MIXED Procedure Research Articles

Community-Led Action Research in Oncology: Pandemic-Appropriate Radiotherapy Innovations Evaluated (CLARO PARTE) for Latin America and the Caribbean Countries.

This study aimed to identify, evaluate, and rank suitable safety innovations developed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) radiation oncology centers. We conducted a multimodal participatory engagement collaboration with the Latin-American and Caribbean Society of Medical Oncology. The study consisted of four phases. Innovations were collected from a panel of radiotherapy experts representing a diverse group of 11 countries from LAC (Phase I). Next, a medical scientific team compared the innovations against international standards regarding their potential impact on risk of infection, clinical operation, and continuity of quality cancer care (Phase II). Their findings were supplied to the country representatives who rated the innovations for acceptability in their cancer centers (Phase III), resulting in a final report of the panel's recommendations (Phase IV). A total of 81 innovations were reported by the country representatives and merged by the medical scientific team into 24 innovations that combined similar innovations. The 24 innovations were grouped into six categories including practices aimed at (1) reducing clinic crowding (n = 3), (2) increasing screening and vaccinations for COVID-19 disease (n = 5), (3) implementing social distancing (n = 6), (4) strengthening personal infection equipment and disinfection (n = 6), (5) avoiding delaying or shortening treatment protocols (n = 2), and (6) mixed procedures (n = 2). The medical scientific team found nearly all innovations were supported by international recommendations and rated as safe, efficient, and acceptable. By using the lessons learned from the Community-Led Action Research in Oncology: Pandemic-Appropriate Radiotherapy Innovations Evaluated study, a manual of scalable practices in radiation oncology clinics may be developed to guide actions during future large-scale public health crises in low- and middle-income countries of LAC.

Investigation of properties of SCC with perlite as a partial replacement of coarse and fine aggregate

Abstract Self-compacted concrete, is an extremely flowable concrete that can spread readily into formwork without any void and solidify without showing signs of bleeding or segregation when there is no vibration. The effects of using Perlite material as a partial replacement of aggregate on the fresh and hardened characteristics of self-compacting concrete have been examined in this study. Perlite material, is alumino-siliceous amorphous volcanic material that occurs naturally and is derived from crude perlite rock is utilized in construction Its high porosity and low density make it a great option for a lightweight mineral filler in a variety of applications. In order to do this, the mixing procedures maintained at constant ratio of water to cement and super plasticizer, and perlite was substituted at varying volume percentage (20, 40, and 50) %. Concrete’s flow ability, passage ability, and resistance to separation were examined using performance tests such the V- funnel, Slump flow, L- box tests and Segregation Index. The findings revealed that when perlite was substituted for coarse aggregate and fine aggregate in the observe concrete, the workability reduced. This study has looked into the mechanical characteristics of hard self-compacting concrete as well. For this reason, a series of tests were conducted, including ones measuring thermal conductivity and density at 28 days. compressive, splitting, and flexural strength at ages 7, 28, and 56 days. By increasing the percentage of perlite the values of (compressive strength, flexural strength and splitting tensile strength) decreased significantly compared with reference mixture (0% perlite replacement). The highest decreased was at 50% perlite replacement of aggregate.

Comparison of Coren mix design with other international mix (ACI and DoE) design methods

Because of its quality, which allows for veracities, Today, concrete is the most frequently utilized civil engineering material. Concrete has a low tensile strength and a high compressive strength. Even though Nigeria is Africa's giant, it has been discovered that its local contractor does not have a well-used standard mix procedure. Local Nigerian contractors have relied on an international mix. COREN recently established a mix design. It is critical that we determine whether this design process will be suitable for usage by local contractors. To assess the effectiveness of the published local mix against defined international standards, a complete experimental analysis of the COREN mix design with ACI and DoE was used in this study. With a target compressive strength of 30N/mm2, three concrete mix designs with 0.48 and 0.50 water/cement ratios were used, and this mix was subjected to compressive tests, split tensile tests, and three-point bending. With respect to all the test conducted and analyzed, this attests to the level of significance of COREN i.e. For 28days mix with 0.48w/c, compressive strength with COREN gave 32N/mm2 against 31N/mm2 and 30N/mm2 for ACI and DoE mix, respectively. Splitting tensile strength of 2.7 N/mm2 was achieved with COREN mix against 2.8N/mm2 and 2.7N/mm2 from ACI and DoE, respectively. Likewise, results of flexural strength are 4.7N/mm2, 5.3N/mm2 and 5.1N/mm2 for COREN, ACI and DoE, respectively. For 28days mix with 0.50w/c, compressive strength with COREN gave 29N/mm2 against 30N/mm2 for ACI and DoE mix, respectively. Splitting tensile strength of 2.5N/mm2 was achieved with COREN mix against 2.4N/mm2 and 2.8N/mm2 from ACI and DoE, respectively. Likewise, results of flexural strength are 5.1N/mm2, 4.7N/mm2 and 5.6N/mm2 for COREN, ACI and DoE, respectively.

Examining the Long-Term Impacts of Ergot Alkaloids on Fetal Heifer Development and Subsequent Growth and Reproductive Performance.

Consumption of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue results in poor reproductive performance in domestic livestock. In this study, the objective was to evaluate the effects of ergovaline exposure during mid-gestation (days 93 through 188 of gestation) on dam performance, the growing female fetus, and the subsequent growth and reproductive performance of the gestationally-exposed heifer calves. Pregnant Angus and Simmental-Angus cows were blocked by age (2 - 3, 4 - 7, and > 7 y), body weight (BW), and breed; and then randomly assigned to graze either novel (EN; <5% infection rate; n = 27 Year 1, n = 16 Year 2) or toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (EI; 99% infection rate; n = 27 Year 1, n = 17 Year 2). Weekly BW, body condition scores (BCS), hair coat scores (HCS), hair shedding scores (HSS), and blood samples for progesterone (P4) analysis were collected from mid-April through July of 2017 (Year 1) and 2018 (Year 2). Gestation length, birth weight, placental characteristics, heifer calf growth, onset of puberty, ovarian characteristics, and artificial insemination (AI) pregnancy rates were measured. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Cows grazing EI pastures had reduced ADG, reduced BCS, greater HSS, and decreased P4 concentrations compared to cows on EN pasture (P < 0.01). Birth weights were decreased for heifers whose dams were exposed to EI pastures during their second trimester (P < 0.01). Heifer pregnancy rates were not impacted by EI pasture exposure during gestation for either year of the study. However, a treatment by year effect was seen for pregnancy rate for EI exposed heifers in Year 2; EI exposed heifers in Year 2 had increased pregnancy rates at two of the inseminations. Combined, these data reinforce that consumption of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue during gestation can negatively impact both dam and offspring performance. More studies are needed to evaluate more parameters in an effort to elucidate the possible life-long impacts of ergovaline exposure during gestation.

Potential of 2 Northern European brown seaweeds (Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosus) as enteric methane inhibitors in dairy cows.

The 2 brown seaweeds, Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosus, have demonstrated anti-methanogenic properties in vitro with reductions in CH4 production ranging from 53 to 63%. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the 2 Fucus seaweeds on enteric CH4 emissions, DMI, ECM, and nutrient digestibility when fed to dairy cows. The experiment was conducted using 4 multi-cannulated lactating Danish Holstein dairy cows, which over 3 experimental periods received either: 1) basal diet (CON; diet without any seaweed), 2) basal diet diluted with 4% (DM basis) Fucus serratus (SER), or 3) basal diet diluted with 4% (DM basis) Fucus vesiculosus (VES); resulting in one complete 3 × 3 Latin square and one incomplete 3 × 3 Latin square. Each period lasted 21 d and consisted of 14 d of adaptation, followed by 3 d of digesta sampling, and 4 d of gas exchange measurements using respiration chambers. Milk yield and feed intake were recorded daily. Blood samples were collected on d 15 and 17. All parameters were statistically analyzed using a mixed procedure of R. Opposite to what we had expected, neither of the 2 Fucus seaweeds reduced CH4 emissions from the dairy cows as daily CH4 production was significantly higher for both Fucus treatments compared with CON. Additionally, CH4 yield (g CH4/kg DMI) and intensity (g CH4/kg ECM) were significantly higher for SER compared with CON. Milk yield, DMI, and total-tract digestibility were unaffected by the treatments; however, SER resulted in lower milk protein yield (kg/d) and lower milk and blood plasma urea concentrations compared with CON. In conclusion, neither Fucus serratus (SER) nor Fucus vesiculosus (VES) showed potential as methane-mitigating feed additives when fed to dairy cows at an inclusion level of 4% of DM. The inclusion of the 2 brown seaweeds had no effects on DMI, milk yield, or total-tract digestibility.

Wear characteristics of a CNTs reinforced aluminium composited fabricated by the solution mixing process

Aluminium-carbon nanotube (Al-CNT) composites have proven to offer a lot of potential for applications involving friction and wear. This study investigated the wear behaviour of Al-CNT composites with uniformly dispersed CNTs without structural damage at concentrations of 0.5 wt%. The wear behaviour of these composites has been compared with that of pure aluminium, which was fabricated using the identical wet shake mixing, compaction, and extrusion procedure. The study aimed to determine how CNT concentration and applied stress influence the wear behaviour of composite materials. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used by the researchers to examine the surface features of the worn samples. The study showed a significant increase in hardness and wear resistance with adding CNT. Compared to pure aluminium, the composite containing 0.5 wt. % CNTs demonstrated a 25% reduction in wear rate, and the average value of the coefficient of friction (µ) also decreased. The wear rate and coefficient of friction increased when samples containing 0.5 wt. % CNTs were subjected to various loading scenarios. The major contribution of CNTs to improving wear characteristics was discovered through SEM investigation of these worn surfaces. Using the ANSYS Workbench, a built finite element model was used to perform contact analysis on the disc and pin. Analytical results and experimental data were contrasted, and the ANSYS data was utilised to assess the process parameters. The comparison confirmed the analysis accuracy and dependability, which showed a consistent agreement between the analytical findings and the experimental results.

Effect of seven days heat stress on feed and water intake, milk characteristics, blood parameters, physiological indicators, and gene expression in Holstein dairy cows

This study examined the effects of 7 days of heat stress on eight early lactating Holstein cows in climate-controlled chambers. The early lactating Holstein cows (42 ± 2 days in milk, 29.27 ± 0.38 kg/day milk yield, 1.21 ± 0.05 parity) were subjected to two 14-day periods, each consisting of 7 days of adaptation and 7 days of heat stress. Conditions were set to 22 °C and 50% humidity during adaptation, followed by heat stress periods with low-temperature, low-humidity (LTLH, 71 THI) and high-temperature, high-humidity (HTHH, 86 THI) treatments. Data from the last 7 days were analyzed using a mixed procedure in SAS. In the study, the HTHH group displayed marked physiological and biochemical changes on 14 days of heat stress exposure compared to the LTLH group. Firstly, the HTHH group's dry matter intake decreased by approximately 12% while their water intake increased by about 23%. Secondly, both milk yield and milk protein production in the HTHH group decreased by 10% and 20%, respectively. Thirdly, there was a reduction in white blood cells, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and platelets in the HTHH group, with concurrent increases in glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, and albumin concentrations. Additionally, the HTHH group exhibited elevated plasma concentrations of cortisol and haptoglobin. Moreover, the gene expression of heat shock protein 70 and heat shock protein 90 was significantly upregulated in the HTHH group's peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Lastly, key physiological indicators such as rectal temperature, heart rate, and skin temperature showed substantial elevations in the HTHH group. Considering the enormous negative effects observed in the analyzed blood metabolites, milk yield and compositions, and heat shock protein gene expression, early lactating Holstein cows were found to be more vulnerable to HTHH than LTLH over a 7 days exposure to heat stress.

Effects of postbiotic products from Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation on lactation performance, antioxidant capacities, and blood immunity in transition dairy cows

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with different types of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) on lactational performance, metabolism, acute phase protein response, and antioxidant capacities in dairy cows from -21 to 56 d in milk (DIM). One hundred and 80 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were blocked by parity, expected calving date, pre-trial body condition score, and previous 305-d ME yield, and then randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: basal diet (CON; n = 60), basal diet supplemented with 40 g/d of SCFP1 (XPC; n = 60; XPC, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA), and basal diet supplemented with 19 g/d of SCFP2 (NTK; n = 60, NutriTek®, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA). Blood (n = 15, 13 and 12 in the CON, XPC and NTK groups, respectively) was sampled at -7 ± 3, + 3, + 7, + 21, and + 28 d, and milk samples (n = 19, 18 and 15 in the CON, XPC and NTK groups, respectively) was sampled during 1-8 wk from a subset of cows from -21 to 56 d relative to calving. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). All data were subjected to repeated measures ANOVA. Dietary treatment (TRT), time, and their interaction (TRT × time) were considered as fixed effects and cow as the random effect. Cows fed XPC and NTK had greater energy-corrected milk (ECM). Supplementing NTK increased milk fat content and yield, and 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield compared with CON. Milk urea nitrogen (MUN) was lower in XPC cows than CON. SCFP supplementation decreased plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), ceruloplasmin (CER), haptoglobin (HPT), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentrations, whereas increased plasma phosphorus (P) concentrations. In addition, cows fed NTK showed lower creatinine (CR) and cortisol (COR) concentrations but increased plasma calcium (Ca) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentrations than those in the CON cows. In addition, cows fed NTK and XPC both had reduced plasma concentrations of serum amyloid-A (SAA) at 3 DIM of lactation compared with CON fed cows. Furthermore, SCFP cows had greater concentrations of plasma glucose (GLU) and calcium (Ca) than CON cows at 7 DIM, and greater concentrations of plasma phosphorus (P) at 21 DIM. Between different SCFP type fed groups, plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), MDA, creatinine (CR), SAA, and HPT were lower in cows fed NTK compared with cows fed XPC at 7 DIM. Overall, our results indicate the potential benefits of supplementing SCFP in transition dairy cows by modulating immunity, liver metabolic function and supporting ECM yield. The results also suggest that NutriTek at 19 g/d appears to support the performance and health of dairy cows better compared with XPC at 40 g/d, based on improved metabolic and inflammatory status during the transition period.

Intramammary administration of lipopolysaccharides at parturition does not affect the transfer of passive immunity in goat kids.

This study evaluated the effect of feeding colostrum obtained from an intramammary administration (IA) of LPS from Escherichia coli (O55:B5) to dairy goats at parturition, on goat kids performance, biochemical parameters (i.e., calcium, LDH, glucose, total proteins, albumin, and urea) and immune status (i.e., IgG and IgM) during the first month of life. At birth, goat kids were weighted (d 0) and immediately allocated into either the LPS group (n = 15) or the CON group (n = 21) based on the experimental group of the dam. At parturition, 20 multiparous dairy goats were allocated in one of the 2 experimental groups (LPS vs. CON). The LPS group received an IA of saline solution (2 mL) containing 50 µg of LPS in each half udder whereas goats in the CON group received an IA of saline solution (2 mL) without LPS. Goat kids were bottle-fed dam colostrum equivalent to 10% of the birth BW divided in 2 meals (i.e., at 3 and 12 h relative to birth), and then fed twice daily with milk replacer ad libitum. Individual milk intake (MI) and BW were recorded on d 7, 15, 21 and 30 of life. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 15, 21 and 30 after birth. Data was analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (9.4). The model included IA, time (T) and the interaction (IA x T) as fixed effects and sex and litter size as random effects. Both groups showed similar MI, except on d 7 relative to birth as the LPS group showed higher MI than the CON group (910.5 ± 69.77 and 683.9 ± 59.64 mL, respectively). No differences in BW or rectal temperature were observed between groups, neither in plasma IgG nor IgM concentrations. Despite the IA did not affect calcium, glucose, LDH, total protein, and albumin concentrations an interaction between the IA and T was observed for urea concentration, showing the LPS group higher urea concentrations than the CON group on d 0 (20.1 ± 1.34 and 20.0 ± 1.25 mg/dL, respectively). In conclusion, feeding colostrum from goats that received an IA of LPS at parturition does not affect goat kid performance, plasma immunoglobulin concentrations and serum metabolites during the first month of life.

Behavior, Intake, Digestion and Milk Yield of Early Lactation Holstein Dairy Cows with Two Levels of Environmental Exposure and Feeding Strategy.

Eighty-four autumn (ACS, n = 45)- and spring (SCS, n = 39)-calved multiparous early lactation Holstein cows were assigned to groups of either: (a) grazing + mixed ration (MR) during partial confinement in outdoor soil-bedded pens with shade (OD-GRZ); (b) grazing + MR during partial confinement in a compost-bedded pack barn with cooling (CB-GRZ); or (c) total confinement fed a totally mixed ration (CB-TMR) in a compost-bedded pack barn. Data were analyzed using the SAS MIXED procedure with significance at p ≤ 0.05. In both seasons, despite behavioral differences (p < 0.05) between the OD-GRZ and CB-GRZ groups (i.e., standing, first grazing meal length, bite rate), the milk and component yields, DM intake, microbial CP output (MCP) and NE efficiency were unaffected by the housing conditions, possibly due to mild weather conditions. The milk yield was substantially higher in the CB-TMR group versus the OD-TMR and CB-TMR groups (p < 0.01) in both ACS (~35%) and SCS (~20%) despite there being no intake differences, without any impact on milk component levels. In ACS, this was associated with a higher MCP, likely due to the higher nutritional value of TMR compared to pasture, which was not the case in SCS. In conclusion, the OD-GRZ group achieved the same milk production as the CB-GRZ group through behavior adaptation, under mild weather conditions, in both calving seasons. The CB-TMR group outperformed the grazing systems in both calving seasons, regardless of the MCP.

Intraoperative Image Guidance in Orbital and Lacrimal Surgery: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

To review the efficacy and safety of the use of intraoperative image guidance (IIG) in orbital and lacrimal surgery. A literature search of the PubMed database was last conducted in November 2023 for English-language original research that assessed the use of any image guidance system in orbital and lacrimal surgery that included at least 5 patients. The search identified 524 articles; 94 were selected for full-text analysis by the panel. A total of 32 studies met inclusion criteria. The panel methodologist assigned a level II rating to 2 studies and a level III rating to 30 studies. No study met the criteria for level I evidence. Procedures reported on were as follows: fracture repair (n= 14), neoplasm and infiltrate biopsy or excision (n= 6), orbital decompression for Graves ophthalmopathy (n= 3), dacryocystorhinostomy (n= 1), and mixed etiology and procedures (n= 8). Four studies used more than one IIG system. One study that met level II evidence criteria compared the outcomes of orbital fracture repair with IIG (n= 29) and without IIG (n= 29). Borderline better outcomes were reported in the IIG group: 2% versus 10% with diplopia (P= 0.039) and 3% versus 10% with enophthalmos (P= 0.065). The other level II study compared the repair of fractures with navigation (n= 20) and without (n= 20). The group in which navigation was used had a measured mean volume reduction of 3.82 cm3 compared with 3.33 cm3 (P= 0.02), and there was a greater measured reduction in enophthalmos in the navigation group of 0.72 mm (P= 0.001). Although the remaining 30 assessed articles failed to meet level II criteria, all alleged a benefit from IIG. No complications were reported. A small number of comparative studies suggest that there are improved outcomes when IIG is used in orbital fracture repair, but each study suffers from various limitations. No high-quality comparative studies exist for the management of lacrimal surgery, neoplastic disease, or decompression. Complications attributable to the use of IIG have not been identified, and IIG has not been analyzed for cost savings. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Extrahepatic cholestasis associated with paracoccidioidomycosis: Challenges in the differential diagnosis of biliopancreatic neoplasia.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) may involve the hepatic pedicle and peripancreatic lymph nodes, cause damage to the bile duct and manifest, exceptionally, in combination with extrahepatic cholestasis (EHC), making investigation and treatment challenging. To investigate the management of patients with visceral PCM admitted with EHC. All patients diagnosed with PCM treated in a public, tertiary teaching hospital between 1982 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Those also identified with EHC were allocated to two groups according to the treatment approach for the purpose of comparing clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, resources used for etiological diagnosis, treatment results, and prognosis. Statistical analyses were performed using the linear mixed-effects model (random and fixed effects), which was adjusted using the PROC MIXED procedure of the SAS® 9.0 software, and Fisher's exact test. Of 1645 patients diagnosed with PCM, 40 (2.4%) had EHC. Of these, 20 (50.0%) lived in the rural area and 29 (72.5%) were men, with a mean age of 27.1 years (3-65 years). Jaundice as first symptom and weight loss of at least 10 kg were observed in 16 patients (40.0%), and a mass in the head of the pancreas was observed in 8 (20.0%). The etiological diagnosis was made by tissue collection during surgery in 4 cases (10.0%) and by endoscopic methods in 3 cases (7.5%). Twenty-seven patients (67.5%) received drug treatment alone (Group 1), whereas 13 (32.5%) underwent endoscopic and/or surgical procedures in combination with drug treatment (Group 2). EHC was significantly reduced in both groups (40.7% in Group 1, with a mean time of 3 months; and 38.4% in Group 2, with a mean time of 7.5 months), with no statistically significant difference between them. EHC recurrence rates, associated mainly with treatment nonadherence, were similar in both groups: 37% in Group 1 and 15.4% in Group 2. The mortality rate was 18.5% in Group 1 and 23% in Group 2, with survival estimates of 71.3% and 72.5%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. Although PCM-related EHC is rare, it needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of malignancies, as timely treatment can prevent hepatic and extrahepatic sequelae.

Effect of supplementing epinephrine in maturation media on in-vitro developmental competence of cattle and buffalo oocytes

During in-vitro maturation, the oocyte experiences stressful conditions that likely compromise its development. Epinephrine is a catecholamine that plays a vital role during cellular stress by scavenging free radicals. The hypothesis is that epinephrine addition in maturation media improves the developmental competence of oocytes in cattle and buffalo. The objectives of the experiments were to investigate the effect of epinephrine addition in maturation media on nuclear maturation, developmental competence, and oocyte mRNA abundance of genes related to antioxidants and growth pathways in cattle and buffalo. In experiment 1, cattle oocytes were matured for 24 h in maturation media supplemented with increasing concentrations of epinephrine 0, 0.01, 1.0, and 100 μM. Oocytes were cultured to assess cleavage at 48 h and blastocyst on day 7 of the culture. The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) expansion, nuclear maturation, and oocyte mRNA abundance of genes (SOD1, GPX4, GDF9, CASP9) were evaluated. In experiment 2, buffalo oocytes were matured and assessed for development and mRNA abundance as described for cattle. In addition, the blastomere number was counted in the hatched blastocyst. The data were analyzed using GLIMMIX and MIXED procedures of SAS. Results revealed that the supplementation of epinephrine increased (P ≤ 0.03) the COCs expansion, nuclear maturation, and developmental competence of oocytes in cattle. Interestingly, all the responses were maximized (quadratic effect; P ≤ 0.08) at 1 μM concentrations. The mRNA abundance of genes in cattle oocytes was not affected by the treatment. The experiment in buffalo revealed that epinephrine increased blastocyst formation without affecting COCs expansion, and nuclear maturation. The higher blastocyst was achieved at 0.01 μM concentrations of epinephrine. Interestingly, the addition of epinephrine increased the mRNA abundance of genes related to antioxidant pathways (SOD1, GPX4). Moreover, supplementation of epinephrine increased the blastomere count of the hatched blastocyst in buffalo. In conclusion, epinephrine addition in maturation media benefited oocyte development in cattle and blastocyst yield in buffalo at 1 and 0.01 μM concentrations, respectively. It appears that the addition of epinephrine affected different cellular pathways, COCs expansion, and nuclear maturation in cattle and increased antioxidant genes for buffalo.

Psychoneurological symptoms, inflammatory biomarkers and gut microbiome richness and diversity in individuals receiving hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

e24053 Background: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative treatment for certain hematologic cancers. Although survival rates are markedly higher than in the past, there are a growing number of long-term HCT survivors who are at risk for short and long-term sequela, which can negatively affect quality of life. Psychoneurological (PN) symptoms are common occurrences associated with heightened inflammation in other cancers and chronic conditions. Emerging research links the gut microbiota to inflammatory biomarkers and suggests that gut-microbiota-brain crosstalk impacts the severity of psychoneurological symptoms among HCT recipients. Methods: This longitudinal descriptive study investigated the relationship among a cluster of PN symptoms (pain, fatigue, and depression), inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), and microbiota diversity measures (Shannon and Chao Beta diversity indexes) in 55 individuals receiving HCT for a hematologic malignancy. The time periods examined covered pre-transplant, 30-days, and 100-days following transplant. The PN symptoms were collected through self-reported questionnaires via computer with assistance from study staff, along with blood samples and stool specimens obtained at each study visit. Inflammatory marker values were log-transformed when used as dependent variables. Gut microbiota samples were analyzed using 16S ribosomal gene (V4 region) amplicons using Illumina MiSeq. Data analysis was performed using SAS 9.4, with PROC MIXED used for the mixed model analyses. Results: The analysis characterized mean changes in microbiota diversity over time for both Shannon and Chao indexes. IL6 levels were consistent over time, with an inverse association with Chao but not Shannon index. IL10 and CRP levels changed over time, but without associations with either Shannon or Chao. Pain severity and interference changed over time, but with no associations with inflammatory markers or gut microbiome beta diversity. Fatigue severity and interference changed over time and were positively associated with IL10. Depression did not change over time and was not associated with inflammatory markers or diversity. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary information related to associations between PN symptoms, inflammatory markers, and selected measures of gut microbiome diversity in HCT recipients. Further research is needed to explore and validate these findings to examine the implications for microbiota diversity on inflammatory factors and PN symptoms. Clinical trial information: NCT02398708 .

Flowback Additive for Acidizing Fluid to Stimulate Carbonate Gas Reservoirs

Summary Acidizing of oil- and gas-bearing carbonate reservoirs is generally undertaken by using strong mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) to enhance permeability. One of the major challenges associated with HCl injection is tuning the reactivity profile to favor the transport of live acid deep into the reservoir while achieving a minimum rock face dissolution. The mineral acid is therefore emulsified in a hydrocarbon phase (e.g., diesel) to retard its reactivity with the rock matrix. The use of emulsified acid is hindered by several limitations such as low emulsion stability at high temperatures, pumping limitations due to high viscosity, the potential of formation damage, and cumbersome mixing procedures at the field scale. In addition, the brines formed as a result of this reaction can be difficult to produce due to higher density and capillary pressures, unfavorable wettability, and low formation pressure. Here, we report on the development of dual-purpose additives that were specifically designed to enhance the recovery of high-density brines and retard the acid/rock reactivity upon addition to the stimulation treatment. Accordingly, seven new additives with fluid flowback properties were developed for use in a single-phase acidizing fluid consisting of HCl (15 wt% and 28 wt%) with the required additives, such as corrosion inhibitor and intensifier, and H2S scavenger. The flowback enhancers (FBEs) were formulated from a blend of water, ester or terpene solvents, alcohols, and surfactants to form optically clear nano- and microemulsions. Surfactant selection was driven by the need to exhibit demulsification properties with condensate, high chemical and thermal stability, compatibility in strongly acidic media, and high-density brines under harsh reservoir conditions. To assess the FBE performance in acidizing formulations (i.e., to serve as both an FBE and retarder), screening studies consisting of static rock dissolution tests and surface tension measurements were performed to downselect FBEs suitable for this application. This was coupled with brine displacement tests in addition to compatibility and stability studies. FBEs that demonstrated superior performance were then selected for further evaluation under reservoir conditions [i.e., core flow matrix acidizing to measure regained permeability and computed tomography (CT) scan for analyzing the wormhole propagation]. The droplet size of the as-prepared nano- and microemulsions was found to be between 10 nm and 850 nm. The FBEs formulated in this study were found to prevent emulsion formation in the presence of condensate and demonstrated remarkable chemical and thermal stability in concentrated acid at temperatures up to 300°F for a duration of up to 24 hours, as confirmed by the consistent low surface tension values (21–29 mN/m). With regard to fluid displacement, column tests performed under ambient conditions revealed quick brine displacement with recovery exceeding 75 vol% in comparison with 16 vol% in the absence of the FBE. Interestingly, the addition of a select FBE from this study to 28 wt% HCl was found to retard the reaction of carbonate dissolution at room temperature. This led us to assess the performance under reservoir conditions utilizing core flow testing. Accordingly, the addition of FBE-F to 28 wt% HCl led to an improvement in permeability by up to 267% as compared with 15% without FBE added. These results are further supported by the CT scan images of the acidized cores, which revealed the formation of a deeper wormhole in the presence of a select FBE.

Milking system and diet forage type effect on milk quality of Italian Holstein-Friesian

Moving from conventional (CMS) to automatic (AMS) milking systems could affect milk quality. Moreover, the type and preservation methods of the forages used in the TMR, such as alfalfa hay (HTMR) or corn silage (STMR) have been demonstrated to modify milk composition. Thus, this study investigated the effect of implementing AMS and different diet forage types on the quality of Italian Holstein-Friesian bulk milk. Milk samples (n = 168) were collected monthly from 21 commercial farms in northern Italy during a period of 8 mo. Farms were categorized into 4 groups according to their milking system (CMS vs. AMS) and diet forage type (HTMR vs. STMR). Milk quality data were analyzed through the mixed procedure for repeated measurement of SAS with the milking system, diet forage type, and sampling day as fixed effects. Milking through the AMS led to lower milk fat, freezing point, and β-LG A; longer coagulation time; and higher K content, pH, and β-LG B than CMS. Cows fed STMR produced milk with greater fat, protein, casein, Mg content, titratable acidity, and β-LG A, but with reduced curd firming time, freezing point, and β-LG B than those fed HTMR. In conclusion, milk quality is not only altered by the diet's forage type and characteristics but also by the milking system.

Influence of Increasing Carcass Weights on Pork Carcass Characteristics and Traditional and Alternative Fabrication Yields

The objective was to characterize the effects of increasing carcass weight on pork carcass characteristics and yields from traditional and alternative fabrication methods, as well as evaluate the size of novel retail cuts. Pigs (n = 85) were slaughtered and divided into 3 hot carcass weight (HCW) categories: Average (99 to 109 kg), Heavy (116 to 126 kg), and Very Heavy (134 to 144 kg). Loin muscle area (LMA) and back fat depth were measured on all carcasses. Paired right and left sides were fabricated traditionally and alternatively (shoulder separation at the 4th/5th rib), respectively. From the alternative side, the serratus ventralis (SV) was removed from the cellar-trimmed butt, and the triceps brachii (TB) was removed from the picnic shoulder. All individual primals and subprimals were weighed for yield calculations. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS including the main effect of weight class, with sex and sire line as fixed blocking effects. Differences were considered significant at P &amp;le; 0.05. Regardless of fabrication method, whole primal and subprimal weights increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in heavier carcass weight classes compared with lighter classes, but when expressed as a percentage of chilled side weight, these increases did not often translate into meaningful differences in distribution of carcass weight. While the alternative shoulder-loin separation reduced loin and belly length, loins and bellies from heavier carcasses weighed more than those from carcasses typically produced in the U.S. pork industry today. Serratus ventralis weight was increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) approximately 0.28 kg from Average to Very Heavy, while the TB weight was increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) approximately 0.24 kg from Average to Very Heavy. At heavier weights, alternative fabrication of carcasses yielded novel cuts from the shoulder including the SV and TB that were of size to warrant further exploration as retail offerings.

Association of liver-abscess presence and severity with trim loss, slaughter yield, carcass grading performance, lung lesions, and value of fed-Holsteins*

ObjectiveOur objective was to evaluate the effects of liver abscesses on carcass characteristics and value of Holstein carcasses. Materials and MethodsFed-Holsteins were evalu- ated at 2 commercial processing facilities in Texas (n = 1,073) and Kansas (n = 1,070) from fall of 2016 through spring of 2017. Liver abscesses were visually assessed and scored; simultaneously, lungs were manually palpated to assess degree of consolidation and fibrin tag formation, to assess their association with liver abnormality. Finally, carcass trim was weighed from carcasses moved off line for zero tolerance trimming. Carcass and viscera values were assigned using USDA market reports and adjusted based on viscera condemnations along with premiums and dis- counts for quality and yield outcomes. Data were analyzed using the MIXED and GENMOD procedures of SAS v9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) with carcass as the experi- mental unit. Results and DiscussionHot carcass weight was re- duced (−25.1 kg, −6.6%) in carcasses that had an ad- hered and open liver abscess as compared with carcasses without abscessed livers. Carcasses with adhered, open, or adhered and open liver scores had increased carcass trim (0.72, 3.92, and 3.39 kg, respectively) when compared with carcasses without abscessed livers (0.38 kg). Similarly, carcasses with adhered, open, or adhered and open liver scores returned gross carcass revenues that were 5.0% to 6.4% less (–$97.69, –$93.86, and –$121.22/carcass, re- spectively) than carcasses without abscessed livers. Liver abscesses reduced gross offal values of individual animals by 20% to 84% depending upon severity. Implications and ApplicationsFed-Holsteins have been a significant portion of the beef industry, even though Holsteins have increased rates of severe liver ab- scesses compared with their non-dairy-reared equivalents. Therefore, methods to control liver abscesses should be employed, to mitigate the greater financial risk that Hol- steins and dairy-reared animals incur to both cattle feeders and beef processors.

Obesity and gestation in Criollo mares: endocrine and metabolic profiles

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of body condition score (BCS) on metabolic and endocrine parameters in pregnant Criollo mares (n=41), which were categorized according to their BCS as obese (7 to 9 BCS, n=26) or normal (5 to 7, n=15). Blood samples were taken during gestation in 3 periods: between 3.5 and 5 months (I), 8 and 9 months (II) and in the last month of gestation (III). The data was analyzed in the statistical model by mixed procedures, including BCS, gestational period and their interaction as fixed effects. BCS was only different in period I, as normal mares increased their BCS in the later periods. Leptin concentrations were greater in obese mares when compared to non-obese mares during all sampling periods (P<0.01), while glucose concentrations were also greater in the former group (P<0.01) but only during the first sampling period. Insulin concentrations and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were greater also in obese mares in periods I and III (P<0.05). Adiponectin concentrations in period I were lower in obese mares (P<0.05). Cholesterol concentrations increased during gestation, and obese mares tended to have greater concentrations than nonobese mares (P<0.1). Triglyceride concentrations were not affected by group or gestational period. This study revealed adaptations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism during gestation in mares. Several parameters are dependent on the degree of body fat reserves, which are reflected in the concentrations of biomarkers such as leptin and adiponectin. Insulin concentration in obese mares was higher than non-obese mares at the end of gestation, a similar profile was observed for HOMA-IR although cutoff values are yet still to be validated.

Physicochemical and antimicrobial characteristics of polypropylene-based nanocomposite containing SiO2-Ag nanoparticles prepared by gamma irradiation

This article evaluates the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties when silver-coated silica (SiO2-Ag) nanoparticles as active nanofiller are incorporated into the polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic matrix. The silica (SiO2) nanoparticles were prepared by precipitation method using sodium silicate. After that, silver-coated silica (SiO2-Ag) nanoparticles were synthesized by gamma radiation technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis clarified the formation of SiO2-Ag nanoparticles. SiO2-Ag nanoparticles has a particle size with an average of 70 nm. The melt mixing procedure operated to fabricate PP thermoplastic nanocomposites with various ratios of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 part per hundred resin (phr) of the SiO2-Ag nanoparticles. To examine the effect of ionizing radiation on the prepared PP/SiO2-Ag nanocomposites, the samples were exposed to 20 kGy of gamma-irradiation. FTIR, XRD, mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were utilized to characterize the physico-chemical alterations of the PP when loaded with SiO2-Ag nanoparticles. It is found that PP/1.0 phr SiO2-Ag nanocomposite revealed superior physico-chemical characteristics than the other two components. The irradiated specimens revealed superior tensile strength (TS) and elastic modulus (EM) over unirradiated ones, whereas inverse effects were predominant in case elongation at break (E%). Tmax of the native PP increased from 335°C to nearly 370°C of PP/1.0 phr SiO2-Ag nanocomposite. It is established that the fabricated PP/SiO2-Ag nanocomposites exhibited potent antimicrobial activity and can be a good candidate for food packaging applications.