Regression Models for In Vivo Discrimination of the Iberian Pig Feeding Regime after Near Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of Faeces.

The Iberian pig is a native breed of the Iberian Peninsula, which holds an international reputation due to the superior quality and the added value of its products. Different rearing practices and feeding regimes are regulated, resulting in different labelling schemes. However, there is no official analytical methodology that is standardised for certification purposes in the sector. Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a technology that provides information about the physicochemical composition of a sample, with several advantages that have enabled its implementation in different fields. Although it has already been successfully used for the analysis of Iberian pig's final products, samples evaluated with NIRS technology are characterised by a postmortem collection. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of NIRS analysis of faeces for in vivo discrimination of the Iberian pig feeding regime, using the spectral information per se for the development of modified partial least squares regressions. Faecal samples were used due to their easy collection, especially in extensive systems where pig handling is difficult. A total of 166 individual samples were collected from 12 farms, where the three different feeding regimes available in the sector were ensured. Although slight differences were detected depending on the chemometric approach, the best models obtained a classification success and a prediction accuracy of over 94% for feeding regime discrimination. The results are considered very satisfactory and suggest NIRS analysis of faeces as a promising approach for the in vivo discrimination of the Iberian pigs' diet, and its implementation during field inspections, a significative achievement for the sector.

Feed Supplementation Detection during the Last Productive Stage of the Acorn-Fed Iberian Pig through a Faecal Volatilome Analysis.

The acorn-fed Iberian pig is known worldwide due to the quality of the resulting products commercialized after a natural and free grazing period of fattening in the dehesa agroforestry ecosystem. The quality regulation of the pig breed reserves "acorn" denomination for only those products obtained from animals exclusively fed grazing acorns and other natural resources; however, sometimes, feed supplementation of the pig's diet is fraudulently employed to reach an earlier slaughtering weight and to increase pig stocking rate, a strategy called postre (meaning "feed supplement"). In this sense, although many studies focused on Iberian pig diet have been published, the field detection of feed use for acorn-fed pig during the last finishing stage foraging in the dehesa, a practice which clashes with the official regulation, has not been explored yet. The present study employs a volatilome analysis (gas chromatography coupled to ion mobility spectrometry) of a non-invasive biological sample (faeces) to discriminate the grazing diet of only natural resources, that acorn-fed Iberian pigs are supposed to have, from those pigs that are also supplemented with feed. The results obtained show the suitability of the methodology used and the usefulness of the information obtained from faeces samples to discriminate and detect the fraudulent use of feed for acorn-fed Iberian pig fattening: a classification success ranging between 86.4% and 100% was obtained for the two chemometric approaches evaluated. These, together with the results of discriminant models, are discussed, in addition to the importance that the methodology optimized implies for the Iberian pig sector and market, which is also introduced. This methodology could be adapted to control organic farming animals or other upstanding livestock production systems which are supposed to be fully dependent on a natural grazing diet.

Preliminary Feasibility of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Authenticate Grazing in Dairy Goats through Milk and Faeces Analysis.

Consumers are increasingly prone to request information about the production systems of the food they buy. For this purpose, certification and authentication methodologies are necessary not only to protect the choices of consumers, but also to protect producers and production systems. The objective of this preliminary work was to authenticate the grazing system of dairy goats using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) analyses of milk and faeces of the animals. Spectral information and several mathematical pre-treatments were used for the development of six discriminant models based on different algorithms for milk and faeces samples. Results showed that the NIRS spectra of both types of samples had some differences when the two feeding regimes were compared. Therefore, good discrimination rates were obtained with both strategies (faeces and milk samples), with classification percentages of up to 100% effectiveness. Discrimination of feeding regime and grazing authentication based on NIRS analysis of milk samples and an alternative sample such as faeces is considered as a potential approach for dairy goats and small ruminant production.

Geographical origin, curing plant and commercial category discrimination of cured Iberian hams through volatilome analysis at industry level.

Cured Iberian ham is a worldwide known product due to its high quality. Nowadays, there is a lack of official analytical methods to differentiate geographical origin (Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)), the curing plant where hams are processed, as well as the commercial categories in each industry. In this work, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) extracted from 998 Iberian hams were analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC-IMS), using the subsequent information to design discriminant models. High classification percentages were obtained for the three objectives of the study: 98,5% for geographical origin, 93,5% and 100% for curing plant discrimination, and an average rate of 84,5% for commercial category discrimination in the seven curing plants subject to study. Differences obtained in discriminant models are probably due to the complexity of Iberian ham manufacturing process. In this sense, the results obtained in the present study suggest slight differences between geographical areas and industries evaluated, even covered by the same PDO. Also, those differences may be related to the existing variability in terms of breed purity and feeding regime of Iberian pigs, which are two of the main determining factors of ham aroma.

Antiparasitic Tannin-Rich Plants from the South of Europe for Grazing Livestock: A Review.

Internal parasites are one of the main causes of health threats in livestock production, especially in extensive livestock farming. Despite the environmental toxic effects (loss of dung beetles, biodiversity, and other issues) and resistance phenomenon derived from their prolonged use, anti-parasitic chemical pharmaceuticals are frequently used, even in organic farming. Such a situation within the context of climate change requires urgent exploration of alternative compounds to solve these problems and apparent conflicts between organic farming objectives regarding the environment, public health, and animal health. This review is focused on some plants (Artemisia spp., Cichorium intybus L., Ericaceae family, Hedysarum coronarium L., Lotus spp., Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) that are well known for their antiparasitic effect, are voluntarily grazed and ingested, and can be spontaneously found or cultivated in southern Europe and other regions with a Mediterranean climate. The differences found between effectiveness, parasite species affected, in vitro/in vivo experiments, and active compounds are explored. A total of 87 papers where antiparasitic activity of those plants have been studied are included in this review; 75% studied the effect on ruminant parasites, where gastrointestinal nematodes were the parasite group most studied (70%), and these included natural (31%) and experimental (37%) infections.

Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex field infections in cattle using fecal volatile organic compound analysis through gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry combined with chemometrics.

Bovine tuberculosis is considered a re-emerging disease caused by different species from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC), important not only for the livestock sector but also for public health due to its zoonotic character. Despite the numerous efforts that have been carried out to improve the performance of the current antemortem diagnostic procedures, nowadays, they still pose several drawbacks, such as moderate to low sensitivity, highlighting the necessity to develop alternative and innovative tools to complement control and surveillance frameworks. Volatilome analysis is considered an innovative approach which has been widely employed in animal science, including animal health field and diagnosis, due to the useful and interesting information provided by volatile metabolites. Therefore, this study assesses the potential of gas chromatography coupled to ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) to discriminate cattle naturally infected (field infections) by MTC from non-infected animals. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced from feces were analyzed, employing the subsequent information through chemometrics. After the evaluation of variable importance for the projection of compounds, the final discriminant models achieved a robust performance in cross-validation, as well as high percentages of correct classification (>90%) and optimal data of sensitivity (91.66%) and specificity (99.99%) in external validation. The tentative identification of some VOCs revealed some coincidences with previous studies, although potential new compounds associated with the discrimination of infected and non-infected subjects were also addressed. These results provide strong evidence that a volatilome analysis of feces through GC-IMS coupled to chemometrics could become a valuable methodology to discriminate the infection by MTC in cattle. IMPORTANCE Bovine tuberculosis is endemic in many countries worldwide and poses important concerns for public health because of their zoonotic condition. However, current diagnostic techniques present several hurdles, such as low sensitivity and complexity, among others. In this regard, the development of new approaches to improve the diagnosis and control of this disease is considered crucial. Volatile organic compounds are small molecular mass metabolites which compose volatilome, whose analysis has been widely employed with success in different areas of animal science including animal health. The present study seeks to evaluate the combination of fecal volatilome analysis with chemometrics to detect field infections by bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) in cattle. The good robust performance of discriminant models as well as the optimal data of sensitivity and specificity achieved highlight volatilome analysis as an innovative approach with huge potential.

Effect of Non-Genetic Factors on Reproduction of Extensive versus Intensive Florida Dairy Goats.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the production system and other environmental/phenotype factors on age at first kidding (AFK), kidding interval (KI) and prolificacy of 19,772 Florida goats reared between 2000 and 2019 on 49 dairy farms (38 farms intensively managed and 11 extensively managed with grazing). AFK was lower on intensive (490.2 ± 0.9 days; n = 13,345) than on extensive farms (511.7 ± 2.5 days; n = 2357; p < 0.001), and highest during the spring season (533.9 ± 2.7 days; n = 1932; p < 0.001) in both production systems. The average KI was 355.7 ± 0.4 days, mainly varying according to dry period, kidding season and lactation number and kidding type (p < 0.01). A significant interaction between production system, kidding season and dry period was observed with the highest AFK on intensive farms during spring and summer for goats presenting a dry period of up to six months. The overall prolificacy (1.64 ± 0.01) increased in recent years in both systems, and it was affected by the production system, but with different patterns; so, the highest prolificacy of primiparous and multiparous goats was observed on extensive and intensive farms, respectively. Besides that, the prolificacy and other reproductive parameters, such as AFK, significantly increased in the last decade, which could be related to management improvements. Besides that, the existence of inter-annual variations should be considered to compare data between farms and years, and to establish the farms' objectives according to their production systems and production goals.

Serious and infrequent neurological complications in hospitalized patients with COVID19.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 virus infection may affect other organs including the nervous system with variable neurological manifestations, even some research has reported that SARS-CoV-2 can be found in the brain parenchyma and / or in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Although these reports of neurological involvement secondary to COVID-19 has increased, the clinical manifestations and the forms of neurological invasion is not fully understood. OBJECTIVES: In this paper, we report a case series of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection with involvement of the nervous system and its neurological complications. In addition, a bibliographic review was developed in different databases with the aim of expanding information on neurological complications and the pathophysiological mechanisms of invasion to the nervous system. CASE REPORT: Case 1, a 79 year old male developed an infarct of the head of the caudate nucleus and thrombosis of the superior longitudinal sinus. Case 2, a 62 year old female developed an intraparenchymal hemorrhage in the left parietal lobe while hospitalized and COVID19 encephalitis was diagnosed. Case 3, a 59 year old healthy male developed a Fisher IV subarachnoid hemorrhage by aneurysmal origin of the right middle cerebral artery and right temporal intraparenchymal hematoma, due to rapid and severe neurological impairment new brain images was performed showing a right cerebellar ischemic stroke leading to compression of the cistern and brainstem. CONCLUSIONS: In these cases, the surgery goal was relieved symptoms, neurologic functional recovery, and life survival. We considered its diffusion and knowledge as imperative for all practitioners involved in the care of this patient.

Application of Volatilome Analysis to the Diagnosis of Mycobacteria Infection in Livestock.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are small molecular mass metabolites which compose the volatilome, whose analysis has been widely employed in different areas. This innovative approach has emerged in research as a diagnostic alternative to different diseases in human and veterinary medicine, which still present constraints regarding analytical and diagnostic sensitivity. Such is the case of the infection by mycobacteria responsible for tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in livestock. Although eradication and control programs have been partly managed with success in many countries worldwide, the often low sensitivity of the current diagnostic techniques against Mycobacterium bovis (as well as other mycobacteria from Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis together with other hurdles such as low mycobacteria loads in samples, a tedious process of microbiological culture, inhibition by many variables, or intermittent shedding of the mycobacteria highlight the importance of evaluating new techniques that open different options and complement the diagnostic paradigm. In this sense, volatilome analysis stands as a potential option because it fulfills part of the mycobacterial diagnosis requirements. The aim of the present review is to compile the information related to the diagnosis of tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in livestock through the analysis of VOCs by using different biological matrices. The analytical techniques used for the evaluation of VOCs are discussed focusing on the advantages and drawbacks offered compared with the routine diagnostic tools. In addition, the differences described in the literature among in vivo and in vitro assays, natural and experimental infections, and the use of specific VOCs (targeted analysis) and complete VOC pattern (non-targeted analysis) are highlighted. This review emphasizes how this methodology could be useful in the problematic diagnosis of tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in livestock and poses challenges to be addressed in future research.

Epidemiological surveillance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in extensively raised pigs in the south of Spain.

The role of domestic pigs in the epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) is considered to be limited due to the characteristics of intensive production systems. However, in southwestern Spain, Iberian pigs are usually raised under extensive management systems, sharing their habitat with other domestic and wild species, some of which may act as reservoirs of MTC. Our objective was to determine the seroprevalence, risk factors, spatial distribution and spoligotypes of MTC circulating in extensively farmed pigs in Andalusia (southern Spain), a region with a high prevalence of tuberculosis in both cattle and wild boar populations. Serum samples from 3622 extensively-raised Iberian pigs from 129 randomly selected farms were tested for antibodies against MTC using an indirect (P22) ELISA. Antibodies to MTC were detected in 82 pigs (2.3%; 95%CI: 1.8-2.8%). Seropositivity was significantly higher in sows (3.7%) than in fattening pigs (1.7%) (P = 0.0001). Herd prevalence was 24.8% (95%CI: 17.4-32.3%). Two risk factors were associated with MTC seropositivity on farms: herd size (higher seroprevalence on larger farms) (OR=1.001; 95%CI: 1.000-1.002), and the presence of neighboring goat flocks (OR = 7.345; 95%CI: 1.464-36.848). Two statistically significant spatial clusters (P < 0.001) were identified in the north-west of Andalusia. A total of 25 different MTC spoligotypes were isolated in pigs bred extensively in the study area. Based on the serological and molecular results obtained in the current study, it is possible that extensively raised Iberian pigs may act as an MTC reservoir in Mediterranean ecosystems. The high herd prevalence, as well as the identification of significant spatial clusters, indicates widespread, but not homogenous MTC circulation among extensively-managed pig farms. Risk-based surveillance and control programs should be implemented on this type of farms in Spain.

Atypical presentation and late diagnosis of acute aortic dissection without timely surgical treatment: case report and literature review. / Presentación atípica y diagnóstico tardío de disección aórtica aguda sin tratamiento quirúrgico oportuno: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

Acute aortic syndrome includes a group of diseases that have clinical similarity in their natural history, the most important characteristic being their association with a high vital risk. The diagnosis and management of aortic dissection depends on the degree of aortic involvement according to the location of the lesion, as defined by the Stanford classification. In this syndrome, chest pain is considered the cardinal symptom; however, there are situations where clinical feedback is difficult. We present the case of a patient who debuted with a Stanford A aortic dissection, with an indication for surgical resolution in the acute phase, but who unexpectedly presented unspecific clinical manifestations. An opportune diagnosis was not obtained. After repeated consultations for changes in his symptoms, the definitive diagnosis was determined through imaging study, evolving favorably with ambulatory therapy.

El síndrome aórtico agudo incluye un grupo de enfermedades que poseen similitud clínica en su historia natural, siendo la característica más importante su asociación a un alto riesgo vital. Entre estas patologías, el diagnóstico y manejo de la disección aórtica depende del grado de compromiso aórtico según la ubicación de la lesión definida bajo la clasificación de Stanford. Dentro de las manifestaciones clave se considera al dolor torácico como el síntoma cardinal. Sin embargo, existen situaciones que por ambigüedad clínica retrasan el diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente que debutó con una disección aórtica Stanford A, con indicación de resolución quirúrgica en fase aguda pero que dado lo inespecífico de su cuadro clínico, no se logró un diagnóstico oportuno. Posterior a reiteradas consultas por cambios en su sintomatología, se determinó el cuadro definitivo a través de estudio imagenológico, evolucionando de forma favorable con terapia ambulatoria.

Aproximación a la farmacología del sulfato de magnesio desde la perspectiva obstétrica / An approach to the pharmacology of magnesium sulfate from an obstetric perspective / Abordagem farmacológica do sulfato de magnésio apartir da perspectiva obstétrica

Introducción: Desde su primer uso en 1926 en el manejo de la eclampsia el sulfato de magnesio ha sido un medicamento utilizado y estudiado ampliamente por obstetras. Durante mucho tiempo se mantuvo escepticismo sobre sus potenciales beneficios, pero la aparición de estudios bien estructurados aportó evidencia a favor o en contra de algunos de estos. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión de la literatura acerca dela farmacología, fisiología, farmacocinética, mecanismos de acción, principales usos y regímenes de administración del sulfato de magnesio en obstetricia. Metodología: Búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline, a través de PubMed, utilizando los términos Magnesium Sulfate, Pharmacology, Obstetrics, Pre-eclampsia, Eclampsia, Neuroprotective Agents. Se adicionaron otros artículos con el fin de ampliar información en ciertos temas. Conclusiones: Las propiedades farmacológicas que expresa el sulfato de magnesio se relacionan directamente con su efecto antagónico con el calcio. Muestra efectos a nivel muscular, neuronal, cardiovascular, entre otros. Sus usos en obstetricia abarcan principalmente el manejo de la preeclampsia, prevención de la eclampsia, y prevención de la parálisis cerebral del recién nacido prematuro. El uso como agente tocolítico en el trabajo de parto prematuro aun es discutido ya que la evidencia es inconclusa.

Introduction: Since its first use in 1926 in eclampsia´s management magnesium sulphate has been a drug used and studied extensively by obstetricians. For a long time, practitioners remained sceptical about its potential benefits but the emergence of well-structured studies provided evidence in favor and against. Objective: A review of the literature on the pharmacology, physiology, pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, main applications and schemes of administration of the sulfate of magnesium in obstetrics. Methodology: Search in the database MEDLINE via PubMed, using the terms: Magnesium Sulfate, pharmacology, Obstetrics, Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, Neuroprotective Agents. Other papers were added in order to expand information on some topics. Conclusions: The pharmacological properties that express the magnesium sulfate is linked directly with its effect antagonistic with the calcium. Shows effects to level muscle, neuronal, cardiovascular, among others. Its uses in obstetrics include mainly the management of preeclampsia, prevention of eclampsia, and prevention of cerebral palsy in the premature neonate. The magnesium sulphate tocolytic effects even is discussed because the evidence is inconclusive.

Introdução: Desde que o sulfato de magnésio foi utilizado em 1926, no tratamento de eclampsia, tem sido usado e amplamente estudado por obstetras. Longo o ceticismo sobre seus potenciais benefícios permaneceu, mas tarde o aparecimento de estudos bem estruturados forneceram evidências a favor ou contra algum destes. Objetivo: Revisar a literatura sobre a farmacologia, fisiologia, fármaco cinética, mecanismos de ação, principais usos e administração de sulfato de magnésio em obstetrícia. Metodologia: Pesquisa bibliográfica Medline via PubMed utilizando os termos sulfato de magnésio, farmacologia, obstetrícia, pré-eclâmpsia, eclâmpsia, agentes neuroprotectores. Foram adicionados outros itens, a fim de obter maior informação sobre determinados temas. Conclusões: As propriedades farmacológicas que expressa o sulfato de magnésio estão diretamente relacionadas com o efeito antagônico do cálcio. Mostra os efeitos a nível muscular, neuronal, cardiovascular, entre outros. Em obstetrícia o uso abrange principalmente o tratamento da pré-eclampsia, a prevenção da eclampsia, e prevenção de paralisia cerebral no recém-nascido prematuro. Usa-lo como agente toco lítico no trabalho de parto prematuro é incerto porque a evidência é inconclusa.