Udder health outcomes in Irish herds participating in cellcheck dry cow consults.

The CellCheck Dry Cow Consult (DCC) was developed by the CellCheck Technical Working Group to enable farmers to engage with their nominated vet to develop farm-specific selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) plans, where appropriate. This study evaluated the effect of the DCC on farmer decision-making around dry cow therapy, and the udder health impact of implementing SDCT, in study herds over the 2019 and 2020 dry periods. The DCC was a 3-h consult, delivered and funded as part of the Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health (TASAH). Herds that completed a DCC were invited to register for a Dry Cow Review the following year. The combined data set for analysis across both years comprised of 439 herds and 25,357 cows. Available herd size ranged from 25 to 800. The median SCC of cows dried off with teat sealant only was 47,000 cells/ml before drying off in 2019 and 48,000 cells/ml at first milk recording in 2020, and 43,000 cells/ml before drying off in 2020 and 39,000 cells/ml at first milking recording in 2021. Following both the 2019 and 2020 dry periods, cows tended to converge toward a similar median SCC early in the following lactation, irrespective of prior dry cow treatment strategy. The uptake of SDCT was greater in Review herds, with 21% of cows receiving teat sealant only in 2020, compared with 16.3% of cows in herds participating in a Consult for the first time in 2020. At an individual cow level, in both years dry period new infection rate (NIR) was approximately 2.7% higher for cows treated with teat sealant only, than for those treated with both dry cow antibiotic tubes and teat sealant, and 1.2% higher than cows treated with antibiotic only. Regardless of treatment, there was a significant association between increasing parity and the risk of a dry period new infection. Increasing herd size had a statistically significant effect on the risk of dry period new infection rates. At a herd level, there was no statistically significant increase in NIR when SDCT was used compared with herds where blanket dry cow therapy was used. While not without risk, SDCT can be successfully implemented in Irish herds; however, constant attention to hygiene and management is essential. Though there are challenges to face, facilitating continued farmer education and engagement with professional guidance will be important.

Emergent Molecular Techniques Applied to the Detection of Porcine Viruses.

Molecular diagnostic tests have evolved very rapidly in the field of human health, especially with the arrival of the recent pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the animal sector is constantly neglected, even though accurate detection by molecular tools could represent economic advantages by preventing the spread of viruses. In this regard, the swine industry is of great interest. The main viruses that affect the swine industry are described in this review, including African swine fever virus (ASFV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and porcine circovirus (PCV), which have been effectively detected by different molecular tools in recent times. Here, we describe the rationale of molecular techniques such as multiplex PCR, isothermal methods (LAMP, NASBA, RPA, and PSR) and novel methods such as CRISPR-Cas and microfluidics platforms. Successful molecular diagnostic developments are presented by highlighting their most important findings. Finally, we describe the barriers that hinder the large-scale development of affordable, accessible, rapid, and easy-to-use molecular diagnostic tests. The evolution of diagnostic techniques is critical to prevent the spread of viruses and the development of viral reservoirs in the swine industry that impact the possible development of future pandemics and the world economy.

Lobectomías robóticas y cáncer de pulmón. Experiencia inicial en nuestro centro / Robotic lobectomies and lung cancer. Initial experience in our center

Objetivo: Analizar la seguridad y factibilidad en términos de resultados obtenidos en las primeras lobectomías robóticas realizadas en nuestro centro. Metodología: Estudio prospectivo desde mayo hasta diciembre de 2021 en 13 pacientes (11 hombres y 2 mujeres, edad media 59 años) con carcinoma de pulmón en estadios precoces tributarios de lobectomía robótica.Se utilizó el sistema da Vinci Xi con cuatro puertos y uno asistente. Resultados: Se realizaron 13 lobectomías robóticas. La conversión a cirugía videoasistida fue necesaria en 2 pacientes (15,4%). Se produjeron complicaciones en 3 pacientes (23%). La mediana de tiempo quirúrgico fue180 minutos [IQR 150-210]. La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de 4 días [IQR 3 - 6]. La mediana de duración del drenaje pleural fue de 4 días [IQR3 - 6]. La histología predominante fue carcinoma epidermoide en5 pacientes (39%). La media de ganglios linfáticos resecados fue de 15 (IC 95%: 11 - 19) y la de estaciones ganglionares de 5 (IC 95%: 4 - 5). No hubo mortalidad postoperatoria. El estadio postquirúrgico fue IA2 en 4 pacientes (31%), IB en 3 (23%), IIB en 2 (15%), y IIIA en 1 (7%). No se establecen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el IMC, el lóbulo resecado y la presencia de complicaciones (p = 0,5; p = 0,2), ni entre el número de ganglios resecados/número de estaciones ganglionares, y el estadio tumoral (p = 0,4; p = 0,9). Conclusiones: La lobectomía robótica con linfadenectomía hiliomediastínica es factible y segura. Es necesaria mayor experiencia y seguimiento a largo plazo para una adecuada evaluación de los resultados postoperatorios, la eficacia oncológica, y la comparación con las vías de abordaje convencionales. (AU)

Objectives: analyze the safety and feasibility in terms of results obtained in the first robotic lobectomies performed in our center. Method: prospective study from May to December 2021 in 13 patients (11 men and 2 women, mean age 59 years) with lung carcinoma in early stages requiring robotic lobectomy. The da Vinci Xi system was used with four ports and one assistant. Results: 13 robotic lobectomies were performed. Conversion to video-assisted surgery was necessary in 2 patients (15.4%). Complications occurred in 3 patients (23%). The median surgical time was 180 minutes [IQR 150-210]. The median hospital stay was 4 days [IQR 3 - 6]. The median duration of pleural drainage was 4 days [IQR3 - 6]. The predominant histology was squamous cell carcinoma in 5 patients (39%). The mean number of lymph nodes resected was 15 (95% CI: 11 - 19) and the number of lymph nodes resected was 5 (95% CI: 4 - 5). There was no postoperative mortality. The postsurgical stage was IA2 in 4 patients (31%), IB in 3 (23%), IIB in 2 (15%), and IIIA in 1 (7%). No statistically significant differences were established between BMI, the resected lobe and the presence of complications (p = 0.5; p = 0.2), nor between the number of resected lymph nodes/number of lymph node stations, and the tumor stage ( p = 0.4; p = 0.9).Conclusions: robotic lobectomy with hiliomediastinal lymphadenectomy is feasible and safe. Greater experience and long-term follow-up are necessary for an adequate evaluation of postoperative results, oncological efficacy, and comparison with conventional approaches. (AU)

Perspectives on long-acting formulations of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men who are non-adherent to daily oral PrEP in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) persistence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in real world clinical settings for HIV prevention is suboptimal. New longer-acting formulations of PrEP are becoming available, including injectables, subdermal implants, and other oral medications. These longer-acting formulations have the potential to improve retention among those who have challenges remaining adherent to daily oral PrEP. METHODS: We interviewed 49 MSM who had initiated but discontinued oral PrEP at three diverse clinics across the United States. We examined participants' perspectives about long-acting PrEP formulations and how long-acting options could affect PrEP use using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants were not very knowledgeable about long-acting formulations of PrEP but were open to learning about them and considering use. Participants were concerned about safety and efficacy of products given that they were still newer and/or in development. Finally, participants had clear preferences for oral pills, injectables, and then subdermal implants and were most interested in options that reduced the number of visits to the clinic. CONCLUSION: Long-acting formulations of PrEP are acceptable to MSM with suboptimal PrEP persistence and have the potential to improve PrEP persistence. However, many felt they needed more information on safety, efficacy, and use to consider these options. As these long-acting formulations are implemented, public health campaigns and clinical interventions to encourage may maximize uptake particularly among those who are not currently adherent to daily oral PrEP.

Expresión de los factores de transcripción sensibles a la hipoxia, de la respuesta inflamatoria y del estrés oxidativo a nivel muscular en tres modelos clínicos de hipoxemia / Expression of transcription factors sensitive to hypoxia, of the inflammatory response and oxidative stress to muscle level in three clinical models of hypoxemia

OBJETIVO: Comparar la expresión de marcadores de respuesta a hipoxia, inflamatorios y de estrés oxidativo en biopsia muscular de grupos de pacientes con hipoxia crónica continua, crónica intermitente y ambas combinadas. Evaluar el estado de la musculatura periférica y compararla entre grupos. METODOLOGÍA: Incluimos varones mayores de 18 años, diagnosticados de EPOC, Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño (AOS) o AOS-EPOC, a los que se realizó biopsia muscular del cuádriceps. Los biomarcadores seleccionados para su estudio en músculo fueron factores de transcripción asociados a la hipoxia, como el factor inducible por hipoxia HIF-1, HIF-2 y el factor nuclear. También biomarcadores inflamatorios como factor de necrosis tumoral-α, interkeukina 6 y 8, factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular y proteína de adhesión celular vascular 1 (VCAM-1), así como biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo, como superóxidodismutasa (SOD) y actividad catalasa. Además se realizó evaluación de la función muscular en los tres grupos. RESULTADOS: Reclutamos 29 sujetos: 4 con EPOC, 12 con AOS y 13 EPOC-AOS. En el músculo, encontramos diferencias entre los grupos de estudio en VCAM-1 (casos de EPOC que expresan 2,1 veces más que AOS y 1,16 veces más que EPOC-AOS) y SOD (EPOC-AOS que expresan 3,48 veces más que EPOC, y AOS 3,02 veces más que EPOC). CONCLUSIONES: La expresión de biomarcadores estudiados es de intensidad similar en los tres grupos de pacientes referidos, con pocas excepciones.La fuerza muscular periférica y el porcentaje de masa libre de grasa es significativamente menor en los pacientes con EPOC que en los pacientes con AOS. (AU)

OBJECTIVE: Compare the expression of markers of response to hypoxia, inflammation and oxidative stress in biopsy muscle of groups of patients with continuous chronic hypoxia, intermittent chronic and both combined. Evaluate the state of the peripheral musculature and compare it between groups. METHODOLOGY: We included males older than 18 years, diagnosed of COPD, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or OSA-COPD, to quadriceps muscle biopsy was performed. biomarkers selected for study in muscle were factors of transcription associated with hypoxia, such as the factor inducible by hypoxia HIF-1, HIF-2 and nuclear factor. Also biomarkers Inflammatory agents such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interkeukin 6, and 8, vascular endothelial growth factor and adhesion protein vascular cell 1 (VCAM-1), as well as stress biomarkers oxidative, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity. In addition, evaluation of muscle function was performed in the three groups. RESULTS: We recruited 29 subjects: 4 with COPD, 12 with OSA and 13 COPD-OSA. In muscle, we found differences between the study groups in VCAM-1 (COPD cases expressing 2.1-fold more than OSA and 1.16 times more than COPD-OSA) and SOD (COPD-OSA than express 3.48 times more than COPD, and OSA 3.02 times more than COPD). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of studied biomarkers is of similar intensity in the three groups of referred patients, with few exceptions. Peripheral muscle strength and percentage of fat-free mass is significantly lower in patients with COPD than in patients with OSA. (AU)

Facilitators for retaining men who have sex with men in pre-exposure prophylaxis care in real world clinic settings within the United States.

BACKGROUND: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can significantly reduce HIV acquisition especially among communities with high HIV prevalence, including men who have sex with men (MSM). Much research has been finding suboptimal PrEP persistence; however, few studies examine factors that enhance PrEP persistence in real-world settings. METHODS: We interviewed 33 patients who identified as MSM at three different PrEP clinics in three regions of the U.S. (Northeast, South, Midwest). Participants were eligible if they took PrEP and had been retained in care for a minimum of 6 months. Interviews explored social, structural, clinic-level and behavioral factors that influencing PrEP persistence. RESULTS: Through thematic analysis we identified the following factors as promoting PrEP persistence: (1) navigation to reduce out-of-pocket costs of PrEP (structural), (2) social norms that support PrEP use (social), (3) access to LGBTQ + affirming medical providers (clinical), (4) medication as part of a daily routine (behavioral), and (5) facilitation of sexual health agency (belief). DISCUSSION: In this sample, persistence in PrEP care was associated with structural and social supports as well as a high level of perceived internal control over protecting their health by taking PrEP. Patients might benefit from increased access, LGBTQ + affirming medical providers, and communications that emphasize PrEP can promote sexual health.

Physicochemical Characterization of Resistant Starch Type-III (RS3) Obtained by Autoclaving Malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) Flour and Corn Starch.

The feasibility of obtaining resistant starch type III (RS3) from malanga flour (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), as an unconventional source of starch, was evaluated using the hydrothermal treatment of autoclaving. The physicochemical characterization of RS3 made from malanga flour was carried out through the evaluation of the chemical composition, color attributes, and thermal properties. In addition, the contents of the total starch, available starch, resistant starch, and retrograded resistant starch were determined by in vitro enzymatic tests. A commercial corn starch sample was used to produce RS3 and utilized to compare all of the analyses. The results showed that native malanga flour behaved differently in most of the evaluations performed, compared to the commercial corn starch. These results could be explained by the presence of minor components that could interfere with the physicochemical and functional properties of the flour; however, the RS3 samples obtained from malanga flour and corn starch were similar in their thermal and morphological features, which may be related to their similarities in the content and molecular weight of amylose, in both of the samples. Furthermore, the yields for obtaining the autoclaved powders from corn starch and malanga flour were similar (≈89%), which showed that the malanga flour is an attractive raw material for obtaining RS3 with adequate yields, to be considered in the subsequent research.

Derivation of multivariate indices of milk composition, coagulation properties, and curd yield in Manchega dairy sheep.

This study approaches the interrelation patterns between composition of milk and whey, curd yield, chromaticity, syneresis, and technological quality of Manchega sheep milk using multivariate factor analysis. In addition, the effect of the main husbandry components (flock, prolificacy, season of the year, stage of lactation, and parity) on the common latent factors that define the pattern of variation of Manchega milk was assessed. For this purpose, 1,200 individual Manchega ewe milk samples from 4 different flocks registered under the Protected Designation of Origin Queso Manchego were analyzed (50 ewes/flock). Samples were collected in 2 different seasons of the year (spring and autumn) and at 3 time points per season: early, mid-, and late lactation. The obtained results suggested that curd yield mainly depends on milk composition, and the retention of water in the curd is related to coagulation traits. Thus, composition and moisture content could be useful indicators to assess the efficiency and quality of milk intended for cheesemaking, regardless of the analysis of coagulation properties. Finally, in terms of husbandry, a direct effect of flock and stage of lactation was observed on all analyzed factors, with a lower influence of season and parity.

Chitosan Films Obtained from Brachystola magna (Girard) and Its Evaluation on Quality Attributes in Sausages during Storage.

High molecular weight chitosan (≈322 kDa) was obtained from chitin isolated from Brachystola magna (Girard) to produced biodegradable films. Their physicochemical, mechanical and water vapor permeability (WVP) properties were compared against commercial chitosan films with different molecular weights. Brachystola magna chitosan films (CFBM) exhibited similar physicochemical and mechanical characteristics to those of commercial chitosans. The CFBM films presented lower WVP values (10.01 × 10-11 g/m s Pa) than commercial chitosans films (from 16.06 × 10-11 to 64.30 × 10-11 g/m s Pa). Frankfurt-type sausages were covered with chitosan films and stored in refrigerated conditions (4 °C). Their quality attributes (color, weight loss, pH, moisture, texture and lipid oxidation) were evaluated at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days. Sausages covered with CFMB films presented the lowest weight loss (from 1.24% to 2.38%). A higher increase in hardness (from 22.32 N to 30.63 N) was observed in sausages covered with CFMB films. Compared with other films and the control (uncovered sausages), CFMB films delay pH reduction. Moreover, this film presents the lower lipid oxidation level (0.10 malonaldehyde mg/sample kg). Thus, chitosan of B. magna could be a good alternative as packaging material for meat products with high-fat content.

Coagulation process in Manchega sheep milk from Spain: A path analysis approach.

Characteristics of sheep milk are of great interest for the dairy industry, as almost the totality of production is intended for cheesemaking. However, the existing relationships between these variables are complex. This study assessed composition, hygienic quality, coagulation properties, and curd yield of 1,200 individual Manchega sheep milk samples. The aim was to compare the effect of composition and hygienic quality on coagulation and curdling, and to evaluate the relationship between curd yields and the coagulation process and the effect of other features by using path analysis methodologies. Outcomes proved path analysis to be a useful and effective tool to assess these relationships through direct and indirect paths within the same model. Results showed that the factors that had a direct influence on milk coagulation were lactose concentration, casein content, and initial pH of milk. Contrastingly, somatic cells did not seem to have any effect (direct or indirect) on the coagulation process. Factors that directly affected curd yield were fat content, lactose concentration, casein content, and curd moisture. However, technological parameters showed little effect over curd yield.

Ovariectomized rodents as a menopausal metabolic syndrome model. A minireview.

Bilateral ovariectomy is the best characterized and the most reported animal model of human menopause. Ovariectomized rodents develop insulin resistance (IR) and visceral obesity, the main risk factors in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome (MS). These alterations are a consequence of hypoestrogenic status, which produces an augment of visceral fat, high testosterone levels (hyperandrogenism), as well as inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic complications, such as dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and endothelial dysfunction, among others. Clinical trials have reported that menopause per se increases the severity and incidence of MS, and causes the highest mortality due to cardiovascular disease in women. Despite all the evidence, there are no reports that clarify the influence of estrogenic deficiency as a cause of MS. In this review, we provide evidence that ovariectomized rodents can be used as a menopausal metabolic syndrome model for evaluating and discovering new, safe, and effective therapeutic approaches in the treatment of cardiometabolic complications associated to MS during menopause.

Using multivariate analysis to explore the relationships between color, composition, hygienic quality, and coagulation of milk from Manchega sheep.

This study explores the relationships between composition, hygienic quality, and color values of milk to evaluate whether colorimetry could be used as a valid predictor of the quality of raw milk and its coagulation. For this purpose, we performed analyses in 1,200 individual samples of Manchega sheep milk from 4 flocks from the region of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. Based on the measured variables, we determined the differences and similarities between coagulating and noncoagulating samples using discriminant analysis techniques. The variables with a higher discriminant ability were lactose content, somatic cell score, pH, and the color values lightness (L*) and red/green value (a*). The model based on color values showed a predictive ability similar to that found in the model based on milk composition and hygienic quality. Canonical correlation analysis allowed us to explore the relationships between both sets of variables. Canonical correlations for the first and second pair of canonical values were 0.794 and 0.438, respectively. Both values were significant and represented 92.82% of the observed variability. The correlation structure showed that color values had a strong correlation with fat and protein content and with total solids, and they had a weak correlation with lactose content and somatic cell score. The 2 first combinations of standardized canonical variability could be considered a predictable measure of the composition and, to a lesser extent, the hygiene of milk. Measurement of color values could be a rapid and effective means of supplementing standard analyses when determining the coagulation ability of Manchega sheep milk.

Modelling Particle Transport and Deposition in the Human Healthy and Stented Tracheobronchial Airways.

The main goal of this study is the quantification of the particle transport and deposition within the human airways during light, normal and exercise breathing conditions using the computational fluid dynamics. In particular we presented a comparison between healthy and stented airways. The considered tracheobronchial model is based on the Weibel symmetric model in which we have inserted the Dumon prosthesis at different locations and on the CT-based geometries of a healthy and a stented airway. The results indicate an important redistribution of the particle deposition locations. Local overdoses can be found in the proximal regions of the prostheses, independently of the breathing conditions, of the particle size and of the considered geometry. The presented work is aimed to contribute to the understanding of the particle deposition in the human lung and to improve drug-aerosol therapies. For patients that underwent airways reconstructive surgery, it can give detailed information about the deposition efficiency and it may help targeting specific airways regions.

History of perspectives on the study of coral disease in the eastern tropical Pacific.

Disease in coral species is one factor associated with the current degradation process of tropical reefs. The history of research on coral pathologies dates to 1970 with the first reports of diseases in the Greater Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions, although some anecdotal observations were made earlier. Today, there is information on the health conditions of >200 coral species in 70 countries. The special natural conditions under which reefs develop in the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) and the predominance of a single coral genus, Pocillopora (a host highly susceptible to disease), leave them vulnerable to health impairments and the loss of viability, structure and function in the wider ecosystem. Therefore, coral reefs in the ETP are ideal systems for studies of biodiversity and survivorship. To clarify the status of knowledge on coral diseases in the ETP, we reviewed scientific studies conducted there from 1970-2018, comparing 127 publications to literature on other reef regions in the Pacific. Despite the vulnerability of reefs in the ETP, only limited information exists describing and investigating the etiology of lesions and other signs of health deterioration in corals, and there are few baseline studies of coral reefs or analyses of the spatial and temporal dynamics of disease syndromes. In general, efforts to study coral diseases in the ETP are inadequate.

Hiperpigmentación inducida por levofloxacino / Levofloxacin-Induced Hyperpigmentation

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