OBJECTIVES:To characterize stepping in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults by age, sex, and race and ethnicity. METHODS:Step counts are a simple, scalable metric of physical activity associated with lower mortality and chronic disease risks. However, nationally representative estimates of step volume and intensity across demographic groups remain limited. We analyzed data from U.S. adults aged ≥20 yr in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014 who wore a wrist accelerometer for 7 d. Stepping metrics derived from the OxWearables machine-learning algorithm, including daily steps, peak 30-min cadence, and self-selected cadence. We estimated survey-weighted means and the prevalence of meeting age-specific thresholds associated with substantial reductions in mortality risk (≥9000 steps/d for adults <60 yr; ≥7000 steps/d for adults ≥60 yr) from previous meta-analyses. RESULTS:Adults ( N = 8,762, mean age 48 yr [SD = 17]; 52% female) averaged 8818 steps/d (95% CI: 8676-8961). Fifty-one percent of steps were accumulated from <2-min bouts and 28% from ≥5-min bouts. Males took more steps than females. Hispanics had higher step counts than other racial and ethnic subgroups. Peak and self-selected cadence converged in older adults; 48.6% of adults <60 yr obtained ≥9000 steps/d, and 44.8% of ≥60 yr obtained ≥7000 steps/d. CONCLUSIONS:Nearly half of U.S. adults achieved step counts associated with substantially lower mortality risk, with differences by age, sex, race, and ethnic groups. These findings provide benchmarks for population surveillance and can help shape strategies to encourage step-based activity. They may also guide future initiatives aimed at promoting stepping as a form of physical activity among the least active adults.

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) underpins mapping studies of Quantitative Trait Loci Regions (QTLRs). A common yet misled assumption assumes the closest sites to a significant marker as causative mutation candidates. We studied chicken LD of mapped chicken QTLRs for Marek’s Disease resistance in numerous populations and estimated background LD by random sampling of non-syntenic and syntenic marker pairs from different or same chromosomes. We defined LD blocks as marker groups located on the same chromosome having significant moderate (0.15 ≥ r2 < 0.7) or high (r2 ≥ 0.7) LD, regardless of distance and excluding mixed markers with no LD as a part of the block. We studied QTLR LD using SNP markers within the QTLRs. We found very complex LD patterns, with fragmented and interdigitated LD blocks. Exceptional high LD was found between two particular QTLRs, with shared protein networks suggesting possible functional relationships. Thus, causative candidates could be found beyond non-LD sites, occasionally at a very large distance from a significant marker, even in another QTLR. Multiple effects might make LD extremely complex, thus limiting GWAS informativity and repeatability. Complex LD challenges practical use across populations, and must be accounted for while interpreting genetic mapping studies.

Self-recognition system components including red blood cell antigens and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are alloantigens found on multiple cell types. Specific polyclonal antisera reactivity identified fourteen chicken erythrocyte alloantigens (A, B, C, D, E, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, P, R). Multiple associations between alloantigen variation and disease or production traits have been reported. Blood group B, the MHC, was the first system whose genes and function were classified. Recent investigations sought to identify genes and chromosomal locations for other alloantigen systems. Phenotype-pooled DNA from pedigree and non-pedigree chickens having known alloantigen types underwent genome-wide association (GWAS) analyses using data from either 600K or 54K SNP panels. DNA from independent samples was used to confirm candidate gene associations. Genome sequences from elite production and experimental lines with identified alloantigen alleles were examined. Candidate genes within strong GWAS peaks were bioinformatically screened for cell surface expression and co-segregation of non-synonymous SNP with serologically defined haplotypes. Specific genes have now been identified for four alloantigen systems. Linked genes found on chromosome 26 are A = complement component 4 binding protein, membrane (C4BPM) and E = Fc fragment of IgA and IgM receptor (FCAMR). The D system gene (CD99) is on chromosome 1. Alloantigen I, equivalent to the human Rh blood group locus (RHCE), lies on chromosome 23 including deletions covering > 6,000 bp predicted to affect the last seven RHCE gene exons. Candidate regions were found for alloantigens L, H, and M on chromosomes 4, 24, and 26, respectively. Small sample size hindered definitive gene identification. In summary, four alloantigen genes with allele associated variants have been identified. Genes C4BPM, CD99, FCAMR, and RHCE play roles in processes such as complement regulation and immune cell migration. Chromosomal locations have been defined for three other alloantigen systems. Identification of specific genes responsible for the blood system alleles provides tools to study these chicken alloantigens for relationships with disease and production traits.

Mortality from Marek's disease virus (MDV) infection results in economic loss for the poultry industry. It is controlled by vaccination, but the virus mutates and becomes more virulent. Variation within the MHC is well known to impact the outcomes following MDV infection from research performed utilizing the White Leghorn breed, with laboratory strains of the virus. The effect of the MHC haplotype following MDV challenge was determined from six lines of commercial elite (White Plymouth Rock (two), White Leghorn (three), and Rhode Island Red (one)) egg layer lines, challenged with vv+ virus. Mortality was recorded as sire daughter averages at 16-18 weeks of age from 19 generations of data. Sires were genotyped using a set of MHC-specific SNPs, encompassing 210,000 bp. Across all lines, there was a total of 23 unique MHC haplotypes, of which 15 were found at a frequency greater than 5% and used for further analysis. A significant impact on mortality was found for 16 of the haplotypes, with 9 haplotypes associated with decreased mortality and 7 haplotypes with increased mortality. There were three haplotypes identified in more than one line, allowing cross-line comparisons. The effect of these common haplotypes was consistent (either negative, positive or neutral) between lines.

Coccidiosis, a major poultry protozoal disease caused by several Eimeria species, compromises gut health causing significant losses. This study assessed the association of haplotypes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and other blood alloantigens found in commercial egg production chickens with resistance to coccidiosis. Pedigreed White Leghorn offspring segregating for the MHC-B region, plus four additional alloantigen systems A (C4BPM), D (CD99), E (FCAMR), and I (RHCE) were tested for differential resistance to coccidiosis in five 26-day (d) trials (n= 235 birds in total). On d 19, all birds were inoculated with a cocktail of E. acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella oocysts and allocated to individual cages. Phenotypes evaluated included body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), gross and microscopic lesion scores (GLS and MLS), and oocyst shedding (oocysts per gram, OPG). Haplotypes of the five blood systems were determined by SNP genotyping. A positive and negative association means an increase and decrease in a phenotypic trait, respectively, with each additional copy (0, 1 or 2) of a given haplotype. Results were considered statistically significant at P ≤ 0.05. The CD99-H01 haplotype association was positive with BWG but negative with FCR. Genotype B21B21 had the highest GLS in the jejunum establishing a positive association between MHC B21 and jejunal GLS. Further, the B12B15 genotype had a lower E. maxima OPG compared with the B12B21 genotype. The I system I-H01 haplotype had a negative association with jejunal and cecal GLS. Duodenal GLS was lower in E-H02/H02 compared to the E-H07/H07 genotype of the E system. Haplotypes B21, blood systems D-H01, E-H02, and I-H01 were associated with improved resistance to coccidiosis. The association of specific haplotypes of the MHC-B and other alloantigen systems D, E, and I with resistance and susceptibility traits during mixed Eimeria infection underscores the need for further investigations of these haplotypes’ effects on coccidiosis resistance in commercial lines, validating the inclusion of different blood systems in selection programs.

This review summarizes the evidence on the number and intensity of steps associated with health benefits. For older adults, 6000-8000 daily steps is associated with substantial cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality benefits and taking more than 8000 daily steps appears to be associated with additional benefit. For younger adults, taking 8000-10,000 daily steps is associated with substantial mortality benefit.

Guidelines recommend children maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) and do physical activity. No population-based estimates exist for elevated BMI or insufficient physical activity among children with congenital heart conditions (CHC). We estimated the national prevalence of elevated BMI and insufficient physical activity among children with and without CHC. We analyzed cross-sectional, nationally representative data on 57,080 children aged 6–17 years from the National Survey of Children’s Health, 2021–2022. Among children with (N = 1135) and without (N = 55,945) CHC, we estimated prevalence and 95

Selection of livestock for disease resistance is challenging due to the difficulty in obtaining reliable phenotypes. Antibodies are immunological molecules that provide direct and indirect defenses against infection and link the activities of both the innate and adaptive compartments of the immune system. As a result, antibodies have been used as a trait in selection for immune defense. The goal of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with natural and induced antibodies in chickens using low-pass sequencing. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify innate (natural) antibodies binding KLH, OVA, and PHA and induced (adaptive) antibodies binding IBD, IBV, NDV, and REO. We collected plasma from four White Leghorn (WL), two White Plymouth Rock (WPR), and two Rhode Island Red (RIR) lines. Samples numbers ranged between 198 and 785 per breed. GWAS was performed within breed on data pre-adjusted for Line-Hatch-Sex effects using GCTA. A threshold of p = 10−6 was used to select genes for downstream annotation and enrichment analysis with SNPEff and Panther. Significant enrichment was found for the defense/immunity protein, immunoglobulin receptor superfamily, and the antimicrobial response protein in RIR; and the immunoglobulin receptor superfamily, defense/immunity protein, and protein modifying enzyme in WL. However, none were present in WPR, but some of the selected SNP were annotated in immune pathways. This study provides new insights regarding the genetics of the antibody response in layer chickens.

Dramatic improvements in measuring genetic variation across agriculturally relevant populations (genomics) must be matched by improvements in identifying and measuring relevant trait variation in such populations across many environments (phenomics). Identifying the most critical opportunities and challenges in genome to phenome (G2P) research is the focus of this paper. Previously (Genome Biol, 23(1):1–11, 2022), we laid out how Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative (AG2PI) will coordinate activities with USA federal government agencies expand public–private partnerships, and engage with external stakeholders to achieve a shared vision of future the AG2PI. Acting on this latter step, AG2PI organized the “Thinking Big: Visualizing the Future of AG2PI” two-day workshop held September 9–10, 2022, in Ames, Iowa, co-hosted with the United State Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA). During the meeting, attendees were asked to use their experience and curiosity to review the current status of agricultural genome to phenome (AG2P) work and envision the future of the AG2P field. The topic summaries composing this paper are distilled from two 1.5-h small group discussions. Challenges and solutions identified across multiple topics at the workshop were explored. We end our discussion with a vision for the future of agricultural progress, identifying two areas of innovation needed: (1) innovate in genetic improvement methods development and evaluation and (2) innovate in agricultural research processes to solve societal problems. To address these needs, we then provide six specific goals that we recommend be implemented immediately in support of advancing AG2P research.

Marek’s Disease (MD), which can result in neurological damage and tumour formation, has large effects on the economy and animal welfare of the poultry industry worldwide. Previously, we mapped autosomal MD QTL regions (QTLRs) by individual genotyping of an F6 population from a full-sib advanced intercross line. We further mapped MD QTLRs on the chicken Z chromosome (GGZ) using the same F6 population, and by selective DNA pooling (SDP) of 8 elite egg production lines. Here we used SDP of the same pools used on GGZ to map autosomal MD QTLRs. Thirty-seven QTLRs were found. Seven of the QTLRs were tested by all sires from the same 8 lines, individually genotyped for QTLR markers. Five of the tested QTLRs were confirmed. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was calculated for all QTLR markers on the same chromosome, and complex LD blocks were found. Distribution of P and LD values were used to assess the QTLR causative elements. Allele substitution effects were calculated based on both pooled SNP microarray genotypes, and individual genotypes of QTLRs markers. Substantial allele effect and contribution to the phenotypic and genotypic variation were obtained. The results explain part of the MD response, and provide targets for mitigating MD.

Background: The built environments in which we work, live, and play can influence physical activity behaviors, and perceptions of these environments are associated with walking behavior. This study's objective is to compare national-level data on perceptions of the near-home walking environment from the 2015 and 2020 National Health Interview Survey. Methods: Adults in 2015 (n = 30,811) and 2020 (n = 29,636) reported perceptions of walkable supports (roads, sidewalks, paths, or trails; sidewalks on most streets), destinations (shops, stores, or markets; bus or transit stops; movies, libraries, or churches; places that help you relax, clear your mind, and reduce stress), and barriers to walking (traffic; crime; animals). Age-adjusted prevalence estimates, prevalence differences, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated overall and by demographic characteristics. Results: The reported prevalence of roads, sidewalks, paths, or trails for walking increased overall (85.3% in 2015 to 88.0% in 2020) and for many subgroups. Perceived places to walk to for relaxation, to clear your mind, and to reduce stress increased overall (72.1% in 2015 to 77.1% in 2020) and for all subgroups. Perceptions of crime as a barrier to walking decreased overall (12.5% in 2015 to 11.2% in 2020) and for some subgroups. From 2015 to 2020, the proportion of adults perceiving roads, sidewalks, paths, or trails; places to relax; and crime as a barrier to walking improved. Conclusions: Continuing to monitor perceptions of the walking environment could contribute to progress toward national walking and walkability goals in the United States.

Natural antibodies are used to compare immune systems across taxa, to study wildlife disease ecology, and as selection markers in livestock breeding. These immunoglobulins are present prior to immune stimulation. They are described as having low antigen specificity or polyreactive binding and are measured by binding to self-antigens or novel exogenous proteins. Most studies use only one or two antigens to measure natural antibodies and ignore potential effects of antigen specificity in analyses. It remains unclear how different antigen-specific natural antibodies are related or how diversity among natural antibodies may affect analyses of these immunoglobulins. Using genetically distinct lines of chickens as a model system, we tested the hypotheses that (1) antigen-specific natural antibodies are independent of each other and (2) antigen specificity affects the comparison of natural antibodies among animals. We used blood cell agglutination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure levels of natural antibodies binding to four antigens: (i) rabbit erythrocytes, (ii) keyhole limpet hemocyanin, (iii) phytohemagglutinin, or (iv) ovalbumin. We observed that levels of antigen specific natural antibodies were not correlated. There were significant differences in levels of natural antibodies among lines of chickens, indicating genetic variation for natural antibody production. However, line distinctions were not consistent among antigen specific natural antibodies. These data show that natural antibodies are a pool of relatively distinct immunoglobulins, and that antigen specificity may affect interpretation of natural antibody function and comparative immunology.

Heat stress results in significant economic losses to the poultry industry. Genetics plays an important role in chickens adapting to the warm environment. Physiological parameters such as hematochemical parameters change in response to heat stress in chickens. To explore the genetics of heat stress resilience in chickens, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using Hy-Line Brown layer chicks subjected to either high ambient temperature or combined high temperature and Newcastle disease virus infection. Hematochemical parameters were measured during three treatment phases: acute heat stress, chronic heat stress, and chronic heat stress combined with NDV infection. Significant changes in blood parameters were recorded for 11 parameters (sodium (Na+, potassium (K+), ionized calcium (iCa2+), glucose (Glu), pH, carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2), oxygen partial pressure (PO2), total carbon dioxide (TCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3), base excess (BE), and oxygen saturation (sO2)) across the three treatments. The GWAS revealed 39 significant SNPs (p < 0.05) for seven parameters, located on Gallus gallus chromosomes (GGA) 1, 3, 4, 6, 11, and 12. The significant genomic regions were further investigated to examine if the genes within the regions were associated with the corresponding traits under heat stress. A candidate gene list including genes in the identified genomic regions that were also differentially expressed in chicken tissues under heat stress was generated. Understanding the correlation between genetic variants and resilience to heat stress is an important step towards improving heat tolerance in poultry.

Background Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and to promote equitable mobility options for all road users. Using a nationally representative survey, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of Vision Zero action plans or strategies in the USA. Methods Municipal officials were surveyed in 2021. In this cross-sectional study, we calculated the prevalence of Vision Zero plans or strategies and compared municipalities with adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) to account for region and sociodemographic characteristics. Results Among 1955 municipalities participating in the survey (question-specific response rate: 44.3%), the prevalence of a Vision Zero action plan or strategy was 7.7%; 70.5% responded no and 21.8% don’t know . Prevalence was 4.8% in small municipalities (1000–2499 residents), 20.3% in medium-large municipalities (50 000–124 999 residents; PR=4.1), and 37.8% in large municipalities (≥125 000 residents; PR=7.6). Conclusion The prevalence of Vision Zero plans and strategies across the USA is low. Additional adoption of Vision Zero plans and strategies could help address traffic fatalities.

Highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza (HPAI) devastate poultry flocks and result in significant economic losses for farmers due to high mortality, reduced egg production, and mandated euthanization of infected flocks. Within recent years, HPAI outbreaks have affected egg production flocks across the world. The H5N2 outbreak in the US in 2015 resulted in over 99% mortality. Here, we analyze sequence data from chickens that survived (42 cases) along with uninfected controls (28 samples) to find genomic regions that differ between these two groups and that, therefore, may encompass prime candidates that are resistant to HPAI. Blood samples were obtained from survivors of the 2015 HPAI outbreak plus age and genetics-matched non-affected controls. A whole-genome sequence was obtained, and genetic variants were characterized and used in a genome-wide association study to identify regions showing significant association with survival. Regions associated with HPAI resistance were observed on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 11, 15, 20, and 28, with a number of candidate genes identified. We did not detect a specific locus which could fully explain the difference between survivors and controls. Influenza virus replication depends on multiple components of the host cellular machinery, with many genes involved in the host response.

Background There are 13 known chicken blood systems, which were originally detected by agglutination of red blood cells by specific alloantisera. The genomic region or specific gene responsible has been identified for four of these systems (A, B, D and E). We determined the identity of the gene responsible for the chicken blood system I, using DNA from multiple birds with known chicken I blood system serology, 600K and 54K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, and lowpass sequence information. Results The gene responsible for the chicken I blood system was identified as RHCE, which is also one of the genes responsible for the highly polymorphic human Rh blood group locus, for which maternal/fetal antigenic differences can result in fetal hemolytic anemia with fetal mortality. We identified 17 unique RHCE haplotypes in the chicken, with six haplotypes corresponding to known I system serological alleles. We also detected deletions in the RHCE gene that encompass more than 6000 bp and that are predicted to remove its last seven exons. Conclusions RHCE is the gene responsible for the chicken I blood system. This is the fifth chicken blood system for which the responsible gene and gene variants are known. With rapid DNA-based testing now available, the impact of I blood system variation on response against disease, general immune function, and animal production can be investigated in greater detail.

Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. PCD provides an open exchange of information and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and others who strive to improve the health of the public through chronic disease prevention.

The chicken D blood system is one of 13 alloantigen systems found on chicken red blood cells. Classical recombinant studies located the D blood system on chicken chromosome 1, but the candidate gene was unknown. Multiple resources were utilized to identify the chicken D system candidate gene, including genome sequence information from both research and elite egg production lines for which D system alloantigen alleles were reported, and DNA from both pedigree and non-pedigree samples with known D alleles. Genome-wide association analyses using a 600 K or a 54 K SNP chip plus DNA from independent samples identified a strong peak on chicken chromosome 1 at 125–131 Mb (GRCg6a). Cell surface expression and the presence of exonic non-synonymous SNP were used to identify the candidate gene. The chicken CD99 gene showed the co-segregation of SNP-defined haplotypes and serologically defined D blood system alleles. The CD99 protein mediates multiple cellular processes including leukocyte migration, T-cell adhesion, and transmembrane protein transport, affecting peripheral immune responses. The corresponding human gene is found syntenic to the pseudoautosomal region 1 of human X and Y chromosomes. Phylogenetic analyses show that CD99 has a paralog, XG, that arose by duplication in the last common ancestor of the amniotes.