bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSXIV-30 Effects of Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation During Gestation in Beef Heifers on Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Colostrum and Immune Responses in Naturally and Artificially Reared Calves
Authors: Hurlbert Jennifer L , Bochantin Kerri A , Baumgaertner Friederike , Menezes Ana Clara Baiao , Kirsch James D , Sedivec Kevin K , Dahlen Carl R
Published: November 2023

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the impacts of feeding a vitamin/mineral supplement to beef heifers throughout gestation on concentrations of immunoglobulin (Ig) in colostrum and in calf serum 24 h after consumption of maternal colostrum (Exp. 1) or a colostrum replacement product (Exp. 2). Angus-based beef heifers [n = 72, initial body weight (BW) = 380.4 ± 50.56 kg] were managed in an individual feeding system and randomly assigned to a basal diet targeting gain of 0.45 kg·heifer-1·d-1 (CON; n = 36) or the basal diet plus 113 g·heifer-1·d-1 of a vitamin/mineral supplement (VTM; n = 36). For Exp. 1 treatments began at the time of artificial insemination (AI) to sexed semen, and heifers becoming pregnant after first service AI (CON, n = 14; VTM, n = 17) continued treatments throughout gestation. At calving, heifer calves were allowed to nurse their dams and remained alongside their dams until weaning. For Exp 2. non-pregnant heifers were rebred 60 d after initial dietary treatments began and continued treatments throughout gestation, with resultant heifer calves (CON, n = 7; VTM, n = 7) being removed from their dams at birth and receiving 1.5 L of colostrum replacer containing 150 g globulin protein via an esophageal feeder, followed every 12 h by 1.9 L of milk replacer. In both experiments samples of colostrum were collected after completely milking the rear-right quarter of the udder. Blood samples were collected from calves before (within 2 h of birth) and 24 h after colostrum consumption. Concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were quantified in colostrum and serum via bovine radial immunodiffusion plates. Data for both experiments were analyzed for the effect of treatment using the MIXED procedure in SAS, with additional analysis of data from Exp. 1 using the CORR procedure to determine correlations among dam colostrum and calf serum Ig concentrations at 24 h. In both experiments, maternal treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.21) concentrations of IgG, IgM, or IgA in colostrum at calving or in calf serum at 24 h. All calves from both experiments had undetectable concentrations of these respective immunoglobulins at birth. Concentrations of IgG at 24 h in calves that received maternal colostrum were 2,595.8 ± 535.38 mg/dL (Exp. 1), whereas those that received colostrum replacer were 1,610.6 ± 335.09 mg/dL (Exp. 2). Concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were positively correlated (r ≥ 0.34; P ≤ 0.05) with concentrations of calf serum IgG, IgM, and IgA at 24 h after suckling. Our results suggest that maternal vitamin/mineral supplementation throughout gestation did not impact Ig concentrations in colostrum or the resultant serum Ig concentrations in calves either 24 h after suckling or after delivery of a commercial colostrum replacer.
PSXIV-26 Live Animal Longissimus Thoracis Mitochondrial Capacities at 10, 13, and 18 Months of Age Are Related to Meat Quality in Angus and Brahman Steers
Authors: Wesolowski Lauren T , Semanchik Pier L , Simons Jessica L , Guy Chloey P , Earnhardt-San Audrey L , Riley David G , Perry George A , Long Charles R , Machado Tanner J , Randel Ronald D , Welsh Thomas H , White-Springer Sarah H
Published: November 2023

Mitochondrial abundance and efficiency correlate with meat color, but relationships between live animal mitochondria and other markers of beef quality remain largely unknown. To test the hypothesis that live animal skeletal muscle mitochondrial markers would be correlated with post-harvest hot carcass weight, ribeye area, calculated yield grade, backfat thickness, and marbling, samples were collected from the longissimus thoracis of Brahman and Angus steers at 10 mo (25 Angus, 23 Brahman), 13 mo (35 Angus, 33 Brahman), and 18 mo (35 Angus, 33 Brahman) of age. Mitochondrial volume density and function were quantified by citrate synthase (CS) and cytochrome c oxidase activities, respectively. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxP) and electron transfer (E) capacities were determined via high-resolution respirometry. Relationships between mitochondrial variables and carcass quality were determined using PROC CORR in SAS (v9.4). Within Angus at 10 mo, integrative (per mg tissue) complex I-supported OxP (PCI), maximal OxP (PCI+II), maximal E (ECI+II), and E supported by complex II (ECII) were positively correlated with hot carcass weight (P ≤ 0.05). Also, within 10 mo Angus, integrative OxPCI and flux control ratio (FCR) for OxPCI were positively correlated with backfat thickness (P ≤ 0.03). Within 10 mo Brahman, integrative PCI was positively correlated with ribeye area (P = 0.04). Within 13 mo Brahman, integrative mitochondrial proton LEAK was positively correlated with hot carcass weight (P = 0.02) and intrinsic (relative to CS activity) LEAK, PCI, and ECI+II were positively correlated with marbling (P ≤ 0.05). Conversely, CS activity was negatively correlated with marbling in 13 mo Brahman (P = 0.05). Integrative, FCR, and intrinsic LEAK were negatively correlated with ribeye area (P ≤ 0.05) but positively correlated with calculated yield grade in 13 mo Angus (P ≤ 0.03). However, at 18 mo, integrative, FCR, and intrinsic LEAK were positively correlated with ribeye area (P ≤ 0.008) but negatively correlated with calculated yield grade (P ≤ 0.01) in Angus steers. Furthermore, integrative and intrinsic OxPCI+II, ECI+II, and ECII were positively correlated with marbling in 18 mo Angus (P ≤ 0.04). Within 18 mo Brahman, CS activity was positively correlated with ribeye area (P = 0.006). Cytochrome c oxidase activity was not correlated with any markers of meat quality. These results suggest that mitochondrial capacity for energy production in Angus and Brahman steers at different life and production stages may dictate potential for skeletal muscle growth and lipid metabolism leading to differences in beef quality at slaughter. This project was supported by USDA NIFA Award #2021-67015-33392.
PSXIV-29 Seminal Plasma Uterine Priming in Embryo-Recipient Beef Cows Alters Preweaning Offspring Growth But Not Indices of Body Composition
Authors: Swanson Rebecca M , Messman Riley D , Vann Rhonda C , Yates Dustin T , Sidelinger Darcie R , Lemley Caleb O
Published: November 2023

Seminal plasma primes the uterus for pregnancy through the recruitment of cells aiding in microbial clearance, tissue remodeling and angiogenesis, and embryo implantation and growth. Less is known about the effects of seminal plasma uterine priming in practices devoid of seminal plasma, specifically evaluating offspring growth in embryo-recipient beef cows. In the present study, we sought to determine the effects of seminal plasma uterine priming on postnatal body weights, carcass ultrasound measures, and indices of body composition. To realize these objectives, embryo-recipient cows randomly received 0.5 mL of pooled seminal plasma or no treatment (control) at estrus and underwent embryo transfer seven days later. Following parturition, offspring pre-weaning body weights were collected at 30, 90, and 180 days of age. Indices of body composition, carcass ultrasounds and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), were collected pre-weaning at an average 209 days of age. Weaning weights and hip heights were collected at an average of 212 days of age. Ultrasound, BIA, and weaning weight data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS for fixed effects of treatment. Pre-weaning body weights were analyzed similarly with repeated measures for treatment, day, and their interaction. Covariates of sire, dam, sex, and age were included in all models if P ≤ 0.10. Correlations between carcass ultrasounds and BIA parameters of fat-free mass and fat-free soft tissue were analyzed using the CORR procedure of SAS. Significance is declared at P ≤ 0.05 and data were presented as means ± standard error. A treatment by day interaction was not observed for pre-weaning body weight. However, a main effect of treatment was observed for pre-weaning body weights, which was decreased (P = 0.0130) in seminal plasma calves compared with controls. Weaning weights and hip height were not different between treatments. There was not an effect of treatment on carcass ultrasound measures, including ribeye area, ribeye area adjusted by body weight, rib fat, intramuscular fat, or rump fat. Similarly, BIA measures of fat-free mass and fat-free soft tissue were not different between treatments. Ribeye area and rib fat ultrasound were moderately correlated (P < 0.05) with BIA measures of fat-free mass and fat-free soft tissue. Interestingly, previously reported data from this project show offspring from seminal plasma treated cows had decreased embryo size at days 35, 40, and 45 of gestation, and decreased birth weights. It appears seminal plasma uterine priming prior to embryo transfer negatively impacts offspring growth pre-weaning, however, by weaning this difference is diminished. It is less clear why pre-weaning weights differ due to similar body composition among treatment and control calves; however, these measures may have been collected after the period of compensatory gain occurred.
PSXIV-21 Genetic Diversity in Mashona, a Sanga-Type Cattle from Southern Africa
Authors: Ling Ashley , Hay ElHamidi , Hayes Emily G , Browning Richard , Blackburn Harvey D
Published: November 2023

Climate change projections suggest pervasive impacts on livestock performance, for which United States (US) producers will need to adjust. Fortuitously, the US has a broad array of genetic resources among its breeds with which to explore a genetic basis for increased resilience. Sanga-type cattle were developed in a tropical environment and are generally considered a long-formed taurine and indicine composite. Consequently, they may harbor unique genetic diversity which could be of utility to the US cattle industry. Mashona is a Sanga breed from southern Africa and has been imported into the US. Comparison of its genetic diversity to other breeds found in US tropical and subtropical environments has not been studied. To initiate evaluation of Mashona we evaluated 334 animals from Mashona (24), Tuli (12), Florida Cracker (20), Senepol (24), Brahman (68), Brangus (20), Romosinuano (20), Hereford (50), Angus (50) and Wagyu (56). Notably, Tuli is also a Sanga-type breed closely related to Mashona. All animals were genotyped with the BovineHD chip (777K SNP). Quality control included removal of loci with a minor allele frequency < 0.05 and a missingness rate > 0.1. For SNP pairs with r2 > 0.2 across all breeds, one SNP was chosen at random and removed. After quality control, 75,698 SNP remained for analysis. The first 4 principal components explained 15.5, 4.3, 3.1, and 2.4%, respectively, of the variation in the genomic relationship matrix. Mashona and Tuli tended to cluster close together for all the principal components (PC) evaluated. The first PC captured variation across the taurine-indicine axis with Hereford and Brahman at opposite extremes; Mashona clustered approximately midway between taurine and indicine breeds. Breed placement along PC4 highlighted separation of Sanga breeds from other breeds evaluated, though Mashona and Tuli each formed a distinct cluster. Ancestral groups were estimated using ADMIXTURE software for k = 3 to 15. Cross-validation error declined from 0.55 at k = 3 to 0.50 at k = 7, after which the error was relatively similar for greater values of k. As early as k = 4, Mashona and Tuli were found to be a distinct population. This group represented 61.7 to 99.9 and 59.5 to 74.9% of the estimated admixture for Mashona and Tuli, respectively. At k = 10, Mashona and Tuli branched into separate populations. Additional estimated ancestry in Mashona was primarily from groups representing Angus and Brahman, up to 15 and 9%, respectively. With progressive cluster number tropical cattle breeds were found to be distinct from one another and other taurine and indicine breeds. Collectively these results support Mashona being a genetically distinct population relative to breeds more commonly utilized in the US beef industry; such a broad array of genetic diversity suggests there may be substantial allele reservoirs capable of conferring selective advantages to counter negative impacts of climate change.
PSXIII-12 Effects of Dietary Mixed Sources of Selenium Supplementation on Immune Responses, Stress Parameter and Gut Microbiota of Weaned Pigs
Authors: Shin Ikcheol , Park Kyeong Il , Kyoung Hyunjin , Kim Yonghee , Ahn Jinmu , Lee Jae In , Ha Sewon , Nam Jinwook , Kim Kimoon , Kang Yonggu , Park Youngmin , Song Minho
Published: November 2023

Selenium (Se) is a micro-essential mineral, following the amount of Se can be appeared as selenosis or deficiency disease. Its representative role was the main compound of glutathione peroxidase as known antioxidant enzyme. This role closely relates to health of piglets. Popular form of Se was divided into organic Se (Ose) and inorganic Se (Ise) forms. Ose has greater bioavailability and costs and reduced toxicity than Ise. Mixed Se sources can save costs and improve bioavailability compared with single-source Se. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary mixed Se supplementation on immune responses, stress parameter and gut microbiota of weaned pigs. Weaned pigs [n = 156; 7.85 ± 0.10 kg of initial body weight (BW)] were allotted to three dietary treatments (4 pigs/pen; 13 replicates/treatment) in a randomized complete block design (block: initial BW and sex) for 6 weeks. Dietary treatments were a corn-soybean based diet except for Se (CON), CON + 0.15 ppm Ose + 0.15 ppm Ise (A), and CON + 0.25 ppm Ose + 0.25 ppm Ise (B). On day 7, 14, and 42, blood samples were collected from randomly selected 6 pigs per treatment. The collected samples were used for immune responses and stress parameters like tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor beta1, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and cortisol by using ELISA kits. On day 42, samples were collected to analyze microbial communities of pigs by 16s rRNA sequencing method. Microbial communities were analyzed using QIIME. The microbial alpha diversity indices such as number of OTUs, Chao1, Shannon, and Inverse Simpson were calculated to measure the within-sample diversity and richness at the species level. The microbial beta diversity was performed to inter-sample dissimilarities using weighted UniFrac distances based on principal coordinate analysis. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. The experimental unit was a pen. The statistical model for immune responses, stress parameters and gut microbiota included dietary treatment as main effect and initial BW as a covariate. No differences were found on immune responses and stress parameters among dietary treatments. The number of OTUs, Chao1, Shannon, and Inverse Simpson were not different among dietary treatments. The Se increased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes but decreased (P < 0.05) phylum Firmicutes. In addition, the Se increased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of genus Barnesiella but decreased (P < 0.05) genus Lactobacillus. In conclusion, addition of 0.3 and 0.5 ppm mixed Se can alter gut microbiota.
PSIV-14 Effects of Maternal Nutrient Restriction During Late Gestation on Expelled Cotyledonary Mrna Expression in Primiparous Beef Females
Authors: Redifer Colby A , Rathert-Williams Abigail R , Wichman Lindsey G , Meyer Allison M
Published: November 2023

To determine the effects of late gestational nutrient restriction on expelled cotyledonary mRNA expression, fall-calving Hereford × Simmental-Angus heifers [single-sired; BW: 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.7] bred to a single sire were allocated by fetal sex and expected calving date to receive either 100% (control; CON; n = 12) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 11) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth. Beginning on d 160 of gestation, heifers were individually fed chopped sorghum sudan hay (1.74 Mcal ME/kg, 6.69% CP, 72.0% NDF; DM basis) and based on individual intakes, supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes. Calving was observed for all females and placentas were collected at natural expulsion. Immediately after collection (average: 4.5 h post-calving; range: 2.3 to 12.1 h post-calving), 2 representative cotyledons on the ipsilateral side were cleaned with phosphate buffered saline, and cotyledonary tissue was flash frozen. Total RNA was extracted, and RT-qPCR was performed for mRNA expression of glucose transporters (SLC2A1, SLC2A3, SLC2A4), a fructose transporter (SLC2A5), amino acid transporters (SLC1A1, SLC3A2, SLC7A1, SLC7A5, SLC7A8, SLC38A2), angiogenic factors/receptors (VEGFA, NOS3, FLT1, KDR, GUCY1B3), and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein 2 (PAG2). Relative mRNA expression was analyzed with nutritional plane, treatment initiation date, time to cotyledon sampling, and calf sex (when P < 0.25) as fixed effects. We have previously reported that total uterine blood flow during late gestation was not affected (P ≥ 0.20) by nutritional plane or the nutritional plane × day of gestation interaction. Post-calving, NR dams were 64 kg BW less (P < 0.001) and 2.0 BCS less (P < 0.001), but calf birth weight was not affected (P = 0.72) by nutritional plane. Contralateral placental dry weight tended to be less (P = 0.07) in NR dams, but total placental weight was not affected (P = 0.86) by late gestational nutritional plane. Cotyledonary relative mRNA expression of SLC2A3 and SLC38A2 was greater (P ≤ 0.05) and relative expression of SLC2A1, SLC2A4, and NOS3 tended to be greater (P ≤ 0.07) in NR dams compared with CON. Late gestational nutritional plane did not affect (P ≥ 0.13) cotyledonary relative mRNA expression of FLT1, GUCY1B3, KDR, PAG2, SLC1A1, SLC2A5, SLC3A2, SLC7A1, SLC7A5, SLC7A8, and VEGFA. In summary, first parity beef females who experienced late gestational nutrient restriction maintained uterine blood flow and placental mass and had 4 nutrient transporters and 1 angiogenic factor upregulated in cotyledons, all which likely contributed to their conservation of fetal growth.
PSVI-29 Using Feeding Behavior Assessment to Evaluate the Effects of Beef Cattle Dietary Type Or the Presence of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Authors: Broussard Emilee A , Sarturi Jhones O , Silva Kaliu G , Johnson Bradley J , Rodrigues Barbara , Dos Reis Beatriz
Published: November 2023

The effects of live yeast and diet type (grower or finisher) offered to beef steers on feeding behavior were evaluated. Eight ruminally cannulated yearling beef steers (BW = 550 ± 20 kg) were used in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin Square design and offered four dietary treatments to ad libitum intake, following a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement: A) presence or not of live-yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae [2 × 1010 CFU/g (CNCM I-1077)]; and B) diet type. Diets (DM basis) contained 3% yellow-grease and mineral/vitamin supplement-adjusted. The grower [40% low-quality alfalfa-hay (LQ-hay), 35% steam-flaked corn (SFC), 20% wet corn gluten feed (WCGF)] and finisher (65% SFC, 20% WCGF, 8% LQ-hay) diets were offered once daily at 0700 h. Live-yeast cells or placebo (soybean meal) were delivered with gel capsules (0.25 g, as is) twice daily directly into the rumen via ruminal cannula. Four, 35 d periods were used, in which feeding behavior assessment was conducted by trained personnel on d 31 (continuous 24 h, every 5 min) while no other major management was performed during the evaluation. The time spent eating, ruminating (standing/laying), resting (stating/laying), active, and drinking were recorded, while chewing was estimated by adding rumination and eating time. The number of meals and time spent on each meal were also assessed. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedures of SAS, with animal considered as the experimental unit. The statistical model used the fixed effects of diet type, live-yeast presence, and the diet × live-yeast interaction, while square, period, and animal(square) were used as random effects. No diet × live-yeast interactions (P ≥ 0.17) or main effects of live-yeast (P ≥ 0.23) were observed for the variables measured. Feeding behavior was affected by diet type, in which steers offered a grower diet had greater time spent ruminating (341 vs. 231 min/d; P < 0.01), eating (154 vs. 105 min/d; P < 0.01), chewing (494 vs. 336 min/d; P < 0.01), and meal length (13 vs. 10 min/meal; P < 0.01), while less time resting (838 vs. 973 min/d; P < 0.01) compared with those offered the finisher diet. The time spent drinking (15 min/d; P = 0.29) and the number of daily meals (13 meals/d; P = 0.66) were not affected by treatments, while steers offered the finisher diet tended (P = 0.12) to be more active than those offered the grower diet (116 vs. 95 min/d). As expected, grower diets were more prone than finisher diets to stimulate feeding behavior variables of beef steers. Moreover, when directly introduced inside the rumen via ruminal cannula, the live yeast used seemed to not affect the feeding behavior of beef steers consuming a steam-flaked corn-based grower or finisher diet.
PSXII-30 Changes in Ruminal Digesta and Ruminal Ammonia-N Concentration with Differing Durations Feed Restriction for Sheep
Authors: Hare Koryn S , Lambert Koralie , Chagas Anne Clair , Watanabe Daniel H M , Penner Greg B
Published: November 2023

During transient periods of feed restriction (FR), ruminal ammonia-N (NH3-N) concentrations and fluid volume may parallel the reduction in feed and water intake. However, changes in ruminal digesta characteristics and NH3-N during FR have not been characterized. Thus, the objective was to determine how FR duration impacts ruminal digesta weight and the liquid and solid fractions, and ruminal NH3-N concentration. Lambs (n = 9 wethers and 12 rams, stratified by BW and castration status) were fed ad libitum (AL, n = 7) or subjected to 5-d (FR5, n = 7) or 10-d of FR (FR10, n = 7) at 30% of AL intake. Lambs were killed 4 h post-feeding to excise the gastrointestinal tract and ruminal digesta was weighed. Sub-samples of digesta were collected for separation into solid and liquid fractions using a winepress, used for DM determination, and another was strained and preserved with sulfuric acid to analyze ruminal NH3-N concentration. Data were analyzed with PROC GLIMMIX (SAS 9.4) with the fixed effect of treatment and random effects of lamb specified to the R-sided matrix. Linear regression (PROC REG) was used to evaluate the relationship between ruminal NH3-N concentration and quantity relative to ruminal fluid weight and PROC CORR was used to generate Pearson correlation coefficients. The ruminal digesta weight did not differ (P = 0.97) among treatments but AL ruminal digesta was drier (P < 0.01) than FR5 and FR10 digesta (40.2% decrease in DM% relative to AL). As such, FR5 and FR10 had 0.7 ± 0.16 kg less (P = 0.01) ruminal solids than AL while they tended to have more (P = 0.09) ruminal fluid. Ruminal NH3-N concentration was greater (P < 0.01) for FR5 and FR10 compared with AL (2.4 and 2.0 vs. 0.4 ± 0.52 mg/dL, respectively). The quantity of ruminal NH3-N (mg) followed the same pattern with FR5 and FR10 having, on average, 51.5 ± 18.39 mg NH3-N more (P < 0.01) in their ruminal fluid than AL. The quantity of ruminal NH3-N was strongly correlated (ρ = 0.87, P < 0.01) to the total ruminal fluid such that 75% of the variance was explained by the relationship. The strength of the correlation (ρ = 0.81, R2 = 0.66, P < 0.01) between ruminal NH3-N concentration and total ruminal fluid was slightly lesser, but the two parameters were still strongly associated. From these data, we surmise that FR is associated with a reduction in ruminal DM content and may increase ruminal liquid that corresponds to increased ruminal NH3-N, independent of the duration of exposure.
Psychosocial Interventions for Children and Young People With Visible Differences Resulting From Appearance-Altering Conditions, Injury, or Treatment Effects: An Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Waite Emma , Jenkinson Elizabeth , Kershaw Saskia , Guest Ella
Published: November 2023

Objective

Children and young people with visible differences can experience psychosocial difficulties, such as anxiety and teasing by others. Interventions targeting difficulties have previously been reviewed by Jenkinson et al. This review aimed to identify and critically assess recent studies evaluating the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for children and young people with visible differences on psychosocial wellbeing, self-esteem, and social experiences and compare the findings with Jenkinson et al. using a replacement review process.

Methods

Inclusion criteria are as follows: studies with participants aged 0–18 years with visible differences; investigating a psychosocial intervention; including comparison with an alternative intervention, control group, or pre- and post-intervention; and including a quantitative measure assessed pre- and post-intervention. Exclusion criteria are as follows: participants with body dysmorphic disorder or appearance changes due to eating disorders or obesity and studies not written in English. MEDLINE, AMED, and PsycInfo were searched and grey literature was included. Results were reviewed against eligibility criteria, data were extracted, and studies were evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool.

Results

Using Jenkinson et al. as one source of studies, 24 studies were included evaluating a range of interventions such as social interaction skills training, residential social camps, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Risk of bias was high in 20 studies and of some concern in four studies.

Conclusion

There is some evidence of the effectiveness of hypnotherapy, a relaxation response resiliency program, integrative body-mind-spirit group, and therapeutic patient education, but more rigorous research is needed to confirm their impact on psychosocial outcomes.
Calcium signaling: an emerging player in plant antiviral defense
Authors: Zvereva Anna S , Klingenbrunner Michael , Teige Markus
Published: November 2023

Calcium is a universal messenger in different kingdoms of living organisms and regulates most physiological processes, including defense against pathogens. The threat of viral infections in humans has become very clear in recent years, and this has triggered detailed research into all aspects of host–virus interactions, including the suppression of calcium signaling in infected cells. At the same time, however, the threat of plant viral infections is underestimated in society, and research in the field of calcium signaling during plant viral infections is scarce. Here we highlight an emerging role of calcium signaling for antiviral protection in plants, in parallel with the known evidence from studies of animal cells. Obtaining more knowledge in this domain might open up new perspectives for future crop protection and the improvement of food security.
Intestinal monocarboxylate transporter 1 mediates lactate transport in the gut and regulates metabolic homeostasis of mouse in a sex-dimorphic pattern
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhang Lingling , Zhao Jingyu , Bai Meijuan , Lin Yijun , Chu Qianqian , Gong Jue , Qiu Ju , Chen Yan
Published: November 2023

The monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), encoded by gene Slc16a1, is a proton-coupled transporter for lactate and other monocarboxylates. MCT1-mediated lactate transport was recently found to regulate various biological functions. However, how MCT1 and lactate in the intestine modulate the physiology and pathophysiology of the body is unclear. In this study, we generated a mouse model with specific deletion of Slc16a1 in the intestinal epithelium (Slc16a1IKO mice) and investigated the functions of MCT1 in the gut. When fed a high-fat diet, Slc16a1IKO male mice had improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, while Slc16a1IKO female mice only had increased adiposity. Deficiency of intestinal MCT1 in male mice was associated with downregulation of pro-inflammatory pathways, together with decreased circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and C–C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). Lactate had a stimulatory effect on pro-inflammatory macrophages in vitro. The number of intestinal macrophages was reduced in Slc16a1IKO male mice in vivo. Intestinal deletion of Slc16a1 in male mice reduced interstitial lactate level in the intestine. In addition, treatment of male mice with estrogen lowered interstitial lactate level in the intestine and abolished the difference in glucose homeostasis between Slc16a1IKO and wild-type mice. Deficiency of intestinal MCT1 also blocked the transport of lactate and short-chain fatty acids from the intestine to the portal vein. The effect of Slc16a1 deletion on glucose homeostasis in male mice was partly mediated by alterations in gut microbiota. In conclusion, our work reveals that intestinal MCT1 regulates glucose homeostasis in a sex-dependent manner.
Three-dimensional Element-by-element Surface Topography Reconstruction of Compound Samples Using Multisegment Silicon Drift Detectors
Authors: Gholami Hatam Ebrahim , Pelicon Primož , Punzón-Quijorna Esther , Kelemen Mitja , Vavpetič Primož
Published: November 2023

Elemental surface topography information in microscopic material characterization contributes to a better understanding of surfaces, interfaces, substrates, and their applications. Here, a general approach based on microbeam proton-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE) to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) elemental surface topography using the annular multisegment silicon drift detector has been demonstrated. The proposed method includes four main steps: acquiring four two-dimensional elemental concentration maps using the multichannel spectrometer, reconstructing the local inclination angle from the atomic model of ion–matter interaction, calculating the two independent topography gradient components, and numerical surface topography integration. In this study, the general algorithm to obtain the gradient components has been successfully tested on a four-segment configuration to reconstruct the 3D surface topography of compound alloys with different microstructure scales. In synchrotron and accelerator facilities dealing with elemental X-ray mapping where the development of customized multisegment detectors is needed, the introduced method is applicable to elemental surface/interface roughness reconstruction in microscale for cultural heritage samples, fusion plasma-facing materials, and microelectronic devices.
Fusariosis in Mexico: A 10-year retrospective series
Authors: Barragán-Reyes Armando , Jácome Luis Esaú López , Perales-Martínez Diana , Nava-Ruiz Alejandra , Hernández María de Lourdes García , Cornejo-Juárez Patricia , Rincón-Zuno Joaquín , Camacho Adrián , Cendejas Rafael Franco , Guzmán José M Feliciano , Rivera-Martínez Norma E , Ontañón-Zurita Diego , Reséndiz-Sánchez Jesús , Juárez-Hernández Eva , Aguilar-Zapata Daniel
Published: November 2023

Fusarium species represent an opportunistic fungal pathogen. The data in Mexico about Fusarium infections in humans are scarce. Here, we present a retrospective series of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of fusariosis in eight different hospitals in Mexico from January 2010 to December 2019. The diagnosis of proven fusariosis was made according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium (EORT/MSG) criteria. A total of 49 cases were identified in our series. Most patients had burn injuries (49%), and 37% had hematological malignancies. Most patients had fire injuries (40%), followed by electric injuries (8%), febrile neutropenia (10%), and pancytopenia (6%). Patients had skin and soft tissue involvement in 49%, followed by blood culture isolation and biopsies from different sites of the body (lung, sinuses, bone tissue, and eyes). Febrile neutropenia (10%) and fungemia (8%) were the most common clinical syndromes in immunosuppressed patients. Most patients received monotherapy (67%), where voriconazole was used in 30% of the cases, followed by conventional amphotericin B (16%), and lipidic formulations of amphotericin B in 10% (either liposomal amphotericin B or amphotericin B lipid complex). Combination therapy was used in 20% of the cases, and the most common combination therapy was triazole plus any lipidic formulation of amphotericin B (10%). Mortality related to Fusarium infection occurred in 22% of patients. Fusariosis is a serious threat. Burn injuries and hematologic malignancies represent the most common causes of infection in this small series from Mexico.
Inclination angles for Be stars determined using machine learning
Authors: Lailey B D , Sigut T A A
Published: November 2023

We test the viability of training machine learning algorithms with synthetic $\rm H\, \alpha$ line profiles to determine the inclination angles (the angle between the central B star’s rotation axis and the observer’s line of sight) of B emission (Be) stars from a single observed medium-resolution, moderate signal-to-noise ratio spectrum. The performances of three different machine learning algorithms were compared: neural networks tasked with regression, neural networks tasked with classification, and support vector regression. Of these three algorithms, neural networks tasked with regression consistently outperformed the other methods with a root mean squared error of 7.6° on an observational sample of 92 galactic Be stars with inclination angles known from direct $\rm H\, \alpha$ profile fitting, from the spectroscopic signature of gravitational darkening, and, in a few cases, from interferometric observations that resolved the disc. The trained neural networks enable a quick and useful determination of the inclination angles of observed Be stars, which can be used to search for correlated spin axes in young open clusters or to extract an equatorial rotation velocity from a measurement of vsin i.
EDGE: The direct link between mass growth history and the extended stellar haloes of the faintest dwarf galaxies
Authors: Goater Alex , Read Justin I , Noël Noelia E D , Orkney Matthew D A , Kim Stacy Y , Rey Martin P , Andersson Eric P , Agertz Oscar , Pontzen Andrew , Vieliute Roberta , Kataria Dhairya , Jeneway Kiah
Published: November 2023

Ultra-faint dwarf galaxies (UFDs) are commonly found in close proximity to the Milky Way and other massive spiral galaxies. As such, their projected stellar ellipticity and extended light distributions are often thought to owe to tidal forces. In this paper, we study the projected stellar ellipticities and faint stellar outskirts of tidally isolated ultra-faints drawn from the ‘Engineering Dwarfs at Galaxy Formation’s Edge’ (EDGE) cosmological simulation suite. Despite their tidal isolation, our simulated dwarfs exhibit a wide range of projected ellipticities (0.03 < ε < 0.85), with many possessing anisotropic extended stellar haloes that mimic tidal tails, but owe instead to late-time accretion of lower mass companions. Furthermore, we find a strong causal relationship between ellipticity and formation time of a UFD, which is robust to a wide variation in the feedback model. We show that the distribution of projected ellipticities in our suite of simulated EDGE dwarfs matches well with a sample of 19 Local Group dwarf galaxies and a sample of 11 isolated dwarf galaxies. Given ellipticity in EDGE arises from an ex-situ accretion origin, the agreement in shape indicates the ellipticities of some observed dwarfs may also originate from a non-tidal scenario. The orbital parameters of these observed dwarfs further support that they are not currently tidally disrupting. If the baryonic content in these galaxies is still tidally intact, then the same may be true for their dark matter content, making these galaxies in our Local Group pristine laboratories for testing dark matter and galaxy formation models.
Sub-mJy radio emission from high-redshift active galactic nuclei in the footprint of the VLA Sky Survey
Authors: Perger Krisztina , Frey Sándor , Gabányi Krisztina É
Published: November 2023

Using empty-field ‘Quick Look’ images from the first two epochs of the VLA Sky Survey (VLASS) observations, centred on the positions of ∼3700 individually radio-non-detected active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at z ≥ 4, we performed image stacking analysis to examine the sub-mJy emission at 3 GHz. We found characteristic monochromatic radio powers of Pchar = (2–13) × 1024 W Hz−1, indicating that AGN-related radio emission is widespread in the sample. The signal-to-noise ratios of the redshift-binned median stacked maps are between 4–6, and we expect that with the inclusion of the yet to be completed third-epoch VLASS observations, the detection limit defined as signal-to-noise ratio SNR ≥ 6 could be reached, and the redshift dependence can be determined. To obtain information on the general spectral properties of the faint radio emission in high-redshift AGNs, we confined the sample to ∼3000 objects covered by both the VLASS and the Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-centimeters (FIRST) survey. We found that the flux densities from the median stacked maps show a characteristic spectral index of α* = −0.30 ± 0.15, which is in agreement with the median spectral index of the radio-detected z ≥ 4 AGNs from our high-redshift AGN catalogue. The three-band mid-infrared colour–colour diagram based on Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer observations provides further support regarding the AGN contribution to the radio emission in the sub-mJy sample.
Halo growth and merger rates as a cosmological test
Authors: Amoura Yuba , Drakos Nicole E , Berrouet Anael , Taylor James E
Published: November 2023

Dark matter haloes grow at a rate that depends on the value of the cosmological parameters σ8 and Ωm through the initial power spectrum and the linear growth factor. While halo abundance is routinely used to constrain these parameters, through cluster abundance studies, the halo growth rate is not. In recent work, we proposed constraining the cosmological parameters using observational estimates of the overall dynamical ‘age’ of clusters, expressed, for instance, by their half-mass assembly redshift z50. Here, we explore the prospects for using the instantaneous growth rate, as estimated from the halo merger rate, from the average growth rate over the last dynamical time, or from the fraction of systems with recent episodes of major growth. We show that the merger rate is mainly sensitive to the amplitude of fluctuations σ8, while the rates of recent growth provide constraints in the Ωm–σ8 plane that are almost orthogonal to those provided by abundance studies. Data collected for forthcoming cluster abundance studies, or studies of the galaxy merger rate in current and future galaxy surveys, may thus provide additional constraints on the cosmological parameters complementary to those already derived from halo abundance.
The impact of binary stars on the dust and metal evolution of galaxies
Authors: Yates Robert M , Hendriks David , Vijayan Aswin P , Izzard Robert G , Thomas Peter A , Das Payel
Published: November 2023

We present detailed implementations of (i) binary stellar evolution (BSE; using binary_c) and (ii) dust production and destruction into the cosmological semi-analytic galaxy evolution simulation, l-galaxies. This new version of l-galaxies is compared to a version assuming only single stars and to global and spatially-resolved observational data across a range of redshifts (z). We find that binaries have a negligible impact on the stellar masses, gas masses, and star formation rates of galaxies if the total mass ejected by massive stars is unchanged. This is because massive stars determine the strength of supernova (SN) feedback, which in turn regulates galaxy growth. Binary effects, such as common envelope ejection and novae, affect carbon and nitrogen enrichment in galaxies; however, heavier alpha elements are more affected by the choice of SN and wind yields. Unlike many other simulations, the new l-galaxies reproduces observed dust-to-metal (DTM) and dust-to-gas (DTG) ratios at z ∼ 0–4. This is mainly due to shorter dust accretion time-scales in dust-rich environments. However, dust masses are under-predicted at z ≳ 4, highlighting the need for enhanced dust production at early times in simulations, possibly accompanied by increased star formation. On sub-galactic scales, there is very good agreement between l-galaxies and observed dust and metal radial profiles at z = 0. A drop in DTM ratio is also found in diffuse low-metallicity regions, contradicting the assumption of a universal value. We hope that this work serves as a useful template for BSE implementations in other cosmological simulations in future.
Stellar properties of an actively accreting Algol-type eclipsing binary 2M16212643+2136590
Authors: Kounkel Marina , Statti Matteo , Kulkarni Avani , Stassun Keivan G , Sun Meng
Published: November 2023

Interacting binary stars undergo evolution that is significantly different from single stars, thus, a larger sample of such systems with precisely determined stellar parameters is needed to understand the complexities of this process. We present an analysis of a hierarchical triple containing a spectroscopically double-lined eclipsing binary, 2M16+21. Our calculations show that this system has undergone significant mass transfer, with the current mass and radius of the donor of 0.33 M⊙ and 2.55 R⊙, as well as the accretor of 1.37 M⊙ and 2.20 R⊙, resulting in a mass ratio of 4.2. Despite the already significant mass loss from the donor, shedding well over half its initial gas, mass transfer remains active. The shock from the accretion has produced a spot on the surface of the accretor that is ∼2 times hotter than the photosphere, reaching temperatures of ∼10 000 K and producing significant UV excess. This shock temperature is comparable to what is seen in the pre-main sequence stars that undergo active accretion. The compactness of the hot spot of just ∼2° is one of the smallest observed in systems exhibiting binary mass transfer, pointing to the recency of its formation, as such it can be used to explicitly trace the point of impact of the accretion stream. The donor of this system may be a sub-sub-giant; comparing it with systems with similar initial conditions may help with understanding the formation processes of such stars.
Bayesian model selection for GRB 211211A through multiwavelength analyses
Authors: Kunert N , Antier S , Nedora V , Bulla M , Pang P T H , Anand S , Coughlin M , Tews I , Barnes J , Hussenot-Desenonges T , Healy B , Jegou du Laz T , Pilloix M , Kiendrebeogo W , Dietrich T
Published: November 2023

Although GRB 211211A is one of the closest gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), its classification is challenging because of its partially inconclusive electromagnetic signatures. In this paper, we investigate four astrophysical scenarios as possible progenitors for GRB 211211A: a binary neutron star merger, a black hole–neutron star merger, a core-collapse supernova, and an r-process enriched core collapse of a rapidly rotating massive star (a collapsar). We perform a large set of Bayesian multiwavelength analyses based on different models describing these scenarios and priors to investigate which astrophysical scenarios and processes might be related to GRB 211211A. Our analysis supports previous studies in which the presence of an additional component, likely related to r-process nucleosynthesis, is required to explain the observed light curves of GRB 211211A, as it cannot be explained solely as a GRB afterglow. Fixing the distance to about $350~\rm Mpc$, namely the distance of the possible host galaxy SDSS J140910.47+275320.8, we find a statistical preference for a binary neutron star merger scenario.
Improving the RNA velocity approach with single-cell RNA lifecycle (nascent, mature and degrading RNAs) sequencing technologies
Authors: Zhang Chen , Fang Yitong , Chen Weitian , Chen Zhichao , Zhang Ying , Xie Yeming , Chen Wenfang , Xie Zhe , Guo Mei , Wang Juan , Tan Chen , Wang Hongqi , Tang Chong
Published: November 2023

We presented an experimental method called FLOUR-seq, which combines BD Rhapsody and nanopore sequencing to detect the RNA lifecycle (including nascent, mature, and degrading RNAs) in cells. Additionally, we updated our HIT-scISOseq V2 to discover a more accurate RNA lifecycle using 10x Chromium and Pacbio sequencing. Most importantly, to explore how single-cell full-length RNA sequencing technologies could help improve the RNA velocity approach, we introduced a new algorithm called ‘Region Velocity’ to more accurately configure cellular RNA velocity. We applied this algorithm to study spermiogenesis and compared the performance of FLOUR-seq with Pacbio-based HIT-scISOseq V2. Our findings demonstrated that ‘Region Velocity’ is more suitable for analyzing single-cell full-length RNA data than traditional RNA velocity approaches. These novel methods could be useful for researchers looking to discover full-length RNAs in single cells and comprehensively monitor RNA lifecycle in cells.
DiffSegR: an RNA-seq data driven method for differential expression analysis using changepoint detection
Authors: Liehrmann Arnaud , Delannoy Etienne , Launay-Avon Alexandra , Gilbault Elodie , Loudet Olivier , Castandet Benoît , Rigaill Guillem
Published: November 2023

To fully understand gene regulation, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of both the transcriptome and the enzymatic and RNA-binding activities that shape it. While many RNA-Seq-based tools have been developed to analyze the transcriptome, most only consider the abundance of sequencing reads along annotated patterns (such as genes). These annotations are typically incomplete, leading to errors in the differential expression analysis. To address this issue, we present DiffSegR - an R package that enables the discovery of transcriptome-wide expression differences between two biological conditions using RNA-Seq data. DiffSegR does not require prior annotation and uses a multiple changepoints detection algorithm to identify the boundaries of differentially expressed regions in the per-base log2 fold change. In a few minutes of computation, DiffSegR could rightfully predict the role of chloroplast ribonuclease Mini-III in rRNA maturation and chloroplast ribonuclease PNPase in (3′/5′)-degradation of rRNA, mRNA and tRNA precursors as well as intron accumulation. We believe DiffSegR will benefit biologists working on transcriptomics as it allows access to information from a layer of the transcriptome overlooked by the classical differential expression analysis pipelines widely used today. DiffSegR is available at https://aliehrmann.github.io/DiffSegR/index.html.
Scandinavian Legal Realism in the Law of Contract
Authors: Hellner Jan
Published: November 2023

Scandinavian legal realism seems to be a fairly well-known body of ideas in so far as it is often mentioned in general surveys of jurisprudence.1 However, it has never had any strong influence outside Scandinavia and there are few who adhere strictly to it nowadays. The founder of the school was the Swedish philosopher Axel Hagerstrom (1868-1939). His best-known Swedish followers were Vilhelm Lundstedt (1882-1955) and Karl Olivecrona (1897-1980). The Dane Alf Ross (1899-1980) is generally considered to belong to the school as well and he is perhaps the one who is most read at present. Ross began as a follower of Kelsen and retained in his later writings many of the ideas that he absorbed during this period. There is also an influence from logical positivism in his chief work, which has been translated into English under the title On Law and Justice (1958). This illustrates the fact that, in spite of their being considered to form one school and in spite of the influence of Hagerstrom on these legal scientists, they exhibit important differences among themselves.