MIXED Procedure Research Articles

248 Impacts of sprouted barley on the performance and carcass traits in finishing Angus steers

Abstract The growing population, coupled with unpredictable weather patterns, demands that livestock producers think innovatively to improve sustainability. Producers are interested in innovative practices and technology, such as controlled environment farming to sprout cereal grains that can be fed to livestock. However, little research has determined the effects of giving these feeds to finishing beef steers. As such, Angus steers (n = 60) were stratified by body weight (BW; 385 kg ± 10.3) to receive two different diets (n = 30/diet). The control (CON) diet was a traditional finishing ration for the region, whereas the other included 20% (dry matter; DM) sprouted barley (SB) in place of corn silage. Animals were fed for 128 d in pens with Vytelle units to measure intake and feeding behavior. On d 0, 30, 60, 90, and 128 BW, ruminal fluid, and ultrasound measurements were taken. Liver score (LS) and typical carcass data were collected from a commercial harvest facility. Statistical analyses used the MIXED procedure of SAS to assess the main effect of diet for all measurements collected over time. Dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (gain to feed; G:F), ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) composition, and feeding behavior were run as repeated measures. No differences (P = 0.37) in BW gain were found between steers receiving different diets, but steers receiving SB had decreased (P < 0.0001) DMI throughout the trial compared with CON. This decrease in DMI drove a diet × day effect (P = 0.004) for G:F such that SB had increased (P ≤ 0.04) G:F on d 0 and 60, but no effect (P ≥ 0.52) was observed at d 90 or 128. Steers receiving the CON diet spent more (P < 0.0001) time at the feed bunk than those receiving the SB diet, which supports the observation that steers receiving the CON had an increased DMI. Ruminal pH, total VFA concentration, acetate:propionate, percent propionate, and percent butyrate were each impacted by diet × day (P ≤ 0.007). The only carcass trait impacted by diet was yield grade (YG), where steers receiving the SB diet had an increased (P < 0.03) YG compared with CON. These results demonstrate that replacing corn silage with SB in the ration of finishing steers has some effect on ruminal VFA composition, DMI, G:F, and USDAYG. Due to decreased DMI, SB steers had increased feed efficiency which could potentially have a positive economic impact for producers. However, additional analysis is needed to further determine if these systems are economically viable in a production setting.

363 Effects of supplementation of vitamin B complex on the performance of beef calves during a 42-d preconditioning program

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation of vitamin B complex on post-weaning performance of beef calves. The study was conducted during fall of 2023 at Eastern Oregon Agriculture Research Center (EOARC; Burns, OR). At weaning (d 0), 63 calves [Angus × Hereford; body weight (BW) = 252 ± 3.6 kg] were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) Control, 2) VitB1, or 3) VitB2. Calves assigned to Control treatment served as a negative control and were not supplemented with vitamin B complex. Calves assigned to treatment VitB1 were supplemented at 1g/calf daily, while calves assigned to VitB2 treatment were supplemented at 2g/calf daily of vitamin B complex during the 42 d of preconditioning. Upon weaning processing, calves were allocated to 21 pens (3 calves/pen) and treatments were allocated to each pen (7 pens/treatment). Vitamin B complex [Vivalto, pantothenic acid (B5; 40,000 mg/kg), pyridoxine (B6; 20,000 mg/kg), folic acid (B9; 3,200 mg/kg), biotin (B7; 3,200,000 mcg/kg), cobalamin (B12; 320,000 mcg/kg); Selko USA, Indianapolis, IN] supplementation was offered at pen level beginning on d 1 and until the end of the preconditioning phase (d 42). Vitamin B complex was offered to calves assigned to vitamin B complex treatment mixed with 1.3 kg of dried distiller’s grains. Additionally, calves had free access to chopped alfalfa-grass hay mix and whole corn. Pen intake was recorded daily. On d 0, BW and blood samples were collected from all calves. Additional blood and BW were collected on d 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 42 post-weaning. Body weights were used to calculate calf average daily gain (ADG) and blood samples were assayed for acute phase proteins (ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin). Additional blood samples will be analyzed for cortisol and vitamin B concentrations. Variables were analyzed considering pen as the experimental unit and pen(treatment) as a random effect. Blood variables were evaluated as repeated measures and effects of treatment, day, and treatment the interactions were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. No treatment effects (P = 0.98) were observed for final BW (283, 283, and 284 kg respectively for Control, Vit1, and Vit2) or for ADG (P = 0.53; 0.735, 0.795, and 0.747 kg/d respectively for Control, Vit1, and Vit2). Similarly, no treatment effects were observed for the acute phase proteins analyzed, ceruloplasmin (P = 0.66; 27, 30, and 33 µg/dL respectively for Control, Vit1, and Vit2) and haptoglobin (P = 0.41; 0.55, 0.62, and 0.59 mg/mL, respectively for Control, Vit1, and Vit2). Supplementation of vitamin B complex to beef calves post-weaning does not seem to affect calf performance, regardless of the level of supplementation.

68 Wildfire smoke simulations and the effects of smoke exposure on cattle acute phase protein response

Abstract The incidence of and acreage burned by wildfires are globally increasing, with predictions of more devastating fires in the future. The impacts of wildfire smoke exposure on have been of research interest over the years, although the scope of the literature is limited. Evaluating the effects of wildfire smoke exposure is challenging because of the unpredictability of fires, limiting the ability of researchers to evaluate this phenomenon. For this study, a wildfire smoke simulation was created to evaluate the effects of smoke exposure on beef cattle health, performance, and behavior. Heifers [n = 8 Angus x Hereford; body weight (BW) = 532 kg; 8 mo of age) were acclimated to individual pens in a completely closed barn for 7 d (d -7 to -1). Heifers were maintained in the barn for 36 d and exposed to wildfire smoke simulation for 7 consecutive days (d 0 to 7) while inside the barn. Heifers were individually fed alfalfa hay ad libitum, and feed intake was recorded daily. Health scores were collected daily from each heifer by 4 trained technicians, and blood samples were collected weekly for evaluation of acute phase proteins, cytokines, hormones, and hematology. Heifer behavior was recorded continuously using 4 cameras for the length of the study. Air quality was monitored daily every 1 min, using 2 air quality monitors. Preliminary data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS. Heifers were considered the experiment unit serving as its own control, where variables were analyzed over time. Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Air quality, assessed with PM2.5, changed over time (P < 0.0001), reaching a daily average of 159 µg/m3 during the smoke simulation period. Although the air quality daily average was above the EPA standard (35 µg/m3), the smoke dissipated during the day, leading to wide variation in the 24 h-cycle (7.60 to 433 µg/m3; P < 0.0001), which might not truly represent air quality conditions during wildfires. Regardless, heifer plasma ceruloplasmin concentration increased over time (P = 0.05), reaching a peak during smoke exposure (29 mg/mL), which was maintained (P = 0.39; 27 mg/mL) for 1 wk post-smoke exposure before returning to nadir (23 mg/mL). An increase in acute phase proteins stimulated by smoke exposure has been observed in cattle naturally exposed to wildfires. Therefore, exposure to wildlife smoke might elicit an inflammatory response, potentially leading to reduced cattle performance, which could be accompanied by changes in behavior. This research was supported by the intramural research program of the USDA-NIFA, Award #2023-68008-39173.

Influence of aggregate size on pervious concrete properties with and without construction and demolition waste

This research evaluates the impact of aggregate sizes on pervious concrete properties, comparing aggregates of 12.5 mm and 19 mm, as well as replacing natural aggregates with recycled aggregates set at 0% and 50%. Four types of pervious concrete were produced, and their properties were determined: density, porosity, permeability coefficient, compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, and abrasion resistance. The results indicate that water permeability is directly related to pore size and is influenced by aggregate size (90% of the variation in pervious concrete permeability) and, to a lesser extent, by recycled aggregate content (10% of the variation). Mixes with larger aggregates (19 mm) demonstrated higher permeability coefficients. Replacing natural aggregates with recycled aggregate did not significantly affect the mechanical properties of pervious concrete, highlighting the effectiveness of waste processing and mixing procedures, allowing for the incorporation of 50% of recycled aggregate. The concretes met the requirements of the American Concrete Institute, suggesting technically feasible conditions for sustainable practices in the construction industry.

Sward type alters enteric methane emissions, nitrogen output and the relative abundance of the rumen microbial ecosystem in sheep.

Observed improvements in animal and sward performance, coupled with a desire for more sustainable pasture-based feeding systems, has triggered a surge in the implementation of more botanically diverse pastures. However, thus far, there has been limited research investigating the effects of botanically diverse sward types on enteric methane (CH4) or nitrogen (N) excretion, alongside the ruminal microbiota and fermentation profile, in sheep. Hence, this study investigates the effect of sward type on CH4 production and N excretion, in addition to assessing the rumen microbiome, volatile fatty acid proportions, and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration in sheep. A 5 × 5 Latin square design experiment was implemented to investigate 5 dietary treatments; perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.; PRG) only or PRG plus white clover (Trifolium repens L.; PRG + WC), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.; PRG + RC), chicory (Chicorium intybus L.; PRG + Chic) or plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.; PRG + Plan). Diets were mixed at a ratio of 75% PRG and 25% of the respective companion forage and 100% PRG for the PRG treatment, on a dry matter basis. Twenty castrated male sheep were housed in metabolism crates across 5 feeding periods. Methane measurements were acquired utilizing portable accumulation chambers. Rumen fluid was harvested using a transoesophageal sampling device. Microbial rumen DNA was extracted and subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and fermentation analysis. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS. Results show that animals consuming PRG + WC ranked lower for CH4 production (g/d) than sheep offered PRG, PRG + Chic or PRG + Plan (P < 0.01) while the addition of any companion forage ranked CH4 yield (g/kg dry matter intake (DMI)) lower (P < 0.001) than PRG. There was a moderate positive correlation between DMI and CH4 (g/d; r = 0.51). Ruminal NH3-N was lowest in animals consuming the PRG diet (P < 0.01). There was a greater abundance of Methanobrevibacter and reduced abundance of Methanosphaera (P < 0.001) in sheep offered PRG, compared with any binary sward. On average, herb diets (PRG + Chic or PRG + Plan) reduced the urinary nitrogenconcentration of sheep by 34% in comparison to legume diets (PRG + WC or PRG + RC) and 13% relative to the PRG diet (P < 0.001). Sheep offered PRG + Chic had a greater dietary nitrogen use efficiency than PRG + RC (P < 0.05). This study demonstrates the potential for sward type to influence rumen function and the microbial community, along with CH4 and N output from sheep.

An Algorithm for Nutrient Mixing Optimization in Aquaponics

Controlled environment agriculture is a promising alternative to conventional production methods, as it is less affected by climate change and is often more sustainable, especially in circular and recycling frameworks such as aquaponics. A major cost factor in such facilities, however, is the need for skilled labor. Depending on available resources, there are endless possibilities on how to choose ingredients to realize a desired nutrient solution. At the same time, the composition of the desired solution is subject to fluctuations in fish water quality, fertilizer availability, weather, and plant development. In high-evaporation scenarios, e.g., summer, nutrient solutions might be mixed multiple times per day. This results in a complex, multi-variable task that is time-consuming to solve manually, yet requires frequent resolution. This work aims to help solve this challenge by providing methods to automate the nutrient mixing procedure. A simple mass-balance-based model of a nutrient mixing tank with connections to different water sources, drains, and fertilizers is provided. Using methods of static optimization, a program was developed which, in consideration of various process constraints and optimization variables, is able to calculate the necessary steps to mix the desired solution. The program code is provided in an open-source repository. The flexibility of the method is demonstrated in simulation scenarios. The program is easy to use and to adapt, and all necessary steps are explained in this paper. This work contributes to a higher automation level in CEA.

Effects of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on performance, blood parameters, fecal characteristics, rumen morphometrics, and intestinal gene expression in finishing beef bulls.

We evaluated the effects of supplementing direct-fed microbials (DFM), containing Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis, on performance, rumen morphometrics, intestinal gene expression, and blood and fecal parameters in finishing bulls. Nellore × Angus bulls (n = 144; initial BW = 401 ± 45.5kg) were distributed at random in 36 pens (4 bulls/pen and 18 pens/treatment), following a completely randomized design. A ground corn-based finishing diet was offered for ad libitum intake twice a day for 84 d, containing the following treatments: 1) control (without DFM); 2) DFM (B. licheniformis and B. subtilis) at 6.4 × 109 CFU (2g) per animal. The data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with a pen representing an experimental unit, the fixed effect of the treatment, and the random effect of pen nested within the treatment. For fecal parameters (two collections made), the collection effect and its interaction with the treatment were included in the model. Bulls that received the DFM had a decreased dry matter intake (P ≤ 0.01), did not differ in average daily gain (2.05kg; P = 0.39), and had a 6% improvement in gain:feed (P = 0.05). The other performance variables, final BW, hot carcass weight, and hot carcass yield, did not differ (P > 0.10). Plasma urea-N concentration decreased by 6.2% (P = 0.02) in the bulls that received DFM. Glucose, haptoglobin, and lipopolysaccharides were not different between treatments (P > 0.10). Ruminal morphometrics were not affected by the treatment (P > 0.10). The use of DFM tended to reduce fecal starch (P = 0.10). At slaughter, bulls fed DFM had an increased duodenal gene expression of tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (P = 0.02) and of superoxide dismutase-1 (P = 0.03). Overall, supplementation with DFM based on B. licheniformis and B. subtilis to Nellore × Angus bulls in the finishing phase decreased dry matter intake, did not influence ADG, improved gain:feed, and increased the expression of genes important for duodenal function.

Charge transport properties and photostability of microcrystalline cellulose derived from Gigantochloa scortechinii-supported ZnO for enhanced acetaminophen degradation

A facile chemical mixing procedure was utilized to fabricate microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) derived from Gigantochloa scortechinii-supported ZnO photocatalysts, with different MCC content. The successful incorporation of ZnO onto the MCC surfaces was characterized by multitudinous characterization techniques. The photocatalytic evaluation studies were carried out under a very low UVC light intensity (9 W) against acetaminophen (ACE) in the aqueous solution. The MCC-supported ZnO (0.5:1) composites photocatalyst demonstrated a rapid and enhanced performance within 180 min under normal conditions, with a two-time higher value of rate constant k (1.12 ×10−2 min−1) as compared to pristine ZnO. The improved efficiency under UVC irradiation was associated with the excellent separation capability of photoexcited charge carriers, ease of electron migration, and electrons’ mediators by the MCC in the composite photocatalyst, as demonstrated by the band gap and photoluminescence analyses. The major reactive species were found to be hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and photoexcited holes (h+). The best photocatalyst has high photostability since it can be recycled up to five times towards ACE degradation without any regeneration step.

Enabling Si‐Dominant Anodes: Influence of Neutralization Degree of Polyacrylic Acid on Low‐Cost Micron‐Sized Silicon Anode in High‐Energy Li‐Ion Full Cell

AbstractMicron‐sized silicon is a promising low‐cost, abundant material to increase the energy density of lithium‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, significant volume change and therefore excessive solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) growth lead to fast capacity fading. In this work, polyacrylic acid (PAA) with different neutralization degrees is used for the fabrication of Si anodes for practical applications. The electrochemical performance in full pouch cells reveals that the increase in neutralization degree of PAA up to 70 % enhances the overall performance by improved electrode properties, higher first cycle efficiency (FCE up to 78.1 % at C/3) and better capacity retention (85.4 % after 150 cycles at 1 C) over cycling, while with even higher neutralization degrees (such as 80 %) the performance declines. Since proper mixing of the slurry is another important factor, we optimized the mixing procedure by increasing the solid content of the slurry, which has shown positive influence on the electrochemical performance and electrode properties. To summarize, this work shows full cell 1 C cycling until capacity retention of 85 % after 150 cycles with pure Si microparticle anodes for 70 % neutralized PAA as well as increased C‐rate performance up to 5 C. Post‐mortem, less degradation on electrode and particle level is observed.

Impact of lowering nitrogen content in pig manure through low crude protein diets on anaerobic digestion process stability, biogas yields, and digestate composition

Lowering crude protein in pig diets can reduce nitrogen (N) excretion and alter manure characteristics. Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers potential for converting pig manure into biogas and bio-based fertilizers (i.e., digestate). However, limited research exists on the effects of N content in pig manure on AD when pigs are fed diets with varying crude protein levels. This study investigated how lowering N content in pig manure through low crude protein diets may affect AD process stability, biogas generation, and digestate properties. Manures from different dietary treatments, named as control (CON), low N (LN), and very low N (VLN), with Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen concentrations of 5.87, 5.42, and 5.15 g/L, respectively, were investigated. Daily biogas production, composition (CH4, CO2, and H2S), and digestate properties were monitored over 13 fed-batch cycles (25 ± 4 days per cycle). The experiment was conducted at 20 ± 1 °C, a condition suited for milder climate regions, using six single-stage digesters operated in sequencing fed-batch mode. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using PROC MIXED with repeated measures. Results showed that the differences in N content in pig manure due to the three dietary treatments had a limited impact on biogas generation, with specific methane yields remaining similar over time. CH4 concentrations remained stable between 60 and 65 %, ensuring high-quality biogas despite dietary variations. Differences between treatments became more pronounced with increased organic loading rates (OLRs) due to variations in the amount of volatile solids fed. AD also remained stable (Total Volatile Fatty Acids/Total Alkalinity <0.25) even at an OLR of 2.15 g of chemical oxygen demand L−1 day−1, highlighting AD's robustness at lower temperatures. Digestate samples contained essential minerals beneficial for plant growth. More research is needed to explore varied manure compositions and feeding strategies to better understand the interactions of animal nutrition with AD.

Evaluation of maternal bromoform supplementation in late gestation on blood parameters of cows and their progeny

Bromoform supplementation has been successful in reducing enteric methanogenesis in ruminants; however, the impacts on the health of these animals are still limited. The current study evaluates the impact of maternal bromoform supplementation on the health of late-gestation cows and their progeny. Pregnant Angus cows (n = 42) were allocated into a control or bromoform group (n = 21 cows per treatment). Bromoform extracted from Asparagopsis armata (7,372 mg/kg) was supplemented once daily. Blood samples were collected from cows before supplementation (baseline). Within 24 h of parturition, blood and colostrum samples were collected from each cow and blood from neonates. Colostrum brix was measured to indicate immunoglobulin content. All data was analysed using the MIXED procedure in SAS.Supplementation of cows with bromoform resulted in increased blood urea to creatinine ratio (P = 0.048), base excess (P = 0.049), total carbon dioxide (TCO2; P = 0.048) and a decrease in blood glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH; P = 0.031) compared to the control group. For cows in the bromoform group, a trend was observed for higher levels of partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2; P = 0.070) and bicarbonate (HCO3-; P = 0.052), and lower levels of partial pressure of oxygen (pO2; P = 0.058) compared to the control group. Blood gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was elevated in offspring of cows fed bromoform (P = 0.050). The lower blood pO2 of pregnant cows fed bromoform and elevated blood GGT levels in offspring are not well understood and highlight the need for further investigation. Additionally, the low-dose bromoform supplementation affected various blood gas parameters of cows and calves, demonstrating the importance of monitoring these parameters when using different doses of halogenated compounds in livestock.

Prepartum anti-inflammatory therapies in Holstein dairy cows blocked by parity and body condition score group: Effects on metabolic stress, systemic inflammation, performance, and health

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of prepartum administration of anti-inflammatory therapies on body condition score (BCS), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration, haptoglobin (HP) concentration, milk yield, milk components, rumination time, clinical health events and reproductive performance in Holstein dairy cows. At 14 d before the expected calving date, cows (PAR; n = 170) and heifers (nulliparous [NUL]; n = 63) were blocked by BCS group (optimal = 3-3.5 [OPT]; over-conditioned cows [OVERC; BCS ≥ 3.75 pts.]) and parity (NUL; PAR) and randomly allocated to one of 3 treatment groups: 1) ASA (n = 78): receive one oral administration of acetylsalicylic acid (4 boluses; 480 grain/bolus); 2) MEL (n = 76): receive one oral administration with meloxicam (1mg/kg of BW), or 3) PLC (n = 77): receive one oral treatment with gelatin capsules filled with water. Body condition score was assessed, and blood samples were collected, weekly starting one week before treatment until 3 weeks after calving. Daily milk yields and daily rumination times were collected from on-farm computer records. Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) monthly test data were collected to assess milk yield, somatic cell counts, and milk components. Furthermore, health events, culling rate, and reproductive performance data were collected from on-farm computer records. The data were analyzed using MIXED, GLIMMIX, and LIFETEST procedures of SAS as a randomized complete block design. On average, MEL-NUL cows produced 4.77 ± 0.93 kg/d and 4.81 ± 0.92 kg/d more milk from wk 6 to wk 21 of lactation compared with ASA-NUL and PLC-NUL cows, respectively. Similarly, there was a week by treatment by body condition group interaction (P = 0.01), where OVERC cows treated with MEL produced more milk from wk 10 to wk 15 of lactation compared with ASA- OVERC and PLC-OVERC cows. Parous cows treated with ASA had lower BCS compared with PAR cows treated with MEL or PLC. A lower percentage of OVERC cows treated with ASA became sick in the first 60 DIM compared with MEL- OVERC and PLC- OVERC cows (ASA = 23.88 ± 7.26%, MEL = 46.36 ± 8.57%; PLC = 46.74 ± 8.53%; P = 0.04). Parous cows treated with ASA had (P = 0.03) a higher hazard ratio to become pregnant by 300 DIM compared with PAR MEL cows. Although the study was not sized for finding treatment differences in blocking criteria groups, these results suggest that treatment with prepartum anti-inflammatory therapies may have positive effects on milk yield and postpartum health in specific groups of cows, such as NUL and OVERC cows, while it may not be recommended for other animal categories, such as parous cows and cows with optimal BCS. Larger studies are needed to strengthen the associations observed in this study.

Alterations in one‑carbon metabolism and protein synthesis signals due to methionine supplementation and lipopolysaccharide challenge in Holstein fetal liver explants

One‑carbon metabolism (OCM) fueled by methionine (Met), choline, and folic acid is key for embryo development and fetal growth. We investigated effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation in fetal liver tissue with or without Met on components of OCM and protein synthesis activity. Fetal liver harvested at slaughter from six multiparous pregnant Holstein dairy cows (37 ± 6 kg milk/d, 100 ± 3 d gestation) were incubated (0.2 ± 0.02 g) for 4 h at 37 °C with each of the following: ideal profile of amino acids (control; Lysine:Met 2.9:1), control plus LPS (1 μg/mL), increased Met supply (Met, Lys:Met 2.5:1), and Met+LPS. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial (PROC MIXED, SAS 9.4). Ratios of mechanistic target of rapamycin (p-mTOR:mTOR) and eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (p-eEF2:eEF2) protein were lowest (P < 0.0 5) with LPS and highest with Met. Tissue amino acid concentrations were lowest (P < 0.0 5) with Met regardless of LPS suggesting enhanced use via mTOR. The marked increase (P = 0.02) in phosphorylation of S6 ribosomal protein (p-RPS6) with LPS suggested a pro-inflammatory response that was partly alleviated with Met+LPS. No effect (P = 0.4 5) on methionine adenosyl transferase 1 A (MAT1A) protein abundance was detected. Activity of betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) was greatest with Met, but Met+LPS dampened this effect (P = 0.0 5). Overall, fetal liver responds to inflammatory challenges and Met supply. The latter can stimulate protein synthesis via mTOR and alter some OCM reactions while having a modest anti-inflammatory effect.

A protocol for the longitudinal investigation of cancer related fatigue in head and neck cancer with an emphasis on the role of physical activity.

Cancer related fatigue significantly impairs the ability to undertake sustained physical activity across the domains of daily living, work and recreation. The purpose of this study is to monitor cancer related fatigue and the factors affected or caused by it for 12 months in head and neck cancer patients following their diagnosis. Their perceptions of how fatigue might affect their activity levels in addition to identifying avenues to improve engagement with physical activity will be also explored. A single centre longitudinal mixed-methods study will be conducted. Forty head and neck cancer patients will be recruited over 6 months following the confirmation of their treatment plan, after which fatigue and physical activity will be assessed at four time points over 12 months. Additionally, other factors which influence fatigue such as body composition, blood counts, systemic inflammation levels, haemoglobin concentration, thyroid function, sleep quality, cardiorespiratory fitness and upper and lower extremity strength will be measured to understand how the multifactorial problem of fatigue may evolve over time and influence physical activity levels. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted after treatment completion and at end of twelve months which will analyse the participants fatigue experiences, understand how their perceived fatigue may have impacted physical activity and report the factors which may improve engagement with physical activity during cancer. Quantitative data will be analysed and reported using standard descriptive statistics and post-hoc pairwise comparisons. The changes in outcome measures across time will be analysed using the MIXED procedure in SPSS software. Statistical significance will be accepted at p<0.05. Qualitative data will be analysed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Approach using the NVivo software. The results from this study may help inform the planning and delivery of appropriately timed interventions for the management of cancer related fatigue.

Effects of rumen-protected fat on performance, carcass and meat characteristics, and feeding behaviour of Nellore bulls finished in intensive grazing systems

Context Beef cattle production in the tropics is based on the grazing system. Concentrate supplementation has a significant influence on carcass gain and meat quality. Additionally, the inclusion of some lipid feedstuffs, such as rumen-protected fat (RPF), can increase the net energy for weight gain, and be an alternative to increase the productive performance and carcass traits of grazing beef cattle. Aims This study evaluated the effects of RPF on performance, carcass traits and feeding behaviour of Nellore bulls in an intensive grazing system during the rainy season. Methods Twenty-four Nellore bulls (initial bodyweight of 454.0 ± 46.1 kg) were used in a randomised completed block design, based on initial bodyweight. The animals were distributed in 12 paddocks (two bulls per paddock) in a continuous grazing system and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: control (n = 6), a concentrate without added protected fat provided ad libitum, and RPF (n = 6), a concentrate with the addition of 3% protected fat (Nutricorp, Araras, São Paulo, Brazil) provided ad libitum. Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with paddock as the experimental unit (12 paddocks). The principal model included fixed effect of treatment and block as a random effect. For forage characteristics, the experimental period was a considered fixed effect. The study lasted 105 days, and was divided into four periods. At the end of each period, forage collections were performed, bulls were weighed and feeding behaviour was recorded. After 105 days, the bulls were slaughtered in a commercial slaughterhouse, and three 2.54-cm Longissimus dorsi steaks of each animal were collected to evaluate the colour, the chemical and physical composition, and the sensory analysis of the meat. Keys results The inclusion of RPF in the concentrate did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) the final bodyweight, average daily gain, concentrate intake and feed efficiency, but there was a tendency (P &lt; 0.07) for higher carcass weight for the bulls that received RPF. Bulls supplemented with RPF had a greater (P &lt; 0.05) average carcass gain. For meat quality, an effect (P &lt; 0.01) was observed for hue (25.32 and 27.91 for control and RPF, respectively). Conclusions The addition of 3% RPF in the concentrate ration has the potential to improve carcass traits and meat quality of beef cattle in an intensive pasture finishing system. Implications The inclusion of RPF will increase dietary energy density of grazing beef cattle with a tendency to increase carcass gain. This can be an opportunity to increase the production per animal and income of farmers.

Revisiting unstable disability and the fluctuations of frailty: a measurement burst approach.

It has been hypothesised that frailty is the root cause of clinically observed but rarely systematically measured unstable disability among older adults. In this study, we measure the extent of short-term disability fluctuations and estimate their association with frailty using intensive longitudinal data. Repeated measurements of disability were collected under a measurement burst design in the FRequent health Assessment In Later life (FRAIL70+) study. A total of 426 community-dwelling older adults (70+) in Austria were interviewed about difficulties with basic, instrumental and mobility-related activities of daily living biweekly up to a total of 14 times in two measurement bursts (2891 and 2192 observations). Baseline frailty was assessed with both physical frailty (FP) and the frailty index (FI). Disability fluctuations were measured with the intra-individual interquartile range (iIQR) and estimated with a two-step generalised mixed regression procedure. Fewer participants were frail at baseline according to FP (11%) than FI (32%). Frail study participants reported not only more severe disability but also had more short-term disability fluctuations (iIQR = 1.0-1.5) compared with their robust counterparts (iIQR = 0). Regression models indicated that baseline frailty was associated with 2-3 times larger short-term disability fluctuations, which were also more prevalent among women, and increased with age and disability severity. Compared with those who were robust, frail older adults were characterised by not only more severe but also more unstable disability. Short-term disability fluctuations are closely tied to disability severity. Future studies should assess both stressors that may cause disability fluctuations among frail older adults as well as their potential consequences to inform frailty-centred care.

Effects of Yeast-Enriched Functionalized Canola Meal Supplementation on Apparent Total Tract Macronutrient Digestibility and Fecal Characteristics, Fecal Microbiota, and Immune Function of Healthy Adult Dogs.

Brewer's dried yeast has a high nutritional value and has long been utilized by the animal feed industry as a source of protein, B-complex vitamins, and minerals. Brewer's dried yeast is also rich in bioactive compounds and may thereby be used as a functional ingredient, providing benefits beyond that of its nutrient content. Canola meal is a high-fiber ingredient that also has unique properties, especially when it is wetted and dried using a proprietary drying system that creates a "functionalized" canola meal. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a yeast-enriched functionalized canola meal (FCM) on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and the fecal quality, metabolite concentrations, and microbiota populations, and immune function of healthy adult dogs. Twelve adult female beagles [body weight (BW) = 7.6 ± 0.7kg; age = 5.8 ± 1.3] were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with 28-d periods. Each experimental period consisted of a 22-d adaptation phase, 5 days of total and fresh fecal collection, and blood collection on the last day. To start, all dogs were fed a basal diet to maintain BW for 14 d. Following fecal and blood collections at baseline (-1 d) to confirm health status, experimental periods began testing the following dietary treatments using a Latin square design experiment: 1) FCM only (no yeast inclusion), 2) FCM + low yeast dose, 3) FCM + medium yeast dose, and 4) FCM + high yeast dose. All treatments were top-dressed onto the basal diet at a rate estimated to be 1% of daily intake (as-is basis). Statistical analysis was performed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS with the main effect of treatment and the random effect of dog. Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05, and trends reported if 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Supplementation with yeast-enriched FCM had no significant effect on the ATTD of macronutrients or energy or the fecal characteristics, metabolite concentrations, and microbiota populations of dogs. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in circulating immune cell counts or response to Toll-like receptor agonists among treatments. Our results suggest that the yeast-enriched FCM could be included in canine diets without negatively affecting stool quality, fecal metabolite concentrations, or ATTD. Further research is necessary to determine the effective dose of yeast-enriched FCM, potential mechanisms of action, and other potential implications it has on canine health.

Effects of sanitary conditions with lipopolysaccharide injection and dietary valine supplementation on growth performance, immune response, bacterial profile, and microbial metabolites in weaned pigs

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of dietary L-valine (Val) supplementation and sanitary conditions with lipopolysaccharide injection on growth performance, immune response, and intestinal bacterial profiles and metabolites in weaned pigs. Thirty-two weaned pigs (6.98 ± 0.47 kg) were randomly assigned to treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement based on dietary Val levels and sanitary conditions (low or high). The pigs were fed either a basal diet containing the standard levels of Val suggested by (NRC), (2012) or a basal diet supplemented with 0.1% L-Val. A room designated as a high sanitary room was washed weekly, whereas the designated low sanitary room was not washed throughout the experiment and 5 kg of manure from the nursery pig barn was spread on the pen floors on day 1. All data were analysed using a mixed procedure of SAS, with the individual pen as the experimental unit. The pigs raised in low sanitary conditions exhibited a lower (p < 0.05) average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and gain-to-feed ratio and a higher (p < 0.05) incidence of diarrhoea than those raised in high sanitary conditions during the 14-d experimental period. The pigs in the low sanitary group also had a lower (p < 0.05) concentration of butyrate in the jejunum and a higher (p < 0.05) concentration of NH3-N in the colon than those in the high sanitary group. Dietary Val supplementation was reduced (p < 0.05) plasma interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist concentrations as well as isovalerate and NH3-N concentrations in the colon, regardless of sanitary conditions. Interactions between dietary Val supplementation and sanitary conditions were observed in the abundances of mRNA-encoding β-defensins 113, 125 and 129 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary Val supplementation beneficially modulates inflammatory responses and microbial metabolites regardless of sanitary conditions while transcriptional levels of β-defensins are regulated by dietary Val supplementation in a manner dependent on housing hygiene conditions.

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.