COVID-19 effects on horses in-transition: A survey analysis of United States equine industry perspectives.

The welfare of unwanted horses presents a significant concern for the equine industry. However, there is a lack of research on how unwanted horses are affected by major crises. The drastic changes that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic presented ample opportunity to investigate how unwanted horses are impacted by challenging circumstances. Study objectives were to evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the unwanted horse population and determine the current perceptions of horses in-transition. A 23-question online survey designed using QualtricsTM was administered electronically to adults living in the United States. Questions pertained to effects on equine ownership, equine management, event participation, and perceptions of unwanted horses. Frequency analysis combined with Chi-squared analyses and analyses of variance identified the impacts of COVID-19 on horse owners, non-horse owners, and equine professionals. From survey results, equine ownership, management practices, and time spent with horses proved to be unaffected (P < 0.001) by the coronavirus pandemic. A decreased ability to participate in equine events was evident across all groups (P ≤ 0.03). Financial hardship, unmanageable behavior, and injury were cited as leading causes for horses becoming "in-transition." Euthanasia was the transitioning method perceived as most accessible, while donation to an equine program was least accessible. Based on results, the COVID-19 pandemic had negligible impact on the number of unwanted horses in the United States. Long-term effects of COVID-19 on equine ownership and management decisions should be considered to provide a deeper base of knowledge for how major crises affect the horse in-transition population.

Electroestimulación del nervio tibial posterior en incontinencia urinaria de urgencia e incontinencia fecal / Percutaneous posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation in urge urinary incontinence and faecal incontinence

OBJETIVO: Principal, evaluar la eficacia de la electroestimulación percutánea del tibial posterior (P-PTNS) en incontinencia urinaria de urgencia (IUU) e incontinencia fecal (IF) refractarias al tratamiento de primera línea. Secundario, determinar factores predictores de respuesta al tratamiento. Estudio analítico longitudinal prospectivo de 2 años de duración en pacientes con IUU e IF tratados con P-PTNS. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Pacientes con IUU e IF tratados con P-PTNS y que responden al diario miccional/defecatorio, cuestionarios de severidad y calidad de vida. Se excluyen pacientes con IUU neurogénica, que abandonan el tratamiento o no responden a los cuestionarios. Variables demográficas, clínicas (hábito miccional/defecatorio pre- y postratamiento), escalas de severidad pre- y postratamiento (ICIQ-SF, Sandvick y Wexner), mejoría subjetiva y calidad de vida (IQOL y FIQL pre- y postratamiento). Análisis estadístico con SPSS v19. RESULTADOS: Muestra de 21 pacientes en dos grupos: -Grupo IUU, 9 pacientes. Tras P-PTNS mejoría estadísticamente significativa de frecuencia miccional diurna (p = 0,018) y nocturna (p = 0,016), urgencias/día (p = 0,018), pérdidas/día (p = 0,027), ICIQ-SF y Sandvick (p = 0,018), y calidad de vida IQOL (p = 0,012). Esta mejoría se relaciona con el ejercicio (p = 0,039) y prolapso (p = 0,05). -Grupo IF, 12 pacientes. Tras P-PTNS mejoría estadísticamente significativa de frecuencia defecatoria (p = 0,027), incontinencia (p = 0,012), Wexner (p = 0,007), y FIQL en sus 4 dimensiones (estilo de vida, conducta, vergüenza p = 0,005; y depresión p = 0,008). Esta mejoría se relaciona con edad (p = 0,048), tiempo de evolución (p = 0,044) y prolapso (p = 0,026). CONCLUSIONES: La P-PTNS es eficaz en IUU e IF refractarias al tratamiento convencional; la respuesta al tratamiento está influenciada por distintos factores

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation (P-PTNS) in urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and faecal incontinence (FI) refractory to first-line treatment. A secondary aim was to identify predictors of treatment response. To do this, we performed a 2-year analytical, longitudinal and prospective study in patients with UUI and FI treated with P-PTNS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included patients with UUI and FI who were treated with P-PTNS and who completed the bladder/faecal incontinence diary and severity and quality of life questionnaires. We excluded patients with neurogenic UUI and those who abandoned treatment or did not complete the questionnaires. We assessed demographic and clinical variables (micturition/defecation habits pre- and postreatment), severity scales before and after treatment (ICIQ-SF, Sandvick and Wexner), subjective improvement and quality of life (IQOL and FIQL pre- and postreatment). The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v19. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 21 patients divided into 2 groups: -UUI group, 9 patients. After P-PTNS, there was a statistically significant improvement in diurnal (p=.018) and nocturnal (p=.016) urinary frequency, urgencies/day (p=.018), urine leakage/day (p=.027), ICIQ-SF and Sandvick (p=.018), and IQOL (p=.012). This improvement was related to exercise (p=.039) and prolapse (p=.05). -Group FI, 12 patients. After P-PTNS, there was a statistically significant improvement in defecation frequency (p=.027), incontinence (p=.012), Wexner scale (p=.007), and FIQL in its 4 dimensions (lifestyle, behaviour, embarrassment p=.005; and depression p=.008). This improvement was related to age (p=.048), time since onset (p=.044) and prolapse (p=.026). CONCLUSIONS: The P-PTNS is effective in UUI and FI refractory to conventional treatment. Treatment response is affected by several factors

[Percutaneous posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation in urge urinary incontinence and faecal incontinence]. / Electroestimulación del nervio tibial posterior en incontinencia urinaria de urgencia e incontinencia fecal.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation (P-PTNS) in urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and faecal incontinence (FI) refractory to first-line treatment. A secondary aim was to identify predictors of treatment response. To do this, we performed a 2-year analytical, longitudinal and prospective study in patients with UUI and FI treated with P-PTNS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included patients with UUI and FI who were treated with P-PTNS and who completed the bladder/faecal incontinence diary and severity and quality of life questionnaires. We excluded patients with neurogenic UUI and those who abandoned treatment or did not complete the questionnaires. We assessed demographic and clinical variables (micturition/defecation habits pre- and postreatment), severity scales before and after treatment (ICIQ-SF, Sandvick and Wexner), subjective improvement and quality of life (IQOL and FIQL pre- and postreatment). The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v19. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 21 patients divided into 2 groups: -UUI group, 9 patients. After P-PTNS, there was a statistically significant improvement in diurnal (p=.018) and nocturnal (p=.016) urinary frequency, urgencies/day (p=.018), urine leakage/day (p=.027), ICIQ-SF and Sandvick (p=.018), and IQOL (p=.012). This improvement was related to exercise (p=.039) and prolapse (p=.05). -Group FI, 12 patients. After P-PTNS, there was a statistically significant improvement in defecation frequency (p=.027), incontinence (p=.012), Wexner scale (p=.007), and FIQL in its 4 dimensions (lifestyle, behaviour, embarrassment p=.005; and depression p=.008). This improvement was related to age (p=.048), time since onset (p=.044) and prolapse (p=.026). CONCLUSIONS: The P-PTNS is effective in UUI and FI refractory to conventional treatment. Treatment response is affected by several factors.

Molecular dissection of TNFR-TNFα bidirectional signaling reveals both cooperative and antagonistic interactions with p75 neurotrophic factor receptor in axon patterning.

During neural development, complex organisms rely on progressive and regressive events whereby axons, synapses, and neurons are overproduced followed by selective elimination of a portion of these components. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) together with its cognate receptor (Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1; TNFR1) have been shown to play both regressive (i.e. forward signaling from the receptor) and progressive (i.e. reverse signaling from the ligand) roles in sympathetic neuron development. In contrast, a paralog of TNFR1, p75 neurotrophic factor receptor (p75NTR) promotes mainly regressive developmental events in sympathetic neurons. Here we examine the interplay between these paralogous receptors in the regulation of axon branch elimination and arborization. We confirm previous reports that these TNFR1 family members are individually capable of promoting ligand-dependent suppression of axon growth and branching. Remarkably, p75NTR and TNFR1 physically interact and p75NTR requires TNFR1 for ligand-dependent axon suppression of axon branching but not vice versa. We also find that p75NTR forward signaling and TNFα reverse signaling are functionally antagonistic. Finally, we find that TNFα reverse signaling is necessary for nerve growth factor (NGF) dependent axon growth. Taken together these findings demonstrate several levels of synergistic and antagonistic interactions using very few signaling pathways and that the balance of these synergizing and opposing signals act to ensure proper axon growth and patterning.

Current evidence allows multiple models for the peopling of the Americas.

Some recent academic and popular literature implies that the problem of the colonization of the Americas has been largely resolved in favor of one specific model: a Pacific coastal migration, dependent on high marine productivity, from the Bering Strait to South America, thousands of years before Clovis, the earliest widespread cultural manifestation south of the glacial ice. Speculations on maritime adaptations and typological links (stemmed points) across thousands of kilometers have also been advanced. A review of the current genetic, archeological, and paleoecological evidence indicates that ancestral Native American population expansion occurred after 16,000 years ago, consistent with the archeological record, particularly with the earliest securely dated sites after ~15,000 years ago. These data are largely consistent with either an inland (ice-free corridor) or Pacific coastal routes (or both), but neither can be rejected at present. Systematic archeological and paleoecological investigations, informed by geomorphology, are required to test each hypothesis.

OPTN/SRTR 2016 Annual Data Report: Kidney.

Data from 2016 show ongoing positive trends in short- and long-term allograft survival, and a decrease in the number of active listed candi- dates for the first time in more than a decade, with a concomitant in- crease in deceased donor kidney transplants. Transplant rates that had changed dramatically for some groups after implementation of the new kidney allocation system in 2014 are stabilizing, allowing for evaluation of new steady states and trends. Many challenges remain in adult kid- ney transplantation, including stagnant rates of living donor transplant, geographic disparities in access to transplant, racial disparities in living donor transplant, and overall a continuing demand for kidneys that far outpaces the supply. For pediatric recipients, a decline in the proportion of living donor transplants is of concern. In 2016, only 34.2% of pediatric transplants were from living donors, compared with 47.2% in 2005. The number of related donors decreased dramatically over the past decade, and the number of unrelated directed transplants performed in pediatric candidates remained low (50).

The role of trees in urban stormwater management.

Urban impervious surfaces convert precipitation to stormwater runoff, which causes water quality and quantity problems. While traditional stormwater management has relied on gray infrastructure such as piped conveyances to collect and convey stormwater to wastewater treatment facilities or into surface waters, cities are exploring green infrastructure to manage stormwater at its source. Decentralized green infrastructure leverages the capabilities of soil and vegetation to infiltrate, redistribute, and otherwise store stormwater volume, with the potential to realize ancillary environmental, social, and economic benefits. To date, green infrastructure science and practice have largely focused on infiltration-based technologies that include rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavements. However, a narrow focus on infiltration overlooks other losses from the hydrologic cycle, and we propose that arboriculture - the cultivation of trees and other woody plants - deserves additional consideration as a stormwater control measure. Trees interact with the urban hydrologic cycle by intercepting incoming precipitation, removing water from the soil via transpiration, enhancing infiltration, and bolstering the performance of other green infrastructure technologies. However, many of these interactions are inadequately understood, particularly at spatial and temporal scales relevant to stormwater management. As such, the reliable use of trees for stormwater control depends on improved understanding of how and to what extent trees interact with stormwater, and the context-specific consideration of optimal arboricultural practices and institutional frameworks to maximize the stormwater benefits trees can provide.

Explosive Particle Dispersion in Plasma Turbulence.

Particle dynamics are investigated in plasma turbulence, using self-consistent kinetic simulations, in two dimensions. In the steady state, the trajectories of single protons and proton pairs are studied, at different values of plasma ß (ratio between kinetic and magnetic pressure). For single-particle displacements, results are consistent with fluids and magnetic field line dynamics, where particles undergo normal diffusion for very long times, with higher ß's being more diffusive. In an intermediate time range, with separations lying in the inertial range, particles experience an explosive dispersion in time, consistent with the Richardson prediction. These results, obtained for the first time with a self-consistent kinetic model, are relevant for astrophysical and laboratory plasmas, where turbulence is crucial for heating, mixing, and acceleration processes.

In vivo study and thermodynamic investigation of two lanthanum complexes, La(dpp)3 and La(XT), for the treatment of bone resorption disorders.

Bone density diseases such as osteoporosis affect a significant number of people worldwide. Lanthanide ions are functional mimics of calcium ions, able to substitute for Ca2+ in the bone mineral component, hydroxyapatite (HAP). Bone undergoes a continuous remodelling cycle and lanthanides can affect this cycle, exerting a positive influence on bone mineral. We have been engaged in efforts to find new lanthanide containing complexes as active agents for treatment of these diseases and have identified two lead compounds, 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethylpyridin-4(1H)-one (Hdpp) and a phosphinate-EDTA derivative, bis[[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]-methyl]phosphinate (H5XT). In this paper, we report in vivo data for the first time for the two lead compounds. The pharmacokinetics of La(dpp)3 suggest the complex is rapidly cleared from plasma. We demonstrate that La3+ accumulates in the bone following IV dose of either La(dpp)3 or La(XT) and we have investigated the influence of each chelating ligand on the incorporation of La3+ into HAP using ITC and HAP-binding studies.

Antibody-mediated control of Trypanosoma vivax infection fails in the absence of tumour necrosis factor.

Trypanosoma vivax causes a wasting disease affecting livestock breeding and agriculture in developing countries of sub-Sahara Africa and South America. Being an extracellular parasite, control of T. vivax has been proposed to be mediated by host antibodies. However, the use of a comparative infection model of wild-type (WT) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) knockout (TNF(-/-) ) mice shows that the latter is unable to control first-peak parasitaemia, despite the presence of specific antitrypanosome antibodies. In contrast, WT mice parasitaemia peak control coincides with a combined early onset of TNF production and induction of specific antibodies. TNF is mainly produced by liver-associated monocytes and neutrophils. In this study, no other correlation between cellular immunomodulations and peak parasitaemia control was observed, underscoring the importance of the role of TNF in the control of T. vivax infections.

Performance of succinylacetone assays and their associated proficiency testing outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Succinylacetone (SUAC) is the primary metabolic marker for hepatorenal tyrosinemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used results reported for dried-blood-spot proficiency testing (PT) specimens and hepatorenal tyrosinemia patients' newborn screening (NBS) samples to demonstrate analytic biases in SUAC recoveries and differences in presumptive clinical classifications. RESULTS: SUAC recoveries from non-kit and NeoBase™ kit tandem mass spectrometry methods were markedly different. Kit users that set high cutoff values submitted discordant clinical assessments of "within normal limits" for PT specimens enriched with 10-15 µmol SUAC/L in blood. SUAC levels in tyrosinemia patients' NBS samples analyzed by NeoBase™ kit were lower than those in samples analyzed by non-kit methods. CONCLUSIONS: From 2009 to 2011, analytic biases in SUAC recoveries were consistent. Discordant clinical assessments of PT specimens were associated with high cutoff values for NeoBase™ kit results. Method-related differences in SUAC concentrations of tyrosinemia patients' samples were consistent with those of PT specimens.

Effect of polymer deposition method on thermoresponsive polymer films and resulting cellular behavior.

Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) or pNIPAM is a thermoresponsive polymer that is widely studied for use in bioengineering applications. The interest in this polymer lies in the polymer's unique capability to undergo a sharp property change near physiological temperature, which aids in the spontaneous release of biological cells from substrates. Currently, there are many methods for depositing pNIPAM onto substrates, including atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and electron beam ionization. Each method yields pNIPAM-coated substrates with different surface characteristics that can influence cell behavior. In this work, we compare two methods of pNIPAM deposition: plasma deposition and codeposition with a sol-gel. The resulting pNIPAM films were analyzed for use as substrates for mammalian cell culture based on surface characterization (XPS, ToF-SIMS, AFM, contact angles), cell attachment/detachment studies, and an analysis of exocytosis function using carbon-fiber microelectrode amperometry (CFMA). We find that although both methods are useful for the deposition of functional pNIPAM films, plasma deposition is much preferred for cell-sheet engineering applications because of the films' thermoresponse, minimal change in cell density, and maintenance of supported cell exocytosis function.

Branched-chain amino acid levels are associated with improvement in insulin resistance with weight loss.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Insulin resistance (IR) improves with weight loss, but this response is heterogeneous. We hypothesised that metabolomic profiling would identify biomarkers predicting changes in IR with weight loss. METHODS: Targeted mass spectrometry-based profiling of 60 metabolites, plus biochemical assays of NEFA, ß-hydroxybutyrate, ketones, insulin and glucose were performed in baseline and 6 month plasma samples from 500 participants who had lost ≥4 kg during Phase I of the Weight Loss Maintenance (WLM) trial. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and change in HOMA-IR with weight loss (∆HOMA-IR) were calculated. Principal components analysis (PCA) and mixed models adjusted for race, sex, baseline weight, and amount of weight loss were used; findings were validated in an independent cohort of patients (n = 22). RESULTS: Mean weight loss was 8.67 ± 4.28 kg; mean ∆HOMA-IR was -0.80 ± 1.73, range -28.9 to 4.82). Baseline PCA-derived factor 3 (branched chain amino acids [BCAAs] and associated catabolites) correlated with baseline HOMA-IR (r = 0.50, p < 0.0001) and independently associated with ∆HOMA-IR (p < 0.0001). ∆HOMA-IR increased in a linear fashion with increasing baseline factor 3 quartiles. Amount of weight loss was only modestly correlated with ∆HOMA-IR (r = 0.24). These findings were validated in the independent cohort, with a factor composed of BCAAs and related metabolites predicting ∆HOMA-IR (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: A cluster of metabolites comprising BCAAs and related analytes predicts improvement in HOMA-IR independent of the amount of weight lost. These results may help identify individuals most likely to benefit from moderate weight loss and elucidate novel mechanisms of IR in obesity.

Isotopic paleoecology of Clovis mammoths from Arizona.

The causes of megafaunal extinctions in North America have been widely debated but remain poorly understood. Mammoths (Mammuthus spp.) in the American Southwest were hunted by Clovis people during a period of rapid climate change, just before the regional onset of Younger Dryas cooling and mammoth extirpation. Thus, these mammoths may provide key insights into late Pleistocene extinction processes. Here we reconstruct the seasonal diet and climatic conditions experienced by mammoths in the San Pedro Valley of Arizona, using the carbon ((13)C/(12)C) and oxygen ((18)O/(16)O) isotope compositions of tooth enamel. These records suggest that Clovis mammoths experienced a warm, dry climate with sufficient summer rainfall to support seasonal C(4) plant growth. Monsoon intensity may have been reduced relative to the preceding time period, but there is no isotopic evidence for severe drought. However, it is possible that the "Clovis drought", inferred from stratigraphic evidence, occurred suddenly at the end of the animals' lives and thus was not recorded in the enamel isotopic compositions. Unlike mammoths that lived before the Last Glacial Maximum, Clovis mammoths regularly increased C(4) grass consumption during summer, probably seeking seasonally green grasslands farther from the river valley. This predictable seasonal behavior may have made mammoths easier to locate by Clovis hunters. Furthermore, Clovis mammoths probably had no previous experience of such sudden climatic change as is believed to have occurred at the time of their extinction.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among stable chronic disease subjects in primary care in Trinidad, West Indies.

The prevalence of COPD in the Caribbean is uncertain. Spirometric indices were assessed at chronic disease clinics in 353 subjects (African, 66; East Indian, 198; 109 male), mean age 56.51 years (non-COPD) vs 59.30 years (COPD). 77 (21.8%) patients had COPD. 33.3% of COPD subjects had chronic cough vs 19.7% of subjects without COPD. A history of at least one chest infection was related to low FEV1 (P=0.005). In subjects presenting with vascular disease the FVC was reduced when compared to other subjects. Prevalence of COPD is 21.8%. A history of chest infections is related to decreased FEV1%.

The Murray Springs Clovis site, Pleistocene extinction, and the question of extraterrestrial impact.

Some of the evidence for the recent hypothesis of an extraterrestrial impact that caused late Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions [Firestone et al. (2007) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104:16016-16021] was based upon samples collected at Murray Springs, a Clovis archaeological site in southeastern Arizona. Here we describe sampling and analyses of magnetic separates from within, above, and below the lower Younger Dryas boundary (LYDB) black mat at Murray Springs, as well as radiation measurements from the LYDB at Murray Springs and two other well-stratified Clovis sites. The main magnetic fraction at Murray Springs is maghemite. Magnetic microspherules have terrestrial origins but also occur as cosmic dust particles. We failed to find iridium or radiation anomalies. The evidence for massive biomass burning at Murray Springs is addressed and found to be lacking. We could not substantiate some of the claims by Firestone and others, but our findings do not preclude a terminal Pleistocene cosmic event.

Induction and regulation of Trypanosoma brucei VSG-specific antibody responses.

The review addresses how infection with Trypanosoma brucei affects the development, survival and functions of B lymphocytes in mice. It discusses (1) the contributions of antibodies to trypanosome clearance from the bloodstream, (2) how B lymphocytes, the precursors of antibody producing plasma cells, interact with membrane form variable surface glycoprotein (VSG), i.e. with monovalent antigen that is free to diffuse within the lipid bilayer of the trypanosome plasma membrane and consequently can cross-link B cell antigen specific receptors by indirect processes only and (3) the extent and underlying causes of dysregulation of humoral immune responses in infected mice, focusing on the impact of wild type and GPI-PLC⁻/⁻ trypanosomes on bone marrow and extramedullary B lymphopoiesis, B cell maturation and survival.

Absence of geochemical evidence for an impact event at the Bølling-Allerød/Younger Dryas transition.

High concentrations of iridium have been reported in terrestrial sediments dated at 12.9 ka and are interpreted to support an extraterrestrial impact event as the cause of the observed extinction in the Rancholabrean fauna, changes in the Paleoindian cultures, and the onset of the Younger Dryas cooling [Firestone RB, et al. (2007) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104:16016-16021]. Here, we report platinum group element (PGE: Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd), gold (Au) concentrations, and (187)Os/(188)Os ratios in time-equivalent terrestrial, lacustrine, and marine sections to seek robust evidence of an extraterrestrial contribution. First, our results do not reproduce the previously reported elevated Ir concentrations. Second, (187)Os/(188)Os isotopic ratios in the sediment layers investigated are similar to average crustal values, indicating the absence of a significant meteoritic Os contribution to these sediments. Third, no PGE anomalies distinct from crustal signatures are present in the marine record in either the Gulf of California (DSDP 480, Guaymas Basin) or the Cariaco Basin (ODP 1002C). Our data show no evidence of an extraterrestrial (ET)-PGE enrichment anomaly in any of the investigated depositional settings investigated across North America and in one section in Belgium. The lack of a clear ET-PGE signature in this sample suite is inconsistent with the impact of a large chondritic projectile at the Bølling-Allerød/Younger Dryas transition.