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Genetics and Genomics

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Potential Hybridization Among Two Species Of California Salvia, Ellie Morrison, Bryan Drew Nov 2023

Potential Hybridization Among Two Species Of California Salvia, Ellie Morrison, Bryan Drew

Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies

Hybridization among plants is fairly common, particularly in instances where closely related species are sympatric. One example of a group in which hybridization has been detected is the genus Salvia (Lamiaceae; mint family). Salvia is a diverse genus consisting of about 1,000 species and is defined primarily by having only two stamens, each with their anther sacs separated by elongated connective tissue. The genus has diversity centers around the world, including Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region, Mexico/Central America, northern and central South America, and temperate East Asia. The genus also has a smaller species radiation of 19 species in …


Functional And Evolutionary Analysis Of Host Synaptogyrin-2 In Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Susceptibility, Lianna R. Walker, Hiep L. Vu, Kristi Montooth, Daniel C. Ciobanu Nov 2023

Functional And Evolutionary Analysis Of Host Synaptogyrin-2 In Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Susceptibility, Lianna R. Walker, Hiep L. Vu, Kristi Montooth, Daniel C. Ciobanu

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Mammalian evolution has been influenced by viruses for millions of years, leaving signatures of adaptive evolution within genes encoding for viral interacting proteins. Synaptogyrin- 2 (SYNGR2) is a transmembrane protein implicated in promoting bacterial and viral infections. A genome-wide association study of pigs experimentally infected with porcine circovirus type 2b (PCV2b) uncovered a missense mutation (SYNGR2 p.Arg63Cys) associated with viral load. In this study, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of the porcine kidney 15 (PK15, wtSYNGR2+p.63Arg) cell line generated clones homozygous for the favorable SYNGR2 p.63Cys allele (emSYNGR2+p.63Cys). Infection of edited clones resulted …


Convolutional Neural Network-Based Gene Prediction Using Buffalograss As A Model System, Michael Morikone Nov 2023

Convolutional Neural Network-Based Gene Prediction Using Buffalograss As A Model System, Michael Morikone

Complex Biosystems PhD Program: Dissertations

The task of gene prediction has been largely stagnant in algorithmic improvements compared to when algorithms were first developed for predicting genes thirty years ago. Rather than iteratively improving the underlying algorithms in gene prediction tools by utilizing better performing models, most current approaches update existing tools through incorporating increasing amounts of extrinsic data to improve gene prediction performance. The traditional method of predicting genes is done using Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). These HMMs are constrained by having strict assumptions made about the independence of genes that do not always hold true. To address this, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) …


Motif-Cluster: A Spatial Clustering Package For Repetitive Motif Binding Patterns, Mengyuan Zhou Nov 2023

Motif-Cluster: A Spatial Clustering Package For Repetitive Motif Binding Patterns, Mengyuan Zhou

Department of Computer Science and Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Previous efforts in using genome-wide analysis of transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) have overlooked the importance of ranking potential significant regulatory regions, especially those with repetitive binding within a local region. Identifying these homogenous binding sites is critical because they have the potential to amplify the binding affinity and regulation activity of transcription factors, impacting gene expression and cellular functions. To address this issue, we developed an open-source tool Motif-Cluster that prioritizes and visualizes transcription factor regulatory regions by incorporating the idea of local motif clusters. Motif-Cluster can rank the significant transcription factor regulatory regions without the need for experimental …


Genomic Insights Into The Mystery Of Mouse Mummies On The Summits Of Atacama Volcanoes, Jay F. Storz, Schuyler Liphardt, Marcial Quiroga-Carmona, Naim M. Bautista, Juan C. Opazo, Guillermo D’Elía, Jeffrey M. Good Oct 2023

Genomic Insights Into The Mystery Of Mouse Mummies On The Summits Of Atacama Volcanoes, Jay F. Storz, Schuyler Liphardt, Marcial Quiroga-Carmona, Naim M. Bautista, Juan C. Opazo, Guillermo D’Elía, Jeffrey M. Good

Jay F. Storz Publications

Our understanding of the limits of animal life is continually revised by scientific exploration of extreme environments. Here we report the discovery of mummified cadavers of leaf-eared mice, Phyllotis vaccarum, from the summits of three different Andean volcanoes at elevations 6,029–6,233 m above sea level in the Puna de Atacama in Chile and Argentina. Such extreme elevations were previously assumed to be completely uninhabitable by mammals. In combination with a live-captured specimen of the same species from the nearby summit of Volcán Llullaillaco (6,739 m),1 the summit mummies represent the highest altitude physical records of mammals in the …


Identification Of Lipids And Cytokines In Plasma And Follicular Fluid Before And After Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Stimulation As Potential Markers For Follicular Maturation In Cattle, Alexandria P. Snider, Renata S. Gomes, Adam F. Summers, Sarah C. Tenley, Mohamed A. Abedal-Majed, Renee M. Mcfee, Jennifer R. Wood, John S. Davis, Andrea S. Cupp Oct 2023

Identification Of Lipids And Cytokines In Plasma And Follicular Fluid Before And After Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Stimulation As Potential Markers For Follicular Maturation In Cattle, Alexandria P. Snider, Renata S. Gomes, Adam F. Summers, Sarah C. Tenley, Mohamed A. Abedal-Majed, Renee M. Mcfee, Jennifer R. Wood, John S. Davis, Andrea S. Cupp

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The process of follicle maturation leading to ovulation is a key milestone in female fertility. It is known that circulating lipids and cytokines play a role in the follicle’s ability to go through follicular maturation and the ovulatory processes. However, the specific mechanisms are not well understood. We posit that dysregulation of granulosa cells influences the ovarian environment, which tries to adapt by changing released lipids and cytokines to achieve follicular maturation. Eleven non-lactating adult females underwent estrus synchronization with two injections of PGF2 14 days apart. Daily blood samples were collected for 28 days to monitor steroid hormone production …


Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Has A Diverse Role In Energetic And Reproductive Physiological Functions Of Female Beef Cattle, Ligia D. Prezotto, Jessica A. Keane, Andrea S. Cupp, Jennifer F. Thorson Oct 2023

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Has A Diverse Role In Energetic And Reproductive Physiological Functions Of Female Beef Cattle, Ligia D. Prezotto, Jessica A. Keane, Andrea S. Cupp, Jennifer F. Thorson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been identified in multiple mammalian species as a molecular marker of energy metabolism while also providing negative feedback to the gonads. However, the role of FGF21 in regulating the energetic and reproductive physiology of beef heifers and cows has yet to be characterized. Herein, we investigated the temporal concentrations of FGF21 in female beef cattle from the prepubertal period to early lactation. Circulating concentrations of FGF21, non-esterified fatty acids, plasma urea nitrogen, glucose, and progesterone were assessed. Ultrasonography was employed to determine the onset of puberty and resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity as well …


The Localization Of Centromere Protein A Is Conserved Among Tissues, Eleonora Cappelletti, Francesca M. Piras, Lorenzo Sola, Marco Santagostino, Jessica L. Petersen, Rebecca R. Bellone, Carrie J. Finno, Sichong Peng, Ted S. Kalbfleisch, Ernest Bailey, Solomon G. Nergadze, Elena Giulotto Sep 2023

The Localization Of Centromere Protein A Is Conserved Among Tissues, Eleonora Cappelletti, Francesca M. Piras, Lorenzo Sola, Marco Santagostino, Jessica L. Petersen, Rebecca R. Bellone, Carrie J. Finno, Sichong Peng, Ted S. Kalbfleisch, Ernest Bailey, Solomon G. Nergadze, Elena Giulotto

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Centromeres are epigenetically specified by the histone H3 variant CENP-A. Although mammalian centromeres are typically associated with satellite DNA, we previously demonstrated that the centromere of horse chromosome 11 (ECA11) is completely devoid of satellite DNA. We also showed that the localization of its CENP-A binding domain is not fixed but slides within an about 500 kb region in different individuals, giving rise to positional alleles. These epialleles are inherited as Mendelian traits but their position can move in one generation. It is still unknown whether centromere sliding occurs during meiosis or during development. Here, we first improve the sequence …


Allostatic Load Index Effectively Measures Chronic Stress Status In Zoo-Housed Giraffes, Haley N. Beer, Lisa K. Karr, Trenton C. Schrader, Dustin T. Yates Sep 2023

Allostatic Load Index Effectively Measures Chronic Stress Status In Zoo-Housed Giraffes, Haley N. Beer, Lisa K. Karr, Trenton C. Schrader, Dustin T. Yates

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

For giraffes, few standardized methods exist for quantifying chronic stress. Allostatic load index is quantified from a panel of multi-system stress biomarkers to estimate cumulative stress. Our objective was to determine whether a panel of biomarkers selected for their role in allostatic load would reflect the number of documented stress events experienced by giraffes. Cortisol, DHEA-S, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and fructosamine were determined in serum samples from zoo-housed giraffes (n = 18). These were correlated with the overall number and frequency of ZIMS-documented stress events experienced prior to blood collection. We also compared giraffes grouped by high vs. …


Animal Board Invited Review: Practical Applications Of Genomic Information In Livestock, D. P. Berry, Matthew L. Spangler Sep 2023

Animal Board Invited Review: Practical Applications Of Genomic Information In Livestock, D. P. Berry, Matthew L. Spangler

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Access to high-dimensional genomic information in many livestock species is accelerating. This has been greatly aided not only by continual reductions in genotyping costs but also an expansion in the services available that leverage genomic information to create a greater return-on-investment. Genomic information on individual animals has many uses including (1) parentage verification and discovery, (2) traceability, (3) karyotyping, (4) sex determination, (5) reporting and monitoring of mutations conferring major effects or congenital defects, (6) better estimating inbreeding of individuals and coancestry among individuals, (7) mating advice, (8) determining breed composition, (9) enabling precision management, and (10) genomic evaluations; genomic …


Broken Tails In Holstein Dairy Cattle: A Cross-Sectional Study, Hannah E. Olsen, Karly N. Anderson, Katherine C. Creutzinger, Kurt D. Vogel Sep 2023

Broken Tails In Holstein Dairy Cattle: A Cross-Sectional Study, Hannah E. Olsen, Karly N. Anderson, Katherine C. Creutzinger, Kurt D. Vogel

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Dairy cows are regularly handled when moved to the milking parlor and during other routine procedures. Low-stress handling methods are important in avoiding negative welfare states for dairy cattle. Tail twisting is used by some handlers to prompt cattle movement. However, when used inappropriately with excessive force, tail twisting can lead to a broken tail. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine cow-level factors that may be associated with the prevalence of broken tails in dairy cattle. A subset of 229 Holstein dairy cows (68 primiparous and 161 multiparous) at a single dairy were assessed for broken tails …


Daily Injection Of The Β2 Adrenergic Agonist Clenbuterol Improved Poor Muscle Growth And Body Composition In Lambs Following Heat Stress-Induced Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Rachel L. Gibbs, Rebecca M. Swanson, Joslyn K. Beard, Zena M. Hicks, Micah S. Most, Haley Beer, Pablo C. Grijalva, Shawna M. Clement, Eileen Marks-Nelson, Ty B. Schmidt, Jessica Lynn Petersen, Dustin T. Yates Sep 2023

Daily Injection Of The Β2 Adrenergic Agonist Clenbuterol Improved Poor Muscle Growth And Body Composition In Lambs Following Heat Stress-Induced Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Rachel L. Gibbs, Rebecca M. Swanson, Joslyn K. Beard, Zena M. Hicks, Micah S. Most, Haley Beer, Pablo C. Grijalva, Shawna M. Clement, Eileen Marks-Nelson, Ty B. Schmidt, Jessica Lynn Petersen, Dustin T. Yates

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with reduced β2 adrenergic sensitivity, which contributes to poor postnatal muscle growth. The objective of this study was to determine if stimulating β2 adrenergic activity postnatal would rescue deficits in muscle growth, body composition, and indicators of metabolic homeostasis in IUGR offspring.

Methods: Time-mated ewes were housed at 40°C from day 40 to 95 of gestation to produce IUGR lambs. From birth, IUGR lambs received daily IM injections of 0.8 μg/kg clenbuterol HCl (IUGR+CLEN; n = 11) or saline placebo (IUGR; n = …


Identifying Early-Life Behavior To Predict Mothering Ability In Swine Utilizing NuTrack System, Savannah Millburn, Ty B. Schmidt, Gary A. Rohrer, Benny Mote Sep 2023

Identifying Early-Life Behavior To Predict Mothering Ability In Swine Utilizing NuTrack System, Savannah Millburn, Ty B. Schmidt, Gary A. Rohrer, Benny Mote

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Early indicator traits for swine reproduction and longevity support economical selection decision-making. Activity is a key variable impacting a sow’s herd life and productivity. Early-life activities could contribute to farrowing traits including gestation length (GL), number born alive (NBA), and number weaned (NW). Beginning at 20 weeks of age, 480 gilts were video recorded for 7 consecutive days and processed using the NUtrack system. Activity traits included angle rotated (radians), average speed (m/s), distance traveled (m), time spent eating (s), lying lateral (s), lying sternal (s), standing (s), and sitting (s). Final daily activity values were averaged across the …


Dousing The Flame: Reviewing The Mechanisms Of Inflammatory Programming During Stress-Induced Intrauterine Growth Restriction And The Potential For Ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intervention, Melanie White, Dustin T. Yates Sep 2023

Dousing The Flame: Reviewing The Mechanisms Of Inflammatory Programming During Stress-Induced Intrauterine Growth Restriction And The Potential For Ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intervention, Melanie White, Dustin T. Yates

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) arises when maternal stressors coincide with peak placental development, leading to placental insufficiency. When the expanding nutrient demands of the growing fetus subsequently exceed the capacity of the stunted placenta, fetal hypoxemia and hypoglycemia result. Poor fetal nutrient status stimulates greater release of inflammatory cytokines and catecholamines, which in turn lead to thrifty growth and metabolic programming that benefits fetal survival but is maladaptive after birth. Specifically, some IUGR fetal tissues develop enriched expression of inflammatory cytokine receptors and other signaling cascade components, which increases inflammatory sensitivity even when circulating inflammatory cytokines are no longer elevated …


Role Of The Placenta In Developmental Programming: Observations From Models Using Large Animals, L. P. Reynolds, C. R. Dahlen, A. K. Ward, M. S. Crouse, P. P. Borowicz, B. J. Davila-Ruiz, C. Kanjanaruch, K. A. Bochantin, K. J. Mclean, K. L. Mccarthy, A. C.B. Menezes, W. J.S. Diniz, R. A. Cushman, J. S. Caton Aug 2023

Role Of The Placenta In Developmental Programming: Observations From Models Using Large Animals, L. P. Reynolds, C. R. Dahlen, A. K. Ward, M. S. Crouse, P. P. Borowicz, B. J. Davila-Ruiz, C. Kanjanaruch, K. A. Bochantin, K. J. Mclean, K. L. Mccarthy, A. C.B. Menezes, W. J.S. Diniz, R. A. Cushman, J. S. Caton

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Developmental programming, which proposes that “insults” or “stressors” during intrauterine or postnatal development can have not only immediate but also long-term consequences for healthy and productivity, has emerged as a major biological principle, and based on studies in many animal species also seems to be a universal phenomenon. In eutherians, the placenta appears to be programmed during its development, which has consequences for fetal growth and development throughout pregnancy, and likewise has long-term consequences for postnatal development, leading to programming of organ function of the offspring even into adulthood. This review summarizes our current understanding of the placenta’s role in …


Evaluation Of Tissue Depth, Captive Bolt Penetration Force And Energy, And Potential For Bolt-Thalamus Contact In Cadaver Heads From Physically Castrated Market Barrows And Immunocastrated Boars, Emma M. Hamilton, Karly N. Anderson, Ashlynn A. Kirk, Katherine D. Bishop, Joseph Joseph Shakal, Kurt D. Vogel Aug 2023

Evaluation Of Tissue Depth, Captive Bolt Penetration Force And Energy, And Potential For Bolt-Thalamus Contact In Cadaver Heads From Physically Castrated Market Barrows And Immunocastrated Boars, Emma M. Hamilton, Karly N. Anderson, Ashlynn A. Kirk, Katherine D. Bishop, Joseph Joseph Shakal, Kurt D. Vogel

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The main objective of this study was to describe tissue thicknesses of cadaver heads from physically castrated market barrows (PC MARKET BARROWS) and immunocastrated boars (IC BOARS) at the frontal penetrating captive bolt (PCB) placement. Other objectives were to describe differences in bolt force and energy requirements to penetrate and describe potential for bolt-thalamus contact. Forty-four heads were obtained from PC MARKET BARROWS (n = 22) and IC BOARS (n = 22) of similar age and size that were rendered insensible with CO2. Mean HCW was 117.32 ± 3.52 kg. Snout to poll distance (cm) and …


Dna Methylation Networks Underlying Mammalian Traits, Amin Haghani Aug 2023

Dna Methylation Networks Underlying Mammalian Traits, Amin Haghani

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Comparative epigenomics is an emerging field that combines epigenetic signatures with phylogenetic relationships to elucidate species characteristics such as maximum life span. For this study, we generated cytosine DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles (n = 15,456) from 348mammalian species using amethylation array platform that targets highly conserved cytosines.

RATIONALE: Nature has evolved mammalian species of greatly differing life spans. To resolve the relationship ofDNAmwith maximum life span and phylogeny, we performed a largescale cross-species unsupervised analysis. Comparative studies in many species enables the identification of epigenetic correlates of maximum life span and other traits.

RESULTS: We …


Universal Dna Methylation Age Across Mammalian Tissues, A. T. Lu, Jessica Lynn Petersen, Steve Horvath, Et Al. Aug 2023

Universal Dna Methylation Age Across Mammalian Tissues, A. T. Lu, Jessica Lynn Petersen, Steve Horvath, Et Al.

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Aging, often considered a result of random cellular damage, can be accurately estimated using DNA methylation profiles, the foundation of pan-tissue epigenetic clocks. Here, we demonstrate the development of universal pan-mammalian clocks, using 11,754 methylation arrays from our Mammalian Methylation Consortium, which encompass 59 tissue types across 185 mammalian species. These predictive models estimate mammalian tissue age with high accuracy (r > 0.96). Age deviations correlate with human mortality risk, mouse somatotropic axis mutations and caloric restriction. We identified specific cytosines with methylation levels that change with age across numerous species. These sites, highly enriched in polycomb repressive complex 2-binding locations, …


Mid-Gestation Maternofetal Inflammation Impacts Growth, Skeletal Muscle Glucose Metabolism, And Inflammatory Tone In The Ovine Fetus During Late Gestation, Zena Hicks Jul 2023

Mid-Gestation Maternofetal Inflammation Impacts Growth, Skeletal Muscle Glucose Metabolism, And Inflammatory Tone In The Ovine Fetus During Late Gestation, Zena Hicks

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Our 1st and 2nd studies assessed the impact of mid-gestation maternofetal inflammation on growth, skeletal muscle glucose metabolism, and inflammatory tone in the late gestation ovine fetus. The objective was to determine if inducing maternofetal inflammation during peak placental growth would lead to more profound IUGR characteristics in the fetus. MI-IUGR fetuses exhibited reduced body and skeletal muscle weights and hallmark asymmetric growth at late gestations. Fetuses had higher baseline glucose:insulin ratios and reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Moreover, hindlimb glucose oxidation was impaired independent of glucose uptake. Skeletal muscle specific glucose uptake and oxidation was reduced in MI-IUGR …


Investigating The Physiological Mechanisms Between Resistance Training And Pain Relief In The Cancer Population: A Literature Review, Yvonne Jiang, Peter C. Angeletti, Amy J. Hoffman Jul 2023

Investigating The Physiological Mechanisms Between Resistance Training And Pain Relief In The Cancer Population: A Literature Review, Yvonne Jiang, Peter C. Angeletti, Amy J. Hoffman

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

This literature review examines the mechanisms of how exercise, specifically in the form of resistance training, may lead to pain relief in the cancer population. Primary data from three different cancer populations: breast, prostate, and lung, will be examined. A number of experimental studies have been conducted to confirm the effectiveness of resistance training on pain relief as well as the biochemical pathways that relate to this process. In this review, we will examine 5 randomized controlled trials. For the purposes of this review, pain is defined as physical suffering or discomfort associated with illness. Pain is the body’s natural …


Exploring The Interactions Between Sars-Cov-2 And Host Proteins., Sojan Shrestha Jul 2023

Exploring The Interactions Between Sars-Cov-2 And Host Proteins., Sojan Shrestha

School of Biological Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the current pandemic, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be of zoonotic origin; it originated in non-human animals and was transmitted to humans. Since the early stage of the pandemic, however, the evidence of transmissions from humans to animals (reverse zoonoses) has been found in multiple animal species including mink, white-tailed deer, and pet and zoo animals. Furthermore, secondary zoonotic events of SARS-CoV-2, transmissions from animals to humans, have been also reported. It is suggested that non-human hosts can act as SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs where accumulated …


Combining Host And Rumen Metagenome Profiling For Selection In Sheep: Prediction Of Methane, Feed Efficiency, Production, And Health Traits, Melanie K. Hess, Larissa Zetouni, Andrew S. Hess, Juliana Budel, Ken G. Dodds, Hannah M. Henry, Rudiger Brauning, Alan F. Mcculloch, Sharon M. Hickey, Patricia L. Johnson, Sara Elmes, Janine Wing, Brooke Bryson, Kevin Knowler, Dianne Hyndman, Hayley Baird, Kathryn M. Mcrae, Arjan Jonker, Peter H. Janssen, John C. Mcewan, Suzanne J. Rowe Jul 2023

Combining Host And Rumen Metagenome Profiling For Selection In Sheep: Prediction Of Methane, Feed Efficiency, Production, And Health Traits, Melanie K. Hess, Larissa Zetouni, Andrew S. Hess, Juliana Budel, Ken G. Dodds, Hannah M. Henry, Rudiger Brauning, Alan F. Mcculloch, Sharon M. Hickey, Patricia L. Johnson, Sara Elmes, Janine Wing, Brooke Bryson, Kevin Knowler, Dianne Hyndman, Hayley Baird, Kathryn M. Mcrae, Arjan Jonker, Peter H. Janssen, John C. Mcewan, Suzanne J. Rowe

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Background Rumen microbes break down complex dietary carbohydrates into energy sources for the host and are increasingly shown to be a key aspect of animal performance. Host genotypes can be combined with microbial DNA sequencing to predict performance traits or traits related to environmental impact, such as enteric methane emissions. Metagenome profiles were generated from 3139 rumen samples, collected from 1200 dual purpose ewes, using restriction enzyme-reduced representation sequencing (RE-RRS). Phenotypes were available for methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the ratio of CH4 to CH4 plus CO2 (CH4Ratio), feed efficiency (residual feed intake: RFI), liveweight at the time …


Sars‑Cov‑2 Entry Into And Evolution Within A Skilled Nursing Facility, Nicole R. Sexton, Parker Parker Cline, Emily N. Gallichotte, Emily Fitzmeyer, Michael C. Young, Ashley J. Janich, Kristy L. Pabilonia, Nicole Ehrhart, Gregory D. Ebel Jul 2023

Sars‑Cov‑2 Entry Into And Evolution Within A Skilled Nursing Facility, Nicole R. Sexton, Parker Parker Cline, Emily N. Gallichotte, Emily Fitzmeyer, Michael C. Young, Ashley J. Janich, Kristy L. Pabilonia, Nicole Ehrhart, Gregory D. Ebel

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the family Coronaviridae which includes multiple human pathogens that have an outsized impact on aging populations. As a novel human pathogen, SARS-CoV-2 is undergoing continuous adaptation to this new host species and there is evidence of this throughout the scientific and public literature. However, most investigations of SARS-CoV-2 evolution have focused on largescale collections of data across diverse populations and/or living environments. Here we investigate SARS-CoV-2 evolution in epidemiologically linked individuals within a single outbreak at a skilled nursing facility beginning with initial introduction of the pathogen. The data demonstrate that SARSCoV- 2 was introduced to the …


Effects Of Feeding A Vitamin And Mineral Supplement To Cow-Calf Pairs Grazing Native Range, Jennifer L. Hurlbert, Friederike Baumgaertner, Kacie L. Mccathy, Timothy Long, Cody Wieland, Kevin K. Sedivec, Carl R. Dahlen Jul 2023

Effects Of Feeding A Vitamin And Mineral Supplement To Cow-Calf Pairs Grazing Native Range, Jennifer L. Hurlbert, Friederike Baumgaertner, Kacie L. Mccathy, Timothy Long, Cody Wieland, Kevin K. Sedivec, Carl R. Dahlen

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Our objectives were to evaluate the impacts of providing vitamin and mineral (VTM) supplements to cow-calf pairs during the summer grazing period on cow and calf performance and liver concentrations of minerals. During a two-year period, 727 crossbred cows and their calves (initial cow BW = 601.7 ± 48.1 kg; calf BW = 87.8 ± 5.0 kg; n = 381 in year 1, n = 346 in year 2) from the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center (Streeter, N.D.) were blocked by parity (young [parity 1 to 3], and old [parity 4+]) and randomly assigned to pastures at the beginning …


Genotype By Environment Interaction And Heteroscedasticity Influence The Expression Of Parasite Resistance In Katahdin Sheep, Brian C. Arisman, Joan M. Burke, James L. M. Morgan, Ronald M. Lewis Jul 2023

Genotype By Environment Interaction And Heteroscedasticity Influence The Expression Of Parasite Resistance In Katahdin Sheep, Brian C. Arisman, Joan M. Burke, James L. M. Morgan, Ronald M. Lewis

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Increasingly, sheep producers are choosing breeds that express resistance to gastrointestinal parasites due to reduced efficacy of anthelminthic drugs. One such breed is Katahdin. Katahdins are raised in various climates and management systems in the United States, which can be combined into eco-management clusters to describe production environments more holistically. The objectives of this study were to determine if genotype by environment interaction (G × E) and heteroscedasticity existed across these eco-management clusters for traits indicative of parasite resistance. Body weights (BW), FAMACHA scores (FAM), and fecal egg counts (FEC) were collected at around 90 d in 3,527 Katahdin lambs …


Yes-Associated Protein-1 Overexpression In Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia; A Potential Diagnostic Marker And Therapeutic Target, Peter Julius, Stepfanie N. Siyumbwa, Fred Maate, Phyllis Moonga, Guobin Kang, Trevor Kaile, John T. T., Charles Wood Jul 2023

Yes-Associated Protein-1 Overexpression In Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia; A Potential Diagnostic Marker And Therapeutic Target, Peter Julius, Stepfanie N. Siyumbwa, Fred Maate, Phyllis Moonga, Guobin Kang, Trevor Kaile, John T. T., Charles Wood

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Yes-associated protein-1 (YAP-1) is a Hippo system transcription factor, which serves as an oncogene in squamous cell carcinoma, and several solid tumors when the Hippo pathway is dysregulated. Yet, the activity of YAP-1 in ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) has not been determined. Here, we investigate the relationship between YAP-1 overexpression and OSSN. Using a cross-sectional study design, we recruited 227 OSSN patients from the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess YAP-1 protein overexpression in tumor tissue relative to surrounding benign squamous epithelium. OSSN patient samples (preinvasive, n = 62, 27% and invasive, n = …


Estimating Body Weight And Body Condition Score Of Mature Beef Cows Using Depth Images, Yijie Xiong, Isabella C.F.S. Condotta, J. A. Musgrave, Tami M. Brown-Bandl, J. Travis Mulliniks Jul 2023

Estimating Body Weight And Body Condition Score Of Mature Beef Cows Using Depth Images, Yijie Xiong, Isabella C.F.S. Condotta, J. A. Musgrave, Tami M. Brown-Bandl, J. Travis Mulliniks

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Obtaining accurate body weight (BW) is crucial for management decisions yet can be a challenge for cow–calf producers. Fast-evolving technologies such as depth sensing have been identified as low-cost sensors for agricultural applications but have not been widely validated for U.S. beef cattle. This study aimed to (1) estimate the body volume of mature beef cows from depth images, (2) quantify BW and metabolic weight (MBW) from image-projected body volume, and (3) classify body condition scores (BCS) from image-obtained measurements using a machine-learning-based approach. Fifty-eight crossbred cows with a mean BW of 410.0 ± 60.3 kg and were between 4 …


Influence Of Maternal Dietary Protein Precursor On Reproductive Endocrinology Of Neonatal Bovine Offspring, Jennifer F. Thorson, Ligia D. Prezotto Jun 2023

Influence Of Maternal Dietary Protein Precursor On Reproductive Endocrinology Of Neonatal Bovine Offspring, Jennifer F. Thorson, Ligia D. Prezotto

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Bovine oogenesis and follicular maturation are initiated during in utero development, a process that is stringently orchestrated by the endocrine milieu. Of paramount importance are the three major biologically active estrogens: estron, estradiol, and estriol that are involved in the development and maintenance of germ cells. Previous work using the current model have revealed that maternal urea (protein precursor) supplementation reduces the ovarian follicular reserve without compromising the number of secondary and tertiary follicles. Therefore, we did not anticipate an influence of dietary treatment on biologically active estrogens. However, as the ovarian reserve is positively associated with circulating concentrations of …


Mineral Composition Of Serially Slaughtered Holstein Steers Supplemented With Zilpaterol Hydrochloride, Andrea K. Watson, Trent J. Mcevers, Lee-Anne J. Walter, Nathan D. May, Jacob A. Reed, J. C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson, N. Andy Cole, Johnjohn P. Hutcheson, Ty E. Lawrence Jun 2023

Mineral Composition Of Serially Slaughtered Holstein Steers Supplemented With Zilpaterol Hydrochloride, Andrea K. Watson, Trent J. Mcevers, Lee-Anne J. Walter, Nathan D. May, Jacob A. Reed, J. C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson, N. Andy Cole, Johnjohn P. Hutcheson, Ty E. Lawrence

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Calf-fed Holstein steers (n = 115; 449 ± 20 kg) were utilized in a serial harvest experiment. A baseline group of five steers was harvested after 226 d on feed (DOF), which was designated day 0. The remaining cattle were assigned randomly to 11 harvest groups, with slaughter every 28 d. Cattle were either not (CON) or were fed zilpaterol hydrochloride for 20 d followed by a 3 d withdrawal (ZH). There were five steers per treatment in each slaughter group ranging from days 28 to 308. Whole carcasses were divided into lean, …


Viral Dna Accumulation Regulates Replication Efficiency Of Chlorovirus Osy-Ne5 In Two Closely Related Chlorella Variabilis Strains, Ahmed Esmael, Irina V. Agarkova, David D. Dunigan, You Zhou, James L. Van Etten Jun 2023

Viral Dna Accumulation Regulates Replication Efficiency Of Chlorovirus Osy-Ne5 In Two Closely Related Chlorella Variabilis Strains, Ahmed Esmael, Irina V. Agarkova, David D. Dunigan, You Zhou, James L. Van Etten

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Many chloroviruses replicate in Chlorella variabilis algal strains that are ex-endosymbionts isolated from the protozoan Paramecium bursaria, including the NC64A and Syngen 2-3 strains. We noticed that indigenous water samples produced a higher number of plaque-forming viruses on C. variabilis Syngen 2-3 lawns than on C. variabilis NC64A lawns. These observed differences led to the discovery of viruses that replicate exclusively in Syngen 2-3 cells, named Only Syngen (OSy) viruses. Here, we demonstrate that OSy viruses initiate infection in the restricted host NC64A by synthesizing some early virus gene products and that approximately 20% of the cells produce a …