Economic losses caused by mastitis and the influence of climate variation on the occurrence of the disease in a dairy cattle farm in southern Brazil.

This study evaluated the economic impacts caused by mastitis in a small dairy farm with similar characteristics and production to most dairy farms in southern Brazil and investigated if climatic variations influenced mastitis occurrence in the region. A farm with, on average, 45 lactating Holstein cattle was monitored from November 2021 to October 2022, and data on mastitis cases, bulk tank milk somatic cell count, animal treatment costs, milk production, animal disposal costs, and production losses were collected. Monthly averages of temperature, relative humidity (RH), and rainfall in the region were obtained. The greatest loss was related to the drop in milk production, resulting in 63.8% of total losses, followed by animal disposal (29.5%), milk disposal (4.6%), and treating animals with mastitis (2.0%), totaling a 10.6% reduction in the annual gross income. There were negative correlations between the clinical mastitis rate and monthly RH and between subclinical mastitis and temperature; the occurrence of subclinical mastitis and average RH were positively correlated. Our findings showed that mastitis negatively impacted the economy and that climate influenced mastitis occurrence.

Regulatory-compliant conditions during cell product manufacturing enhance in vitro immunomodulatory properties of infrapatellar fat pad-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-based therapies have gained attention as potential alternatives for multiple musculoskeletal indications based on their trophic and immunomodulatory properties. The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) serves as a reservoir of MSCs, which play crucial roles modulating inflammatory and fibrotic events at the IFP and its neighboring tissue, the synovium. In an effort to comply with the existing regulatory framework regarding cell-based product manufacturing, we interrogated the in vitro immunomodulatory capacity of human-derived IFP-MSCs processed under different conditions, including a regulatory-compliant protocol, in addition to their response to the inflammatory and fibrotic environments often present in joint disease. METHODS: Immunophenotype, telomere length, transcriptional and secretory immunomodulatory profiles and functional immunopotency assay were assessed in IFP-MSCs expanded in regular fetal bovine serum (FBS)-supplemented medium and side-by-side compared with same-donor cells processed with two media alternatives (i.e., regulatory-compliant pooled human platelet lysate [hPL] and a chemically reinforced/serum-reduced [Ch-R] formulation). Finally, to assess the effects of such formulations on the ability of the cells to respond to pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic conditions, all three groups were stimulated ex vivo (i.e., cell priming) with a cocktail containing TNFα, IFNγ and connective tissue growth factor (tumor-initiating cells) and compared with non-induced cohorts assessing the same outcomes. RESULTS: Non-induced and primed IFP-MSCs expanded in either hPL or Ch-R showed distinct morphology in vitro, similar telomere dynamics and distinct phenotypical and molecular profiles when compared with cohorts grown in FBS. Gene expression of IL-8, CD10 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was highly enriched in similarly processed IFP-MSCs. Cell surface markers related to the immunomodulatory capacity, including CD146 and CD10, were highly expressed, and secretion of immunomodulatory and pro-angiogenic factors was significantly enhanced with both hPL and Ch-R formulations. Upon priming, the immunomodulatory phenotype was enhanced, resulting in further increase in CD146 and CD10, significant CXCR4 presence and reduction in TLR3. Similarly, transcriptional and secretory profiles were enriched and more pronounced in IFP-MSCs expanded in either hPL or Ch-R, suggesting a synergistic effect between these formulations and inflammatory/fibrotic priming conditions. Collectively, increased indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase activity and prostaglandin E2 secretion for hPL- and Ch-R-expanded IFP-MSCs were functionally reflected by their robust T-cell proliferation suppression capacity in vitro compared with IFP-MSCs expanded in FBS, even after priming. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with processing using an FBS-supplemented medium, processing IFP-MSCs with either hPL or Ch-R similarly enhances their immunomodulatory properties, which are further increased after exposure to an inflammatory/fibrotic priming environment. This evidence supports the adoption of regulatory-compliant practices during the manufacturing of a cell-based product based on IFP-MSCs and anticipates a further enhanced response once the cells face the pathological environment after intra-articular administration. Mechanistically, the resulting functionally enhanced cell-based product has potential utilization as a novel, minimally invasive cell therapy for joint disease through modulation of local immune and inflammatory events.

Reliable Reference Genes for Gene Expression Assessment in Tendon-Derived Cells under Inflammatory and Pro-Fibrotic/Healing Stimuli.

Tendon cells (TCs) are important for homeostatic maintenance in the healthy tendon and to promote tissue healing after injury. Further, resident and rare populations of tendon stem/progenitor cells, located at various sites within the tendon, contribute to tendon recovery by differentiating into repairing TCs. Gene expression analysis, through quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), constitutes a useful tool to study cellular responses, including the transition from initial inflammation to healing processes. A critical step required for data normalization is the choice of reliable reference genes (RGs), a process highly underestimated in tendon biology. In this study, the suitability of five commonly used RGs (ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, HPRT1, and RPLP0) was evaluated using TCs samples cultured in both standard and progenitor-enriching conditions, as well as under either inflammatory (IFNγ + TNFα) or pro-fibrotic/healing (CTGF) stimulation. The stability of the candidate RGs was computationally determined using NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper, and DeltaCt applets. Overall, ACTB resulted as the most stable RG on the basis of the integration of each gene weight, whereas B2M and RPLP0 performed poorly. To further validate ACTB's optimal performance, we evaluated the expression of ICAM1, coding for an immune-related cell surface glycoprotein, and COL1A1, encoding collagen type I that is the main component of the tendon extracellular matrix (ECM), both known to be modulated by inflammation. The expression of both genes was heavily affected by the RGs used. Consequently, when analyzing gene expression in tendon-derived cells subjected to various stimulatory protocols, the use of a suitable RG should be considered carefully. On the basis of our results, ACTB can be reliably used when analyzing different TC types exposed to pathological conditions.

Evidencia poblacional y análisis crítico de determinación social sobre el uso del condón en Colombia / Population-based evidence and critical analysis of social determinants in the use of condom in Colombia

Objetivos: determinar el nivel de uso del condón en población general colombiana y analizar los hallazgos desde el enfoque crítico de la determinación social de la salud. Métodos: estudio transversal realizado con datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud, 2007. La muestra estuvo conformada por 29 760 registros de personas entre 18 y 69 años de las principales regiones de Colombia. Resultados: entre el 75 y 94 % de los encuestados habían oído hablar del condón pero a pesar de eso, su uso arrojó porcentajes por debajo de 22,2, y fueron las mujeres quienes menos lo utilizaron. Las personas con bajos niveles de escolaridad, sin escolaridad, afiliados al régimen subsidiado para población pobre y desplazados, fueron quienes usaron menos el condón, tanto en la primera como en la última relación sexual. De forma complementaria, se encontró que en una submuestra de 209 personas, solo 13 (6,5 %) utilizaron el condón como medida preventiva cuando tuvieron alguna infección de transmisión sexual. Conclusiones: El uso del condón en la población colombiana es bajo, existen determinaciones sociales de tipo estructural relacionadas con este hecho, como son el acceso a la educación y a servicios de salud, así como patrones culturales de vulnerabilidad relacionados con el género. La promoción del uso del condón en el país debe pasar por decisiones de la autoridad sanitaria encabezada por el Ministerio de Salud, con participación de otros sectores involucrados en la calidad de vida de los colombianos.

Objectives: to determine the extent of the use of condom by the Colombian general population and to analyze the findings from a critical approach to the social determinants of health. Methods: a cross-sectional study using data from the National Health Survey of 2007 was conducted. The sample was made up of 29 760 records of people aged 18 to 69 years from the main regions of Colombia. Results: in spite of the fact that 75 to 94 % of the surveyed people had heard about the condom, less than 22.2 % of them used it and the females showed the lowest indexes. Those persons with low schooling, no education at all, included in the subsidy system for the poor, and the displaced people were the ones who used the condom less in their first and their most recent sexual intercourses. Additionally, it was found that 13 (6.5 %) out of 209 people in a subsample used condom as a preventive action when they suffered some sexually transmitted infection. Conclusions: the use of condom by the Colombian population is low; there are structural-type social determinants related to this event like access to education and health services as well as gender-dependent cultural patterns of vulnerability. Promotion of condom nationwide should be supported by health authority decisions led by the Ministry of Public Health, with the participation of other sectors involved in the quality of life of the Colombian citizens.

HIV/AIDS treatment adherence in economically better off women in Colombia.

Studies on HIV/AIDS treatment adherence have been carried out in a limited number of geographic settings, but few studies have explored it in people of higher socioeconomic status in Latin America. This qualitative study explored and compared determinants of adherence behaviors among 52 HIV-positive Colombian women in medium and high socioeconomic positions (SPs). Findings indicated that the two SP groups reported high adherence behaviors related to taking medication, following a diet, and executing lifestyle changes in line with healthcare providers' recommendations. Nevertheless, differences were observed between the two groups. While women with a medium SP disclosed their diagnosis, were empowered, and had acceptable access to economic resources that resulted in favorable adherence, their better off counterparts tended to hide their status and made a conscious effort to keep their adherence behaviors in secret due to HIV-related stigma. More studies on adherence of people living with HIV/AIDS from high SPs should be conducted to better understand how psychosocial support can be provided and to advance the knowledge of how and why adherence practices in these groups are undertaken.

Infecciones de transmisión sexual en la región Pacífica colombiana: implicaciones para población en situación de vulnerabilidad étnica, social y económica / Sexually transmitted infections in the Colombian Pacific region: implications for the population in situations of ethnic, social and economic vulnerability

Objetivo. Describir y analizar la presencia de diagnóstico de infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS), según autorreporte, en población adulta de la región Pacífica colombiana, así como las implicaciones para población en situación de vulnerabilidad étnica, social y económica. Método. Estudio de fuente secundaria con datos provenientes de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (2007) y una muestra final de 4.622 personas. Resultados. Se encontró diagnóstico de ITS por autorreporte de 1.2%; el porcentaje más alto se presentó en el Litoral Pacífico, con 1,7%, donde la población es principalmente afrodescendiente; las mujeres y personas afiliadas al Régimen Subsidiado de Salud (para población pobre) reportaron mayor diagnóstico de ITS. Conclusiones. Se requiere una aproximación integral a la problemática de las ITS, en especial en comunidades de población en situación de vulnerabilidad, así como las implicaciones para población en situación de vulnerabilidad étnica, social y económica. Es necesario incluir una perspectiva de determinación social, interculturalidad y género tanto en los programas de salud sexual y reproductiva como en la investigación de las ITS en comunidades vulnerables.

Objective. Describe and analyze the presence of diagnosis of self-reported Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in adult population of the Colombian Pacific Region, as well as the consequences among population with ethnic, social and economical vulnerability. Method. A secondary source study, using data from the National Health Survey (2007) with a final sample of 4,622 persons, was conducted. Results. A self-reported STD diagnosis of 1.2% was found; the highest percentage occurred on the Pacific Coast, where the population is mainly afrodescendant with 1.7%; women and people affiliated to the Subsidized Regime (for poor population) reported a greater diagnosis of STI. Conclusions. A comprehensive approach to STDs is required, in particular among afrodescendant people in Colombia. It is necessary to include social, economic, ethnic and cultural focus within the current sexual and reproductive health programs. Also, it is needed to conduct biosocial research, including clinical screening as well as tackling social determinants of STDs.

Escopo. Descrever e analisar a presença de diagnostico de infecções de transmissão sexual (ITS) segundo uma auto avaliação, em população adulta da região pacífica colombiana, assim como as implicações para a população em situação de vulnerabilidade étnica, social e econômica. Metodologia. Estudo de fonte secundaria com dados da Pesquisa Nacional da Saúde (2007) e uma amostra final de 4.622 pessoas. Resultados. Foi achado diagnóstico de ITS por auto avaliação de 1.2%; a porcentagem mais alta foi no litoral do Pacífico com 1.7%, onde a população é majoritariamente afro descendente; as mulheres e pessoas afiliadas ao regime subsidiado de saúde (para a população pobre) reportaram maior diagnóstico de ITS. Conclusões. É preciso uma aproximação integral à problemática das ITS, em especial nas comunidades com população em situação de vulnerabilidade étnica, social e econômica. É preciso incluir uma perspectiva de determinação social, interculturalidade e gênero tanto nos programas de saúde sexual e reprodutiva como na pesquisa das ITS em comunidades vulneráveis.

La evaluación integral de la adherencia al tratamiento en mujeres con VIH/sida: validación de un cuestionario / Integral assessment of adherence to treatment in women with HIV/AIDS: validation of a questionnaire

Objetivo: El estudio tuvo como objetivo construir y establecer las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de adherencia al tratamiento para mujeres con VIH/sida (CAT-M VIH), con el fin de contribuir a lo que actualmente es una necesidad y una prioridad a nivel mundial, tanto para el control de la infección como para el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de las enfermas. Las medidas de evaluación actuales son limitadas y deficientes, siendo importante el desarrollo de nuevos instrumentos que consideren las diferencias según el género. Método: El estudio fue de tipo instrumental (psicométrico). La muestra se seleccionó intencionalmente y estuvo compuesta por 121 mujeres con VIH/sida, atendidas en 8 instituciones de salud de la ciudad de Cali y que recibían tratamiento antirretroviral. Las propiedades psicométricas analizadas fueron la validez de contenido, la capacidad de discriminación de los ítems, la estructura factorial como indicador de validez de constructo y la fiabilidad del CAT-M VIH. Resultados: El cuestionario quedó conformado por 17 ítems que se refieren a comportamientos de adherencia a aspectos farmacológicos, a aspectos no farmacológicos y de autocuidado, a medidas para prevenir las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) y a disminuir el consumo de drogas. Cuenta con unas propiedades psicométricas preliminares aceptables, entre ellas, una adecuada fiabilidad (a=0.634) y una buena estructura interna. Los ítems que lo componen presentan adecuados índices de discriminación y pertinencia a nivel clínico. Conclusiones: El CAT-M VIH constituye una propuesta de mejoría de las limitaciones teóricas y metodológicas en la evaluación de la adherencia al tratamiento en mujeres; responde a una concepción integral que trasciende la toma de medicamentos antirretrovirales y con una gran utilidad a nivel clínico e investigativo que se discute en este artículo.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to construct and establish the psychometric properties of the questionnaire of adherence to treatment for HIV-infected women (CAT-M VIH), contributing to the current global need of controlling HIV infection and improving the quality of life for HIV patients. The existing assessment measures are limited and deficient; hence, the development of new tools considering gender differences is important. Method: The study was instrumental (psychometric). The sample was composed of 121 women with HIV/aids attending 8 health-service facilities in the city of Cali and taking antiretroviral medication. The psychometric properties assessed were the content validity, the items discrimination ability, the factorial structure as an index to construct validity, and the reliability of the CAT-M VIH. Results: The questionnaire was finally composed of 17 items, which reflect adherence behavior to pharmacological treatment, to nonpharmacological and self-care aspects, to the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases advice, and to drug use restrictions. The preliminary psychometric properties are acceptable, having good reliability (a=0.634) and good internal structure. The items have adequate discrimination indexes and clinical relevance. Conclusions: The CAT-M VIH could aid in improving the theoretical and methodological limitations in assessing adherence to treatment of women, responding to an integral concept of such that includes more than the antiretroviral medication taken and having substantial clinical and research utility, which is discussed in this article.