Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Training through Simulation Using the Crisis Resource Management Tool for Primary Care Professionals.

This was a prospective observational study based on clinical simulation courses taught in 2017 at the IDEhA Simulation Center of Alcorcón Foundation University Hospital. Two courses in metabolic emergencies (MEs) and respiratory emergencies (REs) were offered to primary care physicians all over Spain. The main objective was to teach nontechnical skills (crisis resource management). Using a modified five-level Kirkpatrick-Phillips education evaluation model, level I (reaction, K1), level II (learning, K2) and level III (behavioral change, K3) changes were evaluated through surveys at the end of the courses and one year later. Thirty courses were held (15 ME courses and 15 RE courses) with 283 primary care physicians. The overall satisfaction (K1) was high: ME courses, 9.5/10; RE courses, 9.6/10. More than 80% of the participants rated the organization, resources, content, debriefing and scenarios as excellent, with no significant differences between the two courses. After one year (156 responses), the respondents for both courses reported that they would repeat the training annually (K2), encourage debriefing with colleagues (K3) and have modified some aspects of their workplace (K3), citing improvements in procedures and in the organization of the health team as the most important. After the ME course, few participants, i.e., 5 (6%), reported providing improved care to patients; after the RE course, 15 (19%) participants reported providing improved care; the difference between groups was significant (p < 0.05). Compared with the ME course, the RE course imparted greater knowledge about patient safety (K2) (38 (49%) vs. 24 (31%) (p < 0.05)) and more useful tools for daily clinical practice (K3) (67% vs. 56.4%) and resulted in participants paying more attention to personal performance and to colleagues when working as a team (K2) (64% vs. 50%). Clinical simulation courses are highly valued and potentially effective for training primary care physicians in patient safety and CRM tools. Future studies with objective measures of long-term impact, behavior in the workplace (K3) and benefits to patients (K4) are needed. Based on the results of our study, the areas that are important are those aimed at improving procedures and the organization of health teams.

Digestive interaction between dietary nitrite and dairy products generates novel nitrated linolenic acid products.

Nitrated fatty acids are important anti-inflammatory and protective lipids formed in the gastric compartment, with conjugated linoleic acid (rumenic acid, RA, 9Z,11E-18:2) being the primary substrate for lipid nitration. The recently reported identification of nitrated rumelenic acid (NO2-RLA) in human urine has led to hypothesize that rumelenic acid (RLA, 9Z,11E,15Z-18:3) from dairy fat is responsible for the formation of NO2-RLA. To evaluate the source and mechanism of NO2-RLA formation, 15N labeled standards of NO2-RLA were synthesized and characterized. Afterward, milk fat with different RA and RLA levels was administered to mice in the presence of nitrite, and the appearance of nitrated fatty acids in plasma and urine followed. We confirmed the formation of NO2-RLA and defined the main metabolites in plasma, urine, and tissues. In conclusion, RLA obtained from dairy products is the main substrate for forming this novel electrophilic lipid reported to be present in human urine.

Nano/microformulations for Bacteriophage Delivery.

Encapsulation methodologies allow the protection of bacteriophages for overcoming critical environmental conditions. Moreover, they improve the stability and the controlled delivery of bacteriophages which is of great innovative value in bacteriophage therapy. Here, two different encapsulation methodologies of bacteriophages are described using two biocompatible materials: a lipid cationic mixture and a combination of alginate with the antacid CaCO3. To perform bacteriophage encapsulation is necessary to dispose of a purified and highly concentrated lysate (around 1010 to 1011 pfu/mL) and a specific equipment. Both methodologies have been successfully applied for encapsulating Salmonella bacteriophages with different morphologies. Also, the material employed does not modify the antibacterial action of bacteriophages. Moreover, both technologies can be adapted to any bacteriophage and possibly to any delivery route for bacteriophage therapy.

Characterization of the invasive macroalgae Rugulopteryx Okamurae for potential biomass valorisation.

This study aimed to examine the composition and properties of the invasive macroalgae R. okamurae and explore potential applications. The results showed that the seaweed biomass is mainly composed of structural carbohydrates, with alginate being the main constituent, accounting for 32 % of its total composition and with a mannuronic and guluronic acid ratio (M/G) ratio of 0.93. It also has a relatively high concentration of fucose, related to the presence of fucoidans that have important biological functions. Among the mineral contents, a high magnesium and calcium (7107 and 5504 mg/kg) concentration, and the presence of heavy metals above legislated thresholds, were notable. R. okamurae also contained a high lipid content of 17 %, mainly composed of saturated fatty acids, but with a significant fraction of n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (18 %) resulting in a low n6/n3 ratio (0.31), that has health benefits. The protein content of R. okamurae was 12 %, with high-quality proteins, as essential amino acids (mainly leucine, phenylalanine and valine) constitute 32 % of the total amino acids. It also showed a high polyphenol content and outstanding antioxidant properties (106.88 mg TE/g). Based on these findings, R. okamurae has significant potential as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds that can add value to different sectors, including food, feed, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Impact of mutagenesis and lateral gene transfer processes in bacterial susceptibility to phage in food biocontrol and phage therapy.

Introduction: The emergence of resistance and interference mechanisms to phage infection can hinder the success of bacteriophage-based applications, but the significance of these mechanisms in phage therapy has not been determined. This work studies the emergence of Salmonella isolates with reduced susceptibility to a cocktail of three phages under three scenarios: i) Salmonella cultures (LAB), ii) biocontrol of cooked ham slices as a model of food safety (FOOD), and iii) oral phage therapy in broilers (PT). Methods: S. Typhimurium ATCC 14028 RifR variants with reduced phage susceptibility were isolated from the three scenarios and conventional and molecular microbiology techniques were applied to study them. Results and discussion: In LAB, 92% of Salmonella isolates lost susceptibility to all three phages 24 h after phage infection. This percentage was lower in FOOD, with 4.3% of isolates not susceptible to at least two of the three phages after seven days at 4°C following phage treatment. In PT, 9.7% and 3.3 % of isolates from untreated and treated broilers, respectively, displayed some mechanism of interference with the life cycle of some of the phages. In LAB and FOOD scenarios, resistant variants carrying mutations in rfc and rfaJ genes involved in lipopolysaccharide synthesis (phage receptor) were identified. However, in PT, the significant decrease of EOP, ECOI, and burst size observed in isolates was prompted by lateral gene transfer of large IncI1 plasmids, which may encode phage defense mechanisms. These data indicate that the acquisition of specific conjugative plasmids has a stronger impact than mutagenesis on the emergence of reduced phage-susceptibility bacteria in certain environments. In spite of this, neither mechanism seems to significantly impair the success of Salmonella biocontrol and oral phage therapy.

Maximal Respiratory Pressure Reference Equations in Healthy Adults and Cut-off Points for Defining Respiratory Muscle Weakness.

INTRODUCTION: Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax/PEmax) reference equations obtained in healthy people are needed to correctly interpret respiratory muscle strength. Currently, no clear cut-off points defining respiratory muscle weakness are available. We aimed to establish sex-specific reference equations for PImax/PEmax in a large sample of healthy adults and to objectively determine cut-off points for respiratory muscle weakness. METHODS: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted across 14 Spanish centres. Healthy non-smoking volunteers aged 18-80 years stratified by sex and age were recruited. PImax/PEmax were assessed using uniform methodology according to international standards. Multiple linear regressions were used to obtain reference equations. Cut-off points for respiratory muscle weakness were established by using T-scores. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 610 subjects (314 females; 48 [standard deviation, SD: 17] years). Reference equations for PImax/PEmax included body mass index and a squared term of the age as independent variables for both sexes (p<0.01). Cut-off points for respiratory muscle weakness based on T-scores ≥2.5 SD below the peak mean value achieved at a young age were: 62 and 83cmH2O for PImax and 81 and 109cmH2O for PEmax in females and males, respectively. CONCLUSION: These reference values, based on the largest dataset collected in a European population to date using uniform methodology, help identify cut-off points for respiratory muscle weakness in females and males. These data will help to better identify the presence of respiratory muscle weakness and to determine indications for interventions to improve respiratory muscle function.

The effects of whole-body muscle stimulation on body composition and strength parameters: A PRISMA systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis set out to determine the efficacy of whole-body muscle electrostimulation on body composition, strength, and muscle power in active and non-active adults (aged ≥18 years). METHOD: This review was reported in accordance with the Protocol Statement of Preferred Reporting Element Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis included controlled trials; whole-body electromyostimulation trials with at least 1 exercise and control group; participants >18 years old. Outcome measures were defined as standardized mean differences for muscle mass, body fat mass, strength, and power. Studies were searched in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and EMBASE for all articles published up to July 30, 2021. The risk of bias was assessed by 2 independent researchers using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach. Analyses were performed using the metafor package of the statistical software R (version 4.0.3; R Core Team, 2020). Random effects models, forest, and funnel plots to quantify the asymmetry associated with publication bias were fitted using the metafor library in R. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. RESULTS: In total, 26 studies representing 1183 participants were included (WB-electromyostimulation: n = 586 and control group: n = 597). The mean age of the participants ranged from a minimum of 20.4 to a maximum of 77.4 years old. Interventions lasted a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 54 weeks. Standardized mean difference was 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16-0.57) for muscle mass, -0.38 (95% CI: -0.62-0.15) for body fat, 0.54 (95% CI: 0.35-0.72) for strength, and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.02-0.71) for power with significant differences between groups (all P < .04). I2 revealed low heterogeneity of muscle mass (15%) and power (0%) between trials and medium heterogeneity of body fat (45%) and strength (55%). CONCLUSION: We concluded that WB-electromyostimulation has significant positive effects on muscle mass, body fat, strength, and power.

Bioactivity and Digestibility of Microalgae Tetraselmis sp. and Nannochloropsis sp. as Basis of Their Potential as Novel Functional Foods.

It is estimated that by 2050, the world's population will exceed 10 billion people, which will lead to a deterioration in global food security. To avoid aggravating this problem, FAO and WHO have recommended dietary changes to reduce the intake of animal calories and increase the consumption of sustainable, nutrient-rich, and calorie-efficient products. Moreover, due to the worldwide rising incidence of non-communicable diseases and the demonstrated impact of diet on the risk of these disorders, the current established food pattern is focused on the consumption of foods that have functionality for health. Among promising sources of functional foods, microalgae are gaining worldwide attention because of their richness in high-value compounds with potential health benefits. However, despite the great opportunities to exploit microalgae in functional food industry, their use remains limited by challenges related to species diversity and variations in cultivation factors, changes in functional composition during extraction procedures, and limited evidence on the safety and bioavailability of microalgae bioactives. The aim of this review is to provide an updated and comprehensive discussion on the nutritional value, biological effects, and digestibility of two microalgae genera, Tetraselmis and Nannochloropsis, as basis of their potential as ingredients for the development of functional foods.

Repurposing Disulfiram as an Antimicrobial Agent in Topical Infections.

Antimicrobial drugs applied topically offer several advantages. However, the widespread use of antibiotics has led to increasing antimicrobial resistance. One interesting approach in the drug discovery process is drug repurposing. Disulfiram, which was originally approved as an anti-alcoholism drug, offers an attractive alternative to treat topical multidrug resistance bacteria in skin human infections. This study aimed to evaluate the biopharmaceutical characteristics of the drug and the effects arising from its topical application in detail. Microdilution susceptibility testing showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Dermal absorption revealed no permeation in pig skin. The quantification of the drug retained in pig skin demonstrated concentrations in the stratum corneum and epidermis, enough to treat skin infections. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity and micro-array analyses were performed to better understand the mechanism of action and revealed the importance of the drug as a metal ion chelator. Together, our findings suggest that disulfiram has the potential to be repurposed as an effective antibiotic to treat superficial human skin infections.

Bioelectrochemically-assisted degradation of chloroform by a co-culture of Dehalobacter and Dehalobacterium.

Using bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) to provide electrochemically generated hydrogen is a promising technology to provide electron donors for reductive dechlorination by organohalide-respiring bacteria. In this study, we inoculated two syntrophic dechlorinating cultures containing Dehalobacter and Dehalobacterium to sequentially transform chloroform (CF) to acetate in a BES using a graphite fiber brush as the electrode. In this co-culture, Dehalobacter transformed CF to stoichiometric amounts of dichloromethane (DCM) via organohalide respiration, whereas the Dehalobacterium-containing culture converted DCM to acetate via fermentation. BES were initially inoculated with Dehalobacter, and sequential cathodic potentials of -0.6, -0.7, and -0.8 V were poised after consuming three CF doses (500 µM) per each potential during a time-span of 83 days. At the end of this period, the accumulated DCM was degraded in the following seven days after the inoculation of Dehalobacterium. At this point, four consecutive amendments of CF at increasing concentrations of 200, 400, 600, and 800 µM were sequentially transformed by the combined degradation activity of Dehalobacter and Dehalobacterium. The Dehalobacter 16S rRNA gene copies increased four orders of magnitude during the whole period. The coulombic efficiencies associated with the degradation of CF reached values > 60% at a cathodic potential of -0.8 V when the degradation rate of CF achieved the highest values. This study shows the advantages of combining syntrophic bacteria to fully detoxify chlorinated compounds in BESs and further expands the use of this technology for treating water bodies impacted with pollutants.

Comparative study of the most commonly used methods for total protein determination in milk of different species and their ultrafiltration products.

Milk ultrafiltration is a widely used membrane filtration process that allows the recuperation of whey proteins in a concentrate high in total solids, which can later be transformed in multiple healthy dairy products with great prospects for the food industry. Protein content is a decisive factor for the technological performance of milk concentrates and currently, the ISO standard method for its determination is Kjeldahl, which is time-consuming and requires specific instrumentation. For this reason, the use of rapid methods to quantify protein would greatly facilitate the monitoring of the milk ultrafiltration process. In this study, the bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA), the detergent compatible Bradford assay and the Dumas method were compared to Kjeldahl protein determination to select a quick and accurate methodology suitable for milk of different species and its ultrafiltration products (retentates and permeates). The protein content obtained from Bradford assay and Dumas method in origin milk and retentate samples was consistent with Kjeldahl values. In contrast, BCA protein levels were significantly different when compared to Kjeldahl and no method was proved to be suitable for protein determination in permeate samples. The use of sodium dodecyl sulfate was also examined to improve protein measurements without success. In comparison with the official method, Bradford assay quantitatively provided the best results, and it would be recommended for a quick, economic and easy determination of total protein content in milk and retentate samples.

Influence of Dietary Algae Meal on Lipid Oxidation and Volatile Profile of Meat from Lambs with Competent Reticular Groove Reflex.

Dietary lipid sources influence intramuscular fatty acid composition, which in turn may affect the volatile profile of meat. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of marine algae supplementation (Aurantiochytrium limacinum) on volatile compounds of cooked lamb meat. Forty-eight lambs with 42 days of age were divided into three groups: lambs fed a conventional diet without algae meal supplementation (NOALG), lambs with competent reticular groove reflex (RGR) fed the same diet supplemented with 2.5% marine algae meal mixed in the concentrate (ALGCON), and lambs with competent RGR, receiving the same diet and fed with 2.5% marine algae meal in a milk replacer to bypass the rumen (ALGMILK). Lipid and protein oxidation in raw meat was assessed and volatile compounds in grilled meat were determined. The highest and lowest lipid oxidations were observed in the ALGMILK and NOALG groups, respectively. Protein oxidation was unaffected. Out of 56 identified compounds, 12 volatiles significantly increased in both algae groups and 6 of them exclusively in the ALGCON treatment. Algae meal supplementation and its form of administration, either protected or not from rumen degradation, are important factors to consider in lipid oxidation and the aromatic profile of lamb meat.

Enrichment of Ewe's Milk with Dietary n-3 Fatty Acids from Palm, Linseed and Algae Oils in Isoenergetic Rations.

Increasing the levels of n-3 fatty acids (FA) in dairy products is an important goal in terms of enhancing the nutritional value of these foods for the consumer. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of linseed and algae oil supplements in ovine isoenergetic diets on healthy milk fatty acid composition, mainly n-3. Seventy-two Churra dairy ewes were divided and randomly assigned to four experimental treatments for 6 weeks. The treatments consisted of a TMR (40:60 forage:concentrate ratio) that varied according to the inclusion of different types of fat (23 g/100 g TMR): hydrogenated palm oil (control), linseed oil (LO), calcium soap of linseed oil (CaS-LO) and marine algae oil (AO). The most effective lipid supplement to increase n-3 FA in milk was AO. 22:6 n-3 and total n-3 PUFA content increased from 0.02 and 0.60% (control) to 2.63 and 3.53% (AO), respectively. All diets supplemented with n-3 FA diminished the content of saturated FA in milk and its atherogenic index, while the levels of trans-11 18:1 and cis-9 trans-11 18:2 significantly increased. Overall, the enhancement of n-3 FA in ewe's milk would be advantageous for the manufacture of nutritionally improved cheeses.

Detection of unsuspected cathinone and piperazine-type drugs in urine samples positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine collected in emergency departments. / Detección no sospechada de catinonas y piperacinas en pacientes consumidores de metanfetamina y anfetamina atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios.

OBJECTIVES: To detect the presence of unsuspected and/or undeclared cathinone and piperazine-type designer drugs in methamphetamine (METH) and amphetamine users treated in emergency departments, and to compare clinical and toxicologic profiles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of emergency department patients treated for confirmed acute intoxication by recreational drugs (METH and amphetamines) between March 2019 and December 2020. We ordered high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to detect cathinones (methylone, fluoromethcathinone, mexedrone, fluoromethamphetamine, mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone) and synthetic piperazines (meta-chlorophenylpiperazine and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine). Demographic, clinical, and toxicologic variables were analyzed with SPSS software (version 23). RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included: 24 (61.5%) had used METH and 15 (38.5%) an amphetamine. Synthetic cathinones were detected in samples from 11 patients (28.2%), 10 (90.9%) in the METH group and 1 (9.1%) in the amphetamine group (P = .028). The METH users had taken mephedrone (8 patients) or methylone (2 patients); the amphetamine user had taken mephedrone. None of the patients had declared use of a cathinone; nor was use suspected. The mean (SD) number of substances involved was higher among users of cathinones (3.5 [1.13] vs 2.5 [1.40] in those who took no cathinones; P = .036). Among the cathinone users, 90.9% were men, 90.9% had used METH, and 45.5% had practiced chemsex. HIV positivity was significantly associated with cathinone use (in 45.5% vs 10.7% of those not using cathinones; P = .028). All 5 of the patients who had taken cathinones and also practiced chemsex were HIV positive. Significantly more patients who had taken cathinones presented with anxiety (72.7% vs 21.43%; P = .007). No differences in clinical management were found. CONCLUSION: Detection of METH in intoxicated patients should raise suspicion of probable use of a synthetic cathinone. Patients in whom new psychoactive substances are detected should be kept under observation, and clinical protocols should include referring them to addiction treatment centers.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la incidencia de catinonas y piperazinas, no sospechadas y/o declaradas en consumidores de metanfetamina (MANF) y anfetamina (ANF) atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) y comparar los perfiles clínicos y toxicológicos. METODO: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con intoxicación aguda por drogas recreativas con MANF y ANF confirmadas analíticamente atendidos en 3 SUH entre marzo de 2019 y diciembre de 2020. Se detectaron por HPLC-MS/MS las catinonas [metilona, fluorometcatinona, mecedrona, fluorometanfetamina, mefedrona, metilendioxipirovalerona (MDPV)] y las piperazinas sintéticas [meta-clorofenilpiperazina (mCPP), trifluorometilfenilpiperazina (TFMPP)]. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 39 pacientes: 24 (61,5%) en el grupo MANF y 15 (38,5%) en el ANF. En 11 (28,2%), se detectaron catinonas sintéticas (grupo CAT), 10 en el grupo MANF (8 mefedrona, 2 metilona) y 1 en el grupo ANF (1 mefedrona) (90,9% vs 9,1%; p = 0,028). Ninguno de los pacientes declaró consumo de catinonas. El número de drogas implicadas en la intoxicación fue superior en el grupo CAT (3,5 [1,13] vs 2,5 [1,40]; p = 0,036). El perfil clínico del grupo CAT fue: varón (90,9%), consumidor de MANF (90,9%) y usuario de chemsex (45,5%). El diagnóstico de VIH se asoció significativamente al grupo CAT (45,5% vs 10,7%; p = 0,028). Los pacientes del grupo CAT presentaron mayor ansiedad (72,7% vs 21,4%; p = 0,007). No se hallaron diferencias en su manejo clínico. CONCLUSIONES: La detección de MANF debería considerarse un dato de sospecha de consumo de catinonas sintéticas, y en esos casos debería contemplarse la detección de nuevas sustancias psicoactivas de abuso.

Detección no sospechada de catinonas y piperacinas en pacientes consumidores de metanfetamina y anfetamina atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios / Detection of unsuspected cathinone and piperazine-type drugs in urine samples positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine collected in emergency departments

Objetivos. Determinar la incidencia de catinonas y piperazinas, no sospechadas y/o declaradas en consumidores de metanfetamina (MANF) y anfetamina (ANF) atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) y comparar los perfiles clínicos y toxicológicos. Método. Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con intoxicación aguda por drogas recreativas con MANF y ANF confirmadas analíticamente atendidos en 3 SUH entre marzo de 2019 y diciembre de 2020. Se detectaron por HPLC-MS/MS las catinonas [metilona, fluorometcatinona, mecedrona, fluorometanfetamina, mefedrona, metilendioxipirovalerona (MDPV)] y las piperazinas sintéticas [meta-clorofenilpiperazina (mCPP), trifluorometilfenilpiperazina (TFMPP)]. Resultados. Se incluyeron 39 pacientes: 24 (61,5%) en el grupo MANF y 15 (38,5%) en el ANF. En 11 (28,2%), se detectaron catinonas sintéticas (grupo CAT), 10 en el grupo MANF (8 mefedrona, 2 metilona) y 1 en el grupo ANF (1 mefedrona) (90,9% vs 9,1%; p = 0,028). Ninguno de los pacientes declaró consumo de catinonas. El nú- mero de drogas implicadas en la intoxicación fue superior en el grupo CAT (3,5 [1,13] vs 2,5 [1,40]; p = 0,036). El perfil clínico del grupo CAT fue: varón (90,9%), consumidor de MANF (90,9%) y usuario de chemsex (45,5%). El diagnóstico de VIH se asoció significativamente al grupo CAT (45,5% vs 10,7%; p = 0,028). Los pacientes del grupo CAT presentaron mayor ansiedad (72,7% vs 21,4%; p = 0,007). No se hallaron diferencias en su manejo clínico. Conclusiones. La detección de MANF debería considerarse un dato de sospecha de consumo de catinonas sintéticas, y en esos casos debería contemplarse la detección de nuevas sustancias psicoactivas de abuso.

Objectives. To detect the presence of unsuspected and/or undeclared cathinone and piperazine-type designer drugs in methamphetamine (METH) and amphetamine users treated in emergency departments, and to compare clinical and toxicologic profiles. Method. Retrospective observational study of emergency department patients treated for confirmed acute intoxication by recreational drugs (METH and amphetamines) between March 2019 and December 2020. We ordered high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to detect cathinones (methylone, fluoromethcathinone, mexedrone, fluoromethamphetamine, mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone) and synthetic piperazines (meta-chlorophenylpiperazine and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine). Demographic, clinical, and toxicologic variables were analyzed with SPSS software (version 23). Results. Thirty-nine patients were included: 24 (61.5%) had used METH and 15 (38.5%) an amphetamine. Synthetic cathinones were detected in samples from 11 patients (28.2%), 10 (90.9%) in the METH group and 1 (9.1%) in the amphetamine group (P = .028). The METH users had taken mephedrone (8 patients) or methylone (2 patients); the amphetamine user had taken mephedrone. None of the patients had declared use of a cathinone; nor was use suspected. The mean (SD) number of substances involved was higher among users of cathinones (3.5 [1.13] vs 2.5 [1.40] in those who took no cathinones; P = .036). Among the cathinone users, 90.9% were men, 90.9% had used METH, and 45.5% had practiced chemsex. HIV positivity was significantly associated with cathinone use (in 45.5% vs 10.7% of those not using cathinones; P = .028). All 5 of the patients who had taken cathinones and also practiced chemsex were HIV positive. Significantly more patients who had taken cathinones presented with anxiety (72.7% vs 21.43%; P = .007). No differences in clinical management were found. [...]

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Anthropometric Variables, Blood Pressure, and Glucose and Lipid Profile in Healthy Adults: A before and after Pandemic Lockdown Longitudinal Study.

In December 2019, 27 cases of pneumonia were reported in Wuhan. In 2020, the causative agent was identified as a virus called SARS-CoV-2. The disease was called "coronavirus disease 2019" (COVID-19) and was determined as a Public Health Emergency. The main measures taken to cope with this included a state of lockdown. The aim of this study was to assess how the unhealthy lifestyles that ensued influenced different parameters. A prospective study was carried out on 6236 workers in a Spanish population between March 2019 and March 2021. Anthropometric, clinical, and analytical measurements were performed, revealing differences in the mean values of anthropometric and clinical parameters before and after lockdown due to the pandemic, namely increased body weight (41.1 ± 9.9-43.1 ± 9.9), BMI (25.1 ± 4.7-25.9 ± 4.7), and percentage of body fat (24.5 ± 9.1-26.9 ± 8.8); higher total cholesterol levels, with a statistically significant increase in LDL levels and a reduction in HDL; and worse glucose levels (90.5 ± 16.4-95.4 ± 15.8). Lockdown can be concluded to have had a negative effect on health parameters in both sexes in all age ranges, causing a worsening of cardiovascular risk factors.

Effects of Extending Milk Replacer Feeding during the Fattening Period on the Behaviour and Welfare of Lambs: A Preliminary Study.

There is a lack of information on the behavioural and welfare effects of sustaining artificial milk feeding in fattening lambs. Therefore, the present work aimed to study the effects of prolonged artificial milk feeding during fattening with a high concentrate diet on the behaviour of lambs. The behaviour of 16 non castrated male lambs of the Manchega sheep breed (eight lambs were in the group that were fed daily a bottle of milk, and the other eight were in the weaned group) was recorded with four fixed cameras just before bottle feeding (~8:30 a.m.) of the unweaned group till four hours later, every day for 7 weeks. The solid diet (pelleted concentrate plus cereal straw) and housing conditions were the same in both groups. Solid feeds were offered ad libitum. There were no differences between groups in time spent eating nor in drinking, playing, scratching and oral activity behaviours (p > 0.05), but resting episodes were longer in weaned lambs (p < 0.05). Weaned lambs presented a higher frequency of self-grooming behaviour (p < 0.05), while the unweaned group performed a higher frequency of interaction behaviour (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the behaviours of lambs that were fed daily a bottle of milk during the fattening period did not substantially differ from the weaned individuals.

Trichloromethane dechlorination by a novel Dehalobacter sp. strain 8M reveals a third contrasting C and Cl isotope fractionation pattern within this genus.

Trichloromethane (TCM) is a pollutant frequently detected in contaminated aquifers, and only four bacterial strains are known to respire it. Here, we obtained a novel Dehalobacter strain capable of transforming TCM to dichloromethane, which was denominated Dehalobacter sp. strain 8M. Besides TCM, strain 8M also completely transformed 1,1,2-trichloroethane to vinyl chloride and 1,2-dichloroethane. Quantitative PCR analysis for the 16S rRNA genes confirmed growth of Dehalobacter with TCM and 1,1,2-trichloroethane as electron acceptors. Carbon and chlorine isotope fractionation during TCM transformation was studied in cultured cells and in enzymatic assays with cell suspensions and crude protein extracts. TCM transformation in the three studied systems resulted in small but significant carbon (εC = -2.7 ± 0.1‰ for respiring cells, -3.1 ± 0.1‰ for cell suspensions, and - 4.1 ± 0.5‰ for crude protein extracts) and chlorine (εCl = -0.9 ± 0.1‰, -1.1 ± 0.1‰, and - 1.2 ± 0.2‰, respectively) isotope fractionation. A characteristic and consistent dual CCl isotope fractionation pattern was observed for the three systems (combined ΛC/Cl = 2.8 ± 0.3). This ΛC/Cl differed significantly from previously reported values for anaerobic dechlorination of TCM by the corrinoid cofactor vitamin B12 and other Dehalobacter strains. These findings widen our knowledge on the existence of different enzyme binding mechanisms underlying TCM-dechlorination within the genus Dehalobacter and demonstrates that dual isotope analysis could be a feasible tool to differentiate TCM degraders at field studies.

Non-canonical LexA proteins regulate the SOS response in the Bacteroidetes.

Lesions to DNA compromise chromosome integrity, posing a direct threat to cell survival. The bacterial SOS response is a widespread transcriptional regulatory mechanism to address DNA damage. This response is coordinated by the LexA transcriptional repressor, which controls genes involved in DNA repair, mutagenesis and cell-cycle control. To date, the SOS response has been characterized in most major bacterial groups, with the notable exception of the Bacteroidetes. No LexA homologs had been identified in this large, diverse and ecologically important phylum, suggesting that it lacked an inducible mechanism to address DNA damage. Here, we report the identification of a novel family of transcriptional repressors in the Bacteroidetes that orchestrate a canonical response to DNA damage in this phylum. These proteins belong to the S24 peptidase family, but are structurally different from LexA. Their N-terminal domain is most closely related to CI-type bacteriophage repressors, suggesting that they may have originated from phage lytic phase repressors. Given their role as SOS regulators, however, we propose to designate them as non-canonical LexA proteins. The identification of a new class of repressors orchestrating the SOS response illuminates long-standing questions regarding the origin and plasticity of this transcriptional network.