Brain fatty acid and transcriptome profiles of pig fed diets with different levels of soybean oil.

BACKGROUND: The high similarity in anatomical and neurophysiological processes between pigs and humans make pigs an excellent model for metabolic diseases and neurological disorders. Lipids are essential for brain structure and function, and the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have anti-inflammatory and positive effects against cognitive dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. Nutrigenomics studies involving pigs and fatty acids (FA) may help us in better understanding important biological processes. In this study, the main goal was to evaluate the effect of different levels of dietary soybean oil on the lipid profile and transcriptome in pigs' brain tissue. RESULTS: Thirty-six male Large White pigs were used in a 98-day study using two experimental diets corn-soybean meal diet containing 1.5% soybean oil (SOY1.5) and corn-soybean meal diet containing 3.0% soybean oil (SOY3.0). No differences were found for the brain total lipid content and FA profile between the different levels of soybean oil. For differential expression analysis, using the DESeq2 statistical package, a total of 34 differentially expressed genes (DEG, FDR-corrected p-value < 0.05) were identified. Of these 34 DEG, 25 are known-genes, of which 11 were up-regulated (log2 fold change ranging from + 0.25 to + 2.93) and 14 were down-regulated (log2 fold change ranging from - 3.43 to -0.36) for the SOY1.5 group compared to SOY3.0. For the functional enrichment analysis performed using MetaCore with the 34 DEG, four pathway maps were identified (p-value < 0.05), related to the ALOX15B (log2 fold change - 1.489), CALB1 (log2 fold change - 3.431) and CAST (log2 fold change + 0.421) genes. A "calcium transport" network (p-value = 2.303e-2), related to the CAST and CALB1 genes, was also identified. CONCLUSION: The results found in this study contribute to understanding the pathways and networks associated with processes involved in intracellular calcium, lipid metabolism, and oxidative processes in the brain tissue. Moreover, these results may help a better comprehension of the modulating effects of soybean oil and its FA composition on processes and diseases affecting the brain tissue.

Transcriptome profile of skeletal muscle using different sources of dietary fatty acids in male pigs.

Pork is of great importance in world trade and represents the largest source of fatty acids in the human diet. Lipid sources such as soybean oil (SOY), canola (CO), and fish oil (FO) are used in pig diets and influence blood parameters and the ratio of deposited fatty acids. In this study, the main objective was to evaluate changes in gene expression in porcine skeletal muscle tissue resulting from the dietary oil sources and to identify metabolic pathways and biological process networks through RNA-Seq. The addition of FO in the diet of pigs led to intramuscular lipid with a higher FA profile composition of C20:5 n-3, C22:6 n-3, and SFA (C16:0 and C18:0). Blood parameters for the FO group showed lower cholesterol and HDL content compared with CO and SOY groups. Skeletal muscle transcriptome analyses revealed 65 differentially expressed genes (DEG, FDR 10%) between CO vs SOY, and 32 DEG for CO vs FO, and 531 DEG for SOY vs FO comparison. Several genes, including AZGP1, PDE3B, APOE, PLIN1, and LIPS, were found to be down-regulated in the diet of the SOY group compared to the FO group. The enrichment analysis revealed DEG involved in lipid metabolism, metabolic diseases, and inflammation between the oil groups, with specific gene functions in each group and altered blood parameters. The results provide mechanisms to help us understand the behavior of genes according to fatty acids.

Characterization of non-cardiac arrest PulsePoint activations in public and private settings.

BACKGROUND: Geospatial smartphone application alert systems are used in some communities to crowdsource community response for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Although the clinical focus of this strategy is OHCA, dispatch identification of OHCA is imperfect so that activation may occur for the non-arrest patient. The frequency and clinical profile of such non-arrest patients has not been well-investigated. METHODS: We undertook a prospective 3-year cohort investigation of patients for whom a smartphone geospatial application was activated for suspected OHCA in four United States communities (total population ~1 million). The current investigation evaluates those patients with an activation for suspected OHCA who did not experience cardiac arrest. The volunteer response cohort included off-duty, volunteer public safety personnel (verified responders) notified regardless of location (public or private) and laypersons notified to public locations. The study linked the smartphone application information with the EMS records to report the frequency, condition type, and EMS treatment for these non-arrest patients. RESULTS: Of 1779 calls where volunteers were activated, 756 had suffered OHCA, resulting in 1023 non-arrest patients for study evaluation. The most common EMS assessments were syncope (15.9%, n=163), altered mental status (15.5%, n=159), seizure (14.3%, n=146), overdose (13.0%, n=133), and choking (10.5%, n=107). The assessment distribution was similar for private and public locations. Overall, the most common EMS interventions included placement of an intravenous line (43.1%, n=441), 12-Lead ECG(27.9%, n=285), naloxone treatment (9.8%, n=100), airway or ventilation assistance (8.7%, n=89), and oxygen administration (6.6%, n=68). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of patients activated for suspected OHCA had conditions other than cardiac arrest. A subset of these conditions may benefit from earlier care that could be provided by both layperson and public safety volunteers if they were appropriately trained and equipped.

From tech to tact: emotion dysregulation in online communication during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent theorizing argues that online communication technologies provide powerful, although precarious, means of emotional regulation. We develop this understanding further. Drawing on subjective reports collected during periods of imposed social restrictions under COVID-19, we focus on how this precarity is a source of emotional dysregulation. We make our case by organizing responses into five distinct but intersecting dimensions wherein the precarity of this regulation is most relevant: infrastructure, functional use, mindful design (individual and social), and digital tact. Analyzing these reports, along with examples of mediating technologies (i.e., self-view) and common interactive dynamics (e.g., gaze coordination), we tease out how breakdowns along these dimensions are sources of affective dysregulation. We argue that the adequacy of available technological resources and competencies of various kinds matter greatly to the types of emotional experiences one is likely to have online. Further research into online communication technologies as modulators of both our individual and collective well-being is urgently needed, especially as the echoes of the digital push that COVID-19 initiated are set to continue reverberating into the future.

Prune homolog 2 with BCH domain (PRUNE2) gene expression is associated with feed efficiency-related traits in Nelore steers.

Animal feeding is a critical factor in increasing producer profitability. Improving feed efficiency can help reduce feeding costs and reduce the environmental impact of beef production. Candidate genes previously identified for this trait in differential gene expression studies (e.g., case-control studies) have not examined continuous gene-phenotype variation, which is a limitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the expression of five candidate genes in the liver, measured by quantitative real-time PCR and feed-related traits. We adopted a linear mixed model to associate liver gene expression from 52 Nelore steers with the following production traits: average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed efficiency (FE), Kleiber index (KI), metabolic body weight (MBW), residual feed intake (RFI), and relative growth ratio (RGR). The total expression of the prune homolog 2 (PRUNE2) gene was significantly associated with DMI, FCR, FE, and RFI (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we have identified a new transcript of PRUNE2 (TCONS_00027692, GenBank MZ041267) that was inversely correlated with FCR and FE (P < 0.05), in contrast to the originally identified PRUNE2 transcript. The cytochrome P450 subfamily 2B (CYP2B6), early growth response protein 1 (EGR1), collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) genes were not associated with any feed efficiency-related traits (P > 0.05). The findings reported herein suggest that PRUNE2 expression levels affects feed efficiency-related traits variation in Nelore steers.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus genetic variability a management and diagnostic dilemma.

As genetic analysis becomes less expensive, more comprehensive diagnostics such as whole genome sequencing (WGS) will become available to the veterinary practitioner. The WGS elucidates more about porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) beyond the traditional analysis of open reading frame (ORF) 5 Sanger sequencing. The veterinary practitioner will require a more complete understanding of the mechanics and consequences of PRRSV genetic variability to interpret the WGS results. More recently, PRRSV recombination events have been described in the literature. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive outlook for swine practitioners that PRRSV mutates and recombines naturally causing genetic variability, review the diagnostic cadence when suspecting recombination has occurred, and present theory on how, why, and where industry accepted management practices may influence recombination. As practitioners, it is imperative to remember that PRRS viral recombination is occurring continuously in swine populations. Finding a recombinant by diagnostic analysis does not ultimately declare its significance. The error prone replication, mutation, and recombination of PRRSV means exact clones may exist; but a quasispecies swarm of variable strains also exist adding to the genetic diversity. PRRSV nonstructural proteins (nsps) are translated from ORF1a and ORF1b. The arterivirus nsps modulate the hosts' immune response and are involved in viral pathogenesis. The strains that contribute the PRRSV replicase and transcription complex is driving replication and possibly recombination in the quasispecies swarm. Furthermore, mutations favoring the virus to evade the immune system may result in the emergence of a more fit virus. More fit viruses tend to become the dominant strains in the quasispecies swarm. In theory, the swine management practices that may exacerbate or mitigate recombination include immunization strategies, swine movements, regional swine density, and topography. Controlling PRRSV equates to managing the quasispecies swarm and its interaction with the host. Further research is warranted on the frequency of recombination and the genome characteristics impacting the recombination rate. With a well-defined understanding of these characteristics, the clinical implications from recombination can be detected and potentially reduced; thus, minimizing recombination and perhaps the emergence of epidemic strains.

Malaria impact on cognitive function of children in a peri-urban community in the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: In Latin America, where Plasmodium vivax malaria is more prevalent, it is known that this species plays an important role in the sustainability of transmission, and can have an impact on morbidity in terms of anaemia, nutritional status, and cognitive development in children. METHODS: The present study aimed to assess the impact of malaria infection on cognition of children in a peri-urban community in the Brazilian Amazon with moderate endemicity by applying Home Inventory and WPPSI-IV. A non-concurrent cohort study was designed and the cognitive, haematological, and nutritional profiles of the children were assessed. Children with documented malaria history were identified from official reported data. RESULTS: A total of 219 children aged between 2 and 7 years were enrolled. Although 205 (95%) children had normal birth weight, 177 (81%) were malnourished, and 35 (16%) had anaemia. Among the 100 (46%) children who experienced at least one episode of malaria, 89 (89%) children demonstrated low level of cognitive development. The findings showed that Plasmodium vivax malaria was an independent risk factor for low cognitive development. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the known economic impact of malaria in the Amazon region, the study highlights the deleterious effects P. vivax malaria has on the socio-cultural development of the population.

Alvimopan Significantly Reduces Length of Stay and Costs Following Colorectal Resection and Ostomy Reversal Even Within an Enhanced Recovery Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Alvimopan accelerates GI recovery after colorectal resection. Data on real-world cost-effectiveness have been mixed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate if adding alvimopan to an enhanced recovery pathway reduces length of stay. DESIGN: Patients undergoing colorectal resection or ostomy reversal for the year before and after the introduction of alvimopan were evaluated. SETTING: This study was conducted at a single academic medical center. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing elective colorectal resection (488) or ostomy reversal (148) were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were length of stay and prolonged length of stay defined as >75th percentile for each procedure. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-six patients (45%) received alvimopan. Alvimopan and no-alvimopan groups had similar demographics, comorbidities, operative indication, and case mix. In the alvimopan group, more of the colorectal resections were laparoscopic (87% vs 79%, p = 0.015). Length of stay was reduced with alvimopan (6.2 vs 4.9 days, p = 0.003), and this effect persisted when controlling for procedure type, approach, and ASA class (decreased length of stay by 1.0 day, p = 0.014). The alvimopan group had lower risk of prolonged length of stay (14.7% vs 23.1%, p = 0.007) and ileus (10.8% vs 16.2%, p = 0.05). On multivariable analysis, no alvimopan use (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.7), ASA ≥3 (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.1), and history of cardiac surgery (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.5) were significant predictors of prolonged length of stay. Alvimopan use was associated with a lower risk of infectious complications other than surgical site infection (2.8% vs 6.7%, p = 0.025), and did not increase risk of any adverse outcomes. The addition of alvimopan to the protocol resulted in cost savings of $708.39 per patient. LIMITATIONS: Data collected from a single center limit external validity. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of alvimopan to a postoperative protocol following elective colorectal resection or ostomy reversal significantly reduces length of stay and is associated with cost savings even within an enhanced recovery protocol. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A911.

Laparoscopic simulation training in gynaecology: Current provision and staff attitudes - a cross-sectional survey.

The objectives of this study were to explore current provision of laparoscopic simulation training, and to determine attitudes of trainers and trainees to the role of simulators in surgical training across the UK. An anonymous cross-sectional survey with cluster sampling was developed and circulated. All Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) Training Programme Directors (TPD), College Tutors (RCT) and Trainee representatives (TR) across the UK were invited to participate. One hundred and ninety-six obstetricians and gynaecologists participated. Sixty-three percent of hospitals had at least one box trainer, and 14.6% had least one virtual-reality simulator. Only 9.3% and 3.6% stated that trainees used a structured curriculum on box and virtual-reality simulators, respectively. Respondents working in a Large/Teaching hospital (p = 0.008) were more likely to agree that simulators enhance surgical training. Eighty-nine percent agreed that simulators improve the quality of training, and should be mandatory or desirable for junior trainees. Consultants (p = 0.003) and respondents over 40 years (p = 0.011) were more likely to hold that a simulation test should be undertaken before live operation. Our data demonstrated, therefore, that availability of laparoscopic simulators is inconsistent, with limited use of mandatory structured curricula. In contrast, both trainers and trainees recognise a need for greater use of laparoscopic simulation for surgical training.

Ethnic sensitivity assessment of fluticasone furoate/vilanterol in East Asian asthma patients from randomized double-blind multicentre Phase IIb/III trials.

BACKGROUND: Fluticasone furoate (FF)/vilanterol (VI) is a once daily (OD) inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting ß2-agonist combination asthma therapy approved in Japan and the EU. FF/VI efficacy and safety data from asthma studies including patients in East Asia were evaluated to assess ethnic sensitivity. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, multicenter Phase IIb/III trials were assessed. Change from baseline relative to placebo or twice-daily fluticasone propionate 500 µg in trough FEV1 was compared between patients from Japan (N = 148) and Not-Japan (N = 3,066; three studies). Adverse events (AEs), laboratory results, and electrocardiograms were compared between patients from Japan + Korea (N = 188) and Not-Japan + Korea (N = 3,840; five studies). RESULTS: For trough FEV1, improvements from baseline (least-squares mean difference [95% confidence interval]) were reported for FF/VI 100/25 µg OD versus placebo at Week 12 (Japan: 0.323 L [0.104-0.542]; Not-Japan: 0.168 L [0.095-0.241]). Improvements from baseline (least-squares mean change [standard error]) were reported with FF/VI 200/25 µg OD at Week 24 (Japan: 0.355 L [0.1152]; Not-Japan: 0.396 L [0.0313]). A greater proportion of patients from Japan + Korea versus Not-Japan + Korea reported AEs in all treatment arms including placebo (FF/VI 100/25 µg: 79% versus 57%; FF/VI 200/25 µg: 64% versus 45%; placebo: 41% versus 23%). There were no notable differences in treatment-related or class-related AEs. No clinically significant changes in electrocardiogram assessments or statistically significant differences in 24 h urinary cortisol excretion were observed between the Japan + Korea and Not-Japan + Korea cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Good efficacy and an acceptable safety profile were observed for FF/VI 100/25 µg and 200/25 µg OD in East Asian asthma patients; these globally recommended doses are appropriate for asthma patients in Japan. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov registration numbers: NCT01165138 , NCT01134042 , NCT01086384 , NCT00603278 , NCT00603382 .

False alarms and missed events: the impact and origins of perceived inaccuracy in tornado warning systems.

Theory and conventional wisdom suggest that errors undermine the credibility of tornado warning systems and thus decrease the probability that individuals will comply (i.e., engage in protective action) when future warnings are issued. Unfortunately, empirical research on the influence of warning system accuracy on public responses to tornado warnings is incomplete and inconclusive. This study adds to existing research by analyzing two sets of relationships. First, we assess the relationship between perceptions of accuracy, credibility, and warning response. Using data collected via a large regional survey, we find that trust in the National Weather Service (NWS; the agency responsible for issuing tornado warnings) increases the likelihood that an individual will opt for protective action when responding to a hypothetical warning. More importantly, we find that subjective perceptions of warning system accuracy are, as theory suggests, systematically related to trust in the NWS and (by extension) stated responses to future warnings. The second half of the study matches survey data against NWS warning and event archives to investigate a critical follow-up question--Why do some people perceive that their warning system is accurate, whereas others perceive that their system is error prone? We find that subjective perceptions are--in part-a function of objective experience, knowledge, and demographic characteristics. When considered in tandem, these findings support the proposition that errors influence perceptions about the accuracy of warning systems, which in turn impact the credibility that people assign to information provided by systems and, ultimately, public decisions about how to respond when warnings are issued.

Influenza and pregnancy: a review of the literature from India.

Maternal influenza infection is known to cause substantial morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and young children. Many professional healthcare bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) have identified pregnant women as a priority risk group for receipt of inactivated seasonal influenza vaccination. However influenza prevention in this group is not yet a public health priority in India. This literature review was undertaken to examine the Indian studies of influenza among pregnant women. Eight Indian studies describing influenza burden and/or outcomes among pregnant women with influenza were identified. In most studies, influenza A (pH1N1) was associated with increased maternal mortality (25-75%), greater disease severity, and adverse fetal outcomes as compared to nonpregnant women. Surveillance for seasonal influenza infections along with higher quality prospective studies among pregnant women is needed to quantify disease burden, improve awareness among antenatal care providers, and formulate antenatal influenza vaccine policies.

Predicting involvement in prison gang activity: street gang membership, social and psychological factors.

The aim of this study was to examine whether street gang membership, psychological factors, and social factors such as preprison experiences could predict young offenders' involvement in prison gang activity. Data were collected via individual interviews with 188 young offenders held in a Young Offenders Institution in the United Kingdom. Results showed that psychological factors such as the value individuals attached to social status, a social dominance orientation, and antiauthority attitudes were important in predicting young offenders' involvement in prison gang activity. Further important predictors included preimprisonment events such as levels of threat, levels of individual delinquency, and levels of involvement in group crime. Longer current sentences also predicted involvement in prison gang activity. However, street gang membership was not an important predictor of involvement in prison gang activity. These findings have implications for identifying prisoners involved in prison gang activity and for considering the role of psychological factors and group processes in gang research.

Health and housing outcomes from green renovation of low-income housing in Washington, DC.

Green building systems have proliferated recently, but studies are limited of associated health and housing outcomes. The authors measured self-reported resident physical and mental health, allergens, and building conditions at baseline and one-year follow-up in a low-income housing development being renovated in accordance with green healthy housing improvements (Enterprise Green Communities standards and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design [LEED] gold certification). Self-reported general health in adults significantly improved from 59% to 67% (p = .026), with large statistically significant improvements in water/ dampness problems, cockroaches and rodents, and reduced pesticide use. Median cockroach (Bla g1) and mouse (Mus m1) allergen dust loadings showed large and statistically significant reductions from baseline to three months postintervention and were sustained at one year (both p < .05). Energy and water cost savings were 16% and 54%, respectively. Incorporating Enterprise Green Communities and LEED standards in low-income housing renovation improves health and housing conditions and can help to reduce disparities. All green housing standards should include health-related requirements.

Comparing the tolerability of preservative-free tafluprost versus preserved latanoprost in the management of glaucoma and ocular hypertension - an observer blinded active-control trial.

BACKGROUND: Dry eye is a condition related to long-term topical eye therapy. We wish to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of preservative free prostaglandin drops versus benzalkonium chloride containing prostaglandin drops in the treatment of glaucoma. METHODS: Patients undergoing prostaglandin monotherapy underwent a washout period of at least 1 month after which baseline measurements of dry eye severity were taken. Patients were randomised to receive either 0.0015% tafluprost drops or 0.005% latanoprost preserved with 0.02% benzalkonium chloride. Repeat measurements were taken after a 2-month interval. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients completed randomised treatment. No significant difference between groups was found in objective and subjective measurements of dry eye severity. No significant difference was found in measurement of treatment effectiveness. CONCLUSION: Preservative-free and benzalkonium chloride-containing drops were found to be equally effective in lowering IOP with no significant difference in either subjective or objective measurements of dry eye severity.

Corrigendum: Bringing forth within: Enhabiting at the intersection between enaction and ecological psychology.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01348.].

Do digital hugs work? Re-embodying our social lives online with digital tact.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to social restrictions that often prevented us from hugging the ones we love. This absence helped some realize just how important these interactions are to our sense of care and connection. Many turned to digitally mediated social interactions to address these absences, but often unsatisfactorily. Some theorists might blame this on the disembodied character of our digital spaces, e.g., that interpersonal touch is excluded from our lives online. However, others continued to find care and connection in their digitally mediated interactions despite not being able to touch. Inspired by such contrasting cases, we ask if 'digital hugs' can work? We use the Mixed Reality Interaction Matrix to examine hugging as a social practice. This leads us to several claims about the nature of our embodied social interactions and their digital mediation: (1) all social interaction is mediated; (2) all virtual experiences are embodied; (3) technology has become richer and more supportive of embodiment; and (4) expertise plays a role. These claims help make the case that quality social connections online are substantially dependent upon the dynamic skilful resourcing of multiple mediating components, what we term digital tact. By introducing and developing this concept, we hope to contribute to a better understanding of our digital embodied sociality and the possibilities for caring connections online.

Elements of patient satisfaction: An integrative review.

AIM: To summarize the scientific literature on the elements essential to understanding a nursing definition of patient satisfaction. DESIGN: Whittemore and Knafl's methodology was used for this integrative review. METHODS: Articles were included if the studies they explored patient satisfaction in patient populations and measured patient satisfaction using standardized, validated instruments. Elements in this review were defined as the essential components that create the complex concept of patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Thirty articles were found and analysed in full. Five definitions of patient satisfaction were used, all of which were at least 20 years old. Twenty-two different measures of patient satisfaction were used, six of which were nursing-specific. Sixty-eight elements of patient satisfaction were studied in the included articles. Forty-three elements were reported as having a significant relationship with patient satisfaction, 25 were reported as having no significant relationship. Eight elements had both significant and non-significant relationships.

Corrigendum: The pandemic experience survey II: A second corpus of subjective reports of life under social restrictions during COVID-19 in the UK, Japan, and Mexico.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.913096.].

Diverse cytomotive actins and tubulins share a polymerization switch mechanism conferring robust dynamics.

Protein filaments are used in myriads of ways to organize other molecules within cells. Some filament-forming proteins couple the hydrolysis of nucleotides to their polymerization cycle, thus powering the movement of other molecules. These filaments are termed cytomotive. Only members of the actin and tubulin protein superfamilies are known to form cytomotive filaments. We examined the basis of cytomotivity via structural studies of the polymerization cycles of actin and tubulin homologs from across the tree of life. We analyzed published data and performed structural experiments designed to disentangle functional components of these complex filament systems. Our analysis demonstrates the existence of shared subunit polymerization switches among both cytomotive actins and tubulins, i.e., the conformation of subunits switches upon assembly into filaments. These cytomotive switches can explain filament robustness, by enabling the coupling of kinetic and structural polarities required for cytomotive behaviors and by ensuring that single cytomotive filaments do not fall apart.