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Fogging systems control microclimatic parameters of barns to provide immediate cooling to dairy cows during heat stress conditions. However, the benefits of implementing a fogging system to cow comfort behaviors have not been thoroughly investigated in lactating cows. Therefore, the objective of this case study was to evaluate cow comfort behaviors and milk productivity in cows managed in a tunnel-ventilated barn in a commercial dairy farm that uses an automatic milk system. Sixty Holstein lactating dairy cows (45-90 days in milk; DIM) were monitored and housed in group pens (6 pens; n = 10 cows/pen). Four weeks before the fogging system installation, cows had pedometers (IceQube, IceRobotics, Inc., United Kingdom) and SCR rumination collars (SCR by Allflex; Israel) placed for continuous daily activity and rumination levels monitoring, respectively. Productivity information was acquired using automatic robotic milking technology (Lely Astronaut A5; Iowa, United States), and all variables were measured until four weeks after fogger system installation. Activity behavior (lying duration, daily step count, and number of transitions) and productivity (daily milk yield and milk speed) were evaluated before (PRE; 20-day pre-installation period), during (DURING; 2-day period), and after fogger installation (POST; 35-day post-installation period). Data were analyzed using PROC GLM in SAS 9.4 with cow as the experimental unit and temperature-humidity index (THI) included in the model as a covariate. Overall, cows spent more time lying (P < 0.01) in the POST period versus PRE and DURING. Cows performed fewer daily transitions between lying and standing (P < 0.01) in the POST versus PRE period, but no differences were detected (P = 0.67) among the step counts observed PRE, DURING, and POST fogger installation. Average milk speed and average milk yield were decreased (P < 0.01) in the POST period compared with the PRE and DURING periods. Temperaturehumidity index significantly influenced (P < 0.01) lying time but did not have an effect on any other variables measured. In summary, installation of a fogger system in a commercial tunnel-ventilated barn improved cow comfort behaviors in lactating cows managed with an automated robotic milking system but did not offer immediate production performance benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas associated with global warming that is released as a byproduct of rumen fermentation. Two experiments were conducted to determine if dietary inclusion of a novel high anthocyanin (Hi-A) containing corn cob meal [CCM; 4.99 mg anthocyanin×g-1 of dry matter (DM)] influences in vitro CH4 emissions relative to a conventional CCM (CNV; 0.04 mg anthocyanin×g-1 of DM). Highroughage starter (experiment 1) and low-roughage finisher (experiment 2) diets were formulated to contain 20% and0% total CCM (DM-basis), respectively. Treatments were based on the proportion of Hi-A to CNV CCM within each diet and consisted of 0% (0A), 25% (25A), 50% (50A), 75% (75A), and 100% Hi-A (100A) CCM. In experiments 1 and 2, ruminal fluid was collected from 4 cannulated steers offered traditional feedlot starter or finisher diets, respectively. Filter bags (F57; ANKOM; Macedon, NY) were loaded with 0.5 g of substrate and 2 bags per ANKOM RF system were incubated in buffer and rumen fluid for 48 h at 39°C. Cumulative gas production was recorded at 10-min intervals. The concentration of CH4 as a proportion of total gas production (%CH4) was measured using gas chromatography after 48 h. Total gas production was fit to the Ørskov model to determine asymptotic and fractional rates of gas production. In experiment 1, there was a cubic relationship between total gas production and Hi-A CCM inclusion for the intercept, asymptote, and fractional gas production rate (P = 0.04). There was also a cubic relationship between %CH4 and Hi-A CCM inclusion (P = 0.04), where 50A had the largest reduction relative to 0A at -19.6% (P = 0.05). Total CH4 production (mL CH4×g DM-1) also exhibited a cubic relationship with Hi-A-CCM inclusion (P = 0.03), where 100A produced 20% less CH4 than 0A. In experiment 2, there was a cubic relationship between total gas production and Hi-A CCM inclusion for the intercept and asymptote (P = 0.02) of the Ørskov model; however, fractional gas production rate expressed a quadratic relationship (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a cubic relationship existed between %CH4 and Hi-A CCM inclusion, where 100A had the largest reduction relative to 0A (17.4%; P = 0.03). Lastly, there was a tendency for a cubic relationship between Hi-A CCM inclusion and total CH4 production (P = 0.06); however, 100A reduced total CH4 production by 22% relative to 0A (P = 0.01). Collectively, the greatest level of Hi-A CCM inclusion reduced total CH4 production relative to 0A in both starter and finisher diets. These results indicate that dietary inclusion of anthocyanins through CCM decreased CH4 emissions in vitro. Further research is needed to determine if anthocyanins from Hi-A CCM are effective at mitigating CH4 emissions in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The use of antibiotics to treat dairy calves may result in multidrug-resistant extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. This study investigated fluoroquinolone and macrolide resistance genes among ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from dairy calves. Fresh fecal samples from 147 dairy calves across three age groups were enriched to select for ESBL-producing E. coli. Plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone (qnrB), macrolide (mph(A)), and beta-lactam (blaCTX-M groups 1 and 9) resistance genes were identified by PCR and gel electrophoresis in ESBL-producing E. coli. Beta-lactamase variants and antibiotic resistance genes were characterized for eight isolates by whole-genome sequencing. Seventy-one (48.3%) samples were positive for ESBL-producing E. coli, with 159 (70.4%) isolates identified as blaCTX-M variant group 1 and 67 (29.6%) isolates as blaCTX-M variant group 9. Resistance gene mph(A) was more commonly associated with blaCTX-M variant group 1, while resistance gene qnrB was more commonly associated with variant group 9. E. coli growth was quantified on antibiotic media for 30 samples: 10 from each age group. Significantly higher quantities of ceftriaxone-resistant E. coli were present in the youngest calves. Results indicate the dominant blaCTX-M groups present in ESBL-producing E. coli may be associated with additional qnrB or mph(A) resistance genes and ESBL-producing E. coli is found in higher abundance in younger calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing beef genetics in dairy herds to produce terminal beef x dairy (BXD) crosses is a growing trend in the U.S. dairy industry. It has been estimated that more than two million U.S. BXD calves were born in 2020, which is a practice that is expected to continue to grow throughout the foreseeable future. While not a new concept, the widespread adoption, scale, and strategies currently being used to produce BXD calves have recently received considerable industry attention. Although the increased duration of feeding exposes BXD feeders to increased price and production risks when compared to straightbred beef cattle, these risks are met with several potential benefits. A prime example of such benefits includes a consistent supply of uniform, traceable feeder cattle that are easily age and source verified, that also serve as ideal candidates for enrollment in or development of other value-added marketing programs. Current demand, as indicated by newborn calf prices, suggests that the industry perceives BXD calves to be superior when compared to their straightbred dairy breed contemporaries, and at times, suggests that they may be overvalued. Sustaining such demand will require BXD calves to meet or exceed the performance and profitability expectations of the various production sectors of the beef industry. Results of a multi-year analysis of the economics of BXD calves as compared to cattle of straightbred beef or dairy breed composition will be presented. Furthermore, specific factors expected to influence value throughout the production supply chain will be outlined and discussed. Calfhood management practices that promote calf health, paired with genetic selection strategies focused on complementary traits that minimize cost of gain and increase cutability, such as feed efficiency, carcass yield, and muscularity, will play key roles in sustaining the value of BXD calves to all aspects of the beef supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Gastric necrosis and perforation after Nissen funduplication is a rare and life-treatening complication. Prompt diagnosis of acute gastric dilatation is mandatory to avoid gastric necrosis. A tight funduplication can cause a gastric dilatation because of the inability to vomit. Other causes of gastric dlatation include trauma, volvulus, anorexia and bulimia diabetes, polyphagia, acute infections and others. Methods A 56-year-old man was admited to emergency room with acute-onset epigastric pain and persistent nausea for the past 4 hours. Nine years ago he underwent a laparosocpic Nissen-Rossetti funduplication for a reflux disease.The examination showed abdominal distension and defense. Computed tomography of the abdomen (TAC) show a important pneumoperitoneum distributed diffusely throughout the abdomen, marked gastric distension with abundant content inside. Free intraperitoneal fluid and postsurgical changes in relation to Nissen fundoplication. An emergentcy laparotomy was indicated. Results Emergency laparotomy showed free peritoneal fluid with gastric dilatation and two areas of necrosis and perforation (localized in fundus and gastric body). We performed a total gastrectomy with esophagojejunal anastomosis. The patient sufferd a pulmonary embolism 8 days after laparotomy Pathological examination reported gastric dilatation and two areas of ischemia and trasnmural necrosis with perforation and peritonitis. View large Download slide View large Download slide Conclusion If the intragastric pressure excede gastric venous pressure can result in ischaemia and infarctation.Increased intragastric pressure is usually the result of a closed loop, secondary to mechanical compresion of the cardio-esophageaal and pyloroduodenal junctions, as can occur in patients with a Nissen procedure. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of gastric dilatation in these patients is mandatory to avoid major complications. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Basaloid cell carcinoma of the esophagus (BSCCE) is a rare (0.07–4%) poorly-differentiated variety of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), more aggressive and with a worse prognosis than typical SCC. There are no published studies on the best therapeutic option for these tumors or on of the effectiveness of Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapie; so there is no standard treatment. We describe the characteristics and the therapeutic strategy applied to a patient with an avanced basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the distal esophagus. Methods A 70-year-old woman with dysphagia and severe malnutrition was diagnosed with locally advanced esophageal cáncer of lower esophagus The biopsy indicated moderately differentiated basaloid cell carcinoma. The clinical diagnosis was cT4NxM0, We decided multimodal treatment with curative intent: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapie at a dose of 41.4 Gy and concomitant carboplatin and pacliotaxel 5 cycles (CROSS scheme) plus surgery. Results PET-TAC post-neoadjuvant re-evaluation showed partial morphological response (reduction of tumor metabolism in 34.7%). 6 weeks after radiochemotherapy we performed a three fields total esophagectomy. Postoperative course without incidents. The pathological diagnosis was BASALOID cell CARCINOMA located in distal esophagus of 10 cm long with 30% tumor residual; it affects gastro-oesophageal junction. Stage TNM 7th ed: ypT3 N0 (0/17) L0V1R0 Our patient is fine and without evidence of recurrence after 15 meses. Conclusion Basal squamous cell carcinoma is more common in men around 60 years old, being rare in older women. They are located more frequently in the middle than in lower esophagus. They are tumors of poor prognosis (poorly differentiated, locally advanced and with an aggressive biological behavior that predisposes to early metastasis) although the latest publications relate the prognosis especially with the stage of the tumor. There are no published data about the use of Neoadjuvant treatment for these tumors. We have carried out a multimodal treatment (Cross scheme) followed by surgery with clinical, radiological (PET-TAC) and pathological response (30% of residual tumor in the piece) CONCLUSION The multimodal treatment with Cross scheme and surgery was useful in patients with Basaloid tumor of the esophagus can be considered for patients with this type of tumor. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical Relevance: Scleral lens (SL) compression on the conjunctiva/episclera during wear may alter adjacent structures related to aqueous humour drainage., Background: The aim of this work was to assess short-term changes in the four quadrants of trabecular iris angle (TIA) and anterior chamber parameters during SL wear, using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT)., Methods: Prospective study was conducted involving 16 healthy subjects with a mean age of 28 ± 5 years. Two SL of diameter 15.80 mm (L1) and 16.80 mm (L2) with the same parameters were used for 2 hours in different days. The central fluid reservoir (FR), the TIA in superior, inferior, nasal, temporal quadrants, and anterior chamber parameters; anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber width (ACW), anterior chamber area (ACAr) and anterior chamber volume (ACV) were measured with AS-OCT. These measurements were performed immediately after SL application (0 h), one hour (1 h) and two hours (2 h) of SL wear., Results: TIA decreases significantly in the superior quadrant at 2 hours of L2 wear (-5.19 ± 7.79º) ( p = 0.04). In this sector, differences were also observed between the changes induced by both lenses during the 2 hours of wear ( p  = 0.04) and between first and second hours of wear ( p  = 0.04). ACD was significantly lower with L1 (-0.09 ± 0.14 mm) relative to L2 (0.00 ± 0.06 mm) between immediately after the application and 2 hours of wear ( p  = 0.02). A significant reduction in ACAr at 1 hour (-0.65 ± 0.75 mm 2 ) ( p  = 0.01) and 2 hours of wear (-0.81 ± 1.15 mm 2 ) ( p  = 0.04), as well as in ACW at 2 hours (-0.11 ± 0.14 mm) ( p  = 0.02) compared to immediately after application of L1 was found., Conclusion: Small changes in TIA and anterior chamber occur during two hours of SL wear, but these changes are of limited clinical relevance in healthy subjects.

Plant roots play a crucial role in regulating key ecosystem processes such as carbon (C) sequestration and nutrient solubilisation. Elevated (e)CO 2 is expected to alter the biomass of fine, coarse and total roots to meet increased demand for other resources such as water and nitrogen (N), however, the magnitude and direction of observed changes vary considerably between ecosystems. Here, we assessed how climate and soil properties mediate root responses to eCO 2 by comparing 24 field-based CO 2 experiments across the globe including a wide range of ecosystem types. We calculated response ratios (i.e. effect size) and used structural equation modelling (SEM) to achieve a system-level understanding of how aridity, mean annual temperature and total soil nitrogen simultaneously drive the response of total, coarse and fine root biomass to eCO 2 . Models indicated that increasing aridity limits the positive response of fine and total root biomass to eCO 2 , and that fine (but not coarse or total) root responses to eCO 2 are positively related to soil total N. Our results provide evidence that consideration of factors such as aridity and soil N status is crucial for predicting plant and ecosystem-scale responses to future changes in atmospheric CO 2 concentrations, and thus feedbacks to climate change.