bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutations in SLC45A2 lead to loss of melanin in parrot feathers
Authors: Ghosh Roy Shatadru , Bakhrat Anna , Abdu Moty , Afonso Sandra , Pereira Paulo , Carneiro Miguel , Abdu Uri 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Bird plumage coloration is a complex and multifactorial process that involves both genetic and environmental factors. Diverse pigment groups contribute to plumage variation in different birds. In parrots, the predominant green color results from the combination of 2 different primary colors: yellow and blue. Psittacofulvin, a pigment uniquely found in parrots, is responsible for the yellow coloration, while blue is suggested to be the result of light scattering by feather nanostructures and melanin granules. So far, genetic control of melanin-mediated blue coloration has been elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that feather from the yellow mutant rose-ringed parakeet displays loss of melanosome granules in spongy layer of feather barb. Using whole genome sequencing, we found that mutation in SLC45A2, an important solute carrier protein in melanin synthetic pathway, is responsible for the sex-linked yellow phenotype in rose-ringed parakeet. Intriguingly, one of the mutations, P53L found in yellow Psittacula krameri is already reported as P58A/S in the human albinism database, known to be associated with human OCA4. We further showed that mutations in SLC45A2 gene affect melanin production also in other members of Psittaculidae family such as alexandrine and plum-headed parakeets. Additionally, we demonstrate that the mutations associated with the sex-linked yellow phenotype, localized within the transmembrane domains of the SLC45A2 protein, affect the protein localization pattern. This is the first evidence of plumage color variation involving SLC45A2 in parrots and confirmation of associated mutations in the transmembrane domains of the protein that affects its localization.
Delirium Due to Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations Among Older Adults
Authors: Whittington Caroline , Skains Rachel M , Zhang Yue , Osborne John D , O’Leary Tobias , Freeman Hyun B , Martin Roy C , Vickers Jasmine K , Flood Kellie L , Markland Alayne D , Buford Thomas W , Brown Cynthia J , Kennedy Richard E 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Delirium is a common complication during acute care hospitalizations in older adults. A substantial percentage of admissions are for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs) or potentially avoidable hospitalizations—conditions that might be treated early in the outpatient setting to prevent hospitalization and hospital complications.

Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional study examined rates of delirium among older adults hospitalized for ACSCs. Participants were 39 933 older adults ≥65 years of age admitted from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019 to general inpatient units and ICUs of a large Southeastern academic medical center. Delirium was defined as a score ≥ 2 on the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale or positive on the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit during admission, and ACSCs were identified from the primary admission diagnosis using standardized definitions. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the association between ACSCs and delirium, compared with admissions for non-ACSC diagnoses, adjusting for covariates and repeated observations for individuals with multiple admissions.

Results
Delirium occurred in 15.6% of admissions for older adults. Rates were lower for ACSC admissions versus admissions for other conditions (13.9% vs 15.8%, p &lt; .001). Older age and higher comorbidity were significant predictors of the development of delirium.

Conclusions
Rates of delirium among older adults hospitalized for ACSCs were lower than rates for non-ACSC hospitalization but still substantial. Optimizing the treatment of ACSCs in the outpatient setting is an important goal not only for reducing hospitalizations but also for reducing risks for hospital-associated complications such as delirium.
Gender inequality and utilization of ART: an international cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis
Authors: Fitzgerald Oisín , Dyer Silke , Zegers-Hochschild Fernando , Keller Elena , Adamson G David , Chambers Georgina M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
What is the association between a country’s level of gender equality and access to ART, as measured through ART utilization?

SUMMARY ANSWER
ART utilization is associated with a country’s level of gender equality even after controlling for the level of development.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Although gender equality is recognized as an important determinant of population health, its association with fertility care, a highly gendered condition, has not been explored.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
A longitudinal cross-national analysis of ART utilization in 69 countries during 2002–2014 was carried out.

PARTICPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
The Gender Inequality Index (GII), Human Development Index (HDI), and their component indicators were modelled against ART utilization using univariate regression models as well as mixed-effects regression methods (adjusted for country, time, and economic/human development) with multiple imputation to account for missing data.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
ART utilization is associated with the GII. In an HDI-adjusted analysis, a one standard deviation decrease in the GII (towards greater equality) is associated with a 59% increase in ART utilization. Gross national income per capita, the maternal mortality ratio, and female parliamentary representation were the index components most predictive of ART utilization.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
Only ART was used rather than all infertility treatments (including less costly and non-invasive treatments such as ovulation induction). This was a country-level analysis and the results cannot be generalized to smaller groups. Not all modelled variables were available for each country across 2002–2014.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Access to fertility care is central to women’s sexual and reproductive health, to women’s rights, and to human rights. As gender equality improves, so does access to ART. This relation is likely to be reinforcing and bi-directional, with progress towards global, equitable access to fertility care also improving women’s status and participation in societies.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
External funding was not provided for this study. G.D.A. declares consulting fees from Labcorp and CooperSurgical. G.D.A. is the founder and CEO of Advanced Reproductive Care, Inc., as well as the Chair of the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART) and the World Endometriosis Research Foundation, both of which are unpaid roles. G.M.C. is an ICMART Board Representative, which is an unpaid role, and no payments are received from ICMART to UNSW, Sydney, or to G.M.C. to undertake this study. O.F., S.D., F.Z.-H., and E.K. report no conflicts of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
Influenza A(H3N2) Antibody Responses to Standard-Dose Versus Enhanced Influenza Vaccine Immunogenicity in Older Adults and Prior Season's Vaccine Status
Authors: Zhong Shuyi , Ng Tiffany W Y , Skowronski Danuta M , Iuliano A Danielle , Leung Nancy H L , Perera Ranawaka A P M , Ho Faith , Fang Vicky J , Tam Yat Hung , Ip Dennis K M , Havers Fiona G , Fry Alicia M , Aziz-Baumgartner Eduardo , Barr Ian G , Peiris Malik , Thompson Mark G , Cowling Benjamin J 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for older adults but repeated vaccination with standard-dose influenza vaccine has been linked to reduced immunogenicity and effectiveness, especially against A(H3N2) viruses.

Methods
Community-dwelling Hong Kong adults aged 65–82 years were randomly allocated to receive 2017–2018 standard-dose quadrivalent, MF59-adjuvanted trivalent, high-dose trivalent, and recombinant-HA quadrivalent vaccination. Antibody response to unchanged A(H3N2) vaccine antigen was compared among participants with and without self-reported prior year (2016–2017) standard-dose vaccination.

Results
Mean fold rise (MFR) in antibody titers from day 0 to day 30 by hemagglutination inhibition and virus microneutralization assays were lower among 2017–2018 standard-dose and enhanced vaccine recipients with (range, 1.7–3.0) versus without (range, 4.3–14.3) prior 2016–2017 vaccination. MFR was significantly reduced by about one-half to four-fifths for previously vaccinated recipients of standard-dose and all 3 enhanced vaccines (β range, .21–.48). Among prior-year vaccinated older adults, enhanced vaccines induced higher 1.43 to 2.39-fold geometric mean titers and 1.28 to 1.74-fold MFR versus standard-dose vaccine by microneutralization assay.

Conclusions
In the context of unchanged A(H3N2) vaccine strain, prior-year vaccination was associated with reduced antibody response among both standard-dose and enhanced influenza vaccine recipients. Enhanced vaccines improved antibody response among older adults with prior-year standard-dose vaccination.
110 Evaluation of Computer Vision to Analyze Beef Cattle Feeding Behavior
Authors: Mendes Egleu D M , Pi Yalong , Tao Jian , Tedeschi Luis O 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Leveraging computer vision (CV) methods to study pen-fed cattle feeding behavior presents several advantages, including monitoring animal health and identifying feed efficient animals. This research employed a region-based convolutional neural network (RCNN) combined with the common objects in context (COCO) dataset for automatic livestock recognition using CV techniques in experimental feedlot pens. Thirty Angus-influenced steers were allocated in one pen with four automated feed intake systems (AFIS; Vytelle SENSE). CV data were recorded during daylight hours using a webcam (Microsoft LifeCam Cinema) with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels at ten frames per second connected to a video surveillance camera software (Contaware, Switzerland). The CV dataset obtained by the cameras, Figure 1, was benchmarked with feeding behavior data obtained from observed annotations (OA) and AFIS. The CV model utilized was a Mask-RCNN with pre-trained weights on the COCO dataset. The Mask RCNN algorithm can identify and locate multiple objects, objects of different scales, and overlapping objects within an image. The COCO dataset is a large and diverse set of annotated images that can be used for training and evaluating object detection models. The fully trained Mask-RCNN model takes each video frame as input and outputs the pixel segmentation of each object detected. For the CV analyses, each animal bounding box was associated with a score threshold, and each pixel within was assigned a probability threshold; both ranging from 0 to 100. The higher the score and probability thresholds are, the fewer the boxes and pixels will be marked as the animal boxing shape, resulting in less feeding detection from the CV system. In contrast, a low score and probability thresholds produce many predictions, including false detections, which might be misleading. Therefore, a dataset analysis was conducted to optimize the best threshold combination. We evaluated the accuracy and precision of the CV model compared with OA and AFIS by analyzing a dataset section of feeding events of one feed bunk using a 0.5 score and 0.5 probability thresholds. We obtained the values for the true positive (TP), false positive (FP), true negative (TN), and false negative (FN) to calculate the accuracy = [TP+TN]/[TP+TN+FP+FN], and precision = [TP]/[TP+FP], Table 1. As a result, the CV model achieved 95.39% and 99.82% accuracy and 93.60% and 99.90% precision when compared with OA and AFIS, respectively. Our findings showcase the promising capabilities of employing the Mask-RCNN algorithm and COCO datasets for detecting beef cattle feeding behavior in feedlot pens. This approach holds significant value for the cattle industry by enabling precise monitoring and analysis of individual animal behavior within feedlot pens, facilitating early detection of behavioral abnormalities.
98 Molecular Phenomics - a Multi-Omics Approach to Understanding Complex Traits in Cattle
Authors: Biase Fernando 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Phenomics was first defined by Bilder et al. (2009), as "an emerging transdiscipline dedicated to the systematic study of phenotypes on a genome-wide scale." Later, in a joint meeting, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) adapted the definition to read as "the use of large-scale approaches to study how genetic instructions from a single gene or the whole genome translate into the full set of phenotypic traits of an organism." The term molecular phenomics was then coined to indicate systems-level studies of the multiple layers of cellular information (DNA, transcripts, protein, metabolites) used to understand complex traits. Researchers in this field use multi-omic approaches to produce systemic level data and sophisticated analytical procedures to integrate multiple modalities of biological information. In this talk, I will demonstrate how molecular phenomics has elegantly advanced our understanding of complex traits in animal sciences through its application in studies on production, fertility, and animal health. These studies have made substantial contributions to reducing the knowledge gap between genotypes and complex phenotypes.
173 Awardee Talk: Spot Sample Protocol for Gas Quantification of Grazing Beef Cattle Using a Greenfeed
Authors: Dressler Elizabeth , Bormann Jennifer M , Weaber Robert L , Rolf Megan M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Through a natural digestive process called enteric fermentation, cattle produce greenhouse gases that are an environmental concern and an energetic loss. Gas fluxes can be quantified with several techniques; however, an open circuit gas quantification system (OCGQS) allows for unencumbered quantification of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2) from grazing cattle. In the literature, there is wide variation in the minimum number of spot samples recommended to evaluate gas fluxes of an individual animal, while no recommendations have been made to evaluate metabolic heat production. The objective of this study was to characterize the minimum number of spot samples needed to accurately quantify metabolic heat production and CH4, CO2, and O2 gas fluxes in grazing beef cattle. A minimum of 100 spot samples each were collected from seventeen grazing animals using a OCGQS (GreenFeed, C-Lock, Inc). The mean gas fluxes were computed starting from the first 10 visits (forward) and increasing by increments of 10 until 100 visits was reached. Mean gas fluxes were also computed starting from visit 100 moving back in time in increments of 10 (reverse) using the same approach. Mean gas fluxes were used to calculate individual animal metabolic heat production for each interval with both the forward and reverse approaches. Pearson and Spearman correlations were computed between the full 100 visits and each shortened visit interval. The minimum number of spot samples was determined when correlations with the full 100 visits were greater than 0.95. The 0.95 correlation threshold was met between 30 and 40 visits for all gas fluxes and metabolic heat production. Therefore, mean forward and reverse gas fluxes and metabolic heat production were also computed starting at 30 visits and increasing by 2 until 40 visits and vice versa. The results indicated that the minimum number of spot samples needed for accurate quantification of CH4, CO2, and O2 gas fluxes are 38, 40, and 40, respectively. Using gas fluxes collected by the OCGQS, metabolic heat production can be calculated after 36 spot samples. The practical calculation of metabolic heat production will require 40 spot samples given the necessary number of spot samples for component gases in the calculation. Animals met the required number of spot samples for quantification of metabolic heat production, CH4, CO2, and O2 in 29.5 ± 8.7, 30.5 ± 9.1, 31.8 ± 9.2, and 31.8 ± 9.2 days, respectively. Large variation existed around the number of days needed to achieve the recommended number of spot samples. For this reason, protocols for the OCGQS should be based on the total number of spot samples, rather than a test duration.
194 Functional Properties of Inositol in Canine Nutrition
Authors: Kayser Emanuela , de Godoy Maria R C , Rodrigues-Zas Sandra L 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Inositol is a natural extract mainly from Carob, a typical Mediterranean fruit, and small quantities of apples and grapes. Inositol has been associated with several benefits such as antioxidant, capacity, anti-cancer, and hyperglycemia reduction in type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, there is little information regarding the effects of inositol on canine nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal effects of daily supplementation of incremental doses of inositol on serum oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, gut hormones, and postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses in overweight dogs. Thirty adult dogs were used in a completely randomized study, with 10 animals per treatment. Dogs were fed a commercial dry extruded complete and balanced diet once daily to maintain body weight. Following a 15-d adaptation to the control diet, dogs were fed their respective treatment diets for 60 d. Three experimental treatments were used: 12 g/d of corn syrup (control), 8 g/d of inositol source, and 16 g/d of inositol source. The treatments supplementation had no detrimental effect on the overall health of the dogs and food intake. Throughout the experimental period, serum oxidative stress biomarkers did not differ among dogs fed different dietary treatments (P &gt; 0.05). However, a linear increase across days of the serum cytokine CXCL1 with the supplementation of increasing inositol concentrations was observed (P = 0.0105). Although no differences were observed in the glycemic response to an intravenous glucose tolerance test with the supplementation of increasing concentrations of inositol (P &gt; 0.05), a linear decrease in the average glucose for 24 h measured with interstitial glucose monitors was observed with the supplementation of increasing concentrations of inositol (P = 0.0215). These data suggest that the longitudinal supplementation of inositol may interact with inflammatory response and contribute to the regulation of glucose metabolism.
201 Effect of Spray Dried Plasma Compared with Egg White Or Whole Egg as Functional Binders in Canned Pet Food
Authors: Campbell Joy , Rodriguez Carmen , Polo Javier 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Many different binders are used in canned pet food providing functionality such as gelling, texture, and protein content. Spray dried plasma (SDP) is a consistent high protein ingredient commonly utilized in wet pet food to provide texture and for water binding and fat emulsification characteristics. The objective of the study was to evaluate functionality of three different binders: egg white, whole egg, and SDP in chunks recipes at four inclusions levels (0, 2, 4, and 6%.) Canned petfood batches were replicated 3 times with each condition using the same recipe containing different raw materials, mainly derived from chicken and pigs, with control (no binder) and level of all binders in each replication. Thus, 3 batches per binder and level were produced for a total of 9 batches. The binder was included to partially replace poultry carcass in the chunks. Cans of chunks and gravy were produced with the ratio of 50:50 chunks to gravy and cooked at 121°C for 1 hour. Cans were stored at room temperature for 14 days before product measurements. Within each batch, 6 to 9 cans were evaluated for protein, texture, hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, and gravy absorption. Protein was similar at 2% inclusion between binders. At 4% binder inclusion, protein was greatest (P &lt; 0.05) with SDP and egg white compared with whole egg and control; while 6% inclusion resulted in greatest (P &lt; 0.05) protein with egg white followed by SDP, whole egg, and control. Texture was increased (P &lt; 0.05) with SDP and egg white compared with whole egg and control at 2% and 6%, while at 4% inclusion SDP was the highest (P &lt; 0.05) compared with all other binders. Hardness was greatest (P &lt; 0.05) with SDP at 2 and 4% compared with all binders; while at 6% inclusion egg white was greatest followed by SDP, whole egg, and control. Cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness were greatest with SDP at all levels compared with other binders. Gravy absorption into the chunks with 2% binder inclusion was increased (P &lt; 0.05) with SDP and egg white, similar between all binders at 4% but greater than control, and greatest with egg white at 6% followed by SDP, whole egg, and control. Overall, greater amounts of binder increased protein, hardness, texture, and gravy absorption. Spray dried plasma may be used as an alternative for egg white and whole egg in canned pet food.
196 The Effect of Hydrolyzed Protein on Fecal Microbiota in Adult Dogs
Authors: Hsu Clare , Marx Fabio , Guldenpfennig Ryan , Valizadegan Negin , de Godoy Maria R C 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Research on protein hydrolysates has observed various properties and functionalities of these ingredients depending on the type of hydrolysate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrolyzed chicken protein that was incorporated into diets on gut health in healthy adult dogs. Five complete and balanced treatment diets were manufactured: 1) CONd: chicken meal diet; 2) 5% CLHd: 5% substitution of chicken liver hydrolysate of chicken meal diet; 3) CLHd: chicken liver hydrolysate diet; 4) 5% CHd: 5% substitution of chicken hydrolysate of chicken meal diet; and 5) CHd: chicken hydrolysate diet. A 5×5 Latin square design was used which included 10 neutered adult beagles. Each of the 5 periods consisted of a 7-d washout time and a 28-d treatment period. All diets were well accepted by the dogs. For fecal metabolites, there was greater fecal butyrate concentration as well as reduced isovalerate, 4-ethylphenol, and indole in dogs fed CLHd than CONd (P &lt; 0.05). Regarding the overall microbiota composition, Firmicutes, Bacteriodota, Fusobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, and Proteobacteria were the top 5 most abundant phyla. At the class level, samples from CHd group had greater relative abundances of Bacteriodia and Fusobacteriia as well as less Bacilli. On the other hand, CLHd group had greater abundances of Bacilli and Actinobacteria with less Fusobacteriia. At the level of order, CHd group had greater Bacteriodales and Fusobacteriales while CLHd group had greater Bifidobacteriales. At the family level, CHd group showed a greater abundance of Muribaculaceae and a decreased abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae when compared with the other groups. Alternatively, CLHd group demonstrated a greater abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae together with reduced abundance of Fusobacteriaceae, Muribaculaceae, Sutterrellaceae, and Ruminococcaceae. Fecal microbiota was shifted by CLHd with greater differential abundance in Ruminococcus gauvreauii group as well as reduced Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Sutterella, Fusobacterium, and Bacteroides compared with CONd (P &lt; 0.05). There was also a difference in beta diversity of fecal microbiota between CLHd and CHd (P &lt; 0.05). However, no difference was observed in alpha diversity among treatment groups (P &lt; 0.05). Fecal butyrate concentration was negatively correlated with the genera Blautia, Phascolarctobacterium, Sutterella, Faecalibacterium, and Bacteriodes. Conversely, Allobaculum and Bifidobacterium were positively correlated with butyrate concentration. In conclusion, the test chicken protein hydrolysates may have potential to support gut health by modulating microbiota.