Trans and Gender-Diverse Latinx Individuals in the Southern United States: Experiences With Violence and Service Utilization.

Using secondary data from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, we explored transgender and gender-diverse Latinx individuals in the Southern U.S. experiences with transprejudice and antitrans violence at the individual, interpersonal, and structural levels. Findings include high rates of any form of antitrans violence in the past year and intimate partner violence in a lifetime. Most respondents accessed healthcare services in the past year. However, many reported transprejudice and antitrans violence accessing these services. Findings highlight the need for comprehensive changes at all levels to improve the well-being of transgender and gender-diverse Latinx Southerners experiencing gender-based violence.

Activation of Alveolar Epithelial ER Stress by ß-Coronavirus Infection Disrupt Surfactant Homeostasis in Mice: Implications for Covid-19 Respiratory Failure.

COVID-19 syndrome is characterized by acute lung injury, hypoxemic respiratory failure, and high mortality. Alveolar Type 2 (AT2) cells are essential for gas exchange, repair, and regeneration of distal lung epithelium. We have shown that the causative agent, SARS-CoV-2 and other ß-coronavirus genus members induce an ER stress response in vitro, however the consequences for host AT2 function in vivo are less understood. To study this, two murine models of coronavirus infection were employed- mouse hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1) in A/J mice and a mouse adapted SARS-CoV-2 strain. MHV-1 infected mice exhibited dose-dependent weight loss with histological evidence of distal lung injury accompanied by elevated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts and total protein. AT2 cells showed evidence of both viral infection and increased BIP/GRP78 expression, consistent with activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). The AT2 UPR included increased IRE1α signaling and a biphasic response in PERK signaling accompanied marked reductions in AT2 and BALF surfactant protein (SP-B, SP-C) content, increases in surfactant surface tension, and emergence of a re-programmed epithelial cell population (Krt8+, Cldn4+). The loss of a homeostatic AT2 endophenotype was attenuated by treatment with the IRE1α inhibitor OPK711. As proof-of-concept, C57BL6 mice infected with mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated similar lung injury and evidence of disrupted surfactant homeostasis. We conclude that lung injury from ß-coronavirus infection results from an aberrant host response activating multiple AT2 UPR pathways, altering surfactant metabolism/function, and changing AT2 endophenotypes offering a mechanistic link between SARS-CoV-2 infection, AT2 cell biology, and acute respiratory failure.

Predicted mechanistic impacts of human protein missense variants.

Genome sequencing efforts have led to the discovery of tens of millions of protein missense variants found in the human population with the majority of these having no annotated role and some likely contributing to trait variation and disease. Sequence-based artificial intelligence approaches have become highly accurate at predicting variants that are detrimental to the function of proteins but they do not inform on mechanisms of disruption. Here we combined sequence and structure-based methods to perform proteome-wide prediction of deleterious variants with information on their impact on protein stability, protein-protein interactions and small-molecule binding pockets. AlphaFold2 structures were used to predict approximately 100,000 small-molecule binding pockets and stability changes for over 200 million variants. To inform on protein-protein interfaces we used AlphaFold2 to predict structures for nearly 500,000 protein complexes. We illustrate the value of mechanism-aware variant effect predictions to study the relation between protein stability and abundance and the structural properties of interfaces underlying trans protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs). We characterised the distribution of mechanistic impacts of protein variants found in patients and experimentally studied example disease linked variants in FGFR1.

Evaluation of enzyme activity predictions for variants of unknown significance in Arylsulfatase A.

Continued advances in variant effect prediction are necessary to demonstrate the ability of machine learning methods to accurately determine the clinical impact of variants of unknown significance (VUS). Towards this goal, the ARSA Critical Assessment of Genome Interpretation (CAGI) challenge was designed to characterize progress by utilizing 219 experimentally assayed missense VUS in the Arylsulfatase A (ARSA) gene to assess the performance of community-submitted predictions of variant functional effects. The challenge involved 15 teams, and evaluated additional predictions from established and recently released models. Notably, a model developed by participants of a genetics and coding bootcamp, trained with standard machine-learning tools in Python, demonstrated superior performance among submissions. Furthermore, the study observed that state-of-the-art deep learning methods provided small but statistically significant improvement in predictive performance compared to less elaborate techniques. These findings underscore the utility of variant effect prediction, and the potential for models trained with modest resources to accurately classify VUS in genetic and clinical research.

Conserved genes regulating human sex differentiation, gametogenesis and fertilization.

The study of the functional genome in mice and humans has been instrumental for describing the conserved molecular mechanisms regulating human reproductive biology, and for defining the etiologies of monogenic fertility disorders. Infertility is a reproductive disorder that includes various conditions affecting a couple's ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of genes and mechanisms that, if affected, lead to infertility. We report established genes that regulate conserved functions in fundamental reproductive processes (e.g., sex determination, gametogenesis, and fertilization). We only cover genes the deletion of which yields comparable fertility phenotypes in both rodents and humans. In the case of newly-discovered genes, we report the studies demonstrating shared cellular and fertility phenotypes resulting from loss-of-function mutations in both species. Finally, we introduce new model systems for the study of human reproductive biology and highlight the importance of studying human consanguineous populations to discover novel monogenic causes of infertility. The rapid and continuous screening and identification of putative genetic defects coupled with an efficient functional characterization in animal models can reveal novel mechanisms of gene function in human reproductive tissues.

Antioxidant activity of the main phenolics found in red fruits: An in vitro and in silico study.

The current study analysed the antioxidant capacity of the main phenolics found in red fruits. In total, there were analysed the antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, nitric oxide and superoxide radicals (DPPH, NO and O2-, respectively) of 23 phenolics. Regarding DPPH, anthocyanins, (-)-epicatechin and kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside were the most active, while isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside was the least active. Anthocyanins, (-)-epicatechin, quercetin 3-O-glucoside and caffeic acid showed the strongest potential against NO, while ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid was the less efficient. Regarding the O2- assay, quercetin aglycone and their derivatives were the best ones, while cyanidin aglycone did not show any potential to quench this radical. To deeper explore the biological potential of the most promising compounds, docking molecular and ADME studies were also done. The obtained data is another support regarding the biological potential of phenolics and might be useful in encouraging their use and incorporation in new products.

Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Characteristics Associated with Maternal Dietary Patterns in Mexico.

There is scarce evidence on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics that may explain adherence to different dietary patterns (DPs) during pregnancy. Our aims were to identify dietary patterns in a sample of pregnant Mexican women and to describe their association with selected sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. This is a secondary cross-sectional analysis of 252 mothers of children that participated as controls in a hospital-based case-control study of childhood leukemia. We obtained parents' information about selected sociodemographic characteristics, as well as alcohol and tobacco consumption. We also obtained dietary information during pregnancy. We identified DPs using cluster and factor analyses and we estimated their association with characteristics of interest. We identified two DPs using cluster analysis, which we called "Prudent" and "Non healthy", as well as three DPs through factor analysis, namely "Prudent", "Processed foods and fish", and "Chicken and vegetables". Characteristics associated with greater adherence to "Prudent" patterns were maternal education, older paternal age, not smoking, and being a government employee and/or uncovered population. Likewise, the "Processed foods and fish" pattern was associated with greater maternal and paternal education, as well as those with less household overcrowding. We did not identify sociodemographic variables related to the "Chicken and Vegetables" pattern. Our results may be useful to identify target populations that may benefit from interventions aimed to improve individual dietary decisions during pregnancy.

History of Diversification and Adaptation from North to South Revealed by Genomic Data: Guanacos from the Desert to Sub-Antarctica.

The increased availability of quality genomic data has greatly improved the scope and resolution of our understanding of the recent evolutionary history of wild species adapted to extreme environments and their susceptibility to anthropogenic impacts. The guanaco (Lama guanicoe), the largest wild ungulate in South America, is a good example. The guanaco is well adapted to a wide range of habitats, including the Sechura Desert, the high Andes Mountains to the north, and the extreme temperatures and conditions of Navarino Island to the south. Guanacos also have a long history of overexploitation by humans. To assess the evolutionary impact of these challenging habitats on the genomic diversity, we analyzed 38 genomes (∼10 to 16×) throughout their extensive latitudinal distribution from the Sechura and Atacama Desert to southward into Tierra del Fuego Island. These included analyses of patterns of unique differentiation in the north and geographic region further south with admixture among L. g. cacsilensis and L. g. guanicoe. Our findings provide new insights on the divergence of the subspecies ∼800,000 yr BP and document two divergent demographic trajectories and to the initial expansion of guanaco into the more southern portions of the Atacama Desert. Patagonian guanacos have experienced contemporary reductions in effective population sizes, likely the consequence of anthropogenic impacts. The lowest levels of genetic diversity corresponded to their northern and western limits of distribution and some varying degrees of genetic differentiation. Adaptive genomic diversity was strongly linked with environmental variables and was linked with colonization toward the south followed by adaptation.

Severity and complications in infants with respiratory syncytial virus infection after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: After the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there has been an increase in hospitalization for lower respiratory infection secondary to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with greater complications. Associated extrapulmonary alterations, biventricular dysfunction, acute kidney injury, among others, have been found. The objective of this study was to analize the evolution and complications in hospitalized children with lower respiratory infection secondary to RSV after COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: All pediatric patients under 2 years of age admitted to the emergency department with RSV infection were included. Clinical characteristics, need for supplemental oxygen, use of amines, renal angina index, and requirement for renal replacement therapy were analyzed. Lung ultrasound was performed upon admission. Statistical analysis was carried out for the quantitative variables by means of mean and standard deviation, and qualitative variables by frequency and percentage. Differences in the distribution were evaluated with Fisher's exact distribution. RESULTS: 45 patients with RSV infection were identified, 26.7% required invasive mechanical ventilation and 11.1% requiered peritoneal dialysis. Fatality was observed in four cases, three of these younger than 12 months with a LUS score > 7; contrasts with 90.2% of survivors with a score < 7 (p = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the incidence of bronchiolitis after pandemic was observed, with more than half having moderate to severe symptoms and requiring supplemental oxygen support in all patients upon admission. Acute kidney injury is the most common extrapulmonary manifestation.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Posterior a la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 se ha observado un incremento en la hospitalización por virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS), con mayores complicaciones. Se han encontrado alteraciones extrapulmonares asociadas, disfunción biventricular y lesión renal aguda, entre otras. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la evolución y las complicaciones en niños hospitalizados con enfermedad respiratoria de vías bajas secundaria a infección por VRS tras la pandemia de COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron todos los menores de 2 años que ingresaron al servicio de urgencias con infección por VRS. Se analizaron las características clínicas, la necesidad de oxígeno suplementario, el uso de aminas, el índice de angina renal y el requerimiento de terapia de sustitución renal. Se realizó ecografía pulmonar al ingreso. En el análisis estadístico, para las variables cuantitativas se determinaron la media y la desviación estándar, y para las variables cualitativas la frecuencia y el porcentaje. Se evaluaron las diferencias de la distribución con la prueba exacta de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Hubo 45 pacientes con infección por VRS. El 26.7% requirieron ventilación mecánica invasiva y el 11.1% diálisis peritoneal. La letalidad fue de cuatro casos, tres de ellos menores de 12 meses con puntuación de LUS > 7; esto contrasta con el 90.2% de los sobrevivientes con puntaje < 7 (p = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONES: Se observó un aumento en la incidencia de bronquiolitis tras la pandemia, en más de la mitad de los casos con cuadros de moderados a graves, y todos requirieron oxígeno suplementario al ingreso. La lesión renal aguda fue la manifestación extrapulmonar más frecuente.

EDA-Graph: Graph Signal Processing of Electrodermal Activity for Emotional States Detection.

The continuous detection of emotional states has many applications in mental health, marketing, human-computer interaction, and assistive robotics. Electrodermal activity (EDA), a signal modulated by sympathetic nervous system activity, provides continuous insight into emotional states. However, EDA possesses intricate nonstationary and nonlinear characteristics, making the extraction of emotion-relevant information challenging. We propose a novel graph signal processing (GSP) approach to model EDA signals as graphical networks, termed EDA-graph. The GSP leverages graph theory concepts to capture complex relationships in time-series data. To test the usefulness of EDA-graphs to detect emotions, we processed EDA recordings from the CASE emotion dataset using GSP by quantizing and linking values based on the Euclidean distance between the nearest neighbors. From these EDA-graphs, we computed the features of graph analysis, including total load centrality (TLC), total harmonic centrality (THC), number of cliques (GNC), diameter, and graph radius, and compared those features with features obtained using traditional EDA processing techniques. EDA-graph features encompassing TLC, THC, GNC, diameter, and radius demonstrated significant differences (p<0.05) between five emotional states (Neutral, Amused, Bored, Relaxed, and Scared). Using machine learning models for classifying emotional states evaluated using leave-one-subject-out cross-validation, we achieved a five-class F1 score of up to 0.68.

Potential Role of Dietary Phenolic Compounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Reports.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex illness with both hereditary and environmental components. Globally, in 2019, 18 million people had RA. RA is characterized by persistent inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joints, cartilage loss, and bone erosion. Phenolic molecules are the most prevalent secondary metabolites in plants, with a diverse spectrum of biological actions that benefit functional meals and nutraceuticals. These compounds have received a lot of attention recently because they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-rheumatoid activity by modulating tumor necrosis factor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases, as well as other preventative properties. This article discusses dietary polyphenols, their pharmacological properties, and innovative delivery technologies for the treatment of RA, with a focus on their possible biological activities. Nonetheless, commercialization of polyphenols may be achievable only after confirming their safety profile and completing successful clinical trials.

Effects of Smallanthus sonchifolius Flour on Metabolic Parameters: A Systematic Review.

Smallanthus sonchifolius, popularly known as yacon, is a member of the Asteraceae family. Due to its medicinal and edible value, yacon is consumed by different populations. Yacon is unique due to its high fructo-oligosaccharide and inulin content, as well as flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, and phenolic acids. Roots can be used to produce flour, which is less perishable and can be applied in various industrial products. This systematic review focuses on the effects of yacon flour on metabolic parameters. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were consulted, and PRISMA guidelines were followed in the selection of the studies. In total, 526 articles were found in the databases, and of these, only 28 full texts were eligible for inclusion. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies were finally included. The results showed that the use of yacon flour can reduce glycemia, HbA1c, advanced glycation ends, plasma lipids, body fat mass, body weight, and waist circumference and improve intestinal microbiota and the antioxidant status. Further exploration of the effects of yacon flour is warranted, and additional clinical trials are necessary to determine the optimal daily consumption levels required to assist in improving metabolic parameters.

The Effect of Phenolic-Rich Extracts of Rubus fruticosus, R. ulmifolius and Morus nigra on Oxidative Stress and Caco-2 Inhibition Growth.

Currently, a clear interest has been given to berries due to their richness in active metabolites, including anthocyanins and non-coloured phenolics. Therefore, the main aim of the present work is to investigate the phenolic profile, antioxidant abilities, and antiproliferative effects on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and human colon carcinoma cell line (Caco-2) cells of phenolic-rich extracts from three red fruits highly appreciated by consumers: two species of blackberries (Rubus fruticosus and Rubus ulmifolius) and one species of mulberry (Morus nigra). A total of 19 different phenolics were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn and HPLC-DAD, respectively. Focusing on the biological potential of the phenolic-rich extracts, all of them revealed notable scavenging abilities. Concerning the antiproliferative properties, R. fruticosus presented a cytotoxic selectivity for Caco-2 cells compared to NHDF cells. To deeper explore the biological potential, combinations with positive controls (ascorbic acid and 5-fluorouracil) were also conducted. Finally, the obtained data are another piece of evidence that the combination of phenolic-rich extracts from natural plants with positive controls may reduce clinical therapy costs and the possible toxicity of chemical drugs.

The prognostic value of artificial intelligence to predict cardiac amyloidosis in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Aims: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is common in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Cardiac amyloidosis has poor outcomes, and its assessment in all TAVR patients is costly and challenging. Electrocardiogram (ECG) artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that screen for CA may be useful to identify at-risk patients. Methods and results: In this retrospective analysis of our institutional National Cardiovascular Disease Registry (NCDR)-TAVR database, patients undergoing TAVR between January 2012 and December 2018 were included. Pre-TAVR CA probability was analysed by an ECG AI predictive model, with >50% risk defined as high probability for CA. Univariable and propensity score covariate adjustment analyses using Cox regression were performed to compare clinical outcomes between patients with high CA probability vs. those with low probability at 1-year follow-up after TAVR. Of 1426 patients who underwent TAVR (mean age 81.0 ± 8.5 years, 57.6% male), 349 (24.4%) had high CA probability on pre-procedure ECG. Only 17 (1.2%) had a clinical diagnosis of CA. After multivariable adjustment, high probability of CA by ECG AI algorithm was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.96, P = 0.046] and higher rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (transient ischaemic attack (TIA)/stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure hospitalizations] (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.01-1.82, P = 0.041), driven primarily by heart failure hospitalizations (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.13-2.20, P = 0.008) at 1-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in TIA/stroke or myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Artificial intelligence applied to pre-TAVR ECGs identifies a subgroup at higher risk of clinical events. These targeted patients may benefit from further diagnostic evaluation for CA.

A comparison of outcomes including bile duct injury of subtotal cholecystectomy versus open total cholecystectomy as bailout procedures for severe cholecystitis: A multicenter real-world study.

BACKGROUND: Dense inflammation obscuring the hepatocystic anatomy can hinder the ability to perform a safe standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy in severe cholecystitis, requiring use of a bailout procedure. We compared clinical outcomes of laparoscopic and open subtotal cholecystectomy against the traditional standard of open total cholecystectomy to identify the optimal bailout strategy for the difficult gallbladder. METHODS: A multicenter, multinational retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent bailout procedures for severe cholecystitis. Procedures were compared using one-way analysis of variance/Kruskal-Wallis tests and χ2 tests with multiple pairwise comparisons, maintaining a family-wise error rate at 0.05. Multiple multivariate linear/logistical regression models were created. RESULTS: In 11 centers, 727 bailout procedures were conducted: 317 laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomies, 172 open subtotal cholecystectomies, and 238 open cholecystectomies. Baseline characteristics were similar among subgroups. Bile leak was common in laparoscopic and open fenestrating subtotal cholecystectomies, with increased intraoperative drain placements and postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(P < .05). In contrast, intraoperative bleeding (odds ratio = 3.71 [1.9, 7.22]), surgical site infection (odds ratio = 2.41 [1.09, 5.3]), intensive care unit admission (odds ratio = 2.65 [1.51, 4.63]), and length of stay (Δ = 2 days, P < .001) were higher in open procedures. Reoperation rates were higher for open reconstituting subtotal cholecystectomies (odds ratio = 3.43 [1.03, 11.44]) than other subtypes. The overall rate of bile duct injury was 1.1% and was not statistically different between groups. Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy had a bile duct injury rate of 0.63%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is a feasible surgical bailout procedure in cases of severe cholecystitis where standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy may carry undue risk of bile duct injury. Open cholecystectomy remains a reasonable option.

In vitro and In vivo Biological Activity of Two Aryloxy-naphthoquinones in Mice Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi Strains.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease, a condition caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is an endemic disease in Latin American countries that affects approximately eight million people worldwide. It is a continuing public health problem. As nifurtimox and benznidazole are the two pharmacological treatments currently used to treat it, the present research proposes new therapeutic alternatives. Previous studies conducted on naphthoquinone derivatives have found interesting trypanocidal effects on epimastigotes, with the molecules 2-phenoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (IC50= 50 nM and SI < 250) and 2-(3-nitrophenoxy)-naphthalene-1,4-dione (IC50= 20 nM y SI=625) presenting the best biological activity. METHOD: The present study evaluated the efficacy of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models of two aryloxyquinones, 2-phenoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (1) and 2-(3-nitrophenoxy)-naphthalene-1,4- dione (2), against two Mexican T. cruzi strains in both their epimastigote and blood Trypomastigote stage. Both compounds were evaluated against T. cruzi using a mouse model (CD1) infected with Mexican isolates of T. cruzi, nifurtimox and benznidazole used as control drugs. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the two compounds against the J774.2 mouse macrophage cell line was also determined. RESULT: The in vitro and in vivo results obtained indicated that both quinones were more active than the reference drugs. Compound 1 presents in vivo activity, showing up to 40% parasite reduction after 8 h of administration, a finding which is 1.25 times more effective than the results obtained using nifurtimox. CONCLUSION: These are encouraging results for proposing new naphthoquinone derivatives with potential anti-T. cruzi activity.

Phenotype and Clinical Outcomes in Desmin-Related Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Desmin (DES) pathogenic variants cause a small proportion of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). Outcomes data on DES-related ACM are scarce. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to provide information on the clinical phenotype and outcomes of patients with ACM caused by pathogenic variants of the DES gene in a multicenter cohort. METHODS: We collected phenotypic and outcomes data from 16 families with DES-related ACM from 10 European centers. We assessed in vitro DES aggregates. Major cardiac events were compared to historical controls with lamin A/C truncating variant (LMNA-tv) and filament C truncating variant (FLNC-tv) ACM. RESULTS: Of 82 patients (54% males, median age: 36 years), 11 experienced sudden cardiac death (SCD) (n = 7) or heart failure death (HFd)/heart transplantation (HTx) (n = 4) before clinical evaluation. Among 68 survivors, 59 (86%) presented signs of cardiomyopathy, with left ventricular (LV) dominant (50%) or biventricular (34%) disease. Mean LV ejection fraction was 51% ± 13%; 36 of 53 had late gadolinium enhancement (ring-like pattern in 49%). During a median of 6.73 years (Q1-Q3: 3.55-9.52 years), the composite endpoint (sustained ventricular tachycardia, aborted SCD, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy, SCD, HFd, and HTx) was achieved in 15 additional patients with HFd/HTx (n = 5) and SCD/aborted SCD/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy/sustained ventricular tachycardia (n = 10). Male sex (P = 0.004), nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (P = 0.017) and LV ejection fraction ≤50% (P = 0.012) were associated with the composite endpoint. Males with DES variants had similar outcomes to historical FLNC-tv and LMNA-tv controls. However, females showed better outcomes than those with LMNA-tv. In vitro experiments showed the characteristic finding of DES aggregates in 7 of 12 variants. CONCLUSIONS: DES ACM is associated with poor outcomes which can be predicted with potentially successful treatments, underscoring the importance of familial evaluation and genetic studies to identify at risk individuals.

Evaluating the impact of gypsum as a novel bedding material on broiler performance, foot pad health, and fear response.

Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum is a byproduct of the coal-fired power plant process commonly used to remove sulfur dioxide emissions from the flue gas. FGD gypsum has numerous industrial, agricultural, and environmental applications. This study aimed to explore a novel approach involving the use of FGD gypsum combined with different litter treatments as bedding for broiler production. It focused on performance metrics, including adjusted feed conversion ratio (AFCR) and average body weight (BW), foot pad dermatitis (FPD), and fear response over 5 consecutive flocks. A total of 1,800 one-day-old Ross 708 chicks were randomly assigned to 24 pens (75 birds/pen), divided into 6 treatment groups (4 pens/treatment), with 5 replications and raised until 42 d old (d). Treatments were gypsum that was decaked (D), rotovated (E), and rotovated then windrowed (F) between flocks. Control treatments using pine shavings were decaked (A), rotovated (B), and windrowed postrotovating (C). AFCR, average BW, and mortality were used as a measure of production. Foot pad dermatitis scores were taken on d42 using a scale of 0 (absence), 1 (mild), and 2 (severe). Response to observer and human approach test were used to measure fear response. Data were analyzed as a 2-way ANOVA (Proc Glimmix) for the main effects of bedding type and litter treatment. Means were identified using Tukey's HSD. No effect of bedding type or litter treatment was found for AFCR, BW, or mortality. FPD scores 2 and 1, were higher with pine shavings than gypsum (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). While FPD scores 0 were higher for gypsum than the pine shaving (P = 0.01). No difference in fear response was found among birds raised on any of the gypsum litter treatments and any of the pine shaving litter treatments. Overall, the use of gypsum as bedding results in equivalent production and fear response to pine shavings, while increasing FPD quality when compared to pine shaving.