Greater Levels Research Articles

Interleukin-17A Directly Signals to Bone Marrow-Derived Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells to Promote Their Expansion and Differentiation in Vitro

Rationale: IL-17 is a family of six pro-inflammatory cytokines (named from A to F) with distinct patterns of cellular expression. Among these, IL-17A is secreted by lymphoid subsets such as T-helper 17 cells and innate lymphoid cells type 3. Through its action on many tissues, IL-17A is recognized as a key mediator of response to infection and pathogenic states such as cancer and auto-immunity. Until now, the main effect of IL-17A on hematopoiesis has been attributed to an indirect loop through IL-17RA signaling on bone marrow stromal cells, which stimulates secretion of hematopoietic factors such as G-CSF. However, we hypothesized that IL-17A can directly signal to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to determine their self-renewal and differentiation. Methodology: We analyzed the expression of the IL-17 signaling pathway in publicly available human and mouse hematopoietic single-cell RNAseq datasets. Mouse HSPCs were isolated using FACS to perform clonogenic and differentiation assays in Methocult (StemCell Technologies) and StemPro-34 (Gibco). Spectral flow cytometry (SONY ID7000) was used for analysing IL-17RA expression and differentiation of mouse HSPCs. IL-17A levels were measured in blood and bone marrow serum using ELISA (Invitrogen). Results: IL-17RA is expressed at the surface of mouse HSPCs, with greatest levels in common lymphoid progenitors and granulocyte-monocyte progenitors. mRNA expression of IL-17RA signaling pathway is also detectable in human HSPCs, with greatest levels in young individuals. IL-17A supplementation leads to an increase in clonogenic capacity of mouse HSPCs in methylcellulose colony-formation assays. In liquid culture, supplementation with IL-17A leads to a greater expansion of sorted Lin -/s-kit +/Sca-1 + progenitors, accompanied by an increased proportion of myeloid-committed cells.IL-17A is also detected in the bone marrow serum, with possible production from subsets of cells expressing RORγt, a master regulator in development of T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Conclusions: Our work suggests the ability of IL-17A to directly promote clonogenic potential of HSPCs and drive a myeloid-biased lineage commitment in progenitor subsets. Additional studies are required to characterize the response of HSPCs to direct IL-17A signaling in vivo. Considering the important role of IL-17A as a mediator of immune response, and tissue repair, further studies are warranted to elucidate whether modulation of this pathway may be therapeutic in the context of hematopoietic failure or malignancy.

Cost Reduction and Utilization Patterns in a Medicare Accountable Care Organization Using Home-Based Palliative Care Services.

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) are often tasked with helping providers to deliver care efficiently and with higher quality outcomes. For an ACO to succeed in delivering efficient care, it is important to direct resources toward patients who exhibit the greatest levels of opportunity while focusing attention toward mitigating their needs. Home-based palliative care (HBPC) services are known to address patient needs for those with serious illness while decreasing the total cost of care (TCC). In this retrospective review, ACO researchers reviewed cost, quality, and utilization patterns for 3418 beneficiaries within a Medicare Shared Saving Program approaching the end of life comparing decedents who received HBPC versus those who did not receive the service. Those individuals who received HBPC services were significantly less likely to be hospitalized (51% reduction in the HBPC group), more likely to use hospice (70% vs. 43%; P = 0.001), and their TCC was less than that of those who did not receive the service ($27,203 vs. $36,089: P = 0.0163). Although more research needs to be done to understand the specific components of care delivery that are helpful in decreasing unnecessary utilization, in this retrospective review in an accountable care population, HBPC is associated with a significant decrease in cost and utilization in a population approaching end of life.

The potential synergistic action of quercetin and/or Pediococcus acidilactici on Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus performance

An 84-day experimental trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary quercetin, Pediococcus acidilactici or combined on growth performance, intestinal digestive enzymes, feed utilization, bacterial counts, intestinal histo-morphometric indices, hemato-biochemical indices, and antioxidant responses in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Four isonitrogenous (30.34 g kg−1 of crude protein) and isocaloric (19.21 MJ kg−1 gross energy) diets were formulated from practical ingredients. The first diet was the control diet. The other three formulated diets were supplemented with 5 g quercetin (quer) kg−1 diet or P. acidilacticiat 2 × 109 CFU kg− 1 (probiotic; pro), and their mixture 5 g quercetin kg−1 + 2 × 109P. acidilactici (CFU kg− 1) (pro-quer). A total number of 300 healthy fingerlings (Initial average weight 4.51 ± 0.01 g) were randomly allocated into four groups (25 fish for each group in triplicates). The results showed that the best values of growth, feed efficiency, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded in fish fed diet containing pro-quer. The activity of endogenous enzymes including; amylase, lipase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin was substantially boosted (P < 0.05) by supplemental diets with quercetin, probiotic, and pro-quer. Furthermore, fish fed diet supplemented with pro-quer had greater villi width, villi height, goblet cells, absorption area, muscularis mucosa, and muscularis. The highest total intestinal and gut bacterial counts were detected in fish fed diet supplemental with probiotic. Diets supplemented with quercetin, probiotic, and pro-quer substantially improved hematological markers including hematocrit (Htc), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), and white blood cell (WBC) counts. The fish given a pro-quer diet had the lowest significant (P < 0.05) ALT value, whereas that fed quercetin had the lowest AST value. Serum total protein, globulin, and albumin levels were higher (P < 0.05) in fish fed diets containing quercetin, probiotic, and pro-quer compared to the control diet, with the greatest levels found in those fed diet supplemented with quercetin. However, supplementation of quercetin, probiotic, and pro-quer, lowered the levels of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride. The supplemental diets with quercetin, probiotic, and pro-quer improved the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared with the control diet. In conclusion, the synergetic effect between quercetin and probiotic ameliorated the growth, feed efficiency, intestinal digestive enzymes, intestinal histological morphometric, hemato-biochemical indices, and antioxidant responses of Nile tilapia.

Cancer advance care planning: development of a screening tool

ObjectivesAdvance care discussions are a useful communication tools for medical preferences and beneficial for shared decision-making processes in hospital settings. The present study developed the first screening tool for need...

Visual Starch Stain Procedure Assists Cycad Propagation Decisions

Stem cuttings are often exploited for asexual propagation of cycad plants, and impaired health of the source plants may reduce success. A reliable procedure that screens potential source plants for predicted success would benefit conservationists. The cut surfaces of Cycas revoluta stem cuttings obtained from source plants that had endured 0–39 weeks of Aulacaspis yasumatsui herbivory were stained with potassium triiodide to determine if this visual test could predict asexual propagation success. The stem cuttings were sorted into three groups based on stain intensity, then specific gravity and starch concentration of pith and cortex tissue were measured. The cuttings were maintained in a propagation nursery for 27 weeks, then root growth was quantified as dry weight. Specific gravity ranged from 1.01 to 1.11 and scaled linearly with starch concentration, which ranged from 16 to 195 mg·g−1. The group of cuttings with the darkest stain intensity exhibited 100% propagation success with 23 g of roots per cutting, and the group with the least stain intensity exhibited 30% success with 2 g of roots per cutting. The group of stems with intermediate stain intensity exhibited intermediate values of every metric. These results indicated that cycad cuttings may be stained with iodine to estimate starch content in the field to provide an accurate instantaneous visual test for selection of the source plants that reliably generate the greatest level of asexual propagation success.

Students' Writing Skills in Descriptive Text by Using Animated Movies in Tenth Grade Students of SMA N 9 Jambi City

Writing skills is the ability to express ideas or ideas into an essay. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of FASE E1 SAJ class students at SMA N 9 Jambi City in writing descriptive text using animated movies. This research uses qualitative as the research design and descriptive as the research method. researchers used tests given to students as research instruments, then the results of these tests were assessed and analyzed. The population is class phase students at SMA N 9 Jambi city for the 2022/2023 academic year and the sample is 34 students in class fase E1 saj. the researcher uses a score rubric to help assess students' grades and written tests to obtain data. Based on research findings, indicators of students' writing abilities, namely content (63,23), organization (66,23), grammar (65,23), vocabulary (63,73), mechanics (76,47) are at a great level. In addition, students' scores in writing descriptive texts have an average score (66,91).

Fear of birth among Iranian fathers of full-term and preterm neonates: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundPregnancy, childbirth, and parenting can cause different emotional reactions in fathers, in addition to mothers, including fear of childbirth. PurposeTo compares the fear of childbirth among fathers of preterm and term infants. Study designThis cross-sectional study included 157 fathers with preterm neonates (below 37 weeks) and 314 with term neonates (above 37 weeks) in Tabriz, Iran. The instruments used for data collection included socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics and paternal fear of childbirth questionnaires. The data were analyzed using a general linear model. ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the total score of fear of childbirth (p < 0.001). Also, a multivariate general linear model with adjusted socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics found no significant difference in the fear of childbirth between the fathers of term and preterm neonates. There was a statistically significant association between a father's fear of birthing and his wife's gestational age and parity, with men who had primiparous women and premature infants reporting the greatest levels of anxiety. ConclusionThis study found that first-time fathers whose spouses are primiparous and whose gestational ages are short tend to fear childbirth more. Providing support and interventions during the prenatal period is essential for reducing this anxiety.

BIOS-04. THE ROLE OF MACHINE LEARNING, PREDICTIVE MODELING, AND DEEP LEARNING IN ASSESSING METABOLIC BIOMARKERS TO IMPROVE PROGNOSTICATION IN GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in the United States, accounting for approximately 56.6% of all gliomas and 47.7% of all primary malignant CNS tumors. The prognosis of GBM is notably grim, with a 1-year relative survival rate of 41.4% and a 5-year survival rate of 5.8% following diagnosis. Recent efforts to identify potential therapeutic targets have utilized tumor omics data integrated with clinical information that leverages machine learning (ML) algorithms. However, there remains a paucity of studies assessing the value of these ML models as prognostic tools in GBM. A systematic search adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify all studies describing the use of a ML algorithm involving GBM metabolic biomarkers and each algorithm's accuracy. Ten studies were included for final analysis. They were diagnostic (n = 3, 30%), prognostic (n = 6, 60%), or both (n = 1, 10%), respectively. Most studies analyzed data from multiple databases, while 50% (n = 5) included additional original samples. At least 2,536 data samples were run through a ML algorithm. 27 ML algorithms were recorded with a mean 2.8 algorithms per study. Algorithms were supervised (n = 22, 79%) or unsupervised (n = 6, 21%), and continuous (n = 21, 75%) or categorical (n = 7, 25%). The mean reported accuracy and AUC of ROC was 95.63% and 0.779, respectively. 106 metabolic markers were identified, but only EMP3 was reported in multiple studies. Many studies have identified potential biomarkers for GBM diagnosis and prognostication. These algorithms show promise; although, a consensus on even a handful of biomarkers has not been made. An integration of ML algorithms for biomarker detection combined with radiomics-based tumor imaging will be necessary to ascertain the greatest level of accuracy and precision.

Associations of perceived changes in work due to digitalization and the amount of digital work with job strain among physicians: a national representative sample

BackgroundPhysicians’ work is often stressful. The digitalization of healthcare aims to streamline work, but not all physicians have experienced its realization. We examined associations of perceived changes in work due to digitalization and the amount of digital work with job strain among physicians. The moderating role of the length of work experience was investigated for these associations.MethodsWe used representative survey data on Finnish physicians’ (N = 4271) experiences of digitalization from 2021. The independent variables included perceptions on statements about work transformations aligned with digitalization goals, and the extent that information systems and teleconsultations were utilized. Stress related to information systems (SRIS), time pressure, and psychological stress were the dependent variables. We analyzed the associations using multivariable linear and logistic regressions.ResultsRespondents had a mean SRIS score of 3.5 and a mean time pressure score of 3.7 on a scale of 1–5. Psychological stress was experienced by 60%. Perceptions associated with higher SRIS comprised disagreements with statements asserting that digitalization accelerates clinical encounters (b = .23 [95% CI: .16–.30]), facilitates access to patient information (b = .15 [.07–.23]), and supports decision-making (b = .11 [.05–.18]). Disagreement with accelerated clinical encounters (b = .12 [.04–.20]), and agreements with patients’ more active role in care (b = .11 [.04–.19]) and interprofessional collaboration (b = .10 [.02–.18]) were opinions associated with greater time pressure. Disagreeing with supported decision-making (OR = 1.26 [1.06–1.48]) and agreeing with patients’ active role (OR = 1.19 [1.02–1.40]) were associated with greater psychological stress. However, perceiving improvements in the pace of clinical encounters and access to patient information appeared to alleviate job strain. Additionally, extensive digital work was consistently linked to higher strain. Those respondents who held teleconsultations frequently and had less than 6 years of work experience reported the greatest levels of time pressure.ConclusionsPhysicians seem to be strained by frequent teleconsultations and work that does not meet the goals of digitalization. Improving physicians’ satisfaction with digitalization through training specific to the stage of career and system development can be crucial for their well-being. Schedules for digital tasks should be planned and allocated to prevent strain related to achieving the digitalization goals.

A Multicenter Study Validates the WHO 2022 Classification for Conjunctival Melanocytic Intraepithelial Lesions With Clinical and Prognostic Relevance

Several nomenclature and grading systems have been proposed for conjunctival melanocytic intraepithelial lesions (C-MIL). The fourth “WHO Classification of Eye Tumors” (WHO-EYE04) proposed a C-MIL classification, capturing the progression of noninvasive neoplastic melanocytes from low- to high-grade lesions, onto melanoma in situ (MIS), and then to invasive melanoma. This proposal was revised to the WHO-EYE05 C-MIL system, which simplified the high-grade C-MIL, whereby MIS was subsumed into high-grade C-MIL. Our aim was to validate the WHO-EYE05 C-MIL system using digitized images of C-MIL, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry. However, C-MIL cases were retrieved from 3 supraregional ocular pathology centers. Adequate conjunctival biopsies were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Melan-A, SOX10, and PReferentially expressed Antigen in Melanoma. Digitized slides were uploaded on the SmartZoom platform and independently scored by 4 ocular pathologists to obtain a consensus score, before circulating to 14 expert eye pathologists for independent scoring. In total, 105 cases from 97 patients were evaluated. The initial consensus diagnoses using the WHO-EYE04 C-MIL system were as follows: 28 benign conjunctival melanoses, 13 low-grade C-MIL, 37 high-grade C-MIL, and 27 conjunctival MIS. Using this system resulted in 93% of the pathologists showing only fair-to-moderate agreement (kappa statistic) with the consensus score. The WHO-EYE05 C-MIL system (with high-grade C-MIL and MIS combined) improved consistency between pathologists, with the greatest level of agreement being seen with benign melanosis (74.5%) and high-grade C-MIL (85.4%). Lowest agreements remained between pathologists for low-grade C-MIL (38.7%). Regarding WHO-EYE05 C-MIL scoring and clinical outcomes, local recurrences of noninvasive lesions developed in 8% and 34% of the low- and high-grade cases. Invasive melanoma only occurred in 47% of the cases that were assessed as high-grade C-MIL. This extensive international collaborative study is the first to undertake a comprehensive review of the WHO-EYE05 C-MIL scoring system, which showed good interobserver agreement and reproducibility.

Investigation of the SARS-CoV-2 post-vaccination antibody response in Canadian farmed mink

Currently, SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in farmed mink in 13 different countries. Due to the high susceptibility and transmissibility among mink, great concerns of mink serving as a reservoir to generate novel variants with unknown virulence and antigenic properties arose. These concerns have consequently resulted in entire mink productions being culled and banned. This study investigates the post-vaccination antibody response in the Canadian farmed mink vaccinated with a commercial Index spike protein-based vaccine, approved for use in cats, and compares the antibody response to that observed post infection in Danish farmed mink. Blood samples were obtained from 50 mink at the Canadian Centre for Fur Animal Research (CCFAR), Dalhousie University (Truro, Canada). The sera were initially analyzed for antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and selected sera was subsequently tested in a virus neutralization tests. The levels of neutralizing antibodies were evaluated for an ancestral D614G strain and a recent circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (Omicron BA.4). The results revealed that the vaccine induced a strong antibody response in mink by reaching antibody titer levels of up to 1:12800 in the ELISA. Moreover, high levels of neutralizing antibodies were obtained, and despite the great level of genetic differences between the ancestral and Omicron BA.4 strains, the vaccinated mink showed high levels of cross-reacting neutralizing antibodies. Interestingly, the antibody levels towards SARS-CoV-2 in the Canadian vaccinated mink were significantly higher than observed in recently SARS-CoV-2 infected Danish mink and equal to anamnestic responses following re-infection. In conclusion, the vaccine used in the Canadian farmed mink was able to induce a strong and broad-reacting antibody response in mink, which could limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed mink and thereby reduce the risk of mink serving as a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir for human infections.

Tailoring a correlation between fracture resistance improvement, elastic moduli, mechanical and nuclear radiation shielding properties for sodium-borate glasses through Gallium(III) oxide incorporation

In the event of unanticipated events or emergency situations, such as equipment malfunctions or accidents, it is crucial for radiation shielding materials to preserve their structural integrity. Enhancing the fracture resistance of glasses has a wide range of benefits that extend to safety, durability, cost savings, energy efficiency, environmental considerations, technological innovation, consumer confidence, manufacturing efficiency, and reduced downtime. This research examines the characteristics of sodium-borate glasses with a nominal composition of 25Na2O-xGa2O3-(75-x)B2O3, (where x: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 27.5, and 30 mol%). The aim is to enhance fracture resistant qualities and radiation absorption with the addition of Ga2O3 into the glass composition. In addition to elastic moduli and mechanical properties, gamma-ray and fast neutron removal cross section values are determined for each glass sample. In addition to enhancing mechanical characteristics and elastic moduli, the use of Ga2O3 reinforcement has shown notable improvements in the gamma-ray and fast neutron absorption properties of sodium-borate glass samples. The NGB31.4 sample demonstrated the highest level of improvement in gamma-ray and neutron absorption characteristics. For example, the mass attenuation coefficients were calculated as 1.86645 cm2/g, 1.92189 cm2/g, 1.98875 cm2/g, 2.04052 cm2/g, 2.10506 cm2/g, 2.16271 cm2/g, and 2.17266 cm2/g for NGB5, NGB10, NGB15, NGB20, NGB25, NGB30.5, and NGB31.4 at 15 MeV photon energy, respectively. This enhancement was accomplished by incorporating Ga2O3 into the baseline sample at a mole percentage of 31.4 %. Hence, it can be concluded that the incorporation of Ga2O3 into sodium-borate glasses has the potential to serve as a systematic mechanism, leading to enhancements in mechanical strength and radiation absorption characteristics, thereby making these glasses more suitable for their intended applications. Among these samples, the greatest level of integration observed was 31.4 % mole Ga2O3. The lack of ability to examine the behavioral alterations resulting from higher Ga2O3 content in sodium-borate glasses may be regarded as a limitation of the present study. However, it is very advisable to do more research among the scientific community to thoroughly explore the potential impact of Ga2O3 on sodium-borate glasses.

Performance of Polyaniline Thin Film as a Functional Material of Acid Vapor Sensors

Polyaniline (PANI) is a conductive polymer that can be produced by the electrodeposition process. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the performance of PANI sensors on hydrochloric acid (HCl) and acetic acid (CH3COOH) vapor using a scan rate of 100 mV/s and ten cycles, a thin PANI layer was created on the surface of the ITO substrate. The PANI spectroscopic test results before and after CH3COOH vapor exposure revealed no differences and remained within the PANI functional group range. A four-point probe (FPP) test was performed to evaluate the sensing performance of the PANI thin film against analyte gas. The results of recovery time, response time, and sensitivity tended to increase as analyte concentration increased. The quickest CH3COOH sensing (1 ppm) has a reaction time of 29.7 seconds, a recovery time of 21.9 seconds, and a sensitivity of 5.11%. The greatest CH3COOH sensing (10 ppm) resulted in a reaction time of 50.3 seconds, a recovery time of 39.7 seconds, and a sensitivity of 13.64%. The reaction time for the lowest HCl sensing (1 ppm) was 42.6 s, the recovery time was 32.4 s, and the sensitivity was 7.82%. The greatest level of CH3COOH sensing (10 ppm) resulted in a response time of 60.6 s, a recovery time of 55.3 s, and a sensitivity of 16.31%. As a result, the PANI thin film is a functional material for acid gas sensors.

75 Neuropsychological performance in vestibular migraine: Preliminary findings from a meta-analysis

Objective:Primary headache disorder is characterized by recurrent headaches which lack underlying causative pathology or trauma. Primary headache disorder is common and encompasses several subtypes including migraine. Vestibular migraine (VM) is a subtype of migraine that causes vestibular symptoms such as vertigo, difficulties with balance, nausea, and vomiting. Literature indicates subjective and performance-based cognitive problems (executive dysfunction) among migraineurs. This study compared the magnitude of the total effect size across neuropsychological domains to determine if there is a reliable difference in effect sizes between individuals with VM and healthy controls (HC). An additional aim was to meta-analyze neuropsychological outcomes in migraine subtypes (other than VM) in reference to healthy controls.Participants and Methods:This study was a part of a larger study examining neuropsychological functioning and impairment in individuals with primary headache disorder and HCs. Standardized search terms were applied in OneSearch and PubMed. The search interval covered articles published from 1986 to May 2021. Analyses were random-effects models. Hedge’s g was used as a bias-corrected estimate of effect size. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I2. Publication bias was assessed with Duval and Tweedie’s Trim-and-Fill method to identify evidence of missing studies.Results:The initial omnibus literature search yielded 6692 studies. Three studies (n=151 VM and 150 HC) met our inclusion criteria of having a VM group and reported neuropsychological performance. VM demonstrated significantly worse performance overall when compared to HCs (k=3, g=-0.99, p&lt;0.001; Q=4.41, I2=54.66) with a large effect size. Within-domain effects of VM were: Executive Functioning=-0.99 (Q=0.62, I2=0), Screener=-1.15 (Q=3.29, I2=69.59), and Visuospatial/Construction=-1.47 (Q=0.001, I2=0.00). Compared to chronic migraine (k=3, g=-0.59, p&lt;0.001; Q=0.68, I2=0.00) and migraine without aura (k=23, g=-0.39, p&lt;0.001; Q=109.70, I2=79.95), VM was the only migraine subgroup to display a large effect size. Trim-and-fill procedure estimated zero VM studies to be missing due to publication bias (adjusted g=-0.99, Q=4.41).Conclusions:This initial attempt at a meta-analysis of cognitive deficits in VM was hampered by a lack of studies in this area. Based on our initial findings, individuals with VM demonstrated overall worse performances on neuropsychological tests compared to HCs with the greatest level of impairment seen in visuospatial/construction. Additionally, VM resulted in a large effect size while other migraine subtypes yielded small to moderate effect sizes. Despite the small sample of studies, the overall effect across neuropsychological performance was generally stable (i.e., low between-study heterogeneity). Given than VM accounts for 7% of patients seen in vertigo clinics and 9% of all migraine patients, our results suggest that neuropsychological impairment in VM deserves significantly more study.

36 Reactivity to Loss and Its Relationship to Clinical Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

Objective:Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit deficits in reward-based learning, which have important implications for behavioral regulation. Prior research has shown that these individuals show altered patterns of risky decision-making, which may be partially explained as a function of dysfunctional reactivity to rewards and punishments. However, research findings on the relationships between ADHD and punishment sensitivity have been mixed. The current study used the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) to examine risky decision-making in adults with and without ADHD, with a particular interest in characterizing the manner in which participants react to loss.Participants and Methods:612 individuals (Mage = 31.04, SDage = 78.77; 329 females, 283 males) were recruited through the UCLA Consortium for Neuropsychiatric Phenomics (CNP). All participants were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR (SCID-IV), which provided diagnoses used for group comparisons between adults with ADHD (n = 35) and healthy controls (n = 577). A computerized BART paradigm was used to examine impulsivity and risky decision-making, while participants also completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), and ADHD participants completed the Adult Self-Report Scale-V1.1 (ASRS-V1.1). The BART presented two colors of balloons with differing probabilities of exploding, and participants were incentivized to pump the balloons as many times as possible without causing them to explode. The primary endpoint was "mean adjusted pumps", determined as mean across trials of the number of pumps on trials that did not end in explosion. An index of reactivity to loss was calculated as the difference between the mean adjusted pumps following an explosion and the mean adjusted pumps following trials in which the balloon did not explode.Results:The ADHD and control groups did not differ on mean adjusted pumps across trials, but they did differ in their reactivity to explosion of balloons that followed the most pumps, incurring the greatest level of loss (F(1, 551) = 7.1, p &lt; 0.01). Interestingly, ADHD participants showed a greater reactivity to loss on these balloons than controls (p &lt; 0.05), indicating that they reduced their number of pumps following balloon explosions more than controls. For participants as a whole, there were small correlations between loss reactivity and scales of everyday impulsivity on the BIS-II (ps &lt; 0.05). For ADHD participants, loss reactivity was unrelated to symptoms of inattention but was significantly correlated with symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity (p = 0.01) and total ADHD symptoms (p &lt; 0.05) on the ASRS-V1.1.Conclusions:In the context of a risky decision-making task, adults with ADHD showed greater reactivity to loss than controls, despite showing comparable patterns of overall performance during the BART. The magnitude of behavioral adjustment following loss was correlated with symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity in adults with ADHD, suggesting that loss sensitivity is clinically related to impulsive behavior in everyday life. These findings help to expand our understanding of motivational processing in ADHD and suggest new insight into the ways in which everyday symptoms of ADHD are related to sensitivity to losses and punishments.

Improvement of data imbalance for digital soil class mapping in Eastern China

A fine-resolution digital soil class map is needed. However, the problem of imbalanced data leads to an inaccurate spatial distribution of the digital soil class map, and the spatial resolution of digital soil class maps at a large scale is low in existing studies. Based on these points, an algorithm of over-sampling and under-sampling was introduced to solve the problem of imbalanced data, and to improve the performance of soil classification model. 316 topsoil samples with eight main soil classes at the great group level were collected in Eastern China. Eight out of twelve prediction variables were determined after the importance evaluation by “Mean Decrease Accuracy” in the random forest (RF) model, including digital elevation model (DEM), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), land surface wetness index (LSWI), land surface temperature (LST), normalized differenced vegetation index (NDVI), and soil texture components. RF model was also applied to complete digital soil class mapping, and the results of treated (over-sampling and under-sampling by randomly increasing or decreasing the number of samples) and untreated data were compared and discussed. Research results indicated that modeling by imbalanced data resulted in uncertain soil classes mapping, with minority classes were lost and with lower accuracies than those of balanced data (overall accuracy = 83.83 %, kappa coefficient = 0.79). After over-sampling and under-sampling treatments, these problems were well solved with an overall accuracy of 96.72 % and a kappa coefficient of 0.93. The accuracy of soil class prediction for minority classes were improved by 12.5 %–54.5 %. Compared to the existing conventional soil map, the new map with a fine resolution of 30 × 30 m is time-effective and more detailed. Validation (point-validation and map-to-map comparison) of the predicted map showed that the output is reliable and can provide a reference for other soil and environmental studies without major difficulties.

Moniliformin Occurrence in Serbian Maize over Four Years: Understanding Weather-Dependent Variability.

Moniliformin (MON) represents one of the most widespread emerging mycotoxins, whose presence in food and feed can potentially cause harmful effects on the health of both the public and animals. In order to investigate MON occurrence, a total of four hundred (n = 400) samples of unprocessed maize were sampled from different regions (Bačka, Banat, and Srem) of Serbia during a period of four years (2018-2021) and were analyzed using a validated liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The influence of regional differences and variations from year to year in terms of weather conditions on the occurrence of MON was also assessed. The obtained validation parameters indicated that the LC-MS/MS method is applicable to the determination of MON in maize samples. It can be observed from the acquired findings that all samples were contaminated with MON, while concentration levels varied between the samples, especially from different sampling years. The maize samples showed the greatest levels of MON concentration during the dry and hot climatic conditions experienced in 2021. In maize samples harvested in the period 2018-2020, the MON concentration levels detected were about two to three times lower compared to the year 2021. Additionally, a comprehensive investigation into the correlation between weather conditions and the occurrence of MON in maize grown in Serbia was undertaken by reviewing the outcomes of research undertaken in the past decade.

Potential role of dietary Boswellia serrata resin against mancozeb fungicide-induced immune-antioxidant suppression, histopathological alterations, and genotoxicity in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

This study was established to look into the toxicological consequences of chronic exposure to a fungicide (mancozeb; MAZ) on the immune-antioxidant response, gene expressions, hepato-renal functions, and histological pictures of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Additionally, the effectiveness of Indian frankincense resin extract (IFRE) to mitigate their toxicity was taken into account. Fish (n =240; average body weight: 22.45 ± 2.21 g) were randomized into four groups for eight weeks in six replicates (control, IFRE, MAZ, and IFRE + MAZ), where ten fish were kept per replicate. The control and IFRE groups received basal diets that included 0.0 and 5 g/kg of IFRE without MAZ exposure. The MAZ and IFRE+MAZ groups received the same diets and were exposed to 1/10 of the 96-h of LC50 of MAZ (1.15 mg/L). The outcomes displayed that MAZ exposure resulted in a lower survival rate (56.67 %) and significantly decreased levels of immune-antioxidant variables (antiprotease, complement3, phagocytic activity, lysozyme, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity) compared to the control group. The MAZ-exposed fish showed the greatest levels of lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde), alkaline phosphatase, alanine amino-transferase, and stress indicators (cortisol and glucose). Additionally, histopathological alterations, including vacuolation, severe necrosis, degeneration, and mononuclear cell infiltrations in the hepatic, renal, and splenic tissues resulted, besides a reduction in the melanomacrophage center in the spleen. A down-regulation of immune-antioxidant-associated genes [toll-like receptors (TLR-2 and TLR-7), nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 3 gamma b (pik3r3b), interleukins (IL-1β and IL-8), glutathione synthetase (GSS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] were the consequences of the MAZ exposure. Remarkably, the dietary inclusion of IFRE in MAZ-exposed fish augmented the immune-antioxidant parameters, including their associated genes, decreased stress response, and increased survival rate (85 %) compared with the MAZ-exposed fish. Moreover, dietary IFRE improved hepato-renal function indices by preserving the histological architecture of the hepatic, renal, and splenic tissues. The insights of this study advocate the use of an IFRE-dietary addition to protect Nile tilapia from MAZ toxicity, which provides perspectives for future implementations in enhancing fish health for sustainable aquaculture.

PSIV-15 Effect of Secondary Iron Injection Timing to Suckling Pigs on Pre- and Post-Weaning Growth Performance and Hematological Parameters

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of secondary iron injection timing to suckling pigs on pre- and post-weaning growth performance and hematological variables. A total of 22 pigs (initial body weight: 1.62 ± 0.12 kg) from 4 litters were allotted into 3 treatments within litter based on body weight and sex at d 1-3 of age (d 0 of experiment) as follows: 1) Control: intramuscular injection of 150 mg iron-dextran at d 0 of experiment only, 2) Iron14: intramuscular injection of 150 mg iron-dextran at d 0 of experiment and 100 mg iron-dextran at d 10 of experiment (14 d before weaning), and 3) Iron7: intramuscular injection of 150 mg iron-dextran at d 0 of experiment and 100 mg iron-dextran at d 17 of experiment (7 d before weaning). The pigs were housed by litter in the suckling and nursery periods with a common corn-soybean meal-based diet during the nursery period. Body weight, hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrit were measured at d 0, 10, 17, 24 (weaning), 31 and 38 of experiment. The Iron14 treatment tended to have greater final weight at d 38 of experiment than the control treatment (P = 0.07; 10.97 vs. 9.38 kg) and the Iron7 treatment had intermediate value (10.15 kg). The ADG in d 24-31 postweaning tended to be greater in the Iron14 treatment than the control and Iron7 treatments (P = 0.08; 82.6, 151.8, and 53.5 g/d for the control, Iron14, and Iron7 treatments, respectively). In hemoglobin concentrations, the Iron14 treatment had greater levels than the control treatment at d 17 (P = 0.06; 12.24, 13.51, and 11.66 g/dL, respectively), 24, and 31 (P &amp;lt; 0.05; 10.72, 12.74, and 12.77 g/dL, respectively) of experiment whereas the Iron7 treatment had greater concentrations than the control treatment at d 24, 31, and 38 (P&amp;lt; 0.05; 9.46, 10.60, and 11.21 g/dL, respectively) of experiment and less than Iron14 treatment at d 17 and 24 (P &amp;lt; 0.05; 10.63, 12.95, 11.91 g/dL, respectively) of experiment. Hematocrit showed similar response to hemoglobin concentrations in which the Iron 14 treatment had greater hematocrit than the control treatment at d 17, 24, 31 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and 38 (P = 0.10) of experiment while the Iron7 treatment had greater hematocrit levels than the control treatment at d 24, 31, and 38 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of experiment. Hematocrit levels only at d 17 of experiment was greater in the Iron14 treatment than the Iron7 treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, the secondary iron injection to suckling piglets could improve early postweaning growth when the pigs were injected with iron at 14 d before weaning and increase hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrit regardless of timing, but the differences in hemoglobin and hematocrit values varied depending on the timing of secondary iron injection.

65 Associations Between Resilience to Weaning Stress and Startle Response in Nursery-Age Gilts

Abstract Resilience is the capacity of animals to return quickly to their pre-stress status following a disturbance, including social, physical, and/or disease challenges. Understanding impact of individual resilience on behavior is key to improving the performance and welfare of farm animals. The goal of the study was to assess whether behavioral response to an auditory stimulus during a startle test (acute stress) differed between pigs designated as stress-resilient (SR) or stress-vulnerable (SV). Blood samples were collected from female piglets (n = 170) from 26 litters on the day before weaning, the day of weaning, and four days after weaning. Using serum cortisol concentrations from these samples, female pigs (n = 52) were classified as either SR (n = 26) or SV (n = 26) and used for the startle test. The startle test was conducted when pigs were 6 weeks-of age while they were housed in the nursery room. Video recordings were made with ceiling-mounted cameras from 1.5h before the test to 1.5h after the test. Videos were decoded to determine the relaxed-tense score of the pigs (RT; 1: relaxed, 3: tense; scored 10 min before testing began to describe the underlying mood of the pig), orientation to stimulus (OS; direction pigs were facing when air horn sounded), and startle magnitude score (SM; 0: no response, 4: remained frozen &amp;gt;1min). A mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression model was fit for SM including fixed effects of stress group (resilience designation (SR/SV), OS, RT, and pen position (distance from the air horn) and random effect of pen composition (social group). SM was affected by RT (P = 0.02), with pigs that had the greatest levels of underlying tension expressing less response to the stimulus. Pen position also impacted the SM (P &amp;lt; 0.01), with pigs in pens closer to the air horn displaying a stronger startle response than those housed further away. However, SR/SV designation and OS had no influence on SM. Pigs that are already tense may not be responsive to changes in their surroundings, in this case showing little response to a startling noise. Pigs closer to a startling stimulus are likely to perceive it as more threatening than pigs further away from the potential danger. Our data suggest no relationship between intensity of behavioral response to an auditory startle test and resilience or vulnerability to weaning stress. Behavioral and physiological responses to acute stress are influenced by a number of confounding factors inherent in individual animal variability, including the personalities and experiences of the pigs. However, the startle test could be a relatively easy way to assess fearfulness of pigs on farm, as it requires no training of pigs and can be conducted in the home pen, but further methodological improvement is required to enable instantaneous data collection.