Evaluating the implementation of a hypertension program based on mHealth and community pharmacies integration to primary care centers at a municipality level in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: While pharmacists-led interventions in hypertension have proven effective in high-income countries, their implementation and impact in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) remain limited. This study assessed the implementation and outcomes of the hypertension program FarmaTeCuida (FTC), which integrated community pharmacies into the public primary care level using information and communication technologies. The study took place during the pandemic in General Pueyrredón, Buenos Aires, Argentina, so modifications to the implementation strategy and expected outcomes were also analyzed. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted using the non-adoption, abandonment, scaling-up, dissemination, and sustainability (NASSS) conceptual model. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders using snowball sampling until thematic saturation was achieved. The quantitative approach employed a quasi-experimental, prospective, longitudinal design in a cohort of hypertensive patients enrolled in the FTC program since October 2020 to March 2022. Adoption, access, adherence to follow-up, and blood pressure levels were assessed. Clinical outcomes were compared to a cohort of hypertensive patients attending primary health care centers (PHCCs) in 2021 but not enrolled in the FTC program. Routine data from this cohort was obtained from the municipal health information system (HIS). Results: Out of 33 PHCCs, 23 adopted the FTC program, but only four collaborated with community pharmacies. A total of 440 patients were recruited, with 399 (91%) enrolled at PHCCs. Hypertension was detected in 63% (279/440) of cases at the first visit (113 were possible hypertensive patients; 26 new hypertensive patients and 140 already diagnosed). During follow-up, FTC identified 52 new hypertensive patients (12% out of 440). Reduction of systolic blood pressure (SBP) was observed in patients enrolled in both the FTC program and the comparison group over 60 days. In the multivariate analysis that included all hypertensive patient (FTC and HIS) we found strong evidence that for each month of follow up, SBP was reduced by 1.12 mmHg; however, we did not find any significant effect of the FTC program on SBP trend (interaction FTC*months has a p-value = 0.23). The pandemic was identified as the main reason for the program's underperformance; in addition we identified barriers related to technology, patient suitability, implementation team characteristics, and organizational factors. Discussion: Our study, grounded in the NASSS model, highlights the profound complexity of introducing innovative strategies in low- and middle-income settings. Despite substantial challenges posed by the pandemic, these obstacles provided valuable insights, identified areas for improvement, and informed strategies essential for reshaping the care paradigm for conditions like hypertension in resource-constrained environments.

Endoscope channel drying, storage, and conditions after reprocessing: How safe are they in clinical practice?

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Adequate drying and proper storage of flexible endoscopes are essential for maintaining quality in their reprocessing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the drying stages, storage, and channel conditions of endoscopes through borescope inspection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The personnel responsible for endoscope reprocessing were interviewed. Storage conditions at 10 endoscopy facilities were inspected and an internal examination of the channels and ports of the stored equipment was carried out, utilizing a borescope. A total of 74 stored endoscope channels were evaluated. RESULTS: Only 10% of the facilities inspected utilized transport cases for storage and only 10% had rooms exclusively used for storage. Sixty percent of the facilities did not perform any shelf-life control. All the channels evaluated were scratched and fluids were present on 69% of them. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscope reprocessing can be improved through the implementation of drying and storage control and validation tools, as well as the use of borescopes and periodic clinical audits.

Guidelines for the management of coagulation disorders in patients with cirrhosis.

Coagulation management in the patient with cirrhosis has undergone a significant transformation since the beginning of this century, with the concept of a rebalancing between procoagulant and anticoagulant factors. The paradigm that patients with cirrhosis have a greater bleeding tendency has changed, as a result of this rebalancing. In addition, it has brought to light the presence of complications related to thrombotic events in this group of patients. These guidelines detail aspects related to pathophysiologic mechanisms that intervene in the maintenance of hemostasis in the patient with cirrhosis, the relevance of portal hypertension, mechanical factors for the development of bleeding, modifications in the hepatic synthesis of coagulation factors, and the changes in the reticuloendothelial system in acute hepatic decompensation and acute-on-chronic liver failure. They address new aspects related to the hemorrhagic complications in patients with cirrhosis, considering the risk for bleeding during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, as well as the usefulness of different tools for diagnosing coagulation and recommendations on the pharmacologic treatment and blood-product transfusion in the context of hemorrhage. These guidelines also update the knowledge regarding hypercoagulability in the patient with cirrhosis, as well as the efficacy and safety of treatment with the different anticoagulation regimens. Lastly, they provide recommendations on coagulation management in the context of acute-on-chronic liver failure, acute liver decompensation, and specific aspects related to the patient undergoing liver transplantation.

Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus after liver transplant and the impact of family history of diabetes in a Mexican cohort.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a serious long-term complication that has a negative impact on graft and patient survival. The purpose of the present study was to describe the incidence of PTDM in a Mexican cohort and evaluate its association with a previous family history of diabetes (FHD). METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). The primary outcome was time from LT to PTDM. The diagnosis of PTDM was established using the ADA criteria. A mediation analysis that used adjusted Cox regression models and considered pretransplant prediabetes a mediator was performed, to determine the total effect and direct effect of FHD on PTDM. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients were included, with a median follow-up time of 41 months; 19.2% (n = 29) had pretransplant diabetes. During the follow-up time, 15% of patients developed PTDM (n = 23), with an incidence rate of 4.71 cases/100 person-years. PTDM was significantly higher in patients with FHD, compared with those with no FHD (8.72 cases/100 person-years vs 2.04 cases/100 person-years, respectively; p = 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio of PTDM for FHD was 4.14 (95% CI 1.60-10.7), p = 0.005) and 3.48 (95% CI 1.35-9.01, p = 0.010), when further controlled for pretransplant prediabetes. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of PTDM was similar to that reported in most international studies. As with type 2 diabetes, family history plays an important role in the development of PTDM, even after accounting for pretransplant prediabetes. Patients with FHD should undergo a stricter metabolic program.

Current vision on diagnosis and comprehensive care in hepatic encephalopathy.

The first clinical guidelines on hepatic encephalopathy were published in 2009. Almost 14 years since that first publication, numerous advances in the field of diagnosis, treatment, and special condition care have been made. Therefore, as an initiative of the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología A.C., we present a current view of those aspects. The manuscript described herein was formulated by 24 experts that participated in six working groups, analyzing, discussing, and summarizing the following topics: Definition of hepatic encephalopathy; recommended classifications; epidemiologic panorama, worldwide and in Mexico; diagnostic tools; conditions that merit a differential diagnosis; treatment; and primary and secondary prophylaxis. Likewise, these guidelines emphasize the management of certain special conditions, such as hepatic encephalopathy in acute liver failure and acute-on-chronic liver failure, as well as specific care in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, such as the use of medications and types of sedation, describing those that are permitted or recommended, and those that are not.

Virus de la leucemia e inmunodeficiencia felina: un estudio retrospectivo en clínicas veterinarias particulares en Bogotá y Chía (Colombia), 2015-2019 / Leukemia viruses and feline immunodeficiency: a retrospective study in private veterinary clinics in Bogotá and Chía (Colombia), 2015-2019

Resumen Los virus de inmunodeficiencia y leucemia felina representan un problema de gran envergadura para los felinos domésticos debido a la multiplicidad de sintomatologías que manifiestan. El objetivo del presente estudio fue establecer, retrospectivamente, la prevalencia en la presentación de ViLeF y VIF en pacientes de seis clínicas de pequeños animales en Bogotá y Chía, en relación con factores como su edad, raza y género. Se realizó un estudio transversal y retrospectivo, mediante la recopilación de datos de 1.014 historias clínicas de pacientes felinos que ingresaron a seis clínicas de la ciudad de Bogotá y Chía, para determinar la prevalencia de VIF y ViLeF y la asociación de estas con factores como edad, género y raza, entre 2015 y 2019, a través de la prueba OR. La detección de los virus se realizó mediante una prueba rápida basada en inmunocromatografía. La mayor prevalencia para cada enfermedad por año fue: 12,3% para VIF en 2012 y 18% para ViLeF en 2019. Los machos presentaron mayores seroprevalencias para ambas enfermedades durante la mayoría los años evaluados. Factores como raza (criolla: VIF: 1,85; ViLeF: 2,01), género (macho: VIF: 1,53 OR; ViLeF: 1,64) y edad (> 7 años: VIF: 3,82; ViLeF: 3,21) se relacionaron positivamente con la presentación de ambas enfermedades en la población felina evaluada.

Abstract Immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus represent major problems for domestic felines due to the multiplicity of symptoms they manifest. The objective of the present study was to establish, retrospectively, the prevalence in the presentation of FeLV and FIV in patients from six small animal clinics in Bogota and Chia, related to factors such as age, race, and gender. A cross-sectional and retrospective study was carried out, collecting data from 1.014 clinical records of feline patients who were admitted to six clinics in the city of Bogota and Chia, to determine the prevalence of FIV and FeLV and their association with factors such as age, gender, and race, between 2015 and 2019 through the OR test. The detection of the viruses was carried out through a rapid test based on immunochromatography. The highest prevalence for each disease per year was 12,3% for FIV in 2012 and 18% for FeLV in 2019. Males presented higher seroprevalences for both diseases during most of the years evaluated. Factors such as race (Creole: FIV: 1,85; FeLV: 2,01), gender (male: FIV: 1.53 OR, FeLV: 1,64), and age (> 7 years: FIV: 3.82; FeLV: 3.21) were positively related to the presentation of both diseases in the feline population evaluated.

Long-term outcomes of spinal SBRT. Is it important to select the treatment time?

PURPOSE: SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy) is widely used as a curative treatment in tumoral lesions and has become a fundamental tool for the treatment of spine metastasis. In this study, we present survival and toxicity outcomes of spine SBRT after a 2-year follow-up. METHODS/PATIENTS: Data from spine SBRT treatments performed at our institution between March 2012 and February 2020 was collected. Medical records, including demographic, primary tumor, and treatment characteristics were reviewed. Patient follow-up included clinical evaluation, imaging, and blood tests. Toxicity was recorded according to CTCAE v4.0. RESULTS: We analyzed 73 consecutive spine SBRT treatments in 60 patients. 39.7% of the cases had primary breast cancer and 23.3% had prostate cancer. Most cases (87.7%) were treated with a single SBRT fraction of 16 Gy. Median follow-up was 26.1 months (range 1.7-78.6), and 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates were 96.9% and 84.2%, respectively. Local control (LC) rates at 1- and 2-years were 76.3% and 70.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified histology as a prognostic factor for both OS and LC. Patients who underwent spine SBRT 6 months after the spinal lesion diagnosis had LC at 2 years of 88%, vs 61.7% for those who underwent SBRT before this period. No grade III or higher toxicity was reported. The vertebral compression fracture (VCF) rate was 4.1%. CONCLUSION: Spine SBRT at our institution showed a 2-year LC of 70.6%, without G3 toxicities. Delaying SBRT at least 6 months to administer systemic treatment was related to an improvement in local control.

Propuesta teórica para el cambio de conducta en el consumo excesivo de alcohol en adolescentes / Theory-based proposal for changing the behavior of adolescents consuming alcohol in excess / Proposta teórica para mudança de comportamento no consumo excessivo de álcool em adolescentes

RESUMEN Introducción El consumo de alcohol en los adolescentes es un problema cada vez más frecuente y va en aumento debido a que el consumo episódico excesivo es una tendencia cada vez más común en esta población. Para el profesional de enfermería de primer nivel de atención, se vuelve necesario implementar herramientas sustentadas en evidencia científica como una alternativa factible que responda a las necesidades actuales. Objetivo Desarrollar una propuesta de aplicación a partir de la Teoría de Situación Específica del Modelo de Intención de Cambio (I-Change) enfocada al cambio de conducta del consumo excesivo de bebidas alcohólicas en adolescentes. Desarrollo Se utilizó la metodología de tres pasos propuesta por Fawcett. Para la revisión de literatura sobre consumo excesivo de bebidas alcohólicas, se emplearon términos en inglés y español, así como los operadores booleanos AND y OR en diversas bases de datos, posteriormente se construyó una estructura conceptual teórico-empírica de la propuesta de la Teoría de Situación Específica para el consumo excesivo de bebidas alcohólicas. Conclusiones La presente propuesta supone una alternativa para lograr el cambio de conducta del consumo excesivo de bebidas alcohólicas a través de un proceso motivacional de tres fases (premotivacional, motivacional y postmotivacional). Implementar esta propuesta, busca dar solución a una problemática que genera una carga importante de salud en una población vulnerable. Los hallazgos derivados de su aplicación pueden aportar evidencia para la labor del profesional de enfermería en el campo de la prevención del consumo de alcohol.

ABSTRACT Introduction Alcohol consumption among adolescents is a growing and frequent problem. Moreover, the episodic but excessive consumption of alcohol is becoming more common among the population. This situation makes it necessary for the nursing professional practicing in primary care to implement strategies and tools based on scientific evidence to address this problem. Objective Based on the Change Intention Model Specific Situation Theory (I-Change), to develop a proposal aimed at changing the behaviors of adolescents who binge drinking. Development The three steps methodology proposed by Fawcett was used. Using both English and Spanish terms, as well as the boolean operators AND and OR, diverse databases, were consulted regarding the literature on binge drinking. The conceptual theoretical- empirical structure of the proposal based on the Specific Situation Theory (binge drinking) was then constituted. Conclusions The present proposal offers an alternative to achieve a behavior change regarding binge drinking through a motivational process of three phases: pre-motivational, motivational, and post-motivational. This proposal can be implemented in order to address the problem of binge drinking among adolescents. The findings derived from this application can further provide evidence to the nursing professionals practicing alcohol consumption prevention.

RESUMO Introdução O consumo de álcool em adolescentes é um problema cada vez mais frequente e está aumentando, pois o consumo episódico excessivo é uma tendência cada vez mais comum nessa população. Para o profissional de enfermagem de atenção básica, torna-se necessária a implementação de ferramentas baseadas em evidências científicas como uma alternativa viável que responda às necessidades atuais. Objetivo Desenvolver uma proposta de aplicação baseada na Teoria da Situação Específica do Modelo de Intenção de Mudança (I-Change) focada na mudança comportamental no consumo excessivo episódico de álcool em adolescentes. Desenvolvimento Foi utilizada a metodologia de três etapas proposta por Fawcett. Para a revisão da literatura sobre o consumo episódico excessivo de álcool, foram utilizados termos em inglês e espanhol, bem como os operadores booleanos AND e OR em diversas bases de dados, posteriormente foi construída uma estrutura conceitual teórico-empírica da Teoria proposta. para o consumo episódico excessivo de álcool. Conclusões A presente proposta supõe uma alternativa para alcançar a mudança de comportamento do consumo episódico excessivo de álcool através de um processo motivacional de três fases (pré-motivacional, motivacional e pós-motivacional). A implementação desta proposta busca responder a um problema que gera uma carga significativa de saúde em uma população vulnerável. Os achados derivados de sua aplicação podem fornecer evidências para a atuação do profissional de enfermagem no campo da prevenção do consumo de álcool.

Psychosocial evaluation for liver transplantation: A brief guide for gastroenterologists. / Evaluación psicosocial para trasplante hepático: una guía breve para gastroenterólogos.

Liver transplantation is a lifesaving treatment that improves survival and quality of life. The procedure requires adequate transplant candidate selection carried out by a multidisciplinary team. Psychosocial evaluation is a necessary part of recipient selection and its primary aims are to identify problems and psychosocial needs of the patient and his/her family, to improve transplantation outcomes. Different psychosocial conditions are considered risk factors for morbidity and mortality after transplantation. The presence of those factors per se is not an absolute contraindication, thus adequate evaluation promotes equal access to healthcare, improves results, and optimizes resources. The present review provides an overview of and guidelines for the most important psychosocial issues during the pretransplantation phase.

Interaction among species, time-of-day, and soil water potential on biochemical and physiological characteristics of cladodes of Opuntia.

The physiology and biochemistry of young Opuntia spp. cladodes relate with their Crassulacean acid metabolism, which extends over the day-night cycle in four phases, is species-dependent and is affected by water availability. This study aimed to assess the interaction among species, time-of-day, and the soil water potential (ΨW) on biochemical and physiological characteristics of cladodes of Opuntia species. Three-week-old cladodes were harvested at 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from plants with or without irrigation for 30 d (-0.17 and -5.72 MPa soil ΨW), from O. albicarpa, O. ficus-indica, O. hyptiacantha, O. megacantha, and O. streptacantha. The experimental design was a factorial 5 x 2 x 2 (species, sampling time and soil ΨW). The experimental unit was one cladode per plant, and six repetitions were evaluated. Total acids, glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, total phenolics, free amino acids, and soluble proteins concentrations were evaluated, as well as acid invertase and neutral invertase activities. The interaction among species x soil ΨW and species x time of the day was significant (P ≤ 0.05) in all variables evaluated. An exception was the species x soil ΨW on starch concentration (P = 0.1827). The biochemical and physiological characteristics of Opuntia cladodes were modified by the time of the day and soil ΨW interaction, but most of the characteristics were positively or inversely affected depending on the species, frequently displaying a descending trend following O. streptacantha, O. hyptiacantha, O. megacantha, O. albicarpa and O. ficus-indica. The total acids, glucose, fructose, starch, soluble proteins, and free amino acids concentrations revealed that domestication significantly modifies C and N metabolism in Opuntia.

Falla hepática aguda sobre crónica (ACLF), síndrome subdiagnosticado con alta mortalidad / Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), an underdiagnosed syndrome with high mortality

Acute on chronic liver failure is an increasingly recognized syndrome characterized by acute decompensation of chronic liver disease associated with organ failure and high short-term mortality. ACLF is frequent, affecting between 24 and 40% of patients admitted for complications of cirrhosis. Sepsis, active alcoholism, and relapse of chronic viral hepatitis are the most frequent precipitating factors. However, in up to 40%­50% of the cases of ACLF have no identifiable trigger. The stage of severity of Acute on chronic liver failure is very important because it allows us to stratify patients according to their prognosis, evaluate therapeutic response, determine transplant urgency, deciding intensive care unit admission, and also have a basis on which to decide therapeutic futility. (AU)

Incertidumbre y afrontamiento en familiares de personas dependientes del alcohol: apoyo social y espiritualidad / Uncertainty and coping among relatives of alcohol dependent persons: social support and spirituality / Incerteza e enfrentamento em parentes de pessoas dependentes de álcool: apoio social e espiritualidade

Resumen Introducción: La dependencia al alcohol, considerada como una enfermedad crónica, es un detonante de incertidumbre para el familiar de la persona con dependencia, lo cual genera trastornos emocionales negativos. El apoyo social y la espiritualidad son mecanismos de afrontamiento que podrían disminuir la incertidumbre y favorecer el bienestar tanto físico, como psicológico. Objetivos: Determinar la relación y el efecto del apoyo social y la espiritualidad sobre la incertidumbre del familiar de la persona dependiente del alcohol. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y correlacional, muestra de 135 mujeres pertenecientes a grupos Al-Anon, se utilizaron la Escala de Percepción de Incertidumbre en Padres y Miembros de la Familia (PPUS-FM) de Mishel, el cuestionario MOS-SSS de Sherbourne y Stewart y la Escala de Perspectiva Espiritual elaborada por Reed. Resultados: Se identificó un coeficiente de correlación negativo y significativo de la incertidumbre con el apoyo social (r s= -.356, p <.01) y la espiritualidad (r s= -.216, p <.05). Mediante un modelo de regresión lineal general univariado se determinó que únicamente el apoyo social influye en la disminución de la incertidumbre (β= -.280, t= -3.62, p= .001) con un coeficiente de determinación o varianza explicada del 11.5%, mientras que la espiritualidad no mostró efecto (β= -.041, t= .218, p >.05) sobre la incertidumbre. Conclusiones: El apoyo social es identificado como un mecanismo de afrontamiento efectivo que permitirá al personal de enfermería desarrollar intervenciones dirigidas a reducir la incertidumbre en familiares de personas con algún tipo de dependencia.

Abstract Introduction: Alcohol dependency is a chronic illness which generates uncertainty and other emotional problems among the relatives of persons who suffer alcoholism. Social support and spirituality are some coping mechanisms which could reduce uncertainty and favor the physical and psychological wellbeing. Objective: To determine the relationship and the effect of social support and spirituality on the uncertainty experienced by relatives of alcohol dependent persons. Methods: This is a descriptive and correlational study. The sample was constituted by 135 women members of Al-Anon. The Mishel Scale of Perception of Uncertainty among Parents and Family Members (PPUS-FM), the Sherbourne and Stewart Questionnaire, and the Reed Spiritual Perspective Scale were all used. Results: Significant negative correlation coefficients between uncertainty and social support (r s= -.356, p .05). and spirituality (r s= -.216, p .05). were identified. Using a univariate general linear regression model, it was determined that only social supports reduced uncertainty (β= -.280, t= -3.62, p= .001) with 11.5% of variance explained; while spirituality did not produce any effect (β = -.041, t= .218, p >.05). Conclusions: Social support is identified as a coping mechanism which can be used by nursing staff to develop interventions aimed at reducing uncertainty among relatives of alcohol dependent persons.

Resumo Introdução: A dependência do álcool, considerada como uma doença crónica, é um gatilho de incerteza para o familiar da pessoa com dependência, o qual gera transtornos emocionais negativos. O suporte social e a espiritualidade são mecanismos de enfrentamento que poderiam diminuir a incerteza e favorecer o bem-estar tanto físico, quanto psicológico. Objetivos: Determinar a relação e o efeito do suporte social e a espiritualidade sobre a incerteza do familiar da pessoa dependente de álcool. Métodos: Estudo descritivo e correlacional, amostra de 135 mulheres pertencentes aos grupos Al-Anon, utilizaram-se a Escala de Percepção de Incerteza em Pais e Membros da Família (PPUS-FM) de Mishel, o questionário MOS-SSS de Sherbourne e Stewart e a Escala de Perspectiva Espiritual elaborada por Reed. Resultados: Identificou-se um coeficiente de correlação negativo e significativo da incerteza com o apoio social (r s= -.356, p <.01) e a espiritualidade (r s= -.216, p <.05). Mediante um modelo de regressão linear geral univariado determinou-se que unicamente o apoio social influencia a diminuição da incerteza (β= -.280, t= -3.62, p= .001) com um coeficiente de determinação ou variância explicada do 11.5%, enquanto a espiritualidade não mostrou efeito (β= -.041, t= .218, p >.05) sobre a incerteza. Conclusões: O suporte social é identificado como um mecanismo de enfrentamento eficaz que permitirá ao pessoal de enfermagem desenvolver intervenções dirigidas a reduzir a incerteza em familiares de pessoas com algum tipo de dependência.

Insect Pollination, More than Plant Nutrition, Determines Yield Quantity and Quality in Apple and Pear.

Agricultural yield is the result of multiple factors and ecological processes (e.g., pollination, fertilization, pest control). Understanding how the different factors interact is fundamental to designing management practices aimed to increase these yields, which are environmental friendly and sustainable over time. In this study, we focus on insect pollination and plant nutrition status, since they are two key factors that influence crop yield. The study was carried out in Northwest Patagonia Argentina, which is an area of intensive production of pears and apples of global importance, during the harvest seasons 2018 and 2019. The plant nutrition was estimated from leaf chlorophyll content. Biotic pollination benefits were evaluated by comparing fruit quantity (fruit to flower ratio) and quality (weight, size, and sugar concentration) from approximately 25 flowers exposed to pollinators and 25 flowers excluded to them per tree (a total of 160 apple trees and 130 pear trees). In addition, we estimated the visitation rate of pollinators to flowers and related it to fruit quality in apple. Despite different floral characteristics, we found in both crops a positive effect of insect pollination in both the quantity and the quality of the fruits. Interestingly, the nutrition of the trees, although variable, did not affect either the quantity or the quality of the fruits. Despite the weak effect of nutrition, we found no interaction between pollination and plant nutrition (i.e., additive effects). These results highlight the importance of agricultural practices that promote pollinators on farms.

Frecuencia de anticuerpos contra el virus de la leucosis bovina (VLB) en leche de tanque / Frequency of Antibodies against Bovine Leukosis Virus in Bulk Tank Milk

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar presencia de anticuerpos contra VLB en muestras de leche de tanques, en varios departamentos de Colombia. Materiales y métodos. De 2220 muestras llegadas al laboratorio de calidad de la leche de la Universidad de Antioquia para análisis de calidad para pago de una quincena en el mes de mayo de 2016, se seleccionaron 329 al azar y de manera ponderada según el número de muestras disponibles para cada uno de los 7 departamentos participantes. Estas muestras fueron sometidas a la prueba de ELISA para determinar la presencia de anticuerpos contra VLB. Resultados. El resultado principal de este análisis al azar de tanques de leche en busca de anticuerpos contra BLV, fue la positividad de los predios en rangos que oscilan entre el 57 y el 100%; el abordaje de este problema de salud bovina en Colombia es posible mediante las muestras de leche de tanque que rutinariamente llegan a los laboratorios de análisis de calidad. Conclusiones. La infección con BLV está presente en Colombia, el establecimiento de programas de control se podría hacer aprovechando las muestras de leche que se envían de rutina a los laboratorios acreditados para pago.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the presence of anti-BLV antibodies in samples from bulk tank milk from several Colombian states. Materials and methods. Out of 2220 samples arriving to the quality milk laboratory from the University of Antioquia in a fortnight period from the month of may 2016, 329 were randomly selected according to the number of samples per each one of the 7 states participating in the study. These samples were run through ELISA test for anti-BLV antibodies. Results. The main result of this random analysis of milk tanks in search of antibodies against BLV was the positivity of the farms in ranks ranging from 57 to 100%; the approach to this bovine health problem in Colombia is possible through the tank milk samples that routinely reach the quality analysis laboratories. Conclusions. The infection with BLV is present in Colombia, the establishment of control programs could be done taking advantage of the samples of milk that are sent routinely to the laboratories accredited for payment.

Rare Earth-Based Compounds as Inhibitors of Hot-Corrosion Induced by Vanadium Salts.

In this study, the performance evaluation of lanthanum compounds as corrosion inhibitors of vanadium salts was performed. The inhibitors tested were lanthanum acetate and La2O3. The performance of the inhibitors was tested using sodium metavanadate (NaVO3) as a corrosive medium at 700, 800, and 900 °C. The corrosion inhibitory effect was evaluated on the corrosion process of 304H stainless steel. The corrosion rate of the steel was determined by the mass loss technique after 100 h of immersion in the corrosive salt with and without the addition of the corrosion inhibitor. The results show that lanthanum compounds act as corrosion inhibitors of vanadium salts. The inhibitory effect increases by increasing the concentration and tends to decrease when increasing the test temperature. Lanthanum compounds act as excellent corrosion inhibitors due to their ability to stabilize vanadium cations. Vanadium is stabilized by forming a new compound, lanthanum vanadate (LaVO4), with a melting point much higher than the compounds formed when Mg or Ni compounds are used as corrosion inhibitors.

Circulating exosomes deliver free fatty acids from the bloodstream to cardiac cells: Possible role of CD36.

Regulation of circulating free fatty acid (FFA) levels and delivery is crucial to maintain tissue homeostasis. Exosomes are nanomembranous vesicles that are released from diverse cell types and mediate intercellular communication by delivering bioactive molecules. Here, we sought to investigate the uptake of FFAs by circulating exosomes, the delivery of FFA-loaded exosomes to cardiac cells and the possible role of the FFA transporter CD36 in these processes. Circulating exosomes were purified from the serum of healthy donors after an overnight fast (F) or 20 minutes after a high caloric breakfast (postprandial, PP). Western blotting, Immunogold Electron Microscopy and FACS analysis of circulating exosomes showed that CD36 was expressed under both states, but was higher in postprandial-derived exosomes. Flow cytometry analysis showed that circulating exosomes were able to take-up FFA directly from serum. Importantly, preincubation of exosomes with a blocking CD36 antibody significantly impeded uptake of the FFA analogue BODIPY, pointing to the role of CD36 in FFA exosomal uptake. Finally, we found that circulating exosomes could delivery FFA analogue BODIPY into cardiac cells ex vivo and in vivo in a mice model. Overall, our results suggest a novel mechanism in which circulating exosomes can delivery FFAs from the bloodstream to cardiac tissue. Further studies will be necessary to understand this mechanism and, in particular, its potential involvement in metabolic pathologies such as obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

High BAFF expression associated with active disease in systemic lupus erythematosus and relationship with rs9514828C>T polymorphism in TNFSF13B gene.

B cell-activating factor (BAFF) promotes the survival, proliferation and maturation of B lymphocytes, which are key elements in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This cytokine is encoded on TNFSF13B gene, and diverse single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been associated with susceptibility in different autoimmune disorders. In this study, the relationship of TNFSF13B gene rs9514827T>C, rs1041567T>A and rs9514828C>T polymorphisms, mRNA expression and soluble BAFF levels was investigated in 175 SLE patients and 208 healthy controls (HC). The TNFSF13B polymorphisms were evaluated by PCR-RFLP technique. The TNFSF13B gene expression was quantified through the RT-PCR assays. The soluble BAFF (sBAFF) levels were measured with ELISA test. There were no differences in genotype and allele frequencies for the three TNFSF13B polymorphisms, between SLE patients and HC. SLE patients showed 3.15-fold more TNFSF13B gene expression than HC. The patients who displayed most mRNA expression were those with active disease and the carriers of rs9514828 T variant allele. The sBAFF serum levels were higher in SLE patients compared to HC (2.083 vs. 0.742 ng/mL, p < 0.001). The SLE patients with active disease showed the higher sBAFF serum levels (2.403 ng/mL), mainly patients with lupus nephritis and hematological manifestations. In addition, a correlation of sBAFF with disease activity was found (r = 0.32, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the TNFSF13B gene polymorphisms were not found to be associated with SLE susceptibility in Mexican mestizos. Nevertheless, rs9514828C>T polymorphism seems to increase TNFSF13B gene expression. High BAFF expression is related to active disease, renal and hematological involvement; therefore, it could be considered as follow-up biomarker in SLE patients.

Oxidative Stress in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 Is Associated with Disease Severity.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 is a neurodegenerative inherited disease caused by a CAG expansion in the coding region of the ATXN7 gene, which results in the synthesis of polyglutamine-containing ataxin-7. Expression of mutant ataxin-7 disturbs different cell processes, including transcriptional regulation, protein conformation and clearance, autophagy, and glutamate transport; however, mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in SCA7 are still unknown. Implication of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases, including polyglutamine disorders, has recently emerged. We perform a cross-sectional study to determine for the first time pheripheral levels of different oxidative stress markers in 29 SCA7 patients and 28 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Patients with SCA7 exhibit oxidative damage to lipids (high levels of lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde) and proteins (elevated levels of advanced oxidation protein products and protein carbonyls). Furthermore, SCA7 patients showed enhanced activity of various anti-oxidant enzymes (glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and paraoxonase) as well as increased total anti-oxidant capacity, which suggest that activation of the antioxidant defense system might occur to counteract oxidant damage. Strikingly, we found positive correlation between some altered oxidative stress markers and disease severity, as determined by different clinical scales, with early-onset patients showing a more severe disturbance of the redox system than adult-onset patients. In summay, our results suggest that oxidative stress might contribute to SCA7 pathogenesis. Furthermore, oxidative stress biomarkers that were found relevant to SCA7 in this study could be useful to follow disease progression and monitor therapeutic intervention.

Modulation of physiologic parameters in molted Isa Brown laying-hens by glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation

Feed costs are the main limiting factors in poultry industry and alternative sources of food and/or feed supplements to optimize the bird´s life cycle and to extend their production period need to be explored. This study evaluated morphometric parameters of the small intestine and gonadotropin transcript levels in Isa Brown laying hens supplemented with glutamine + glutamic acid (Aminogut®) during a second production cycle. Molting was induced and groups of 100 hens each, were supplemented with 0, 0.8, 1.6 or 2.4% Aminogut® in their diet. At the end of the experimental period, tissue sections from duodenum, jejunum and ileum were processed by the Hematoxylin-Eosin technique and samples from hypothalamus and hypophysis were collected for RT-PCR analysis of GnRH and GnRHR transcript levels. As results, the height of the intestinal villi of the duodenum and ileum was significantly (p<0.05) higher in hens supplemented with 0.8% and 1.6% Aminogut®, while in the jejunum, no significant differences were found. Hens treated with increased doses of Aminogut® tended to increase GnRH transcripts levels, whereas those of GnRHR tended to decrease proportionally. It is concluded that supplementation of Isa Brown laying hens during a second production cycle with Aminogut® developed increased villus height in duodenum and ileum that may promote better absorption of nutrients and potentially to increase the egg production. This study shows the importance of molecular techniques such as RT-PCR to support the biological effects of nutritional compounds on morphological parameters and hen productivity.(AU)

Modulation of physiologic parameters in molted Isa Brown laying-hens by glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation

Feed costs are the main limiting factors in poultry industry and alternative sources of food and/or feed supplements to optimize the bird´s life cycle and to extend their production period need to be explored. This study evaluated morphometric parameters of the small intestine and gonadotropin transcript levels in Isa Brown laying hens supplemented with glutamine + glutamic acid (Aminogut®) during a second production cycle. Molting was induced and groups of 100 hens each, were supplemented with 0, 0.8, 1.6 or 2.4% Aminogut® in their diet. At the end of the experimental period, tissue sections from duodenum, jejunum and ileum were processed by the Hematoxylin-Eosin technique and samples from hypothalamus and hypophysis were collected for RT-PCR analysis of GnRH and GnRHR transcript levels. As results, the height of the intestinal villi of the duodenum and ileum was significantly (p<0.05) higher in hens supplemented with 0.8% and 1.6% Aminogut®, while in the jejunum, no significant differences were found. Hens treated with increased doses of Aminogut® tended to increase GnRH transcripts levels, whereas those of GnRHR tended to decrease proportionally. It is concluded that supplementation of Isa Brown laying hens during a second production cycle with Aminogut® developed increased villus height in duodenum and ileum that may promote better absorption of nutrients and potentially to increase the egg production. This study shows the importance of molecular techniques such as RT-PCR to support the biological effects of nutritional compounds on morphological parameters and hen productivity.