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Objective and Methods In many countries, national tuberculosis (TB) prevalence surveys are the only way to reliably measure the burden of TB disease and monitor trends. They can also provide evidence about the current performance of TB care and control and how this could be improved. We developed an inventory of Asian surveys from 1953 to 2012 and then compiled and analysed a standard set of data for all national surveys implemented between 1990 (the baseline year for 2015 global TB targets) and 2012. Results There were 21 surveys in 12 countries between 1990 and 2012; published results were available for 18. The participation rate was at least 80% and often much higher except for two surveys in Thailand. The prevalence of bacteriologically-positive TB disease among adults aged ≥15 years varied widely among countries (1.2 per 1000 population in China in 2010 to 15 per 1000 population in Cambodia in 2002), but age and sex distribution patterns were consistent with a progressive increase in rates of disease by age, and men accounting for 66–75% of prevalent cases. A high proportion of cases (40–79% across all surveys) did not report TB symptoms that met screening criteria (generally cough of 2–3 weeks or more, and blood in the sputum) and were only detected due to chest X-ray screening of all survey participants; this proportion increased over time in countries with repeat survey data. The ratio of prevalent cases to cases notified to national TB programmes was typically around two, but was as high as three in Lao PDR and Pakistan even after the internationally recommended TB control strategy had been implemented nationwide for several years. Four countries (China, Cambodia, the Republic of Korea and the Philippines demonstrated declines in smear or culture-positive pulmonary TB prevalence of approximately 50% over 10 years. Conclusions National TB prevalence surveys in Asia show that large reductions in the prevalence of TB disease can be achieved within a decade, that men bear much more of the burden than women and that the epidemic is ageing. Comparisons among countries show that more can be achieved in TB control in some countries with existing strategies and technologies. However, with many prevalent cases not reporting classic TB symptoms, all countries face the challenge of defining and implementing strategies that will result in earlier detection and treatment of cases. Objectifs et methodes Dans de nombreux pays, les enquetes de prevalence nationale de la TB sont le seul moyen de mesurer de maniere fiable la charge de morbidite de la TB et de suivre les tendances. Elles peuvent aussi fournir des donnees sur la performance actuelle des soins et la lutte antituberculeuse et comment cela pourrait etre ameliore. Nous avons etabli un inventaire des enquetes d'Asie de 1953 a 2012 et avons ensuite compile et analyse un ensemble standard de donnees pour toutes les enquetes nationales effectuees entre 1990 (annee de reference pour les objectifs mondiaux 2015 de la TB) et 2012. Resultats Il y a eu 21 enquetes dans 12 pays entre 1990 et 2012; des resultats publies etaient disponibles pour 18 enquetes. Le taux de participation etait d'au moins 80% et souvent beaucoup plus, sauf pour deux enquetes en Thailande. La prevalence de la TB bacteriologiquement positive chez les adultes âges de ≥15 ans variait considerablement entre les pays (de 1,2 pour 1000 habitants en Chine en 2010 a 15 pour 1000 habitants au Cambodge en 2002), mais les profils de distribution selon l’âge et le sexe etaient compatibles avec une augmentation progressive des taux de la maladie selon l’âge, les hommes representant 66 a 75% des cas prevalents. Une forte proportion des cas (40 a 79% dans toutes les enquetes) n'a pas rapporte des symptomes de TB repondant aux criteres de depistage (generalement, de la toux pendant 2 a 3 semaines ou plus et du sang dans les crachats), et ont seulement ete detectes grâce au depistage par la radiographie du thorax de tous les participants a l'enquete; cette proportion a augmente au fil du temps dans les pays avec des donnees repetitives de l'enquete. Le rapport des cas prevalents sur les cas notifies aux programmes nationaux de lutte antituberculeuse etait generalement autour de 2, mais etait aussi eleve que 3 en Republique Democratique Populaire Lao et au Pakistan, meme apres que la strategie de lutte antituberculeuse internationalement recommandee ait ete implementee a l’echelle nationale depuis plusieurs annees. Quatre pays (la Chine, le Cambodge, les Philippines et la Republique de Coree) ont connu une baisse de prevalence de la TB pulmonaire a frottis ou culture positive d'environ 50% sur 10 ans. Conclusions Les enquetes de prevalence nationale de la TB en Asie montrent que de fortes reductions de la prevalence de la TB peuvent etre atteintes en une decennie, que les hommes portent beaucoup plus la charge que les femmes et que l’epidemie est vieillissante. Les comparaisons entre pays montrent que plus d'efforts pourraient etre realises dans certains pays dans la lutte antituberculeuse avec les strategies et les technologies existantes. Cependant, avec les nombreux cas prevalents qui ne rapportent pas les symptomes classiques de la TB, tous les pays sont confrontes au defi de definir et mettre en œuvre des strategies qui resulteront en la detection et au traitement des cas plus tot. Objetivos y Metodos En muchos paises, las encuestas sobre la prevalencia de la TB son la unica forma confiable de medir la carga de enfermedad por TB y monitorizar las tendencias. Tambien pueden proveer evidencia sobre el desempeno actual de los cuidados para y el control de la TB y de como podrian mejorarse. Hemos desarrollado un inventario de las encuestas asiaticas realizadas entre 1953 y el 2012 y despues compilamos y analizamos un set de datos estandar para todas encuestas nacionales implementadas entre 1990 (el ano de base para los objetivos globales de TB del 2015) y el 2012. Resultados Se detectaron 21 encuestas en 12 paises entre 1990 y 2012; 18 de ellas tenian resultados publicados. La tasa de participacion era de al menos el 80% y a menudo mucho mas alta excepto para las dos encuestas de Tailandia. La prevalencia de enfermedad tuberculosa con resultados bacteriologicos positivos entre adultos ≥15 anos variaba ampliamente entre paises (1.2 por 1000 habitantes en China en 2010 a 15 por 1000 habitantes en Camboya en 2002), pero los patrones de distribucion por edad y sexo eran consistentes con un aumento progresivo en las tasas de incidencia por edad, y en que un 66−75% de los casos prevalentes eran en hombres. Una alta proporcion de casos (40−79% a lo largo de todas las encuestas) no reportaban sintomas de TB contemplados como criterios de cribado (generalmente tos de 2−3 semanas o mas, y sangre en el esputo), y solo se detectaron mediante una placa de torax realizada a todos los participantes del estudio; esta proporcion aumentaba a lo largo del tiempo en paises con datos de encuestas repetidas. La proporcion de casos prevalentes frente a casos notificados al programa nacional de TB era tipicamente alrededor de dos, pero llegaba incluso a tres en Lao PDR y Paquistan, incluso varios anos despues de la implementacion de la estrategia de control de la TB recomendada a nivel internacional. Cuatro paises (China, Camboya, Filipinas y la Republica de Corea) mostraron una disminucion en la prevalencia de TB pulmonar con baciloscopia o cultivo positivo de aproximadamente un 50% a lo largo de 10 anos. Conclusiones Las encuestas nacionales de prevalencia de la TB en Asia muestran que se pueden alcanzar grandes reducciones en la prevalencia de la enfermedad tuberculosa a lo largo de una decada, que los hombres tienen una mayor carga de enfermedad que las mujeres y que la epidemia esta envejeciendo. Las comparaciones entre paises muestran que se podria lograr mucho mas en el control de la TB en algunos paises con estrategias y tecnologias existentes. Sin embargo, con muchos casos prevalentes que no presentan los sintomas clasicos de la TB, todos los paises se enfrentan al reto de definir e implementar estrategias que resulten en una deteccion y tratamiento de los casos mas temprano.

Our objectives were to determine the effect of starter crude protein (CP) content on body composition of male Holstein calves from birth to 10 wk of age in an enhanced early nutrition program, and to compare the enhanced program to a conventional milk replacer program. Calves (n = 45) were purchased on the day of birth and assigned to a randomized block design. Eight calves were harvested at baseline and remaining calves were divided among the following 3 dietary treatments: (1) low rate of milk replacer [LMR; 20.6% CP, 21.7% fat; 1.25% of body weight (BW) as dry matter (DM)] plus conventional starter (CCS; 21.5% CP, DM basis); n = 11 calves; (2) high rate of milk replacer (HMR; 29.1% CP, 17.3% fat; 1.5% of BW as DM for wk 1, 2% of BW as DM wk 2-5, 1% of BW as DM wk 6) plus conventional starter; n = 12 calves; and (3) enhanced milk replacer (HMR) plus high-CP starter (HCS; 26% CP, DM basis); n = 14 calves. A subset of calves (n = 8) was harvested on d 2 to provide baseline data. Calves began treatments on d 2 or 3 of age. Calves were weaned at d 42. Starter was available ad libitum. Calves from each treatment were harvested at 5 (n = 18) and 10 (n = 19) wk of age and divided into 4 fractions: carcass; viscera; blood; and head, hide, feet, and tail. Fractions were analyzed for energy, CP, lipid, and ash. Average weekly starter intake did not differ between enhanced treatments. Gain of BW was greater for calves fed HMR than for LMR, but was unaffected by starter CP. Carcass weights at 5 wk were greater for HMR but did not differ between starter CP content. At 10 wk, carcass weights were heavier for HMR and had a greater percentage of empty BW for HMR + CCS than for HMR + HCS. At 10 wk, the weights of reticulorumen and liver were greater for calves fed HMR + HCS than for those fed HMR + CCS. At 5 wk, empty BW gain for HMR contained more water and less fat and ash than in calves fed LMR. At 10 wk, empty BW gain for calves fed HMR + HCS contained a greater percentage of water and less fat than for calves fed HMR + CCS. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate was greater after weaning for calves fed HMR + HCS than for those fed HMR + CCS. After weaning, calves fed HMR had greater plasma total protein concentration than those fed LMR, and total protein was greater for calves fed HMR + HCS than those fed HMR + CCS. Plasma urea N was greater for calves fed HMR treatments, and postweaning was greater for calves fed HMR + HCS. A high-CP starter had minimal effect on empty BW gain before weaning, but after weaning it tended to increase mass of reticulorumen and liver.

N-terminal acetylation is a common eukaryotic protein modification that involves the addition of an acetyl group to the N-terminus of a polypeptide. This modification is largely performed by cytosolic N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs). Most associate with the ribosome, acetylating nascent polypeptides co-translationally. In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, exported effectors are translated into the ER, processed by the aspartic protease plasmepsin V and then N-acetylated, despite having no clear access to cytosolic NATs. Here, we used post-transcriptional knockdown to investigate the most obvious candidate, Pf3D7_1437000. We found that it co-localizes with the ER-resident plasmepsin V and is required for parasite growth. However, depletion of Pf3D7_1437000 had no effect on protein export or acetylation of the exported proteins HRP2 and HRP3. Pf3D7_1437000-depleted parasites arrested later in their development cycle than export-blocked parasites, suggesting the protein’s essential role is distinct from protein export.

Mathematical modelling is increasingly used to inform budgeting and strategic decision-making by national TB programmes. Despite the importance of these decisions, there is currently no mechanism to review and confirm the appropriateness of modelling analyses. We have developed a benchmarking, reporting, and review (BRR) approach and accompanying tools to allow constructive review of country-level TB modelling applications. This approach has been piloted in five modelling applications and the results of this study have been used to revise and finalise the approach. The BRR approach consists of 1) quantitative benchmarks against which model assumptions and results can be compared, 2) standardised reporting templates and review criteria, and 3) a multi-stage review process providing feedback to modellers during the application, as well as a summary evaluation after completion. During the pilot, use of the tools prompted important changes in the approaches taken to modelling. The pilot also identified issues beyond the scope of a review mechanism, such as a lack of empirical evidence and capacity constraints. This approach provides independent evaluation of the appropriateness of modelling decisions during the course of an application, allowing meaningful changes to be made before results are used to inform decision-making. The use of these tools can improve the quality and transparency of country-level TB modelling applications.

As articulated by Floyd (2014), affection deprivation indexes a perceived deficit in the amount of affectionate communication one receives from others. According to affection exchange theory, affection deprivation should be detrimental to both physical and relational health, and empirical evidence supports that assertion. Little is known, however, about the prevalence of affection deprivation in the United States, a topic addressed here in two studies. The first study (N = 2,616) examined demographic and geographic variation in affection deprivation among a non-representative sample of U.S. adults. The latter study (N = 1,121) used a Census-matched representative sample of U.S. adults to replicate assessments of prevalence and also to examine how affection deprivation relates to experiences of loneliness and physical pain.

among the participants who received the 100-μg dose, the GMT in the two age subgroups was 1,183,066 and 3,638,522, respectively. After the second immunization, serum neutralizing activity was detected in all the participants by multiple methods. Binding- and neutralizing-antibody responses appeared to be similar to those previously reported among vaccine recipients between the ages of 18 and 55 years and were above the median of a panel of controls who had donated convalescent serum. The vaccine elicited a strong CD4 cytokine response involving type 1 helper T cells. CONCLUSIONS In this small study involving older adults, adverse events associated with the mRNA-1273 vaccine were mainly mild or moderate. The 100-μg dose induced higher binding- and neutralizing-antibody titers than the 25-μg dose, which supports the use of the 100-μg dose in a phase 3 vaccine trial., BACKGROUND Testing of vaccine candidates to prevent infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in an older population is important, since increased incidences of illness and death from coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) have been associated with an older age. METHODS We conducted a phase 1, dose-escalation, open-label trial of a messenger RNA vaccine, mRNA-1273, which encodes the stabilized prefusion SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S-2P) in healthy adults. The trial was expanded to include 40 older adults, who were stratified according to age (56 to 70 years or ≥71 years). All the participants were assigned sequentially to receive two doses of either 25 μg or 100 μg of vaccine administered 28 days apart. RESULTS Solicited adverse events were predominantly mild or moderate in severity and most frequently included fatigue, chills, headache, myalgia, and pain at the injection site. Such adverse events were dose-dependent and were more common after the second immunization. Binding-antibody responses increased rapidly after the first immunization. By day 57, among the participants who received the 25-μg dose, the anti-S-2P geometric mean titer (GMT) was 323,945 among those between the ages of 56 and 70 years and 1,128,391 among those who were 71 years of age or older

What are the psychological and neural processes that support successful information propagation between communicators and receivers? This chapter draws upon recent contributions from neuroscience to focus on the role of mentalizing, or considering other people’s mental states, as one factor that leads to successful social influence and information propagation. Across different contexts, messages that lead to information propagation are distinguished by higher levels of mentalizing in both communicators and receivers of influence. The chapter also highlights developmental, cultural, and social network factors that moderate the relationship between mentalizing and influence.

Precooked beef loin chunks were inoculated separately with three strains of Listeria monocytogenes (Scott A, 101M, and 103M). Uninoculated chunks served as controls. All chunks were vacuum packaged after inoculation. Half were not pasteurized and half were pasteurized in 85°C water for 16 min. All samples were stored at 4°C for up to 85 d and examined periodically. Pasteurization reduced all microflora and significantly reduced populations of three strains of L. monocytogenes on the surface and in the broth of the precooked beef chunks for 85 d of refrigerated storage as determined by direct plating procedures. All three strains of L. monocytogenes were recovered from the inoculated pasteurized beef using enrichment. Uninoculated chunks were positive for Listeria spp. which were primarily Listeria welshimeri . Without pasteurization, microflora increased 5- to 6-fold within 14 d of storage. Populations of Scott A and 101M strains of L. monocytogenes increased significantly within 7 d. After 14 d, populations of all three strains did not differ from initial levels and remained unchanged for the remainder of the storage period.

Effects of processing (prerigor vs. postrigor), packaging (vacuum vs. PVC overwrap) and various antioxidants [sodium tripolyphosphate (STP); butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA); butylated hydro xytolulene (BHT) plus citric acid (BBC); α-tocopherol (Toc); and ascorbyl palmitate plus α-tocopherol (APT)] on the oxidation of restructured pork chops after storage at 4°C were evaluated. Three barrows were slaughtered on separate days and were used as replicates in the experiment. One side of each carcass was boned within 1 h postmortem (prerigor) and the remaining side was boned after 24 h at 4°C (postrigor). Restructured chops were formulated to contain 25% fat and six 4.5-kg batches were randomly allotted to the six antioxidant treatments: (a) 0% NaCl (NSC); (b) 0.5% NaCl (SC); (c) 0.5% NaCl + 0.5% STP; (d) 0.5% NaCl + BBC; (e) 0.5% NaCl + Toc; and (f) 0.5% NaCl + APT. Batches were stuffed in a fibrous casing, frozen for 2 h and sliced (19 mm). The sliced chops were randomly allotted to vacuum and PVC overwrap packaging treatments and evaluated for discoloration and TBA value on days 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16. Vacuum packaging reduced discoloration scores and lowered TBA values (P0.01) on days 8, 12 and 16. TBA values for all antioxidant treatments differed from the SC treatment on days 12 and 16 (P0.05). These data indicate that antioxidants and/or vacuum packaging are effective methods of controlling discoloration and oxidation of restructured pork during storage; however, processing time postmortem did not affect (P0.05) the rate of lipid oxidation.

Ninety carcasses were used to evaluate the effects of feeding ractopamine (RAC) to gilts, physically castrated (PC) barrows, and immunologically castrated (IC) barrows. Finishing diets (0, 5, and 7.5 mg/kg RAC) were fed for the last 26 d before slaughter starting 7 d after the second dose of Improvest. Carcasses from IC barrows had less ( P P = 0.02) than PC carcasses but had more ( P ≤ 0.04) fat than gilt carcasses. Feeding RAC increased ( P = 0.03) bone-in carcass yields by 1.4 percentage units. Gilt and IC carcasses had 2.0 percentage units greater ( P P = 0.01) bone-in lean yields, and 1.5 percentage units greater ( P = 0.04) bone-in carcass yields than PC carcasses. Loin firmness, pH, and marbling were unaffected by sex and RAC feeding ( P ≥ 0.22). Bellies from IC carcasses were 0.3 cm thinner ( P ≤ 0.05) than PC but 0.3 cm thicker ( P ≤ 0.05) than gilts. Flop distances of IC bellies were similar to gilt bellies but reduced ( P ≤ 0.05) 13 cm compared with PC bellies. Iodine values of IC bellies were similar to PC bellies but reduced ( P ≤ 0.05) 3 units compared with gilts. Feeding RAC did not affect ( P ≥ 0.23) fresh belly characteristics. Overall, immunological castration and feeding RAC were additive in terms of improving carcass cutability but had only minimal effects on fresh pork loin or belly quality.

Effects of sex class (physically castrated, PC or immunologically castrated, IC) and diet (0 or 5mg/kg ractopamine hydrochloride, RAC) on characteristics of ham and bellies were determined from pigs slaughtered in three groups with similar ending live weights. One carcass per pen per marketing group (n=8) was selected to evaluate further processing characteristics. Data were analyzed as a 2×2 factorial design with a split plot in time and fixed effects of sex, diet, marketing group, and their interactions. IC fresh bellies were thinner (P0.01) and softer (P0.01) than PC bellies. IC hams and bellies were leaner (P0.05) than those from PC pigs. RAC feeding did not affect (P0.05) fresh ham or belly characteristics but decreased (P0.01) fat in cured PC bellies. Marketing group affected (P0.05) fresh quality, processing characteristics, and composition of hams and bellies. Immunological castration and RAC produced leaner finished products but did not alter processing yield of hams or bacon.