Assessment of the effects of prepartum anti-inflammatory therapies on type 1/type 2 immunity ratio using a rapid blood test.

The objective of this study was to assess (1) the effects of prepartum administration of anti-inflammatory therapies on type 1/type 2 immunity ratio using a rapid blood test (D2Dx immunity test; Nano Discovery Inc.), and (2) correlations between rapid blood test scores and daily milk yield in Holstein dairy cows. At 14 d before the expected calving date, cows (n = 64) and heifers (n = 23) were blocked by body condition score (optimal = 3.25-3.5; high ≥3.75) and parity (nulliparous, parous), and randomly allocated to one of 3 treatment groups (1) ASA (n = 29) = receive one oral treatment with administration of acetylsalicylic acid (4 boluses; 480 grain/bolus); (2) MEL (n = 31) = receive one oral administration with meloxicam (1 mg/kg of body weight), or (3) PLC (n = 27) = receive one oral treatment with 4 gelatin capsules filled with water. Blood samples were collected weekly starting 1 wk before treatment until 3 wk after calving for assessment of type 1/type 2 immunity ratio using a rapid blood test (i.e., D2Dx immunity test). A higher D2Dx score corresponds to a higher type 1/type 2 ratio. Furthermore, blood samples were collected within 72 h before and after calving by farm personnel. Daily milk yield for the first 60 d in milk (DIM) was collected from on-farm computer records. The data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.) as a randomized complete block design. On average enrolled cows received treatment administration 10 d before the actual calving date (standard deviation = 5.10 d). There was a tendency for a treatment by day interaction. Cows treated with ASA had higher type 1/type 2 ratio within 3 d after calving compared with MEL and PLC cows (ASA = 0.065 ± 0.002; MEL = 0.059 ± 0.002; PLC = 0.053 ± 0.002). Similarly, ASA and MEL cows had a higher type 1/type 2 ratio at 7 ± 3 DIM compared with PLC cows (ASA = 0.062 ± 0.002; MEL = 0.064 ± 0.002; PLC = 0.056 ± 0.002). Regardless of treatment, there was an interaction between parity and day. Parous cows had higher type 1/type 2 ratios compared with nulliparous cows at 14 ± 3 d before calving and at 7 ± 3, 14 ± 3, and 21 ± 3 d after calving. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between D2Dx scores at 14 ± 3 DIM and average daily milk yield in the first 60 DIM. These results suggest that prepartum anti-inflammatory therapies may cause an increased shift in type 1 immunity around calving. Similarly, parous cows may have an increased shift in type 1 immunity after calving. Interestingly, higher type 1/type 2 ratios may be associated with higher milk yields in the first 60 DIM. Larger studies are needed to identify associations between the D2Dx immunity test and cow health and performance, as well as to assess the applicability of these types of tests in a conventional farm setting.

Exploring vaginal discharge scoring to assess clinical metritis severity: Comparison between intrauterine dextrose and systemic antibiotics treatments.

The objectives of this study were to assess: 1) differences in the metabolic status, systemic inflammation, daily milk yield, and daily rumination time between Holstein dairy cows with different vaginal discharge scores (VDS) in the first 7±3 DIM, and 2) effects of intrauterine dextrose infusion on metabolic status, systemic inflammation, daily milk yield and daily rumination time in dairy cows with VDS4 and VDS5. Cows (n=641) from a farm located in central Pennsylvania were screened at 7±3 DIM (study d 0) to assess vaginal discharge scores. Vaginal discharge was scored using a five-point scale (i.e., 1- clear fluid, 2- <50% white purulent fluid, 3- >50% white purulent fluid, 4- red-brownish fluid without fetid smell, and 5- fetid red-brownish watery fluid). Cows with VDS4 and VDS5 were blocked by parity and randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: 1) CONV (VDS4 n=15; VDS5 n= 23): two injections of ceftiofur (per label; 6.6 mg/Kg) 72 h apart; and 2) DEX (VDS4 n=15; VDS5 n=22): three intrauterine infusions of a 50% dextrose solution (1 L/cow) every 24 h. Cows that presented a VDS 1, 2, and 3 were categorized as normal vaginal discharge animals (NOMVDS; n=35) and were randomly selected and matched by parity to CONV and DEX cows. Daily milk yield and rumination time for the first 150 DIM were collected from on-farm computer records. Blood samples were collected to assess haptoglobin (HP) and ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations at study d 0, d 7, and d 14 relative to enrollment. Subclinical ketosis was defined as having a BHB concentration >1.2 mmol/dL at any of the sampling points. The data were analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS as a randomized complete block design. When comparing cows with different VDS (i.e., NOMVDS, VDS4, VDS5) separately, cows with VDS5 had the highest concentration of HP at enrollment compared to cows with VDS4 and NOMVDS; however, cows with VDS4 had higher concentrations of HP compared to cows with NOMVDS. Cows with VDS4 or VDS5 had a higher incidence of subclinical ketosis compared to cows with NOMVDS (p=0.005; VDS4= 62.08±9.16%; VDS5=74.44±6.74%; NOMVDS=34.36±8.53%). Similarly, daily milk yield (p<.0001; VDS4=30.17±1.32 kg/d; VDS5=27.40±1.27 kg/d; NOMVDS=35.14±1.35 kg/d) and daily rumination time (p=0.001; VDS4=490.77±19.44 min; VDS5=465±16.67 min; NOMVDS=558.29±18.80 min) was lower for cows with VDS4 and VDS5 compared to cows with NOMVDS at 7±3 days in milk. When analyzing HP concentration between treatment groups in cows with VDS4 (p=0.70), VDS5 (p=0.25), or VDS4 and VDS5 combined (p=0.31), there was no difference in HP concentration by study d 14 between treatment groups. Interestingly, when only cows with VDS4 were considered for treatment, both treatments, DEX and CONV, increased the daily milk yield to the levels of NOMVDS cows by 14 days in milk. On the other hand, when only cows with VDS5 were considered for treatment, cows treated with DEX produced, on average, 4.48 kg/d less milk in the first 150 days in milk compared to cows treated with CONV or cows that had NOMVDS. Similarly, when cows with either VDS4 or VDS5 were considered for treatment, DEX treatment also impaired milk yield. These results suggest that cows with either VDS 4 or 5 have an altered inflammatory status, and decreased milk yield and rumination compared to cows with NOMVDS. Furthermore, DEX treatment may have similar effects on daily milk yield and metabolic status compared to CONV in cows with VDS4, while DEX is not recommended for cows with VDS5.

Immune-mediated hepatitis: Basic concepts and treatment.

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized advanced cancer management. Nevertheless, the generalized use of these medications has led to an increase in the incidence of adverse immune-mediated events and the liver is one of the most frequently affected organs. Liver involvement associated with the administration of immunotherapy is known as immune-mediated hepatitis (IMH), whose incidence and clinical characteristics have been described by different authors. It often presents as mild elevations of amino transferase levels, seen in routine blood tests, that spontaneously return to normal, but it can also manifest as severe transaminitis, possibly leading to the permanent discontinuation of treatment. The aim of the following review was to describe the most up-to-date concepts regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, risk factors, and progression of IMH, as well as its incidence in different types of common cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment recommendations according to the most current guidelines are also provided.

Feed supplementation with Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS21603 optimises intestinal morphology and gut microbiota composition in weaned piglets.

Post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets remains an important cause of economic losses for swine producers. Feed supplementation with probiotics is one of the alternatives to antibiotics used to reduce the impact of such gastrointestinal disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS21603 supplementation on the intestinal structure and the gut microbiota composition of weaned piglets. Safety and tolerance of L. salivarius PS21603 were previously evaluated in a 28-days study using 384 weaned piglets (28 ± 2 days old and 7.5 ± 1.5 kg) divided in three treatment groups: T1: Basal diet + L. salivarius PS21603 109 cfu/day, T2: Basal diet + L. salivarius PS21603 107 cfu/day, and T3: Basal diet (control group). For the present study, 16 piglets per treatment group were randomly selected and faecal samples were collected on day 0 (weaning) and 28 of study. At the end of study, three males and three females per treatment were euthanised. Intestinal morphometric values were measured after necropsy. Faecal counts of Escherichia coli were evaluated by culture techniques, and faecal microbiota composition was assessed by high-throughput sequencing. All data were analysed and compared between treatment groups. Supplementation with L. salivarius PS21603 caused an increase in the intestine length of piglets from T1 and in the villous height:crypt ratio of piglets from T2 (P < 0.05) compared to T3 on day 28. According to the Shannon Diversity Index, microbiota diversity increased on day 28 compared to day 0, with no significant differences observed between treatments. The main changes in the relative abundance of bacteria at the phylum, family, and genus levels were observed between different sampling time points. However, piglets from T1 and T2 had lower faecal E. coli counts than T3 on day 28 (P < 0.05). Moreover, supplementation with L. salivarius PS21603 modulated gut microbiota through a more optimal composition, reducing Escherichia and increasing Bifidobacterium relative abundance in piglets from T1 (P < 0.05) from the beginning to the end of the study. Therefore, the strain L. salivarius PS21603 has shown probiotic properties to be used as feed additive in the pig industry, along with good hygiene and farm management practices, for the prevention and/or treatment of post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets.

Beyond conventional physical examination in hepatology: POCUS.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) refers to the use of ultrasound imaging through pocket-sized sonographic devices at the patient's bedside, to make a diagnosis or direct a procedure and immediately answer a clinical question. Its goal is to broaden the physical examination, not to replace conventional ultrasound studies. POCUS has evolved as a complement to physical examination and has been adopted by different medical specialties, including hepatology. A narrative synthesis of the evidence on the applications of POCUS in hepatology was carried out, describing its usefulness in the diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), decompensated cirrhosis, and portal hypertension. The review also encompasses more recent applications in the hemodynamic evaluation of the critically ill patient with cirrhosis of the liver, patients with other liver diseases, as well as in the ultrasound guidance of procedures. POCUS could make up part of the daily clinical practice of gastroenterologists and hepatologists, simplifying the initial evaluation of patients and optimizing clinical management. Its accessibility, ease of use, and low adverse event profile make POCUS a useful tool for the properly trained physician in the adequate clinical setting. The aim of this review was to describe the available evidence on the usefulness of POCUS in the daily clinical practice of gastroenterologists and hepatologists.

Prolonged fixation and post-mortem delay impede the study of adult neurogenesis in mice.

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) gives rise to new neurons throughout life. This phenomenon takes place in more than 120 mammalian species, including humans, yet its occurrence in the latter was questioned after one study proposed the putative absence of neurogenesis markers in the adult human hippocampus. In this regard, we showed that prolonged fixation impedes the visualization of Doublecortin+ immature neurons in this structure, whereas other authors have suggested that a dilated post-mortem delay (PMD) underlies these discrepancies. Nevertheless, the individual and/or additive contribution of fixation and the PMD to the detection (or lack thereof) of other AHN markers has not been studied to date. To address this pivotal question, we used a tightly controlled experimental design in mice, which allowed the dissection of the relative contribution of the aforementioned factors to the visualization of markers of individual AHN stages. Fixation time emerged as the most prominent factor globally impeding the study of this process in mice. Moreover, the visualization of other particularly sensitive epitopes was further prevented by prolonged PMD. These results are crucial to disambiguate current controversies related to the occurrence of AHN not only in humans but also in other mammalian species.

Urban vegetable contamination - The role of adhering particles and their significance for human exposure.

While urban-grown vegetables could help combat future food insecurity, the elevated levels of toxic metals in urban soils need to be met with measures that minimise transfer to crops. This study firstly examines soil/dust particle inclusion in leafy vegetables and its contribution to vegetable metals (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn), using vegetable, soil and dust data from an open-field urban farm in southeastern Sweden. Titanium concentrations were used to assess soil/dust adherence. Results showed that vegetables contained 0.05-1.3 wt% of adhering particles (AP) even after washing. With 0.5 % AP, an adult with an average intake of vegetables could ingest approximately 100 mg of particles per day, highlighting leafy vegetables as a major route for soil/dust ingestion. The presence of adhering particles also significantly contributed to the vegetable concentrations of As (9-20 %), Co (17-20 %), Pb (25-29 %), and Cr (33-34 %). Secondly, data from an indoor experiment was used to characterise root metal uptake from 20 urban soils from Sweden, Denmark, Spain, the UK, and the Czech Republic. Combining particle adherence and root uptake data, vegetable metal concentrations were calculated for the 20 urban soils to represent hypothetical field scenarios for these. Subsequently, average daily doses were assessed for vegetable consumers (adults and 3-6 year old children), distinguishing between doses from adhering particles and root uptake. Risks were evaluated from hazard quotients (HQs; average daily doses/tolerable intakes). Lead was found to pose the greatest risk, where particle ingestion often resulted in HQs > 1 across all assessed scenarios. In summary, since washing was shown to remove only a portion of adhering metal-laden soil/dust particles from leafy vegetation, farmers and urban planners need to consider that measures to limit particle deposition are equally important as cultivating in uncontaminated soil.

GSK-3ß orchestrates the inhibitory innervation of adult-born dentate granule cells in vivo.

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis enhances brain plasticity and contributes to the cognitive reserve during aging. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is impaired in neurological disorders, yet the molecular mechanisms regulating the maturation and synaptic integration of new neurons have not been fully elucidated. GABA is a master regulator of adult and developmental neurogenesis. Here we engineered a novel retrovirus encoding the fusion protein Gephyrin:GFP to longitudinally study the formation and maturation of inhibitory synapses during adult hippocampal neurogenesis in vivo. Our data reveal the early assembly of inhibitory postsynaptic densities at 1 week of cell age. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 Beta (GSK-3ß) emerges as a key regulator of inhibitory synapse formation and maturation during adult hippocampal neurogenesis. GSK-3ß-overexpressing newborn neurons show an increased number and altered size of Gephyrin+ postsynaptic clusters, enhanced miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents, shorter and distanced axon initial segments, reduced synaptic output at the CA3 and CA2 hippocampal regions, and impaired pattern separation. Moreover, GSK-3ß overexpression triggers a depletion of Parvalbumin+ interneuron perineuronal nets. These alterations might be relevant in the context of neurological diseases in which the activity of GSK-3ß is dysregulated.

Trends of antimicrobial use through selected antimicrobial indicators in Spanish hospitals, 2012 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance of antimicrobial consumption is an important component of control strategies to tackle antimicrobial resistance. AIM: To evaluate the consumption of antimicrobials using six indicators proposed by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. METHODS: Point prevalence survey data on antimicrobial use in Spanish hospitals throughout the period 2012-2021 were analysed. A descriptive analysis of each indicator by year was performed globally and by hospital size. A logistic regression model was used to identify significant time trends. FINDINGS: In all, 515,414 patients and 318,125 antimicrobials were included. The prevalence of antimicrobial use remained stable throughout the study period (45.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 45.6-45.8). Percentages of antimicrobials for systemic use and those administered parenterally showed a small and significant increasing trend (odds ratio (OR): 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.02; and OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02-1.03, respectively). Small improvements were found in the percentages of antimicrobials prescribed for medical prophylaxis and with the reason for use documented in patients' medical records (-0.6% and 4.2%, respectively). The percentage of surgical prophylaxis prescribed for more than 24 h shows a significant improvement, decreasing from 49.9% (95% CI: 48.6-51.3) in 2012 to 37.1% (95% CI: 35.7-38.5) in 2021. CONCLUSION: During the last decade, Spanish hospitals have had a stable but high prevalence of antimicrobial use. Little to no improvement has been made in most of the indicators analysed, except for a reduction in the prescription of surgical prophylaxis for more than 24 h.

Uso de sustancias psicoactivas como tratamiento de la psicosis / Use of psychoactive substances as a treatment for psychosis

Introducción: Los trastornos psicóticos se consideran problemas crónicos de salud mental. Aunque se ha demostrado que estos trastornos pueden presentarse con sintomatologías muy heterogéneas, el tratamiento farmacológico se basa en el uso de antipsicóticos típicos y atípicos, cuyo mecanismo de acción principal es el bloqueo dopaminérgico, limitando su efecto a la mejora de los síntomas positivos, sin mejorar el resto de la sintomatología y presentando una gran cantidad de efectos adversos graves. Por este motivo se están estudiando nuevas dianas terapéuticas distintas al sistema dopaminérgico. El objetivo principal de esta revisión es comprobar si estas sustancias psicoactivas utilizadas en la práctica clínica podrían aportar beneficios adicionales como tratamiento complementario para personas con trastornos psicóticos. Desarrollo: Para esta revisión sistemática se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos PsycINFO, Medline, Psicodoc, PubMed y Google Scholar. Se incluyeron 28 artículos en la revisión. Entre los principales resultados encontramos que el cannabidiol es más efectivo para mejorar los síntomas positivos y la psicopatología; el modafinilo, para los síntomas cognitivos, el funcionamiento motor y emocional y la calidad de vida; y la ketamina, para los síntomas negativos. Además, todas las sustancias presentaron un buen perfil de tolerabilidad y seguridad, especialmente en comparación con los antipsicóticos. Conclusión: Con los resultados obtenidos, se abre la posibilidad de tener una guía de actuación para los clínicos/profesionales de la salud sobre el uso del cannabidiol, el modafinilo y la ketamina como tratamiento adyuvante para pacientes con cuadros psicóticos.(AU)

Introduction: Psychotic disorders are considered chronic mental health issues. Although it has been demonstrated that these disorders can present with a wide range of symptoms, pharmacological treatment is based on the use of typical and atypical antipsychotics, whose main mechanism of action is dopaminergic blockade, limiting their effect to the improvement of positive symptoms, without improving the rest of the symptoms and giving rise to a large number of serious adverse effects. For this reason, new therapeutic targets other than the dopaminergic system are being studied. The main objective of this review is to test whether these psychoactive substances used in clinical practice could provide additional benefits as an adjunctive treatment for people with psychotic disorders. Development: For this systematic review, a literature search was conducted in the databases PsycINFO, Medline, Psicodoc, PubMed and Google Scholar. Altogether 28 articles were included in the review. One of the main findings is that cannabidiol is more effective for improving positive symptoms and psychopathology; modafinil, for cognitive symptoms, motor and emotional functioning and quality of life; and ketamine, for negative symptoms. In addition, all the substances showed a good tolerability and safety profile, especially in comparison to antipsychotics. Conclusion: The results obtained open up the possibility of having a guideline for clinicians/health professionals on the use of cannabidiol, modafinil and ketamine as adjunctive treatment for patients with psychotic conditions.(AU)

[Use of psychoactive substances as a treatment for psychosis]. / Uso de sustancias psicoactivas como tratamiento de la psicosis.

INTRODUCTION: Psychotic disorders are considered chronic mental health issues. Although it has been demonstrated that these disorders can present with a wide range of symptoms, pharmacological treatment is based on the use of typical and atypical antipsychotics, whose main mechanism of action is dopaminergic blockade, limiting their effect to the improvement of positive symptoms, without improving the rest of the symptoms and giving rise to a large number of serious adverse effects. For this reason, new therapeutic targets other than the dopaminergic system are being studied. The main objective of this review is to test whether these psychoactive substances used in clinical practice could provide additional benefits as an adjunctive treatment for people with psychotic disorders. DEVELOPMENT: For this systematic review, a literature search was conducted in the databases PsycINFO, Medline, Psicodoc, PubMed and Google Scholar. Altogether 28 articles were included in the review. One of the main findings is that cannabidiol is more effective for improving positive symptoms and psychopathology; modafinil, for cognitive symptoms, motor and emotional functioning and quality of life; and ketamine, for negative symptoms. In addition, all the substances showed a good tolerability and safety profile, especially in comparison to antipsychotics. CONCLUSION: The results obtained open up the possibility of having a guideline for clinicians/health professionals on the use of cannabidiol, modafinil and ketamine as adjunctive treatment for patients with psychotic conditions.

TITLE: Uso de sustancias psicoactivas como tratamiento de la psicosis.Introducción. Los trastornos psicóticos se consideran problemas crónicos de salud mental. Aunque se ha demostrado que estos trastornos pueden presentarse con sintomatologías muy heterogéneas, el tratamiento farmacológico se basa en el uso de antipsicóticos típicos y atípicos, cuyo mecanismo de acción principal es el bloqueo dopaminérgico, limitando su efecto a la mejora de los síntomas positivos, sin mejorar el resto de la sintomatología y presentando una gran cantidad de efectos adversos graves. Por este motivo se están estudiando nuevas dianas terapéuticas distintas al sistema dopaminérgico. El objetivo principal de esta revisión es comprobar si estas sustancias psicoactivas utilizadas en la práctica clínica podrían aportar beneficios adicionales como tratamiento complementario para personas con trastornos psicóticos. Desarrollo. Para esta revisión sistemática se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos PsycINFO, Medline, Psicodoc, PubMed y Google Scholar. Se incluyeron 28 artículos en la revisión. Entre los principales resultados encontramos que el cannabidiol es más efectivo para mejorar los síntomas positivos y la psicopatología; el modafinilo, para los síntomas cognitivos, el funcionamiento motor y emocional y la calidad de vida; y la ketamina, para los síntomas negativos. Además, todas las sustancias presentaron un buen perfil de tolerabilidad y seguridad, especialmente en comparación con los antipsicóticos. Conclusión. Con los resultados obtenidos, se abre la posibilidad de tener una guía de actuación para los clínicos/profesionales de la salud sobre el uso del cannabidiol, el modafinilo y la ketamina como tratamiento adyuvante para pacientes con cuadros psicóticos.

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.

Evaluating the effect of phenolic compounds as hydrogen acceptors when ruminal methanogenesis is inhibited in vitro - Part 2. Dairy goats.

Most mitigation strategies to reduce enteric methane (CH4) production in the rumen induce an excess of rumen dihydrogen (H2) that is expelled and consequently not redirected to the synthesis of metabolites that can be utilised by the ruminant. We hypothesised that phenolic compounds can be potential H2 acceptors when added to the diet, as they can be degraded to compounds that may be beneficial for the animal, using part of the H2 available when ruminal methanogenesis is inhibited. We performed four in vitro incubation experiments using rumen inoculum from Murciano-Granadina adult goats: Experiment 1 examined the inhibitory potential of Asparagopsis taxiformis (AT) at different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% of the substrate on a DM basis) in 24 h incubations; Experiment 2 investigated the effect of a wide range of phenolic compounds (phenol, catechol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, pyrogallol, phloroglucinol, gallic acid and formic acid) at different doses (0, 2, 4, and 6 mM) on rumen fermentation for 24 h; Experiment 3 evaluated the combined effect of each phenolic compound at 6 mM with AT at 2% DM in sequential batch cultures for 5 days; and Experiment 4 examined the dose-response effect of phloroglucinol at different concentrations (0, 6, 16, 26 and 36 mM) combined with AT in sequential batch cultures for 5 days. Results from Experiment 1 confirmed that AT at 2% DM substantially inhibited CH4 production while significantly increasing H2 accumulation and decreasing the acetate:propionate ratio. Results from Experiment 2 showed that phenolic compounds did not negatively affect rumen fermentation at any dose. In Experiment 3, each phenolic compound at 6 mM combined with AT at 2% DM inhibited CH4 production. Phloroglucinol numerically decreased H2 accumulation and significantly increased total gas production (TGP), volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and the acetate:propionate ratio. In Experiment 4, phloroglucinol at increasing doses supplemented with AT at 2% DM significantly decreased H2 accumulation and the abundances of archaea, protozoa and fungi abundances, and increased TGP, total VFA production and the acetate:propionate ratio in a dose-dependent way. In conclusion, combined treatment with AT and phloroglucinol was successful to mitigate CH4 production while preventing the accumulation of H2, leading to an increase in acetate and total VFA production and therefore an improvement in rumen fermentation in goats.

Postpartum intrauterine dextrose infusion: Effects on uterine health, metabolic stress, systemic inflammation, and daily milk yield in clinically healthy dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of intrauterine dextrose infusion at 4 ± 1 d in milk (DIM) on the incidence of clinical metritis (CM), metabolic stress [i.e., body condition score (BCS), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration, and subclinical ketosis incidence], systemic inflammation (i.e., haptoglobin concentration), and daily milk yield in clinically healthy postpartum dairy cows. Cows (n = 245) from a dairy farm located in southwest Pennsylvania were screened at 4 ± 1 DIM using a Metricheck (Simcro Tech Ltd.) device to assess vaginal discharge. In addition, overall cow health (e.g., lameness, abnormal breathing) and rectal temperature were assessed at this time. Cows (n = 134) that presented a clear dense vaginal discharge, were in clinically good health status, and had a normal rectal temperature (i.e., <39.7°C) were blocked by parity (primiparous = 64; multiparous = 70) and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) SAL (n = 45): 1 intrauterine infusion of isotonic saline solution (1 L/cow); (2) DEX (n = 44): 1 intrauterine infusion of a 50% dextrose solution (1 L/cow), or (3) CON (n = 45): cows remained untreated. Cows were re-screened at 7 d after enrollment (11 ± 1 DIM) using the Metricheck device to assess CM incidence (research clinical metritis incidence; RCMI). On-farm computer records (i.e., Dairycomp 305) were also used to collect clinical metritis incidence (farm clinical metritis incidence; FCMI). In addition, BCS was assessed and blood samples were collected at enrollment and at study d 7, 14, and 21. Furthermore, daily milk yield and clinical disease events for the first 60 DIM were collected from on-farm computer records. The data were analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.) as a randomized complete block design. Although not significant, the RCMI and FCMI in DEX and SAL cows were on average 14.5 and 18.1 percentage points higher, respectively, compared with CON cows. The SAL cows had higher BHB and haptoglobin concentrations and higher incidence of subclinical ketosis compared with CON cows on study d 7. With regard to daily milk yield, there was a day by treatment interaction, where CON cows produced more milk on certain days compared with DEX and SAL cows. Based on these findings, authors conclude that intrauterine dextrose infusion in clinically healthy postpartum cows with normal vaginal discharge may be prejudicial for cow health and performance.

Estudio poblacional de casuística y morbimortalidad de la prostatectomía radical en España / Population based study of morbidity and mortality rates associated to radical prostatectomy cases in Spain

Introducción: No existe ningún estudio poblacional que contabilice en número de prostatectomías radicales (PR) realizadas España, ni la morbimortalidad de dicha intervención.Nuestro objetivo es estudiar la morbimortalidad de la PR en España desde el 2011 al 2015 y evaluar la variabilidad geográfica. Material y métodos: Diseñamos un estudio observacional retrospectivo de todos los pacientes intervenidos de PR en España durante cinco años consecutivos (2011-2015) a partir de los datos registrados en el Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos (CMBD).Hemos estudiado la distribución del número de casos y la variabilidad intercomunitaria en términos de morbilidad y de estancia hospitalaria, así como el impacto del volumen quirúrgico medio anual por cada centro en dichas variables. Resultados: Entre los años 2011-2015 se han realizado un total de 37.725 PR en 221 hospitales españoles públicos del sistema nacional de salud. La edad media de la serie fue 63,9 ± 3,23 años. El 50% de las PR se han realizado por vía abierta, y un 43,4% se han intervenido en hospitales de < 500 camas. Encontramos una gran variabilidad en la distribución de los casos intervenidos en las distintas Comunidades Autónomas (CCAA Las comunidades que realizan un mayor número de prostatectomías son Andalucía, Cataluña, Galicia y Madrid. La tasa de complicaciones a nivel nacional es de 8,6%, siendo las más frecuentes la hemorragia y necesidad de transfusión (5,3 y 4%, respectivamente). Encontramos importantes diferencias en las tasas de hemorragia y en la estancia hospitalaria entre las distintas CCAA, que se mantienen tras ajustar por las características del paciente y del tipo de hospital. Al estudiar el volumen quirúrgico anual de cada hospital vemos que el impacto en la tasa de hemorragia o transfusión es lineal sin embargo en la estancia a partir de 60 PR/año la estancia se mantiene estable en torno a cinco días. (AU)

Introduction: There is no population-based study that accounts for the number of radical prostatectomies (RP) carried out in Spain, nor regarding the morbidity and mortality of this intervention.Our objective is to study the morbidity and mortality of RP in Spain from 2011 to 2015 and to evaluate the geographic variation. Material and methods: We designed a retrospective observational study of all patients submitted to RP in Spain during five consecutive years (2011-2015). The data was extracted from the «Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos» (CMBD).We have evaluated geographic variations in terms of morbidity and hospital stay, and the impact of the mean annual surgical volume for each center on these variables. Results: Between 2011-2015, a total of 37,725 RPs were performed in 221 Spanish public hospitals. The mean age of the series was 63.9 ± 3.23 years. Of all RPs, 50% were performed through an open approach, and 43.4% have been operated on in hospitals with < 500 beds. We observed an important variability in the distribution of the cases operated on in the different regions. The regions that perform more RPs are Andalusia, Catalonia, Galicia, and Madrid. Our study shows a complication rate of 8.6%, with hemorrhage and the need for transfusion being the most frequent (5.3 and 4%, respectively). There are significant differences in bleeding rates and hospital stay among regions, which are maintained after adjusting for patient characteristics and type of hospital. When studying the annual surgical volume of each hospital, we find that the impact on the rate of hemorrhage or transfusion is linear; however, hospital stay remains stable at around 5 days from 60 RPs/year (AU)

Safety assessment and characterisation of Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS21603 as potential feed additive for swine.

The present study aimed to characterise in vitro properties of the strain Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS21603 and evaluate in vivo piglets' tolerance for its use as feed additive in swine. The ability of L. salivarius PS21603 of inhibiting enteropathogens' growth in vitro was evaluated using a co-culture assay. Low pH tolerance, bile tolerance, and resistance to osmotic changes were evaluated. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of L. salivarius PS21603 was assessed through broth microdilution method. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to exclude the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. L. salivarius PS21603 showed a high antimicrobial activity in vitro, reducing in a mean of 6.16 log cfu/ml eight different enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains. Moreover, L. salivarius PS21603 showed resistance to osmotic changes and was able to survive to a pH above 3.5 during 24 h and up to pH 2 at least during 2 h. In addition, WGS revealed that L. salivarius PS21603 did not harbour any resistance genes and thus there was no risk of transmissibility. Finally, an in vivo 28-days safety and tolerance study was performed. For that, 384 healthy piglets (28±2 days old and 7.5±1.5 kg, at weaning) were divided into three treatment groups receiving a different dose of L. salivarius PS21603: T1, 109 cfu/day; T2, 107 cfu/day; T3, control. Piglet's health status was daily controlled. Individual bodyweight and feed intake per pen were weekly recorded to determine performance parameters. Blood samples were collected in 16 piglets from each treatment group on days 0 and 28 for determination of cytokine profiles. L. salivarius PS21603 was safe and well tolerated by piglets, there were no differences in performance nor cytokine profile between treatment groups. In conclusion, L. salivarius PS21603 is a potential candidate for a probiotic prevention strategy against pig diarrhoea.

Population based study of morbidity and mortality rates associated to radical prostatectomy cases in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: There is no population-based study that accounts for the number of radical prostatectomies (RP) carried out in Spain, nor regarding the morbidity and mortality of this intervention. Our objective is to study the morbidity and mortality of RP in Spain from 2011 to 2015 and to evaluate the geographic variation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a retrospective observational study of all patients submitted to RP in Spain during five consecutive years (2011-2015). The data was extracted from the «Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos¼ (CMBD). We have evaluated geographic variations in terms of morbidity and hospital stay, and the impact of the mean annual surgical volume for each center on these variables. RESULTS: Between 2011-2015, a total of 37,725 RPs were performed in 221 Spanish public hospitals. The mean age of the series was 63.9±3.23 years. Of all RPs, 50% were performed through an open approach, and 43.4% have been operated on in hospitals with <500 beds. We observed an important variability in the distribution of the cases operated on in the different regions. The regions that perform more RPs are Andalusia, Catalonia, Galicia, and Madrid. Our study shows a complication rate of 8.6%, with hemorrhage and the need for transfusion being the most frequent (5.3 and 4%, respectively). There are significant differences in bleeding rates and hospital stay among regions, which are maintained after adjusting for patient characteristics and type of hospital. When studying the annual surgical volume of each hospital, we find that the impact on the rate of hemorrhage or transfusion is linear; however, hospital stay remains stable at around 5 days from 60 RPs/year. CONCLUSIONS: In national terms, morbidity and mortality rates after RP are comparable to those described in the literature. This study reveals a clear dispersion in the hospitals that carry out this intervention, showing clear differences in terms of morbidity and hospital stay between the different regions.

Future food contaminants: An assessment of the plant uptake of Technology-critical elements versus traditional metal contaminants.

Technology-critical elements (TCEs) include most rare earth elements (REEs), the platinum group elements (PGEs), and Ga, Ge, In, Nb, Ta, Te, and Tl. Despite increasing recognition of their prolific release into the environment, their soil to plant transfer remains largely unknown. This paper provides an approximation of the potential for plant uptake by calculating bioconcentration factors (BCFs), defined as the concentration in edible vegetable tissues relative to that in cultivation soil. Here data were obtained from an indoor cultivation experiment growing lettuce, chard, and carrot on 22 different European urban soils. Values of BCFs were determined from concentrations of TCEs in vegetable samples after digestion with concentrated HNO3, and from concentrations in soil determined after 1) Aqua Regia digestion and, 2) diluted (0.1 M) HNO3 leaching. For comparison, BCFs were also determined for 5 traditional metal contaminants (TMCs; As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn). The main conclusions of the study were that: 1)BCF values for the REEs were consistently low in the studied vegetables;2)the BCFs for Ga and Nb were low as well;3) the BCFs for Tl were high relative to the other measured TCEs and the traditional metal contaminants; and 4) mean BCF values for the investigated TCEs were generally highest in chard and lowest in carrot. These findings provide initial evidence that there are likely to be real and present soil-plant transfer of TCEs, especially in the case of Tl. Improvements in analytical methods and detection limits will allow this to be further investigated in a wider variety of edible plants so that a risk profile may be developed.