bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSX-15 Hepatic function characteristics in pregnant Saanen goats depending on month of pregnancy
Authors: Bokhan Polina D , Bakhta Alesya A , Karpenko Larisa Y , Kozitcyna Anna I , Balykina Anna B , Polistovskaia Polina A , Enukashvili Abram I , Anipchenko Polina
Published: December 2019

In recent economical situation goat farming is a promising field accompanied by high price and demand of goat milk, meat and wool. Saanen goats is a dairy breed, the mean yield per lactation is 600–700 kg (1320–1540 lb). This breed is widespread in North-Western region of Russian Federation. Nowadays the deep research of Saanen goat metabolism in different physiological states is important and relevant. This study is aimed to study blood markers of hepatic function in Saanen goats depending on month of pregnancy. The experiment was conducted in the north-western region of Russian Federation, in laboratory of biochemistry and physiology department, FSBEI of Higher Education «SPbSAVM». The experimental group included 30 pregnant Saanen goats, 1–4 years of age, selected using matched pairs method; control group included 30 non-pregnant Saanen goats, same age. The blood samples were taken 5 times during pregnancy – each month. The blood markers of hepatic function (serum ALT, AST, ALP activity and total bilirubin) were assessed by standard methods. The results are displayed in table 1. After analyzing the received data of hepatic function markers there were revealed signs of hepatic toxic damage in pregnant goats during the whole period of pregnancy. Increase of hepatic enzymes activity (AST, ALT) and total bilirubin blood level in pregnant goats when compare with non-pregnant is also notable. Thus during the whole period of pregnancy there were signs of hepatic function disturbances because of intoxications. This is characterized by hepatic function markers elevation. This endogenic intoxication can potentially lead to hepatic damage. Received data allows taking into consideration preventive measures to minimize endogenic intoxication during the second half of pregnancy in goats.
PSX-7 Induction of sexual behavior of Dorper rams treated with GnRH in northern Mexico
Authors: Véliz-Deras Francisco G , Meza-Herrera Cesar , Angel Oscar , Gaytan-Alemán Leticia R , Santiago-Miramontes Angeles De , Carrillo Evaristo , Luna-Orozco Juan Ramón , García-Bolivar Elco Humberto
Published: December 2019

We evaluated whether the GnRH application induces the sexual behavior of Dorper rams in northern Mexico (26º N). Rams (n = 12) were divided into 2 homogenous groups (n = 6 each) in body weight (80.0 ± 2.8 kg) and a body condition of (3.3 ± 0.2 units, scale of 1–5). One group (GnRH) received 100 Μ g of GnRH i.m., every 3 d x 1 week, while the other (CONT) received 0.5 ml of physiological saline solution every 3 d x 1 week. At the end of the treatments, rams were subjected to a sexual behavior test by exposing each male to one estrus female during both appetitive (ASB, anogenital sniffing, approaching, kicking, vocalizations) and consummatory (CSB: unsheathing, mount attempt, full mount, mount with unsheathing and mount with ejaculation) sexual behaviors where registered. The CSA and CSC behavior frequencies were compared by a χ 2 test (SYSTAT 12). Both ASB and CSB behaviors favored (P < 0.05) to the GnRH rams; ASB 77% vs 23% and CSB 76% vs 23%. A demonstration of GnRH in Dorper rams in northern Mexico (26 ° N) induced sexual behavior; this should be of interest to enhance the out-of-season reproductive outcomes in the sheep industry.
PSX-17 Induction of sexual behavior of Dorper rams treated with hCG in northern Mexico
Authors: Gaytan-Alemán Leticia R , Carrillo-Moreno Dalia , Véliz-Deras Francisco G , Arellano-Rodriguez Gerardo , Contreras-Villarreal Viridiana , Ordoñez-Morales Julieta , Herrera-González Jose Luis , Rodriguez-Venegas Rafafel
Published: December 2019

To assess whether the application of HCG induces sexual behavior of rams of Dorper rams, a study was conducted in northern Mexico (26 º N). Dorper rams (n = 12) were divided into 2 groups (n = 6 each) with homogeneous body weight (78.0 ± 2.5) and body condition score (BCS = 3.3 ± 0.3; 1–5 scale). One group (HCG) received 300 IU of hCG i.m., every 3 d x 1 week, while the other group (CONT) received 0.5 mL of physiological saline solution i.m. every 3 d x 1 week At the end of the treatments, rams were subjected to a sexual behavior test by exposing each male to a female in estrus during 15 min; both the appetitive (ASB, anogenital sniffing, approaching, kicking, vocalizations) and the consummatory (CSB: unsheathing, mount attempt, full mount, mount with unsheathing and mount with ejaculation) sexual behaviors where registered. Data were analyzed with the χ2 test (SYSTAT 12). Both ASB and CSB behaviors favored (P < 0.05) to the HCG rams; ASB 69% vs 30% and CSB 73% vs 27%. Administration of HCG in Dorper rams at 26° North induced a higher sexual behavior; the last should be of interest to enhance the out-of-season reproductive outcomes in the sheep industry.
PSX-9 Relationships among body condition score, linear measures, body mass index, and growth performance of yearling Alpine doelings
Authors: Liu Haiying , Gipson Terry A , Puchala Ryszard , Goetsch Arthur L
Published: December 2019

Alpine doelings (54; initial BW and age of 31.7±0.38 kg and 306±1.9 days, respectively) were used to evaluate relationships among body condition score (BCS), linear measures and associated body mass indices (BMI), and growth performance. Doelings were allocated to treatments with ad libitum intake of diets of 75% alfalfa or sericea lespedeza. The experiment was 12 wk with two 6-wk periods. Linear measures included height at the withers (Wither), length from the point of the shoulder to hook bone (Hook) and pin bone (Pin), and circumference from heart girth (Heart). There were 13 BMI, including BMI1–Wither (BW/Wither), BMI2–Hook (BW/Hook), BMI3–Pin (BW/Pin), BMI4-Heart (BW/Heart), BMI6-Wither×Hook (BW/(Wither×Hook)), BMI7-Wither×Pin (BW/(Wither×Pin)), BMI8-Heart×Hook (BW/(Heart×Hook)), and BMI9-Heart×Pin (BW/(Heart×Pin)), all in g/cm2. Correlation coefficients between BCS and Wither, Hook, Pin, and Heart were 0.14 (P = 0.155), 0.29 (P = 0.002), 0.21 (P = 0.030), and 0.38 (P < 0.001), respectively. Correlation coefficients of BCS were 0.39 (P < 0.001), 0.21 (P = 0.023), 0.32 (P = 0.001), 0.18 (P = 0.064), and 0.23 (P = 0.018) for BW, ADG, and DM intake in g/d, % BW, and g/kg BW0.75, respectively, with nonsignificant r for residual feed intake and ADG:DM intake. Higher r were observed between BMI and performance measures. Correlation coefficients were 0.71, 0.58, 0.66, 0.69, 0.78, 0.67, and 0.812 between BMI1-Wither, BMI3-Pin, BMI4-Heart, BMI6-Wither×Hook, BMI7-Wither×Pin, BMI8-Heart×Hook, and BMI9-Heart×Pin and BW; 0.36, 0.45, 0.42, 0.34, and 0.42 for BMI2-Hook, BMI3-Pin, BMI6-Wither×Hook, BMI7-Wither×Pin, BMI8-Heart×Hook, and BMI9-Heart×Pin and ADG; and 0.49, 0.56, 0.47, 0.63, and 0.58 for BMI1-Wither, BMI3-Pin, BMI6-Wither×Hook, BMI7-Wither×Pin, and BMI9-Heart×Pin and DM intake, in g/d, respectively. The BMI were not related to residual feed intake, and there were some BMI with weak relationships to ADG:DM intake. In conclusion, due to stronger relationships between measures of performance of yearling Alpine doelings consuming a forage-based diet and BMI compared with BCS, future research should address other physiological states and productions conditions.
PSX-6 The appropriate phase of follicle size and progesterone concentration could control ovulation of ruminant animal
Authors: LI Junyou , Piao Chunxiang , Ma Min , Kuwahara Masayoshi
Published: December 2019

Ovarian follicular development was monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonographic examination in 20 female goats for 2 successive estrous cycles (40 cycles). These animals exhibited ovulatory cycles with a mean length of 20.8 ± 1.1 days. The mean number of follicles ovulated was 2.3 ± 0.9 and their diameter before ovulation was 6.9 ± 1.1 mm. Among 40 estrous cycles examined, 9 (23 %) displayed 1 latent follicular wave and the remaining 31 (77 %) cycles displayed 2 latent follicular waves. Three and 4 days after the second spontaneous ovulation (day 0 = ovulation), when diameter of dominant follicles of the first latent wave exceeded 5.5 mm, 20 goats were treated with a luteolytic dose of prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) and randomly assigned to one of three groups. This treatment immediately decreased plasma levels of progesterone and increased those of estradiol, resulting in ovulation 2 or 3 days later. One group of goats (n = 5) treated with PGF2a at the first latent follicular wave and was mated with fertile male goat, resulting in 4 pregnancies. For the second group of goats (n = 5), 4 successive short estrous cycles were induced. A total of 35 short ovulatory cycles were induced at a mean interval of 6.5 ± 1.2 days with a range of 4–9 days. Five of goats were allowed to mate following 4 consecutive short ovulatory cycles; normal oestrous behavior was observed at each estrus. The goats were successfully mated, became pregnant and delivered kids of normal body weight and length. The remaining goats (n = 6), in addition to PGF2a treatment, received exogenous progesterone supplement which allowed latent follicular development to occur, but prevented ovulation until the effect of progesterone supplement subsided. Thus, it was concluded that appropriate phase of follicle size and progesterone concentration could control ovulation of ruminant animal.
PSVI-18 The use of Spirulina in piglet’s diets: effects on growth performance, selected biochemical blood parameters and small intestine mucosa morphology and metabolomics profiles
Authors: Martins Cátia F , Matzapetakis Manolis , Ribeiro David D , Pinho Mário , Freire João Pedro Bengala , Prates José A M , Almeida Andre M
Published: December 2019

Pig production relies on expensive imported protein feedstuffs namely soybean meal. It is very important to use less conventional feedstuffs such as microalgae. Spirulina has been used in pig feeds as an additive (inclusion levels below 1%). Recently, its use as a protein feedstuff has been proposed. In order to study the effect of Spirulina on growth, intestinal mucosa morphology microscopy, plasma profiles and small intestine and liver metabolomics (1H NMR) of weaned 12 kg piglets, an experiment with 40 male animals was carried out. Animals were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals (Control, 10% Spirulina, 10% Spirulina + Rovabio® and 10% Spirulina + Lysozyme). Piglets were fed ad libitum. All diets had the same protein and energy levels. Piglets were weighed weekly; experimental period was 4 weeks. Animals were sacrificed and blood, liver and small intestine sampled. Variance analysis was used to test diet effect on growth, intestinal morphology and plasma parameters. Metabolomics data were analysed using PCA and PLS-DA. For the same feed intake, the average daily gain was reduced by 14% and feed-conversion ratio increased by 10% in the three diets with Spirulina in comparison to Control. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found for microvilli height and width or crypt depth. Plasma cholesterol, total lipids and liver aminotransferases (ALT, AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were higher in animals fed on Spirulina diets. Metabolic profiles for the two tissues were similar for the four groups, although PLS-DA analysis showed a tendency for the three Spirulina diets to cluster together, separately from the control group. Betaine and glycerol-3-phosphocholine were the most discriminant metabolites. In conclusion, although Spirulina had no significant effects on small intestinal morphology and metabolomics profiles, its use for piglet feeding in incorporation levels of 10% leads to losses in growth performances.
PSXIII-28 Effects of Actigen in antibiotics-free diets on growth performance, intestinal barrier functions and inflammation in weaned piglets
Authors: Song Min , Fan Yijie , Su Han , Zhang Fenglin , Liu Fangfang , Zhu Xiaoyan , Wang Lina , Gao Ping , Wang Zhonggang , lin Gang , xue yan , Jiang Qingyan , Wang Songbo
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ActigenTM, a second-generation mannan rich fraction, on growth performance, intestinal barrier functions and inflammation in weaned piglets. A total of 150 weaned piglets were randomly assigned to Control, antibiotics and Actigen groups and received 1 of 3 dietary treatments: a basal antibiotics-free diet to which 100 mg/kg antibiotics or 800 mg/kg Actigen were added. Body weight and feed intake were recorded. On day 28, 10 piglets per treatment were selected to collect blood, small intestinal segments and mucosa samples. Intestinal morphology and goblet cell number were determined. Expression of tight junction proteins and Toll Like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling were detected. D-lactic acid (DLA) and inflammatory cytokines in serum were also measured. Actigen or antibiotics supplemented diets significantly reduced incidence of diarrhea, with no effect on growth performance. Intestinal morphology revealed that antibiotics significantly decreased, while Actigen markedly increased the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth. PAS staining demonstrated that the goblet cell number was markedly elevated in jejunum of the Actigen fed piglets. In addition, the expression of tight junction proteins was significantly decreased and increased by antibiotics and Actigen use, respectively. Accordingly, the intestinal permeability was elevated by antibiotics use, with the increased serum DLA. Furthermore, Actigen fed piglets had lower serum proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and higher serum anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In contrast, antibiotics use led to the increase of serum IL-1β. Moreover, the expression of TLR4, Myd88, and IKKβ phosphyorlation were enhanced by antibiotics use, suggesting the activation of TLR4 signaling pathway. However, Actigen supplemented diet had no effect on the TLR4 signaling pathway. In conclusion, compared with the control and antibiotics groups, Actigen supplemented diet had the similar or improved effects on growth performance, intestinal barrier functions and inflammation in weaned piglets.
PSXIII-8 Acute challenge with a DON-contaminated diet induce transient changes on microbiota composition in finishing pigs
Authors: Sciellour Mathilde Le , Zemb Olivier , Renaudeau David
Published: December 2019

The present study aimed at describing the impact of a deoxynivalenol (DON) - contaminated diet on microbiota composition. A total of 147 (Large White x Landrace) x Piétrain pigs from two replicates were affected to four different experimental treatments. Pigs in the control group (CC) received a control diet from 99 to 154 days of age. Groups DC, CD, and DD were given the DON-contaminated diet (3.02 mg DON/kg feed) for 7 days at 113, at 134, and at 113 and 134 days of age, respectively. The DON-contaminated diet was formulated with a naturally contaminated corn. The body weight gain and the feed intake were daily recorded from day 99 to 154. Fecal samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment (d99), immediately after the end of the 7-days DON challenges (d119 and 140), and at the end of the experiment (d154) for further 16S rRNA sequencing. During challenge periods, ADFI was decreased by 26% to 32% (P < 0.05) and ADG by 40% to 60% (P < 0.05). Short-term DON challenges induced transient changes in microbiota composition. Two weeks after the end of the DON challenges, this composition went back to control state. Whatever the age, DON challenged pigs could be discriminated from controls in a sparse PLS discriminant analysis based on 88 operational taxonomic units or 27 functional pathways with 16% error-rate. The main predictors raised by this discrimination belonged to Streptococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Clostridiaceae families. In our experimental conditions, changes in microbiota composition observed during DON challenges were poorly correlated to changes in ADG and ADFI. This experiment revealed a transient modification of the microbiota composition following the exposition to DON-contaminated diet, with no long-term impact on pigs’ performance. This study is part of the Feed-a-Gene Project funded from the European Union’s H2020 Program (grant 633531).
PSXIV-40 Utilization of a group project in an introductory animal science course to concurrently develop collaborative work skills and increase animal science industry awareness
Authors: Barnes Taylor , Dunlap Kathrin
Published: December 2019

It is expected that students entering the workforce should have skills to allow them to effectively perform in the workplace. However, there is a gap between expected development of these “soft skills” and their actual attainment by students. Due to this discrepancy, Texas A&M has developed university mandated learning outcomes that address soft skills within course content. The objective of this paper is to present teaching methodology useful for achieving Texas A&M University level learning outcomes as they relate to the “Professional Conduct” learning outcome, as assessed via performance indicators such as working collaboratively, feedback, and conflict management. Additionally, this project aims to help bridge the gap in understanding between current animal science industry practices and public perception. This project titled “Ag-vocating for Animal Science Industry Practices” utilizes methods appropriate for large classes, conducted face-to-face or online, and targets students at the introductory level. Based on criteria from education literature, the semester-long project is broken down into multiple low stakes assignments comprising half of the project points which allows for multiple feedback opportunities from both the group members and the professor. These assignments include a Catme survey to assign groups based on interest and schedule, as well as submitting topic-related articles, a script, a rough-draft video, final video, and peer assessment survey online through eCampus, the university’s learning management system. This utilization of this collaborative project fulfills university undergraduate learning outcome of demonstrating professional conduct measured by attainment performance indicators such as “identify characteristics of a functional team” and “accept objective and constructive criticism.” This is an innovative approach to assessing soft skill development within the context of the animal science discipline. In conclusion, this project is useful in evaluating groupwork skills in undergraduates, as well as providing students with an opportunity to critically analyze industry practices.
BRCA1 Promoter Methylation Status in 1031 Primary Breast Cancers Predicts Favorable Outcomes Following Chemotherapy
Authors: Stefansson Olafur A , Hilmarsdottir Holmfridur , Olafsdottir Kristrun , Tryggvadottir Laufey , Sverrisdottir Asgerdur , Johannsson Oskar T , Jonasson Jon G , Eyfjord Jorunn E , Sigurdsson Stefan
Published: December 2019

Background

Breast Cancer 1 gene (BRCA1) is known to be inactivated in breast tumors by promoter methylation. Tumor cells in patients carrying a germline mutation in BRCA1 are sensitive to cytotoxic drugs that cause DNA double strand breaks. However, very little is known on whether patients with BRCA1 promoter methylated tumors are similarly sensitive to cytotoxic drugs. In this study, we address this by making use of extensive follow-up data on patients treated with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil in Iceland between 1976 and 2007.

Methods

We analyzed BRCA1 promoter methylation by pyrosequencing DNA from tumor samples from 1031 patients with primary breast cancer. Of those, 965 were sporadic cases, 61 were BRCA2, and five were BRCA1 germline mutation carriers. All cases were examined with respect to clinicopathological parameters and breast cancer–specific survival in patients treated with cytotoxic drugs. Information on chemotherapy treatment in noncarriers was available for 26 BRCA1 methylated tumors and 857 unmethylated tumors.

Results

BRCA1 was promoter methylated in 29 sporadic tumors or in 3.0% of cases (29 of 965), whereas none of the tumors derived from BRCA germline mutation carriers were promoter methylated. Important to note, patients with BRCA1 promoter methylation receiving chemotherapeutic drug treatment show highly improved breast cancer–specific survival compared with unmethylated controls (hazard ratio = 0.10, 95% confidence interval = 0.01 to 0.75, two-sided P = .02).

Conclusions

BRCA1 promoter methylation is predictive of improved disease outcome in patients receiving cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil drug treatment. Our results support the use of markers indicative of “BRCAness” in sporadic breast cancers to identify patients that are likely to benefit from the use of DNA-damaging agents.
Modelling gas evacuation mechanisms in present-day globular clusters: stellar winds from evolved stars and pulsar heating
Authors: Naiman J P , Soares-Furtado M , Ramirez-Ruiz E
Published: December 2019

We employ hydrodynamical simulations to investigate the underlying mechanism responsible for the low levels of gas and dust in globular clusters. Our models examine the competing effects of energy and mass supply from the various components of the evolved stellar population for globular clusters 47 Tucanae, M15, NGC 6440, and NGC 6752. Ignoring all other gas evacuation processes, we find that the energy output from the stars that have recently turned off the main sequence are capable of effectively clearing the evolved stellar ejecta and producing intracluster gas densities consistent with current observational constraints. This result distinguishes a viable gas and dust evacuation mechanism that is ubiquitous among globular clusters. In addition, we extend our analysis to probe the efficiency of pulsar wind feedback in globular clusters. We find that if the energy supplied by the pulsar winds is effectively thermalized within the intracluster medium, the material would become unbound. The detection of intracluster ionized gas in 47 Tucanae allows us to place particularly strict limits on pulsar wind thermalization efficiency, which must be extremely low in the cluster’s core in order to be in accordance with the observed density constraints.
A Bayesian Implementation of the Multispecies Coalescent Model with Introgression for Phylogenomic Analysis
Authors: Flouri Tomáš , Jiao Xiyun , Rannala Bruce , Yang Ziheng
Published: December 2019

Recent analyses suggest that cross-species gene flow or introgression is common in nature, especially during species divergences. Genomic sequence data can be used to infer introgression events and to estimate the timing and intensity of introgression, providing an important means to advance our understanding of the role of gene flow in speciation. Here, we implement the multispecies-coalescent-with-introgression model, an extension of the multispecies-coalescent model to incorporate introgression, in our Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo program Bpp. The multispecies-coalescent-with-introgression model accommodates deep coalescence (or incomplete lineage sorting) and introgression and provides a natural framework for inference using genomic sequence data. Computer simulation confirms the good statistical properties of the method, although hundreds or thousands of loci are typically needed to estimate introgression probabilities reliably. Reanalysis of data sets from the purple cone spruce confirms the hypothesis of homoploid hybrid speciation. We estimated the introgression probability using the genomic sequence data from six mosquito species in the Anopheles gambiae species complex, which varies considerably across the genome, likely driven by differential selection against introgressed alleles.
An Effective and Practical Fluid Restriction Protocol to Decrease the Risk of Hyponatremia and Readmissions After Transsphenoidal Surgery
Authors: Winograd Dina , Staggers Kristen A , Sebastian Sherly , Takashima Masayoshi , Yoshor Daniel , Samson Susan L
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Delayed hyponatremia is a common complication following transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) of pituitary lesions, which leads to significant patient morbidity, as well as increased hospital costs associated with readmission.

OBJECTIVE

To report the effects of fluid restriction, during a postoperative period of 4 d, to decrease rates and readmissions for hyponatremia in a cohort of patients undergoing TSS.

METHODS

Because of our observed postoperative rates of hyponatremia, we implemented 1000-mL fluid restriction limited to postoperative days (POD) 4 to 8 in consecutive patients undergoing surgery at our center between March 2018 and January 2019. Patients were monitored for the development of hyponatremia and readmissions. We compared outcomes with those of patients who had undergone TSS prior to fluid restriction.

RESULTS

Data from 57 patients who underwent TSS following implementation of fluid restriction were compared to prior patients who underwent TSS without restriction. The rate of hyponatremia in patients (n = 57) prior to fluid restriction was 12.3%. Following implementation of fluid restriction, we had zero cases of hyponatremia or readmissions. We found body mass index to be inversely related to the risk of hyponatremia and readmissions. Furthermore, male gender, follicle stimulating hormone and/or luteinizing hormone staining on pathology, and administration of preoperative and intraoperative glucocorticoids were associated with decreased risk of hyponatremia readmissions.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of 1000-mL fluid restriction between POD 4 and 8 is a highly successful and simple approach to decrease the risk of delayed hyponatremia after TSS.
Long-term incidence of glioma in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and disparities in postglioma survival rate: a population-based study
Authors: Ryan Conor S , Juhn Young J , Kaur Harsheen , Wi Chung-Il , Ryu Euijung , King Katherine S , Lachance Daniel H
Published: December 2019

Background

We assessed glioma incidence and disparities in postglioma survival rate in the Olmsted County, Minnesota, population.

Methods

This population-based study assessed the incidence of pathologically confirmed primary gliomas between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2014. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates per 100 000 person-years were calculated and standardized to the US white 2010 population. We compared incidence trends of glioma during our study period with previously published Olmsted County data from 1950 to 1990. We assessed postglioma survival rates among individuals with different socioeconomic status (SES), which was measured by a validated individual HOUsing-based SES index (HOUSES).

Results

We identified 135 incident glioma cases (93% white) with 20 pediatric (50% female) and 115 adult cases (44% female). Overall incidence rate during our study period, 5.51 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI: 4.56-6.46), showed no significant changes and was similar to that seen in 1950 to 1990, 5.5 per 100 000 person-years. The incidence of pediatric (age < 20 years) glioma was 2.49 (95% CI: 1.40-3.58), whereas adult glioma incidence was 6.47 (95% CI: 5.26-7.67). Among those with grade II to IV gliomas, individuals with lower SES (< median HOUSES) had significantly lower 5-year survival rates compared to those with higher SES, adjusted hazard ratio 1.61 (95% CI: 1.01-2.85).

Conclusion

In a well-defined North American population, long-term glioma incidence appears stable since 1950. Significant socioeconomic disparities exist for postglioma survival.
Motivational Interviewing to Encourage Quit Attempts Among Smokers Not Ready to Quit: A Trial-Based Economic Analysis
Authors: Rasu Rafia S , Thelen Joanie , Agbor Bawa Walter , Goggin Kathy , Bradley-Ewing Andrea , Catley Delwyn
Published: December 2019

Introduction

This study used data from a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of motivational interviewing (MI) relative to health education (HE) and brief advice (BA) to encourage quit attempts and cessation in order to determine their relative cost-effectiveness.

Aims and Methods

Urban community residents (n = 255) with low desire to quit smoking were randomized to MI, HE, or BA which differed in communication style and/or number of treatment sessions. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were used to compare the intensive interventions (MI and HE) to BA for facilitating quit attempts and smoking cessation. Costs were calculated from the perspective of an agency that might engage in program delivery. Sensitivity analysis examined different assumptions for MI training and pharmacotherapy costs.

Results

Total intervention delivery time costs per participant for MI, HE, and BA were $46.63, $42.87, and $2.4, respectively. Cost-effectiveness ratios per quit attempt at 24 weeks were $380 for MI, $272 for HE, and $209 for BA. The cost per additional quit attempt for MI and HE relative to BA was $508 and $301, respectively. The cost per additional quit for MI and HE relative to BA was $2030 and $752, respectively. Four separate sensitivity analyses conducted in our study did not change the conclusion the HE had a lower Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio for both quit attempts and cessation.

Conclusions

HE was the most cost-effective of the three types of smoking cessation induction therapies and therefore may be preferable for smokers who are less motivated to quit. Providing valuable cost information in choosing different clinical methods for motivating smokers to quit.

Implications

All direct costs and activity-based time costs associated with delivering the intervention were analyzed from the perspective of an agency that may wish to replicate these strategies. A randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of MI relative to HE and BA to encourage quit attempts and cessation determined their relative cost-effectiveness. HE was the most cost-effective of the three types of smoking cessation induction therapies and therefore may be preferable. Despite guideline recommendations, MI may not be the best approach to encourage quit attempts in diverse populations. Rather, a structured, intensive HE intervention might be the most cost-effective alternative.
Internal Maxillary to Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass Using an Anterior Tibial Artery Graft, Performed Using a 3-Dimensional Exoscope: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Patel Nitesh V , Ligas Barbara , Gandhi Shashank , Ellis Jason , Ortiz Rafael , Costantino Peter , Qato Khalil , Langer David J
Published: December 2019

Fusiform aneurysms remain challenging entities to treat, as maintenance of flow and prevention of branch occlusion are concerns. Use of endovascular stents may risk nearby branch occlusion. We present a 31-yr-old male with a prior subarachnoid hemorrhage from a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 aneurysm. Informed consent for use of the operative video and information was obtained from the patient. Initially, open clipping was performed with noted residual because of risk of nearby branches. On angiography, a growing fusiform segment distal to the initial aneurysm was noted. The patient was referred to our institution for this finding, and a multidisciplinary team reviewed the case. Endovascular treatment was felt to be risky, as stenting could jail nearby MCA branches. Clipping would also risk occlusion because of scaring from previous hemorrhage. Sufficient flow would be needed, and because the ipsilateral superficial temporal artery was sacrificed in the initial craniotomy, the internal maxillary artery (IMAX) was chosen as the bypass source. A cerebrovascular neurosurgeon, skull base otolaryngologist, and vascular surgeon worked together to perform a left-side IMAX to MCA bypass using an anterior tibial artery graft under 3-dimensional exoscopic visualization. Specifically, a 9-0 nylon suture on a BV-130 needle along with straight and tying forceps were used along with heparinized saline. The bypass was noted to be of robust flow, and the patient did very well on postoperative follow-up. The utilization of an anterior tibial artery graft, IMAX exposure, and corresponding bypass provides educational value, as there are only a limited number of videos on this topic.
Supracerebellar-Infratrochlear Approach for Midbrain Cavernoma: 3-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Campero Alvaro , Román Guillermo , Baldoncini Matías , Villalonga Juan F
Published: December 2019

Gravity retraction is an underutilized adjunct in neurosurgery. Gravity is gentler than retractor blades; it does not cause brain edema or injury, and it tends to open natural subarachnoidal plans to deep lesions.
1-3
A good example of this is the supracerebellar infratrochlear approach
4-7
in semisitting position for resection to a midbrain cavernous malformation. This approach was selected because the cavernous malformation was 1 mm under the lateral mesencephalic sulcus. The procedure was developed with the use of transesophageal ultrasound and physiological neuromonitoring. We present a 3-dimensional video of this surgery with all the tricks and details used in the procedure. The patient consented to the procedure and to publication of the photos and surgical video.
Divided Culture and Constitutional Tensions: Brexit and the Collision of Direct and Representative Democracy
Authors: Blick Andrew , Salter Brian
Published: December 2019

This article considers connections between two aspects of Brexit: the cultural divide exposed and amplified by the European Union (EU) referendum of 23 June 2016 and the prolonged and intense period of multiple and overlapping constitutional tensions that followed the referendum. The referendum revealed the existence of two contrasting cultural groupings. Each was defined by a cluster of values that extended beyond attitudes towards the particular question of EU membership, and to which issues of citizenship were central. The manifestation and crystallisation of this cultural divide through the direct democracy of the referendum led directly to constitutional turmoil. Parliamentarians as a group found themselves misaligned with those who voted in the referendum producing a conflict between the principles of direct and representative democracy. Brexit has generated tensions between and within different institutions of the constitution and arguments about what the rules were, and what they should be. Areas on which these conflicts and disagreements have focused included the Civil Service, the courts, the Cabinet, Parliament and even the monarchy. The political shock of Brexit, therefore, had inherently constitutional characteristics. They are likely to continue to manifest themselves, shaping the way the constitution operates and changes in future.
Opioid Prescription Patterns at Emergency Department Discharge for Children with Fractures
Authors: Drendel Amy L , Brousseau David C , Casper T Charles , Bajaj Lalit , Alessandrini Evaline A , Grundmeier Robert W , Chamberlain James M , Goyal Monika K , Olsen Cody S , Alpern Elizabeth R
Published: December 2019

Objective

To measure the variability in discharge opioid prescription practices for children discharged from the emergency department (ED) with a long-bone fracture.

Design

A retrospective cohort study of pediatric ED visits in 2015.

Setting

Four pediatric EDs.

Subjects

Children aged four to 18 years with a long-bone fracture discharged from the ED.

Methods

A multisite registry of electronic health record data (PECARN Registry) was analyzed to determine the proportion of children receiving an opioid prescription on ED discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine characteristics associated with receipt of an opioid prescription.

Results

There were 5,916 visits with long-bone fractures; 79% involved the upper extremity, and 27% required reduction. Overall, 15% of children were prescribed an opioid at discharge, with variation between the four EDs: A = 8.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.9–9.7%), B = 12.1% (95% CI = 10.5–14.0%), C = 16.9% (95% CI = 15.2–18.8%), D = 23.8% (95% CI = 21.7–26.1%). Oxycodone was the most frequently prescribed opioid. In the regression analysis, in addition to variation by ED site of care, age 12–18 years, white non-Hispanic, private insurance status, reduced fracture, and severe pain documented during the ED visit were associated with increased opioid prescribing.

Conclusions

For children with a long-bone fracture, discharge opioid prescription varied widely by ED site of care. In addition, black patients, Hispanic patients, and patients with government insurance were less likely to be prescribed opioids. This variability in opioid prescribing was not accounted for by patient- or injury-related factors that are associated with increased pain. Therefore, opioid prescribing may be modifiable, but evidence to support improved outcomes with specific treatment regimens is lacking.
The Production of Information in an Online World
Authors: Cagé Julia , Hervé Nicolas , Viaud Marie-Luce
Published: December 2019

News production requires investment, and competitors’ ability to appropriate a story may reduce a media’s incentives to provide original content. Yet, there is little legal protection of intellectual property rights in online news production, which raises the issue of the extent of copying online and the incentives to provide original content. In this article, we build a unique dataset combining all the online content produced by French news media during the year 2013 with new micro audience data. We develop a topic detection algorithm that identifies each news event, trace the timeline of each story, and study news propagation. We provide new evidence on online news production. First, we document high reactivity of online media: one quarter of the news stories are reproduced online in under 4 min. We show that this is accompanied by substantial copying, both at the extensive and at the intensive margins, which may constitute a severe threat to the commercial viability of the news media. Next, we estimate the returns to originality in online news production. Using article-level variations and media-level daily audience combined with article-level social media statistics, we find that original content producers tend to receive more viewers, thereby mitigating the newsgathering incentive problem raised by copying.
Toward understanding the impact of mHealth features for people with HIV: a latent class analysis of PositiveLinks usage
Authors: Canan Chelsea E , Flickinger Tabor E , Waselewski Marika , Tabackman Alexa , Baker Logan , Eger Samuel , Waldman Ava Lena D , Ingersoll Karen , Dillingham Rebecca
Published: December 2019

PositiveLinks (PL) is a multi-feature smartphone-based platform to improve engagement-in-care and viral suppression (VS) among clinic patients living with HIV. Features include medication reminders, mood/stress check-ins, a community board, and secure provider messaging. Our goal was to examine how PL users interact with the app and determine whether usage patterns correlate with clinical outcomes. Patients (N = 83) at a university-based Ryan White clinic enrolled in PL from June 2016 to March 2017 and were followed for up to 12 months. A subset (N = 49) completed interviews after 3 weeks of enrollment to explore their experiences with and opinions of PL. We differentiated PL members based on 6-month usage of app features using latent class analysis. We explored characteristics associated with class membership, compared reported needs and preferences by class, and examined association between class and VS. The sample of 83 PL members fell into four classes. “Maximizers” used all app features frequently (27%); “Check-in Users” tended to interact only with daily queries (22%); “Moderate All-Feature Users” used all features occasionally (33%); and “As-Needed Communicators” interacted with the app minimally (19%). VS improved or remained high among all classes after 6 months. VS remained high at 12 months among Maximizers (baseline and 12-month VS: 100%, 94%), Check-in Users (82%, 100%), and Moderate All-Feature Users (73%, 94%) but not among As-Needed Communicators (69%, 60%). This mixed-methods study identified four classes based on PL usage patterns that were distinct in characteristics and clinical outcomes. Identifying and characterizing mHealth user classes offers opportunities to tailor interventions appropriately based on patient needs and preferences as well as to provide targeted alternative support to achieve clinical goals.
Size matters: the effects of ontogenetic disparity on the phylogeny of Trematopidae (Amphibia: Temnospondyli)
Authors: Gee Bryan M
Published: December 2019

Trematopids are a clade of terrestrial Permo-Carboniferous temnospondyl amphibians. The intrarelationships of this clade are poorly known. This is largely attributable to a substantial disparity in size between type specimens, which range from the small-bodied lectotype of Mattauschia laticeps (< 4 cm skull length) to the large-bodied holotype of Acheloma cumminsi (> 15 cm skull length). Inferred correlation of size disparity with ontogenetic disparity has led previous workers either to omit taxa in phylogenetic analyses or to forgo an analysis altogether. Here, I take a specimen-level approach and multiple subsampling permutations to explore the phylogeny of the Trematopidae as a case study for assessing the effects of ontogenetic disparity on phylogenetic reconstruction in temnospondyls. The various analyses provide evidence that ontogenetic disparity confounds the phylogenetic inference of trematopids but without a directional bias. Tree topologies of most permutations are poorly resolved and weakly supported, reflecting character conflict that results from the inability of the analyses to differentiate retained plesiomorphies from juvenile features. These findings urge caution in the interpretation of phylogenetic analyses for which ontogenetic disparity exists, but is unaccounted for, and provide a strong impetus for more directed exploration of the interplay of ontogeny and phylogeny across Temnospondyli.
Targeted Population Health Utilizing Direct Referral to Home-Based Older Person Upstreaming Prevention Physical Therapy From a Community-Based Senior Center
Authors: Arena Sara K. , Wilson Christopher M. , Peterson Edward
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

An older adult's ability to remain safe and active in the community is multifactorial and includes physical and social determinants. The purpose of this study is to describe outcomes of the Home-Based Older Person Upstreaming Prevention Physical Therapy program targeted toward older adults referred from one community senior center.

Methods:

Older adults identified as “at risk” for decline or becoming homebound were referred by senior center staff. Home-Based Older Person Upstreaming Prevention Physical Therapy is a 6-month in-home preventative program entailing 6 in-person and 3 telehealth visits administered by a physical therapist (PT). Wellness, cardiovascular health, social integration, and frailty metrics resulted in interventions inclusive of cardiovascular and balance exercises, home safety, and community reintegration.

Results:

Participants (n = 30) demonstrated significant improvements in: Timed Up and Go (P = .02), Four Stage Balance Test (P = .003), STEADI Fall Risk Level (P = .002), Home FAST Assessment (P = .001), self-reported fear of falling (P = .001), Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (P = .01), and a Health Behavior Questionnaire (physical activity [P = .03], fruit and vegetable consumption [P = .03], and recommended weight [P = .01]).

Conclusion:

Home-Based Older Person Upstreaming Prevention Physical Therapy provided early access to preventative PT services in the homes of older adults. Positive functional, environmental, fall risk, and wellness outcomes were achieved when leveraging direct referral partnerships between community senior centers and PTs.
Activation of Cannabinoid Receptors Attenuates Endothelin-1–Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Rat Ventricular Myocytes
Authors: Lu Yan , Lee Danielle I. , Roy Chowdhury Subir , Lu Ping , Kamboj Amit , Anderson Christopher M. , Fernyhough Paul , Anderson Hope D.
Published: December 2019

Evidence suggests that the activation of the endocannabinoid system offers cardioprotection. Aberrant energy production by impaired mitochondria purportedly contributes to various aspects of cardiovascular disease. We investigated whether cannabinoid (CB) receptor activation would attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction induced by endothelin-1 (ET1). Acute exposure to ET1 (4 hours) in the presence of palmitate as primary energy substrate induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization and decreased mitochondrial bioenergetics and expression of genes related to fatty acid oxidation (ie, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α, a driver of mitochondrial biogenesis, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1β, facilitator of fatty acid uptake). A CB1/CB2 dual agonist with limited brain penetration, CB-13, corrected these parameters. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an important regulator of energy homeostasis, mediated the ability of CB-13 to rescue mitochondrial function. In fact, the ability of CB-13 to rescue fatty acid oxidation–related bioenergetics, as well as expression of proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1β, was abolished by pharmacological inhibition of AMPK using compound C and shRNA knockdown of AMPKα1/α2, respectively. Interventions that target CB/AMPK signaling might represent a novel therapeutic approach to address the multifactorial problem of cardiovascular disease.
Lung protection in acute respiratory distress syndrome: what should we target?
Authors: Beitler Jeremy R.
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

Most clinical trials of lung-protective ventilation have tested one-size-fits-all strategies with mixed results. Data are lacking on how best to tailor mechanical ventilation to patient-specific risk of lung injury.

Recent findings

Risk of ventilation-induced lung injury is determined by biological predisposition to biophysical lung injury and physical mechanical perturbations that concentrate stress and strain regionally within the lung. Recent investigations have identified molecular subphenotypes classified as hyperinflammatory and hypoinflammatory acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which may have dissimilar risk for ventilation-induced lung injury. Mechanically, gravity-dependent atelectasis has long been recognized to decrease total aerated lung volume available for tidal ventilation, a concept termed the ‘ARDS baby lung’. Recent studies have demonstrated that the aerated baby lung also has nonuniform stress/strain distribution, with potentially injurious forces concentrated in zones of heterogeneity where aerated alveoli are adjacent to flooded or atelectatic alveoli. The preponderance of evidence also indicates that current standard-of-care tidal volume management is not universally protective in ARDS. When considering escalation of lung-protective interventions, potential benefits of the intervention should be weighed against tradeoffs of accompanying cointerventions required, for example, deeper sedation or neuromuscular blockade. A precision medicine approach to lung-protection would weigh.

A precision medicine approach to lung-protective ventilation requires weighing four key factors in each patient: biological predisposition to biophysical lung injury, mechanical predisposition to biophysical injury accounting for spatial mechanical heterogeneity within the lung, anticipated benefits of escalating lung-protective interventions, and potential unintended adverse effects of mandatory cointerventions.