Associations between the rumen microbiota and carcass merit and meat quality in beef cattle.

The rumen microbiota is important for energy and nutrient acquisition in cattle, and therefore its composition may also affect carcass merit and meat quality attributes. In this study, we examined the associations between archaeal and bacterial taxa in the rumen microbiota of beef cattle and 12 different attributes, including hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage, ribeye area (REA), intramuscular fat content, marbling score, fat thickness, yield grade, moisture content, purge loss, and shear force. There were significant correlations between the relative abundance of certain archaeal and bacterial genera and these attributes. Notably, Selenomonas spp. were positively correlated with live weight and HCW, while also being negatively correlated with purge loss. Members of the Christensenellaceae R-7, Moryella, and Prevotella genera exhibited positive and significant correlations with various attributes, such as dressing percentage and intramuscular fat content. Ruminococcaceae UCG-001 was negatively correlated with live weight, HCW, and dressing percentage, while Acidaminococcus and Succinivibrionaceae UCG-001 were negatively correlated with intramuscular fat content, moisture content, and marbling score. Overall, our findings suggest that specific changes in the rumen microbiota could be a valuable tool to improve beef carcass merit and meat quality attributes. Additional research is required to better understand the relationship between the rumen microbiota and these attributes, with the potential to develop microbiome-targeted strategies for enhancing beef production. KEY POINTS: • Certain rumen bacteria were associated with carcass merit and meat quality • Moryella was positively correlated with intramuscular fat in beef carcasses • Acidaminococcus spp. was negatively correlated with marbling and intramuscular fat.

Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 7 promotes the type I interferon response by activating Irf7 transcription.

Tight regulation of macrophage immune gene expression is required to fight infection without risking harmful inflammation. The contribution of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to shaping the macrophage response to pathogens remains poorly understood. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that a member of the serine/arginine-rich (SR) family of mRNA processing factors, SRSF7, is required for optimal expression of a cohort of interferon-stimulated genes in macrophages. Using genetic and biochemical assays, we discover that in addition to its canonical role in regulating alternative splicing, SRSF7 drives transcription of interferon regulatory transcription factor 7 (IRF7) to promote antiviral immunity. At the Irf7 promoter, SRSF7 maximizes STAT1 transcription factor binding and RNA polymerase II elongation via cooperation with the H4K20me1 histone methyltransferase KMT5a (SET8). These studies define a role for an SR protein in activating transcription and reveal an RBP-chromatin network that orchestrates macrophage antiviral gene expression.

Adapting forensic case reporting to account for marginalization and vulnerability.

Scholarship of forensic sciences has shown politicalization of human remains and potential biases in criminal investigations. Specifically, concerns have been raised regarding how forensic anthropology analysis and documentation may hinder identification processes or obfuscate other data. As part of this scholarship, some have suggested that forensic anthropologists expand their reporting to include broader public health and safety information as well as reconsider who should be included in reports of anthropological findings. In response to these burgeoning discussions, this piece provides examples of ways anthropologists may formulate reports that capture evidence of marginalization or structural vulnerability. Documentation of findings can occur in myriad formats, including, but not limited to, individual case reports, reports on population analyses from cases, collaborative end-of-year reporting conducted with other medicolegal professionals, and collaborative databasing. This piece provides various templates and suggestions for reporting this kind of data while encouraging further discussion on related merits and concerns.

Serine arginine-rich splicing factor (SRSF7) cooperates with the histone methyltransferase KMT5a to promote the type I interferon response via transcriptional activation of IRF7.

Tight regulation of macrophage immune gene expression is required to fight infection without risking harmful inflammation. The contribution of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) to shaping the macrophage response to pathogens remains poorly understood. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that a member of the serine/arginine-rich (SR) family of mRNA processing factors, SRSF7, is required for optimal expression of a cohort of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) in macrophages. Using genetic and biochemical assays, we discovered that in addition to its canonical role in regulating alternative splicing, SRSF7 drives transcription of interferon regulatory transcription factor 7 (IRF7) to promote antiviral immunity. At the Irf7 promoter, SRSF7 maximizes STAT1 transcription factor binding and RNA polymerase II elongation via cooperation with the H4K20me1 histone methyltransferase KMT5a (SET8). These studies define an unorthodox role for an SR protein in activating transcription and reveal an unappreciated RNA binding protein-chromatin network that orchestrates macrophage antiviral gene expression.

Prediction of primal and retail cut weights, tissue composition and yields of youthful cattle carcasses using computer vision systems; whole carcass camera and/or ribeye camera.

The application of two computer vision systems (CVS) was evaluated to predict primal and retail cut composition in youthful beef carcasses. Left carcass sides from a total of 634 animals were broken down into primal cuts, scanned using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for the prediction of tissue composition and fabricated into retail cuts. Cold carcass camera (CCC) images led to higher R2 values than hot carcass camera (HCC) images. The CVS coefficients of prediction for the primal cut weights ranged from 0.61 to 0.97. For the primal cut tissue composition predictions, R2 values ranged from 0.09 for Brisket HCC bone prediction to 0.82 for Chuck CCC fat prediction. Retail cut weight estimations had similar R2 values, ranging from 0.10 for IMPS 112 (Ribeye roll-denuded ribeye) to 0.99 for IMPS 113C (semi-boneless chuck) both using CCC. The results suggest the feasibility of CVS technologies to predict beef primal and retail cuts weights together with tissue composition, and yield percentages.

SRSF6 balances mitochondrial-driven innate immune outcomes through alternative splicing of BAX.

To mount a protective response to infection while preventing hyperinflammation, gene expression in innate immune cells must be tightly regulated. Despite the importance of pre-mRNA splicing in shaping the proteome, its role in balancing immune outcomes remains understudied. Transcriptomic analysis of murine macrophage cell lines identified Serine/Arginine Rich Splicing factor 6 (SRSF6) as a gatekeeper of mitochondrial homeostasis. SRSF6-dependent orchestration of mitochondrial health is directed in large part by alternative splicing of the pro-apoptosis pore-forming protein BAX. Loss of SRSF6 promotes accumulation of BAX-κ, a variant that sensitizes macrophages to undergo cell death and triggers upregulation of interferon stimulated genes through cGAS sensing of cytosolic mitochondrial DNA. Upon pathogen sensing, macrophages regulate SRSF6 expression to control the liberation of immunogenic mtDNA and adjust the threshold for entry into programmed cell death. This work defines BAX alternative splicing by SRSF6 as a critical node not only in mitochondrial homeostasis but also in the macrophage's response to pathogens.

Mitochondrial ROS promotes susceptibility to infection via gasdermin D-mediated necroptosis.

Although mutations in mitochondrial-associated genes are linked to inflammation and susceptibility to infection, their mechanistic contributions to immune outcomes remain ill-defined. We discovered that the disease-associated gain-of-function allele Lrrk2G2019S (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2) perturbs mitochondrial homeostasis and reprograms cell death pathways in macrophages. When the inflammasome is activated in Lrrk2G2019S macrophages, elevated mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) directs association of the pore-forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD) to mitochondrial membranes. Mitochondrial GSDMD pore formation then releases mtROS, promoting a switch to RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL-dependent necroptosis. Consistent with enhanced necroptosis, infection of Lrrk2G2019S mice with Mycobacterium tuberculosis elicits hyperinflammation and severe immunopathology. Our findings suggest a pivotal role for GSDMD as an executer of multiple cell death pathways and demonstrate that mitochondrial dysfunction can direct immune outcomes via cell death modality switching. This work provides insights into how LRRK2 mutations manifest or exacerbate human diseases and identifies GSDMD-dependent necroptosis as a potential target to limit Lrrk2G2019S-mediated immunopathology.

"Earth angels" and parking spots: qualitative perspectives on healthy aging with spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: People aging with spinal cord injury (SCI) can experience the premature onset of comorbid conditions, as well as the development and progression of secondary health conditions. The aim of this study was to understand the subjective experiences of persons aging with SCI in relation to their surrounding social and physical environments, including the impact of barriers and facilitators.Material/Methods: Eleven individuals who had an SCI for more than ten years and were 45 years or older participated in a semi-structured phone interview about their experiences with healthy aging, social participation, social supports, and community barriers. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged in the qualitative data that captured the subjective experience of aging with SCI. These were: (1) Maintaining Physical Independence; (2) Importance of Resources and Special Equipment; (3) Planning Ahead; and (4) Finding Ways to Adapt. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study highlight the importance of looking beyond individual factors to consider the social and environmental factors that support continued independence and participation in society as people living with long term SCI experience their aging process. Qualitative research that delves further into the dynamics behind this process is needed to fully anticipate the needs of this growing population.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPeople aging with spinal cord injury (SCI) who are engaged in their social and physical environments have become increasingly adaptive when faced with accelerating and secondary comorbidities.Programs and facilities should ensure universal access to prevention and self-management programs that target physical activity and health habits when considered in the context of a patient's socio-environmental constraints and resources.Clinical healthcare providers need to engage with their patients to develop an early intervention approach to preserve functional capacity while navigating potential future health problems.Clinicians should act as advocates for ongoing policy changes that help promote an environment more inclusive towards people aging with SCI.

Global Transcriptomics Uncovers Distinct Contributions From Splicing Regulatory Proteins to the Macrophage Innate Immune Response.

Pathogen sensing via pattern recognition receptors triggers massive reprogramming of macrophage gene expression. While the signaling cascades and transcription factors that activate these responses are well-known, the role of post-transcriptional RNA processing in modulating innate immune gene expression remains understudied. Given their crucial role in regulating pre-mRNA splicing and other RNA processing steps, we hypothesized that members of the SR/hnRNP protein families regulate innate immune gene expression in distinct ways. We analyzed steady state gene expression and alternatively spliced isoform production in ten SR/hnRNP knockdown RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cell lines following infection with the bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (Salmonella). We identified thousands of transcripts whose abundance is increased or decreased by SR/hnRNP knockdown in macrophages. Notably, we observed that SR and hnRNP proteins influence expression of different genes in uninfected versus Salmonella-infected macrophages, suggesting functionalization of these proteins upon pathogen sensing. Likewise, we found that knockdown of SR/hnRNPs promoted differential isoform usage (DIU) for thousands of macrophage transcripts and that these alternative splicing changes were distinct in uninfected and Salmonella-infected macrophages. Finally, having observed a surprising degree of similarity between the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and DIUs in hnRNP K and U knockdown macrophages, we found that hnRNP K and U knockdown macrophages are both more restrictive to Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), while hnRNP K knockdown macrophages are more permissive to Salmonella Typhimurium. Based on these findings, we conclude that many innate immune genes evolved to rely on one or more SR/hnRNPs to ensure the proper magnitude of their induction, supporting a model wherein pre-mRNA splicing is critical for regulating innate immune gene expression and controlling infection outcomes in macrophages ex vivo.

Survey of gastrointestinal nematodes in breeding-age heifers on 6 Saskatchewan dairy farms.

To determine the prevalence, mean fecal egg count intensities, and predominant gastrointestinal nematode species, fresh environmental fecal samples were collected from 30 grazing heifers at monthly intervals (June, July, and August) on 6 Saskatchewan dairy farms in 2016. The population average strongylid prevalence ranged from 67.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 49.5% to 84.9%] in June to 88.3% (95% CI: 76.7% to 100.0%) in August (P = 0.05) while the mean fecal egg count ranged from 1.7 in June to 9.3 eggs/g of feces in August (P < 0.003). The predominant nematode species were identified using a deep-sequencing nemabiome assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer rDNA genomic locus of both L1 and L3-stage larvae. Cooperia oncophora and Ostertagia ostertagi were predominant on all farms, accounting for > 85% of the species. The results provide important previously unavailable data on the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in fecal samples from these grazing heifers in Saskatchewan.

Examen des nématodes gastro-intestinaux chez les génisses en âge de se reproduire sur six fermes laitières de la Saskatchewan. Afin de déterminer la prévalence, l'intensité du dénombrement moyen d'oeufs dans les fèces et les espèces de nématodes gastro-intestinaux prédominants, des échantillons environnementaux de fèces fraîches furent prélevés de 30 génisses au pâturage à un intervalle mensuel (juin, juillet, et août) sur six fermes laitières de la Saskatchewan en 2016. La prévalence de la population moyenne de strongyles variait de 67,2 % [intervalle de confiance de 95 % (CI) : 49,5 % à 84,9 %] en juin à 88,3 % (CI 95 % : 76,7 % à 100,0 %) en août (P = 0,05) alors que le dénombrement moyen des oeufs dans les fèces variait de 1,7 en juin à 9,3 oeufs/g de fèces en août (P < 0,003). Les espèces de nématodes prédominantes furent identifiées à l'aide d'un test de séquençage profond du némabiome visant l'ADNr du locus génomique de l'espaceur interne transcrit des stades larvaires L1 et L3. Cooperia oncophora et Ostertagia ostertagi étaient prédominants sur toutes les fermes, représentant > 85 % des espèces. Ces résultats fournissent des données importantes non-disponibles auparavant sur l'épidémiologie de GIN dans des échantillons de fèces provenant de ces génisses au pâturage en Saskatchewan.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

The Splicing Factor hnRNP M Is a Critical Regulator of Innate Immune Gene Expression in Macrophages.

While transcriptional control of innate immune gene expression is well characterized, almost nothing is known about how pre-mRNA splicing decisions influence, or are influenced by, macrophage activation. Here, we demonstrate that the splicing factor hnRNP M is a critical repressor of innate immune gene expression and that its function is regulated by pathogen sensing cascades. Loss of hnRNP M led to hyperinduction of a unique regulon of inflammatory and antimicrobial genes following diverse innate immune stimuli. While mutating specific serines on hnRNP M had little effect on its ability to control pre-mRNA splicing or transcript levels of housekeeping genes in resting macrophages, it greatly impacted the protein's ability to dampen induction of specific innate immune transcripts following pathogen sensing. These data reveal a previously unappreciated role for pattern recognition receptor signaling in controlling splicing factor phosphorylation and establish pre-mRNA splicing as a critical regulatory node in defining innate immune outcomes.

Endoparasite control practices on Saskatchewan dairy farms.

A questionnaire was administered to dairy producers in Saskatchewan in 2016 to determine basic pasture management practices, how producers use parasite control products, and attitudes towards the threat of endoparasites. All 161 dairy producers in Saskatchewan were invited to participate and the survey response rate was 39.8% (64/161). Most respondents (78.3%) were not concerned with endoparasites in their cattle or the threat of anthelmintic resistance. Yet 79.7% of producers reported using anthelmintics in all classes of cattle (lactating cows, dry cows, weaned heifers, and bred heifers). The most common reasons for using an anthelmintic product were as part of a routine management strategy and for the control of external parasites. The most common method to determine dosage was by visual estimation of the animal's weight. Together, these factors may increase the risk for development of anthelmintic resistance.

Pratiques de contrôle des endoparasites dans les fermes laitières de la Saskatchewan. Un questionnaire a été administré aux producteurs laitiers de la Saskatchewan en 2016 afin de déterminer les pratiques de gestion de base du pâturage, comment les producteurs utilisaient les produits de lutte contre les parasites et les attitudes envers la menace des endoparasites. Tous les 161 producteurs laitiers de la Saskatchewan ont été invités à participer et le taux de réponse au sondage a été de 39,8 % (64/161). La plupart des répondants (78,3 %) ne se préoccupaient pas des endoparasites chez leur bétail ni de la menace de la résistance aux anthelminthiques. Pourtant 79,7 % des producteurs ont signalé qu'ils utilisaient des anthelminthiques dans toutes les catégories de bétail (vaches en lactation, vaches taries, génisses sevrés et génisses accouplées). Les raisons les plus communes pour l'utilisation du produit anthelminthique était dans le cadre d'une stratégie de gestion routinière et pour limiter les parasites externes. La méthode la plus commune de déterminer la posologie était l'estimation visuelle du poids de l'animal. Ensemble, ces facteurs peuvent accroître le risque du développement de la résistance aux anthelminthiques.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Metabolic Rate during a Cognitive Vigilance Challenge at Alternative Workstations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare energy expenditure (EE, kcal/min) at three workstations during an attention-demanding cognitive function task (Test of Variables of Attention or TOVA). Workstations included the seated desk (SIT), standing desk (STAND), and seated workstation designed to promote spontaneous movement (SWING). METHODS: Adult males (n = 11) and females (n = 13) were assessed for EE using VO2 and VCO2 per quarter of the 22-min TOVA. RESULTS: Average EE were 1.39 ±â€Š0.06 (SIT), 1.55 ±â€Š0.08 (SWING), and 1.44 ±â€Š0.08 (STAND). Main effects (P < 0.05) were seen for workstation (SWING, STAND > SIT), and quarter of TOVA (Q2 < Q1,Q3,Q4). TOVA errors and response times were not different for workstations but increased for Q3 and Q4. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous movement at an alternative workstation elevated EE 10% to 11% compared with sitting and could increase daily nonexercise activity thermogenesis without diminishing mental attention to desk work.

Effect of a novel workstation device on promoting non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT).

BACKGROUND: Strategies to increase non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) through promotion of movement and energy expenditure at desk stations are needed to help overcome ill effects of prolonged sitting. OBJECTIVE: Examine the metabolic rate during three stages of a workstation: sitting, standing, and use of a device (HOVR®) that promotes leg movement while seated. METHODS: Participants (n = 16; mean ±standard deviation: age 26.1±6.0 years; BMI 24.7±4.3 kg/m2) were tested for VO2 and VCO2 for 15 min at each stage in this order: sitting only, sitting using the HOVR, and standing. Participants performed the same desk work to keep fine-motor activity consistent for the stages. Data collected during the final 5 min of a stage were averaged and analyzed as steady-state data. To evaluate the effect of each stage on cognitive function, the Stroop word-color test was administered after metabolic assessment as the stage continued. One-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to compare stages for VO2 (L/min), metabolic equivalents (METs), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and heart rate (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The ANOVA revealed significant differences between the mean values for each stage for each dependent variable (p < 0.05). Post hoc tests indicated VO2 differed for each stage (mean±SD in mL/kg/min: sitting, 4.13±0.56; sitting with HOVR, 4.82±0.74; standing, 4.50±0.53; p < 0.05). METs followed a similar pattern (sitting, 1.19±0.16; sitting with HOVR, 1.39±0.20; standing, 1.29±0.16; p < 0.05). An increase in Stroop Test scores was found as the stages progressed (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Modest movement while seated, i.e., use of HOVR, elevated metabolic rate by 17.6% compared to sitting and by 7% compared to standing and might be a reasonable strategy to help elevate NEAT during the workday.