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This study presents the first report of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water samples collected in the Arroyo Colorado (n = 15), irrigation canals (n = 6), stormwater and wastewater retention ponds (n = 7), as well as drinking waters (n = 2) across the Arroyo Colorado watershed. Of the 30 PFAS monitored in this study, 14 were detected in the samples in various combinations. Short‐chain PFAS (less than 8 carbon atoms) were observed in most samples. Water collected from the Arroyo Colorado showed significant spatial variabilities, with high total PFAS concentrations observed near possible point sources ‐ a municipal airport and wastewater treatment facilities. PFAS concentrations were generally higher in water samples collected in stormwater and wastewater retention ponds than in the Arroyo Colorado and irrigation canals. PFAS in stormwater retention ponds likely came from roadway runoff. Short‐chain PFAS were observed in the two municipal water samples, but they were below the current U.S. EPA regulation limits or are not currently regulated. This study provides useful information for water quality in this region and provides insights into PFAS occurrence in a rapidly urbanizing area.

Previous studies evaluating 15 mg/kg of narasin have shown improvements in BW, ADG, and G:F. However, FDA approved labeling for narasin indicates improved G:F with increased inclusion levels (20 to 30 mg/kg), which may provide greater economic return with higher feed costs. Some commercial systems have shown improvements in ADG and G:F when feeding 20 or 30 mg/kg narasin compared with 15 mg/kg. As such, two studies were conducted to evaluate 30 mg/kg of narasin on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs. Studies were carried out using a randomized complete block design with three narasin levels: 0, 15, or 30 mg/kg. Study 1 (2,545 pigs) was carried out from 42.6 ± 1.3 kg to 132.9 ± 3.6 kg. Study 2 (1,235 pigs) was carried out over a fixed time of 112 days from 39.1 ± 3.0 kg to 139.8 ± 3.5 kg. All pigs were fed diets that met or exceeded nutrient recommendations of growing-finishing pigs (NRC, 2012). Pigs were offered ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the study and weighed every 28 days and at every marketing event. Feed additions and feed remaining in the feeder at the time of pig weighing was recorded. Due to relatively low carcass recovery at the harvest facility, carcass data for Study 1 are not presented. Feeding 30 mg/kg of narasin did not improve (P> 0.05) growth or carcass performance compared with feeding 15 mg/kg narasin (Table 1). Compared with controls, feeding 15 mg/kg narasin increased final body weight (1.3 kg and 1.5 kg for Study 1 and 2, respectively), increased hot carcass weight (1.9 kg – Study 2), and improved carcass yield (0.4 percentage units), although differences were not always statistically different (P> 0.05). Overall G:F was improved 1.5% (P< 0.05) in Study 1, but not different (P> 0.05) than controls in Study 2. Results of this study confirm improvements in growth performance and carcass characteristics from feeding 15 mg/kg narasin to growing-finishing pigs. The outcomes of feeding 30 mg/kg of narasin were unexpected based on field outcomes and warrant further research.

Previous studies evaluating 15 mg/kg narasin have shown improvements in BW, ADG, G:F, and HCW and carcass yield when fed for an extended period of time ( >60 days). However, a detailed evaluation of feeding duration of narasin has not been completed. This study evaluated the effect of narasin feeding duration on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs. The study was carried out over a fixed time of 112 days using 1,644 pigs in a randomized complete block design. Narasin was included at 15 mg/kg in the last two, three, or four growing-finishing dietary phases, which resulted in narasin being fed for the last 68, 94, or 112 days of study and compared with a negative control diet. Pigs were fed diets that met or exceeded nutrient recommendations of growing-finishing pigs (NRC, 2012). Pigs were offered ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the study and weighed every 28 days and at every marketing event. Feed additions and feed remaining in the feeder at the time of pig weighing were recorded. Pigs were sent for harvest to a commercial slaughter facility in three marketing groups: Group 1 – 20% of pigs marketed on day 84 of study, Group 2 – 20% of pigs marketed on day 98 of study, and Group 3 – remaining 60% of pigs marketed on day 112 of study. Standard carcass grading measurements were collected for each pig and summarized by pen for data analysis. There were limited statistical differences (P> 0.05) between treatments for growth or carcass measures, likely due to the limited number of replicates (n = 16) in this research facility. Nonetheless, there were numerical improvements from feeding narasin. Final live BW (+0.3, +0.4, +1.5 kg, respectively) and ADG (+0.1, +0.4, and +1.3%, respectively; Table 1) numerically increased with increased feeding duration of narasin. Overall G:F was relatively unaffected by feeding duration. Hot carcass weight increased with increased narasin feeding duration (+0.2, +1.1, +1.9 kg, respectively), resulting in increased carcass yield with increased feeding duration (-0.2, +0.1, +0.4 percentage units, respectively). Collectively, carcass ADG and carcass G:F trended toward improvement with increased feeding duration. Results of this study confirm previously observed improvements in growth performance from extended feeding of narasin compared with controls, suggesting that a greater response to narasin is observed with longer feeding durations.

Ionophores are a separate class of non-medically important antibiotics used in animal production to increase growth rate. Narasin (Skycis; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) is an ionophore labeled for increased rate of body weight gain and improved feed efficiency in growing-finishing swine. The mode of action of this ionophore is to increase energy availability by altering volatile fatty acid production in the hindgut in favor of propionate, which is the most efficient product of fermentation. Therefore, a meta-regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of narasin inclusion in growing-finishing pig diets to predict average daily gain and feed efficiency. A database was developed that contained 21 papers from 2012 to 2021 representing 308 observations including both individual period data as well as overall trial data. For statistical analysis two models were created. The individual period model considered only data with single continuous narasin feeding periods while the overall trial model considered complete data sets representing periods with and without narasin feeding. Regression model equations were developed with the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (Version 9.4, SAS institute, Cary, NC). Predictor variables were assessed with a step-wise manual forward selection for model inclusion. Predictor variables were required to provide an improvement of at least 2 Bayesian information criterion units to be included in the final model. For individual period data for G:F, the model selected included concentration of narasin in the feed, ADG and ADFI of the control group not provided narasin, and average BW of the control group categorized into greater than 105 kg or less than 105 kg (Table 1). There were 2 competing models to predict improvement in overall G:F. For model 1, significant predictors included concentration of narasin in feed and ADG of the control group. Model 2 for overall G:F included concentration of narasin in feed, ADG and ADFI of the control group. For the individual period model that predicted ADG, the predictors were concentration of narasin in the feed, ADFI, G:F of the control group and BW category for feeding period. The best fitting ADG model using the overall trial data included concentration of narasin in feed, ADFI and G:F of the control group, and feeding duration categorized as longer than 65 days or shorter than 65 days. Together, these models can be used to predict the response to narasin supplementation in finishing pigs. Based on the results, the overall response to narasin inclusion rate for ADG and G:F is quadratic in nature. Additionally, as ADG and G:F increase, the response to narasin supplementation decreases. In summary, using average values from the database for predictor variables, this meta-analysis demonstrates narasin would be expected to improve overall G:F from 0.74 to 1.13% and ADG from 1 to 3%.

IntroductionNocturnal pulse oximetry can be used to screen for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) using the McGill Oximetry Score (MOS). The MOS has a time threshold for a technically adequate study of 6 hours. It has been suggested that one night of oximetry is sufficient to screen for OSA using the MOS.Aims(1) To evaluate night-to-night variation of the MOS. (2) To determine the impact of recording three nights of oximetry on the screening yield for OSA. (3) To explore whether useful MOS data are discarded when a threshold of 6 hours of oximetry recording is used.MethodsA retrospective study of nocturnal pulse oximetry done at home over three consecutive nights in paediatric patients with suspected OSA. Studies were scored (MOS) using thresholds of ≥6 and ≥4 hours of recording.ResultsA total of 329 patients were studied. MOS scores over three nights showed only fair to moderate agreement. On the first night 126 patients (38%) screened positive for OSA. When three nights of oximetry were done 195 patients (59%) screened positive on at least one of the nights. There were 48 patients with studies of between 4 and 6 hours duration on one or more nights. If these studies are scored 20 patients (42%) would screen positive for OSA on at least one night based on scoring these studies alone.ConclusionOne night of oximetry screening may not be sufficient to screen for OSA. Lowering the time threshold to ≥4 hours may increase the screening capability of nocturnal oximetry.

How do exogenous changes in the macroeconomic environment affect workers’ perceived job security, and consequently, their mental and physical health? To answer this question, we exploit variation in world commodity prices over the period 2001–17 and analyze panel data that include detailed classifications of mining workers. We find that commodity price increases cause increases in perceived job security, which in turn, significantly and substantively improves the mental health of workers. In contrast, we find no effects on physical health. Our results imply that the estimated welfare costs of recessions are much larger when the effects of job insecurity, and not only unemployment, are considered.

Meningococcal disease remains a leading cause of meningitis, sepsis and death in children worldwide and in the UK. Successful vaccination programmes in the UK have, however, significantly reduced the burden of disease in children. Unfortunately, despite vaccination, a significant number of children are still diagnosed with invasive meningococcal disease each year.As the prevalence of meningococcal disease falls, it is important that we maintain awareness of the symptoms and signs of meningococcal disease because the prompt recognition of this life-threatening infection improves outcomes.In this article we discuss the pathology, epidemiology and recognition of invasive meningococcal disease in children. The aim is to maintain awareness of this rare but life-threatening infection.

BackgroundRapid molecular diagnostic testing has the potential to improve the early recognition of meningococcal disease (MD). The aim of this study was to report on the diagnostic test accuracy of point-of-care loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in the diagnosis of MD.DesignData were collected prospectively from three UK emergency departments (ED) between November 2017 and June 2019. Consecutive children under 18 years of age attending the ED with features of MD were eligible for inclusion. The meningococcal LAMP test (index test) was performed on a dry swab of the child’s oropharynx. Reference standard testing was the confirmation of invasive MD defined as positive N. meningitidisculture or PCR result from a sterile body site (blood or cerebrospinal fluid).ResultsThere were 260 children included in the final analysis. The median age was 2 years 11 months and 169 (65%) children were aged 5 years or younger. The LAMP test was negative in 246 children and positive in 14 children. Of the 14 children with positive LAMP tests, there were five cases of invasive MD. Of the 246 children with negative LAMP tests, there were no cases of invasive MD. The sensitivity of LAMP testing was 1.00 and the specificity was 0.97. The negative and positive predictive values were 1.00 and 0.36, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 28.3.DiscussionNon-invasive LAMP testing using oropharyngeal swabs provided an accurate fast and minimally invasive mechanism for predicting invasive MD in this study.Trial registration numberNCT03378258.

This paper presents the latest improvements introduced in Version 4 of the UQpy, Uncertainty Quantification with Python, library. In the latest version, the code was restructured to conform with the latest Pythoncoding conventions, refactored to simplify previous tightly coupled features, and improve its extensibility and modularity. To improve the robustness of UQpy, software engineering best practices were adopted. A new software development workflow significantly improved collaboration between team members, and continuous integration and automated testing ensured the robustness and reliability of software performance. Continuous deployment of UQpyallowed its automated packaging and distribution in system agnostic format via multiple channels, while a Docker image enables the use of the toolbox regardless of operating system limitations.

Biological processes exert important controls on geomorphic evolution of karst landscapes because carbonate mineral dissolution can be augmented and spatially focused by production of CO2and biogenic acids from organic matter (OM) decomposition. In Big Cypress National Preserve in southwest Florida, depressional wetlands (called cypress domes) dissolved into surface‐exposed carbonate rocks and exhibit regular patterning (size, depth, and spacing) within the pine upland mosaic. To understand when wetland basins began to form and the role of spatially varying OM decomposition on bedrock weathering, we constructed age profiles of sediment accretion using compound‐specific radiocarbon analysis of long‐chain fatty acids and measured bulk OM properties and biomarker proxies (fatty acids and lignin phenols) in different zones (center vs. edge) of the wetlands. Based on compound‐specific radiocarbon analysis, landscape patterning likely began in the middle to late Holocene, with wetlands beginning to form earlier at higher elevations than at lower elevations within the regional landscape. Dominant vegetation appears to have shifted from graminoids to woody plants around 3,000 calendar years before the present, as reflected in downcore bulk carbon isotope data and lignin concentration, likely from increased precipitation and hydroperiods. OM is mostly accumulated in wetland centers, and wetland centers exhibit more carbonate dissolution due to inundation limiting atmospheric ventilation of CO2. Landscape development and patterning thus arise from interactions between hydrology, ecology, and ecological community evolution that control carbonate mineral dissolution. Regularly patterned depressional wetlands in southwest Florida were likely developed in the middle to late HoloceneWetland vegetation likely shifted from graminoids to woody plants as a result of precipitation change and concomitant hydroperiodsDecomposition of soil organic matter appears to be more efficient at bedrock weathering in wetland centers than edges

Wax Lake Delta, southern Louisiana, is a coastal delta that formed following the dredging of a river channel in 1941 and is a field model for investigating the geomorphology, ecology, carbon dynamics, and carbon storage capacity in young prograding deltas. However, it is unknown how the transition from subaqueous to subaerial sediments affects the sources and quality of the sequestered carbon. We investigated these variations within the sediments of Wax Lake Delta using amino acid, lignin, and stable carbon isotope compositions of the organic matter (OM). A principal component analysis of these proxies highlighted variability in organic carbon (OC) composition with changes in elevation. The transition from subaqueous to subaerial sediments at 0‐cm mean lower low water is an important component of the OM composition. In addition to the changes observed for OM source and quality, the OC loadings (OC/SA; mg C/m2) also increase as the delta aggrades and accumulates sediments with loadings typical of delta topsets and mobile mud banks (OC/SA < 0.4) to riverine sediments (0.5 < OC/SA < 1) and eventually to highly productive regions (OC/SA > 1). Linking this multiproxy approach with environmental variables such as elevation provides a path for incorporating OM dynamics into geomorphic models. A multibiomarker approach characterizes the sources and diagenetic state of organic matter in Wax Lake Delta sedimentsChanges in the source and diagenetic state of organic matter in Wax Lake Delta sediments are correlated with elevationThe OC/SA loadings increase as the delta aggrades, resulting in a semilog relationship between TOC and silt + clay content

ObjectiveThe Petechiae in Children (PiC) study assesses the utility of presenting features and rapid diagnostic tests in the diagnosis of serious bacterial infection in feverish children with non-blanching rashes. An embedded qualitative study explored parents’ and clinicians’ views on the acceptability of the PiC study, including the use of research without prior consent (RWPC) in studies of diagnostic test accuracy.DesignSemistructured qualitative interviews. Analysis was thematic and broadly interpretive, informed by the constant comparative approach.ParticipantsFifteen parents were interviewed 55 (median) days since their child’s hospital attendance (range 13–95). Five clinicians involved in recruitment, and consent were interviewed.ResultsParents and clinicians supported RWPC for the PiC study and future emergency paediatric diagnostic test accuracy studies as long as there is no harm to the child and emergency care is not delayed. Parents and clinicians made recommendations around the timing and conduct of a consent discussion, which were in line with RWPC guidance. Parents enrolled in the PiC study preferred a design that included consent discussions with the research team over the alternative of ‘opt-out’ consent only.ConclusionsThis embedded qualitative study demonstrates that RWPC is appropriate for use in paediatric emergency studies of diagnostic test accuracy and that the approach used in PiC was appropriate. Future diagnostic studies involving additional invasive procedures or an opt-out only approach to consent would benefit from exploring parent and clinician views on acceptability at the pretrial stage.Trial registration numberNCT03378258

Seagrass meadows represent globally important stores of carbon. However, environmental heterogeneity in shallow, estuarine environments may shape the quantity, composition, and postdepositional processing of organic carbon stocks (Corg) in such meadows. Along a persistent gradient in total phosphorus concentrations in the water column and a parallel gradient in seagrass morphology, we measured bulk carbon parameters (Corg, dry bulk density, %Corg, Corg: N, δ13C) and lignin biomarkers in Thalassia testudinumtissues and in the sediments beneath these meadows in three coastal systems. We found Corgstocks and sources differed among coastal systems, but the aforementioned parameters were not consistently related to either standing stocks of seagrass or historical nutrient concentrations. We estimated that seagrasses contributed 30–53% of the total sedimentary Corgin these three coastal systems, with the remainder derived from allochthonous sources. The coastal system with intermediate phosphorus concentrations and aboveground seagrass stock had more Corgoverall, more Corgfrom seagrass, and sediments with lower bulk density. A consistent negative relationship between dry bulk density and %Corgsuggested hydrodynamics exerted a strong influence on stocks and sources of sedimentary Corg. Lignin biomarkers refined our understanding of sources of Corgand postdepositional processing of seagrass tissues. Phenolic acid‐to‐aldehyde ratios were high in fresh T. testudinumtissues. Lower values in sediments indicated seagrass tissues undergo extensive loss of acidic lignin phenols after deposition resulting in a need for lignin biomarker indices designed for estuarine sediments. Future studies of seagrass Corgshould account for hydrodynamic setting, especially when investigating influences of environmental heterogeneity.

IntroductionAsthma attacks are responsible for considerable morbidity and may be fatal. We aimed to identify and weight risk factors for asthma attacks in children (5–12 years) in order to inform and prioritise care.MethodsWe systematically searched six databases (May 2016; updated with forward citations January 2017) with no language/date restrictions. Two reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion, assessed study quality and extracted data. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. Weighting was undertaken by an Expert Panel who independently assessed each variable for degree of risk and confidence in the assessment (based on study quality and size, effect sizes, biological plausibility and consistency of results) and then achieved consensus by discussion. Assessments were finally presented, discussed and agreed at a multidisciplinary workshop.ResultsFrom 16 109 records, we included 68 papers (28 cohort; 4 case-control; 36 cross-sectional studies). Previous asthma attacks were associated with greatly increased risk of attack (ORs between 2.0 and 4.1). Persistent symptoms (ORs between 1.4 and 7.8) and poor access to care (ORs between 1.2 and 2.3) were associated with moderately/greatly increased risk. A moderately increased risk was associated with suboptimal drug regimen, comorbid atopic/allergic disease, African-American ethnicity (USA), poverty and vitamin D deficiency. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure, younger age, obesity and low parental education were associated with slightly increased risk.DiscussionAssessment of the clinical and demographic features identified in this review may help clinicians to focus risk reduction management on the high-risk child. Population level factors may be used by health service planners and policymakers to target healthcare initiatives.Trial registration numberCRD42016037464.

River deltas have contributed to atmospheric carbon regulation throughout Earth history, but functioning in the modern era has been impaired by reduced sediment loads, altered hydrologic regimes, increased global sea-level rise and accelerated subsidence. Delta restoration involves environmental engineering via river diversions, which utilize self-organizing processes to create prograding deltas. Here we analyse sediment cores from Wax Lake delta, a product of environmental engineering, to quantify the burial of organic carbon. We find that, despite relatively low concentrations of organic carbon measured in the cores (about 0.4%), the accumulation of about 3 T m−2of sediment over the approximate 60 years of delta building resulted in the burial of a significant amount of organic carbon (16 kg m−2). This equates to an apparent organic carbon accumulation rate of 250 ± 23 g m−2yr−1, which implicitly includes losses by carbon emissions and erosion. Our estimated accumulation rate for Wax Lake delta is substantially greater than previous estimates based on the top metre of delta sediments and comparable to those of coastal mangrove and marsh habitats. The sedimentation of carbon at the Wax Lake delta demonstrates the capacity of engineered river diversions to enhance both coastal accretion and carbon burial.

Nine hundred newly-weaned pigs (PIC) with average body weight of 6.2 ± 0.1 kg were used in a 43d nursery study to evaluate the effect of a live yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii(Levucell SB Advantage, Elanco; LEV), on growth performance of nursery pigs. Each pen within a pen location-block was assigned to 1 of 3 treatments consisting of: 1) a control diet (CON) containing pharmacological levels of Zn (2,500 and 1,500 ppm in phase 1 and 2, respectively) and Cu (200 ppm for all phases), 2) CON with LEV at 0.1% (phase 1) and 0.05% (phase 2-3), and 3) CON but with 150 ppm Zn (phase 1-3) and 22 ppm Cu (phase 1-3). Feeding program consisted of a 3-phase feed budget (3, 6, 20 kg for phases 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), gain to feed (G:F), and end weight variation (EWV) were all analyzed using MIXED procedure in SAS using RCBD with treatment, pen location-block and initial BW as covariate. Dietary supplementation of nursery diets with LEV in the presence of high Zn and Cu increased final BW (P< 0.05, +1.3 kg), overall ADG (P< 0.05, +8%), and G:F (P< 0.05, +6%) compared with the control diet containing high Zn and Cu. There was no impact on other parameters (ADFI and EWV). Addition of LEV to low Zn and Cu diet supported the same level of performance (ADG, ADFI, G:F) as the control diet. The results of this study demonstrate growth performance enhancement when using Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardiiin nursery diets.

We examined the role of reactive iron (FeR) in preserving organic carbon (OC) across a subaerial chronosequence of the Wax Lake Delta, a prograding delta within the Mississippi River Delta complex. We found that ~15.0% of the OC was bound to FeR, and the dominant binding mechanisms varied from adsorption in the youngest subaerial region to coprecipitation at the older, vegetated sites. The δ13C of the iron‐associated OC was more negative than the total OC (mean = −2.6‰), indicating greater preference for terrestrial material and/or compounds with more negative δ13C values. However, only the adsorbed OC displayed preferential binding of lignin phenols. We estimate that ~8% of the OC initially deposited in deltaic systems is bound to FeR(equivalent to 6 × 1012gC yr−1), and this percentage increases postdepositionally, as coprecipitation of FeRand OC allows for an even greater amount of OC to be bound to FeR. Fifteen percent of the OC in the Wax Lake Delta sediments is bound to reactive ironThe modeled decay rate of iron coprecipitated OC is 5 times less than the total OCLignin‐derived compounds and other phenolic acids are preferentially sorbed to iron (OC:Fe < 1)

We use a dated sediment core from Lake Whittington (USA) in the lower Mississippi River to reconstruct linkages in the carbon cycling and fluvial sediment dynamics over the past 80 years. Organic carbon (OC) sources were characterized using bulk (δ13C, ramped pyrolysis‐oxidation (PyrOx) 14C, δ15N, and TN:OC ratios) and compound‐specific (lignin phenols and fatty acids, including δ13C and 14C of the fatty acids) analyses. Damming of the Missouri River in the 1950s, other hydrological modifications to the river, and soil conservation measures resulted in reduced net OC export, in spite of increasing OC concentrations. Decreasing δ13C values coincided with increases in δ15N, TN:OC ratios, long‐chain fatty acids, and lignin‐phenol concentrations, suggesting increased inputs of soil‐derived OC dominated by C3vegetation, mainly resulting from changes in farming practices and crop distribution. However, ramped PyrOx 14C showed no discernible differences downcore in thermochemical stability, indicating a limited impact on soil OC turnover. Dam reservoirs and oxbow lake cores integrate land use changeFarming and dams have altered the downstream particle compositionOrganic carbon export is controlled by physical erosion rates

The role of priming processes in the remineralization of terrestrially derived dissolved organic carbon (TDOC) in aquatic systems has been overlooked. We provide evidence for TDOC priming using a lab‐based microcosm experiment in which TDOC was primed by the addition of 13C‐labeled algal dissolved organic carbon (ADOC) or a 13C‐labeled disaccharide (trehalose). The rate of TDOC remineralization to carbon dioxide (CO2) occurred 4.1 ± 0.9 and 1.5 ± 0.3 times more rapidly with the addition of trehalose and ADOC, respectively, relative to experiments with TDOC as the sole carbon source over the course of a 301 h incubation period. Results from these controlled experiments provide fundamental evidence for the occurrence of priming of TDOC by ADOC and a simple disaccharide. We suggest that priming effects on TDOC should be considered in carbon budgets for large‐river deltas, estuaries, lakes, hydroelectric reservoirs, and continental shelves. Priming of organic matter exists in aquatic systemsRamifications of this work have major implications on greenhouse gas emissionsFirst evidence for lab conditions of priming setting stage for more fieldwork

Approximately 5–6 of all infective episodes in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are of viral origin. Previous studies suggest that human parechovirus (HPeV) infection presents most commonly in term infants, as a sepsis-like syndrome in which meningoencephalitis is prominent. Our aim was to study the infection rate and associated features of HPeV.

Bacillus anthracis,the causative agent of anthrax, has the capacity to form highly resilient spores as part of its life cycle. The potential for the dissemination of these spores using food as a vehicle is a huge public health concern and, hence, requires the development of a foodborne bioterrorism response approach. In this work, we address a critical gap in food biodefense by presenting a novel, combined, sequential method involving the use of real-time PCR and pyrosequencing for the rapid, specific detection of B. anthracisspores in three food matrices: milk, apple juice, and bottled water. The food samples were experimentally inoculated with 40 CFU ml-1, and DNA was extracted from the spores and analyzed after immunomagnetic separation. Applying the combination of multiplex real-time PCR and pyrosequencing, we successfully detected the presence of targets on both of the virulence plasmids and the chromosome. The results showed that DNA amplicons generated from a five-target multiplexed real-time PCR detection using biotin-labeled primers can be used for single-plex pyrosequencing detection. The combined use of multiplexed real-time PCR and pyrosequencing is a novel, rapid detection method for B. anthracisfrom food and provides a tool for accurate, quantitative identification with potential biodefense applications.

A novel approach, targeted random sampling, is presented for estimating failure probabilities for systems with complex limit states. The method, underpinned by the refined stratified sampling concept by Shields et al., refines the sampling strata in the vicinity of the limit state to concentrate samples near the limit state and accurately resolve the failure domain in a very small number of samples - even for problems with strongly non-linear limit states. The method is compared with importance sampling and subset simulation. It produces very accurate estimates for complex problems where the importance sampling density is difficult, or impossible, to identify and is shown to converge much more rapidly than subset simulation for problems with moderate dimension, producing very accurate estimates with greatly reduced coefficient of variation in a fraction of the number of samples. Some challenges in the method are discussed including the extension to high dimensional reliability assessment.

Migration is often viewed as an investment decision. Temporary migrants can be expected to invest less in accumulating human capital specific to the host country. Instead, they work more hours in order to accumulate savings and invest in financial capital that can be transferred back to their country of origin upon return. In this paper, using German panel data, we explore how temporary migrants differ from permanent migrants in their labor supply decisions and behavior. After correcting for endogeneity bias, male temporary migrants are found to work more hours than permanent ones. The effect for females is statistically insignificant. J22, J61, F22

A total of 496 weaned pigs (19 ± 1 d of age) were used in a 3-phase feeding program to evaluate effects of Levucell SB 10 Titan Advantage, a live yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii (LEV; Elanco) and a non-viable yeast product (YANG; Elanco) on performance, complete blood count (CBC), and fecal VFA of nursery pigs. Pigs were blocked by weaning BW and gender and allotted to 44 pens (11–12 pigs/pen) which was assigned to one of 4 dietary treatments (11 pens/treatment). The study was designed as 2 x 2 factorial with LEV and YANG. Pigs were fed to meet or exceed nutrient requirements (NRC, 2012). Blood (d 10 and 22) and fecal samples (d 22) were collected from one pig per pen for CBC and VFA analyses. During d 0–7, feeding LEV or YANG alone improved (P < 0.05) G:F by 20% and 12%, respectively. There was a tendency of LEV*YANG interaction (P < 0.10) where feeding LEV increased (P < 0.05) BW and ADG compared to the control (CON). During d 0–14, feeding YANG with LEV reduced (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, and G:F compared to feeding YANG or LEV alone. Pigs fed LEV had an improved G:F compared to pigs fed CON or YANG with LEV (P < 0.05). During d 21–42, there was a tendency (P < 0.10) for a LEV*YANG effect where pigs fed CON had a lower G:F compared to other treatments. Overall, feeding LEV alone increased (P < 0.01) G:F (2.4%) and numerically increased final BW (0.60 kg) compared to CON. LEV tended to increase blood lymphocytes (P = 0.11) and increased platelets and platelet hematocrit (P < 0.05) compared to CON. There were no differences in fecal VFA measures. The results of this study indicate that feeding LEV increased G:F of nursery pigs.

The transmission of passive immunity from the sow to the neonate piglets through colostrum is crucial for their future development. The aim of this experiment was to demonstrate that feeding the live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardiiCNCM I-1079 (SCB) increases the immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration in colostrum. In total, 620 colostrum samples were taken from mixed-parity sows (1-9) in 11 farms in Colombia. There were 2 treatments: control (CON; standard feed in gestation and lactation), and SCB (CON + 1 × 109colony forming units (CFU)/kg, fed from 3 weeks before the expected farrowing date). The samples were taken within the first 4 hours after the birth of the first piglet, from both sides of the teats of the sow, and immediately analyzed with a MA871 refractometer to obtain a °Brix value. Furthermore, each value was attributed to 1 of the 4 following categories regarding IgG concentration: Very good, Adequate, Limited, and Poor. Data were analyzed with SPSS Statistics 26.0 (IBM) and submitted to an analysis of variance with farm as random effect, parity rank and treatment as fixed effects, and their interactions. However, no interaction was found between any of the variables studied. Colostrum from sows in the SCB treatment displayed a higher °Brix value (P< 0.001) than the 1 from sows in the CON treatment. Additionally, the percentage of sows fitting the categories Very good and Adequate was greater in the SCB treatment than in the CON, and the one fitting the categories Limited and Poor was greater in the CON treatment than in the SCB. It is concluded that supplementing sows with Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardiiCNCM I-1079 from 3 weeks before farrowing increases IgG concentration in colostrum, helping the neonate piglets to acquire the passive immunity necessary to improve later performance.

Previous research with parents of preterm and low-birth weight infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has indicated the following: (i) parents are at risk of experiencing stress associated with the NICU environment; (ii) parents are at risk of short- and longer-term psychological distress; and (iii) the family is at risk of longer-term stress and strain. However, parents of infants admitted to the NICU for surgery are an under-researched population. This paper provides an overview of the current literature in relation to this issue. The results highlight the paucity of research conducted with parents of infants admitted to the NICU for surgery. A number of gaps and limitations were also identified in the current literature, including a lack of examination why some parents cope better than others, and a focus solely on parents of preterm and low birth weight infants. To conclude, further research with parents of infants who had surgery in the first few weeks of life is needed. Such information could help inform clinicians caring for these infants and their families, and would enable identification of those parents and families most at risk.

Food is a vulnerable target for potential bioterrorist attacks; therefore, a critical mitigation strategy is needed for the rapid concentration and detection of biothreat agents from food matrices. Magnetic beads offer a unique advantage in that they have a large surface area for efficient capture of bacteria. We have demonstrated the efficient capture and concentration of Bacillus anthracis(Sterne) spores using immunomagnetic beads for a potential food application. Magnetic beads from three different sources, with varying sizes and surface chemistries, were functionalized with monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies from commercial sources and used to capture and concentrate anthrax spores from spiked food matrices, including milk, apple juice, bagged salad, processed meat, and bottled water. The results indicated that the Pathatrix beads were more effective in the binding and capture of anthrax spores than the other two bead types investigated. Furthermore, it was observed that the use of polyclonal antibodies resulted in a more efficient recovery of anthrax spores than the use of monoclonal antibodies. Three different magnetic capture methods, inversion, the Pathatrix Auto system, and the new iCropTheBug system, were investigated. The iCropTheBug system yielded a much higher recovery of spores than the Pathatrix Auto system. Spore recoveries ranged from 80 to 100% for the iCropTheBug system when using pure spore preparations, whereas the Pathatrix Auto system had recoveries from 20 to 30%. Spore capture from food samples inoculated at a level of 1 CFU/ml resulted in 80 to 100% capture for milk, bottled water, and juice samples and 60 to 80% for processed meat and bagged salad when using the iCropTheBug system. This efficient capture of anthrax spores at very low concentrations without enrichment has the potential to enhance the sensitivity of downstream detection technologies and will be a useful method in a foodborne bioterrorism response.

Goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH) and decreased ciliated cells are characteristic of asthma. We examined the effects of IL-13 (2 and 20 ng/mL) on in vitro mucociliary differentiation in pediatric bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs) of normal PBEC [PBEC(N)] and asthmatic PBEC [PBEC(A)] children. Markers of differentiation, real-time PCR for MUC5AC, MUC5AC ELISA, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) were assessed. Stimulation with 20 ng/mL IL-13 in PBEC(N) resulted in GCH [20 ng/mL IL-13: mean, 33.8% (SD, 7.2) versus unstimulated: mean, 18.9% (SD, 5.0); p < 0.0001] and decreased ciliated cell number [20 ng/mL IL-13: mean, 8% (SD, 5.6) versus unstimulated: mean, 22.7% (SD,7.6); p < 0.01]. PBEC(N) stimulated with 20 ng/mL IL-13 resulted in >5-fold (SD, 3.2) increase in MUC5AC mRNA expression, p < 0.001, compared with unstimulated PBEC(N). In PBEC(A), GCH was also seen [20 ng/mL IL-13: mean, 44.7% (SD, 16.4) versus unstimulated: mean, 30.4% (SD, 13.9); p < 0.05] with a decreased ciliated cell number [20 ng/mL IL-13: mean, 8.8% (SD, 7.5) versus unstimulated: mean, 16.3% (SD, 4.2); p < 0.001]. We also observed an increase in MUC5AC mRNA expression with 20 ng/mL IL-13 in PBEC(A), p < 0.05. IL-13 drives PBEC(N) toward an asthmatic phenotype and worsens the phenotype in PBEC(A) with reduced ciliated cell numbers and increased goblet cells.

Goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH) and decreased ciliated cells are characteristic of asthma. We examined the effects of IL-13 (2 and 20 ng/mL) on in vitromucociliary differentiation in pediatric bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs) of normal PBEC PBEC(N) and asthmatic PBEC PBEC(A) children. Markers of differentiation, real-time PCR for MUC5AC, MUC5AC ELISA, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) were assessed. Stimulation with 20 ng/mL IL-13 in PBEC(N) resulted in GCH 20 ng/mL IL-13: mean, 33.8% (SD, 7.2) versusunstimulated: mean, 18.9% (SD, 5.0); p< 0.0001 and decreased ciliated cell number 20 ng/mL IL-13: mean, 8% (SD, 5.6) versusunstimulated: mean, 22.7% (SD,7.6); p< 0.01. PBEC(N) stimulated with 20 ng/mL IL-13 resulted in >5-fold (SD, 3.2) increase in MUC5AC mRNA expression, p< 0.001, compared with unstimulated PBEC(N). In PBEC(A), GCH was also seen 20 ng/mL IL-13: mean, 44.7% (SD, 16.4) versusunstimulated: mean, 30.4% (SD, 13.9); p< 0.05 with a decreased ciliated cell number 20 ng/mL IL-13: mean, 8.8% (SD, 7.5) versusunstimulated: mean, 16.3% (SD, 4.2); p< 0.001. We also observed an increase in MUC5AC mRNA expression with 20 ng/mL IL-13 in PBEC(A), p< 0.05. IL-13 drives PBEC(N) toward an asthmatic phenotype and worsens the phenotype in PBEC(A) with reduced ciliated cell numbers and increased goblet cells.