scholarly journals Fecal and Ruminal Microbiome Components Associated With Methane Emission in Beef Cattle.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno G.N. Andrade ◽  
Haithem Afli ◽  
Flavia A. Bressani ◽  
Rafael R. C. Cuadrat ◽  
Priscila S. N. de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Mixed Linear Models ◽  
Feed Composition ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Weather Patterns ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: The impact of extreme changes in weather patterns in the economy and humanity welfare are some of the biggest challenges that our civilization is facing. From the anthropogenic activities that contribute to climate change, reducing the impact of farming activities is a priority, since its responsible for up to 18% of greenhouse gases linked to such activities. To this end, we tested if the ruminal and fecal microbiomes components of 52 Brazilian Nelore bulls, belonging to two experimental groups based on the feed intervention, conventional (A) and byproducts based diet (B), could be used as biomarkers for methane (CH4) emission.Results: We identified a total of 5,693 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) in the Nelore bulls microbiomes from the experimental group B. Statistical analysis showed that the microbiome populations were significantly different among treatment groups. Differential abundance (DA) analysis with the ANCOM approach identified 30 bacterial and 15 archaea ASVs as DA among treatment groups. Random forest models, using either bacteria or archaea ASVs as predictors, were able to predict the treatment group with high accuracy (r2>0.85). Association analysis using Mixed Linear Models indicate that bacterial and archaea ASVs are linked to the CH4 emission phenotype, of which the most prominent were the ruminal ASV 40 and fecal ASV 35. These ASVs contributed to a 9.7% increase and 7.3% decrease of the variation in CH4 emission, respectively, which indicated their potential as targets for feed interventions and/or biomarkers.Conclusion: The feed composition induced significant differences in abundance and richness of ruminal and fecal microbial populations. The dietary treatment based on industrial byproducts applied had an impact on the microbiome diversity of bacteria and archaea, but not on protozoa. Microbiome components (ASVs) of bacteria and archaea can be successfully used to predict the treatment group, thus giving support to the hypothesis that the feed intervention modulate microbiome abundance and diversity. Microbiome components were associated with CH4 emission in both microbiomes. Therefore, both ruminal and fecal ASVs can be used as biomarkers for methane production and emission.

scholarly journals Fecal and Ruminal Microbiome Components Associated With Methane Emission in Beef Cattle.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno G.N. Andrade ◽  
Haithem Afli ◽  
Flavia A. Bressani ◽  
Rafael R. C. Cuadrat ◽  
Priscila S. N. de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Mixed Linear Models ◽  
Feed Composition ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Weather Patterns ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: The impact of extreme changes in weather patterns in the economy and humanity welfare are some of the biggest challenges that our civilization is facing. From the anthropogenic activities that contribute to climate change, reducing the impact of farming activities is a priority, since its responsible for up to 18% of greenhouse gases linked to such activities. To this end, we tested if the ruminal and fecal microbiomes components of 52 Brazilian Nelore bulls, belonging to two experimental groups based on the feed intervention, conventional (A) and byproducts based diet (B), could be used as biomarkers for methane (CH4) emission.Results: We identified a total of 5,693 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) in the Nelore bulls microbiomes from the experimental group B. Statistical analysis showed that the microbiome populations were significantly different among treatment groups. Differential abundance (DA) analysis with the ANCOM approach identified 30 bacterial and 15 archaea ASVs as DA among treatment groups. Random forest models, using either bacteria or archaea ASVs as predictors, were able to predict the treatment group with high accuracy (r2>0.85). Association analysis using Mixed Linear Models indicate that bacterial and archaea ASVs are linked to the CH4 emission phenotype, of which the most prominent were the ruminal ASV 40 and fecal ASV 35. These ASVs contributed to a 9.7% increase and 7.3% decrease of the variation in CH4 emission, respectively, which indicated their potential as targets for feed interventions and/or biomarkers.Conclusion: The feed composition induced significant differences in abundance and richness of ruminal and fecal microbial populations. The dietary treatment based on industrial byproducts applied had an impact on the microbiome diversity of bacteria and archaea, but not on protozoa. Microbiome components (ASVs) of bacteria and archaea can be successfully used to predict the treatment group, thus giving support to the hypothesis that the feed intervention modulate microbiome abundance and diversity. Microbiome components were associated with CH4 emission in both microbiomes. Therefore, both ruminal and fecal ASVs can be used as biomarkers for methane production and emission.

scholarly journals Stool and ruminal microbiome components associated with methane emission and feed efficiency in Nelore beef cattle.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno G.N. Andrade ◽  
Haithem Afli ◽  
Flavia A. Bressani ◽  
Rafael R. C. Cuadrat ◽  
Priscila S. N. de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methane Emission ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Mixed Linear Models ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
Feed Composition ◽  
Fecal Microbiome ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: The impact of extreme changes in weather patterns in the economy and human welfare are some of the biggest challenges that our civilization is facing. From the anthropogenic activities that contribute to climate change, reducing the impact of farming activities is a priority, since it is responsible for up to 18% of greenhouse gases linked to such activities. To this end, we tested if the ruminal and fecal microbiome components of 52 Brazilian Nelore bulls, belonging to two treatment groups based on the feed intervention, conventional and by-products based diet, could be used in the future as biomarkers for methane emission and feed efficiency in bovine.Results: We identified a total of 5,693 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) in the Nelore bulls microbiomes. Differential abundance (DA) analysis with the ANCOM approach identified 30 bacterial and 15 archaea ASVs as DA among treatment groups. Association analysis using Maaslin2 and Mixed Linear Models indicated that bacterial ASVs are linked to the residual methane emission (RCH4) and Residual Feed Intake (RFI) phenotypes, contributing to the host’s phenotypic variation, suggesting their potential as targets for interventions and/or biomarkers.Conclusion: Feed composition induced significant differences in abundance and richness of ruminal and fecal microbial populations. The diet based on industrial byproducts applied to our treatment groups influenced the microbiome diversity of bacteria and archaea, but not of protozoa. Different ASVs were associated with RCH4 emission and RFI in both ruminal and fecal microbiomes. While ruminal ASVs are expected to directly influence RCH4 emission and RFI, the relation of fecal taxa, such as Alistipes and Rikenellaceae (gut group RC9), with these traits might also be associated with host health due to their link to anti-inflammatory compounds, and these have the potential to be used as accessible biomarkers for these complex phenotypes.

scholarly journals Application of Mixed Linear Models in the Analysis of Road Surface Features

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jurgita Židanavičiūtė ◽  
Audrius Vaitkus
Keyword(s):  
Linear Models ◽  
Road Surface ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Mixed Linear Models ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Surface Strength ◽  
The Road ◽  
Unequally Spaced ◽  
Units Of Analysis ◽  
The Impact

The data were collected by researchers at the Road Research Institute, in a study investigating the impact of differentfactors on road surface strength. In this statistical analysis, we apply linear mixed models (LMMs) to clustered longitudinal data, inwhich the units of analysis (points in the road) are nested within clusters (sample of four different road segments), and repeatedmeasures of road strength in these different points are collected over time with unequally spaced time intervals. The data arebalanced – each cluster has the same number of units, which are measured at the same number of time points. Because of correlateddata and different clusters in which data could be correlated, linear regression models are not appropriate here, and therefore linearmixed models are applied.

Trimetrexate in malignant mesothelioma: A Cancer and Leukemia Group B Phase II study.

1994 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1436-1442 ◽  
Author(s):  
N J Vogelzang ◽  
L B Weissman ◽  
J E Herndon ◽  
K H Antman ◽  
M R Cooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Malignant Mesothelioma ◽  
Phase Ii Study ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Large Trial ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Group B ◽  
Leukemia Group

PURPOSE Folic acid antagonists are reported to have activity against mesothelioma. The Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) undertook this phase II study of the new antifolate, trimetrexate (TMTX), to evaluate its response rate and toxicity in chemotherapy-naive patients with malignant mesothelioma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-two patients were accrued to this protocol. Because of concerns about TMTX toxicity in patients with malignant effusions and/or hypoalbuminemia, the first 17 patients were treated at a dose of 6 mg/m2 daily for 5 days every 21 days. Because minimal toxicity was observed, the subsequent 35 patients were treated at a dose of 10 mg/m2. RESULTS Two of 17 patients (12%) in the 6-mg/m2 treatment group had a partial response (PR) and four of 34 eligible patients (12%) in the 10-mg/m2 treatment group had a PR or regression (R) of assessable disease. No patient achieved a complete response (CR). Median survival durations were 5.0 and 8.9 months in the 6- and 10-mg/m2 treatment groups, respectively, while the 2-year survival rates were identical at 18%. At the 10-mg/m2 dose, toxicity was tolerable, with one toxic death from sepsis and a 12% rate of grade 4 thrombocytopenia and granulocytopenia. CONCLUSION In this large trial, TMTX showed minor activity in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. Myelosuppression was mild and dose-related. Future studies of higher doses of TMTX should be considered.

Ewe lamb nutrition during pregnancy affects pregnancy outcome

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 1085 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. J. Mulvaney ◽  
P. R. Kenyon ◽  
S. T. Morris ◽  
D. M. West
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
Pregnant Ewe ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
High Treatment

This experiment aimed to investigate the impact of pregnancy nutritional treatment on ewe lamb pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss and the liveweight of resulting lambs. Two hundred and forty ewe lambs mated during a 5-day breeding period were randomly allocated to one of three nutritional regimes (‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘high’). The low (n = 80) treatment group was fed pasture to maintain liveweight during the first 100 days of pregnancy, thereafter feeding was increased to achieve a total liveweight change of 180 g/day. The medium treatment group was fed to ensure a liveweight change equivalent to 100 g/day throughout the entire pregnancy period, while the high treatment group was offered feed ab libitum. The target liveweight changes were achieved in all ewe lamb treatment groups. Fewer (P < 0.05) ewe lambs were scanned pregnant at day 50 of pregnancy and lambed in the high treatment compared with their medium counterparts. In addition, fewer (P < 0.05) low treatment ewe lambs lambed compared with the medium treatment ewe lambs. The lower numbers lambing in the low and high treatment groups were somewhat explained by greater (P < 0.05) pregnancy losses between day 50 and term. Lambs born to low treatment ewe lambs were lighter (P < 0.05) at birth (L0), L53 and L87 and had lower (P < 0.05) survival rates than those born to either medium or high treatment ewe lambs. While the present study was not designed to identify optimal ewe lamb feeding levels in pregnancy, it clearly indicates adverse effects from either a low or high level of pregnancy nutrition beginning in early pregnancy. Therefore, further studies are required to identify the optimal pastoral feeding conditions for the pregnant ewe lamb.

scholarly journals The Impact of Different Competitive Environments on Pacing and Performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 701-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco J. Konings ◽  
Florentina J. Hettinga
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Mixed Linear Models ◽  
Start Position ◽  
Available Energy ◽  
Competitive Environments ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: In real-life competitive situations, athletes are required to continuously make decisions about how and when to invest their available energy resources. This study attempted to identify how different competitive environments invite elite short-track speed skaters to modify their pacing behavior during head-to-head competition. Methods: Lap times of elite 500-, 1000- and 1500-m short-track speed skating competitions between 2011 and 2016 (N = 34,095 races) were collected. Log-transformed lap and finishing times were analyzed with mixed linear models. The fixed effects in the model were sex, season, stage of competition, start position, competition importance, event number per tournament, number of competitors per race, altitude, and time qualification. The random effects of the model were athlete identity and the residual (within-athlete race-to-race variation). Separate analyses were performed for each event. Results: Several competitive environments, such as the number of competitors in a race (a higher number of competitors evoked most likely a faster initial pace; coefficient of variation [CV] = 1.9–9.3%), the stage of competition (likely to most likely, a slower initial pace was demonstrated in finals; CV = −1.4% to 2.0%), the possibility of time qualification (most likely a faster initial pace; CV = 2.6–5.0%), and competition importance (most likely faster races at the Olympics; CV = 1.3–3.5%), altered the pacing decisions of elite skaters in 1000- and 1500-m events. Stage of competition and start position affected 500-m pacing behavior. Conclusions: As demonstrated in this study, different competitive environments evoked modifications in pacing behavior, in particular in the initial phase of the race, emphasizing the importance of athlete–environment interactions, especially during head-to-head competitions.

scholarly journals What is the impact of a previously failed Robicsek repair in the subsequent treatment of sternal dehiscence with thermoreactive nitinol clips?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunus Seyrek ◽  
Murat Akkuş
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Complication Rate ◽  
Median Sternotomy ◽  
Sternal Dehiscence ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact

Background: In this study, we conducted a retrospective review of patients at our institution with noninfectious sternal dehiscence (NISD) after median sternotomy who received thermoreactive nitinol clips (TRNC) treatment during a 10-year period. We compared TRNC patients with and without history of failed Robicsek repair. The purpose of the study was to analyze the impact of previous Robicsek repair on the treatment of sternal dehiscence with TRCN. Methods: Between December 2009 and January 2020, out of 283 patients with NISD who underwent refixation, we studied 34 cases who received TRNC treatment. We divided these 34 cases into two groups: patients who had a previously failed Robicsek procedure before TRNC treatment (group A, n=11) and patients who had been directly referred to TRCN treatment (group B, n= 23). Results: Postoperative complication rate was significantly higher in group A (p=0.026). Hospitalization duration was significantly longer in group A due to the higher complication rate (p=0.001). Operative time was significantly shorter and blood loss was significantly lower in group B (p=0.001). Conclusion: The Robicsek procedure is considered an effective method in the treatment of NISD but, in case of its failure, subsequent TRNC treatment might become cumbersome in high-risk patients. In our study, a previously failed Robicsek procedure caused significantly higher morbidity and additional operative risk in later TRNC treatment of high-risk cases. Ultimately, we speculate that a direct TRNC treatment for NISD is favorable in high-risk patients.

scholarly journals 102 Impact of weaning strategy on beef cow-calf behavior and activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 62-62
Author(s):  
Molly Alexander ◽  
Carrie L Pickworth ◽  
Mikayla Moore ◽  
Matt H Poore
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Visual Contact ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Group A ◽  
Average Activity ◽  
Cow Calf ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of three weaning strategies on cow and calf behavior and activity. Research has shown that weaning imposes stress on both the cow and the calf that can alter behavior, activity, and growth performance. Angus-based cow-calf pairs (n = 147) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, abrupt weaning on d0 (Abrupt, n=50), fence-line contact for 7 days and then relocation of the cow on d7 (Fence, n=50), and late weaning by abrupt separation on d84 (Late, n = 47). Both cow and calf behaviors were observed over 7d prior to weaning and 7d post weaning activity for each treatment group. A single observer recorded activity and vocalizations for each animal twice in morning and evening on observation days. Calf activity was also continuously measured using accelerometers secured to collars worn by five calves per treatment group. Observation and activity data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Significance was determined at P &lt; 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05&lt; P ≤0.10. The average activity units per day (AU/d) prior to weaning were similar among treatment groups. On d1 of weaning, Fence calves, who still had a visual contact with their dam, tended to have greater AU/d (P = 0.09) than the Abrupt calves and maintained a higher level of activity through d14 (P &lt; 0.001). Late calves tended to have greater AU/d (P = 0.10) than Abrupt or Fence on d0-1 after their weaning. No difference in vocalizations (P = 0.41) by calves 7d post weaning were observed (1% Abrupt, 0% Fence, and 4% Late). More cows on Fence paced (1%) than Abrupt (0%) or Late (0%) (P &lt; 0.05) in the 7d of fenceline contact. Late cows (2%) vocalized more than Abrupt (1%) or Fence (0%) when their calves were still with them (P &lt; 0.05), but not after (P &gt; 0.05) when no vocalizations were recorded. These results differ from the previous year study; therefore, further investigation of the impact of weaning strategy on cow-calf behavior and activity is warranted.

scholarly journals The VIRI (Virtual, Interactive, Real-Time, Instructor-Led) Classroom: The Impact of Blended Synchronous Online Courses on Student Performance, Engagement, and Satisfaction

2013 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 78-91
Author(s):  
Anthony Francescucci ◽  
Mary Foster
Keyword(s):  
Student Engagement ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Course Offerings ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Blended Course ◽  
Virtual Interactive

Previous research on blended course offerings focuses on the addition of asynchronous online content to an existing course. While some explore synchronous communication, few control for differences between treatment groups. This study investigates the impact of teaching a blended course, using a virtual, interactive, real-time, instructor-led (VIRI) classroom, on student engagement, performance, and satisfaction. We use an experimental design with both a control group and a treatment group. Up to 90 students in a large urban university are randomly assigned by the registrar into two sections of an introductory marketing course. Using a pre- and post-semester questionnaire, the study measures student engagement, performance, and satisfaction. There are no statistical differences in student performance between the control and treatment groups. The only student engagement factor with a statistically significant difference between groups is student interest in their courses. Compared with the control group, the treatment group appears to be more interested (+10%) in their courses at the end of the semester. Finally, fewer than 2 in 10 students express dissatisfaction with their participation in a VIRI course. Blended course offerings are increasing in importance in marketing and business education. The study provides guidance for fine-tuning the features of those course offerings by demonstrating how a VIRI classroom leverages the capabilities of technology without compromising learning outcomes.  

Impact of Jaundice On Adults with Sickle Cell Anemia

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 4753-4753
Author(s):  
Alecia C. Nero ◽  
Timothy L. McCavit ◽  
Leah M. Adix ◽  
Bonnie L. Davis ◽  
Beena S. Mathew ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Sickle Cell Anemia ◽  
Reticulocyte Count ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Disease Modifying Therapy ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Disease Modifying ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Abstract 4753 Introduction For many patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA), jaundice, yellow discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, may be the most visible manifestation of their disease. The degree to which jaundice impacts the daily lives of patients with SCA has not been previously described. This study aims to assess the effect of jaundice on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of adults living with SCA. Methods This study was a cross-sectional survey of patients with SCA. A convenience sample of patients age > 17 years with SCA were approached during routine clinic visits to Parkland Memorial Hospital or UT Southwestern University Hospitals. Consenting patients completed a 15 question survey instrument. The survey was divided into three subscales (personal, relational, and behavioral) where individual items were presented in a 5-point Likert scale. This instrument was reviewed by non-study hematologists, nurses and patients for face validity. No other assessment of reliability or validity was performed. Additional data collected included serum total bilirubin (TB), hemoglobin, reticulocyte count (%) and patient self-report of current treatment for SCA (hydroxyurea [HU], chronic blood transfusions, or other). We tested for associations between survey subscales and TB, reticulocyte count, or hemoglobin using Spearman correlation coefficients. We compared the Spearman correlations of the survey subscales and TB between treatment and non-treatment groups using the Fisher's z transformation. Gender and age adjustments were made using linear regression. TB was transformed by natural log for regression analysis. Results We surveyed 100 subjects (58% female) with SCA. The median age was 25 years (range: 18–63), and the median TB was 2.5 mg/dL (range: 0.4–13.8). Nearly half of patients reported receiving treatment with 28% on HU and 14% on chronic transfusions. The majority of patients reported a history of jaundice, with 79% listing responses of ‘sometimes’, ‘often’, or ‘always’. Summary results for the remainder of the survey are listed in the table. TB was positively correlated with the 3 subscales (personal, r=0.32, p=0.002; relational, r=0.38, p=0.0002; behavioral, r=0.31, p=0.003). We compared these correlations between ‘treatment’ and ‘no treatment’ groups and observed strong correlations in the ‘no treatment’ group (personal, r=0.55, p<0.0001; relational, r=0.63, p<0.0001; behavioral, r=0.52, p=0.0002). TB was not correlated with the subscales in the ‘treatment’ group. After adjusting for age, gender, and disease-modifying therapy, the three subscales were associated with TB (personal, β = 0.066, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [0.027, 0.104], p=0.001; relational, β = 0.061, 95% CI [0.031, 0.092], p=0.0001; behavioral, β = 0.104, 95% CI [0.045, 0.164], p=0.0009). Conclusion Jaundice negatively impacts the lives of many adults with SCA. The personal and relational subscales suggest more impact on the self-image of respondents, but only a few reported behavioral changes. The impact of jaundice appears to be mitigated by disease-modifying therapy for SCA (HU or chronic transfusions); however, this study was not created to determine the effectiveness of these reported treatments. Despite the fact this instrument was not validated, our study results suggest jaundice should be well-represented in HRQOL assessment tools in adults with SCA. Moreover, prospective studies are needed to clarify potential benefits of disease-modifying therapies, particularly HU, on the burden of jaundice in SCA. Disclosures: Buchanan: HemaQuest Pharmacuetical, Inc.: Research Funding.

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