Lack of awareness of systemic lupus erythematosus and its consequences in a cohort of moderate and severe patients in Spain: The LupusVoice study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition that can highly impact patients' quality of life (QoL). However, there is a lack of knowledge about SLE, affecting the general population and health care professionals (HCPs) alike. This lack of knowledge has negative implications for patients and the healthcare system, worsening prognosis, negatively impacting QoL, and increasing healthcare utilization. The aim of this paper is to draw attention, according to the perspective of the participants of this study, to the lack of awareness of SLE and its consequences in Spain, and to suggest improvements. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This qualitative, descriptive, observational, multicenter, and cross-sectional study included 40 patients with moderate or severe SLE, recruited during their routine visits in six university hospitals in Spain. The study also included 11 caregivers and 9 HCPs. All participants were individually interviewed. Data from the interviews were coded and analyzed thematically by two anthropologists following a phenomenological perspective. RESULTS: Our study identified a lack of disease awareness among primary care physicians, emergency medicine doctors, and other specialists treating SLE symptomatology. This led to diagnostic delays, which had a clinical and emotional impact on patients. Furthermore, symptom awareness was found to be context dependent. Differences in symptom awareness between HCPs and patients led to a mismatch between the severity evaluation made by doctors and patients. Some HCPs did not consider the limitations of the current severity evaluation of SLE, and therefore attributed symptoms potentially caused by SLE to the unfavorable socioeconomic conditions patients lived in. Finally, a lack of social awareness among friends, family members, and romantic partners led to lower social support, increased isolation, and negative physical and emotional impact for patients. Gender differences in the provision of support were identified. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need to increase SLE awareness among patients, HCPs, and the broader public in order to improve patient QoL. Being aware of the clinical and emotional impact of such lack of awareness, as well as the role played by context on the patient experience of SLE, is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.

A cross-sectional study to evaluate utility measure and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with severe uncontrolled asthma in Spain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The utility measure is a method to quantify health-related quality of life according to the preference values that patients attach to their health status. This study aimed to estimate the utility measure of patients with controlled and uncontrolled severe asthma (SA) in Spain, separately. Additionally, other characteristics (sociodemographic, clinical, and healthcare resource use [HCRU]) were also assessed for both SA populations. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 159 patients with SA in Spain. Data were collected from medical records and directly from the patients during the study visit. Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ)-5 was used to classify patients with controlled and uncontrolled SA. RESULTS: Most of the patients were female (72.0% uncontrolled SA and 63.6% controlled SA). The mean (SD) EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D-5L) score was 0.88 (0.14) and 0.70 (0.25) in controlled and uncontrolled SA, respectively. The mean (SD) Asthma Quality-of-Life-5D (AQL-5D) score was 0.93 (0.09) and 0.85 (0.09) in controlled and uncontrolled SA, respectively. Emergency visits (19.2 vs. 2.7%) and hospitalizations (7.7% vs. no hospitalization) were more common among uncontrolled SA than controlled SA. Mean (SD) number of visits to primary care and pneumologists in uncontrolled SA vs. controlled SA was 4.1 (2.8) vs. 2.5 (3.0) and 3.7 (3.5) vs. 2.8 (2.2), respectively. CONCLUSION: The study provides data on utility measures among patients with SA in Spain for the first time. Patients with uncontrolled SA had lower HRQoL and higher HCRU than patients with controlled SA. Therefore, the implementation of measures that improve HRQoL among patients with uncontrolled SA is highly recommended.

Despite the existence in Spain of validated asthma questionnaires, the impact of severe asthma on quality of life, depending on whether it is controlled or not, had never been assessed.This study, which included 159 patients, was conducted to fill the gap above by obtaining two utility measures for quality of life, a generic one using the EQ-5D questionnaire (which can be used for comparison with other chronic conditions) and an asthma-specific one using the AQL-5D questionnaire.Patients with uncontrolled SA had a lower utility measure than patients with controlled disease and, therefore, a lower quality of life. In addition, patients with uncontrolled SA also had higher use of healthcare resources.These results highlight that the implementation of measures that improve the quality of life among patients with uncontrolled SA is highly recommended.

Association between serum mineral levels and reproductive performance in primiparous dairy cows during the peripartum period.

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no study has previously investigated whether the concentration of minerals is related to reproductive outcomes in primiparous cows. For this reason, two objectives were set in the present study: (i) to assess serum mineral levels, macrominerals, and trace elements during the transition period (period of high nutritional requirements) in primiparous cows, considering reproductive efficiency, and (ii) to address if the serum mineral levels of primiparous cows are related to reproductive efficiency. Blood samples were taken (i) one month before calving, (ii) one week before calving, (iii) one week postpartum, and (iv) one month postpartum. At the beginning and the end of the study, a body condition score (BCS) was assigned to each lactating cow with no clinical signs of disease. The difference between one month before and one month after calving was the body condition loss (ΔBCS). Optimal prepartum concentrations of K and Cl were associated with fewer days open and a shorter interval calving. Furthermore, macrominerals in the serum decreased immediately after calving (one week) but recovered at one month postpartum. In contrast, the highest concentration of trace elements was found at one week postpartum. Primiparous cows with higher postpartum Se, Mn, Co, and Mo concentrations exhibited better reproductive efficiency, and the concentrations of trace elements in serum were correlated with interval calving and the number of inseminations. Finally, primiparous cows with a greater ΔBCS (at least one point) in period 4 exhibited both a longer calving interval and a greater number of days open. In summary, this study showed, for the first time in primiparous cows, that the concentration of some serum minerals not only plays a crucial role during the transition period but is also related to crucial reproductive parameters, such as interval calving and days open.

Case report: multiple and atypical amoebic cerebral abscesses resistant to treatment.

BACKGROUND: The parasite Entamoeba histolytica is the causal agent of amoebiasis, a worldwide emerging disease. Amebic brain abscess is a form of invasive amebiasis that is both rare and frequently lethal. This condition always begins with the infection of the colon by E. histolytica trophozoites, which subsequently travel through the bloodstream to extraintestinal tissues. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 71-year-old female who reported an altered state of consciousness, disorientation, sleepiness and memory loss. She had no history of hepatic or intestinal amoebiasis. A preliminary diagnosis of colloidal vesicular phase neurocysticercosis was made based on nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI). A postsurgery immunofluorescence study was positive for the 140 kDa fibronectin receptor of E. histolytica, although a serum analysis by ELISA was negative for IgG antibodies against this parasite. A specific E. histolytica 128 bp rRNA gene was identified by PCR in biopsy tissue. The final diagnosis was cerebral amoebiasis. The patient underwent neurosurgery to eliminate amoebic abscesses and was then given a regimen of metronidazole, ceftriaxone and dexamethasone for 4 weeks after the neurosurgery. However, a rapid decline in her condition led to death. CONCLUSIONS: The present case of an individual with a rare form of cerebral amoebiasis highlights the importance of performing immunofluorescence, NMRI and PCR if a patient has brain abscess and a poorly defined diagnosis. Moreover, the administration of corticosteroids to such patients can often lead to a rapid decline in their condition.

Effects of Posidonia oceanica banquettes on intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and metabolic profiles in sheep.

BACKGROUND: The marine plant Posidonia oceanica (L.) (PO) has been demonstrated in goats to be a source of fibre. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of introducing this marine plant as a substitute for barley straw in the feed of mature ewes, assessing the effects of its addition on intake, digestibility and ruminal fermentation and on the ewes' metabolic profiles (energy and protein). PO was used at 75 g day-1 per ewe (15% of the total forage), 150 g day-1 per ewe (30% of the total forage) and 300 g day-1 per ewe (60% of the total forage). RESULTS: Substitution of 15% of the forage with PO has no negative consequences on dry matter intake, final live weight and metabolic status in mature ewes; in addition, PO may improve the animal's nitrogen utilisation. The upper limit of substitution was 30%, where only few changes were noted without metabolic consequences. Substitution of 60% impaired performance and affects tissue functions in the animal's body. CONCLUSION: Moderate quantities of barley straw (between 75 and 150 g day-1 per ewe) can be replaced by PO in feed rations for mature ewes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Posidonia oceanica banquettes as a substitute for straw in dairy goat rations: metabolic and productive effects.

BACKGROUND: The marine plant Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile can be a source of fibre to increase the efficiency of product costs. The aim of the present study was to assess the productive (milk production and performance) and metabolic (blood metabolites) effects of P. oceanica in the ration of dairy goats as a substitute for straw. Posidonia oceanica was used at 225 and 450 g day(-1) per goat in lieu of barley straw. RESULT: Supplementation with P. oceanica had no detrimental effects on the body weight, milk production and metabolic status of goats. Goats fed P. oceanica produced more milk fat, had a lower somatic cell count in their milk and showed a decreased risk of oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Goats can be fed P oceanica at levels of up to 450 g day(-1) without detrimental effects on milk production and health, therefore P. oceanica can be a substitute for barley straw in the nutrition of goats.

Neuropeptidase activities in plasma after acute restraint stress. Interaction with cortico-limbic areas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of acute restraint stress (ARS) on plasma enkephalinase and oxytocinase activities. ARS modifies basal activities in cortico-limbic regions of rats and induces changes in the correlations observed between these regions. The interactions between plasma and cortico-limbic activities will be also evaluated. METHODS: Enkephalinase (AlaAP and LeuAP) and oxytocinase (P-LeuAP) activities were fluorometrically determined in plasma of control and stressed rats using aminoacyl-ß-naphthylamides (aaNNap), AlaNNap and LeuNNap as substrates. RESULTS: No differences in enzymatic activities were observed between control and stressed animals in plasma. In contrast, highly significant positive and negative correlations between plasma and cortico-limbic regions were demonstrated in controls. Stress conditions significantly alter the pattern of these correlations. CONCLUSION: The present results clearly support a connection between plasma and brain involving certain neuropeptidase activities that change under stress conditions.

Ruminal acidosis in feedlot: from aetiology to prevention.

Acute ruminal acidosis is a metabolic status defined by decreased blood pH and bicarbonate, caused by overproduction of ruminal D-lactate. It will appear when animals ingest excessive amount of nonstructural carbohydrates with low neutral detergent fiber. Animals will show ruminal hypotony/atony with hydrorumen and a typical parakeratosis-rumenitis liver abscess complex, associated with a plethora of systemic manifestations such as diarrhea and dehydration, liver abscesses, infections of the lung, the heart, and/or the kidney, and laminitis, as well as neurologic symptoms due to both cerebrocortical necrosis and the direct effect of D-lactate on neurons. In feedlots, warning signs include decrease in chewing activity, weight, and dry matter intake and increase in laminitis and diarrhea prevalence. The prognosis is quite variable. Treatment will be based on the control of systemic acidosis and dehydration. Prevention is the most important tool and will require normalization of ruminal pH and microbiota. Appropriate feeding strategies are essential and involve changing the dietary composition to increase neutral detergent fiber content and greater particle size and length. Appropriate grain processing can control the fermentation rate while additives such as prebiotics or probiotics can help to stabilize the ruminal environment. Immunization against producers of D-lactate is being explored.

Minimization of methabenzthiazuron residues in leaching water using amended soils and photocatalytic treatment with TiO2 and ZnO.

In the present work, potential groundwater pollution by methabenzthiazuron (MTBU) and the effect of three different amendments (composted sheep manure, composted pine bark and spent coffee grounds) on its mobility were investigated under laboratory conditions. The efficiency of ZnO and TiO2 suspensions in the photocatalytic degradation of MTBU in leaching water was also investigated. The relative and cumulative breakthrough curves were obtained from disturbed soil columns. The presence and/or addition of organic matter drastically reduced the movement of the herbicide. On other hand, photocatalytic experiments showed that the addition of ZnO and TiO2 strongly enhances the degradation rate of this herbicide compared with the results of photolytic experiments under artificial light. ZnO appeared to be more effective in MTBU oxidation than TiO2. The results obtained point to the interest of using organic wastes and heterogeneous photocatalysis for reducing the pollution of groundwater by pesticide drainage.

Evaluation of bone-related mechanical properties in female patients with long-term remission of Cushing's syndrome using quantitative computed tomography-based finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hypercortisolism in Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with bone loss, skeletal fragility, and altered bone quality. No studies evaluated bone geometric and strain-stress values in CS patients after remission thus far. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two women with CS in remission (mean age [±SD] 51 ± 11; body mass index [BMI], 27 ± 4 kg/m2; mean time of remission, 120 ± 90 months) and 32 age-, BMI-, and gonadal status-matched female controls. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) was used to assess volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and buckling ratio, cross-sectional area, and average cortical thickness at the level of the proximal femur. Finite element (FE) models were generated from QCT to calculate strain and stress values (maximum principal strain [MPE], maximum strain energy density [SED], maximum Von Mises [VM], and maximum principal stress [MPS]). Areal BMD (aBMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (2D DXA). RESULTS: Trabecular vBMD at total hip and trochanter were lower in CS as compared with controls (P < .05). Average cortical thickness was lower, and buckling ratio was greater in CS vs controls (P < .01). All strain and stress values were higher in CS patients vs controls (P < .05). 2D DXA-derived measures were similar between patients and controls (P > .05). Prior hypercortisolism predicted both VM (ß .30, P = .014) and MPS (ß .30, P = .015), after adjusting for age, BMI, menopause, delay to diagnosis, and duration of remission. CONCLUSIONS: Women with prior hypercortisolism have reduced trabecular vBMD and impaired bone geometrical and mechanical properties, which may contribute to an elevated fracture risk despite long-term remission.

Dataset on the variability of the light field in coastal waters.

The authors present data on both inherent and apparent optical properties, CTD profiles for the southwestern area of the Bay of Cartagena (Colombia) along a transect of seven stations. The data were collected during the dry and wet seasons of 2022. Optical properties include the depth of the Secchi disk as well as the absorption coefficients of particulate organic matter (ap) and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (aCDOM), together with analyses of total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity in terms of nephelometric units (NTU). The dataset encompasses several types of data files on the light field in water, which is suitable for the development of water quality indices, the study of optically complex systems occupied by strategic marine ecosystems, the input of the calibration and validation processes of satellite algorithms as well as coastal zone management and administration.

Neurotrophic bone marrow cellular nests prevent spinal motoneuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: a pilot safety study.

The objective of this article is to assess the safety of intraspinal infusion of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMNCs) and, ultimately, to look for histopathological signs of cellular neurotrophism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. We conducted an open single arm phase I trial. After 6 months observation, autologous BMNCs were infused into the posterior spinal cord funiculus. Safety was the primary endpoint and was defined as the absence of serious transplant-related adverse events. In addition, forced vital capacity (FVC), ALS-functional rating scale (ALS-FRS), Medical Research Council scale for assessment of muscle power (MRC), and Norris scales were assessed 6 and 3 months prior to the transplant and quarterly afterward for 1 year. Pathological studies were performed in case of death. Eleven patients were included. We did not observe any severe transplant-related adverse event, but there were 43 nonsevere events. Twenty-two (51%) resolved in ≤2 weeks and only four were still present at the end of follow-up. All were common terminology criteria for adverse events grade ≤2. No acceleration in the rate of decline of FVC, ALS-FRS, Norris, or MRC scales was observed. Four patients died on days 359, 378, 808, and 1,058 post-transplant for reasons unrelated to the procedure. Spinal cord pathological analysis showed a greater number of motoneurons in the treated segments compared with the untreated segments (4.2 ± 0.8 motoneurons per section [mns per sect] and 0.9 ± 0.3 mns per sect, respectively). In the treated segments, motoneurons were surrounded by CD90+ cells and did not show degenerative ubiquitin deposits. This clinical trial confirms not only the safety of intraspinal infusion of autologous BMNC in ALS patients but also provides evidence strongly suggesting their neurotrophic activity.

Effect of supplementation with antioxidants on the quality of bovine milk and meat production.

From a clinical point of view, oxidative stress (OS) is considered the primary cause of numerous metabolic processes in transition cow. Thus, the addition of antioxidants has been considered a palliative or preventive treatment. But beyond the clinical perspective, antioxidant supplementation provides an added value to the product obtained being either milk or meat. This paper reviews the beneficial aspects that provide antioxidant supplementation on quality of both products and that fit into the new concept that the consumer has a functional and healthy food. Our approach is from a veterinary standpoint, by reviewing the studies conducted to date and the new perspectives that are interesting and need to be studied in the following years. One of the highlights is that sustainable farming, one in which production is combined with animal health, also impacts positively on the quality of the final products, with beneficial antioxidant properties to human health.

Is adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in saliva and serum a more accurate disease detection tool than traditional redox balance parameters in early-lactating dairy cows?

Enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a marker of inflammation in domestic animals, but it is unclear whether it is a reliable marker of oxidative stress, especially in the transition period in dairy cows. This study aims to assess if ADA and redox status measurements in saliva provide the same utility to detect disease condition as that obtained from serum. Sixty-eight multiparous Holstein cows, between 2 and 3 weeks postpartum were selected. Five study groups were established: control (healthy), and cows with ketosis, mastitis, laminitis, and metritis. The parameters measured were ADA activity, total oxidants (TOS), antioxidants (TAC), and OSi ratio.Regarding redox status, no significant differences arise in both saliva and serum being the correlations negative and not significant. In saliva, ADA activity in healthy cows differs from those with pathological processes, having the lowest activities. In serum, ADA activity is similar in the healthy and ketosis cows, showing the lowest activities meanwhile animals with mastitis, laminitis, or metritis have significantly higher activities. In conclusion, the measurement of ADA activities and redox status in saliva does not give consistent results, being preferable to measure them in serum during the transition period.

Clinical case of cerebral amebiasis caused by E. histolytica.

Although amebic brain abscess is a rare form of invasive amebiasis, when present, it is frequently lethal. This disorder always begins with the infection of the colon by Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites, which then travel to extra-intestinal tissues through the bloodstream. Amebic brain abscesses are produced when trophozoites invade the central nervous system. Computerized axial tomography scans can be used to diagnose the presence or absence of a brain abscess with a certainty of 100%. However, this diagnostic tool does not reveal the etiological agent of disease. By analyzing the clinical case of a patient that died due to untimely treatment of this malady, the present study aims to identify a diagnostic tool that can give a precise determination of the etiological agent and therefore permit adequate and opportune treatment. Currently, diagnosis of amebic brain abscess is often done by identification of the ameba in a biopsy or autopsy. By immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence with specific antibodies, we identified the existence of E. histolytica, which presents proteins similar to Naegleria fowleri in its membrane.

Ruminal Fistulation and Cannulation: A Necessary Procedure for the Advancement of Biotechnological Research in Ruminants.

Rumen content is a complex mixture of feed, water, fermentation products, and living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which vary over time and with different feeds. As it is impossible to reproduce this complex system in the laboratory, surgical fistulation and cannulation of the rumen is a powerful tool for the study (in vivo and in situ) of the physiology and biochemistry of the ruminant digestive system. Rumen fistulation in cattle, sheep, and goats has been performed extensively to advance our understanding of digestive physiology and development, nutrient degradability, and rumen microbial populations. The literature reports several fistulation and cannulation procedures in ruminants, which is not the focus of this paper. However, this method questions the ethical principles that alter the opinions of certain animal groups or those opposed to animal experimentation. In this article, we analyze the objectives of fistulation and cannulation of ruminants and the care needed to ensure that the welfare of the animal is maintained at all times. Due to the ethical issues raised by this technique, several in vitro digestion methods for simulating ruminal fermentation have been developed. The most relevant ones are described in this article. Independently of the procedure, we want to point out that research carried out with animals is obliged by legislation to follow strict ethical protocols, following the well-being and health status of the animal at all times.

The COVID pandemic should introduce new habits for pet owners.

This article deals with the reality of the COVID situation as well as a series of hygienic measures that owners can adopt in relation to the handling and care of their pets (dogs, cats) including objects that can act as fomite.

Effects of Calving Body Condition Score on Blood Acid-Base Balance of Primiparous Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cows in a Commercial Dairy Farm: A Case Study.

The study was carried out on 27 healthy primiparous Holstein heifers (620 ± 50 kg) kept in a commercial dairy herd. The animals were divided into two groups taking into account the body condition score (BCS) index: BCS < 3.5, n = 12; BCS > 3.5 n = 15. The study period started one month before calving (BC), and ran until one month after calving (AC). Venous blood samples were collected 1 month and 1 week BC, and 1 week and 1 month AC. This study had two objectives: (i) to assess whether a higher or lower BCS affected total milk production and its quality; (ii) to assess changes in the internal fluid (venous pH; partial pressure of CO2, ppCO2; bicarbonate; total CO2, TCO2; base excess, BE; electrolytes Na+, K+, Cl-; and anion gap, AG) that occur during this phase depending on the BCS. We can conclude that the BCS at calving does not affect the productive status during lactation, both in terms of the quantity and quality of milk produced. The excess of crude protein (CP) added through the ration in the lactation phase can trigger a tendency to an alkalotic state, in this case compensated by respiratory buffering mechanisms, as reflected by the TCO2. The changes in electrolytes are a reflection of the movement of free water for milk production, where a balance between measurable anions and cations is observed.

Numerical modeling of bare and polymer-covered braided stents using torsional and tensile springs connectors.

Computational modeling of braided stents using the finite element (FE) method has become an essential tool in the design and development of these medical devices. One of the most challenging issues in such a task is representing in an accurate manner the interaction between the interlacing wires. With the goal of achieving a compromise between accuracy and computational affordability, we propose a new approach consisting in using 1D FE formulations equipped with torsional springs at the crossover points of the wires. In the case of covered braided stents, the model is enriched with a set of tensile springs (defined in the longitudinal direction), aimed at capturing the stiffening effect of the polymeric membrane. The predictive capabilities of the proposed model are evaluated using data of our own experimental tests, as well as data from other tests in the literature. The simulations demonstrate that the proposed model is able to predict the (markedly nonlinear) behavior of stents when subjected to radial and axial cycle loads, with errors at the end of the compression stage ranging from 0.5% to 10% in all cases.

Selection of Predatory Mites for the Biological Control of Potato Tuber Moth in Stored Potatoes.

Worldwide, the potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is one of the most severe pests affecting potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), whether in open-air crops or during tuber storage. This work examines the potential control of this pest by two species of predatory mites, Macrocheles robustulus (Berlese) and Blattisocius tarsalis (Berlese), on pest eggs under laboratory conditions. In the two first assays, the acceptance rate of the pest eggs was assessed for each predatory mite. Then, in a third assay, the functional response of B. tarsalis was studied. The results showed that Macrocheles robustulus did not prey on the pest eggs (number of eggs surviving = 4.33 ± 0.38), whereas B. tarsalis did (number of eggs surviving = 0.5 ± 0.5). Likewise, B. tarsalis showed a type II functional response when it killed the eggs. The results showed the potential use of Blattisocius tarsalis as a biological control agent of P. operculella in potato under storage conditions.