Osteopenia and Osteoporosis in Patients with Bronchiectasis: Association with Respiratory Parameters, Body Composition, Muscle Strength and Bone Remodeling Biomarkers.

The prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis has not been sufficiently studied in people with bronchiectasis not due to cystic fibrosis (BC), nor has its relationship with other variables (clinical, body composition and bone turnover and inflammation markers) been sufficiently studied. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis and related factors in patients with BC. We did a cross-sectional study in people with BC in a clinically stable state. Spirometric parameters, annual exacerbations and analysis with bone turnover markers (BTM) and inflammation markers were evaluated. Densitometry (DXA) was performed for body composition, bone mineral density (BMD) and handgrip strength. 123 patients were studied (65% women, mean age 49.6 ± 18.8, Body Mass Index (BMI) 24.8 ± 4.7 kg/m2). 62.8% and 62.5% of men and women, respectively, had normal bone mineral density, 30.2% and 22.2% osteopenia and 7% and 15% osteoporosis. 52 patients (56.2%) had low fat-free mass: 68.9% women and 28.6% men. Patients with decreased bone mass had significantly lower muscle strength, maximum expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%), vitamin D, higher levels of C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) and total osteocalcin and underarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC). We observed significant and negative correlations between BMD and the number of serious exacerbations per year CTX and undercarboxylated osteocalcin. We observed significant positive correlations between BMD, fat free mass index (FFMI) and handgrip dynamometry. The study suggest that the prevalence of osteoporosis was high in relation to the demographic characteristics. Respiratory parameters, body composition, muscle strength and bone remodeling markers were associated with a lower bone mineral density.

Genetic and environmental risk factors for vitiligo and melanoma in Pura Raza Español horses.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo and melanoma are relatively common disorders in grey Pura Raza Español horses and other horse breeds with grey-coloured coats. OBJECTIVES: To determine the breed prevalence, environmental risks factors and estimate the genetic parameters for vitiligo and melanoma in Pura Raza Español horses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: We analysed data from a large worldwide population of Pura Raza Español horses. The database included the vitiligo and melanoma scores, on either a four- or six-point linear scale, of 11,436 horses. Genetic parameters were estimated using a Bayesian genetic animal model including the four associated environmental risk factors as systematic effects. Inbreeding was used as a covariate, and animal and residual effects were included as random effects. RESULTS: Of the horses included in the study, 2.8 and 20.5% showed some traces of vitiligo around the eyes and mouth, respectively, while 1.6% showed varying degrees of melanoma. Age, coat colour and inbreeding were significantly associated with the three outcomes studied. The estimated heritability for the whole population was 0.09 (s.d. +0.019), 0.44 (s.d. +0.031) and 0.13 (s.d. +0.037), for eye vitiligo score, nostril vitiligo score and melanoma scores respectively. The genetic correlations ranged from 0.42 (s.d. +0.084) between eye and nostril vitiligo score to 0.15 (s.d. +0.096) between nostril vitiligo and melanoma. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Vitiligo scores for the perianal regions were not collected. The veterinarian responsible for each assessment was not recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Vitiligo and melanoma are prevalent in this population and those environmental risk factors and genetics both have an effect on the clinical expression of the diseases. These findings may help to reduce prevalence through breeding programmes.

Designing an early selection morphological linear traits index for dressage in the Pura Raza Español horse.

Making a morphological pre-selection of Pura Raza Español horses (PRE) for dressage is a challenging task within its current breeding program. The aim of our research was to design an early genetic selection morphological linear traits index to improve dressage performance, using 26 morphological linear traits and six dressage traits (walk, trot, canter, submission, general impression - partial scores - and total score) as selection criteria. The data set included morphological linear traits of 10 127 PRE (4159 males and 5968 females) collected between 2008 and 2013 (one record per horse) and 19 095 dressage traits of 1545 PRE (1476 males and 69 females; 12.4 records of average) collected between 2004 and 2014. A univariate animal model was applied to predict the breeding values (PBV). A partial least squares regression analysis was used to select the most predictive morphological linear traits PBV on the dressage traits PBV. According to the Wold Criterion, the 13 morphological linear traits (width of head, head-neck junction, upper neck line, neck-body junction, width of chest, angle of shoulder, lateral angle of knee, frontal angle of knee, cannon bone perimeter, length of croup, angle of croup, ischium-stifle distance and lateral hock angle) most closely related to total score PBV, partial scores PBV and gait scores PBV (walk, trot and canter) were selected. A multivariate genetic analysis was performed among the 13 morphological linear traits selected and the six dressage traits to estimate the genetic parameters. After it, the selection index theory was used to compute the expected genetic response using different strategies. The expected genetic response of total score PBV (0.76), partial scores PBV (0.04) and gait scores PBV (0.03) as selection objectives using morphological linear traits PBV as criteria selection were positive, but lower than that obtained using dressage traits PBV (1.80, 0.16 and 0.14 for total score PBV, partial scores PBV and gait scores PBV) or dressage traits PBV and morphological linear traits PBV (2.97, 0.16 and 0.15 for total score PBV, partial scores PBV and gait scores PBV), as selection criteria. This suggests that it is possible to preselect the PRE without dressage traits PBV using as selection criteria the morphological linear traits PBV, but the expected genetic response will be lower.

Modelling genetic evaluation for dressage in Pura Raza Español horses with focus on the rider effect.

The most popular use of the Pura Raza Español horse in sport is for dressage competitions. Tests on young sport horses were first established in 2004 in Spain to collect data for the genetic evaluation of this breed's suitability for dressage. The aim of this study was to compare eight different models to find out the most appropriate way to include the rider in the genetic evaluation of dressage. A progressive removal of systematic effects from model was also analysed. A total of 8867 performance records collected between 2004 and 2011 from 1234 horses aged between 4 and 6 years old were used. The final score in the dressage test was used as the performance trait. The pedigree matrix contained 8487 individuals. A BLUP animal model was applied using a Bayesian approach with TM software. The horse's age, gender, travelling time, training level, stud of birth and event were included as systematic effects in all the models. Apart from the animal and residual effects that were present in all models, different models were compared combining random effects such as the rider, match (i.e. rider-horse interaction) and permanent environmental effects. A cross-validation approach was used to evaluate the models' prediction ability. The best model included the permanent environmental, rider and match random effects. As far as systematic effects are concerned, the event or the stud of birth was essential effects needed to fit the data.

Behavioral, neurochemical and morphological changes induced by the overexpression of munc18-1a in brain of mice: relevance to schizophrenia.

Overexpression of the mammalian homolog of the unc-18 gene (munc18-1) has been described in the brain of subjects with schizophrenia. Munc18-1 protein is involved in membrane fusion processes, exocytosis and neurotransmitter release. A transgenic mouse strain that overexpresses the protein isoform munc18-1a in the brain was characterized. This animal displays several schizophrenia-related behaviors, supersensitivity to hallucinogenic drugs and deficits in prepulse inhibition that reverse after antipsychotic treatment. Relevant brain areas (that is, cortex and striatum) exhibit reduced expression of dopamine D(1) receptors and dopamine transporters together with enhanced amphetamine-induced in vivo dopamine release. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates decreased gray matter volume in the transgenic animal. In conclusion, the mouse overexpressing brain munc18-1a represents a new valid animal model that resembles functional and structural abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia. The animal could provide valuable insights into phenotypic aspects of this psychiatric disorder.

The prevalence and abundance of helminth parasites in stray dogs from the city of Queretaro in central Mexico.

The prevalence of helminth species in stray dogs, from the capital city of the state of Queretaro, was evaluated. A total of 378 dogs were captured and examined for the presence of helminths from January to December 2008. The results showed that 275 (72.8%) of examined dogs were infected with one or more helminth species. Single infections were observed in 139 (50.5%) of infected dogs and 136 (49.5%) harboured mixed infections. Out of the 378 dogs examined, 208 (55.2%) presented nematodes and 182 (48.1%) cestodes. The prevalences (confidence interval) and mean intensities of infection ( ± SD) of nematodes and cestodes encountered were: Ancylostoma caninum 42.9% (37.9-47.8) and 22.1 ( ± 34.3); Toxocara canis 15.1% (11.8-19.0) and 8.3 ( ± 15.0); Spirocerca lupi 4.5% (2.7-7.1) and 3.9 ( ± 4.8); Toxascaris leonina 2.3% (1.1-4.5) and 4.8 ( ± 3.5); Physaloptera praeputialis 1.9% (0.8-3.8) and 9.7 ( ± 14.9); Dirofilaria immitis 1.3% (0.4-3.1) and 5.6 ( ± 2.1); Oslerus osleri 0.3% (0.0-1.6) and 5 ( ± 0.0); Dipylidium caninum 44.9% (40.0-50.0) and 18.1 ( ± 27.7); Taenia spp. 6.9% (4.7-9.9) and 6.9 ( ± 7.1). There were no significant differences in prevalences observed either between female (68.5%) and male (76.8%) or between young (70.6%) and adult (74.2%) animals. No differences were observed in the ANOVA test for the mean intensity of infection of any of the parasites (P>0.05).

[D-Lactic acidosis secondary to short bowel syndrome]. / Ácidosis D-láctica secundaria a síndrome de intestino corto.

The short bowel syndrome appears for the reduction of intestinal absorptive surface due to functional or anatomical loss of part of the small bowel. We present the case of a 35-year-old woman with severe short bowel syndrome secondary to acute intestinal ischemia in adults, who presented at 5 years of evolution episodes of dizziness with gait instability and loss of strength in hands. The diagnosis was D-lactic acidosis. D-lactic acidosis is a rare complication, but important for their symptoms, of this syndrome. It is due to a change in intestinal flora secondary to an overgrowth of lactic acid bacteria that produce D-lactate. D-lactic acidosis should be looked for in cases of metabolic acidosis in which the identity of acidosis is not apparent, neurological manifestations without focality and the patient has short bowel syndrome or patients who have had jejunoileal bypass surgery. Appropriate treatment usually results in resolution of neurologic symptoms and prevents or reduces further recurrences.

On the dose response of some CVD diamond thermoluminescent detectors.

The linearity of dose response of chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamonds grown at the Institute for Materials Research at Limburg University, Belgium, was investigated over a dose range relevant for radiotherapy. The following CVD diamonds were investigated: (1) a batch of square 3 x 3 mm2 detectors cut from a CVD wafer and (2) an as-grown CVD wafer of 6 cm diameter. A total of 20 CVD square detectors were irradiated with 137Cs gamma rays over the dose range from 200 mGy to 25 Gy. The CVD wafer, used as a large-area thermoluminescent (TL) detector, was exposed to a 226Ra needle. Very few square detectors showed linearity over a limited dose range, followed by saturation of the TL signal. The dose range of linearity was found to be strongly affected by the thermal annealing procedure of the detector. Owing to its high sensitivity and homogeneity of response, the large CVD diamond wafer was found to be very suitable as a large-area detector for 2-D dose mapping of the 226Ra brachytherapy source, possibly for Quality Assurance purposes.

First Report of Shoot Blight of Grapevine Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Chile.

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), cv. Red Globe, in Northern Chile was found with symptoms of shoot blight early in the spring. Symptoms consisted of elongated cankered lesions surrounded by water-soaked tissues that developed mainly at the base of new shoots. The distal part of the shoots withered. Symptoms were similar to the shoot blight caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. early in the spring, except that superficial gray sporulation was always absent. Isolation on acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA) consistently yielded a fungus that produced white mycelium and black spherical to elongated sclerotia (2 to 10 mm in diameter); the fungus was identified as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary (2). New shoots were inoculated by inserting a 4-mm plug of mycelium from actively growing cultures on APDA into a cut made at the base of each of five shoots per cultivar with a sterile scalpel. Inoculated wounds were sealed with Parafilm tape to avoid rapid dehydration. Inoculated plants and an equal number of wounded but not inoculated plants of each cultivar were left as controls and maintained in a screenhouse. Inoculations of grapevine cvs. Thompson Seedless, Flame Seedless, Red Globe, Ribier, and Chardonnay with S. sclerotiorum isolates SC-1, SC-2, and SC-3 and B. cinerea (isolate BC1-3 from grapevine) resulted after 7 days of incubation in canker lesions that were similar to those observed in the field. Cankers caused by S. sclerotiorum varied significantly (P < 0.05) in length from 13.3 to 28.7 mm on 'Red Globe', 5.3 to 20.7 mm on 'Thompson Seedless', 4.0 to 17.7 mm on 'Flame Seedless', 2.0 to 11.3 mm on 'Ribier', and 0.0 to 7.6 mm on 'Chardonnay'. Mature berries of 'Flame Seedless' table grapes were surface-disinfected with 1% NaOCl for 1 min, punctured with a sterile needle, and inoculated with a mycelium plug. All S. sclerotiorum isolates and the B. cinerea isolate were pathogenic on mature berries, which developed a soft rot and superficial mycelium after 5 days of incubation at 25°C in humid chambers. Reisolations from diseased shoots and rotten berries were successfully performed on APDA. We concluded that S. sclerotiorum and B. cinerea could cause canker lesions on new shoots early in the spring. S. sclerotiorum has been previously associated with soft rotting of mature berries of grapes worldwide (1), but to our knowledge, this is the first confirmed report demonstrating that S. sclerotiorum can cause shoot blight. Considering that grapevines are cultivated on 2-m-high trellises in Chile, we speculate that wind disseminated ascospores may infect shoots. However, ascocarps have not yet been found in vineyards in Chile. References: (1) W. B. Hewitt. Berry rots and raisin molds. Pages 26-28 in: Compendium of Grape Diseases. R. C. Pearson and A. C. Goheen, eds. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 1994. (2) L. Kohn. Phytopathology 69:881, 1979.

[The Charity (La Caridad) Hospital in Coruna. Foundlings and secret deliveries]. / Hospital de la caridad de A Coruña. Expósitos y sala de partos secretos.

The ideas of the Age of Enlightenment brought about an important advance in the attitudes regarding education and the importance that children have in society. This made it possible to start opening dispensaries, to paying more attention to child care, to contemplating special measures in the care for foundlings and for those mothers who were not able to give birth to their children inside a family structure. This article analyzes the cases of foundlings in La Coruña during the 18th and 19th centuries bearing in mind the care provided by the Charity Hospital in La Coruña and in the Maternity Center in Lugo. A summary of this article was presented as a open communication at the 16th National Congress of Nursing for Neonatal and Pediatrics Intensive Care.

Comparison of culture methods for enumeration of microaerophilic bacteria in marine sediments.

Agar-mixed cultures in semi-solid media provide a range of oxygen concentrations which fulfill microaerophilic bacterial requirements. Such conditions are more suitable than those provided by liquid media since, in broth cultures, the oxygen concentration must be determined at a level which might later show a lack of or excess of sensitivity to microaerophilic bacteria, thereby giving an erroneous count. A high content of organic substrates appears to be disadvantageous. It can prevent enumeration of microaerophilic growing rings or even induce false results. Minielectrodes permit the control of the oxygen concentration in each growing ring so as to confirm the efficiency of the culture method used for a selective count of microaerophilic bacteria. Semi-solid seawater culture medium supplemented with calcium succinate at 0.5 gram per litre appears to be an adequate culture medium for counting microaerophilic bacteria in marine sediments.