Lupin (Lupinus spp.) seeds exert anthelmintic activity associated with their alkaloid content.

The growing range of drug resistant parasitic nematode populations threatens the sustainability of ruminant farming worldwide. In this context, nutraceuticals, animal feed that provides necessary dietary requirements while ensuring parasite control, could contribute to increase farming sustainability in developed and low resource settings. In this study, we evaluated the anthelmintic potential of lupin seed extracts against the major ruminant trichostrongylids, Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta. In vitro observations showed that seed extracts from commercially available lupin varieties could significantly but moderately inhibit larval migration. This anthelmintic effect was mediated by the seed alkaloid content and was potent against both fully susceptible and multidrug resistant H. contortus isolates as well as a susceptible T. circumcincta isolate. Analytical chemistry revealed a set of four lupanine and sparteine-derivatives with anthelmintic activity, and electrophysiology assays on recombinant nematode acetylcholine receptors suggested an antagonistic mode of action for lupin alkaloids. An in vivo trial in H. contortus infected lupin-fed ewes and goats failed to demonstrate any direct anthelmintic effect of crude lupin seeds but infected lupin-fed goats suffered significantly less parasite-mediated blood losses. Altogether, our findings suggest that the anthelmintic potential of lupin remains limited. However, the potent alkaloids identified could lead to the development of novel drugs or may be used in combination with current anthelmintics to improve their efficacy.

Improving the quality of care and patient experience of care during the diagnosis of lupus: a qualitative study of primary care.

Purpose To better understand diagnostic delay and doctor-patient communication during the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematous in patients without malar rash, we conducted a qualitative study of primary care providers' perceptions. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of eight primary care physicians in Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Telephone interviews were recorded, transcribed, reviewed, and coded for domains and themes. Results We identified five domains related to diagnosis: initial assessment and tests, initial diagnosis and empiric treatment, timeliness of diagnosis, communicating with the patient, and opportunities for improvement. In the absence of malar rash, the lupus manifestations are common while the disease is rare. Once the primary care provider believes that the disease may be autoimmune, they work with a rheumatologist, but this could take months. Initially, the physician assesses whether the condition is self-limiting or responds to empiric treatments. Over time, as empiric treatments fail or additional lupus manifestations emerge, the primary care provider makes a referral. Doctor-patient communication is critical to help the physician make sense of the symptoms, maintain trust, and assure the patient that he or she is receiving appropriate care. Patient persistence and communication are critically important. Continuing education was deemed essential by each physician. Conclusion In the absence of malar rash, a lupus diagnosis can be difficult. Enhanced doctor-patient communication, patient persistence, physician access to rheumatology and continuing education of primary care might improve time to diagnosis and the patient's experience with primary care. This knowledge is transferable to other rare, complex diseases.

Transition excitation at 0.9 microm by multiphoton pumping of Nd(3+)-doped fibers.

Multiwavelength oscillations near 0.9 microm (i.e., 0.88-0.98 microm) have been obtained in a Nd(3+)-doped silica-based single-mode optical fiber. The laser pump wavelength is 1.064 microm, with an average pump power of approximately 1.8 GW/m(2). The observed emission rate has reached a few percent. We discuss the possibility that this fluorescence or perhaps superfluorescence arises by multiphoton absorption.

Analysis of frequency-doubling processes in optical fibers using Raman spectroscopy.

We have experimentally found a correlation between the nonlinear characteristics of frequency-doubling optical fibers and a specific modification of their Raman spectra. We propose a tentative interpretation of the physical origin of these phenomena, based on the assumption of the existence of small Si-O rings inside the fiber material. These structures would explain the nonzero value of the second-order nonlinear susceptibility.