bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
73 Deworming to improve growth in early-weaned spring born hair sheep lambs
Authors: O'Brien Dahlia J , Wildeus Stephan A , Davis Javin , Robertson MacKenzie , Matthews Kwame
Published: March 2024

In lambs, the stress of weaning and the lack of a fully developed immune system can increase susceptibility to gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Lack of an effective GIN control strategy around this time can have a significant impact on lamb growth, productivity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of deworming at weaning on growth performance in hair sheep lambs. St. Croix (STX) and Barbados Blackbelly (BB) lambs used in the study were born on pasture, weaned at 60.2 ± 0.4 d of age, and transitioned in pens for 87 d post-weaning before turning out to pasture. After accounting for initial FAMACHA eyelid color score, breed, and birth type (single or multiple) at weaning, 54 STX (n = 32) and BB (n = 22) lambs weighing 11.7 ± 0.4 kg were dewormed (DEW) or not (CON) with a combination of levamisol (Prohibit; 8 mg/kg BW) moxidectin (Cydectin; 0.2 mg/kg BW) and albendazole (Valbazen; 7.5 mg/kg BW). To evaluate the effect of deworming treatment, BW and body condition scores (BCS; scale 1-5) were recorded at weaning and at end of transition to pasture. Blood and fecal samples were also collected for determination of packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg counts (FEC). Pooled treatment group feces (d 0 – 98) were collected and cultured to determine GIN genera at weaning. Data were analyzed using repeated measures in a mixed model, and FEC were log transformed prior to analysis. There was a mixed population of GIN at weaning averaging 65% and 35% for H. contortus and Tricostrongylus spp. At weaning, BCS, PCV, and FEC were similar between treatment groups and averaged 1.6 ± 0.07, 36.5 ± 0.6%, and 399 ± 54.4 epg, respectively. Combination deworming reduced FEC by 99%. At turnout, DEW lambs (2.3 ± 0.1) tended (P = 0.08) to have greater BCS than CON lambs (2.0 ± 0.1) and PCV was greater (P < 0.001) in DEW versus CON lambs (37.2 ± 0.9 and 33.3 ± 0.8%, respectively). There was also a tendency (P = 0.09) for breed to influence BCS (2.3 ± 0.1 and 2.0 ± 0.1 for BB and STX, respectively). The FEC at turnout was not influenced by treatment or breed (496.7 ± 75.1 epg). Additionally, DEW lambs (131.8 ± 5.2) tended (P = 0.09) to grow faster than CON (119.9 ± 4.7 g/d) lambs, a difference more pronounced in STX DEW (g/d) than STX CON lambs (136 ± 6.1 vs 110 ± 6.5 g/d; P < 0.05). Even though deworming tended to promote faster growth rates in lambs used in this study, alternative, more sustainable, parasite control strategies should be considered in the wake of increasing dewormer resistance.
72 Comparison of Myotonic, Kiko, and Spanish Sires for Meat Goat Doe-Kid Traits
Authors: Hayes Emily G , Meador Heather , Browning Richard
Published: March 2024

Myotonic goats are a small-framed heritage breed known for the condition myotonia congenita which causes a prolonged contraction of their muscles when startled. There is a potential for them to be utilized in commercial meat goat systems within the United States. This study evaluated the effect of Myotonic sires on kid preweaning and doe reproductive traits across a 2-yr period. Myotonic (n = 6) and Kiko (n = 5) sires were bred to a group of 72 Kiko-influenced does and produced 139 kids. Myotonic (n = 6) and Spanish (n = 4) sires were bred to a group of 53 Spanish-influenced does and produced 123 kids. Sire breed comparisons were made within doe group. Kids were weighed at birth and weaning (3 months of age). Within both doe groups, litter size affected (P < 0.05) weaning weight but not birth weight, whereas kid sex influenced (P < 0.05) both birth and weaning weights. Doe age affected (P < 0.05) birth and weaning kid weights in the Kiko group but did not influence (P > 0.05) kid weights within the Spanish group. Myotonic- and Kiko-sired kids did not differ (P > 0.05) for birth (2.81 ± 0.11 vs 2.81 ± 0.11 kg, respectively) and weaning (16.43 ± 0.65 vs. 16.92 ± 0.61 kg, respectively) weights. Likewise, Myotonic- and Spanish-sired kids did not differ (P > 0.05) for birth (2.66 ± 0.13 vs. 2.89 ± 0.13 kg, respectively) and weaning weights (14.96 ± 0.62 vs. 15.37 ± 0.61 kg, respectively). There was no effect (P > 0.05) of sire breed on ADG and survivability among kids within either doe group. Doe age did not influence (P > 0.05) litter weight at birth but did influence (P < 0.05) litter weight at weaning within the Kiko group. Doe age had no effect (P > 0.05) on these litter traits within the Spanish group. Myotonic and Kiko sires did not differ (P > 0.05) for birth (4.09 ± 0.25 vs. 4.43 ± 0.25 kg, respectively) and weaning (23.66 ± 1.51 vs. 23.69 ± 1.50 kg, respectively) litter weights. Litter weight at birth did not differ (P > 0.05) for Myotonic and Spanish sires (4.09 ± 0.15 vs. 4.44 ± 0.15 kg, respectively). Myotonic sires produced lighter (P < 0.05) litters at weaning than Spanish sires (21.10 ± 0.79 vs. 23.61 ± 0.92 kg). Service sire breed did not influence (P > 0.05) litter size at birth and weaning nor kidding and weaning rates within either doe group. Sire breed did not consistently affect preweaning kid traits nor doe reproductive traits. Myotonic sires did not significantly reduce birth and weaning kid weights compared with Kiko and Spanish sires in this preliminary study.
107 Bacterial direct-fed microbial mixtures effects on beef cattle ruminal degradability kinetics
Authors: McLain DeAnja A , Sarturi Jhones O , Silva Kaliu G , Johnson Bradley J , Rodrigues Barbara , Goulais Marie , Pessoni Juliana , Reis Beatriz
Published: March 2024

The effects of bacterial direct-fed microbial (DFM) mixtures on beef cattle ruminal degradability were evaluated. Six ruminally cannulated beef steers (BW = 520 ± 30 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design and offered a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet to ad libitum intake during three, 28-d periods. Treatments were: 1) Control (no DFM, lactose carrier only); 2) Treat-A (L. animalis, P. freudenreichii; B. subtilis; and B. licheniformis), at 1:1:1:3 ratio, respectively; totaling 6 × 109 CFU (50 mg)/animal-daily minimum; and 3) Treat-B, the same DFM combination, but with doses at 1:1:3:1 ratio. Bacterial counts were approximately 30% greater than the minimum expected. Pre-dehydrated (55ºC for 72 h) diets and forage substrates were ground (2 mm) and placed into 10 × 20 cm (28 µm) nylon bags (8 and 5 g, as-is respectively). The diet-substrate included a mixture of (DM basis) steam-flaked corn (70%), alfalfa hay (10%), and wet corn gluten feed (20%). The forage-substrate was represented by ‘WW-B Dahl’ Old World bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii). Substrate in-situ bags were placed within a nylon mesh (with weights) at the ruminal ventral sac, and reversely removed at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 20, 32, 48, 64, 72, and 96 h after feeding. Samples were removed, rinsed, and dehydrated for 72 h at 55oC. Residues were composited within period, steer, incubation-time, corrected for residual moisture and were used to fit a first-order kinetics model using the NLIN procedure of SAS (animal = experimental unit). Steers offered Treat-A tended to show an increase on the rate of degradation of NDF (P = 0.15) and ADF (P = 0.10) fractions; increased (P < 0.01) hemicellulose potentially degradable fraction (B); and increased (P = 0.02) the effective degradable fraction of NDF (tendency for ADF, P = 0.08) at pre-established rate of passages of 4, 5, and 6% of the diet-substrate compared with Control, while tending to have a reduced rate of degradation for the overall DM (P = 0.06) and OM (P = 0.08) fractions. When the in-situ bags containing the forage-substrate were incubated, steers offered Treat-A showed an increased (P < 0.01) lag time (T0) for hemicellulose compared with Control, while those offered Treat-B had a decreased (P = 0.02) hemicellulose potentially degradable fraction (B) compared with Control. The effective degradable fraction for hemicellulose at pre-established rate of passages of 4, 5, and 6% tended (P = 0.09) to numerically increase for steers offered Treat-A compared with Control. The combination of bacteria in Treat-A enhanced the ruminal degradation of high-quality fiber components, as indicated by the improvements observed within the more degradable fractions from ingredients used in the diet and the forage substrates. Further assessment is warranted to investigate post-ruminal nutrient disappearance.
109 Effectiveness of Fenbendazole in growing Quarter Horses using the Quantitative Modified Wisconsin Technique
Authors: Lavergne Jamie , Leatherwood Jessica L , Gaulandri Cecilia , Pavel Lauren , Paris Brittany L , Carter Margaret M , Linne Paige , Moore Grace E , Arnold Carolyn E , Glass Kati G , Bradberry Amanda , Jones Trinette
Published: March 2024

Anthelmintics are commonly used in the equine industry to reduce parasite load, but there is a growing concern about anthelmintic resistance, especially in young horses where there is limited information available. Twenty-four, 2-yr-old Quarter Horses (825 ± 21 d of age, initial BW 409 ± 6 kg, 12 fillies and 12 geldings) originating from a single herd were used in a 42-d study to investigate the effectiveness of a commercial anthelmintic (fenbendazole) on fecal egg counts (FEC), hypothesizing that there would be a decrease in FEC following anthelmintic administration. Horses were housed individually (3.7m × 11m) and offered ad libitum Coastal Bermudagrass hay and water and fed a pelleted concentrate offered at 0.75% (as-fed) of their BW. During the 42-d study, BW was obtained and BCS were assigned in 21-d intervals. Fenbendazole was administered orally on d 0 and 14 dosed on BW per manufacturer label. Fresh fecal samples were collected on d 0 and 14, before anthelmintic administration, and on d 28 and 42. Fecal egg floats were conducted using the Modified Wisconsin Method, and eggs per gram (EPG) were determined in duplicate. A fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was calculated, beginning on d 14. Outliers were determined as values ± 2 standard deviations of the mean, and data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (v9.4) with the main effect of time. Horses increased in BW (P ≤ 0.01) over time, but BCS did not change (P = 0.25). Mean FEC increased over time (P ≤ 0.01), beginning on d 14, and remained increased to d 42 compared to baseline. However, there was a trend (P = 0.07) for mean FEC to be less on d 42 (189.70 ± 29 EPG) when compared with d 14 (251 ± 28 EPG). The calculated reduction of FEC were below the targeted 95% or greater and included d 14 (1.04%), d 28 (35%), and d 42 (41%). The increased shedding of eggs did not negatively impact BW or BCS. However, we reject the hypothesis since FEC increased following anthelmintic treatment, indicating the need for consistent monitoring of anthelmintic efficacy in young horses.
113 Investigation of differences in pregnancy associated glycoproteins due to different fetal parameters (sex and number) using commercial tests in multiparous ewes
Authors: Rogers Faith , Rhoades Jim R , Quail Lacey K , Rich Jerica J J
Published: March 2024

Pregnancy detection is an extremely valuable practice in animal production systems as it allows for identification of pregnant or nonpregnant females and thus contributes to informed management decisions. Unfortunately, blood pregnancy tests simply provide a yes or no answer to pregnancy status. Multiparous ewes (n = 20) at the Arkansas State University Teaching and Research Center were enrolled in a study to evaluate whether lamb number or sex would impact commercial blood pregnancy test results. Weekly blood samples were collected, for a total of 5 blood samples during the breeding season (11/14/22, 11/21/22, 11/28/22, 12/5/22, and 12/12/22) ewes were followed through lambing to determine lamb number and sex. Whole blood samples were centrifuged at 2,000 x g and plasma harvested and stored at -20 C until analysis for pregnancy associated glycoproteins was completed. Plasma samples were analyzed using two commercially available blood pregnancy tests, Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test (RV plate) and OnFarm Pregnancy Test (SNAP). The RV Plate is a 96-well ELISA test that is designed to be interpreted visually by comparison with the positive (PC) and negative (NC) control wells. The RV Plate and SNAP tests were completed, and results interpreted by two technicians blind to pregnancy status using a scoring system (0 = same or less color than NC; 1 = slightly more color than NC; 2 = slightly less color than PC; 3 = same or more color than PC; 0 and 1 = not pregnant, 2 and 3 = pregnant) or by manufacturer’s instructions (SNAP). Lambing revealed a total of 18 female lambs and 13 male lambs born to the 20 ewes, furthermore, there were 6 singleton, 11 twins, and 1 set of triplets. Total score count results from the RV Plate indicate that as gestational age increased the number of 3 scores increased (11/14/22 = zero scores of ‘3’; 12/12/22 = 55 scores of ‘3’), however, overall, there were no statistical differences in pregnancy status across ewes (P = 0.78). All SNAP test results were immediate and positive for pregnancy for all collections apart from one ewe, 9113, with a conception date of 10/19/22. Ewe 9113 SNAP test result for the first collection was “not pregnant”, and for the second collection date, a positive result did not appear until 5 min and 43 sec. Lambing revealed that 9113 had a singleton female lamb. Based on the present study, sex and number of lamb offspring could not be determined by commercial blood pregnancy tests. In the present study, the earliest confirmed pregnancy determined retrospectively by subtracting average ewe gestation length (152 d) from the lambing date was determined to be September 28th but blood sampling and testing for PAGs did not begin until November 14th, therefore, further studies are needed that initiate blood sampling sooner.
117 Supplementation with soy hull during late gestation and lactation on parasite indicators in hair sheep ewes
Authors: Robertson MacKenzie , O'Brien Dahlia J , Wildeus Stephan A , Davis Javin , Matthews Kwame
Published: March 2024

Before lambing and up to 8 wk during lactation, ewes experience a temporary loss of immunity to gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). This can result in a periparturient increase in fecal egg counts (FEC) along with clinical symptoms of parasitism. This increase in FEC can lead to greater larval numbers on pasture, consequently exposing lambs to a greater level of infection that can impair production. Adequate supplementation during late gestation and lactation has been shown to reduce the impact of this temporary loss in immunity and decrease GIN infection levels in ewes. This study evaluated the supplementation of an agro-byproduct (soy hull) on GIN infection parameters in hair sheep ewes. Pregnant ewes (n = 36) were allocated, balanced by breed, parity and fetal numbers to either corn/soybean (CS) or soy hull (SH) supplementation during the last trimester of pregnancy. Ewes rotationally grazed predominantly fescue pastures subdivided into 6 sections (0.13 ha) using electro-netting (3 sections of 6 ewes/supplement type). Ewes were supplemented at either 0.75% BW (late gestation) or 1.5% BW (lactation) using a single feeder per section. Ewes lambed on pasture and lambs were weaned at approximately 63 d. Lambs had access to the supplement provided to their dams. Blood and fecal samples were collected in prepartum, postpartum and at weaning for determination of packed cell volume (PCV) and FEC. Pooled treatment group feces were also collected and cultured to determine GIN genera. Body condition scores (BCS) were also recorded at each sampling. Data were analyzed in a model with supplement type and breed as the main effects and FEC were log transformed before analysis. There was a mixed population of GIN throughout the study with H. contortus (49.5%) and Tricostrongylus spp. (46.6%) being the most common. Supplement type had no effect on ewe BCS prepartum, postpartum or at weaning (averaging 2.6 ± 0.1, 2.3 ± 0.1 and 2.0 ± 0.1, respectively). Supplement type influenced PCV at weaning only, with ewes supplemented with CS having a greater (P < 0.03) PCV than those supplemented with SH (33.0 ± 0.7% and 30.8 ± 0.7%, respectively). PCV was similar between treatments prepartum (38.4 ± 1.3%) and postpartum (34.4 ± 0.9%). Ewe FEC was similar between CS and SH supplemented ewes prepartum (271.6 ± 0.5 epg) and at weaning (298.5 ± 80.5 epg); however, at postpartum sampling CS ewes tended (P = 0.09) to have reduced FEC (234.1 ± 62.0 epg) compared with SH (414.1 ± 59.6 epg) supplemented ewes. At weaning, lamb FEC was not influenced by supplementation or breed and averaged 502.3 ± 83.2 epg. Data indicate that substituting SH for a more traditional corn-based supplement in landrace hair sheep ewes managed in a pasture-based system had no influence on GIN infection. Agro-byproduct supplementation should be explored further for their use in sustainable, forage-based sheep production systems.
Structure of cytotoxic amyloid oligomers generated during disaggregation
Authors: Kaku Toshisuke , Ikebukuro Kazunori , Tsukakoshi Kaori
Published: March 2024

Amyloidosis is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of amyloid proteins. The causative proteins aggregate from monomers to oligomers and fibrils, among which some intermediate oligomers are considered as major toxins. Cytotoxic oligomers are generated not only by aggregation but also via fibril disaggregation. However, little is known about the structural characteristics and generation conditions of cytotoxic oligomers produced during disaggregation. Herein, we summarized the structural commonalities of cytotoxic oligomers formed under various disaggregation conditions, including the addition of heat shock proteins or small compounds. In vitro experimental data demonstrated the presence of high-molecular-weight oligomers (protofibrils or protofilaments) that exhibited a fibrous morphology and β-sheet structure. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the distorted β-sheet structure contributed to their metastability. The tendency of these cytotoxic oligomers to appear under mild disaggregation conditions, implied formation during the early stages of disaggregation. This review will aid researchers in exploring the characteristics of highly cytotoxic oligomers and developing drugs that target amyloid aggregates.
Attract-and-kill for managing Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) abundance and leaf injury in commercial vineyards
Authors: Lannan Mitchell C , Guédot Christelle
Published: March 2024

Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) feeding negatively impacts many plant species, including grapes, potentially reducing fruit quality and yield. Chemical control, representing the current grower standard, relies on frequent broadcast applications of broad-spectrum insecticides, with alternative management strategies mostly lacking. Attract-and-kill (A&K) is a behavioral management strategy that combines semiochemical attractants and a killing agent on a substrate. This study assessed the impact of A&K on (i) the number of P. japonica adults and (ii) the percent of P. japonica feeding injury on grape foliage compared to the grower standard in commercial vineyards. This 2-year study was conducted at 3 commercial vineyards with 4 paired plots consisting of a grower standard control and an A&K treatment. The A&K treatment consisted of commercial lures, each placed on outside-edge grapevines, and weekly applications of carbaryl on the plants holding lures. The grower standard received broadcast insecticide applications at the grower’s discretion. The A&K treatment experienced similar numbers of P. japonica adults and similar proportions of leaf injury compared to the grower standard. The use of A&K reduced by 96% the crop area treated with insecticides compared to the grower standard. The area treated by A&K was at the edge of the vineyards, where more leaf injury occurred regardless of treatment. A&K is a targeted approach that was effective at managing P. japonica and reducing chemical inputs on a small scale. It has the potential to be scaled up and refined to provide growers with a new management strategy.
The WIPO IGC Chair’s Draft on IP and Genetic Resources—Reasons for concern
Authors: Batista Pedro Henrique D
Published: March 2024

The requirement to disclose certain information in a patent application in order to promote compliance with national rules on access and benefit-sharing (ABS) related to genetic resources (GRs) has been a very controversial topic. After decades of disagreements, an international instrument in this area is expected to be agreed during a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Diplomatic Conference to be held in 2024. The basis for the final steps in the negotiation is the Chair’s Draft prepared by the Secretariat of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee. The question is, however, whether this Draft has the potential to achieve the desired goals. This article undertakes a critical analysis of the Draft to assess its adequacy for an effective protection of GRs and its suitability for strategic policies on ABS. We also explore alternative regulatory options for specific issues.
Blinded by the light: does heat or light enhance wild mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) attraction to CO2-baited traps in the Great Salt Lake area?
Authors: Harker Alexandra , Fairbanks Kelsey , Dewsnup M Andrew , Faraji Ary , Bibbs Christopher S
Published: March 2024

The New Jersey Light Trap has been among the earliest trap models used for mosquito surveillance in the United States. This trap was modernized in the 1950s to the miniature CDC light trap, with the addition of CO2 following soon after. The incandescent light has the tendency to attract nontarget insects, as well as losing a substantial portion of their energy as heat. Few studies have delineated whether heat or light in isolation make a difference in field collections using the former traps within the United States. Our study focused on isolating heat and light variables by using incandescent bulbs, light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, and electric heating patches affixed to a base model CO2 trap as designed at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District. Sites were selected in the urban and suburban foothills and canyons of the Wasatch Mountain front, industrial areas near the Salt Lake City International Airport, and rural wetlands in the marshes outlying the Great Salt Lake. Five traps were replicated within each sector during the summer and fall summer seasons. Collections were composed of Aedes dorsalis (Meigen), Culex pipiens L., Culex tarsalis Coquillett, and Culiseta inornata (Williston). Composition changes were a result of seasonal, rather than spatial, shifts. The results showed that LED light traps depressed collections of key species. Otherwise, there were negligible differences in collections among incandescent, heat film, and base model traps. In the Intermountain West, the miniature CDC trap is reliable enough to make programmatic decisions even if light usage varies by district.
Drought shifts soil nematode trophic groups and mediates the heterotrophic respiration
Authors: Zhao Cancan , Shao Yuanhu , Lu Huijie , Classen Aimée T , Wang Zuyan , Li Ying , Liu Yanchun , Yang Zhongling , Li Guoyong , Fu Shenglei
Published: March 2024

As the most diverse metazoan taxa, soil nematodes serve a diversity of functions in soil food webs and thus can regulate microbial community composition and affect organic matter decomposition and nutrient turnover rates. Because nematodes depend on water films to access food resources, drought can negatively affect nematode–microbial food webs, yet the impacts of drought on nematode diversity and abundance and how these changes may influence food web members and their functions are hardly explored. Here, we coupled research along a drought gradient in arid and semiarid grasslands with a detailed intact plant–soil microcosm experiment to explore the patterns and mechanisms of how drought impacts nematode abundance and carbon footprint, microbial phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) and heterotrophic soil respiration. Overall, in the field and the microcosm experiments, we found that nematode abundance, carbon footprint and diversity, microbial PLFA and heterotrophic respiration were reduced under drier conditions. In addition, drought altered nematode and microbial community composition, through reducing the nematode channel ratio and increasing the relative fungivorous nematode abundance and the fungal to bacterial ratio. The soil decomposition channel shifted from a bacterial to a fungal pathway in response to drought, indicating decelerated heterotrophic respiration under drought. These results highlight the important contribution of soil nematodes and their associated microbial food web to soil carbon cycling. Our findings underscore the need to incorporate key soil fauna into terrestrial ecosystem model evaluation.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in a transgender patient: a case report
Authors: Menon Rahul , Lockie Phil
Published: March 2024

The frequency of transgender individuals seeking gender affirming care is increasing over the last decade. Transgender patients suffer from obesity and psychiatric illness at elevated levels compared with the general population. A 54-year-old male-to-female transition patient presented with morbid obesity, hyperlipidaemia, and weight gain 2 years after their gender-transition and hormonal therapy. She received a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). At 7 months postoperatively, the patient has experienced 49% excess body weight loss, her body dissatisfaction had resolved and has completed further plastic surgery. The RYGB is an effective method for weight loss as well as benefits from cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic related conditions, and psychosocial wellbeing. Holistic treatment in conjunction with dietetic and psychology services can help maintain long-term weight management. Bariatric surgery combined with a multidisciplinary care team addressing medical and psychiatric concerns is integral to achieving and maintaining weight loss and gender identity.
Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA)/American Urological Association (AUA) telemedicine and men’s health white paper
Authors: Khera Mohit , Bernie Helen L , Broderick Gregory , Carrier Serge , Faraday Martha , Kohler Tobias , Jenkins Lawrence , Watter Daniel , Mulhall John , Raheem Omer , Ramasamy Ranjith , Rubin Rachel , Spitz Aaron , Yafi Faysal , Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this white paper is to educate health care professionals about the evolution of telemedicine (TM) and to propose a hybrid model that leverages the strengths of traditional in-person medicine as well as virtual medicine while maximizing the safety and quality of men’s sexual health care.

Literature Search Strategy

A literature search focused on the use of TM in urology and men’s health was performed through PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science (January 1, 2012–April 26, 2022). Keywords included all known permutations of the terminology used to refer to virtual health, care as well as the terminology used to refer to urologic diseases, issues specific to men’s health, and men’s sexual health concerns. Publications that emerged after the literature search that met this criterion also were incorporated. Opinion pieces, letters to the editor, meeting abstracts, and conference proceedings were excluded. Additional resources were retrieved, such as governmental technical reports, legislative updates and reviews, and blogs. This search strategy yielded 1684 records across databases after removal of duplicates. Abstracts from the retrieved records were reviewed for relevance. Relevant publications were defined as those that reported data on any aspect of TM use specific to urology, men’s health, and/or men’s sexual health. If relevance was unclear from the abstract, then the full text of the article was retrieved for a more detailed review. In addition, the published evidence-based practice guidelines relevant to care for erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, ejaculatory dysfunction, and hypogonadism were retrieved. The most common reasons for article exclusions were a focus on TM use in disciplines other than urology and the absence of data (ie, opinion pieces). After exclusions, a total of 91 publications remained and constituted the evidence base for this paper.
(001) Brain Activation Patterns Associated with Visually Evoked Sexual Arousal in Female-To-Male Transgender Individuals
Authors: Park K , Kim G , Lee M , Lee H S , Jeong G
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Cross-sex hormones in female-to-male (FtM) transgender individuals play a crucial role in brain plasticity. Brain activity associated with sexual arousal in FtM transgenders receiving cross-sex hormones is poorly understood.

Objective

This study aimed to compare brain activation patterns associated with sexual arousal between FtM transgenders and premenopausal women using a 3.0 Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods

This study included 13 FtM transgenders (mean age: 43.2±6.4 years) and 13 premenopausal women (mean age: 41.5 ± 8.3 years). The FtM transgender individuals, who have had sex-reassignment surgery, received testosterone supplementary therapy. Sexual orientation was evaluated using the Kinsey sexuality rating scale (0 = exclusively heterosexual; 6 = exclusively homosexual). Serum sex hormones were measured, including free testosterone (free-T), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating, and luteinizing hormones. Visual sexual stimulation began with a 30-s cross fixation (rest condition), followed by a 30-s natural documentary (neutral condition), 540-s erotic video (sexual activation condition), then a 30-s cross fixation (rest condition). The fMRI data were post-processed using SPM8 software.

Results

The average rating of the Kinsey scale in the FtM transgenders was 5.6 ± 0.5, indicating their sexual orientation falls within the category of homosexual. The FtM transgenders showed significant increases in the free-T levels (18.8±18.9 pg/mL vs. 0.4±0.4 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and significant decreases in the E2 levels (45.4±32.0 pg/mL vs. 279.2±247.3 pg/mL, p = 0.001) compared with premenopausal women. The brain areas with significantly higher activities during visual sexual stimuli in the FtM transgenders compared with premenopausal women included the superior parietal lobule, middle occipital gyrus, and superior frontal gyrus (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study illustrates the specific brain activation patterns associated with sexual arousal in female-to-male (FtM) transgenders. These findings could contribute to our understanding of the neural mechanisms associated with sexual arousal in relation to the levels of sexual hormones in FtM transgenders. This research was supported by grants from the National Research Foundation funded by the government (MSIT; 2022R1A2C2007809, 2021R1C1C2011748).

Disclosure

No.
(109) Assessment of Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT Quality in the Management of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Raheem O A , Pathuri M , Marciano O
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Since November 2022, Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots have grown in popularity including urologic conditions. However, its accuracy and quality has not been evaluated systematically. In this study, we sought to assess the accuracy and quality of AI chatbots in the management of Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

Objective

We aim to evaluate the accuracy and quality of open-source language models in fielding common clinical questions pertaining to ED compared to board certified urologists.

Methods

Two AI open-source language models, ChatGPT and Google Bard, were fielded 15 standard questions related to ED some of which included causes, risk factors and treatment options of ED. Two board certified urologists were given the same questions on a standard survey. A third blinded board-certified urologist served as a grader using the AUA guidelines for ED on a Likert scale to assess the accuracy, robustness, and bias of each response. Urologist and AI responses were graded and aggregated using Likert scales.

Results

Overall AI responses were significantly more accurate (p<0.01), robust (p<0.01), and unbiased (p<0.01). Additionally, Google Bard had the highest scores all around followed by ChatGPT. The urologists’ responses were approximately 38% lower compared to the AI responses.

Conclusions

This study suggests that AI responses were superior compared to urologists in the areas of accuracy, robustness, and bias pertaining to the management of ED. Albeit, the chatbots have promising role in urologic conditions including ED, its widespread clinical use and adoption warrants further evaluation in the context of clinical decision making and enhancing patient care.

Disclosure

No.
(131) Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord for Chronic Scrotal Pain: Results from a Prospective Case Series
Authors: Abdel Raheem A , Fathy Soliman I , Hafez K
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Microsurgical spermatic cord denervation (MSCD) is one of the lines of management of chronic scrotal pain refractory to conservative lines of therapy, however, it has not been fully adopted by different centres. Other procedures such as epididymectomy, orchidectomy and vasectomy reversal are being offered instead.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord in the management of chronic scrotal pain refractory to conservative lines of therapy.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled for MSCD over a 24-month period. These patients underwent MSCD after exclusion of any correctable cause of chronic scrotal pain (CSP) and/or poor response to medical treatment. Efficacy of the technique was evaluated by the degree of pain improvement using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Safety was assessed by reporting any intra- or post-operative complications.

Results

The mean age of the studied population was 51.7 (36–78) years. The mean pain duration was 4.2 (1–20) years. In 8 patients (40%), the aetiology of the chronic pain was idiopathic, 5 patients (25%) the pain occurred after previous scrotal surgery (vasectomy in 2 patients, AUS in 2 and an epididymal cyst excision in 1 patient), 4 patients (20%) post scrotal trauma and 3 patients (15%) post epididymo-orchitis. Ten patients (50%) had complete pain resolution, 8 (40%) had a partial resolution of their pain, the pain remained the same in a one patient (5%), and one patient (5%) had resolution of the scrotal pain but developed pain at the incision site following MSCD. The VAS pain score significantly improved from a mean of 9.7 to 3.7 postoperatively. (p=0.0029). No significant complications have been encountered in this case series.

Conclusions

Microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord is a safe and reliable option that should be more widely adopted to treat men with chronic scrotal pain refractory to conservative treatment.

Disclosure

No.
Vincent Toro’s Hurricane Formalism
Authors: Thomas Sara
Published: March 2024

Vincent Toro’s poetry and essays critique the ways that US actions in the wake of natural disasters damage Puerto Rican ecologies and culture. The entwinement of colonialism and natural disaster is the subject of Toro’s two collections, Stereo. Island. Mosaic. (2016) and Tertulia (2020). These collections instruct readers to toggle between close reading of language and formal analysis of genre and shape. In Stereo, Toro produces a geo-formal poetics that takes a Taíno hurricane zemi as its central organizing form, an aesthetic choice that foregrounds non-Western literary forms in communicating Puerto Rican economic and ecological atmospheres. In Toro’s collections, the air and atmosphere are sites where anti-colonial critique and aesthetic innovation merge.
Neoliberal humanitarianism: Contradictory policy logics and Syrian refugee experiences in Japan
Authors: Liu-Farrer Gracia , Pearlman Wendy , Al-Masri Mohammed
Published: March 2024

Since the 2011 beginning of the Syrian uprising, more than 800 Syrians have become registered residents of Japan. Japan is an unusual destination for these refugees due not only to its geographical and cultural distance from the Middle East and lack of Arab diasporic communities, but also to what we call neoliberal humanitarianism: an approach by which states adopt policies and programmes to reduce refugees’ suffering while also regarding refugees as potentially profitable workers responsible for their own economic survival and social integration. In Japan’s case, the driver of neoliberal humanitarianism is its interest in keeping par with G7 peers in ‘doing something’ in the face of a global ‘refugee crisis’ on the one hand, and its lack of political or social will to receive refugees, on the other. The contradictions inherent in these imperatives come to the fore in the ‘Japanese Initiative for the future of Syrian Refugees’ (JISR), which invites Syrian refugees to pursue graduate degrees at Japanese universities. Japan officially presents JISR participants as refugees, but legally regards them as students, provides limited financial support, and encourages them not to apply for asylum. This article investigates JISR as a case study of neoliberal humanitarianism and examines its contradictory logics and consequences, from the perspective of refugees’ experiences. Qualitative analysis of twenty-one original interviews shows that, though Syrians often choose Japan in search of stability after years of precarity in countries on Syria’s borders, neoliberal humanitarianism in this unusual destination generates a new chapter of uncertainty and disappointment.
New rotational rate coefficients computation of MgC3N(X2Σ+) by collision with He(1S)
Authors: Hachani L , Khadri F , Jaïdane N , Elabidi H , Hammami K
Published: March 2024

Determining physical conditions in interstellar environments requires reliable estimation of collisional data for molecules detected in space. In this work, we report a rate coefficients calculation of MgC3N(X2Σ+) induced by collision with He. This study is based on a new 2D potential energy surface (2D-PES), obtained from the explicitly correlated restricted open-shell coupled cluster approach with single, double, and perturbative triple excitation (rccsd(t)-f12) and the aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets. The MgC3N–He PES presents a global minimum with a well depth of −45.6 cm−1. Based on this interaction potential, we derived the excitation cross-sections using the close-coupling quantum time-independent formalism for total energies ≤500 cm−1 and N ≤ 40. These cross-sections were then integrated on a Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution of kinetic energies to obtain the collisional (de)-excitation rate coefficients for thermal temperature below 100 K. A non-LTE radiative transfer calculation was performed using the present collisional rates in order to estimate their impact on the abundance of MgC3N. These collisional data can help astronomers for the detection and an accurate determination of MgC3N abundance in the investigated interstellar clouds.
Spectral and type I X-ray burst studies of 4U 1702−429 using AstroSat observations
Authors: Varun M , Thomas Neal Titus , Gudennavar S B , Bubbly S G
Published: March 2024

4U 1702−429, an atoll-type neutron star low-mass X-ray binary, was observed twice by the AstroSat/Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) and Large Area X-ray Proportional Counters (LAXPC-20) on 2018 April 27 and 2019 August 8. Persistent emission spectra of the source were well fitted with the model combination - constant × tbabs (thcomp × diskbb+powerlaw). The parameters obtained from the spectral analysis revealed the source to be in a hard spectral state during the observations. Time-resolved spectral analyses were performed on the three type I X-ray bursts detected from the source. Burst analysis showed that the source underwent a photospheric radius expansion. Consequently, the radius of the neutron star and distance to the source (with isotropic and anisotropic burst emission) were obtained as 12.65$\substack{+0.90\\-0.86}$ km and 6.92$\substack{+0.16\\-0.09}$ and 8.43$\substack{+0.20\\-0.10}$ kpc, respectively.
HIF1α/ATF3 partake in PGK1 K191/K192 succinylation by modulating P4HA1/succinate signaling in glioblastoma
Authors: Yang Shixue , Zhan Qi , Su Dongyuan , Cui Xiaoteng , Zhao Jixing , Wang Qixue , Hong Biao , Ju Jiasheng , Cheng Chunchao , Yang Eryan , Kang Chunsheng
Published: March 2024

Background

Hypoxia is a pathological hallmark in most cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM). Hypoxic signaling activation and post-translational modification (PTM) of oncogenic proteins are well-studied in cancers. Accumulating studies indicate glycolytic enzyme PGK1 plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

Methods

We first used ChIP assays to uncover the crosstalk between HIF1α and ATF3 and their roles in P4HA1 regulation. Protein degradation analysis, LC-MS/MS, and in vitro succinate production assays were performed to examine the effect of protein succinylation on GBM pathology. Seahorse assay measured the effects of PGK1 succinylation at K191/K192 or its mutants on glucose metabolism. We utilized an in vivo intracranial mouse model for biochemical studies to elucidate the impact of ATF3 and P4HA1 on aerobic glycolysis and the tumor immune microenvironment.

Results

We demonstrated that HIF1α and ATF3 positively and negatively regulate the transcription of P4HA1, respectively, leading to an increased succinate production and increased activation of HIF1α signaling. P4HA1 expression elevated the succinate concentration, resulting in the enhanced succinylation of PGK1 at the K191 and K192 sites. Inhibition of proteasomal degradation of PGK1 by succinylation significantly increased aerobic glycolysis to generate lactate. Furthermore, ATF3 overexpression and P4HA1 knockdown reduced succinate and lactate levels in GBM cells, inhibiting immune responses and tumor growth.

Conclusions

Together, our study demonstrates that HIF1α/ATF3 participated in P4HA1/succinate signaling, which is the major regulator of succinate biosynthesis and PGK1 succinylation at K191 and K192 sites in GBM. The P4HA1/succinate pathway might be a novel and promising target for aerobic glycolysis in GBM.
A chaotic spiking backpropagation approach to brain learning
Authors: Chen Guanrong
Published: March 2024

A highlight of the chaotic spiking backpropagation (CSBP) method, which is a powerful tool for directly training spiking neural networks and helps to understand the learning mechanisms of human brain.
Evaluations of Compliance With California’s First Tobacco Sales Bans and Tobacco Marketing in Restricted and Cross-Border Stores
Authors: Henriksen Lisa , Andersen-Rodgers Elizabeth , Voelker David H , Johnson Trent O , Schleicher Nina C
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach were the first California cities to end tobacco sales. Previous research assessed retailers’ perceptions of the laws. This study is the first to evaluate compliance (Study 1), assess whether branded or unbranded tobacco cues remain, and examine cigarette prices/discounts in cross-border stores (Study 2).

Aims and Methods

Each of the four data collectors requested Marlboro or e-cigarettes (randomly assigned) in all restricted stores (n = 33) until four attempts were exhausted or a violation occurred. Follow-up visits recorded whether former tobacco retailers advertised tobacco or contained unbranded cues. In a random sample of 126 cross-border stores (half within 1 mile of no-sales cities and half 2–4 miles away), data collectors recorded price of Marlboro and presence of cigarette discounts. Mixed models (stores within tracts), tested for differences between near and far stores, adjusting for store type and median household income.

Results

Compliance was 87.5%: three stores sold Marlboro (US $8, $10, and $10) and one sold Puff Bar (US $16). Tobacco-branded items and unbranded tobacco cues remained in one store each. Mean Marlboro price was US $10.61 (SD = 1.92) at stores within 1 mile of no-sales cities, averaging US $0.73 more than at stores farther away (p < .05). However, odds of advertising cigarette discounts did not differ between stores nearby and farther from no-sales cities.

Conclusions

Nearly all retailers complied with tobacco sales bans within 6–12 months of implementation. In addition, retail tobacco marketing was nearly eliminated in the two cities. There was no evidence of price gouging for Marlboro cigarettes in cross-border stores.

Implications

Evidence from two early adopters of tobacco sales bans suggests that such local laws can be implemented effectively in California, although results from these high-income cities in a state with a strong tobacco control record limits generalizability. Enforcement involving routine purchase attempts rather than visual inspection of tobacco products is recommended. Although Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach are each surrounded by communities where tobacco sales persist, there was no evidence of price gouging for cigarettes or greater presence of discounts in cross-border stores. Evaluations of the economic impacts and public health benefits of tobacco sales bans are much needed.
The New Racial Spillover: Donald Trump, Racial Attitudes, and Public Opinion Toward Accountability for Perpetrators and Planners of the January 6 Capitol Attack
Authors: Rhodes Jesse H , Nteta Tatishe M
Published: March 2024

Since the violent January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, federal authorities have sought to hold participants and organizers accountable for their assault on American democracy. Troublingly, however, a substantial fraction of the public opposes the prosecution of participants in the assault on the Capitol and rejects charging former president Trump with crimes relating to the planning and execution of the attack. Why does a substantial fraction of the American public oppose accountability for perpetrators of the January 6 attack? In this article, we argue that racial attitudes play a central role in determining individuals' attitudes toward accountability for the Capitol attack. Elaborating on the theory of “racial spillover,” we argue that former president Trump's frequent use of racial rhetoric—which established a racialized identity and cemented a close relationship between negative racial attitudes and support for his presidency among members of the mass public—created conditions in which these attitudes were likely to “spill over” into the ostensibly non-racialized domain of attitudes toward holding perpetrators, planners, and inciters accountable for the attack. Because attitudes toward accountability for the Capitol attack are inextricable from Trump's racialized persona, we hypothesize that negative racial attitudes should be associated with increased opposition to accountability for those responsible for the attack. Using data from four original, nationally representative surveys fielded between 2021 and 2023, we find strong evidence for our racial spillover hypothesis and show that individuals with more negative racial attitudes are more opposed to accountability for those responsible for the Capitol attack.