The use of infrared thermography for detecting digital dermatitis in dairy cattle: What is the best measure of temperature and foot location to use?

Lameness in dairy cattle is a persistent problem, indicating pain caused by underlying disease states and is associated with reduced milk yields. Digital dermatitis is a common cause of lameness. Thermal imaging is a technique that may facilitate early detection of this disease and has the potential for use in automated detection systems. Previous studies with thermal imaging have imaged either the heels or the coronary band of the foot and typically only used the maximum temperature (Max) value as the outcome measure. This study investigated the utility of other statistical descriptors: 90th percentile (90PCT), 95th percentile (95PCT), standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CoV) and compared the utility of imaging the heel or coronary band. Images were collected from lame and healthy cows using a high-resolution thermal camera. Analyses were done at the cow and foot level. There were significant differences between lame and healthy feet detectable at the heels (95th percentile: P<0.05; SD: P<0.05) and coronary band (SD: P<0.05). Within lame cows, 95PCT values were higher at the heel (P<0.05) and Max values were higher at the coronary band (P<0.05) in the lame foot compared to the healthy foot. ROC analysis showed an AUC value of 0.72 for Max temperature and 0.68 for 95PCT at the heels. It was concluded that maximum temperature is the most accurate measure, but other statistical descriptors of temperature can be used to detect lameness. These may be useful in certain contexts, such as where there is contamination. Differentiation of lame from healthy feet was most apparent when imaging the heels.

The contribution of previous lameness events and body condition score to the occurrence of lameness in dairy herds: A study of 2 herds

It has been demonstrated that low body condition and previous occurrence of lameness increase the risk of future lameness in dairy cows. To date the population attributable fraction (PAF), which provides an estimate of the contribution that a risk factor makes toward the total number of disease events in a population, has not been explored for lameness using longitudinal data with repeated measures. Estimation of PAF helps to identify control measures that could lead to the largest improvements on-farm. The aim of this study was to use longitudinal data to evaluate the proportion of lameness that could be avoided in 2 separate herds (2 populations) through (1) reduced recurrence of previous lameness events, (2) and moving body condition score (BCS) into more optimal ranges. Data were obtained from 2 UK dairy herds: herd A, a 200-cow herd with 8 yr of data from a total of 724 cows where lameness events were based on weekly locomotion scores (LS; 1 to 5 scale), and herd B, a 600-cow herd with data recorded over 44 mo from a total of 1,040 cows where treatment of clinical cases was used to identify lameness events. The PAF for categories of BCS were estimated using a closed equation appropriate for multiple exposure categories. Simulation models were used to explore theoretical scenarios to reflect changes in BCS and recurrence of previous lameness events in each herd. For herd A, 21.5% of the total risk periods (cow-weeks) contained a lameness event (LS 3, 4, or 5), 96% of which were repeat events and 19% were recorded with BCS <2 (3 wk previously; 0 to 5 scale). When lameness events were based on 2 consecutive weeks of LS 4 or 5, 4% of risk periods were recorded as lame, of which 89.5% were repeat events. For herd B, 16.3% of the total risk periods (consecutive 30 d) contained a lameness event (72.6% were repeat events) and 20% were recorded with BCS ≤2 (0 to 120 d previously). The median PAF for all previous lameness was between 79 and 83% in the 2 herds. Between 9 and 21% of lameness events could be attributed to previous lameness occurring >16 wk before a risk period. The median PAF estimated for changes in BCS were in the region of 4 to 11%, depending on severity of lameness. Repeated bouts of lameness made a very large contribution to the total number of lameness events. This could either be because certain cows are initially susceptible and remain susceptible, due to the increased risk associated with previous lameness events, or due to interactions with environmental factors. This area requires further research.

Are brief alcohol interventions targeting alcohol use efficacious in military and veteran populations? A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Rates of hazardous and harm-related drinking are higher in the military and veteran populations compared to the general population. Brief alcohol interventions (BAIs) targeting alcohol use appear to reduce harmful drinking in the general population. However, less is known about the efficacy of BAIs targeting alcohol in military and veteran populations.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the type and efficacy of BAIs used to reduce alcohol use in military and veteran populations conducted from 2000 onwards. The meta-analysis was conducted using a standardised outcome measure of change in average weekly drinks (AWDs) from baseline to follow-up.

RESULTS

The search revealed 10 papers that met the search criteria, and that reported data on 11 interventions included in the systematic review. 8 papers (reporting on 9 different interventions) were included in the meta-analysis after 2 papers were excluded for which the relevant outcome data were not available. There was no overall effect of BAIs; a non-significant weekly drink reduction of 0.95 drinks was found (95% CI, -0.17 to 2.07). This lack of efficacy persisted regardless of military group (conscripts, serving or veterans) and method of delivery (i.e., face-to-face, web-based or written information). Furthermore, sensitivity analyses revealed this small drink reduction was driven mainly by a single study.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, existing BAIs do not seem to be efficacious in reducing alcohol use in military populations, despite some encouraging results from one electronic intervention which was of extensive duration.

Abstract P4-13-02: Long-term effects of weight loss on breast cancer biomarkers in postmenopausal women

Background: Obesity increases risk for postmenopausal breast cancer, and is associated with elevated blood levels of inflammation-related marker C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin, glucose, and the angiogenesis-related biomarker vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The long-term effect of weight loss on these breast cancer risk biomarkers is unknown. This study aim was to test the 30-month effect of weight loss on breast cancer biomarkers in postmenopausal overweight/obese women, who had completed a randomized control trial test of behavioral weight loss and/or exercise compared to control.

Methods: From 1/2005-7/2008, women (N=438) were randomized to 1 of 4 arms: reduced calorie weight loss diet (D; N=118); moderate intensity aerobic exercise (E; 225 minutes/week) (N=117); both interventions (D+E; N=116); or control (C, no intervention; N=87). The D intervention goals were: 1200-2000 calories/day, dietary fat &lt; 30% of calories, and &gt; 10% loss of initial weight. The E goal was &gt; 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise 5 days/week. The D+E interventions were identical to those for D and E. A total of 157 women returned for a 30-month blood draw (18 months after end-of-study).

Analysis: We compared the average changes in outcomes from baseline to 30 months in weight loss (combining D and D+E groups) vs. no weight loss (combining C and E groups), according to the intention-to-treat principle, using generalized estimating equations (GEE). As a secondary, pre-planned analysis, we combined data for all women regardless of randomization group, and divided them into four categories based on change from baseline to 30 months: 1) gained weight or remained weight stable; 2) lost &lt; 5% of baseline weight; 3) lost 5% - &lt;10% of baseline weight; and 4) lost &gt; 10% of baseline weight. We then compared 30-month analyte changes by these 30-month weight loss groups, with category 1 as referent.

Results: Mean 30-month weight changes from baseline were: D+E, - 7.7%; D, - 6.3%; E, -1.9%; and C, -3%. CRP was 22.5% lower than baseline for women randomized to a diet group, compared with a 4% reduction from baseline in women in a non-diet group (p=0.07). Insulin was 33% lower in women randomized to diet, while it was 20% lower in women not randomized to a diet group (p=0.10). Women who lost 5% - &lt;10% of baseline weight at 30-months experienced an 18% (p&lt;0.001) decrease in CRP compared to baseline, while those who lost &gt; 10% had a 56% lower CRP level (p&lt;0.001). VEGF decreased to a similar amount (14% -15%) in women who lost &lt;10% of baseline weight; and decreased by 26% in those whose 30-month weight decreased by &gt; 10% (p&lt;0.002). Compared with baseline levels, insulin decreased by 16% in those who lost &lt; 5% of baseline weight. In contrast, insulin levels decreased by 31% and 44% (each p=0.004), in those whose 30-month weight loss was 5% - &lt;10% lower than baseline and &gt; 10% lower than baseline, respectively. Glucose levels increased in women whose weight loss was &lt; 5%, but remained stable in those whose 30-month weight was &gt; 5% lower than baseline (each p=0.04).

Conclusions: Long-term weight loss of at least 5% may have biological effects relevant to breast cancer prevention in overweight or obese postmenopausal women.

Citation Format: McTiernan A, Duggan C, Tapsoba JdD, Mason C, Wang C-Y. Long-term effects of weight loss on breast cancer biomarkers in postmenopausal women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-13-02.

Lameness in dairy heifers; impacts of hoof lesions present around first calving on future lameness, milk yield and culling risk

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More severe claw horn lesions were associated with increased risk of future lameness.

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More severe sole lesions were associated with reduction in daily yield of 2.68 kg.

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Managing heifers to reduce severe lesions is likely to have positive herd impacts.

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Mild claw horn lesions associated with reduced risk of future lameness and culling.

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Mild insult may lead to adaptive changes in the hoof which are beneficial.

The importance of lameness in primiparous dairy heifers is increasingly recognised. Although it is accepted that clinical lameness in any lactation increases the risk of future lameness, the impact of foot lesions during the first lactation on long-term lameness risk is less clear. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the impacts of foot lesions occurring around the time of first calving in heifers on future lameness risk, daily milk yield and survival within a dairy herd. Records were obtained for 158 heifers from one UK dairy herd. Heifers were examined in 2 month blocks from 2 months pre-calving through to 4 months post-calving. Sole lesions and white line lesions were scored on a zero to 10 scale and digital dermatitis on a zero to 3 scale. Outcomes investigated were; lameness risk based on weekly locomotion scores, average daily milk yield and culling risk. Mixed effect models were used to investigate associations between maximum lesion scores and outcomes. Lesion scores in the highest score categories for claw horn lesions (sole lesions and white line lesions) in the 2 to 4 month post-calving period were associated with an increased risk of future lameness; heifers with white line lesion scores ≥3 compared with scores zero to 1 and heifers with sole lesion scores ≥4 compared with score 2, at this time point, had a predicted increased risk of future lameness of 1.6 and 2.6 respectively. Sole lesions ≥4 were also associated with a reduction in average daily milk yield of 2.68 kg. Managing heifers to reduce claw horn lesions during this time period post-calving may provide health, welfare and production benefits for the long-term future of those animals. A novel finding from the study was that mild lesion scores compared with scores zero to 1, were associated with a reduced risk of future lameness for white line lesions and sole lesions occurring in the pre-calving or 2 to 4 months post-calving periods respectively. Mild sole lesions in the pre-calving period were also associated with a reduced risk of premature culling. One hypothesis for this result is that a mild insult may result in adaptive changes to the foot leading to greater biomechanical resilience and so increased longevity.

The Geography of Corporate Philanthropy in the United Kingdom

The shift away from a state-dominated welfare state towards a pluralistic mix of diverse welfare agencies is placing a greater reliance upon the voluntary sector. The role of company support for the voluntary sector has become an issue of considerable significance in recent years, yet has been little analysed by geographers. Considerable variations are revealed in the geographical distribution of funds allocated by directly funded corporate charitable trusts to voluntary organisations in the United Kingdom; the patterns may be related to the sector of the companies that fund the trusts together with the location and nature of the charities receiving funds, The patterns suggest that the key element determining the geography of corporate philanthropy is the nature of the audience which the company is seeking to address through their donations policy. Manufacturing companies would appear to have stronger traditions of philanthropy being directed towards the communities where their production facilities are based, whereas service-based companies tend to disperse their donations more widely.

7: INTEGRATED PATHWAY ANALYSIS OF MICRORNA EXPRESSION IN PLASMA OF OVARIAN CANCER (OVCA) PATIENTS SHOWS LACK OF BH3 PROTEIN DEPENDENT SIGNALING

Purpose of Study

More than 100,000 pelvic surgeries to remove ovarian masses (BOM) are performed yearly in the USA only 8% of those remove ovarian cancer. Circulating microRNA are biomarkers for disease detection. Purpose of study:

1. To analyze patterns of microRNAs in women with BOM vs. OvCa

2. Discover pathway involved malignant transformation.

Methods Used

Plasma from 32 women OvCa, 24 controls 32 (BOM) was analyzed using ABI Taqman OpenArray MicroRNA pools A and B to measure the expression of 754 known miRNAs .Real-time PCR was performed on the Taqman Open Array MicroRNA arrays using the Applied Biosystem Open Array Real-Time PCR system. Data were processed using the OpenArray Real-Time qPCR Analysis software and exported for analysis using the Applied Biosystems DataAssist Software Data analysis was done with the R programming language. A cutoff for Ct values at 30 was used. MiRNAs with Ct values higher than 30 were considered not detected. Data was normalized using a mean-centering restricted (MCR), a modification of the traditional delta Ct method and uses miRNAs which are expressed in all samples for data normalization. Statistical analysis was performed via custom scripts based on the R/Bioconductor package LIMMA (Linear Models for Microarray).

Summary of Results

BOM had higher expression (2–14 fold higher) of miRs −195, −126, −139-5p, −27b, −127, −152, −28, −106b, −17, −363, −181a, −192 relative to OvCa (p<0.0006). OvCa over-expressed of miRs −1274a, −720 and −625-3p (p<0.0007). Reactome pathway analysis detected involvement of miRs into pathways of activation of BAD, PI3/AKT signaling in CD28 and activation of BH3 in BOM these pathways were not detected in OvCa (p<0.000596).

Conclusions

BOM patients have immune recognition and pro-apoptotic protective circulating microRNAs. It is unknown whether miRs originate in ovary or another tissue. Recent work shows that BH3 mimetics are very effective in inducing cancer cell death.

P6: CIRCULATING MICRORNA PATTERN DEFINES A BIOLOGICALLY DISTINCT BREAST CANCER PATTERN IN BLACK (B) WOMEN RELATIVE TO ONE CCCURRING IN WHITE (W) WOMEN

Purpose of Study

Black women with triple negative breast cancer have 46% lower survival rates attributed to differences in tumor biology. We analyzed presurgical plasma microRNA of white (W) and black (B) women with TNBC enrolled in our breast ovarian tissue bank between 2004 and 2014.

Aims

Detect microRNA patterns in pre-surgical plasma of TNBC W or B Analyze differences by integrated approach to detect pathways differentially activated in the two groups.

Methods Used

Between 2004 and 2014 we investigated patterns of plasma miRNAs collected before, after surgery, during and after chemotherapy in 67 patients presenting for surgery for breast cancer (W=44 & B=44) and 25 age and race matched normal controls. Two-sample t-test was used for all 2-sample comparison and ANOVA followed by Benjamin Hochberg post-hoc test to compare the mean response between subject factors of interest. All tests were 2-tailed and results with a p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Coremine was used to identify datasets in breast cancer microarray with emphasis on our differentially expressed circulating miRs.

Summary of Results

Mean age cancer 48 (range 35–78), control 44 (range 35–67): B patients did not express over 70% of pre-surgical plasma miRs over-expressed in the W pre-surgical plasma. Black patients had lower expression of MiRs: −16-5p, −484, −126, −150-5p, −142-3p; −30c-5p, −186-5p, 139-5p. Samples from white patients overexpressed miRs−126, −150-5p, −142-3p; −30c-5p, −186-5p, 139-5p compared to healthy controls. These miRs significantly suppressed in blacks p<0.05.

Coremine text mining suggests differentially regulated microRNA are involved in mitochondrial quality control and biogenesis.

Conclusions

Deregulation in circulating miRs between B and W patients point to pathways involved in mitochondrial fission and fusion. Aberrant mitochondria biogenesis was reported as mechanism for cancer stem cell survival and detrimental to innate immunity. Such pathways could explain the lower survival seen in black breast cancer patients.

P2: SNP ANALYSIS IN BRCA POSITIVE AND BRCA NEGATIVE SUBJECTS WITH AND WITHOUT BREAST CANCER (BRCA) REVEAL CENTRAL ROLE OF ALK SNPS AND TGFBETA SUPERFAMILY IN MALIGNANT TRANSFORMATION

Purpose of Study

Over 240,000 individuals are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the USA. Outcomes depend on DNA deregulations in tumors. Carriers of deleterious BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are predisposed to 30 fold higher lifetime risks of breast and ovarian cancer.

Aims:

1. To check for differences in SNPs of genomic DNA obtained in BRCA+/− with and without BrCa.

2. Analyze correlates of molecular mechanisms occurring in BRCA mutant patients.

Methods Used

We analyzed 94 subjects (41 BRCA positive) with or without BrCa to detect SNPs whose expression is significantly differentially expressed between breast cancer and controls. DNA samples were extracted from PBMCs. Samples were measured for DNA concentration using an Invitrogen QuBit Fluorometer, and diluted to 50 ng/µL.

All samples were collected between 2010 and 2014 and survival data was known in all cancer patients. Processed samples were sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq Sequencer with a 300 cycle kit to detect SNPs. Variant Call Files were analyzed in Microsoft Excel using Fisher's Exact Test.

Summary of Results

ALK SNPs were commonly found in cancer relative to control. Significant associations of ALK SNPs were seen in BRCA mutation subjects. ALK protein was overexpressed in 47% of BRCA mutations cases, which was significantly higher than in non-BRCA cases. Our results show that the ALK signaling pathway possibly is more common in early onset of breast cancer as seen with BRCA mutations. Coremine analysis showed SNPs identified in cancer were most commonly associated with deregulation of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Superfamily protein synthesis and binding function.

Conclusions

Differences in the associations of the modifying polymorphisms with BrCarisk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers are likely to reflect differences in the biology of tumor development in these two groups of women at high risk of breast cancer. The identification of modifying polymorphisms could therefore lead to a better understanding of the etiology of tumors in mutation carriers and also to the development of effective and more specific therapies for BrCa in mutation carriers.

P4: CIRCULATING MIRNA PROFILES POINT TO DYSREGULATION IN TGFBETA/SMAD3 TUMOR SUPPRESSOR SIGNATURE IN BRCA POSITIVE BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Purpose of Study

Over 240,000 individuals are diagnosed with breast cancer (BrCa) of which 12,000 individuals carry BRCA germline mutations. MicroRNA dysregulation is common in malignancy and may correlate with germline mutations.

Aims:

1. Analyze microRNAs in patients with breast cancer with or without BRCA germ line mutations, with and without cancer.

2. Identify molecular BRCA mutant patients to deduct reasons for accelerated malignancy.

Methods Used

We analyzed plasma miR expression from 94 br cancer patients (41 BRCA positive) relative to 24 normal controls. All samples were collected between 2010 and 2014 and survival data was known for all cancer patients. TaqMan Open Array panel was used to simultaneously run hundreds of microRNA assays in the Applied Biosystem Open array real time PCR. Using AB open array real time PCR, 756 miRNA species were detected. Two-sample t-test was used for all 2-sample comparison and ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD post-hoc test to compare the miRs mean differences. All tests were 2-tailed and results with a p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Summary of Results

BRCA+underexpressed hsa-mir-10a and hsa-mir-376c and over-expressed Hsa- mir- 326 and Hsa-mir-143 relative to BRCA-; p<0.05.

Using Coremine data mining linking genes and diseases differentially expressed circulating miRs are linked to tumor suppressor TGFbeta/SMAD3.

Conclusions

The early onset of breast cancer in BRCA mutant patients may recapitulate the pro-oncogenic effects of TGF-β. The context dependent SMAD3 binding & tumor suppression TGF-β effects are abrogated in BRCA mutant patients. TGF-β/Smad3 tumor-suppressor signature suppresses local inflammation in the tumor microenvironment.

Recovery of chronically lame dairy cows following treatment for claw horn lesions: a randomised controlled trial

A positively controlled, randomised controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken to test recovery of cows with claw horn lesions resulting in lameness of greater than two weeks duration. Cows on seven commercial farms were mobility scored fortnightly and selected by lameness severity and chronicity. Study cows all received a therapeutic trim then random allocation of: no further treatment (trim only (TRM)), plastic shoe (TS) or plastic shoe and NSAID (TSN). Recovery was assessed by mobility score at 42 (±4) days post treatment by an observer blind to treatment group. Multivariable analysis showed no significant effect of treatment with an almost identical, low response rate to treatment across all groups (Percentage non-lame at outcome: TRM – 15 per cent, TS – 15 per cent, TSN – 16 per cent). When compared with results of a similar RCT on acutely lame cows, where response rates to treatment were substantially higher, it can be concluded that any delay in treatment is likely to reduce the rate of recovery, suggesting early identification and treatment is key. Thirty-eight per cent of animals treated in this study were lame on the contralateral limb at outcome suggesting that both hindlimbs should be examined and a preventive or if necessary a therapeutic foot trim performed when lameness is identified particularly if the duration of lameness is unknown.

Clarithromycin Culprit of Benign Intracranial Hypertension

Benign intracranial hypertension is characterized with increase in CSF opening pressure with no specific etiology. It is predominantly found in women of child bearing age and particularly in individuals with obesity. Visual disturbances or loss and associated headaches are common and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Diagnosis can be achieved once other causes of visual loss, headaches and high opening pressures are excluded. Management consists of serial optic disc assessments although no specific treatment is available despite recent trials using carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Diet modification and weight management can help in therapy.

Baseline survey of marine sediments collected from the State of Kuwait: PAHs, PCBs, brominated flame retardants and metal contamination

A geographically extensive baseline survey of sediment contamination was undertaken at twenty nine locations around Kuwait. Samples were assessed in relation to a wide range of industrial pollutants, including metals, PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs and HBCDs. The data generated indicated that levels of pollutants were generally low and below commonly applied sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). However, naturally high background concentrations of certain metals present in sediment from the region may prohibit the direct assessment against some of the routinely applied SQGs. Hot spots of contamination were identified for PAHs, PCBs and PBDEs, that were mainly associated with the Shuaiba Industrial Area, located south of the city, and known to contain a diverse mix of both light and heavy industry.

Tissue-Engineered Tracheal Replacement in a Child: A 4-Year Follow-Up Study

In 2010, a tissue-engineered trachea was transplanted into a 10-year-old child using a decellularized deceased donor trachea repopulated with the recipient's respiratory epithelium and mesenchymal stromal cells. We report the child's clinical progress, tracheal epithelialization and costs over the 4 years. A chronology of events was derived from clinical notes and costs determined using reference costs per procedure. Serial tracheoscopy images, lung function tests and anti-HLA blood samples were compared. Epithelial morphology and T cell, Ki67 and cleaved caspase 3 activity were examined. Computational fluid dynamic simulations determined flow, velocity and airway pressure drops. After the first year following transplantation, the number of interventions fell and the child is currently clinically well and continues in education. Endoscopy demonstrated a complete mucosal lining at 15 months, despite retention of a stent. Histocytology indicates a differentiated respiratory layer and no abnormal immune activity. Computational fluid dynamic analysis demonstrated increased velocity and pressure drops around a distal tracheal narrowing. Cross-sectional area analysis showed restriction of growth within an area of in-stent stenosis. This report demonstrates the long-term viability of a decellularized tissue-engineered trachea within a child. Further research is needed to develop bioengineered pediatric tracheal replacements with lower morbidity, better biomechanics and lower costs.