Genetic parameters for novel mastitis traits defined by combining test-day somatic cell score and differential somatic cell count in the first lactation of Japanese Holsteins.

In this study, we aimed to improve current udder health genetic evaluations by addressing the limitations of monthly sampled somatic cell score (SCS) for distinguishing cows with robust innate immunity from those susceptible to chronic infections. The objectives were to (1) establish novel somatic cell traits by integrating SCS and the differential somatic cell count (DSCC), which represents the combined proportion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes in somatic cells and (2) estimate genetic parameters for the new traits, including their daily heritability and genetic correlations with milk production traits and SCS, using a random regression test-day model (RRTDM). We derived 3 traits, termed ML_SCS_DSCC, SCS_4_DSCC_65_binary, and ML_SCS_DSCC_binary, by using milk loss (ML) estimates at corresponding SCS and DSCC levels, thresholds established in previous studies, and a threshold established from milk loss estimates, respectively. Data consisted of test-day records collected during January 2021 through March 2022 from 265 herds in Hokkaido, Japan. From these records, we extracted records between 7 to 305 d in milk (DIM) in the first lactation to fit the RRTDM. The model included the random effect of herd-test-day, the fixed effect of year-month, fixed lactation curves nested with calving age groups, and random regressions with Legendre polynomials of order 3 for additive genetic and permanent environmental effects. The analysis was performed using Gibbs sampling with Gibbsf90+ software. The averages (ranges) of the daily heritability estimates over lactation were 0.086 (0.075-0.095) for SCS, 0.104 (0.073-0.127) for ML_SCS_DSCC, 0.137 (0.014-0.297) for SCS_4_DSCC_65_binary, and 0.138 (0.115-0.185) for ML_SCS_DSCC_binary; the heritability curve for SCS_4_DSCC_65_binary was erratic. Genetic correlations within the trait decreased as the DIM interval widened, especially for those integrating DSCC, indicating that these traits should be analyzed using RRTDM rather than repeatability models. The averages (ranges) of genetic correlations with milk yield over lactation were 0.01 (-0.22 to 0.28) for SCS, -0.05 (-0.40 to 0.13) for ML_SCS_DSCC, -0.08 (-0.17 to 0.09) for SCS_4_DSCC_65_binary, and -0.08 (-0.22 to 0.27) for ML_SCS_DSCC_binary. Compared with SCS, the newly defined traits exhibited slightly stronger negative genetic correlations with milk yield. Especially in late lactation stages, the genetic correlation between ML_SCS_DSCC and milk yield was significantly below zero, with a posterior median of -0.40. Furthermore, the new traits showed positive correlations with SCS, having estimates varying from 0.68 to 0.85 for ML_SCS_DSCC, 0.14 to 0.47 for SCS_4_DSCC_65_binary, and 0.61 to 0.66 for ML_SCS_DSCC_binary, depending on DIM. Considering that ML_SCS_DSCC and ML_SCS_DSCC_binary have relatively high heritability (compared with SCS) and favorable genetic correlations with milk production traits and SCS, their incorporation into breeding programs appears promising. Nevertheless, their genetic relationships with (sub)clinical mastitis require further investigation.

Estimating the nonlinear interaction between somatic cell score and differential somatic cell count on milk production by parity using generalized additive models.

This observational study aimed to use somatic cell score (SCS) and differential somatic cell count (DSCC), the combined proportion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes in somatic cells, to investigate how mastitis affected milk production. Using generalized additive models, we analyzed 50,618 test-day records from 8,081 lactations from 7,912 cows in 197 herds between January 2021 and March 2022 to estimate the nonlinear interaction between SCS and DSCC, and the effects of lactation stages and seasons on milk yield, milk component percentages, and milk component yields by parity of cows. The results show that the interaction between SCS and DSCC on these traits was significant, nonlinear, and complex. When DSCC was high, the negative effects of SCS were minimal, even when SCS reached 8 (i.e., 3,200,000 somatic cells/mL). Cows with high DSCC could have milk yields similar to healthy cows, implying that these cows may have been in the early stages of mastitis and that the milk yield had yet to be affected. Contrastingly, when DSCC was low, milk loss due to high SCS was drastic, especially for cows in third or later lactations, whose milk yield could reduce from more than 35 kg/d to less than 15 kg/d (-59.9%). This tremendous milk loss in high-parity cows was likely due to their higher milk yield and higher risks of chronic mastitis. High SCS and low DSCC also led to a pronounced change in milk composition. The decrease in the percentage of lactose can be directly related to the damage of inflammation to the mammary gland, while the increase in fat and protein percentages was more attributable to the concentration effect resulting from the reduced milk yield. Compared with analyses based on categorized SCS and DSCC values, modeling these 2 indices directly helps us more precisely assess mastitis effects on milk yield and milk composition. For efficient milk production, our results indicate that we should prevent high-parity cows from entering a state of high SCS and low DSCC.

Pathogen and severity-dependent immune responses in bovine mastitis: highlight the dynamics of differential somatic cell count.

Immune responses in bovine clinical mastitis (CM) probably differ depending on the causative pathogen and disease severity. The observational study aimed to investigate whether both factors are associated with the dynamics of immune indicators, including somatic cell score (SCS), white blood cell count (WBC), serum albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, and differential somatic cell count (DSCC). We collected blood and milk samples 0, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days after CM occurred in 38 cows, and grouped the cases (n=49) by disease severity and pathogen. We analyzed data using a linear mixed model considering the effects of pathogens and severity, calculated estimated-marginal means for indicators at each time point, and compared the means between groups. The dynamics of WBC varied depending on both pathogen and severity. WBC changed drastically in either severe or coliform-caused CM, slightly elevated in streptococcal mastitis, but unchanged in staphylococcal mastitis. This possibly relates to the deficiency in innate immune response toward staphylococci. The A/G ratio also changed depending on severity, as it dropped sharply only in severe CM. We observed a non-linear relationship between DSCC and SCS, possibly due to mammary epithelial cells shedding in milk when CM occurred. When cows recovering from Streptococcus dysgalatiae mastitis, DSCC decreased while SCS remained high, suggesting a healing process requiring more macrophages. Our results demonstrate that both the severity and pathogen are associated with immune responses in CM, providing insights into mastitis pathogenesis.

Advancing LED technology: the FDCSP element's breakthrough in mini and micro-LED packaging and backlight module enhancement.

In this research, we introduce an advanced methodology for the calculation of bulk light sources tailored for free-form surface design, focusing on the principle of energy conservation. This method is especially relevant for the evolving needs of micro-LED packaging, highlighting its potential in this burgeoning field. Our work includes the development of an algorithm for creating freeform-designed chip-scale package (FDCSP) components. These components seamlessly integrate LEDs and lenses, underscoring our commitment to advancing free-form surface design in chip-level packaging. By adhering to the principle of energy conservation, our approach facilitates a meticulous comparison of simulation outcomes with predefined target functions. This enables the iterative correction of discrepancies, employing layering techniques to refine the design until the simulated results closely align with our goals, as demonstrated by an appropriate difference curve. The practical application of these simulations leads to the innovative design of FDCSP devices. Notably, these devices are not just suitable for traditional applications in backlight modules but are explicitly optimized for the emerging sector of micro-LED packaging. Our successful demonstration of these FDCSP devices within backlight modules represents a significant achievement. It underscores the effectiveness of our design strategy and its expansive potential to transform micro-LED packaging solutions. This research not only contributes to the theoretical understanding of energy conservation in lighting design but also paves the way for groundbreaking applications in micro-LED and backlight module technologies.

Association between differential somatic cell count and California Mastitis Test results in Holstein cattle.

The California Mastitis Test (CMT) has been used to estimate total somatic cell count (SCC) levels in milk; however, milk with similar SCC levels occasionally shows inconsistent CMT results, which limits the use of the CMT. This observational study aimed to investigate how differential cell counts in milk influence the CMT in Holstein cattle through the novel parameters differential somatic cell count (DSCC) and macrophage proportion (MAC). We performed the CMT on d 0, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 after identifying mastitis, and simultaneously measured SCC, DSCC, and MAC at the quarter level. We followed 58 mastitis events occurring in 41 cows and obtained 307 quarter-level records after data cleaning. We transformed SCC to somatic cell score (SCS) and MAC to its logarithm to fit the normal distribution and analyzed the data using the cumulative logit mixed model. Results showed that both an increase in SCS (odds ratio: 3.66, 95% confidence interval: 2.89-4.64) and the logarithm of MAC (odds ratio: 4.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.91-9.91) can contribute to a higher CMT score. During the healing process of mastitis, MAC tends to increase as SCC decreases; thus, even samples with low SCC can cause positive CMT reactions. We recommend that practitioners avoid making treatment decisions based on the CMT alone. We also noted that the CMT is sensitive to subclinical mastitis with high MAC, hence it could be considered an alternative to detecting high MAC (chronic) mastitis.

Effect of selective dry cow therapy on dry period intramammary infection dynamics and their association with management factors in Japan.

Selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) allocates antibiotics in the dry period to cows or quarters with a high risk of intramammary infection (IMI), potentially improving antibiotic stewardship. However, SDCT has not been used in Japan, possibly due to concerns of negative impacts on udder health. This research aims to evaluate how the SDCT use affected dry period IMI dynamics in Japan. Additionally, the effects of management factors were also considered. At dry-off, 44 cows received antibiotics plus external teat sealant or external sealant in isolation based on their IMI risk, which was assessed using milk culture, a modified California mastitis test (CMT), and mastitis records. The SDCT approach allowed antibiotic use to be reduced by 33.7%. However, quarters with a low risk of infection who received no antibiotics had a numerically higher prevalence of IMI before calving than those who received antibiotics (28.6% vs. 19.2%). In addition, an increased risk of IMI in quarters without antibiotics was also attributed to poor herd hygiene and a shorter duration of external teat sealant adherence. The result suggests that these factors influence the outcome of an SDCT program. Therefore, a uniform recommendation for dry cow herd management may not be optimal.

Correction: A high quality liquid-type quantum dot white light-emitting diode.

Correction for 'A high quality liquid-type quantum dot white light-emitting diode' by Chin-Wei Sher et al., Nanoscale, 2016, 8, 1117-1122.

A high quality liquid-type quantum dot white light-emitting diode.

This study demonstrates a novel package design to store colloidal quantum dots in liquid format and integrate them with a standard LED. The high efficiency and high quality color performance at a neutral white correlated color temperature is demonstrated. The experimental results indicate that the liquid-type quantum dot white light-emitting diode (LQD WLED) is highly efficient and reliable. The luminous efficiency and color rendering index (CRI) of the LQD WLED can reach 271 lm Wop(-1) and 95, respectively. Moreover, a glass box is employed to prevent humidity and oxygen erosion. With this encapsulation design, our quantum dot box can survive over 1000 hours of storage time.

The effect of free-standing GaN substrate on carrier localization in ultraviolet InGaN light-emitting diodes.

In this study, we have grown 380-nm ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) based on InGaN/AlInGaN multiple quantum well (MQW) structures on free-standing GaN (FS-GaN) substrate by atmospheric pressure metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (AP-MOCVD), and investigated the relationship between carrier localization degree and FS-GaN. The micro-Raman shift peak mapping image shows low standard deviation (STD), indicating that the UV-LED epi-wafer of low curvature and MQWs of weak quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE) were grown. High-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) analyses demonstrated high-order satellite peaks and clear fringes between them for the UV-LEDs grown on the FS-GaN substrate, from which the interface roughness (IRN) was estimated. The temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) measurement confirmed that the UV-LEDs grown on the FS-GaN substrate exhibited better carrier confinement. Besides, the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) mapping images verified that the UV-LEDs on FS-GaN have fairly uniform distribution of indium and more ordered InGaN/AlInGaN MQW structure. Clearly, the FS-GaN can not only improve the light output power but also reduce the efficiency droop phenomenon at high injection current. Based on the results mentioned above, the FS-GaN can offer UV-LEDs based on InGaN/AlInGaN MQW structures with benefits, such as high crystal quality and small carrier localization degree, compared with the UV-LEDs on sapphire.