Preconditioning Period Research Articles

140 Effects of ɷ-3 PUFA supplementation during late gestation to first-calf beef heifers on physiological and performance responses of offspring

Abstract The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of ɷ-3 PUFA supplementation to late gestation first-calf beef heifers on milk and immunoglobulin production and performance and physiological responses of the offspring. Non-lactating, pregnant Angus heifers (n = 44) were ranked by age, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) and allocated to receive DDG + 1 of the 2 treatments: 1) 234 g/heifer per feeding of Ca salts of PUFA based on eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids (OMG, Strata; Virtus Nutrition LLC, Corcoran, CA; n = 22), 2) 234 g/heifer per feeding of Ca salts of saturated and monosaturated fatty acids based on palmitic and oleic acids (CON; EnerGII, Virtus Nutrition, LLC; n = 22; Table 1). The animals were gathered each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and individually fed DDG + treatments. Immediately after calving, heifer-calf pairs were removed from their respective treatments and assigned to the general management of the research herd until weaning, which did not include fatty acid supplementation. Calves were transported to a feedyard for a 90-d preconditioning and feedlot receiving period. Initial cow BW and BCS were similar (P ≥ 0.49) among treatments. No differences were also detected (P ≥ 0.33) for BW or BCS change, and at calving BW or BCS (Table 3). No differences were observed between groups for average colostrum composition (P > 0.37). However, there was an increase in colostrum fat percentage (P = 0.03) and a tendency of greater concentration of colostrum IgG (P = 0.08) in OMG heifers compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed among treatments at calving results (P > 0.83; Table 3). However, a tendency was observed for crown to rump measure (P = 0.07). During the preconditioning period, there was a difference among groups for final BW (P = 0.04) and average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.05), remaining throughout the receiving phase among treatments for initial BW (P = 0.04), final BW (P = 0.04) and ADG (P = 0.05). A tendency (P = 0.09) for greater NEFA concentration and greater cortisol concentrations (P = 0.05) was observed in OMG vs. CON cohorts (Table 4, Table 5). Supplementation during late gestating first-calf beef heifers yielded similar outcomes on cow and offspring performance from birth to weaning; however, OMG calves were 6 kg heavier when compared with CON after being fed a high-energy feedlot diet, meaning that ɷ-3 PUFAs supplemented during late gestation might be an alternative to optimize feedlot responses of the offspring.

Untangling the Mistral and Seasonal Atmospheric Forcing Driving Deep Convection in the Gulf of Lion: 1993–2013

AbstractDeep convection occurs periodically in the Gulf of Lion, in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea, driven by the seasonal atmospheric change and Mistral winds. To determine the variability and drivers of both forcings, multiple 1 year ocean simulations were run, spanning from 1993 to 2013. Two sets of simulations were performed: a control and seasonal set, the first forced by unfiltered atmospheric forcing and the other by filtered forcing. The filtered forcing was bandpass filtered, retaining the seasonal and intraday aspects but removing the high frequency phenomena. Comparing the two sets allows for distinguishing the effects of the high frequency component of the Mistral on the ocean response. During the preconditioning phase, the seasonal forcing was found to be the main destratifying process, removing on average 46% of the stratification needed for deep convection to occur, versus the 28% removed by the Mistral. Despite this, each forcing triggered deep convection in roughly half of the deep‐convection events. Sensible and latent heat fluxes were found to be the main drivers of the seasonal forcing during deep‐convection years, removing 0.17 and 0.43 m2s−2 of stratification, respectively. They were themselves driven by increased wind speeds, believed to be the low frequency signal of the Mistral, as more Mistral events occur during deep‐convection winters (34% vs. 29% of the preconditioning period days). An evolving seasonal forcing in a changing climate may have significant effects on the future deep convection cycle of the western Mediterranean Sea.

Comparison between a complete preconditioning programme and conventional conduct on behaviour, health and performance of young bulls from small cow-calf herds

Bovine respiratory diseases (BRDs) have major socioeconomic impacts in the beef sector. Antimicrobials have been traditionally used to prevent the development of BRDs upon arrival in fattening units. Currently, from a “One Health and One Welfare” perspective, alternative solutions are being investigated. Preconditioning programmes that aim at reducing stress and reinforcing immune functions have been proposed to decrease BRDs incidence. In this study, we assessed the effect of a preconditioning protocol set up in nine commercial beef herds on young bulls’ behaviour, health, and performance. Preconditioned bulls (PREC) were weaned indoors 50 days before departure, and progressively fed a concentrate diet supplemented with vitamins and trace elements. They also received an anthelmintic treatment, and two doses of a trivalent vaccine against respiratory pathogens at 4-week intervals. In contrast, controls (CTRL) were kept on pasture with their dams with no vaccination or particular diets. All calves were transported together to a single sorting facility to be sorted by experimental groups, origins, and BW, forming new groups before dispatch to four fattening units. At arrival, CTRL were treated with anthelmintic drugs and received one injection of the same BRDs vaccine. No intervention was performed on PREC bulls. BRD-scores were 0.73 in PREC versus 0.07 in CTRL (P = 0.01) during the preconditioning period and 0.96 in PREC versus 0.54 in CTRL (P = 0.41) after 15 days in the fattening units. Morbidity estimates were 18% in PREC versus 1% in CTRL (P < 0.001) during the preconditioning period and 32% in PREC versus 19% (P = 0.07) in CTRL after 15 days in the fattening units. Poor housing conditions during preconditioning and a different aetiology could partly explain these results. At arrival to fattening, the average daily gain (ADG) was 1 605 g for PREC versus 1 140 g (P = 0.012) for CTRL. After fattening for 180 days, differences in BW, ADG, carcass weight and conformation were inconclusive. In Europe, preconditioning programmes including vaccination must be set up coherently with good husbandry practices and with a global adaptation of batch management of the beef sector otherwise, they may be less effective than expected.

Unlocking protein-based biomarker potential for graft-versus-host disease following allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplants.

Despite the numerous advantages of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (allo-HSCT), there exists a notable association with risks, particularly during the preconditioning period and predominantly post-intervention, exemplified by the occurrence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Risk stratification prior to symptom manifestation, along with precise diagnosis and prognosis, relies heavily on clinical features. A critical imperative is the development of tools capable of early identification and effective management of patients undergoing allo-HSCT. A promising avenue in this pursuit is the utilization of proteomics-based biomarkers obtained from non-invasive biospecimens. This review comprehensively outlines the application of proteomics and proteomics-based biomarkers in GVHD patients. It delves into both single protein markers and protein panels, offering insights into their relevance in acute and chronic GVHD. Furthermore, the review provides a detailed examination of the site-specific involvement of GVHD. In summary, this article explores the potential of proteomics as a tool for timely and accurate intervention in the context of GVHD following allo-HSCT.

Multiple administrations of bovine-appeasing substance during a 42-d preconditioning program followed by feedlot receiving and its effects on physiologic, health, and performance responses of feeder cattle.

This experiment evaluated the effects of multiple bovine-appeasing substance (BAS) administration during a 42-d preconditioning program followed by a feedlot receiving period on productivity, health, and physiological variables of feeder cattle. Ninety calves were weaned, weighed, loaded into a livestock trailer, transported for 70 km, and unloaded at the Bozeman Agricultural Research and Teaching Farm for a 42-d preconditioning program. Upon arrival, calf body weight (BW) was recorded again, and both pre- and post-transport BWs were averaged and used as calf weaning initial BW. Calves were ranked by BW, sex, and age in a completely randomized design and assigned to receive 1) multiple administrations of BAS at weaning (day 0), days 14, 28, and before transport and feedlot entry (day 42; BAS; RSEA Group, Quartier Salignan, France; n = 9 pens/treatment), or 2) placebo (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; CON; n = 9 pens/treatment). Treatments (5mL) were applied to the nuchal skin area of each animal during the preconditioning period. Calves within treatment groups were ranked again by initial BW, sex, and age, in a manner that pens have similar initial BW, age, and three steers and two heifers and allocated to 1 of the18 drylot pens. On day 42, calves were combined within the treatment group, loaded into two different single double-deck commercial livestock trailers, and transported for 1,000 km (approximately 16h). Upon arrival (day 43), calves were unloaded at the same feedyard. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 43, 46, 50, 57, 64, and 90. Average daily gain, final BW, and feed efficiency did not differ (P > 0.52) between BAS and CON calves in the preconditioning and receiving phases. A treatment × day interaction was detected (P < 0.001) for plasma haptoglobin concentrations, which was greater (P < 0.01) in CON on days 3 and 7 vs. BAS calves. During the preconditioning phase, serum NEFA concentration was reduced (P < 0.01) in BAS on day 3 compared with CON calves. A treatment × day interaction was detected (P = 0.001) for exit velocity, which was greater (P < 0.001) for CON vs. BAS calves on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 during the preconditioning phase and on day 46 of the receiving phase. Therefore, Applications of BAS reduced immunological responses and exit velocity associated with stress caused by management practices, but did not improve performance during the preconditioning and receiving phases.

Effects of electrolyte supplementation on performance and physiological responses of preconditioning beef calves.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of electrolyte solution supplementation on the performance and physiological responses of beef calves during a 45-d preconditioning phase. Forty Angus × Hereford steers (230.4 ± 4.8kg body weight [BW]) were sorted into 20 pens (2 steers/pen) following weaning (day 0). Treatments were randomly assigned to pens: (1) control: access to water only and (2) electrolyte: access to water and electrolyte solution supplementation (10% of total daily water intake) from days 1 to 14. Calf BW and blood samples were collected on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 44 of the study. Blood samples were analyzed for sodium, potassium, albumin, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and cortisol. All variables were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Electrolyte solution consumption was estimated at 0.70kg/calf daily (SEM ± 0.21). Calves assigned to the Electrolyte treatment had greater water and total liquid intake than control (P < 0.05). No effects of treatment were observed on ADG or BW (P > 0.05). Effects of day (P < 0.004), but not treatment or treatment × day were observed for sodium, potassium, albumin, cortisol, ceruloplasmin, and haptoglobin. Electrolyte solution supplementation during the preconditioning period did not improve performance nor influenced stress-related markers, however improved liquid intake.

Dimethyl Fumarate Preconditioning can Reinforce the Therapeutic Potential of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells through Trophic Factor Profile Enhancement.

Numerous studies have confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in addressing neurologic disorders. To date, several preconditioning strategies have been designed to improve the therapeutic potential of these stem cells. This study was designed to evaluate the preconditioning effect of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on the expression of main trophic factors in human BM-MSCs. Initially, the identity of stem cells was confirmed through the evaluation of surface markers and their capacity for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation using flow cytometry and differentiation assay, respectively. Subsequently, stem cells were subjected to different concentrations of DMF for 72 hours and their viability was defined by MTT assay. Following 72-hour preconditioning period with 10 µM DMF, gene expression was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Our findings demonstrated that the isolated stem cells expressed cardinal MSC surface markers and exhibited osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential. MTT results confirmed that 10 µM DMF was an optimal dose for maintaining cell viability. Preconditioning of stem cells with DMF significantly upregulated the expression of BDNF, NGF, and NT-3. Despite a slight increase in transcript level of GDNF and VEGF after DMF preconditioning, this difference was not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that DMF preconditioning can enhance the expression of major neurotrophic factors in human BM-MSCs. Given the curative potential of both BM-MSCs and DMF in various neurological disease models and preconditioning outcomes, their combined use may synergistically enhance their neuroprotective properties.

Reciprocal stream–riparian fluxes: effects of distinct exposure patterns on litter decomposition

Resource fluxes at the stream–riparian interface are a vital contributor to both systems’ energy budgets. The effect of distinct litter exposure patterns—direction of the riparia–stream movement and duration of exposure at each habitat—however, remains to be elucidated. In this field experiment, oak leaves in fine and coarse mesh bags were either exposed to a stream-to-riparia or riparia-to-stream movement sequence for distinct periods (2:6, 4:4, or 6:2 weeks). After 8 weeks, ash-free mass loss, microbial activity, and fungal biomass were compared in leaves undergoing inverse movement sequences (e.g., 2-week exposure to the riparian area at the beginning vs. end of the colonization period). Mass loss in coarse mesh bags was negatively affected when leaves were previously exposed to a short (2 weeks) terrestrial pre-conditioning period, despite higher microbial activity and fungal biomass, when compared to the inverse movement. This effect on mass loss was neutralized by longer terrestrial exposures that likely allowed for a more thorough conditioning of the leaves, through extended leaching and terrestrial microbial colonization. Our results suggest that terrestrial pre-conditioning periods of < 2 weeks lead to litter-quality legacy effects in tough leaves, to which aquatic communities respond through lower substrate degradation efficiency, hindering stream decomposition. Contrastingly, oak aquatic pre-conditioning, regardless of duration, provides riparian communities with a high-quality resource, promoting litter processing through grazing behavior. As climate-induced hydrological shifts may result in altered provision/quality of detritus subsidies at the stream–riparia interface, we suggest that assessments of decomposition dynamics should consider the entire litter conditioning history.

DESEMPENHO FISIOLÓGICO DE SEMENTES DE CULTIVARES SOJA CONVENCIONAL EM FUNÇÃO DO TAMANHO E TEOR DE UMIDADE NA GERMINAÇÃO

Quality test protocols for soybean seeds recommend a period of soaking and preconditioning without detailing the size of the seeds to be evaluated, as seeds of different sizes reach different degrees of humidity in each period owing to differences in their initial moisture level and size. Determining the degree of seed moisture during the preconditioning period is important when conducting accelerated aging, tetrazolium, and primary root protrusion tests. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological performance of two conventional soybean cultivars (BRS 284 and BRS 511) with three seed sizes (6.0, 6.5, and 7.0 mm) and three moisture levels, adjusted to 10%, 12%, and 14% and a control condition with 8.8% moisture. The experimental design was a randomized block scheme in a factorial arrangement of (3×3)+1 involving seed size and moisture. Regardless of the cultivar and moisture content, seeds with large diameters were more resistant to changes, such as accelerated aging, and resulted in larger seeds and higher numbers of developed seedlings than seeds with small diameters.

A high-resolution study of planktonic foraminifera during the Holocene at the Tilos-Symi sea basin in the SE Aegean Sea

High-resolution data for planktonic foraminifera and their groups of ecological interest, including Herbivores and Carnivores, combined with benthic foraminifera and a great variety of biogeochemical indices from the SE Aegean sediment core ST5, contribute to a detailed study concerning major and minor climatic episodes during Holocene. The ST5 sediment record, retrieved from the Tilos-Symi marine basin, evidences the impact of the nearby land, the local climate, and the Rhodes Gyre imprint on the eastern Mediterranean water circulation. Pronounced environmental changes are detected during a preconditioning period of ~400 years before the onset of sapropel S1 deposition and during the deposition phases S1a (10.0–8.4 ka BP) and S1b (8.0–6.1 ka BP). Major freshwater influx episodes (10.5 ka BP, 9.2–8.9 ka BP, 7.4 ka BP, 4.5–4.3 ka BP, and few additional during the Late-Holocene) are revealed, prominent oxygen deficiency time intervals (including a distinct brief anoxic period) as well as several drier, cooler and warmer climatic events. Herbivore planktonic foraminifera alternate their dominance with the Carnivores at the preconditioning period before the S1 onset and at the Late-Holocene (2.0–1.5 ka BP) when conditions of good seawater circulation, oxygenation, and productivity alternate with stratified low oxygenation waters and high freshwater influx from the land.

Effect and safety of 10-day decitabine-containing conditioning regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 31 patients with acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome

Objective: To investigate the early effect and safety of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with a 10-day decitabine-containing conditioning regimen in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) /myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) . Methods: From April 2021 to May 2022, 31 AML/MDS patients who received allo-HSCT with a 10-day decitabine-containing conditioning regimen were analyzed. Results: AML (n=10), MDS-AML (n=6), CMML-AML (n=1), and MDS (n=14) were identified in 31 patients, 16 males, and 15 females, with a median age of 41 (20-55) yr. Neutrophils and platelets were successfully implanted in 31 patients (100%), with a median implantation duration of 12 (9-30) and 14 (9-42) days, respectively. During the preconditioning period, 16 patients (51.6%) developed oral mucositis, with 15 cases of Ⅰ/Ⅱ grade (48.4%) and one case of Ⅲ grade (3.2%). After transplantation, 13 patients (41.9%) developed CMV viremia, six patients (19.4%) developed hemorrhagic cystitis, and four patients (12.9%) developed a local infection. The median time of acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) following transplantation was 33 (12-111) days. The cumulative incidence of aGVHD and Ⅲ/Ⅳ grade aGVHD was 41.9% (95% CI 26.9%-61.0%) and 22.9% (95% CI 13.5%-47.5%), respectively. There was no severe cGVHD, and mild and moderate chronic GVHD (cGVHD) incidence was 23.5% (95% CI 12.1%-43.6%). As of November 30, 2022, only one of the 31 patients had relapsed, with a 1-yr cumulative relapse rate (CIR) of 3.2% (95% CI 0.5%-20.7%). There was only one relapse patient death and no non-relapse deaths. The 1-yr overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 92.9% (95% CI 80.3%-100%) and 96.8% (95% CI 90.8%-100%), respectively. Conclusions: A 10-day decitabine-containing conditioning regimen for allo-HSCT reduced relapse and was safe and feasible in treating AML/MDS.

Abstract LB094: Arginine pre-conditioning improves T-cell potency and metabolic fitness measured by real-time impedance and seahorse assays

Abstract Background: Enhanced T cell performance and fitness are imperative for the success of adoptive T cell-based therapies. Beyond the types of genetic modifications to CAR/TCR T cells, there is a growing body of literature demonstrating that relatively simple preconditioning protocols can also be used to improve T cell fitness/function. We studied, the impact that preconditioning in elevated concentrations of leucine, glutamine, and arginine has on the killing efficacy and bioenergetics of MART-1-specific TCR T cells. Methods: Using the Agilent xCELLigence RTCA eSight and Seahorse we assessed the killing efficiency and bioenergetics of engineered T-cells after Arginine, Glutamine, and Leucine pre-conditioning using MART-1 specific TCR T cells. CD3+ T-cells (Hemacare, Seattle, WA) were transduced with retrovirus SAMEN-DMF5 with a CD34 marker gene, against MART-1. The T cells were pre-conditioned in a range of concentrations varying between 0-6mM for 7 days, followed by a killing assay using MART-1 expressing melanoma cell line as target cells (624.38) engineered to express a red-fluorescent nuclear protein. The comparison was made with transduced T-cells grown in RPMI (no added amino acid supplementation denoted as RPMI_TCR), RPMI supplemented with Arginine (Arg_TCR) and non-transduced T cells. The T cell killing was measured using impedance/imaging-based assays. CD34 assessment was performed using Novocyte and SRC (spare respiratory capacity) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were measured using seahorse assays. Results: Whereas supplementing the growth medium with 6 mM Arginine increased killing efficacy dramatically (up to ∼6-fold), elevated leucine and glutamine concentrations were found to have minimal impact on MART-1 TCR T cell killing of melanoma cells. Arginine (6 mM) supplementation increased basal respiration, ATP linked OCR, and maximal respiration compared to the RPMI control. SRC of Arg_TCR T cells was significantly higher than RPMI preconditioned T cells, a parameter previously correlated with T cell persistence. To check the effect of a shortened pre-conditioning period, 2, and 4 days of pre-conditioning were done along with the 7 days method. After a preconditioning step of only 2 days, Arginine preconditioned T cells acquired a killing efficacy that is &amp;gt;2x higher compared to their counterparts RPMI_TCR T cells. Extending the duration of preconditioning from 2 to 4 days has minimal impact on the RPMI control T cells but more than doubles the killing efficacy of the high Arg grown T cells. Conclusions: In conclusion, Arginine pre-conditioning significantly improved T cell potency and mitochondrial respiration through metabolic rewiring. Citation Format: Rashmi R. Pillai, Xiaoyu Zhang, Yama Abassi, Brandon Lamarche, Mark M. Garner. Arginine pre-conditioning improves T-cell potency and metabolic fitness measured by real-time impedance and seahorse assays [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr LB094.

2 Effects of Multiple Bovine Appeasing Substance Administration During a 42-Day Preconditioning Program on Physiologic, Health, and Performance Responses of Feeder Cattle

Abstract This experiment evaluated the effects of multiple bovine appeasing substance administration during a 42-day preconditioning program followed by feedlot receiving period on productivity, health, and physiological variables of feeder cattle. Ninety recently weaned calves were obtained from Red Bluff Ranch (Norris, MT). All calves were weaned and weighed (prior to transport). Calves were loaded into a livestock trailer, transported for 70 km, and unloaded at the Bozeman Agricultural Research and Teaching Farm for a 42-day preconditioning program. Upon arrival, calf body weight was recorded, and both pre- and post-transport body weight were averaged and used as calf weaning initial body weight. Calves were sorted by body weight, sex, and age, and assigned to receive 1) multiple administration of bovine appeasing substance at weaning (d0), d 14, 28, and before transport and feedlot entry (d 42; BAS; RSEA Group, Quartier Salignan, France), or 2) placebo (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; CON). Treatments (5 mL) were applied topically to the nuchal skin area of each animal every 14 d during the preconditioning period. Calves within treatment groups were ranked by initial BW, sex, and age, and allocated to 1 of 18 drylot pens. On day 42, calves were combined within treatment group, loaded into 2 different single double-deck commercial livestock trailers, and transported for 1000 km (approximately 16 h). Upon arrival (day 43), calves were unloaded at the same feedyard and with the same pen distribution used prior to transport and fed ad libitum a TMR diet. Blood samples were collected on day 0 (weaning), 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42 (prior transport), 43 (feedlot arrival), 46, 50, 57, 64 and 90. Average daily gain and final BW did not differ (P &amp;gt; 0.52) between BAS and CON calves in both the preconditioning and receiving phases. No treatment effects were also detected (P &amp;gt; 0.44) for daily TMR intake in any of the phases. Overall feed efficiency did not differ between BAS and CON calves (P &amp;gt; 0.54). No treatment effects were detected (P = 0.98) for plasma concentrations of cortisol. A treatment × day interaction was detected (P &amp;lt; 0.001) for plasma haptoglobin concentrations, which was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in CON on day 3 and 7 vs. BAS calves. Therefore, multiple applications of BAS mitigated an acute-phase response associated with accumulative stress caused by weaning, transport, and vaccination.

Supranutritional Selenium-Yeast Supplementation of Beef Cows during the Last Trimester of Pregnancy Results in Higher Whole-Blood Selenium Concentrations in Their Calves at Weaning, but Not Enough to Improve Nasal Microbial Diversity.

Simple SummaryWe previously showed that feeding selenium-enriched alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves diversified the nasal microbiome and improved health and growth in the feedlot, resulting in greater carcass weight and quality at slaughter. The objective of the current study was to see whether selenium supplementation of dams during various pregnancy trimesters similarly improves health and performance. Maternal supranutritional selenium supplementation during pregnancy increases selenium concentrations in calves, but is more effective the shorter the time period between maternal supplementation and assessment. Thus, calves should be fed selenium-enriched forages again at weaning in order to see a benefit in the nasal microbiome abundance and diversity, and consequently, in carcass measurements at slaughter.We previously reported that feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves in a preconditioning program increases whole-blood Se (WB-Se) concentrations and nasal microbiome abundance and diversity during the preconditioning period, decreases morbidity and mortality during the feedlot period, and increases carcass weight and quality at slaughter. The objective of the current study was to see whether similar improvements can be achieved through Se supplementation of dams during various pregnancy trimesters. In a two-year experimental study, 80 Angus-cross cows received once-weekly Se-yeast boluses containing 105 mg of Se, during either the first (TR-1), second (TR-2), or third (TR-3) pregnancy trimester, or were not bolused (CTR). Whole-blood Se concentrations were higher from CTR, to TR-1, to TR-2, and to TR-3 in newborn calves (all p < 0.01). At weaning, only calves from TR-3 mothers had higher WB-Se concentrations compared with calves from CTR mothers (p = 0.02), and no significant differences in nasal microbiome abundance and diversity or nasal microbiota were observed. In the feedlot period, morbidity was low, and no differences were observed. At slaughter, no differences in carcass weight and quality were observed. In conclusion, Se supplementation of pregnant cows is effective for increasing WB-Se concentration of newborn calves, and the increase can be sustained until weaning for calves born to TR-3 dams. However, the increase in WB-Se concentrations is small and does not result in beneficial changes in the nasal microbiome. Thus, calves should be fed Se-biofortified forages again at weaning in a preconditioning program in order to diversify the nasal microbiome prior to entering the feedlot.

Freshwater influx to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea from the melting of the Fennoscandian ice sheet during the last deglaciation

Between the Last Glacial Maximum and the mid-Holocene, the Mediterranean Sea experienced major hydrological changes. The deposition of the last sapropel, S1, during the Early Holocene is a consequence of these changes. In order to cause anoxia in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMS) bottom water, a long preconditioning period of a few thousand years would need to occur throughout the deglaciation prior to S1. It is generally believed that this freshwater was of North Atlantic origin, later supplemented by the African Humid period (AHP). Here, we investigate another potentially important source of freshwater to the EMS: the Fennoscandian ice sheet (FIS) meltwater, running into the Caspian and Black Seas. A few scenarios of continental hydrologic perturbation have been developed to drive a high-resolution Mediterranean Sea general circulation model. We demonstrate that, during the last deglaciation, FIS meltwater flowing into the Black Sea reduced surface salinity and ventilation over the main convection areas in the EMS. By including continental hydrological changes, a more consistent framework is produced to characterize the hydrology of the Mediterranean Sea during the last deglaciation and the Early Holocene.

Design of the spherical agglomerate size in crystallization by developing a two‐step bridging mechanism and the model

AbstractSpherical agglomeration technology can produce high‐performance spherical particles in a single crystallization unit, although it is still challenging to control the particle size and shape. To solve this issue, a two‐step bridging (TSB) mechanism containing a preconditioning period, size period, and shape period is proposed. The dynamic balance among the forces of adhesion, dispersion, and capillary action in the multi‐liquid phases plays a key role. This is fully considered to establish the TSB‐based thermodynamic size model and particle design framework by weighting the force action regions in multi‐liquid phases with dynamic composition. The spherical agglomerates of benzoic acid, celecoxib, and salicylic acid with narrow particle size distributions and tunable particle size ranges of 2000–5000, 800–3500, and 1500–4500 μm, respectively, were designed and prepared successfully, showing good correlation with the calculation, which is superior to the reported methods and indicates that the mechanism has certain universality and guiding significance.

Validation of Pre-Transplant Biomarker Measurement and Risk Score for Non-Relapse Mortality after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT)

Validation of Pre-Transplant Biomarker Measurement and Risk Score for Non-Relapse Mortality after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT)

Performance of Growing Rabbits Fed Graded Levels of Ziziphus mauritiana Leaf Meal in a Diets

Purpose: An eight weeks feeding trail was conducted to evaluate the performance of growing rabbits fed graded levels of Zizipus mauritiana leaf meal in a diet.&#x0D; Methodology: Dietary treatment were designated A, B, C and D which were made up to 100% concentrate, 15%, 30% and 45% Ziziphus mauritiana leaf meal inclusion levels respectively, twenty cross bred growing rabbits of both sexes averaged 72.8g, balanced for weight and were used in a completely randomized experimental design. They were tattooed and randomly allocated to four dietary treatments replicated with seven rabbits. The rabbits were allowed one week pre-conditioning (adaptation) period during which the animals were collected for feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency was calculated.&#x0D; Findings: There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in all the parameters considered. Diet D had the highest significant (p&lt;0.05) effect in terms of weight gain with value of 648g compared to others while the control diet recoded the least value with 436g. similarly, diet D was the most consumed and a significant (p&lt;0.05) difference was observed between diet B and C, with the former having a higher value of 124.86g. the result further revealed that as the level of Ziziphus Mauritian leaf increased in the diets lower values for feed conversion efficiency were obtained.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, policy, and practice: This indicates that supplementation with the test ingredient increases the efficiency with which the dies were utilized. Thus, diet D, with the most favorable results among the treatments groups is superior to others. It is therefore recommended for growing rabbits.&#x0D; Key words: Rabbits, Leaf meal, feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion efficiency

Feeding selenium-biofortified alfalfa hay during the preconditioning period improves growth, carcass weight, and nasal microbial diversity of beef calves.

We previously reported that feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves in a preconditioning program decreases morbidity and mortality during the feedlot period. To understand the mode of action by which supranutritional Se supplementation supports calf health, we examined the effect of agronomic Se-biofortification on nasal microbiome and fecal parasites. Recently weaned Angus-cross beef calves (n = 30) were randomly assigned to two groups and fed an alfalfa hay-based diet for 9 weeks in a preconditioning program. Alfalfa hay was harvested from fields fertilized with sodium selenate at a rate of 0 or 90 g Se/ha. Calculated Se intake from dietary sources was 1.09 and 27.45 mg Se/calf per day for calves consuming alfalfa hay with Se concentrations of 0.06 and 3.47 mg Se/kg dry matter, respectively. Feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay for 9 weeks was effective at increasing whole-blood Se concentrations (556 ± 11 vs 140 ± 11 ng/mL; P < 0.001) and increasing body weight (PTreatment, = 0.03) in weaned beef calves. Slaughter yield grades were higher for calves that had been fed Se-enriched alfalfa hay during the preconditioning period (PTreatment = 0.008). No significant differences were observed in fecal parasite load, which remained low. The nasal microbiome and microbiota diversity within calves and across calves expanded from weaning (week 0) to the feedlot period (week 12), which was promoted by feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay. Especially concerning was the expansion of nasal Mycoplasmataceae in the feedlot, which reached over 50% of the total microbiota in some calves. In conclusion, we identified dietary Se-biofortified alfalfa hay as a potential promoter of nasal microbiome genome and microbiota diversity, which may explain in part high-Se benefits for prevention of bovine respiratory disease complex in beef calves.

Ozonized Water in the Preconditioning of Corn Seeds: Physiological Quality and Field Performance

ABSTRACT Corn is a cereal of great economic and social importance worldwide. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effects on the physiological quality and the performance in the field of corn seeds with different quality standards before and after hydropriming with ozone. To evaluate the effects on the physiological quality, two batches (one with high physiological quality and the other with low physiological quality) of corn seeds were used. Seeds from both batches were immersed in distilled water and bubbled with atmospheric air (control - 0 mg L-1) or ozone. Three inlet concentrations of ozone (0, 10, and 20 mg L−1) and five periods of preconditioning (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min) were used. To evaluate the physiological quality of the seeds, different tests were carried out both in the laboratory and in the field. The use of the corn seed hydropriming with atmospheric air or ozone favored the physiological quality of the corn seeds when considering laboratory and field variables. There was an increase of emergence in the field of seeds not submitted to aging (high physiological quality) only due to the preconditioning period. The use of ozone was positive in lowering the loss of cellular solutes in seeds submitted to aging. Ozonation also caused significant increases in the plant heights and in the first ear insertion height. The binomial 20 mg L−1/60 min is the most suitable for preconditioning corn seeds in ozonated water.