bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
20 Forage Production and Nutritive Quality of Dual-purpose Wheat Managed Under Three Different Grazing Frequencies in the Southeastern United States
Authors: West Micayla H , Mullenix M Kim , Rabinowitz Adam N , Smith W Brandon , Carrell Russell C , Dillard Leanne L
Published: March 2022

Grazing of dual-purpose wheat is an established management system in the Great Plains regions of the United States. Varietal and climatic differences between regions has limited use of dual-purpose systems in the Southeast. The objective of this study was to evaluate four wheat varieties, [feed wheat (mixed variety, Feed), seed wheat (‘GA Gore’) and two forage varieties, ‘AGS 2024’ (AGS) and ‘Pioneer 26R41’ (Pioneer)], under three grazing treatments [no-grazing (NG), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF)]. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (n = 4) using mob-grazing. Forage samples were taken using three 0.1m2-quadrats before (Pre) and after (Post) each grazing event. Crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were determined on all Pre samples. Wheat grain yield was determined at the end of the season. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS (SAS Inst., Cary, NC), a < 0.05. Pre-grazed, AGS seasonal forage production was greater (P < 0.01) than all other varieties (1,517 kg/ha vs 1,031 kg/ha, respectively). Post-grazing biomass from AGS and Pioneer was greater than GA Gore (817 vs 512 kg DM/ha, respectively; P = 0.04). Pre-grazing, Feed, GA Gore and Pioneer had greater (P < 0.01) CP than AGS (31.6 vs. 30.1%, respectively). The concentration of NDF was greatest for AGS (39.1%) compared with all other varieties (34.9%, P < 0.01). Grazing frequency did not affect CP (P = 0.67). The NG plots had greater NDF and ADF than LF and HF (37.5 vs. 35.2% and 19.8 vs. 18.6%, respectively; P < 0.01). Pioneer had the greatest grain yield but was not different from AGS (57.6 and 52.4 kg/ha, respectively; P = 0.41). Management of wheat as a dual-purpose crop is feasible in the Southeast. More information is needed to determine the economic impact of this management practice.
34 Extended Effects of Sequential Weaning and Backgrounding Management in Beef Calves
Authors: Justice Maggie M , Mullenix M Kim , Tigue Alex A , Carrell Russell C , West Micayla H , Rodning Soren P , Chamorro Manuel
Published: March 2022

Alternate weaning methods and backgrounding periods are strategies to reduce calf morbidity and mortality at feedlot arrival. The objective of this study was to assess the collective effects of weaning and post-weaning management practices on potential carryover effects on calf health and performance through the backgrounding phase. A total of 216 steer calves (average BW, 298 kg) from three Auburn University research farms were randomly assigned to one of three different weaning method groups: Fenceline weaning, nose-flap weaning, or abrupt weaning. Calves were weighed on d 0 and d 14 post weaning, and then began a 60-d preconditioning period. Calves were randomized according to previous weaning management, farm of origin, and body weight to one of three nutritional management strategies in a 3 ×3 factorial design: cool-season baleage (oats, ryegrass and crimson clover) and 1% BW dried distillers grains (DDGS), bermudagrass hay and 1% BW DDGS, or grazing mixed warm-season annuals and 1% BW DDGS. Calf body weights were collected on d 0, d 30 and d 60 of the backgrounding phase. Weights did not differ during the weaning phase but calves in the fenceline group had the greatest average daily gain (1.13 kg/d; P < 0.0001) during this phase. There was a weaning × backgrounding treatment interaction (P = 0.0097) for average daily gain during the first 30 d of the backgrounding phase. Calves that were fenceline weaned and on the cool season baleage diet had the highest average gain at 1.02 kg/d, whereas abruptly weaned calves on the grazing diet only gained 0.29 kg/d in the first 30 d. Steers on the cool season baleage diet had the greatest total gain (P < 0.0001) at 45.8 kg over the course of the 60-d period. These results indicate that backgrounding diet, coupled with weaning management strategies, may influence calf performance during the transition period for calves into the post-weaning phase.
49 Impact of Hydrocolloids and Poultry Co-product Combinations on Fresh Pet Food Shelf Life
Authors: Wagoner Madison , Presume Marc R , Chilenje Moses E , Abascal-Ponciano Gerardo , Sandoval Jorge L , Smith Hunter R , Reyes Tristan , Wilborn Barney , Dunavant Justin , Mason Robert P , Altom Eric K , Starkey Charles , Sawyer Jason T
Published: March 2022

The development and availability of meat-based food and treats for pets in the retail space continues to increase at a rapid pace. The current study focused on the evaluation of sodium alginate and encapsulated calcium lactate (ALGIN) inclusion within a fresh pet food formulation and subsequent influence on shelf-life characteristics. Poultry co-products are often undervalued throughout the meat industry due to their poor quality and low customer acceptance. However, it is plausible that these co-products could be a potential key component in adding value to the pet food industry. In addition, the use of ALGIN within a ground chicken co-product formulation may create a pet food worth generating a greater retail value for the manufacturer. Fresh chicken frames (CF) and boneless-skinless wooden breast (WB) were purchased from a commercial poultry processing facility and ground. Ground CF and WB (COMB) were allocated randomly to one of ten treatment combinations with either 0.5 or 1.0% added ALGIN. Ground treatments were portioned into 454 g bricks, placed into a form and fill vacuum package, sealed and displayed in a reach-in refrigerated cases for 21 days. Packages of fresh pet food were evaluated for surface color, lipid oxidation, water activity, and pH on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 of the simulated display. Instrumental surface color was lighter, less red, and more yellow (P < 0.05) with increasing percentages of CF regardless of ALGIN inclusion. Whereas pH was greater (P < 0.05) and lipid oxidation were lower (P < 0.05) with increasing percentage of WB. Water activity increased (P < 0.05) when WB and ALGIN inclusion increased. These results suggest that the impact of ALGIN in a poultry co-product pet food formulation are minimal. However, the inclusion percentage of CF or WB could have a greater impact on shelf-life characteristics of fresh pet food.
97 Comparison of Tulathromycin and Gamithromycin as Metaphylactic Treatment on Growth Performance, Morbidity, and Treatment Cost in High-risk, Newly Received Beef Calves
Authors: Midkiff Kirsten A , Ball Jase , Kegley E B , Shoulders Ben P , Reynolds Jana L , Powell J G
Published: March 2022

Metaphylactic treatments are used in cattle enterprises to mitigate bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Crossbred beef calves (n = 78; BW = 272 ± 25.8 kg) were randomly assigned 1 of 2 metaphylactic treatments. Upon arrival, calves were processed (ear tagged, vaccinated, dewormed, ear notched) and administered either 1.2 mL/50 kg BW of tulathromycin with a 7-d post-metaphylactic interval (PMI) or 2 mL/50 kg BW of gamithromycin with a 5-d PMI. Cattle were observed daily for signs of morbidity and a Clinical Attitude Score (0 [normal] to 5 [morbid]) was recorded. Calves that scored a 1 or greater and PMI eligible were pulled and rectal temperatures were recorded; if temperature exceeded 40°C, calves were given enrofloxacin. If calves were pulled a second time and criteria met, ceftiofur was the final antibiotic administered. Performance data and cost analysis were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4, with repeated measure of day used for performance data. Morbidity and treatment with second antibiotic data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4. There were no differences in morbidity (P = 0.17) or treatment with second antibiotic (P = 0.32). There was no treatment × day interaction or main effect for treatment for BW or ADG, but there was a main effect of day as BW increased (P < 0.001) through the sampling period and gain from days 0 to14 was greater than gain from days 14 to 28 (P = 0.001) and 28 to 42 (P < 0.001). Initial antibiotic costs ($32.73 vs. $21.74) and overall costs ($32.74 vs. $24.16) were greater (P < 0.001) in cattle administered tulathromycin compared to gamithromycin treated calves. While there were no differences between antibiotic treatments for health or performance, these data indicate that gamithromycin was a more cost-effective metaphylactic treatment for newly received, high-risk calves.
135 Vitamin E and Selenium Effects on White-tailed Deer Conception Success in Artificial Insemination Programs
Authors: Urso Phil , Lewis Kacey , Kelley Stanley F , Beverly Marcy M , Greenwood Megan , Stewart Chris
Published: March 2022

The white-tailed deer breeding industry has developed into a $1.6 billion-dollar annual sector. However, even with this rapidly growing industry, little is known concerning certain mineral requirements for deer raised in confinement and their conception success. Previous research has suggested that white-tailed does are more apt to conceive with elevated circulating levels of zinc, vitamin E, and selenium. This research project consisted of ninety-three does on standard confinement diets, supplemented with only a single dose of Zn, Se, Mn, and Cu via MultiMin at the time of CIDR input. Supplementation of MultiMin was fixed across all animals in the study. These does were assessed by drawing blood at the time of artificial insemination (AI). Whole blood and serum samples were analyzed for micromineral levels (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn) and fat-soluble metabolites (vitamin A, vitamin E, and cholesterol) at Texas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and analyzed using PROC REG in SAS. Conception success was determined by the does conceiving a fawn from from artificial insemination procedure which was verified via genetic testing of the fawn. It was found that the model containing the main effects vitamin E, zinc, and selenium along with their interactions of vitamin E by Zn and Se by Zinc was significant (P < 0.05; R2=0.15) on positively affecting conception success from artificial insemination. In particular, a tendency was detected in the relationship of vitamin E and selenium (P < 0.1). In post hoc analysis, parameter estimates from the regression were used, and selenium fixed at a level of 144 ng/mL is the point at which supplemental vitamin E has positive effects on conception from AI. This model shows that both vitamin E and selenium are required at higher levels than previously thought in confinement-reared white-tailed deer with intensive breeding programs. With further research using vitamin E and selenium, the mineral requirements of white-tailed deer in confinement can be better understood and aide producers in reproductive efficiency in their captive deer herds.
124 The Effect of Innate Immune Receptor Activation on Differential Breed Responses to LPS in Sheep
Authors: Johnson Samanthia R , Middleton Denzel , Bowdridge Scott A , Greiner Scott P
Published: March 2022

While studying breed differences in immune response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to Haemonchus contortus (Hc) antigen, RNA sequencing revealed that St. Croix (STC) PBMC upregulated expression of NLRP3 compared to PBMC from Suffolk (SUF) sheep. Nod-like receptor pyrin containing domain 3 (NLRP3) is a cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptor (PRR) with a wide array of agonists, such as PAMPs, DAMPs, ATP, bacterial product, and viral products. Stimulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome results in proteolytic activation of IL-1b and IL-18, cell pyroptosis, and classically, the induction of proinflammatory responses. Common activation of this pathway can be achieved by stimulation with liposaccharide (LPS) which binds and activates a toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) pathway, causing production of proinflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, NLRP3 has been recently implicated as an early initiator of IL-4 production in response to helminth antigen. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine differences in breed responses to LPS and the role of NLRP3. To test this hypothesis, PBMC were collected from STC and SUF sheep and cells were incubated with LPS only, LPS in combination with pharmacological inhibitor of NLRP3 (MCC950), or complete media for 3 hrs. Gene expression of PBMC exposed to LPS revealed that Inflammatory linked genes IL-1β (P < 0.001), TLR4 (P < 0.001), TNFα (P < 0.001), NFκB (P < 0.001) were upregulated in STC PBMC. Treatment with MCC950 in combination with LPS, reduced inflammatory gene expression in STC PBMC to the level of SUF PBMC (P > 0.05), thus ablating inflammatory responses in STC PBMC. These data reveal a deficiency in NLPR3 function in SUF sheep and have been confirmed by SNPs found in that gene that have been predicted to alter NLRP3 protein structure.
Galyean Appreciation Club Review: revisiting nutrition and health of newly received cattle—what have we learned in the last 15 years?
Authors: Galyean Michael L , Duff Glenn C , Rivera J Daniel
Published: March 2022

Our objective was to review the literature related to the health and management of newly received cattle published since a previous review by Duff and Galyean (2007). Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to be a major challenge for the beef industry. Depending on disease severity, animals treated for BRD have decreased performance and lowered carcass value. Diagnosis of BRD is less effective than desired, and progress on developing real-time, chute-side methods to diagnose BRD has been limited. Systems that combine lung auscultation with temperature and body weight data show promise. Assessment of blood metabolites and behavior monitoring offer potential for early identification of morbid animals. Vaccination and metaphylaxis continue to be important tools for the prevention and control of BRD, but antimicrobial resistance is a concern with antibiotic use. Dietary energy concentration and roughage source and level continue to be important topics. Mineral supplementation has received considerable attention, particularly the use of organic vs. inorganic sources and injectable minerals or drenches given on arrival. The use of probiotics and prebiotics for newly received cattle has shown variable results, but further research is warranted. The health and nutrition of newly received cattle will continue to be an important research area in the years to come.
The Challenge of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis–Detected Architectural Distortion of the Breast: Inter-reader Variability and Imaging Characteristics That May Improve Positive Predictive Value
Authors: Feliciano-Rivera Yara Z , Net Jose , Velamuri Sriram , Pluguez-Turull Cedric , Yepes Monica M
Published: March 2022

Objective

To compare readers’ performances when detecting architectural distortion (AD) on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). To determine the risk of malignancy of DBT with synthetic mammogram (SM)–detected AD and evaluate imaging features that are associated with malignancy risk.

Methods

This IRB-approved retrospective review included all cases of DBT-detected AD that were recommended for biopsy from October 2013 to July 2019. Cases were reviewed by three breast radiologists and the overall agreement between radiologists was calculated. Medical records were reviewed for pathological outcomes and imaging findings. Statistical analyses used were Cohen’s kappa and its 95% confidence interval, and one-way analysis of variance.

Results

A total of 172 lesions were included. The overall agreement for the presence of AD in our study was fair (0.253). The majority (20/36, 55.5%) of the malignant ADs were associated with asymmetries (13/36, 36.1%), calcifications (4/36, 11.1%), or both (3/36, 8.3%), compared to nonmalignant ADs (40/136, 31.0%; P = 0.038). The positive predictive value (PPV) of DBT with SM-detected AD for malignancy was 21.8% (36/165), 18.8% (18/96) for DBT-detected AD, and 26.0% (18/69) for SM-detected AD, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.258). A breast MRI correlate was identified for all malignant AD lesions (17/17, 100.0%; P = 0.004).

Conclusion

The detection of AD remains a challenging task for radiologists, with moderate-to-fair interobserver agreement. With a PPV for malignancy of 21.8%, percutaneous biopsy and subsequent pathology-imaging correlation are necessary for AD to exclude the possibility of malignancy.
2D acoustic wavefield simulation by improved stiffness and mass matrices of bilinear square element
Authors: Ogunbo Jide Nosakare , Shin Changsoo
Published: March 2022

In the frequency domain, we optimize the entries of the element stiffness matrix computed on a square element with the purpose of approximating the 2D acoustic wave equation with the second spatial order. The optimized matrices are computed from the minimization of the normalized phase velocity as a function of propagation angle and the number of grid points per wavelength, leading to a remarkable reduction in the numerical error. The optimized number of 4.1 sample points in a wavelength, with a maximum error in velocities <0.3%, offering the simulation of large-scale realistic models. The superior performance of the optimized matrices to those from the lumped, consistent and eclectic matrices, is evident from the numerical examples presented, with consequent reduction not only in the numerical dispersion/anisotropy but also in an improved resolution. It is noteworthy that optimized matrices give modeling results with better accuracy than models from the high-order spectral element method. Our methodology is easily extendable to the accurate discretizing of the general 3D elastic wave equation that optimizes the bandwidth of the impedance matrix, availing computational resources for accurately modeling the compressional and shear wave velocities, density, as well as multi-parameter inversion.
Effect of Exercise Training Programs on Physical Fitness Domains in Military Personnel: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Smith Chelsea , Doma Kenji , Heilbronn Brian , Leicht Anthony
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Physical training is important to prepare soldiers for the intense occupational demands in the military. However, current physical training may not address all fitness domains crucial for optimizing physical readiness and reducing musculoskeletal injury. The effects of nontraditional military physical training on fitness domains have been inconsistently reported, which limits the design of the ideal training program for performance optimization and injury prevention in the military. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the effects of exercise training on various fitness domains (i.e., aerobic fitness, flexibility, muscular endurance, muscular power, muscular strength, and occupationally specific physical performance) that contribute to occupational performance and musculoskeletal injury risk in military personnel.

Methods

An extensive literature search was conducted in January 2021 and was subsequently updated in July 2021 and December 2021. Included studies consisted of comparative groups of healthy military personnel performing traditional and nontraditional military physical training with at least one assessment representative of a fitness domain. Study appraisal was conducted using the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis was conducted via forest plots, standard mean difference (SMD, effect size), and intertrial heterogeneity (I2).

Results

From a total of 7,350 records, 15 studies were identified as eligible for inclusion in this review, with a total of 1,613 participants. The average study quality via the PEDro score was good (5.3/10; range 4/10 to 6/10). Nontraditional military physical training resulted in greater posttraining values for muscular endurance (SMD = 0.46; P = .004; I2 = 68%), power (SMD = 1.57; P < .0001; I2 = 90%), strength via repetition maximum testing (SMD = 1.95; P < .00001; I2 = 91%), and occupationally specific physical performance (SMD = 0.54; P = .007; I2 = 66%) compared to the traditional group. There was no significant difference for aerobic fitness (SMD = −0.31; P = .23; I2 = 86%), flexibility (SMD = 0.58; P = .16; I2 = 76%), and muscular strength via maximal voluntary contraction (SMD = 0.18; P = .28; I2 = 66%) between training groups.

Conclusions

The current systematic review identified that nontraditional military physical training had a greater posttraining effect on muscular endurance, power, strength measured via repetition maximum, and occupationally specific physical performance compared to traditional military physical training. Overall, these findings suggest that nontraditional military physical training may be beneficial in optimizing occupational performance while potentially reducing musculoskeletal injury risk.
A case report of rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis in a Chinese woman with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ho Cheuk Ying Karen , Lau Tiffany Wing-See , Chung Ho Yin , Ho Carmen Tze Kwan , Lau Chak Sing
Published: March 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis associated with a number of extra-articular manifestations. We report the case of a rare extra-articular manifestation of seropositive RA in a 48-year-old woman. She developed spontaneously remitting pustular rashes on the dorsum of both hands which recurred during periods of a high disease activity. Skin biopsy revealed rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatosis (RND), a rare skin manifestation of RA. Both RA and RND were controlled with rituximab therapy. Clinical presentations and differential diagnoses were discussed. Tight control of RA is pivotal in the management of RA and extra-articular manifestations.
Identification of chromatin loops from Hi-C interaction matrices by CTCF–CTCF topology classification
Authors: Galan Silvia , Serra François , Marti-Renom Marc A
Published: March 2022

Genome-wide profiling of long-range interactions has revealed that the CCCTC-Binding factor (CTCF) often anchors chromatin loops and is enriched at boundaries of the so-called Topologically Associating Domains, which suggests that CTCF is essential in the 3D organization of chromatin. However, the systematic topological classification of pairwise CTCF–CTCF interactions has not been yet explored. Here, we developed a computational pipeline able to classify all CTCF–CTCF pairs according to their chromatin interactions from Hi-C experiments. The interaction profiles of all CTCF–CTCF pairs were further structurally clustered using self-organizing feature maps and their functionality characterized by their epigenetic states. The resulting clusters were then input to a convolutional neural network aiming at the de novo detecting chromatin loops from Hi-C interaction matrices. Our new method, called LOOPbit, is able to automatically detect significant interactions with a higher proportion of enhancer-promoter loops compared to other callers. Our highly specific loop caller adds a new layer of detail to the link between chromatin structure and function.
The use of blockchain by international organizations: effectiveness and legitimacy
Authors: Dimitropoulos Georgios
Published: March 2022

Blockchain is a new general-purpose technology that poses significant challenges to policymaking, law, and society. Blockchain is even more distinctive than other transformative technologies, as it is by nature a global technology; moreover, it operates based on a set of rules and principles that have a law-like quality—the lex cryptographia. The global nature of blockchain has led to its adoption by international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank. However, the law-like nature of the technology makes some of its uses by international organizations questionable from an international law and foreign affairs perspective. In this light, the article examines the effectiveness and legitimacy of the use of blockchain for international policymaking.
John Donne and Overbury’s ‘A Wife’ in the New Melford Hall Manuscript
Authors: Kneidel Gregory
Published: March 2022

In 2018, a manuscript containing a large collection of John Donne’s poems was discovered at Melford Hall in Suffolk. This essay presents an initial assessment of that manuscript and, more specifically, places it within the wider universe of Donne manuscripts, which has been exhaustively charted in the recently completed Donne Variorum. The Melford Hall manuscript belongs squarely within what editors have come to call the traditional Group II manuscripts. Unlike the other important Group II manuscripts, however, the Melford Hall manuscript also contains numerous emendations. Some of these emendations may be in Donne’s hand; others link the Melford Hall manuscript in a unique way to other important Donne manuscripts. An unexpected highlight of the manuscript is its heavily glossed and annotated text of ‘A Wife’, the title poem in Thomas Overbury’s best-selling A Wife (1614). The Melford Hall manuscript’s text of ‘A Wife’ includes numerous unreported substantive variants that are shared by a few other Donne manuscripts. These textual variants reveal how much can be learned by dealing with non-Donne material in predominantly Donne manuscripts, and they support the proposition that the Melford Hall manuscript was produced at an earlier date than the one that editors have assigned to its closest Group II siblings.
Differential effects of subchronic acrylonitrile exposure on hydrogen sulfide levels in rat blood, brain, and liver
Authors: Yang Bobo , Yin Changsheng , Zhang Yu , Xing Guangwei , Wang Suhua , Li Fang , Aschner Michael , Lu Rongzhu
Published: March 2022

Background

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as the third gasotransmitter participates in both cellular physiological and pathological processes, including chemical-induced injuries. We recently reported acute acrylonitrile (AN) treatment inhibited endogenous H2S biosynthesis pathway in rat and astrocyte models. However, there is still no evidence to address the correlation between endogenous H2S and sub-chronic AN exposure.

Objectives

This study aims to explore the modulatory effects of prolonged AN exposure on endogenous H2S levels and its biosynthetic enzymes in rat blood, brain and liver.

Methods

A total of 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including the control group and AN-treated groups at dosages of 6.25, 12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg. Rats received one exposure/day, 5 days/week, for 4 consecutive weeks. The rat bodyweight and brain/liver organ coefficient were detected, along with liver cytochrome P450 2E1(CYP2E1) expression. In addition, the H2S contents in rat serum and plasma, and in cerebral cortex and liver tissues were measured by methylene blue method. The expression of H2S-generating enzymes, including cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MPST) was also measured with Western blot both in rat cerebral cortex and liver.

Results

Subchronic exposure to AN significantly inhibited bodyweight-gain and increased the liver CYP2E1 expression compared with the control. In addition, AN significantly increased H2S levels in rat plasma and serum, but not in liver. The endogenous H2S level in rat cerebral cortex was also significantly increased upon AN treatment, when expression of the major H2S-generating enzymes, CBS and 3-MPST were significantly enhanced. However, hepatic protein levels of CBS and CSE were significantly increased, whereas hepatic levels of 3-MPST were significantly decreased.

Conclusion

This study showed that sub-chronic AN exposure increased endogenous H2S contents in rat blood and brain tissues, but not liver, which may be resulted from the distinct expression profile of H2S-producing enzymes in response to AN. The blood H2S contents may be applied as a potential novel biomarker for surveillance of chronically AN-exposed populations.

Highlights

Subchronic intraperitoneal exposure to acrylonitrile increased H2S content in rat blood and cerebral cortex, but not in liver.

Distinct tissue expression profiles of H2S-producing enzymes contribute to the acrylonitrile-induced differential effects on the H2S level.

Blood H2S level may be a biomarker for subchronic exposure to acrylonitrile.
Knee osteoarthritis in midlife women: unique considerations and comprehensive management
Authors: Curry Zachary A. , Beling Alexandra , Borg-Stein Joanne
Published: March 2022

Objective:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common musculoskeletal condition that particularly afflicts women in menopause. The purpose of this review is to describe the pathophysiology and treatment considerations for this subset of the population.

Methods:

Medline/PubMed indexed articles related to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of osteoarthritis were included in this narrative review.

Results and Conclusion:

Menopause has a multitude of effects that affect KOA, including hormonal shifts; loss of bone mineral density, muscle mass, and tendon strength; and changes to pain perception. Here, we discuss how a practitioner can assess the factors that are known to worsen KOA symptoms, including postural (spine, pelvic, and knee) alignment and functional muscle strength. The development of an effective exercise program is at the forefront of management. Optimizing other lifestyle factors including nutrition and sleep are particularly important in this patient population. Sleep disturbance from vasomotor symptoms can also increase perception of knee pain, for which pharmacologic options such as gabapentin or duloxetine may be pursued. In total, these interventions have large ramifications in decreasing pain and increasing function through improved range of motion, body composition, and walking speed in women with KOA.
Positive impact of a co-designed digital resource for women with early menopause
Authors: Yeganeh Ladan , Boyle Jacqueline A. , Johnston-Ataata Kate , Flore Jacinthe , Hickey Martha , Kokanović Renata , Teede Helena , Vincent Amanda J.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To evaluate a co-designed early menopause digital resource, including audio/video clips, question prompt list, and information links.

Methods:

Pre/post-test study. Women with early menopause, defined as menopause before age 45 years, were recruited from the community. Following online informed consent, participants were emailed links to the digital resource and online surveys to complete before (baseline) and, immediately and 1 month after viewing the resource. Main outcome measures: Health-related empowerment (Health Education Impact Questionnaire), illness perception (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire), menopause symptoms (Greene Climacteric Scale), risk perception, and knowledge change.

Results:

One hundred fifty women participated. Compared to baseline, at 1-month health-related empowerment, ‘health directed behavior’ scores increased (mean change: +0.13; 95% CI: 0.01-0.24; and P = 0.03), ‘emotional distress’ decreased (mean change: −0.15; 95% CI: −0.25 to −0.05; and P = 0.003) and physical and emotional menopause symptom scores decreased (P = 0.001 and P 
= 0.02, respectively). Illness perception scores increased at both immediate and 1-month follow-up versus baseline for ‘personal control’ (P < 0.001 and P 
= 0.02) and ‘coherence’ (P = 0.003 and P 
< 0.001). After viewing the digital resource, more women perceived that hormone therapy decreases heart disease risk, reduces hot flashes, and prevents fractures versus baseline (all P 
< 0.05). More women correctly answered questions regarding early menopause prevalence (60% vs 35%), cause (46% vs 33%), risk (76% vs 55%), effect of phytoestrogens (60% vs 27%), and osteoporosis prevention (64% vs 44%) at immediate or 1-month follow-up versus baseline (all P 
< 0.05).

Conclusions:

A co-designed early menopause digital resource may improve women's health-related empowerment, illness perception, menopause symptoms, risk perception, and knowledge.

Video Summary:

http://links.lww.com/MENO/A923.
Female orgasmic dysfunction and severe climacteric symptomatology in women aged 40 to 59 years: an independent association from an analysis of a multicenter Latin American study
Authors: Urrunaga-Pastor Diego , Mezones-Holguin Edward , Blümel Juan E. , Apolaya-Segura Moises , Barón German , Belzares Emma , Bencosme Ascanio , Calle Andres , Espinoza Maria T. , Flores Daniel , Izaguirre Humberto , León-León Patricia , Lima Selva , Monterrosa Alvaro , Mostajo Desiree , Navarro Daysi , Ojeda Eliana , Soto Edwin , Vallejo Maria S. , Tserotas Konstantinos , Chedraui Peter
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the association between the severity of climacteric symptoms (CS) and orgasmic dysfunction (OD), controlled by demographic, clinical, and partner variables.

Methods:

We carried out a secondary analysis of a multicenter Latin American cross-sectional study that surveyed sexually active women 40 to 59 years old. We assessed CS (global, somatic, psychological, or urogenital domains) and OD. Also, we explored clinical variables and partner sexual conditions. We performed logistic regression models with nonparametric bootstrap resampling to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

We included data of 5,391 women in the analysis. Regarding CS, 24.8%, 10.8%, 28.4%, and 32.9% had respectively severe symptoms according to total, somatic, psychological, and urogenital domain scores of the Menopause Rating Scale. OD was found in 25.4% of women. The adjusted model (including menopausal status and partner sexual dysfunction) showed that severe CS increased the odds of OD (aOR = 2.77; 95% CI: 2.41-3.19 [total Menopause Rating Scale score]; aOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.37-2.00 [somatic domain]; aOR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.76-2.32 [psychological domain] and aOR = 3.89; 95% CI: 3.40-4.45 [urogenital]).

Conclusions:

Severe CS were associated with OD independently of demographic, clinical, and partner variables. Severe urogenital symptoms had the strongest association.
Impact of Nutrition Support Team in Achieving Target Calories in Children Admitted in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Zeeshan Arsheen , Nairn Qurat ul Ain , Jawwad Muhammad , Saeed Amna Afzal , Abbas Qalab , Hague Anwar ul
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To determine the impact of nutrition support team (NST) on achieving an early target caloric goal in mechanically ventilated children admitted in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Methods:

An early enteral nutrition protocol (EENP) was implemented by NST to ensure early and adequate nutrition provision to PICU patients. All children (1 month– 18 years) that were admitted in PICU for >2days and received mechanical ventilation, with no contraindications to enteral feed, were included and data was compared with those of pre‐intervention. The adequacy of energy intake was defined as 70% achievement of target energy intake on the third day of admission. Chi‐square/t‐test was used to determine the difference between different variables pre and post intervention.

Results:

Total 180 patients (99 and 81 in pre‐ and post‐intervention group, respectively) were included. Overall, 115 (63.9%) received adequate calories (70%) on third day of admission. Of which 69 (85.2%) were from post intervention (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] 6.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.195–13.73). Moreover, NST intervention also promoted adequate protein intake in 62 (76.5%) children compared to 37 (37.4%) in pre‐intervention group (P < 0.001, OR 5.468, 95% CI 2.838– 10.534). The median (interquartile range) length of PiCU stay in pre‐NST group was 6 (4–9) days and in NST supported group was 4 (3–4) days (OR 0.580, CI 0.473–0.712, P < 0.001). Age, severity of illness, multiorgan dysfunction syndrome, sepsis, need of organ support had no effect in achievement of caloric target in both the groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Introduction of EENP with NST helped in the achievement of better and quicker target caloric intake.
Structural Preservation Rhinoplasty: A Hybrid Approach
Authors: Toriumi Dean M. , Kovacevic Milos , Kosins Aaron M.
Published: March 2022

Structural preservation rhinoplasty merges two popular philosophies of rhinoplasty—structure rhinoplasty and preservation rhinoplasty—in an effort to maximize patient outcomes, aesthetics, and function. This allows the surgeon to both preserve the favorable attributes of the nose, and also to structure the nasal tip and dorsum with grafts to maximize contour and support. The concept of dorsal preservation is to preserve favorable dorsal aesthetic lines without the creation of an “open roof.” However, the addition of some structure concepts can expand the utility of dorsal preservation in primary rhinoplasty patients. The authors discuss these structure concepts and their applicability to dorsal preservation.
Characteristics and Patterns of Facial Fractures in the Elderly Population in the United States Based on Trauma Quality Improvement Project Data
Authors: Irgebay Zhazira , Kahan Elias H. , Park Kitae E. , Choi James , Zellner Elizabeth G.
Published: March 2022

With the increase in the elderly population in the United States, the number of people seeking care for trauma injuries is expected to increase. However, nationwide studies on epidemiological profile of elderly facial fractures remain sparse. The authors present the epidemiological measures of elderly facial fractures on national scale. Characteristics of facial fractures among younger adults (18–64 years old) and the elderly population (65–74 years old, 75–84 years old and 85 years and above) have been examined using the 2016 American College of Surgeons–Trauma Quality Improvement Program databank. Variables studied included facial fracture patterns, mechanisms of injury, treatment variables, and demographic descriptive data. Of 104,183 elderly trauma patients, 3415 presented with facial fractures, making up 3.3% (versus 6.5% in younger adults). Majority of facial fractures in 85 and over group (60.7%) were experienced by females, compared to only 19.5% in the younger adult group. Most common mechanism of injury in the elderly was falls, versus motor vehicle trauma in younger adults. The most common type of facial fractures among both groups were nasal fractures. Elderly patients presented with fewer zygoma, mandibular and nasal fractures when compared to younger adults, whereas showing more maxillary/malar and orbital bone fractures. Elderly patients experienced less operative management (4.3%–8.2%) compared to younger adults (15.6%). Concurrently, mortality rates were higher in the elderly patients (9.9%–11.8%) when compared to the younger adults (8.0%). Elderly patients presented with different causes of injury, distribution of fractures, and rates of operative management compared to younger adults.
Covid-19 Exposure Assessment Tool (CEAT): Easy-to-use tool to quantify exposure based on airflow, group behavior, and infection prevalence in the community
Authors: Schimmoller Brian J. , Trovão Nídia S. , Isbell Molly , Goel Chirag , Heck Benjamin F. , Archer Tenley C. , Cardinal Klint D. , Naik Neil B. , Dutta Som , Daniel Ahleah Rohr , Beheshti Afshin
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 Exposure Assessment Tool (CEAT) allows users to compare respiratory relative risk to SARS-CoV-2 for various scenarios, providing understanding of how combinations of protective measures affect exposure, dose, and risk. CEAT incorporates mechanistic, stochastic and epidemiological factors including the: 1) emission rate of virus, 2) viral aerosol degradation and removal, 3) duration of activity/exposure, 4) inhalation rates, 5) ventilation rates (indoors/outdoors), 6) volume of indoor space, 7) filtration, 8) mask use and effectiveness, 9) distance between people, 10) group size, 11) current infection rates by variant, 12) prevalence of infection and immunity in the community, 13) vaccination rates of the community, and 14) implementation of COVID-19 testing procedures. Demonstration of CEAT, from published studies of COVID-19 transmission events, shows the model accurately predicts transmission. We also show how health and safety professionals at NASA Ames Research Center used CEAT to manage potential risks posed by SARS-CoV-2 exposures. Given its accuracy and flexibility, the wide use of CEAT will have a long lasting beneficial impact in managing both the current COVID-19 pandemic as well as a variety of other scenarios.
Sequence conservation need not imply purifying selection: evidence from mammalian stop codon usage
Authors: Ho Alexander T. , Hurst Laurence D.
Published: March 2022

The assumption that conservation of sequence implies the action of purifying selection is central to diverse methodologies to infer functional importance. In mammals, however, GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC), a meiotic mismatch repair bias strongly favouring GC over AT, can in principle mimic the action of selection. As mutation is GC→AT biased, to demonstrate that gBGC does indeed cause false signals requires confidence that an AT-rich residue is selectively optimal compared to its more GC-rich allele, while showing also that the GC-rich alternative is conserved. We propose that mammalian stop codon evolution provides a robust test case. Although in most taxa TAA is the optimal stop codon, TGA is both abundant and conserved in mammalian genomes. We show that this mammalian exceptionalism is well explained by gBGC mimicking purifying selection and that TAA is the selectively optimal codon. Supportive of gBGC, we observe (i) TGA usage trends are consistent at the focal stop and elsewhere (in UTR sequences), (ii) that higher TGA usage and higher TAA→TGA substitution rates are predicted by high recombination rate and (iii) across species the difference in TAA <-> TGA rates between GC rich and GC poor genes is largest in genomes that possess higher between-gene GC variation. TAA optimality is supported both by enrichment in highly expressed genes and trends associated with effective population size. High TGA usage and high TAA→TGA rates in mammals are thus consistent with gBGC’s predicted ability to “drive” deleterious mutations and supports the hypothesis that sequence conservation need not be indicative of purifying selection. A general trend for GC-rich trinucleotides to reside at frequencies far above their mutational equilibrium in high recombining domains supports generality of these results.
Precision recruitment for high-risk participants in a COVID-19 research study
Authors: Mezlini Aziz M. , Caddigan Eamon , Shapiro Allison , Ramirez Ernesto , Kondow-McConaghy Helena M. , Yang Justin , DeMarco Kerry , Naraghi-Arani Pejman , Foschini Luca
Published: March 2022

Studies for developing diagnostics and treatments for infectious diseases usually require observing the onset of infection during the study period. However, when the infection base rate incidence is low, the cohort size required to measure an effect becomes large, and recruitment becomes costly and prolonged. We describe an approach for reducing recruiting time and resources in a COVID-19 study by targeting recruitment to high-risk individuals. Our approach is based on direct and longitudinal connection with research participants and computes individual risk scores from individually permissioned data about socioeconomic and behavioural data, in combination with predicted local prevalence data. When we used these scores to recruit a balanced cohort of participants for a COVID-19 detection study, we obtained a 4–7-fold greater COVID-19 infection incidence compared with similar real-world study cohorts.
The tail domain of neurofilament light chain accumulates in neuronal nuclei during oxidative injury
Authors: Arsić Aleksandra , Nikić-Spiegel Ivana
Published: March 2022

Neurofilament light chain (NFL), one of the major subunits of neuron-specific intermediate filaments, is an important component of the neuronal cytoskeleton. Mutations in the NEFL gene and disturbances of NFL turnover or transport are associated with the pathophysiology of various diseases of the nervous system. Also, NFL is released from neurons as a result of neuroaxonal damage and NFL levels in cerebrospinal fluid and blood have emerged as a biomarker of the progression of numerous neurological diseases. One common underlying factor in these diseases is oxidative stress. Although both NFL and oxidative injury play a role in the development of neurological diseases, the effect of oxidative stress on NFL at the cellular level has not been extensively studied. Here, by investigating the response of neurofilaments to in vitro oxidative injury, we discovered that NFL localizes in the nuclei of primary neurons. We show that this depends on calpain activity and determine that a proteolytic fragment of the tail domain, not the full-length NFL, is that which accumulates in the nuclei. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the recombinant NFL tail domain accumulates in the nuclei of neurons and neuroblastoma cells, even in the absence of oxidative injury. Finally, we show that the tail domain of NFL interacts with the DNA in the nuclei of living cells, suggesting that NFL plays a role in the regulation of gene expression in response to oxidative injury.
Comments on snails of the genus Zoniferella from Ecuador (Mollusca: Achatinidae), with restriction of the type locality “Los Puentes” for several species of Gastropoda and Arachnida
Authors: Cisneros-Heredia Diego F. , Valencia Roberto F.
Published: March 2022

The genus Zoniferella includes six taxa of land snails from Colombia and Ecuador for which little has been published beyond their original descriptions. In this paper, we present new records of Zoniferella vespera, a species previously known only from its type locality, expanding its range across northwestern Ecuador. We provide the first description of the colouration in life for Zoniferella snails. We comment on the similarities among some species of Zoniferella, suggesting the possibility that Z. vespera and Z. riveti are junior synonyms of Z. albobalteata, and Z. bicingulata is a synonym of Z. riveti var. bizonalis (as Z. bizonalis). Finally, we offer evidence to allow the restriction of the locality of “Los Puentes”, type locality of Mesembrinis vesperus Jousseaume, 1887 = Zoniferella vespera (Gastropoda: Achatinidae); Isomeria bourcieri lutea Cousin, 1887 (Gastropoda: Labyrinthidae); Guestieria locardi Jousseaume, 1887 (Gastropoda: Scolodontidae); Proserpinella cousini Jousseaume, 1887 (Gastropoda: Proserpinellidae); Idiophthalma robusta Simon, 1889 (Arachnida: Barychelidae); Eurypelma (Lasiodora) augusti Simon, 1889 = Pamphobeteus augusti (Arachnida: Theraphosidae), Eurypelma (Lasiodora) vespertinus Simon, 1889 = Pamphobeteus vespertinus (Arachnida: Theraphosidae).