bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PS-1 An Evaluation of Cow Age and Activity Traits During the Breeding Season to Assess the Effect on Pregnancy Status
Authors: Dubowsky Jason , McFarlane Zachary D , Abo-Ismail Mohammed , Field Catherine E
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate activity traits and its influence on pregnancy during the breeding season. In a 2-year study, crossbred Angus cows (n = 17) were randomly assigned to receive a Knight global positioning system (GPS) tracking collar. All cows were synchronized for fixed-timed artificial insemination (TAI) utilizing a 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. Then, bulls were turned out with the cowherd 14-d after TAI for a 65-d breeding season. Cows were retrospectively classified in the following groups: (1) conception to TAI (n = 8), (2) Pregnant (n = 6), or (3) Open (n = 3). Cow activity traits were measured as total daily distance traveled, distance to water, and percentage of time spent near water and grazing challenging topography (i.e., > 15% slope) were analyzed during the breeding season. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4. The model included the main effect of cow age and year was used as a fixed effect. When testing the effect of pregnancy status and cow age on activity traits, these effects did not influence (P = 0.30) total daily distance traveled during the breeding season. Cow age had a significant (P = 0.03) effect on distance to water, wherein, younger cows traveled further from the water source when compared with older cows. Older cows tended (P = 0.08) to spend more time near the water source. Pregnancy status had no influence (P ≥ 0.25) on time spent near the water source nor distance to the water source. Pregnancy status and age had no impact (P ≥ 0.39) on the amount of time cows spent on challenging slopes. In this study, cow age had a stronger effect on cow grazing behavior during the breeding season when compared with pregnancy status. More data will be collected to validate results from the current study.
PS-2 Early Intrauterine Suppression of CXCL12-CXCR4 Alters Expression of Placental Inflammatory Profile at Mid-to-Late Gestation
Authors: Hughes Jillian M , Alderete Cael N , Ashley Ryan L
Published: October 2022

A proper balance of inflammatory cytokines at the fetal-maternal interface is crucial for successful embryo implantation and placental formation. Chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and receptor CXCR4 are expressed by fetal and maternal placental tissues and implicated in cytokine synthesis. However, mechanisms controlling the axis and placental inflammatory profile are not well characterized. Using an in-vivo sheep model, we previously demonstrated suppressing CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling at the fetal-maternal interface during implantation yielded dysregulated production of inflammatory cytokines in the placenta. Our objective was to determine if disrupting the cytokine profile during implantation alters the placental inflammatory profile at mid-to-late gestation. Day 12 post-breeding, osmotic pumps were surgically installed in 37 ewes to deliver CXCR4 inhibitor (1.5X dose, n = 8; 1X dose, n = 8; 3X dose, n = 8) or saline (n = 13) into the uterine lumen ipsilateral to the corpus luteum for 14 days. On days 90 and 135 of gestation, placental tissues were collected; maternal (caruncle) and fetal (cotyledon) placenta components were then separated and analyzed. Real-time qPCR was used to measure gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon-γ (IFNγ), interleukin-12 (IL12), and anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-10 (IL10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). Gene expression for TGFβ from tissues ipsilateral to the pump on day 90 increased (P < 0.03) in caruncles from 3x treated ewes compared to control ewes while IL10 mRNA decreased (P < 0.02) in cotyledons from 1.5x compared to 3x treatment. Furthermore, analysis of day 135 1x treated ewes showed greater expression (P < 0.03) of IL12 in caruncles ipsilateral compared to contralateral of the pump; meanwhile IL10 showed decreased expression (P < 0.02) in cotyledons ipsilateral compared to contralateral of the pump. High levels of TGFβ, IFNγ (whose production is promoted by increased IL12), and TNF along with decreased levels of IL10 have been associated with preeclampsia in women. The changes in gene expressions of ovine immune cytokines with a disrupted CXCL12-CCR4 axis may be related to preeclamptic events. Ultimately, modulating CXCL12-induced actions is a novel approach to manipulating the fetal-maternal environment when most pregnancy losses occur and may reveal methods to improve reproductive success and fetal health in livestock.
PS-3 Effects of Feeding Rates on Diflubenzuron Efficacy Against Filth Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) in Manure of Beef Heifers
Authors: Martin Emma C , Sanchez-Sandoval Ulises A , Ramirez Jovannah , Smythe Brandon G
Published: October 2022

The objective of the current study is to determine the effect of feeding rates on the efficacy of diflubenzuron against filth fly development in the manure of beef heifers. Twelve Angus × Hereford crossbred heifers (263 kg ± 16.2 kg BW) were used in a completely randomized design and heifers were assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate the efficacy of diflubenzuron against horn flies Haematobia irritans (L.), stable flies Stomoxys calcitrans and house fly Musca domestica utilizing fecal bioassays. Treatments consisted of 2 insecticidal treatments [Diflubenzuron (DFB; 0.10 mg per kg BW) and no DFB (CNT)] in a factorial arrangement with 2 dietary fed regimens [1.5% BW alfalfa hay cubes and 3.0% BW alfalfa hay cubes]. All heifers receiving DFB treatments were dosed daily beginning on day 0 and continuing through day 7. Manure samples were collected daily prior to DFB offering and for 11 consecutive days. Efficacy calculations were developed utilizing standard filth fly fecal bioassays accounting for control performance. A treatment × day interaction (P ≤ 0.01) was observed for all species largely associated with the presence of DFB and associated with the on-set of efficacy (day 0–2) and wash out (day 8–10) of the product. Feeding regimen did not (P > 0.05) influence DFB performance against any of the fly species evaluated. Formulations of DFB appear to handle a wide range of animal intake scenarios under controlled situations.
PS-4 Evaluating the Effects of Artificial Rainfall and Permethrin Resistance Status on the Efficacy of Common Pour-On Formulation Delivered to Beef Heifers in a Controlled Environment
Authors: Castro Dalila , Sanchez-Sandoval Ulises A , Ramirez Jovannah , Smythe Brandon G
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study is to determine the impact of rainfall on the duration of efficacy of a commercial pour-on against susceptible (SS) and permethrin resistant (PR) horn flies. Eighteen Angus-Hereford crossbred heifers (BW) were used in a completely randomized design with repeated measures to determine the efficacy and longevity of a permethrin-based pour-on. Animals were randomly assigned to one of two fly infestations (SS or PR) and within infestation to one of three rainfall regimens [no rain (NR), no rain with a pour-on (NP) treatment, and rain with a pour-on (RP) treatment]. All heifers were housed in outdoor roofed pens within the corresponding treatment group and animals with NP and RP groups were treated once on day 0 at the label rate. Once a week for four weeks all animals were placed into individual indoor screened rooms where the fly infestations were administered. Live fly counts were acquired 24 h following each infestation. Animal with RP received approximately 2.54 cm of artificially provided rainfall within 2 hours following each weakly horn fly count. A treatment × day x fly interaction (P < 0.01) was observed. In general, NR groups maintained higher (P < 0.05) populations of SS and PR for 22 and 8 days post-treatment, respectively. Regardless, of fly species, rainfall had no (P > 0.05) influence on product efficacy. In conclusion, insecticide resistance status appears to be more influential than heavy rainfall in the longevity of permethrin-based pour-on products.
PSI-2 Disruption of CXCL12-CXCR4 Axis at Fetal-Maternal Interface During Implantation Alters Ovine Angiogenic Expression at Mid-to-Late Gestation
Authors: Wasson Megan E , Ashley Ryan L
Published: October 2022

Placental dysfunction originates during placental development, specifically the events of placentation. Vascularization is a key component of placentation due to its role in fetal-maternal exchange. Cytokines are regulators of placental development; signaling of chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its receptor (CXCR4) drives placental vascularization. Utilizing an in vivo sheep model, we demonstrated that suppressing CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling at the fetal-maternal interface reduces placental vascularization. We hypothesized these negative impacts early in gestation would result in compromised placental development and vascularization at mid to late gestation. On day 12 post-breeding, osmotic pumps were surgically installed in 37 ewes and delivered either CXCR4 inhibitor (AMD3100) at 1x dose (n = 8),1.5X dose (n = 8), or 3X dose (n = 8) or saline (n = 13) into the uterine lumen ipsilateral to the corpus luteum for 14 days. On day 90 and day 135 placental tissues were collected and maternal (caruncle) and fetal (cotyledon) placenta components were separated and analyzed. Gene expression of angiogenic factors were analyzed using Real-time qPCR. Gene expression was significantly altered by AMD3100 treatment for the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (FLT-1 and KDR) primarily in day 90 placenta contralateral to the corpus luteum. Significant decreases in KDR were seen in 3x compared to control (P < 0.03), 3x compared to 1.5x (P < 0.008), and 3x contralateral compared to ipsilateral (P < 0.01); however, FLT-1 significantly increased (P < 0.02) from control to 1.5x. Day 90 caruncle tissue had significant increases in FLT-1 from control to 3x (0.02), 1.5x to 3x (P < 0.03); however, 1.5x treatment FLT-1 significantly decreased (P < 0.02) ipsilateral to contralateral. Fibroblast growth factor 2 increased in both contralateral 3x compared to control cotyledon (P < 0.03) and caruncle (P < 0.03). Our data underscore the importance of CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling during placentation and provide strong evidence that altering CXCR4-mediated signaling during early placentation induces enduring effects altering vascular development later in gestation. A greater understanding of CXCL12/CXCR4 functions may reveal methods to improve reproductive success and fetal health.
PSI-3 Heritability Estimates and Correlations Between Dry Matter Intake and Stayability
Authors: Hurst Caleb W , Enns R Mark , Speidel Scott E , Thomas Milton G , Giess Lane K
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was to determine heritability and genetic correlation estimates between dry matter intake (DMI) and Stayability in Angus cattle originating from the John E. Rouse Beef Improvement Center. From the years 2015–2021, 640 steers were fed in confinement using a GrowSafe System® to measure individual DMI. The duration of feeding varied each year; however, mean test length was 49 ± 0.31 days with a 21-day warm-up period to allow for acclimation to the environment and ration. A bivariate animal model was used. Stayability was evaluated using a binary, probit threshold model while DMI was evaluated as a continuous trait. In addition to the 640 steers with intake, a total of 1,673 pedigree-related cows possessed a Stayability observation. Cows were awarded a ‘1’ if they maintained functionality within the herd for six years. Those not achieving the six-year threshold were given a ‘0’. Mean DMI calculated for the steers was 10.11 ± 0.12 kg/day while the mean for stayability was 0.59 ± .15 (59% of females in this study remained in the herd for at least six years). Fixed effects in the model included contemporary group and age. Contemporary groups were defined as year, pen and test duration for DMI. Contemporary groups for Stayability were solely the year of birth for a given cohort. Individual animal was included as a random effect for both Stayability and DMI to account for the direct genetic effects for both traits. A 3-generation pedigree file containing 3,421 angus influenced animals with 785 unique sires and 2,425 unique dams was used to link the steers to the cows in this study. Residual covariance between DMI and Stayability in this study was fixed at 0. The heritability estimate for DMI was 0.26 ± 0.12 making it moderately heritable with a phenotypic variance of 9.29 kg2 ± 0.55. The heritability estimate for Stayability was quite low 0.02 ± 0.39. The genetic correlation between DMI and Stayability determined by this model was 0.8211 ± 1.2. Though the heritability is low for Stayability, these results suggested that Angus cows that exhibit higher feed intake tend to have more longevity within the herd.
PSI-4 Investigation of a Naturally Occurring XX Male Bull
Authors: Angove Mitchell , Turner Zachary , Conley Alan , McNabb Brett R , Van Eenennaam Alison L
Published: October 2022

The Y chromosome–linked gene sex-determining region (SRY) is believed to be the master initiator of male sex determination in almost all eutherian mammals, functioning to upregulate expression of its direct target gene SRY-related HMG box–containing gene 9 (SOX9). XX maleness in humans is a rare syndrome with a frequency of 1 in 20,000–25,000 males. Approximately 90% of these cases carry some amount of the Y chromosome sequences due to an illegitimate recombination between X and Y chromosomes, where most of these cases have normal male genitalia. A more severe manifestation, the remaining 10% do not have any Y-chromosome sequences, and typically have ambiguous genitalia. In this study, we report a case of an infertile bull. Physical examination of this purebred Holstein bull showed a phenotypically androgynous animal with a normal penis, cryptorchidism (2 diminutive testicles, only one descended), and with a skeletal conformation and stance usually associated with female individuals. Lymphocytes from heparin sodium anticoagulated blood were cultured, harvested, and prepared according to conventional cell culture methods revealed a normal 60, XX karyotype with no numerical or structural chromosomal aberrations. PCR analyses were negative for the SRY gene, and positive for androgen receptor gene on the X chromosome. No sperm were found in seminal fluid collected in a routine breeding soundness exam at 17 months of age. The bull was slaughtered at 18 months of age, and its reproductive tract was collected. The testicle weighed 18.9 g (descended), and 42.4 g (abdominal). Neither testicle/epididymal unit was appropriate size or fully developed. Two very enlarged vesicular glands (43.36 g and 52.52 g, normally each ~ 20 g) were observed alongside what appeared to be uterine tissue. Histology showed no tubular grooves in the ampulla and an epididymis devoid of sperm. The development of a male phenotype in SRY-negative XX individuals suggests that in addition to SRY, there are autosomal or X-linked genes involved in the sex-determining pathway. In humans, a dose change of the SOX9 gene, loss of function mutations in the WNT4, FoxL2, and RSPO1 testicular suppressing genes, and genomic rearrangements within the regulatory region of the SRY-box transcription factor 3 (SOX3) gene have all been associated with XX male sex reversal. To investigate whether a mutation or genomic rearrangement was responsible for the male phenotype in the SRY-negative 60, XX bull, DNA was collected from the bull and his sire and dam for long-read trio sequencing. These data may provide evidence for either a loss of function mutation in a gene normally inhibiting testes formation in XX individuals, or a gain of function mutation in a gene downstream of SRY in the sex determining pathway.
PSI-5 Relationships of Feed Efficiency and Growth Estimated Breeding Values in Range Sheep
Authors: Schaub Daniel , Posbergh Christian
Published: October 2022

United States sheep producers have selected range sheep for larger post-weaning weights through estimated breeding values (EBVs) for the past forty years. This has led to producers perceiving more feed being required than historical averages. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the relationship between lamb growth estimated breeding values, feed intake, and feed efficiency. Eighty ewe lambs (40 Targhee and 40 Rambouillet) were weaned at four months of age and put onto a GrowsafeTM feeding system for a 42-day feeding trial with a 14-day adaption period. Ewe lambs were weighed weekly and at the beginning and end of the trial. Body weights, average daily gain (ADG), and daily feed intake measurements were used to calculate Residual Feed Intake (RFI). The ewe lambs’ post-weaning weight EBV was associated to feed intake, mid-trial metabolic body weight, and RFI. These experimental procedures were repeated in a second trial when the same ewes were yearlings and at maintenance. While post-weaning weight EBVs were predictive to dry matter intake (P < 0.05), there was no relationship between post-weaning weight EBVs and RFI (P > 0.05), this association was constant across both trials. A ewe’s post-weaning weight EBV was also predictive of mid-trial body weight in both trials (P < 0.05). This suggests that while selection for higher post-weaning weight animals may increase sheep producers’ feed usage due to larger body size, feed efficiency is not associated with the post-weaning weight EBV. To investigate if the RFI measurements from the growth stage are predictive of maintenance requirements, we further compared the RFI, ADG, mid-trial body weights, and DMI measurements between the two trials. Growth RFI measurements were found not to be predictive of RFI in maintenance. Therefore, caution should be used when utilizing RFI from the growth phase as an indicator for feed efficiency in maintenance. Alternatively, we found that DMI from the growth stage was predictive of DMI of the maintenance stage (P < 0.05). Ewes’ mid-trial body weight in the first trial was also predictive of the mid-trial body weight of the second trial (P < 0.05). Mid-trial body weight was positively associated with DMI in both trials (P < 0.05). Thus, the differences in ewe body weight were likely driving the differences seen in dry matter intake. Overall, our results suggest that range producer’s selection towards sheep with larger post weaning weight EBVs may be increasing ewe DMI due to increased body size but is not negatively affecting the ewe’s overall feed efficiency.
PSII-1 An Evaluation of a Nutrient Drench Administered to Calves at Arrival into the Feedlot on Subsequent Health Status and Assessment of Immune Status with a Rapid Immunity Test
Authors: Lowe Blane , Zheng Tianyu , Reinhardt Christopher , Branine Mark E
Published: October 2022

A functionally effective immune system is required to maintain health and resist disease challenges for cattle received into the feedlot. Transport is a primary stressor that can decrease trace mineral status and impair immune function. The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate a trace mineral drench providing key supplemental trace minerals (Cu, Mn, Se and Zn) administered to cattle at arrival into the feedlot on subsequent health and morbidity and 2) application of a novel technology for assessing immune status in stressed calves at risk for respiratory disease (BRD). From October through December 2021, 20 loads of Angus x Holstein heifers (n=1,988; 218± 2.7 kg) were transported from a calf rearing facility in northwest OH to a commercial feedlot in southwest NE. At initial processing, calves were individually identified and weighed and were administered a common processing protocol. Based on individual ear tag number heifers were either provided no drench (even-numbered tags; CONTROL) or 45 mL of a supplemental nutrient drench (odd-numbered tags; Profusion™, Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN). Across 10 loads blood samples were collected from approximately 300 animals for subsequent measurement of humoral immunity status (D2Dx™; Nano Discovery Inc., Orlando, FL). Subsequent morbidity was monitored throughout the weeks following arrival. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed and Proc Glimmix with fixed effects of treatment and load with heifer as experimental unit. Morbidity status of each heifer was classified based on whether the animal was subsequently pulled and treated for a diagnosed disease. Initial BW did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.67); however, BW varied among loads (P ≤ 0.01) and was lower (P ≤ 0.01) in calves subsequently pulled and treated for BRD. Reported mortality from all causes was minimal and not analyzed. Respiratory disease was the primary cause of disease; however, incidence was not affected (P ≥ 0.55) by treatment (21.1% vs. 23.5% for CONTROL and PROFUSION, respectively). Time from arrival to first recorded treatment varied among loads (range: 4 – 35 d) with a mean and median value of 26 and 21 d respectively with no treatment effects. Measured D2Dx scores at initial processing did not differ (P ≥ 0.43) between heifers assigned to CONTROL or PROFUSION treatments; however, scores were different among loads (P ≤ 0.01). In heifers subsequently treated for BRD, initial D2Dx scores were approximately 23% lower (P ≤ 0.07; D2Dx score =0.0138) compared to non-BRD treated animals (D2Dx score = 0.0180). These results suggest that administration of PROFUSION at arrival may not have been optimum based on subsequent observed morbidity patterns and calves with lower D2Dx score at arrival may have a lower humoral immunity especially a lower Th-1 immunity and thereby be more susceptible for clinical BRD.
PSII-9 Preliminary Investigation of Nutrient Challenge During Pregnancy on Wether Lamb Development, Growth, and Performance from Birth to Harvest
Authors: Kuderka Alison , Vautier Allison N , Gallop Sally , Archibeque Shawn L , Cadaret Caitlin N
Published: October 2022

Inadequate nutrition during gestation has been shown to impair growth and metabolism of affected offspring and can predispose them to lifelong inefficiency and poor performance. Development throughout preweaning has been studied and compared to carcass performance; however, the impact of nutrient challenge during gestation on post weaning growth, efficiency, and nutrition utilization is not well known. Thus, our objective was to investigate the impacts of maternal nutrient restriction in late gestation on wether lambs' lifelong performance, from birth through harvest. We hypothesized that lambs from nutrient restricted dams would have reduced growth efficiency, taking longer to reach market weight and yielding altered body and carcass composition. Twenty-two bred yearling ewes were fed a diet meeting 100% of National Research Council (NRC) requirements until the 110th day of gestion (dGA). From 110 dGA until lambing occurred, ewes were either maintained on a diet meeting 100% of NRC requirements (n = 10) or reduced to a diet of 65% of NRC requirements (n = 12). Beginning at birth, body weight and morphometrics were collected weekly for control (CONT; n = 4) and treatment (NR; n = 5) wether lambs. At approximately 71 days of age, wethers were weaned and placed into individual pens to simulate a controlled feedlot setting. Wether lambs were fed a commercial lamb finishing diet ad libitum and orts were collected to evaluate feed efficiency and growth. At 115 days of age, wethers were placed in metabolism crates for 5 days to allow for total collection or urine and feces in order to evaluate nutrient balance. Birthweight, weaning weight, and morphometrics did not differ between NR and CONT lambs from birth until weaning. However, there was a tendency (P < 0.10) for a slower rate of gain from birth until weaning in NR lambs compared to their CONT counterparts. Current research in feedlot performance and digestibility is ongoing; however, thus far there are no differences in feed intake or average daily gain. These data suggest that a moderate nutrient challenge in the last month of gestation is not substantial enough to induce adaptive changes that result in differences in postnatal growth and performance.
PSIII-1 Late-Breaking: Fighting Fetal Morbidity at the Fetal-Maternal Interface One Chemokine Access at a Time
Authors: Mason Kaitlyn M , Ashley Ryan L
Published: October 2022

Improper placentation is the root cause to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and fetal mortality in livestock. This study aims to further characterize the importance of the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and its ligand CXCL12 on placentation and fetal growth through potential impacts on the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and their binding proteins (IGFBP1-3). CXCR4 and CXCL12 are implicated in placentation though the exact roles are unclear. The peptides insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 have impacts on fetal growth, placental development, and trophoblast differentiation and if the IGFs are down regulated, a corresponding decrease in placenta and fetus size has been observed. The roles of the IGFs and their binding proteins in disease states like IUGR are not completely known but studies have demonstrated them to be contributing factors. Using an in-vivo sheep model we surgically inserted osmotic pumps on day 12 (d12) of gestation ipsilateral to the corpus luteum to deliver treatments into the uterus of bred ewes. Pumps delivered either saline (control) or AMD3100, the CXCR4 inhibitor at a 1x, 1.5x, or 3x dose into the uterine lumen over the course of 14 days. Our objective was to determine if disrupting the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis during implantation alters the expression of IGFs and their binding proteins in the placenta at mid and late gestation. At midgestation (d90) and late gestation (d135) placental and fetal samples were obtained for analysis. Of the targets tested, mRNA expression was significantly decreased by AMD3100 treatment for both IGF-1 (P = 0.05) and IGF-2 (P = 0.02) compared to control primarily in maternal placenta tissues on d135. For fetal tissue samples, d90 mRNA expression for IGF-1 (P = 0.04) IGFBP-2 (P = 0.02) and IGFBP-3 (P = 0.03) increased in the 3x AMD3100 treated group compared to the control while in d135 samples, IGF-1was significantly decreased (P = 0.04) by the 1x treatments compared to control. Our preliminary data show an importance of the CXCL12- CXCR4 signaling on placentation and that impairment of this axis may alter IGFs in multiple tissue types later in gestation. Insights into this chemokine axis will lead to a greater understanding of placental development and its importance to the health of mother and offspring.
Technical note: an optimized method to isolate, purify, and differentiate satellite cells from broiler chicks
Authors: Jung Usuk , Kim Minjeong , Piacquadio Kamille , Shepherd Elizabeth , Voy Brynn H
Published: October 2022

Development and maintenance of healthy muscle fibers rely on the myogenic potential of satellite cells (SC), muscle stem cells that proliferate and differentiate to form myotubes. Satellite cells are indispensable for post-hatch muscle growth as well as muscle repair and regeneration when myofibers are damaged. Pectoralis major of young broiler chicks (5-d olds) is a readily available source of SC, which can be used in vitro to elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for muscle growth and regeneration in broilers. Here, we optimized a method for efficient isolation, purification, and differentiation of SC, from young broiler chicks. This procedure includes a simple method that allows SC to be purified from other muscle cell types that can impede the fidelity of follow-on experiments, particularly highly sensitive measures such as RNAseq. The methods for culturing and differentiating SC into multinucleated myotubes were also optimized by testing serum types, concentrations, and the effects of chicken embryo extract. Using the isolation procedure, a highly pure SC population (94.6 ± 2.11% Pax7+) with high viability and yield was obtained, and their capacity to differentiate into myotubes was confirmed. Enrichment for SC and myogenic capacity were maintained through multiple passages and after cryopreservation. Analysis of gene expression over the first 48 h of differentiation confirmed that SC exhibited the expected molecular signature of myogenesis. Taken together, this method simplifies the ability to isolate and maintain a relatively pure population of SC with strong myogenic potential from young broiler chicks, and should support downstream applications for assessing the impact of nutrients, metabolites, and other physiological cues on muscle growth and development in broilers.
Dietary supplementation of botanical blends enhanced performance and disease resistance of weaned pigs experimentally infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18
Authors: Wong Braden T , Park Sangwoo , Kovanda Lauren , He Yijie , Kim Kwangwook , Xu Shiyu , Lingga Christopher , Hejna Monika , Wall Emma , Sripathy Ravichandran , Li Xunde , Liu Yanhong
Published: October 2022

Botanicals exhibit promising impacts on intestinal health, immune-regulation, and growth promotion in weaned pigs. However, these benefits may vary depending on major active components in the final feed additive products. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate two types of botanical blends (BB) that were comprised of 0.3% capsicum oleoresin and 12% garlic extracts from different sources on performance, diarrhea, and health of weaned piglets experimentally infected with a pathogenic Escherichia coli F18. Sixty weanling pigs (7.17 ± 0.97 kg body weight (BW)) blocked by weight and gender were assigned to one of five dietary treatments: negative control (NC), positive control (PC), or dietary supplementation with 100 mg/kg of BB1, 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg of BB2. This study lasted 28 d with 7 d before and 21 d after the first E. coli inoculation (day 0). All pigs, except negative control, were orally inoculated with 1010 cfu E. coli F18/3-mL dose for 3 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected periodically to analyze systemic immunity. Intestinal tissues and mucosa were collected on days 5 and 21 PI for analyzing histology and gene expression. All data, except for frequency of diarrhea, were analyzed by ANOVA using the PROC MIXED of SAS. The Chi-square test was used for analyzing frequency of diarrhea. Escherichia coli infection reduced (P < 0.05) growth rate and feed intake and increased (P < 0.05) frequency of diarrhea of weaned pigs throughout the experiment. Supplementation of 100 mg/kg BB1 or BB2 alleviated (P < 0.05) frequency of diarrhea of E. coli challenged pigs during the entire experiment. Escherichia coli infection also enhanced (P < 0.05) serum TNF-α and haptoglobin concentrations on day 4 post-inoculation (PI) but reduced (P < 0.05) duodenal villi height and area on day 5 PI, while pigs supplemented with 100 mg/kg BB1 or BB2 had lower (P < 0.05) serum TNF-α than pigs in PC on day 4 PI. Pigs fed with 100 mg/kg BB2 had higher (P < 0.05) jejunal villi height than pigs in PC on day 5 PI. Pigs fed with 100 mg/kg BB2 had reduced (P < 0.05) gene expression of IL1B, PTGS2, and TNFA in ileal mucosa than pigs in PC on day 21 PI. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of botanical blends at 100 mg/kg could enhance disease resistance of weaned pigs infected with E. coli F18 by enhancing intestinal morphology and regulating local and systemic immunity of pigs.
Evaluation of graded levels of corn-fermented protein on stool quality, apparent nutrient digestibility, and palatability in healthy adult cats
Authors: Kilburn-Kappeler Logan R , Lema Almeida Krystina A , Aldrich Charles G
Published: October 2022

Dried distillers’ grains, coproducts from the ethanol industry, may provide sustainable ingredients for pet food. Due to new post-fermentation separation techniques, corn-fermented protein (CFP) is higher in protein and lower in fiber compared with traditional dried distillers’ grains, increasing its appeal for inclusion into pet food. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of increasing levels of CFP on stool quality, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), and palatability in adult cats. Four extruded diets were fed to 11 adult cats in an incomplete 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design. The control diet contained 15% soybean meal (0C) and CFP was exchanged for soybean meal at either 5%, 10%, or 15% (5C, 10C, 15C). Cats were fed each dietary treatment for 9-d adaption followed by 5-d total fecal collection. Feces were scored on a 1 to 5 scale, with 1 representing liquid diarrhea and 5 representing hard pellet-like (Carciofi et al., 2008). A fecal score of 3.5 to 4 was considered ideal. Titanium dioxide was added to all diets (0.4%) as a marker to estimate digestibility. Data were analyzed using a mixed model in SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) with treatment as a fixed effect and cat and period as random effects. Fecal dry matter percent and dry fecal output were greater (P < 0.05) at elevated levels of CFP. Stool scores were maintained (P > 0.05) throughout treatments (average; 4). Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and gross energy ATTD decreased when cats were fed 15C. There was no difference in ATTD of fat or total dietary fiber among treatments. For palatability assessment, cats preferred 5C over 0C but had no preference with increased CFP inclusion. These results suggest that CFP is comparable to SBM, but there may be a maximum inclusion level of 10% when fed to cats.
Calmangafodipir for Prevention of Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Two Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Phase 3 Studies (POLAR-A/POLAR-M)
Authors: Pfeiffer Per , Lustberg Maryam , Näsström Jacques , Carlsson Stefan , Persson Anders , Nagahama Fumiko , Cavaletti Guido , Glimelius Bengt , Muro Kei
Published: October 2022

Background

Calmangafodipir (CaM, PledOx) demonstrated efficacy in preventing patient-reported chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in a randomized phase 2 study in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The Preventive Treatment of OxaLiplatin Induced peripherAl neuRopathy (POLAR) program aimed to assess efficacy and safety of CaM in the prevention of CIPN in patients treated with oxaliplatin in adjuvant (POLAR-A, ClinicalTrials.gov.NCT04034355) or metastatic (POLAR-M, ClinicalTrials.gov.NCT03654729) settings.

Methods

Two randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials investigated patient-reported, moderate-to-severe CIPN 9 months after beginning folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin therapy with or without CaM. In POLAR-A, patients with stage III or high-risk stage II colorectal cancer were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive CaM 5 μmol/kg or placebo. In POLAR-M, patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive CaM 5 μmol/kg, CaM 2 μmol/kg, or placebo.

Results

POLAR-A (n = 301) and POLAR-M (n = 291) were terminated early following unexpected hypersensitivity reactions in CaM-treated patients. In a combined analysis of month 9 CIPN (primary endpoint) data from both trials (CaM 5 μmol/kg, n = 175; placebo, n = 176), 54.3% of patients in the CaM group had moderate-to-severe CIPN compared with 40.3% in the placebo group. The estimated relative risk for moderate-to-severe CIPN at month 9 was 1.37 (95% confidence interval = 1.01 to 1.86; P = .045). A higher proportion of patients experienced serious hypersensitivity reactions across both trials with CaM treatment (3.6%) than with placebo (0.8%).

Conclusion

The POLAR clinical studies failed to meet their primary endpoint. These results highlight the challenges of targeting oxidative stress for preventing CIPN in both the adjuvant and metastatic settings.
Heat tracer-based sap flow methods for tree transpiration measurements: a mini review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wang Jiaming , Turner Neil C , Feng Hao , Dyck Miles , He Hailong
Published: October 2022

Accurate measurement of plant transpiration is critical to gaining a better understanding of plant water use and exploration of the influence of plants on regional and even global climate. Heat tracer-based sap flow (HTSF) techniques are currently the dominant method to estimate plant transpiration at the individual plant level. However, the majority of current research focuses on specific applications or the evaluation of the method itself, and there is a lack of an overall analysis of HTSF methods. The objectives of this study were: (i) to briefly review the theories and categories of the various HTSF methods, and (ii) to undertake a bibliometric analysis of the use of HTSF methods in measuring plant transpiration. Each HTSF method is described mathematically and their application and pros and cons are briefly discussed. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using 3964 papers published between 1992 and 2020 archived in the Web of Science core collection. The analysis identified publication trends, the most productive authors, organizations, and countries, as well as the most utilized HTSF method (i.e., thermal dissipation) and journals in which these papers were published. In addition, world distribution maps of the use of HTSF methods and tree species measured were drawn based on 741 selected publications with in situ measurements.
Military Healthcare Ethics: Making It Relevant to the Whole Military Care Team
Authors: Lin Chiu-Yi , Bricknell Martin C M , Brockie Alan F , Kelly Janet Clair
Published: October 2022

This article notes the significant increase in academic papers and policy guidance on the subject of ethical practice in military healthcare over the past two decades. This is usually within the domain of “military medical ethics,” linking medical ethics as applied to the medical profession (doctors) with ethics as applied within the military (primarily from the perspective of officers). This article argues that this, highly elitist, perspective disenfranchises the majority of the military healthcare team who are nurses and allied health professionals and serve across the entire rank spectrum. We suggest that the subject should be reframed under the banner “military healthcare ethics” to include the concepts within military medical ethics but to emphasize the obligations of all military health professionals to comply with legal, regulatory, and ethical guidance for the practice of healthcare in the military environment. We recommend that the subject should be included in the curricula for education and training for all military health professions across their whole career.
Detection rate of fast radio bursts in the Milky Way with BURSTT
Authors: Ling Decmend Fang-Jie , Hashimoto Tetsuya , Yamasaki Shotaro , Goto Tomotsugu , Kim Seong Jin , Ho Simon C-C , Hsiao Tiger Y-Y , Wong Yi Hang Valerie
Published: October 2022

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are intense bursts of radio emission with durations of milliseconds. Although researchers have found them happening frequently all over the sky, they are still in the dark to understand what causes the phenomena because the existing radio observatories have encountered certain challenges during the discovery of FRB progenitors. The construction of Bustling Universe Radio Survey Telescope in Taiwan (BURSTT) is being proposed to solve these challenges. We simulate mock Galactic FRB-like events by applying a range of spatial distributions, pulse widths, and luminosity functions (LFs). The effect of turbulent interstellar medium (ISM) on the detectability of FRB-like events within the Milky Way plane is considered to estimate the dispersion measure and pulse scattering of mock events. We evaluate the fraction of FRB-like events in the Milky Way that are detectable by BURSTT and compare the result with those by Survey for Transient Astronomical Radio Emission 2 (STARE2) and Galactic Radio Explorer (GReX). We find that BURSTT could increase the detection rate by more than two orders of magnitude compared with STARE2 and GReX, depending on the slope of LF of the events. We also investigate the influence of the specifications of BURSTT on its detection improvement. This leads to the fact that greatly higher sensitivity and improved coverage of the Milky Way plane have significant effects on the detection improvement of BURSTT. We find that the upgraded version of BURSTT, BURSTT-2048 could increase the detection rate of faint Galactic FRB-like events by a factor of 3.
Truncated accretion discs in black hole X-ray binaries: dynamics and variability signatures
Authors: Dihingia Indu K , Vaidya Bhargav , Fendt Christian
Published: October 2022

Variable features in black hole X-ray binaries (BH-XRBs) are observed in different energy ranges and time-scales. The physical origin of different spectral states in BH-XRBs and their relations with the underlying accretion disc are still elusive. To investigate the intermediate state of BH-XRBs during outburst, we simulate a truncated accretion disc around a Kerr black hole using a general relativistic magnetohydrodynamical (GRMHD) framework under axisymmetry with adaptively refined mesh. Additionally, we have also carried out radiative transfer calculations for understanding the implications of disc dynamics on emission. Dynamically, the inner edge of the truncated accretion disc oscillates in a quasi-periodic fashion (QPO). The QPO frequency of oscillations (νQPO, max) increases as the magnetic field strength and magnetic resistivity increase. However, as the truncation radius increases, νQPO, max decreases. In our simulation models, frequency varies between $7\times (10\, {\rm M}_{\odot }/M_{\rm BH})$ Hz $\lesssim \nu _{\rm QPO, max}\lesssim 20 \times (10\, {\rm M}_{\odot }/M_{\rm BH})$ Hz, which is in the range of low-frequency QPOs. We further find evidence of transient shocks in the highly accreting stage during oscillation. Such a transient shock acts as an extended hot post-shock corona around the black hole that has an impact on its radiative properties. The radiative transfer calculations show signatures of these oscillations in the form of modulation in the edge-brightened structure of the accretion disc.
Forming stars in a dual AGN host: molecular and ionized gas in the nearby, luminous infrared merger, Mrk 266
Authors: Beaulieu Damien , Petric Andreea , Robert Carmelle , Alatalo Katherine , Heckman Timothy , Merhi Maya , Rousseau-Nepton Laurie , Rowlands Kate
Published: October 2022

We present star formation rates based on cold and ionized gas measurements of Mrk 266 (NGC 5256), a system composed of two colliding gas-rich galaxies, each hosting an active galactic nucleus. Using 12CO (1-0) observations with the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-Wave Astronomy (CARMA), we find a total H2 mass in the central region of 1.1 ± 0.3 × 1010 M⊙ which leads to a possible future star formation rate of 25 ± 10 M⊙ yr−1. With the Fourier Transform Spectrograph (SITELLE) on the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope, we measure an integrated H α luminosity and estimate a present-day star formation rate of 15 ± 2 M⊙ yr−1 in the core of the system (avoiding the two active nuclei). These results confirm that Mrk 266 is an intermediate stage merger with a relatively high recent star formation rate and enough molecular gas to sustain it for a few hundred million years. Inflowing gas associated with the merger may have triggered both the starburst episode and two active galactic nuclei but the two galaxy components differ: the region around the south-western nucleus appears to be more active than the north-east nucleus, which seems relatively quiet. We speculate that this difference may originate in the properties of the interstellar medium in the two systems.
Gravitational scattering of the sterile neutrino halo dark matter
Authors: Chan Man Ho
Published: October 2022

A recent study shows that gravitational scattering of dark matter, in the form of massive objects with mass m ∼ 103–104M⊙, could provide a possible solution to alleviate the small-scale structure problems of cold dark matter. The scattering cross-section is velocity-dependent so that this scenario can explain why self-interaction of dark matter is significant in dwarf galaxies, but not in massive galaxies and galaxy clusters. In this Letter, we show that this kind of dark massive objects could be made of sterile neutrinos with a possible rest mass range mν ∼ 7.6 keV–71 MeV. This mass range generally satisfies most of the current observational constraints. The entire structure of the sterile neutrino haloes can be simply predicted from standard physics.
CuGenDBv2: an updated database for cucurbit genomics
Authors: Yu Jingyin , Wu Shan , Sun Honghe , Wang Xin , Tang Xuemei , Guo Shaogui , Zhang Zhonghua , Huang Sanwen , Xu Yong , Weng Yiqun , Mazourek Michael , McGregor Cecilia , Renner Susanne S , Branham Sandra , Kousik Chandrasekar , Wechter W Patrick , Levi Amnon , Grumet Rebecca , Zheng Yi , Fei Zhangjun
Published: October 2022

The Cucurbitaceae (cucurbit) family consists of about 1,000 species in 95 genera, including many economically important and popular fruit and vegetable crops. During the past several years, reference genomes have been generated for >20 cucurbit species, and variome and transcriptome profiling data have been rapidly accumulated for cucurbits. To efficiently mine, analyze and disseminate these large-scale datasets, we have developed an updated version of Cucurbit Genomics Database. The updated database, CuGenDBv2 (http://cucurbitgenomics.org/v2), currently hosts 34 reference genomes from 27 cucurbit species/subspecies belonging to 10 different genera. Protein-coding genes from these genomes have been comprehensively annotated by comparing their protein sequences to various public protein and domain databases. A novel ‘Genotype’ module has been implemented to facilitate mining and analysis of the functionally annotated variome data including SNPs and small indels from large-scale genome sequencing projects. An updated ‘Expression’ module has been developed to provide a comprehensive gene expression atlas for cucurbits. Furthermore, synteny blocks between any two and within each of the 34 genomes, representing a total of 595 pair-wise genome comparisons, have been identified and can be explored and visualized in the database.
ImmCluster: an ensemble resource for immunology cell type clustering and annotations in normal and cancerous tissues
Authors: Jiang Tiantongfei , Zhou Weiwei , Sheng Qi , Yu Jiaxin , Xie Yunjin , Ding Na , Zhang Yunpeng , Xu Juan , Li Yongsheng
Published: October 2022

Single-cell transcriptome has enabled the transcriptional profiling of thousands of immune cells in complex tissues and cancers. However, subtle transcriptomic differences in immune cell subpopulations and the high dimensionality of transcriptomic data make the clustering and annotation of immune cells challenging. Herein, we introduce ImmCluster (http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/ImmCluster) for immunology cell type clustering and annotation. We manually curated 346 well-known marker genes from 1163 studies. ImmCluster integrates over 420 000 immune cells from nine healthy tissues and over 648 000 cells from different tumour samples of 17 cancer types to generate stable marker-gene sets and develop context-specific immunology references. In addition, ImmCluster provides cell clustering using seven reference-based and four marker gene-based computational methods, and the ensemble method was developed to provide consistent cell clustering than individual methods. Five major analytic modules were provided for interactively exploring the annotations of immune cells, including clustering and annotating immune cell clusters, gene expression of markers, functional assignment in cancer hallmarks, cell states and immune pathways, cell–cell communications and the corresponding ligand–receptor interactions, as well as online tools. ImmCluster generates diverse plots and tables, enabling users to identify significant associations in immune cell clusters simultaneously. ImmCluster is a valuable resource for analysing cellular heterogeneity in cancer microenvironments.