bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can patient education initiatives in primary care increase patient knowledge of appropriate antibiotic use and decrease expectations for unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions?
Authors: Hunter Chloe R , Owen Katherine
Published: September 2024

Background

Healthcare globally is increasingly threatened by antibiotic resistance. Misunderstanding of the appropriate use of antibiotics is common within the general population, therefore patient education could be a useful tool to employ against antibiotic resistance. Patient satisfaction with healthcare is important, and antibiotic awareness is crucial to avoid disappointment when antibiotic stewardship is practiced.

Aim

This review aims to identify whether patient education is an effective tool to improve knowledge and awareness of the appropriate use of antibiotics and whether it has an effect on expectations of or prescription rates of antibiotics.

Method

Embase, Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies examining the impact of various forms of patient education on awareness of appropriate antibiotic use and antibiotic prescription rates. Reference lists of eligible studies were also screened.

Results

Three hundred and fourteen unique studies were identified, of which 18 were eligible for inclusion. All studies were of good quality. Three studies examined public health campaigns, five examined leaflets, two examined posters, three examined videos, four used mixed interventions and one study examined a presentation. The results were too heterogenous to perform a meta-analysis.

Conclusion

Patient education is an effective tool to increase public knowledge and awareness of the appropriate use of antibiotics, and can reduce the expectation of or prescription rates of antibiotics. The form of patient education matters, as interventions involving active learning and engagement demonstrate significant positive outcomes, whereas passive forms of learning do not appear to have any effect on understanding or prescriptions.
Sulfonylurea Receptor Pharmacology Alters the Performance of Two Central Pattern Generating Circuits in Cancer borealis
Authors: Kedia Sonal , Awal Naziru M , Seddon Jackie , Marder Eve
Published: September 2024

Neuronal activity and energy supply must maintain a fine balance for neuronal fitness. Various channels of communication between the two could impact network output in different ways. Sulfonylurea receptors (SURs) are a modification of ATP-binding cassette proteins that confer ATP-dependent gating on their associated ion channels. They are widely expressed and link metabolic states directly to neuronal activity. The role they play varies in different circuits, both enabling bursting and inhibiting activity in pathological conditions. The crab, Cancer borealis, has central pattern generators (CPGs) that fire in rhythmic bursts nearly constantly and it is unknown how energy availability influences these networks. The pyloric network of the stomatogastric ganglion and the cardiac ganglion (CG) control rhythmic contractions of the foregut and heart, respectively. Known SUR agonists and antagonists produce opposite effects in the two CPGs. Pyloric rhythm activity completely stops in the presence of a SUR agonist, and activity increases in SUR blockers. This results from a decrease in the excitability of pyloric dilator neurons, which are a part of the pacemaker kernel. The neurons of the CG, paradoxically, increase firing within bursts in SUR agonists, and bursting slows in SUR antagonists. Analyses of the agonist-affected conductance properties present biophysical effects that do not trivially match those of mammalian SUR-dependent conductances. We suggest that SUR-associated conductances allow different neurons to respond to energy states in different ways through a common mechanism.
Deciphering fucosylated protein-linked O-glycans in oral Tannerella serpentiformis: Insights from NMR spectroscopy and glycoproteomics
Authors: Walcher Stephanie , Hager-Mair Fiona F , Stadlmann Johannes , Kählig Hanspeter , Schäffer Christina
Published: September 2024

Tannerella serpentiformis is a health-associated Gram-negative oral anaerobe, while its closest phylogenetic relative is the periodontal pathogen Tannerella forsythia. The pathogen employs glycan mimicry through protein O-glycosylation, displaying a terminal nonulosonic acid aiding in evasion of host immune recognition. Like T. forsythia, T. serpentiformis cells are covered with a 2D-crystalline S-layer composed of two abundant S-layer glycoproteins–TssA and TssB. In this study, we elucidated the structure of the O-linked glycans of T. serpentiformis using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy analyzing S-layer glycopeptides and β-eliminated glycans. We found that T. serpentiformis produces two highly fucosylated, branched glycoforms carrying non-carbohydrate modifications, with the structure [2-OMe-Fuc-(α1,2)]-4-OMe-Glc-(β1,3)-[Fuc-(α1,4)]-2-NAc-GlcA-(β1,4)-[3-NH2, 2,4-OMe-Fuc-(α1,3)]-Fuc-(α1,4)-Xyl-(β1,4)-[3-OMe-Fuc-(α1,3)]-GlcA-(α1,2)-[Rha-(α1,4]-Gal, where the 3OMe-Fuc is variable; each glycoform contains a rare 2,4-methoxy, 3-amino-modified fucose. These glycoforms support the hypothesis that nonulosonic acid is a hallmark of pathogenic Tannerella species. A combined glycoproteomics and bioinformatics approach identified multiple sites within TssA (14 sites) and TssB (21 sites) to be O-glycosylated. LC-MS/MS confirmed the presence of the Bacteroidetes O-glycosylation motif (D)(S/T) (L/V/T/A/I) in Tannerella species, including the newly identified candidate “N” for the third position. Alphfold2 models of the S-layer glycoproteins were created revealing an almost uniform spatial distribution of the two glycoforms at the N-terminal two thirds of the proteins supported by glycoproteomics, with glycans facing outward. Glycoproteomics identified 921 unique glycopeptide sequences corresponding to 303 unique UniProt IDs. GO-term enrichment analysis versus the entire T. serpentiformis proteome classified these proteins as mainly membrane and cell periphery-associated glycoproteins, supporting a general protein O-glycosylation system in T. serpentiformis.
Validation of short culture method for rapid bacterial identification of blood cultures via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Fitts Eric C , Dent E Alexander , Burd Eileen M
Published: September 2024

Background

Development of rapid bacterial identification from blood cultures has been an area of intense study in diagnostic microbiology. Shortened turnaround time coupled with antimicrobial stewardship interventions have been shown to improve patient outcomes and decrease healthcare-associated costs.

Objectives

We report the validation of a short incubation method for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial identification utilizing MALDI-TOF MS without additional instrumentation, processing or cost compared with current practice.

Methods

Prospective, observational, single-centre study in a quaternary care academic hospital encompassing 376 blood cultures subjected to bacterial identification after short incubation periods of 3–4 and 6–8 h.

Results

There was 97.5% species-level identification agreement with tests undertaken after 3–4 h incubation with 83.6% isolates identified, and 99.7% species-level identification agreement after 6–8 h incubation with 96.7% isolates identified.

Conclusions

The short incubation method provides a rapid MALDI-TOF MS bacterial identification method, reducing turnaround time by 10–18 h compared with standard practice without additional cost, processing or instrumentation.
Retrospective evaluation of rapid genotypic ID and phenotypic AST systems on positive blood culture turnaround time and simulated potential impacts on bloodstream infection management
Authors: Yuceel-Timur Ismail , Thierry Elise , Chainier Delphine , Ndao Ibrahima , Labrousse Maud , Grélaud Carole , Bala Yohann , Barraud Olivier
Published: September 2024

Background

Bloodstream infections are linked to heightened morbidity and mortality rates. The consequences of delayed antibiotic treatment can be detrimental. Effective management of bacteraemia hinges on rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Objectives

This retrospective study examined the influence of the VITEK® REVEAL™ Rapid AST system on positive blood culture (PBC) management in a French tertiary hospital.

Materials and methods

Between November 2021 and March 2022, 79 Gram-negative monomicrobial PBC cases underwent testing with both VITEK®REVEAL™ and VITEK®2 systems.

Results

The study found that VITEK®REVEAL™ yielded better results than the standard of care, significantly shortening the time to result (7.0 h compared to 9.6 h) as well as the turnaround time (15 h compared to 31.1 h) when applied for all isolates.

Conclusions

This study implies that the use of VITEK®REVEAL™ enables swift adaptations of antibiotic treatment strategies. By considerably minimizing the turnaround time, healthcare professionals can promptly make necessary adjustments to therapeutic regimens. Notably, these findings underscore the potential of VITEK®REVEAL™ in expediting appropriate antibiotic interventions, even in less ideal conditions. Further studies in varied laboratory contexts are required to validate these encouraging outcomes.
Expanded powers in a market inquiry: is this power consistent with constitutional and natural justice guarantees?—‘The Case of the COMESA Competition Commission’
Authors: Mwemba Willard
Published: September 2024

In the past few years, more and more competition authorities have expanded their powers in conducting market inquiries. Some competition laws have given the competition authorities the power to impose remedies after a market inquiry and to impose fines on undertakings that resist providing information during a market inquiry. Some competition authorities are in the process of amending their laws to mirror this development. The COMESA Competition Commission is an exemplary incident of a competition authority that is amending its law to cloth it with expansive powers in the conduct of market inquiries. This article explores whether or not such expanded powers in a market inquiry are overly intrusive and whether they are consistent with the constitutional and natural justice guarantees. An interrogation on whether there are safeguards to ensure that these powers are not unfettered and do not result in abuse of the rights of those that are subject to this power will also be conducted.
418 Evaluation of an automated system for measuring individual animal water consumption
Authors: Reilly Sarah , Carmichael Keely , Zimmerman Scott , Billars Mike , Harrison Meredith A
Published: September 2024

SmartWater is an automatic watering station that measures the volume of water consumed by individual animals when visiting the system. The self-contained, portable system is constructed of a steel frame, two load cells, and a stainless-steel water trough that measures 0.1 m3 with a water capacity of 113 L. SmartWater refills automatically when the water mass is below 55 L, refilling for 120 s, or until the water mass reaches 70 L. The flow rate of water entering the system and the weight of the bin are measured every second in L/s and L, respectively. When the bin is being refilled, animals are still able to drink from the system. Animal water intake during a visit is measured by summing the amount of water dispensed into the bin and the difference in bin weight at the start and end of the visit. Water intake days are considered valid if the unknown percentage is less than 5% of the total daily water intake, where unknown intake is defined as feed mass disappearance that cannot be assigned to an EID. Invalid days are excluded from final datasets. System performance was evaluated using 17 Angus heifers (body weight = 248 ± 37 kg) in a 55-d trial period. Animals were given ad libitum access to two SmartWater systems, and all animals successfully adapted to the system. Mean daily visitation was 2.7 ± 0.4 and average visit length was 87 ± 175 s. Mean water consumption over the trial period was 13.7 ± 1.8 L. The coefficient of variance of water consumption between animals was 12.8%. The average standard deviation water consumption within animals between days was 5.9%. SmartWater provides an accurate and efficient way to measure water intake of animals in extensive and intensive systems, eliminating the need to manually monitor water levels and refill watering stations.
420 Automated identification and behavioral estrus detection in freestall-housed dairy cows using computer vision and machine learning: A two-layered algorithm approach
Authors: Clayton Cierra , Victory Abigail , Graves Kenneth , Griffin Allison , Hudson Christopher , McGee Marcus
Published: September 2024

A critical aspect of dairy management involves maintaining accurate records of individual animals and promptly detecting estrus behavior, which is vital for successful breeding and reproductive outcomes. Recent advancements in precision livestock management, utilizing computer vision and machine learning technologies, have paved the way for automated and precise solutions in these areas. The objective of this study is to investigate the application of computer vision and machine learning for animal identification and behavioral estrus detection in dairy cows housed in freestall settings, employing a two-layered algorithmic approach. The research was conducted at the Joe Bearden Dairy Research Center, where a total of 10 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were assessed across a 7-d trial period. For synchronization efforts, cows were provided a single injection of Prostaglandin F2α at trial initiation with expected estrus behaviors to be exhibited within the following 56 h. Continuous video was captured in 4k resolution using a five-camera closed caption media recording system strategically placed in the pen corners and over the feed bunk alleyway to capture multiple perspectives. Video data extrapolated into frames and manual annotation was utilized to generate the machine learning algorithm’s training data. Frames were randomly selected from a scattering of 56 h of video across all five camera viewpoints and down sampled to 384 x 640 p for both layers. A two-layer approach was employed utilizing an algorithm for each aspect of the study with the first model detecting the behavior, and the second model using the detected region of interest to identify specific cows. The first layer was trained on 682 frames and validated against 123 manually annotated frames. The second layer was trained on 102 frames and validated against 16 frames manually annotated for individual animals. Results demonstrated that the model used for mounting behavior identification has high precision (0.819) and recall (0.89), achieving a 0.926 mAP at an IoU of 0.5. This model achieved an F1 score of 0.86 at a confidence threshold of 0.268. The results demonstrated that the model used for individual animal identification across different classes achieved high precision (0.861) and recall (0.842), with a mAP of 0.897 at an IoU of 0.5. The F1 score for all classes was 0.89 at a confidence threshold of 0.788. In conclusion, these promising findings underscore the potential of computer vision and machine learning technologies to revolutionize dairy cow management practices. This innovative approach not only has potential to enhance operational efficiency, but also contributes significantly to improved reproductive management, thereby advancing precision and productivity in dairy operations.
327 Evaluation of glucose supplement provided with enrichment to reduce hunger induced stress in gestating sows
Authors: Salinas Emerald Julianna , Niure Kiran , McGlone John J , aguiriano Allen Jimena Martinez , Villalba Heidi , Spectic Lucas , Kitting Brooke L , Hernandez Faby , Garcia Arlene
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of myo-inositol (MYO; glucose supplementation) in alginate hydrogel beads (AHBs) covered in maternal pheromone (MP) via an enrichment source (perforated plastic jugs) using measures of behavior, physiology, and farrowing performance of feed restricted pregnant sows. First parity pregnant sows (n = 36) with an average body weight (BW) of 200 kg were randomly assigned into three treatment groups: a negative control group, not provided with AHB-MYO nor enrichment (NEG), a positive control group provided with AHB-MP without MYO via enrichment (POS), and a treatment group provided with AHB-MYO-MP via enrichment (TRT). The AHB consumption results before (d 0) and after treatment (d 7) revealed that the median AHB consumption for the POS group was significantly greater than for TRT (P < 0.01). The hematological data showed a significantly greater lymphocyte (LYM) count in NEG than TRT on d 7 (P < 0.05) but did not differ from POS. Monocytes (MON) were greater for TRT sows at d 0 and d 7 (P = 0.04 and P = 0.003, respectively) compared with NEG group, whereas LYM in TRT was greater than POS on d 7 (P < 0.001) only. Platelet distribution width was greater for POS than NEG (P = 0.04) but did not differ from TRT on d 7. TRT had a greater total plasma protein (TP) concentration than NEG and POS groups on d 7 (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively). Similarly, AST was significantly greater for POS than NEG on d 7 (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in farrowing performance among the treatment groups. The behavior data showed greater active behaviors (such as eating, drinking, interacting with other sows or enrichment) in TRT than POS and NEG during the first and second hour (P < 0.05) whereas standing behaviors and interacting behaviors in TRT were greater than POS and NEG during the second hour after providing AHBs (P < 0.05) and did not differ at any time after the second hour. In conclusion, the AHB-MYO coated in MP increased exploration of enrichment but did not significantly influence stress parameters (cortisol) nor farrowing performance.
89 Streamlining the acquisition and analysis of digital images for the assessment of horn fly abundance
Authors: Warner Amanda M , Tani Aaron , Aggrey Samuel E , Bourlai Thirimachos , Rekaya Romdhane
Published: September 2024

Horn flies are one of the most prevalent ectoparasites on pasture raised cattle. Studies have shown reasonable evidence of a genetic basis for horn fly attraction in beef cattle. Current methods for assessing fly abundance-related phenotypes (e.g., subjective assessment and image-based counts) suffer from limited accuracy and logistic difficulties. Previous attempts to assess horn fly abundance using image-based methods were hindered by several factors including weather conditions, distance and angle between the image taker and the animal, and lighting during image acquisition. The aim of this study was to address these limitations through the development of practical guidance to optimize image acquisition and to develop an adaptive image analysis algorithm to enhance the accuracy of image-based assessment of fly abundance. Images of beef cattle on pasture over multiple horn fly seasons (late spring to early fall) were collected. For each animal, the best image (where the entire side of the animal was in view) was selected and cropped from the withers to the hooks and from the chest floor to the udder. For every image (n = 314), all the flies were manually counted using the ImageJ software. Several image enhancement and analysis techniques including adaptive thresholding, pixel region connection, and pixel classification were used. The images were then clustered into three quality classes based on quality metrics computed using several algorithms from the image processing toolbox in MATLAB (BRISQUE, NIQE, and PIQE). BRISQUE and NIQE use distortions of natural scene statistics to compute quality scores. PIQE uses image features and models of human perception to compute quality scores. Pearson correlation, mean squared error (MSE), and the coefficient of determination (R2) were used to evaluate the concordance between the manual (ground truth) and the image predicted counts. Across the different scenarios, the Pearson correlation and R2 ranged between 0.21 to 0.67 and 0.04 and 0.45, respectively (Table 1). When the images were first clustered in quality classes, all the assessment metrics showed a substantial increase (Table 2). In fact, the Pearson correlation ranged between 0.47 to 0.80 using the NIQE. When the images were classified as low or medium quality by BRISQUE, the correlation was greater (0.74 to 0.79) compared with NIQE (0.47 to 0.70) and PIQE (0.69 to 0.74). Similar patterns were observed for the other assessment criteria (MSE and R2). These results seem to indicate that NIQE, BRISQUE, or a combination of the two algorithms could be used to assess image quality and determine the appropriate combination of image parameters to maximize the predictive ability. The NIQE method could be used as a filter to detect low quality images that are unsuitable for counting and then BRISQUE could be used on the remaining images.
120 Cross-validation of breeding values and future phenotypes for heifer pregnancy in Red Angus cattle using the LR method
Authors: Giess Lane K , Speidel Scott E , Upperman Lindsay R , Boldt Ryan J , Shafer Wade R , Enns R Mark
Published: September 2024

Heifer pregnancy (HP) in beef cattle is a heritable and economically relevant trait but is challenging to predict using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) methodology due to the binary nature of the phenotypes. The observed categorical responses (e.g., 1 = pregnant; 0 = non-pregnant) are due to an animal either exceeding a particular threshold for pregnancy or not on an underlying genetic distribution which is why this binary trait is commonly evaluated using a threshold model (TM). However, TM are susceptible to scenarios where only 1 category of observation is predominant. In this study we compare genetic evaluations including “partial” and “whole” data to cross-validate methodologies for the prediction of HP. The objectives of this study were then to evaluate estimators of prediction accuracy, bias, and dispersion. Heifer fertility data were obtained from the Red Angus Association of America. Evaluations for HP were performed using ASREML3.0 and a univariate, BLUP, traditional TM; and a linear continuous BLUP animal model (LM) on both reference (whole) and validation (partial) datasets. Reference data included all animals with HP phenotypes, and validation data had censored the most recent 5 yr of HP phenotypes (~16% of HP phenotypes). Reference and validation estimated breeding values (EBV) were then compared using linear regression (LR) methods. Heritability estimates were 0.05 (± 0.007) and 0.15 (± 0.009) for LM and TM respectively. The average BIF accuracy of censored validation animals (n = 10,175) using a LM on whole and partial datasets were 0.07 and 0.03 respectively, and using a TM on whole and partial datasets were 0.09 and 0.04 respectively. Comparing the mean EBV from the partial and whole datasets can be a good estimator of bias in the model as the difference is expected to be 0. The difference between the mean EBV from partial and mean EBV from whole datasets were –0.003 and –0.016 for LM and TM respectively, suggesting that the TM is a slightly more biased evaluation. The regression of EBV obtained with whole data on EBV estimated with partial data has an expected value of 1 if there is no over/under dispersion which can be a useful tool in determining model correctness and gauge bias in an evaluation. The closer a regression coefficient is to 1, the less biased the evaluation is. The slope of the regression of EBV estimated from whole data on partial data for validation animals were 0.98 (P < 0.0001) and 0.91 (P < 0.0001) for LM and TM respectively. Although both regression coefficients were above 0.90 suggesting both evaluations are performing well, these results suggest that TM models may be a more biased predictor of HP than LM despite a small benefit in prediction accuracy for the trait.
114 Accuracy of genomic predictions using single and multiple-trait machine learning methods in Canadian beef cattle population
Authors: Li Hongwei , Wang Yining , Vinsky Michael , Valente Tiago , Basarab John A , Li Changxi
Published: September 2024

The advancement in various machine learning (ML) methods provides tools to extract features from a large data set of complex traits and to predict the outcome of the target trait. In this study, we assessed the genomic prediction accuracy using single trait models based on kernel ridge regression (ST_KRR) and linear support vector regression (STLinearSVR) for female feed intake, feed efficiency and fertility traits of Canadian crossbreed beef cattle (n = 2,834 genotyped with 83,875 single nucleotide polymorphisms) and compared their prediction performances to a single trait genomic best linear unbiased prediction (STGBLUP) method. We also evaluated the performances of multiple-trait genomic prediction methods including MAK-based KRR, MAK-based LinearSVR (MAK_MTLinearSVR), and multiple-trait genomic best linear unbiased prediction (MTGBLUP). For the single trait methods, we found that the ST_KRR model was 1.86% to 26.86% more accurate for feed intake and fertility traits including residual feed intake adjusted for backfat thickness (RFIfat), daily dry matter intake (DMI), feeding event duration (DUR), age of first calving (AFC), pre-breeding backfat at first parity (PBBF), and pre-breeding weight at first parity (PBWT) than the STGBLUP method, which had an average accuracy of 0.39 for the traits investigated. For growth and development traits including julian date of birth (JulianDt), weaning weight adjusted to 200 d (WT200d), and birth weight (BRWT) of heifers, STLinearSVR yielded a 5.44% to 9.92% greater accuracy than STGBLUP. As for the multiple trait methods, MAK_MTLinearSVR had a 1.1% to 20.42% greater accuracy for PBWT, AFC, WT200d, DUR, RFIfat, and BRWT than the single trait model of STLinearSVR, while MTGBLUP had a 0.42% to 32.64% greater accuracy for AFC, RFIfat, WT200d and PBBF than the single trait model of STGBLUP. Our results demonstrate the potential application of ML-based multiple-trait models in beef cattle to improve the effectiveness of genomic selection programs, in particular for traits with low heritability.
201 Transcriptome analysis of bovine abomasal mucosa following experimental infection with Ostertagia ostertagi
Authors: Boschiero Clarissa , Liu George E , Tuo Wenbin
Published: September 2024

Ostertagia ostertagi is a cattle stomach nematode that causes significant disease; however, little is known about host responses to infection. Due to the emergence of drug resistance in these parasites, there is a need for alternative treatments. To understand host responses to O. ostertagi infection in the gastric mucosa, gene expression in fundic and pyloric mucosa was compared between infected and uninfected calves for 21 d post-infection. The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) increased over time with more upregulated than downregulated DEGs at each time point. Fundic mucosa had more DEGs than pyloric mucosa across all time points. The largest changes occurred between d 7 to 9 and 10 post-infection. Most DEGs are associated with immunity, cellular reorganization, cell migration, and proliferation. Tuft/epithelial cell response to the infection was atypical, lacking key cytokines. Numerous genes associated with T cell exhaustion were upregulated. The data collectively indicate that O. ostertagi infection elicited host immune responses, yet also suggest parasite-induced immunosuppression is present. This may explain why cattle are slow in developing protective immunity to O. ostertagi. Understanding mechanisms of parasite evasion will facilitate the rational design of protective vaccines against complex nematode parasites.
277 Estimating the potential effect of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection on swine sustainability
Authors: Krebs Shelby , Pieters Maria , Schwartz Mark , Urriola Pedro E
Published: September 2024

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the primary causative agent of enzootic pneumonia, one of the most common bacterial pathogens affecting pigs and the main contributor to respiratory comorbidities. Infection with M. hyopneumoniae, commonly observed in growing pigs, results in decreased feed intake and an increase in the number of days to reach market weight. Based on extended days to market, pigs infected with M. hyopneumoniae will have a greater life cycle carbon emissions and water usage than that of non-infected pigs. However, the magnitude of additional carbon footprint and water use in pigs infected with M. hyopneumoniae has never been calculated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate the potential variation in carbon emissions and water footprint generated by M. hyopneumoniae infected pigs. This study was conducted using data from previous publications on M. hyopneumoniae infected pigs in experimental and commercial conditions. The carbon footprint and water usage of pork production was obtained from the literature and was used as a baseline (3,470 kg of CO2 eq and 1,678 m3 water eq; both per 1,000 kg of pork carcass weight). The change in average daily gain was estimated and additional days on feed to reach market weight were used to calculate potential carbon and water impact for pigs infected with M. hyopneumoniae. The estimated carbon emissions and water usage of M. hyopneumoniae infected pigs increased in a range of 84.69 to 142.93 kg of CO2 eq/1,000 kg of pork carcass weight and 40.95 to 69.12 m3 eq/1,000 kg of pork carcass weight respectively, compared with the carbon emissions of non-infected pigs (Table 1). Results of this study showed an increased carbon footprint for M. hyopneumoniae infected pigs by 2 to 4% and water usage increased by 2.5 to 4.1% suggesting that the sustainability of pork production was negatively affected by this bacterial infection. Previous literature on the impact of controlling vaccine-preventable diseases has shown similar results for other swine respiratory pathogens. In addition, these data only included M. hyopneumoniae infected pigs, thus the effect of respiratory co-infections was not estimated and the impact on sustainability metrics may be greater than currently calculated. The application of sustainable practices in animal production, including disease prevention, is key to ensuring a secure food supply for future generations. The carbon and water footprints of swine production are measurements of sustainability, with average daily gain being an important factor.
16 Overview of trace minerals and considerations in defining their requirements
Authors: Spears Jerry W
Published: September 2024

At least eight trace minerals are classified as essential for beef cattle, based on identification of one or more metabolic functions. Essential trace minerals are under homeostatic control mechanisms that alter their absorption and/or excretion, resulting in tissue concentrations of most minerals being maintained within a fairly narrow range. Without whole body homeostatic mechanisms to control mineral concentrations in the body, it would be extremely difficult to formulate bioavailable trace mineral levels in diets within a range that prevents both deficiencies and toxicities. Cellular homeostasis is also important in preventing adverse effects of free metal ions, especially iron and copper, in the cell. Trace mineral requirements are estimated by the National Academies of Sciences Committee on Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle. Requirements are based on the concentration of each trace mineral necessary to maximize overall performance (growth, reproduction, and health), and are based on published research. A number of factors can affect requirements of certain trace minerals such as bioavailability, which is affected by antagonist and trace mineral source. There is little recent research on trace mineral requirements. Most recent trace mineral studies have not included a negative control treatment and have evaluated adding additional concentrations of trace minerals to a diet already formulated to meet or exceed NASEM (2016) recommendations. Much of the older trace mineral research was conducted with British cattle breeds. Research has indicated that Continental and Bos indicus breeds differ in regard to copper and possibly selenium metabolism. Trace mineral requirements of breeds that have been developed by crossing Bos indicus with Bos taurus are largely unknown. There have been genetic improvements over time that have resulted in heavier calf weaning weights, faster and more efficient feedlot gains, and heavier slaughter BW. These genetic improvements have resulted in improved energy efficiency. It is unclear if the improved energy efficiency has also been associated with enhanced trace mineral utilization. Use of more aggressive implant programs and beta-agonists in recent years has also improved growth rate and efficiency of feedlot cattle. Well-designed studies are needed to more accurately define trace mineral requirements for beef cattle.
22 Effects of trace mineral source and chromium propionate supplementation on rumen fermentation, growth performance, and carcass characteristics in finishing beef steers
Authors: Heldt Jeff S , Loh Huey Yi , Spears Jerry W , Lloyd Karen , Engle Terry E
Published: September 2024

Crossbred beef steers [n = 400; body weight (BW) = 370 ± 8 kg] were used to evaluate the effects of trace mineral (TM) source and chromium propionate (Cr) on rumen fermentation characteristics, plasma glucose and mineral concentrations, performance, and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers fed a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet. Steers were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned within block to 1 of 4 treatments (10 steers/pen) with 10 pens per treatment. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors included: 1) TM source [sulfate or hydroxychloride (IntelliBond] Cu, Mn, and Zn TM supplemented at 18, 40, and 90 mg/kg DM, respectively) and 2) with or without supplemental Cr (KemTRACE) at 0.0 or 0.25 mg/kg DM. Steers were individually weighed on d -1 and 0 and every 28 d throughout the experiment. Jugular blood samples and rumen contents were collected from 10 steers per treatment on d 28 and 84 of the experiment for plasma glucose and TM concentration and volatile fatty acid analysis, respectively. On d 154 of the experiment, steers were harvested at a commercial abattoir and carcass data was collected. Data were analyzed on a pen mean basis for a randomized complete block design using PROC MIXED of SAS. There was no TM source by Cr supplementation interactions for any of the response variables measured, therefore only main effects are reported. Overall ADG (P = 0.03) and gain:feed (P = 0.02) were greater in steers receiving supplemental Cr when compared with steers not supplemented with Cr. Hot carcass weight (P = 0.04), dressing percentage (P = 0.01), longissimus muscle area (P = 0.03), and USDA yield grades (P = 0.04) were greater in steers receiving hydroxychloride TM compared with steers receiving sulfate TM. Steers supplemented with Cr had a greater dressing percentage (P = 0.01) and longissimus muscle area (P = 0.04) compared with steers not supplemented with Cr. On d 28 of the experiment, ruminal acetate concentrations were lesser (P = 0.01) and ruminal propionate concentrations tended to be greater (P = 0.12) in steers receiving hydroxychloride TM compared with steers receiving sulfate TM. Steers supplemented with Cr had greater ruminal acetate concentrations (P = 0.04) and plasma glucose concentrations (P = 0.05) on d 28 of the experiment when compared with non-supplemented controls. These data indicate the Cr supplementation and TM source can influence feedlot steer performance, carcass characteristics, and rumen fermentation characteristics.
436 Regulation of brain-placental axis in mouse versus pig
Authors: Behura Susanta K
Published: September 2024

Emerging evidence suggests that the placenta has key roles in the development of mammalian brain. The brain-placental axis refers to the molecular and cellular events by which the placenta programs the fetal brain development during reproduction and leaves a lasting influence on the health and disease of the brain later in life. Though most studies on the brain-placental axis have utilized mouse models, the pig, Sus scrofa, is now increasingly used as a large animal model to study brain diseases in humans. However, no study has been performed to understand the regulation of the brain-placental axis in a comparative manner between mouse and pig. In the present work, we performed a comparative analysis of single-nuclei gene expression patterns in the placenta and fetal brain between mouse and pig. The placenta and fetal brain cells expressing the common orthologous genes and the species-specific genes were identified in both species. The analysis showed that a relatively fewer number of cell clusters expressed genes in a correlated manner between the placenta and fetal brain of pig relative to that of mouse. The results further showed that specific genes related to visual perception were expressed in specific cell types of the fetal brain of both mouse and pig. These genes were expressed in a coordinated manner with a set of genes expressed in specific cell types of the placenta. Further analysis showed that these placental expressed genes were significantly differentially regulated (P < 0.05, fold changes > 2) in the term-placenta between nocturnal and diurnal animals. Significant enrichment (P < 0.05) of specific binding motifs of known transcription factors, whose functions are related to the specification of retinal cells, was observed in the immediate upstream region of these placenta genes. Phylogenetic analysis of these genes among 29 diverse mammalian species differing in placenta type and activity (nocturnal or diurnal) was performed. The Bayes Traits discrete trait correlation test using the inferred phylogenies and the known trait data identified genes associated with the correlated evolution (Log Bayes Factor > 2) of placenta with animal activity (nocturnal or diurnal). The functional association of these genes with visual perception was evident from differential expression in the ocular cells between pig and mouse. Together, the findings of this study show that the regulation of the brain-placental axis plays a role in the evolution of visual perception function of brain to shape the nocturnal or diurnal activity of placental animals. However, factors other than the brain-placental axis are also known to influence temporal changes in nocturnal or diurnal activity of specific animals. Thus, future studies, potentially applying experimental evolution approaches, are needed to dissect the mechanisms of nocturnal bottleneck in placental animals.
33 Beyond bacteria: Impact of live yeast as a probiotic on the intestinal health of dogs
Authors: Bastos Taís S , Souza Renata B , Leseaux Achraf A , Felix Ananda P
Published: September 2024

Inactivated yeast and yeast-based products are commonly used in pet food to improve palatability, contribute to dietary protein content, and improve gastrointestinal functionality. However, the use of viable yeast Saccharomyces as a probiotic may contribute to additional beneficial effects on dogs and cats. Considering that, in this presentation, we will focus on the use of viable yeast as a probiotic for dogs. A study conducted at the Federal University of Parana, Brazil, observed that Beagle dogs supplemented with a probiotic yeast presented reduced fecal concentrations of total biogenic amines, ammonia, and aromatic compounds and greater fecal concentrations of butyrate. The supplemented dogs also presented an improvement in dysbiosis index, a greater abundance of Bifidobacterium and Turicibacter, and a reduced abundance of Escherichia coli in feces. In addition, control group dogs presented upregulation in microbial genes related to virulence factors (such as lipopolysaccharide export system), antibiotic resistance, and osmotic stress, compared with the probiotic group. These results may indicate a possible protective effect of the yeast probiotic against potential pathogenic bacteria in the gut. The mechanisms by which yeast probiotics may contribute to gastrointestinal functionality in dogs and cats are not fully elucidated. However, they are usually attributed to the stimulation of brush edge disaccharidases; competition for adhesion sites against potential pathogens; stimulation of nonspecific immunity; neutralization of toxins; and direct effect against potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Many of these mechanisms are influenced directly by yeast cell wall components, such as mannans and beta-glucans. One of the main mechanisms of action of mannans is the elimination of bacteria with pathogenic potential that present type-1 fimbriae, such as some strains of E. coli and Salmonella, preventing their adhesion and colonization to the host mucosa. This may also contribute to the establishment of beneficial bacteria in the gut. We can conclude that viable yeast Saccharomyces as a probiotic may have promising beneficial effects on intestinal functionality of dogs.
30 Microbiota and Companion Animal Health
Authors: Suchodolski Jan S
Published: September 2024

The intestinal microbiota has been shown to have an important role in health and disease of animals. It is a complex system that depends on interactions between the luminal environment and specific bacterial taxa and their function (e.g., production of short-chain fatty acids, conversion of bile acids). Dietary substrates are an important factor for microbial metabolism and supplements have the potential to help in maintaining intestinal health. Major changes in the microbiota and their loss of function (dysbiosis) are mainly associated with antibiotic treatment and in chronic intestinal disease likely due to chronic remodeling of the epithelium. Therefore, often these changes persist long-term. Chronic enteropathies (CE) occur very commonly in dogs and cats, and are frustrating to treat due to lack of specific markers. The pathophysiology is complex and includes changes in the immune system (e.g., inflammation), intestinal function, and the intestinal microbiome. The current classification based on treatment response (i.e., food- vs. steroid-responsive) is currently being questioned, as new research findings indicate that CE is a syndrome with many overlapping unspecific features, often with chronic irreversible changes in intestinal function and dysbiosis. The presentation will summarize novel research about the pathophysiology and novel concepts in multi-modal therapy to these conditions. This program will help better understand the role of the intestinal microbiota in health and disease (with focus on acute diarrhea and chronic intestinal inflammation). New diagnostic methods for evaluation of the intestinal microbiota will be covered. Finally, this lecture will review how to best manage the clinical signs of acute and chronic diarrhea. This includes new evidence of the negative impact of antibiotics on the microbiome and the critical role nutrition can play in managing these patients.
322 Nutrient transport across gastrointestinal tissues using Ussing chambers
Authors: Laarman Anne H , Penner Gregory
Published: September 2024

One of the principal roles of the gut is the absorption of nutrients to meet animal needs. While in vivo measures such as total tract digestibility indicate the totality of the nutrients that disappear, these methods provide no information on the digestion, site, flux, and mechanism of nutrient absorption. Nutrient absorption is a complex set of transport pathways including passive diffusion, facilitated transport, ion exchange, active transport, and secondary active transport that is driven by electrochemical gradients. To tease apart the complexities of nutrient transport at different sites along the gastrointestinal tract, Ussing chambers have been a useful tool. Two ex vivo chambers, filled with oxygenated physiological buffer, and separated by epithelial tissue allow for the detection of nutrient flux, transepithelial currents, and/or membrane permeability. Historically, detection of the nutrient of interest was achieved using radio-labelled or fluorescent tracers. Beyond detecting flux (uptake, efflux, net flux), Ussing chambers can also tease apart the complex network of transport pathways that govern nutrient absorption. Isolating specific transport pathways can be broad spectrum inhibitors, and alterations to the physiological buffers to target transport pathways of interest. Altering the electrical gradient using a voltage clamp for instance, can be used to neutralize, inhibit, or promote, the electrical gradient; such alterations can be especially useful for charged nutrients. Inhibitors, meanwhile, inhibit the activity of entire families of proteins, useful for when the role of specific protein transporters is of interest. Alterations to buffer composition, such as bicarbonate-free buffer solutions or the inclusion and exclusion of compounds with similar size and charge, can isolate transport solely dependent on that solute or provide knowledge on the solutes that may share a common transport mechanism. Together, these modulations allow for a powerful tool to study the presence or absence of nutrient transport and has been crucial in establishing absorption kinetics of ionic nutrients (e.g., Na+, Cl-), small organic nutrients (e.g., short chain fatty acids, glucose), and macromolecules (e.g., immunoglobulins). Done in conjunction with other techniques, Ussing chambers can offer strong insight to improve our understanding of nutrient absorption and epithelial physiology of the gut. This presentation will discuss the methods key to successful use of Ussing chambers, alongside with their limitations and ways to augment data generated by Ussing chambers.
175 Corporate drivers of sustainability and implications for the business case to make changes based on sustainability opportunities
Authors: Dayhoff David
Published: September 2024

Frequently NGOs, policy organizations, academics and others outside corporate decision-making structures, promote fact-based analyses with the intent of driving change in operations, products and services of businesses. However, there are many other considerations that business leaders weigh before implementing any changes in the name of sustainability. While cost often comes to mind first, fundamentally customer behavior, investor expectations and the ambiguity of potential future risks versus rewards, are crucial. The world of animal agriculture and animal proteins is no exception. While advancing the science of animal protein sustainability is very necessary, practitioners need to have realistic expectations of how, and how quickly, businesses will make changes consistent with science-based arguments. In some extreme cases, companies even take positive actions that they intentionally downplay. Using examples from published analyses, corporate statements and first-hand experience, this presentation will provide insights about the competing influences on food businesses to implement changes intended to improve sustainability of animal agriculture.