Clinical presentation, diagnostic investigations, treatment protocols and outcomes of dogs diagnosed with tick-borne diseases living in the United Kingdom: 76 cases (2005-2019).

OBJECTIVES: To report the presence of tick-borne diseases in dogs living in the United Kingdom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs with a final diagnosis of tick-borne diseases made between January 2005 and August 2019 at seven referral institutions in the United Kingdom were included in the study. RESULTS: Seventy-six dogs were included: 25 were diagnosed with ehrlichiosis, 23 with babesiosis, eight with Lyme borreliosis and six with anaplasmosis. Fourteen dogs had co-infections with two or three pathogens. Except for those dogs with anaplasmosis and Lyme borreliosis, most dogs with tick-borne diseases had a history of travel to or from endemic countries. However, three dogs with ehrlichiosis, and one dog each infected with Babesia canis and Babesia vulpes did not have any history of travel. A variety of non-specific clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities were reported. Targeted treatment was successful at achieving clinical remission in 64 (84%) dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Even in non-endemic areas, veterinary surgeons should consider tick-borne diseases in dogs with compatible clinical presentation and laboratory findings and especially where there is a history of travel. As autochthonous transmission of tick-borne-pathogens does occur, an absence of travel should not rule out tick-borne diseases. Specific diagnostic testing is required to confirm infection, and this enables prompt targeted treatment and often a positive outcome.

Sumario de las recomendaciones y puntos clave del Consenso de las Sociedades Científicas Españolas (SEPAR, SEMICYUC, SEMES; SECIP, SENeo, SEDAR, SENP) para la utilización de la ventilación no invasiva y terapia de alto flujo con cánulas nasales en el paciente adulto, pediátrico y neonatal con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda grave / Summary of recommendations and key points of the consensus of Spanish scientific societies (SEPAR, SEMICYUC, SEMES; SECIP, SENEO, SEDAR, SENP) on the use of non-invasive ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy with nasal cannulas in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients with severe acute respiratory failure

El soporte respiratorio no invasivo (SRNI) comprende 2 modalidades de tratamiento, la ventilación mecá-nica no invasiva (VMNI) y la terapia de alto flujo con cánulas nasales (TAFCN) que se aplican en pacientes adultos, pediátricos y neonatales con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (IRA). Sin embargo, el grado de acuerdo entre las distintas especialidades sobre el beneficio de estas técnicas en diferentes escenarios clínicos es controvertido. El objetivo del presente consenso fue elaborar una serie de recomendaciones de buena práctica clínica para la aplicación de soporte no invasivo en pacientes con IRA, avaladas por todas las sociedades científicas involucradas en el manejo del paciente adulto y pediátrico/neonatal con IRA. Para ello se contactó con las diferentes sociedades implicadas, quienes designaron a su vez a un grupo de 26 profesionales con suficiente experiencia en su aplicación. Se realizaron 3 reuniones presenciales para consensuar las recomendaciones (hasta un total de 71) fundamentadas en la revisión de la literatura y en la actualización de la evidencia disponible en relación con 3 categorías: indicaciones, monitorización yseguimiento del SRNI. Finalmente, se procedió a votación telemática de cada una de las recomendaciones, por parte de los expertos de cada sociedad científica implicada. Para la clasificación del grado de acuerdo se optó por un sistema analógico de clasificación fácil e intuitivo de usar, y que expresara con claridad si el procedimiento relacionado con el SRNI debía hacerse, podía hacerse o no debía hacerse. (AU)

Non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) comprises two treatment modalities, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. However, experts from different specialties disagree on the benefit of these techniques in different clinical settings. The objective of this consensus was to develop a series of good clinical practice recommendations for the application of non-invasive support in patients with ARF, endorsed by all scientific societies involved in the management of adult and pediatric/neonatal patients with ARF. To this end, the different societies involved were contacted, and they in turn appointed a group of 26 professionals with sufficient experience in the use of these techniques. Three face-to-face meetings were held to agree on recommendations (up to a total of 71) based on a literature review and the latest evidence associated with 3 categories: indications, monitoring and follow-up of NIRS. Finally, the experts from each scientific society involved voted telematically on each of the recommendations. To classify the degree of agreement, an analogue classification system was chosen that was easy and intuitive to use and that clearly stated whether the each NIRS intervention should be applied, could be applied, or should not be applied. (AU)

[Corneal wound healing-Pathophysiology and principles]. / Wundheilung der Kornea ­ Pathophysiologie und Grundlagen.

The cornea forms the anterior border of the eye and significantly contributes to a sharp optical image quality on the retina through its transparency, avascular nature and curvature. Because of its anatomical structure and as a barrier to the environment, the cornea is particularly exposed to various external factors, such as injuries and pathogens. A correct wound healing without the formation of light diverging scarring is therefore essential to preserve the integrity and function of the cornea. Misguided wound healing is of outstanding clinical relevance and can lead to corneal fibrogenesis. Corneal fibrosis results in scarring with a loss of optical transparency, which significantly reduces eyesight and can lead to blindness. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of wound healing and fibrogenesis is of great importance for the diagnostics, treatment and evaluation of the subsequent healing process in order to prevent permanent damage as far as possible.

Crystal structure refinement of magnesium zinc divanadate, MgZnV2O7, from powder X-ray diffraction data.

The crystal structure of magnesium zinc divanadate, MgZnV2O7, was determined and refined from laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data. The title compound was synthesized by a solid-state reaction at 1023 K in air. The crystal structure is isotypic with Mn0.6Zn1.4V2O7 (C2/m; Z = 6) and is related to the crystal structure of thortveitite. The asymmetric unit contains two metal sites with statistically distributed magnesium and zinc atoms with the atomic ratio close to 1:1. One (Mg/Zn) metal site (M1) is located on Wyckoff position 8j and the other (M2) on 4h. Three V sites (all on 4i), and eight O (three 8j, four 4i, and one 2b) sites complete the asymmetric unit. The structure is an alternate stacking of V2O7 layers and (Mg/Zn) atom layers along [20]. It is distinct from other related structures in that each V2O7 layer consists of two groups: a V2O7 dimer and a V4O14 tetra-mer. Mixed-occupied M1 and M2 are coordinated by oxygen atoms in distorted trigonal bipyramidal and octa-hedral sites, respectively.

Summary of recommendations and key points of the consensus of Spanish scientific societies (SEPAR, SEMICYUC, SEMES; SECIP, SENEO, SEDAR, SENP) on the use of non-invasive ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy with nasal cannulas in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients with severe acute respiratory failure.

Non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) comprises two treatment modalities, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. However, experts from different specialties disagree on the benefit of these techniques in different clinical settings. The objective of this consensus was to develop a series of good clinical practice recommendations for the application of non-invasive support in patients with ARF, endorsed by all scientific societies involved in the management of adult and pediatric/neonatal patients with ARF. To this end, the different societies involved were contacted, and they in turn appointed a group of 26 professionals with sufficient experience in the use of these techniques. Three face-to-face meetings were held to agree on recommendations (up to a total of 71) based on a literature review and the latest evidence associated with 3 categories: indications, monitoring and follow-up of NIRS. Finally, the experts from each scientific society involved voted telematically on each of the recommendations. To classify the degree of agreement, an analogue classification system was chosen that was easy and intuitive to use and that clearly stated whether the each NIRS intervention should be applied, could be applied, or should not be applied.

Summary of recommendations and key points of the consensus of Spanish scientific societies (SEPAR, SEMICYUC, SEMES; SECIP, SENEO, SEDAR, SENP) on the use of non-invasive ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy with nasal cannulas in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients with severe acute respiratory failure. / Sumario de las recomendaciones y puntos clave del Consenso de las Sociedades Científicas Españolas (SEPAR, SEMICYUC, SEMES; SECIP, SENeo, SEDAR, SENP) para la utilización de la ventilación no invasiva y terapia de alto flujo con cánulas nasales en el paciente adulto, pediátrico y neonatal con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda grave.

Non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) comprises two treatment modalities, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. However, experts from different specialties disagree on the benefit of these techniques in different clinical settings. The objective of this consensus was to develop a series of good clinical practice recommendations for the application of non-invasive support in patients with ARF, endorsed by all scientific societies involved in the management of adult and pediatric/neonatal patients with ARF. To this end, the different societies involved were contacted, and they in turn appointed a group of 26 professionals with sufficient experience in the use of these techniques. Three face-to-face meetings were held to agree on recommendations (up to a total of 71) based on a literature review and the latest evidence associated with 3 categories: indications, monitoring and follow-up of NIRS. Finally, the experts from each scientific society involved voted telematically on each of the recommendations. To classify the degree of agreement, an analogue classification system was chosen that was easy and intuitive to use and that clearly stated whether the each NIRS intervention should be applied, could be applied, or should not be applied.

Effect of transient thermal shocks on alcoholic fermentation performance.

Stuck and sluggish fermentations are among the main problems in winemaking industry leading to important economic losses. Several factors have been described as causes of stuck and sluggish fermentations, being exposure to extreme temperatures barely studied. The objective of this study was to identify thermal conditions leading to stuck and sluggish fermentations, focusing on the impact of an abrupt and transient decrease/increase of temperature on fermentation performance and yeast viability/vitality. Different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, SBB11, T73, and PDM were evaluated in synthetic grape must fermentations. Cold shocks (9 °C and 1.5 °C for 16 h) carried out on different days during the fermentation process were unable to alter fermentation performance. Conversely, shock temperatures higher than 32 °C, applied in early stages of the process, lead to sluggish fermentation showing a delay directly related to the temperature increase. Fermentation delay was associated with a decrease in cell vitality. The impact of the heat shock on fermentation performance was different depending on the strain evaluated and nitrogen supplementation (with or without diammonium phosphate addition). None of the conditions evaluated produced a stuck fermentation and importantly, in all cases must nutrition improved fermentation performance after a heat shock.

Polymerase Activity, Protein-Protein Interaction, and Cellular Localization of the Usutu Virus NS5 Protein.

Usutu virus (USUV) has become increasingly relevant in recent years, with large outbreaks that sporadically have affected humans being reported in wildlife. Similarly to the rest of flaviviruses, USUV contains a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome which is replicated by the activity of nonstructural protein 5 (NS5). USUV NS5 shows high sequence identity with the remaining viruses in this genus. This permitted us to identify the predicted methyltransferase domain and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain (RdRpD). Owing to their high degree of conservation, viral polymerases are considered priority targets for the development of antiviral compounds. In the present study, we cloned and expressed the entire NS5 and the RdRpD in a heterologous system and used purified preparations for protein characterizations. We determined the optimal reaction conditions by investigating how variations in different physicochemical parameters, such as buffer concentration, temperature, and pH, affect RNA polymerization activity. We also found that USUV polymerase, but not the full-length NS5, exhibits cooperative activity in the synthesis of RNA and that the RdRp activity is not inhibited by sofosbuvir. To further examine the characteristics of USUV polymerase in a more specifically biological context, we have expressed NS5 and the RdRpD in eukaryotic cells and analyzed their subcellular location. NS5 is predominantly found in the cytoplasm; a significant proportion is directed to the nucleus, and this translocation involves nuclear location signals (NLS) located at least between the MTase and RdRpD domains.

Intervención forense y psicológica en un atleta de élite con psicopatología sobrevenida / Forensic and Psychological intervention in an elite with associate psychopathology / Intervenção forense e psicológica em atleta de elite com psicopatologia subrevenida

Se presenta un estudio de caso de un deportista de elite que desarrolló una psicopatología sobrevenida, que interfería en su carrera atlética. Tras ganar dos medallas en una competición internacional, entró en un estado de ansiedad, depresión, nerviosismo y apatía y dejó de entrenar durante cinco meses. Durante este tiempo no atendió al sistema ADAMS, y fue citado por el Control Antidopaje de la WADA para que se defendiera. Fue diagnosticado de un Trastorno Depresivo Mayor Recidivante (269.3x, DSM-IV-TR, 2002) con un GAP entre 45 y 50, y un Síndrome de Burnout. La intervención duró cinco meses con una sesión semanal basada en Psicoterapia Psicodinámica Breve, Enseñanza de estrategias adaptativas de afrontamiento y Apoyo social. Tras oír las alegaciones del psicólogo, por consenso, le permitieron volver a competir

This paper presents a case study in which an elite athlete developed a sports-associated psychopathology, interfering with his athletic career. After receiving medals in a top competition, the subject entered into an unusual state of anxiety, depression, nervousness, and apathy and he completely stopped his training for five months. During this time, he neglected ADAMS system controls, and was quoted by WADA to make legal arguments in his defense. He was diagnosed, with Relapsing Serious Depressive Disorder (269.3x, DSM-IV-TR, 2002) and a GAF between 45 and 50, and a Burnout Syndrome. An intervention was implemented over a five month period in the form of weekly sessions. It was based on Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP); Teaching effective use of well-adapted coping strategies and Social support. After hearing Sport Psychologist allegations by consensus, allowing him to compete

Apresenta-se um estudo de caso de um atleta de elite que desenvolveu uma psicopatologia que interferia com a sua carreira desportiva. Depois de ganhar duas medalhas numa competição internacional, entrou num estado de ansiedade, depressão e apatia, interrompendo os treinos durante cinco meses. Ao longo desse tempo não compareceu ao sistema ADAMS e foi convocado pelo Controle Anti-Doping da WADA para alegações de defesa. Foi-lhe diagnosticado um transtorno depressivo recorrente major (269,3x, DSM-IV-TR, 2002) com um GAP entre 45 e 50 e um Síndrome de Burnout. A intervenção durou cinco meses com uma sessão semanal baseada na psicoterapia psicodinâmica breve, ensino de estratégias de coping e suporte social. Na sequência das alegações do psicólogo, por consenso, foi-lhe permitido que voltasse a competir

Anti-viral therapy can be delayed or avoided in a significant proportion of HBeAg-negative Caucasian patients in the Grey Zone.

BACKGROUND: Grey Zone (GZ) is an ill-defined situation including patients falling between inactive carrier (IC) state and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (HBeAg-negative CHB). AIMS: To assess the long-term outcomes of GZ patients compared to IC in the absence of treatment. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 287 IC and GZ HBeAg-negative patients. Patients were classified into 4 groups at baseline: HBV-DNA <2000 IU/mL and ALT <40 U/L (IC), HBV-DNA <2000 IU/mL and ALT 40-80 U/L (GZ-1), HBV-DNA 2000-20 000 IU/mL and ALT <40 U/L (GZ-2) or ALT 40-80 U/L (GZ-3). Data were also analysed using AASLD ALT criteria. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 8.2 (5-19) years, HBsAg loss occurred in about 15% ICs or GZ patients. Transition into IC state occurred in 40% of GZ patients. DNA fluctuations >2000 IU/mL correlated inversely with transition into IC and HBsAg loss. HBsAg levels were significantly lower in ICs than in GZ patients (338 IU/mL [20-3269] vs 5763 IU/mL [2172-17 754]; P < 0.05). Among the latter group, there was an increasing gradient of HBsAg levels from GZ-1 to GZ-3 patients (P < 0.05). HBeAg-negative CHB occurred in only 18 (6.3%) GZ patients. No patient developed cirrhosis nor advanced fibrosis. ALT/HBV-DNA fluctuations and HBeAg-negative CHB development were more frequent in genotype B/C patients, whereas HBsAg loss occurred only in genotype A/D patients. CONCLUSIONS: Most Caucasian GZ patients present excellent long-term outcomes in the absence of treatment, with a high rate of HBsAg loss and low rate of progression to HBeAg-negative CHB. HBV-genotyping and HBsAg levels could help to predict outcomes and better classify GZ patients.

Concordancia entre la PET cerebral con 18F-FDG y los biomarcadores en líquido cefalorraquídeo en el diagnóstico de enfermedad de Alzheimer / Concordance between brain 18F-FDG PET and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease

Objetivos. El hipometabolismo cortical posterior por PET con 18F-FDG (PET-FDG) y la alteración de los niveles del péptido Aß1-42 y las proteínas Tau total (tTau) y Tau fosforilada (pTau) en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) son biomarcadores establecidos para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA). Evaluamos la concordancia y la relación entre los resultados de la PET-FDG y los biomarcadores en LCR en pacientes sintomáticos con sospecha de EA. Material y métodos. Revisión retrospectiva de 120 pacientes con deterioro cognitivo admitidos en la Unidad de Neurología Cognitiva a los que se les ha realizado punción lumbar para la determinación de biomarcadores en LCR y una PET-FDG cerebral. Para el análisis de concordancia (coeficiente Kappa), el resultado de la PET-FDG y del conjunto de los biomarcadores-LCR se clasificó en cada paciente como normal, no-concluyente, o compatible-EA. Se efectuó además una regresión logística incluyendo las variables cuantitativas Aß1-42, tTau y pTau como predictores y la PET-FDG como variable dependiente. Resultados. El coeficiente Kappa ponderado entre PET-FDG y biomarcadores-LCR fue de 0,46 (IC 95%: 0,35-0,57). En el análisis por regresión logística, la Aß1-42 y la tTau fueron en conjunto capaces de discriminar un resultado PET metabólicamente sugestivo de EA de uno no sugestivo de EA, con una sensibilidad del 91% y una especificidad del 93% aplicando la recta de corte Aß1-42=44+1,3×tTau. Conclusiones. La concordancia entre la PET-FDG cerebral y los biomarcadores-LCR es moderada, lo cual indica su valor complementario en el diagnóstico de EA. Los niveles de Aß1-42 y tTau en LCR son buenos predictores del estatus metabólico característico de EA por PET-FDG cerebral (AU)

Objectives. Cortical posterior hypometabolism on PET imaging with 18F-FDG (FDG-PET), and altered levels of Aß1-42 peptide, total Tau (tTau) and phosphorylated Tau (pTau) proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are established diagnostic biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease (AD). An evaluation has been made of the concordance and relationship between the results of FDG-PET and CSF biomarkers in symptomatic patients with suspected AD. Material and methods. A retrospective review was carried out on 120 patients with cognitive impairment referred to our Cognitive Neurology Unit, and who were evaluated by brain FDG-PET and a lumbar puncture for CSF biomarkers. In order to calculate their Kappa coefficient of concordance, the result of the FDG-PET and the set of the three CSF biomarkers in each patient was classified as normal, inconclusive, or AD-compatible. The relationship between the results of both methods was further assessed using logistic regression analysis, including the Aß1-42, tTau and pTau levels as quantitative predictors, and the FDG-PET result as the dependent variable. Results. The weighted Kappa coefficient between FDG-PET and CSF biomarkers was 0.46 (95% CI: 0.35-0.57). Logistic regression analysis showed that the Aß1-42 and tTau values together were capable of discriminating an FDG-PET result metabolically suggestive of AD from one non-suggestive of AD, with a 91% sensitivity and 93% specificity at the cut-off line Aß1-42=44+1.3×tTau. Conclusions. The level of concordance between FDG-PET and CSF biomarkers was moderate, indicating their complementary value in diagnosing AD. The Aß1-42 and tTau levels in CSF help to predict the patient FDG-PET cortical metabolic status (AU)

Concordance between brain 18F-FDG PET and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. / Concordancia entre la PET cerebral con 18F-FDG y los biomarcadores en líquido cefalorraquídeo en el diagnóstico de enfermedad de Alzheimer.

OBJECTIVES: Cortical posterior hypometabolism on PET imaging with 18F-FDG (FDG-PET), and altered levels of Aß1-42 peptide, total Tau (tTau) and phosphorylated Tau (pTau) proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are established diagnostic biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease (AD). An evaluation has been made of the concordance and relationship between the results of FDG-PET and CSF biomarkers in symptomatic patients with suspected AD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out on 120 patients with cognitive impairment referred to our Cognitive Neurology Unit, and who were evaluated by brain FDG-PET and a lumbar puncture for CSF biomarkers. In order to calculate their Kappa coefficient of concordance, the result of the FDG-PET and the set of the three CSF biomarkers in each patient was classified as normal, inconclusive, or AD-compatible. The relationship between the results of both methods was further assessed using logistic regression analysis, including the Aß1-42, tTau and pTau levels as quantitative predictors, and the FDG-PET result as the dependent variable. RESULTS: The weighted Kappa coefficient between FDG-PET and CSF biomarkers was 0.46 (95% CI: 0.35-0.57). Logistic regression analysis showed that the Aß1-42 and tTau values together were capable of discriminating an FDG-PET result metabolically suggestive of AD from one non-suggestive of AD, with a 91% sensitivity and 93% specificity at the cut-off line Aß1-42=44+1.3×tTau. CONCLUSIONS: The level of concordance between FDG-PET and CSF biomarkers was moderate, indicating their complementary value in diagnosing AD. The Aß1-42 and tTau levels in CSF help to predict the patient FDG-PET cortical metabolic status.

Structural convergence properties of amorphous InGaZnO4 from simulated liquid-quench methods.

The study of structural properties of amorphous structures is complicated by the lack of long-range order and necessitates the use of both cutting-edge computer modeling and experimental techniques. With regards to the computer modeling, many questions on convergence arise when trying to assess the accuracy of a simulated system. What cell size maximizes the accuracy while remaining computationally efficient? More importantly, does averaging multiple smaller cells adequately describe features found in bulk amorphous materials? How small is too small? The aims of this work are: (1) to report a newly developed set of pair potentials for InGaZnO4 and (2) to explore the effects of structural parameters such as simulation cell size and numbers on the structural convergence of amorphous InGaZnO4. The total number of formula units considered over all runs is found to be the critical factor in convergence as long as the cell considered contains a minimum of circa fifteen formula units. There is qualitative agreement between these simulations and X-ray total scattering data - peak trends and locations are consistently reproduced while intensities are weaker. These new IGZO pair potentials are a valuable starting point for future structural refinement efforts.

ΔNp63α promotes adhesion of metastatic prostate cancer cells to the bone through regulation of CD82.

ΔNp63α is a critical mediator of epithelial development and stem cell function in a variety of tissues including the skin and breast, while overexpression of ΔNp63α acts as an oncogene to drive tumor formation and cancer stem cell properties in squamous cell carcinoma. However, with regards to the prostate, while ΔNp63α is expressed in the basal stem cells of the mature gland, during adenocarcinoma development, its expression is lost and its absence is used to clinically diagnose the malignant state. Surprisingly, here we identify a sub-population of bone metastatic prostate cancer cells in the PC3 cell line that express ΔNp63α. Interestingly, we discovered that ΔNp63α favors adhesion and stem-like growth of these cells in the bone microenvironment. In addition, we show that these properties require expression of the target gene CD82. Together, this work uncovers a population of bone metastatic prostate cancer cells that express ΔNp63α, and provides important information about the mechanisms of bone metastatic colonization. Finally, we identify metastasis-promoting properties for the tetraspanin family member CD82.

Effect of ammonium and amino acids on the growth of selected strains of Gluconobacter and Acetobacter.

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are a group of microorganisms highly used in the food industry. However, its use can be limited by the insufficient information known about the nutritional requirements of AAB for optimal growth. The aim of this work was to study the effects of different concentrations and sources of nitrogen on the growth of selected AAB strains and to establish which nitrogen source best encouraged their growth. Two strains of three species of AAB, Gluconobacter japonicus, Gluconobacter oxydans and Acetobacter malorum, were grown in three different media with diverse nitrogen concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 300mgN/L and 1gN/L) as a complete solution of amino acids and ammonium. With this experiment, the most favourable medium and the lowest nitrogen concentration beneficial for the growth of each strain was selected. Subsequently, under these conditions, single amino acids or ammonium were added to media individually to determine the best nitrogen sources for each AAB strain. The results showed that nitrogen requirements are highly dependent on the nitrogen source, the medium and the AAB strain. Gluconobacter strains were able to grow in the lowest nitrogen concentration tested (25mgN/L); however, one of the G. oxydans strains and both A. malorum strains required a higher concentration of nitrogen (100-300mgN/L) for optimal growth. In general, single nitrogen sources were not able to support the growth of these AAB strains as well as the complete solution of amino acids and ammonium.

Percepción de la Ansiedad Competitiva en relación al Nivel de Cooperación y Compromiso Deportivo en Jugadores de Baloncesto de Formación / Percepção de Ansiedade Competitiva em relação ao Nível de Cooperação e Compromisso Desportivo sobre Jogadores de Basquete Formativo / Perception of Competitive Anxiety in relation to Cooperation Level and Sport Commitment upon Formative Basketball Players

La ansiedad competitiva se ha definido como una emoción que puede afectar negativamente a la participación deportiva. Asimismo, las dinámicas grupales como la cooperación han mostrado ser relevantes para este aspecto. Considerando el compromiso deportivo como indicador de la intención de participación deportiva, el presente estudio tuvo el objetivo de (1) relacionar las variables de ansiedad competitiva, cooperación y compromiso deportivo, con los factores demográficos de sexo, categoría y nivel de competición; y (2) analizar las relaciones entre ansiedad competitiva, cooperación y compromiso deportivo. Participaron 144 jugadores de baloncesto de edades comprendidas entre 13 y 17 años (M = 14.05; DE = 1.72). Los análisis descriptivos obtenidos permiten observar la distribución de las subescalas teniendo en cuenta los factores demográficos. Las correlaciones mostraron asociaciones positivas entre cooperación y compromiso deportivo, así como asociaciones negativas de la ansiedad competitiva con algunos subtipos de cooperación. Por su parte, ansiedad y compromiso deportivo mostraron un bajo nivel de relación. Finalmente, los resultados señalaron el sexo y la categoría, pero no el nivel de competición como variables influyentes en estudio de estas relaciones. Futuros estudios deberían profundizar sobre la nueva línea que abren los resultados obtenidos con el fn de obtener mayor información de las relaciones entre las tres variables consideradas (AU)

Competitive anxiety has been defined as an emotion that may negatively influence sport participation. Furthermore, group processes such as cooperation have also showed to be relevant for sport participation. Taking sport commitment as an indicator athletes’ intention of sport participation, this study had the aim to (1) compare competitive anxiety, cooperation and sport commitment with some demographic factors such as gender, category and competition level; and (2) analyze the relations observed between competitive anxiety, cooperation and sport commitment. With this purpose, in this study participated 144 young basketball players between 13 and 17 years old (M = 14.05; SD = 1.72). Descriptive analysis showed distribution of each subscale for each demographic factor. Correlational analyses showed positive associations between sport cooperation and athletes commitment, and negative associations between competitive anxiety and some cooperation subscales. Competitive anxiety and sport commitment revealed few significant relations. Finally, results highlighted the importance of considering gender and category, but no competitive level, in the study of these variables. Results are discussed with relevant literature. Future studies should deepen on the new directions our results suggest, in order to obtain additional information of the relations considered between the three variables (AU)

A ansiedade competitiva tem sido definida como uma emoção que pode influenciar negativamente a participação desportiva. Além disso, alguns processos de grupo, como a cooperação, também se mostraram relevantes para a participação desportiva. Tomando o compromisso desportivo como um indicador da intenção de atletas para participar no desporto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo relacionar a ansiedade competitiva com o compromisso desportivo, acrescentando uma novidade ao estudo do grau de cooperação desportiva como variável influente. Adicionalmente, estudos anteriores consideraram a relevância de incluir certas variáveis demográficas (i.e., sexo, nível de competição e escalão). Para tal, participaram 144 jogadores de basquetebol com idades compreendidas entre os 13 e os 17 anos (M = 14.05; DP = 1.72). As análises descritivas e de correlação revelam associações positivas entre a cooperação e o compromisso desportivo, assim como uma associação negativa entre a ansiedade competitivas com alguns subtipos de cooperação. Por seu turno, ansiedade e compromisso desportivo revelaram um baixo nível de relação. Finalmente, os resultados assinalaram o sexo e o escalão em que se compete como variáveis influentes no estudo destas relações. Futuros deveriam aprofundar esta nova linha que abrem os resultados obtidos (AU)

Improving quality in healthcare: What makes a satisfied patient? / Mejora de la calidad en los cuidados de salud: ¿Qué hace que un paciente esté satisfecho?

Objective. To update the metric properties of a perceived quality questionnaire for patients admitted to hospital medical departments, to determine the level of patient satisfaction achieved, and to identify the variables which predict satisfaction. Methods. Self-administered questionnaire completed at home following patient discharge, using a questionnaire prepared by the authors on a sample of 7207 users of medical departments in 9 public hospitals during the years 2006-2009. A principal component analysis with varimax rotation was performed. Reliability was assessed using internal consistency coefficient. An analysis was made of the compliance with each indicator reported by respondents. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the perceived quality dimensions which predicted overall patient satisfaction. Results. The results of the reliability analysis indicated good coefficients for interpersonal manner (0.94) and professional competence (0.85) dimensions, and moderate values for the other dimensions (comfort 0.55, information 0.38, and organisation 0.37). Factor analyses showed single factors in each of the perceived quality dimensions, with a percentage of explained variance greater than 35% for information, interpersonal manner, professional competence, and comfort, and less than 30% for organisation. The dimensions which predicted satisfaction were interpersonal manner of healthcare staff, professional competence, and information. Conclusions. The metric properties of the questionnaire used have been updated, yielding a valid and reliable questionnaire for assessing patient satisfaction in quality management programmes, both for internal purposes and for conducting external comparisons. positive relationship was obtained between the level of patient satisfaction and level of professional competence, interpersonal manner of healthcare staff, and information received (AU)

Objetivo. Revisar las propiedades métricas de un cuestionario de calidad percibida de los servicios médicos hospitalarios, determinar el nivel de satisfacción de los usuarios e identificar los indicadores de calidad predictores de satisfacción. Métodos. Se ha utilizado un cuestionario autoadministrado en el domicilio al alta del paciente. La muestra fue de 7.207 usuarios de servicios médicos en 9 hospitales públicos desde 2006 a 2009. Se analizó la fiabilidad (consistencia interna) de las dimensiones de calidad percibida y su validez interna usando análisis de componentes principales. Finalmente, se realizó un análisis de regresión logística para determinar las dimensiones de calidad que mejor predecían la satisfacción del paciente. Resultados. Las dimensiones de trato y competencia profesional mostraron altos coeficientes de fiabilidad (0,94 y 0,85, respectivamente), para el resto de dimensiones los valores fueron moderados (0,37 a 0,55). El análisis de componentes principales indicó que las diferentes dimensiones de calidad (trato, competencia profesional, información, confort y organización) son unidimensionales, explicando cada una de ellas más de un 35% de la varianza, excepto para organización, que fue próxima al 30%. El trato recibido por el usuario, la competencia profesional percibida y la información fueron las dimensiones de calidad que mejor pronosticaron la satisfacción del paciente. Conclusiones. El cuestionario de calidad percibida mostró adecuadas propiedades métricas, siendo válido y fiable para la valoración de la satisfacción del paciente en los programas de gestión de la calidad, tanto con fines internos como para la realización de comparaciones externas (AU)

Clinical leishmaniasis in dogs living in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of leishmaniasis in dogs in the UK and to describe clinical presentation, clinicopathological abnormalities, therapeutic protocols and outcome in this non-endemic country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs diagnosed with leishmaniasis at seven referral centres in the UK were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The prevalence was between 0·007 and 0·04% with a higher number of cases in southern England. All dogs had a history of travel to or from an endemic country. Lethargy, dermatological disease, decreased appetite and lameness were the most common reasons for presentation. Allopurinol was used alone for treatment in the majority of cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although rare, leishmaniasis should be considered in dogs in the UK if they have compatible clinical signs and history of travel to or from endemic areas.

Workload and cortisol levels in helicopter combat pilots during simulated flights / Carga mental y niveles de cortisol en pilotos de helicóptero de combate en vuelos simulados / Carga de trabalho e níveis de cortisol em pilotos de helicópteros de combate durante voos simulados

Objective. Examine and compare the cortisol levels before and after a simulated flight related to workload in experienced helicopter combat pilots, searching for physiological levels of anxiety. Method. 15 volunteer Spanish Army helicopter combat pilots (36.83 ± 8.04 years) were studied before and after a simulated flight (eight new tasks). Salivary cortisol was measured by DRG salivary cortisol ELISA, and we studied workload using the NASA-TLX. Results. The differences in the mean values of cortisol level before (5.33 ± 1.55) and after the task at the flight simulator (4.47 ± 0.73) are statistically significant (t14 = 3.301; p = .005) with a high effect size (d = 0.75). Similar significant differences were also found (t14 = 3.301; p = .005) between the workload before (19.76 ± 10.54), and after the task (24.82 ± 10.42; medium effect size d = −0.48). No significant relationships were found between the cortisol levels and the workload. Conclusions. Cortisol levels in saliva and workload are the usual in stress situations, and change inversely: workload increases at the end of the task, whereas the cortisol levels decrease after the simulated flight. The somatic anxiety decreases as the task is done. In contrast, when the pilots are faced with new and demanding tasks, even if they fly this type of helicopter in different conditions, the workload increases toward the end of the task. From an applied point of view, these findings should impact the tactical, physical and mental training of such pilots (AU)

Objetivo. Examinar y comparar los niveles de cortisol antes y después de un vuelo simulado en relación con la carga de trabajo de pilotos de helicópteros con experiencia de combate, en busca de niveles fisiológicos de la ansiedad. Método. Se estudió a 15 pilotos de helicópteros voluntarios del Ejército Español (36.83 ± 8.04 años) antes y después de un vuelo simulado compuesto por 8 tareas nuevas. El cortisol salival se midió por DRG Cortisol ELISA y la carga de trabajo con el NASA-TLX. Resultados. Las diferencias entre los valores medios de nivel de cortisol antes (5.33 ± 1.55) y después de la tarea en el simulador de vuelo (4.47 ± 0.73) son estadísticamente significativas (t14 = 3.301; p = 0.005; elevado tamaño de efecto, d = 0.75), así como (t14 = 3.301; p = 0.005) entre la carga de trabajo antes (19.76 ± 10.54) y después de la tarea (24.82 ± 10.42; tamaño de efecto medio, d = −0.48). No hubo relaciones significativas entre los niveles de cortisol y la carga de trabajo. Conclusiones. Los niveles de cortisol en saliva y la carga de trabajo son habituales en situaciones de estrés, y cambian inversamente: la carga de trabajo aumenta al final de la tarea, mientras que los niveles de cortisol —y de ansiedad somática— disminuyen después del vuelo simulado. En cambio, frente a tareas nuevas y exigentes, la carga de trabajo aumenta al final. Estos hallazgos deberían afectar la planificación del entrenamiento táctico, físico y mental de estos pilotos (AU)

Objetivo. Examinar e comparar os níveis de cortisol antes e depois de voo simulado em relação a carga de trabalho de experientes pilotos de helicóptero de combate, procurando por níveis fisiológicos de ansiedade. Métodos. 15 voluntários pilotos de helicópteros de combate do exército espanhol (36.83 ± 8.04 años) foram estudados antes e depois de um voo simulado (8 novas tarefas). Cortisol salivar foi mensurado por DRG Cortisol salivar ELISA, e foi estudado a carga de trabalho usando o NASA-TLX. Resultados. As diferenças nos valores médios dos níveis de cortisol antes (5.33 ± 1.55) e depois da tarefa no simulador de voo (4.47 ± 0.73) foram estatisticamente significantes (t14 = 3.301; p = .005) com o tamanho do efeito (d = 0.75). Diferenças significantes similares também foram encontradas (t14 = 3.301; p = .005) entre a carga de trabalho antes (19.76 ± 10.54), e depois da tarefa (24.82 ± 10.42); tamanho do efeito médio (d = −0.48). Nenhuma relação significativa foi encontrada entre os níveis de cortisol e a carga de trabalho. Conclusão. Níveis de cortisol na saliva e carga de trabalho são comuns em situações de estresse, e mudam inversamente: a carga de trabalho aumenta ao final da tarefa, enquanto o nível de cortisol diminui depois do voo simulado. A ansiedade somática diminui quando a tarefa acaba. Em contraste, quando os pilotos enfrentam uma nova e exigente tarefa, mesmo que eles voem no mesmo tipo de helicóptero em diferentes situações, a carga de trabalho aumenta em direção ao final da tarefa. Para um ponto de vista aplicável, os achados devem impactar o treinamento tático, físico e mental destes pilotos (AU)

Comparison of D-gluconic acid production in selected strains of acetic acid bacteria.

The oxidative metabolism of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) can be exploited for the production of several compounds, including D-gluconic acid. The production of D-gluconic acid in fermented beverages could be useful for the development of new products without glucose. In the present study, we analyzed nineteen strains belonging to eight different species of AAB to select those that could produce D-gluconic acid from D-glucose without consuming D-fructose. We tested their performance in three different media and analyzed the changes in the levels of D-glucose, D-fructose, D-gluconic acid and the derived gluconates. D-Glucose and D-fructose consumption and D-gluconic acid production were heavily dependent on the strain and the media. The most suitable strains for our purpose were Gluconobacter japonicus CECT 8443 and Gluconobacter oxydans Po5. The strawberry isolate Acetobacter malorum (CECT 7749) also produced D-gluconic acid; however, it further oxidized D-gluconic acid to keto-D-gluconates.