , Chaney John M
Published: May 2023

Objective

Individuals with asthma experience increased depressive symptoms, which is associated with deleterious health outcomes. No studies have examined depressive symptom trajectories among individuals with asthma despite increased risk. This study expanded prior literature by identifying the following: (1) depressive symptoms trajectories for individuals with and without asthma and (2) predictors of baseline levels and changes in symptoms across time for individuals with asthma.

Methods

Adolescents with (N = 965) and without (N = 7,392) asthma self-reported on depressive symptoms (CESD-9) across development. Covariates included: demographics and persistence of asthma. Latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) was used to identify depressive symptom trajectories and their predictors.

Results

A multigroup LCGM identified no significant differences between depressive symptom trajectories of individuals with and without asthma. Depressive symptoms followed a quadratic shape across time for individuals with asthma (Mintercept = 5.73, p < .00; Mlinear = −0.38,p < .001; Mquad = 0.03, p < .001), with a linear deceleration in depressive symptoms during adolescence and an acceleration of symptoms into adulthood. Next predictors of depressive trajectories among individuals with asthma were examined. Female sex (B = 0.58, p < .001), lower parent education (B = −0.57, p < .001), older age (B = 0.19, p < .001), and identifying as Black (B = 0.31, p = .04) were associated with greater baseline depressive symptoms. Older individuals exhibited faster linear symptom decelerations (B = −0.56, p < .001) and faster symptom accelerations (B = 0.73, p < .001). American Indian (AIAN) individuals exhibited faster linear symptom decelerations (B = −1.98, p = .005) and faster quadratic accelerations (B = 3.33, p = .007).

Discussion

Our results suggest that the depressive symptom trajectories of individuals with asthma are curvilinear and similar to individuals without asthma. When examining predictors of depressive symptom trajectories for those with asthma, socioeconomic disadvantage and racial marginalization were associated with greater baseline depressive symptoms. Although AIAN youth demonstrated more favorable trajectories in adolescence, they also exhibited worse trajectories across young adulthood and adulthood. Findings suggest the need to better understand the impact of multilevel risk and protective factors on depressive symptoms trajectories for individuals with asthma, especially marginalized populations.
Dietary supplements and medicinal plants in urolithiasis: diet, prevention, and cure
Authors: Oswal Mitul , Varghese Ryan , Zagade Tanmay , Dhatrak Chetan , Sharma Rohit , Kumar Dileep
Published: May 2023

Background

Urolithiasis has been a major health concern for centuries, primarily owing to the limited treatment options in the physician’s armamentarium. However, various studies have underscored a lesser incidence of urolithiasis in cohorts predominantly consuming fruits and vegetables. This article aims to review various dietary plants, medicinal herbs and phytochemicals in the prevention and management of urolithiasis.

Methods

To provide context and evidence, relevant publications were identified on Google Scholar, PubMed and Science-Direct using keywords such as urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis, urolithiasis, renal stones, phytochemicals and dietary plants.

Results

Growing bodies of evidence suggest the incorporation of plant-based foods, medicinal and herbal supplements, and crude drugs containing phytochemicals into the staple diet of people. The anti-urolithiatic activity of these plant bioactives can be attributed to their antioxidant, antispasmodic, diuretic, and inhibitory effect on the crystallization, nucleation and crystal aggregation effects. These mechanisms would help alleviate the events and symptoms that aid in the development and progression of renal calculi. In addition, it will also avoid the exacerbation of secondary disorders like inflammation and injury, which can initiate a vicious circle in turn worsening the disease progression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results presented in the review demonstrate the promising role of various dietary plants, medicinal and herbal supplements, and phytochemicals in preventing and managing the precipitation of uroliths. However, more conclusive and cogent evidence from preclinical and clinical studies is required to substantiate their safety, efficacy and toxicity profiles in humans.