Use of coronary calcium score to refine the cardiovascular risk classification of the new SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP algorithms in patients undergoing coronary CT angiography

Introduction

Recently, the European Society of Cardiology issued new algorithms (SCORE-2 and SCORE2-OP) to estimate the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). CACS has been shown to reclassify a significant proportion of patients when applied on top of several scores, but data on its use with these new algorithms are lacking.

The aim of this study was to assess the risk reassignment that can be attained by using CACS as a risk modifier of the SCORE-2 / SCORE2-OP classification, in patients referred for coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

Methods

Individuals without diabetes or known ASCVD were included in a single center registry of patients undergoing CCTA for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). The 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease was calculated for each patient using SCORE-2 (ages 40–69) or SCORE2-OP (ages 70–89), and categorised as low-to-moderate, high, or very-high risk, according to guideline-recommended age-specific thresholds. CACS was considered to reclassify risk one level downward if = 0 in high or very-high risk patients, and reclassify risk upward if >100 (or >75th percentile) in those with low-to-moderate risk, or >1000 in those with high-risk.

Results

A total of 529 patients (43% men, mean age 63±10 years) were included, of which 13% (n=69) were active smokers. The mean systolic blood pressure and non-HDL-C values were 137±18 mmHg and 140±37 mg/dL, respectively.

A total of 47 patients (9%) had obstructive CAD on CCTA, classifying them as very-high risk. In the remainder 482 patients without obstructive CAD, the median CACS was 8 (IQR 0–80 AU), with 194 patients (40%) having CACS = 0, and 111 (23%) presenting CACS values ≥100.

The proportion of patients classified as low-to-moderate risk, high risk, and very high risk was 36%, 46% and 19% using the SCORE-2 / SCORE2-OP algorithm.

Using CACS would reclassify 150 patients (31%): 107 patients (22%) downward, and 43 patients (9%) upward. The extent of risk reclassification conveyed by CACS was 33% in patients assessed with SCORE-2, and 25% with SCORE-2 OP (p=0.082). Overall, most of the risk reassignment (42%, n=93) would occur in patients originally classified as high-risk – Fig. 1.

At the time of testing, 32% (n=61) of patients with CACS = 0 were being treated with statins, whereas 52% (n=58) of those with CACS ≥100 were not.

Conclusion

Even when the most recent SCORE-2 / SCORE-2 OP algorithms are used, risk refinement with CACS leads to the reclassification of nearly one third of the patients undergoing CCTA, mostly from downgrading risk. This opportunistic use of CACS may be employed to improve the allocation of primary prevention therapies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

The influence of IL-1 and C-reactive protein levels in synovial fluid of companion dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis on various clinical disease parameters

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate IL-1 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the synovial fluid in dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis and their relation to animals' clinical, radiographic, and thermographic disease signs.

SAMPLE

100 joints from police working dogs.

PROCEDURES

Synovial fluid, IL-1, and CRP levels, weight distribution, joint range of motion, thigh girth, digital thermography, and radiographic signs of the joints were recorded. Data from 4 clinical metrology instruments (CMIs) were collected. Results were compared by age, sex, and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals hip scores with the independent samples t test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient (P < .05).

RESULTS

The sample included 100 pelvic limbs, equally distributed between left and right pelvic limbs 30 males and 20 females, with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and body weight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. IL-1 levels, particularly above 200 pg/mL, may be related to the development of caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte, which then expresses a toll on the patient's levels of pain and activity. It was unclear if the CRP levels were a consequence of inflammatory activity within the joint or a reflection of a better prognosis. Increasing body weight was related to worse CMI scores.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

We described the relation of IL-1 and CRP synovial concentration levels with several clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, laboratory findings, and CMI results of animals with osteoarthritis. Further studies are required to determine the interest of each parameter for the prognosis and treatment monitoring.

A first report on the efficacy of a single intra-articular administration of blood cell secretome, triamcinolone acetonide, and the combination of both in dogs with osteoarthritis

Background

Osteoarthritis represents a significant welfare problem for many dogs, with limited therapeutic options other than palliative pain control. To evaluate the effect of the intra-articular administration of blood cell secretome and triamcinolone, 15 dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to a blood cell secretome (BCSG, n = 5), triamcinolone (TG) or their combination group (BCS + TG, n = 5). BCSG received a single intra-articular administration of 3 ml of blood cell secretome, TG 0.5 ml of triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg/ml, and BCS + TG received the combined products. The volume to administrate was corrected to 3.5 ml with saline. On days 0, 8, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180, a copy of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided into pain interference score—PIS and Pain Severity Score—PSS), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), Hudson Visual Analogue Scale (HVAS), and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI, divided into function, gait, stiffness, and quality of life) was completed. Results were analyzed with the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Kaplan–Meier estimators were conducted and compared with the Log Rank test, p < 0.05.

Results

Animals in the sample had a mean age of 9.0 ± 2.9 years and a bodyweight of 28.8 ± 4.1 kg. Hips were classified as moderate (8) and severe (7) osteoarthritis. No differences were found between groups at T0 regarding considered evaluations. Significant differences were observed between groups in pain scores from + 8d- + 150d, with BCS + TG exhibiting better results. The same was observed for HVAS and LOAD, from + 8d- + 120d. Improvements were also observed in several dimensions of the COI. Kaplan–Meier estimators showed that BCS + TG produced longer periods with better results, followed by BCSG and TG.

Conclusion

The intra-articular administration of blood cell secretome improved the clinical signs and scores of several clinical metrology instruments in dogs with hip OA, particularly when combined with triamcinolone. Further studies are required.

Research ethics systems, processes, and awareness across Europe: Radiography research ethics standards for Europe (RRESFE)

INTRODUCTION

The Radiography Research Ethics Standards for Europe (RRESFE) project aims to provide a cross-sectional snapshot of current research ethics systems, processes, and awareness of such, across Europe together with identifying the associated challenges, education, and training needs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey targeting radiography researchers in Europe was conducted. Data collection took place between April 26 and July 12, 2021, using a snowball sampling approach. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to identify trends in research ethics frameworks across Europe.

RESULTS

285 responses were received across 33 European and 23 non-European countries. Most (n = 221; 95%) European respondents stated ethics approval is required before commencing research in their country. Requirements around research ethics approval and awareness of such requirements varied by European region (X² (2, n = 129) = 7.234, p = 0.013) and were found to differ depending on the type of research participant and study design. Additionally, European respondents reported ethics approval is a national requirement more often than their non-European counterparts (X² (1, n = 282) = 4.316, p = 0.049). Requirements for ethics approval were also associated with the undergraduate programme duration (2-year vs. 3-year vs. 3.5 year vs. 4-year vs. multiple programme durations; X² (4, n = 231) = 10.075, p = 0.016) and availability of postgraduate training (postgraduate training available vs. postgraduate training not available; X² (1, n = 231) = 15.448, p = <0.001) within respondents' country.

CONCLUSION

Respondents from countries with longer programme durations/availability of multiple programme lengths, availability of postgraduate training, and establishment of European Qualifications Framework Level 6 were generally associated with less uncertainty and more comprehensive research ethics requirements.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Results are informative of the current status of research ethics within evidence-based radiography.

Research ethics training, challenges, and suggested improvements across Europe: Radiography research ethics standards for Europe (RRESFE)

INTRODUCTION

The Radiography Research Ethics Standards for Europe (RRESFE) project aimed to provide a cross-sectional view of the current state of radiography research ethics across Europe. This included investigating education and training in research ethics, and identifying the key challenges and potential improvements associated with using existing research ethics frameworks.

METHODS

This cross-sectional online survey targeting radiography researchers in Europe was conducted between April 26 and July 12, 2021. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to identify research ethics education and training trends. Content analysis of qualitative responses was employed to identify significant challenges and proposed improvements in research ethics frameworks of practice.

RESULTS

There were 232 responses received across 33 European countries. Most (n = 132; 57%) respondents had received some research ethics training; however, fewer participants had received training on safeguarding vulnerable patients (n = 72; 38%), diversity and inclusivity (n = 62; 33%), or research with healthy volunteers (n = 60; 32%). Training was associated with a greater perceived importance of the need for research ethics review (p = 0.031) and with the establishment of EQF Level 6 training (p = 0.038). The proportion of formally trained researchers also varied by region (p = <0.001). Time-to-ethics-approval was noted as the biggest challenge for professionals making research ethics applications.

CONCLUSION

Early and universal integration of research-oriented teaching within the radiography education framework which emphasises research ethics is recommended. Additionally, study findings suggest research ethics committee application and approval processes could be further simplified and streamlined.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The survey contributes to a growing body of knowledge surrounding the importance of education and training in research ethics for assuring a high standard of research outputs in Radiography and has identified hurdles to obtaining research ethics approval for further investigation and address.

Dairy heifers have an earlier increase in serum pregnancy-specific protein B compared with lactating dairy cows. Is this an indicator of earlier conceptus attachment?

This study was designed to use within-individual daily increases in circulating pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) to determine time to increase in serum PSPB in nulliparous heifers and multiparous dairy cows following artificial insemination (AI). Weekly cohorts of lactating Holstein cows (n = 56) averaging 122 ± 7 d in milk at AI and nulliparous Holstein heifers (n = 23) averaging 16 ± 0.24 mo old at AI were used in this study. Lactating cows received AI to either Ovsynch (n = 38) or at ~12 h following observed standing estrus (n = 18). All heifers were inseminated ~12 h after observed standing estrus. Blood samples for measurement of PSPB were collected daily from d 15 through d 35 postovulation. Nulliparous heifers had increases in serum PSPB earlier compared with both primiparous and multiparous cows. Day of increase in serum PSPB was defined as the day serum PSPB optical density levels initially increased ≥10% from baseline and continued to increase from baseline of ≥10% the following 2 d. Average PSPB were greater in pregnant heifers compared pregnant cows from d 23 through 29. Early lactation nonpregnant cows maintained greater average optical density of serum PSPB from 15 to 35 d postovulation compared with nonpregnant heifers (n = 38). In summary, fertility differences in heifers versus lactating cows may be due to the differences in timing of increases in serum PSPB. This appears to be one of the first publications that used daily PSPB sampling to investigate possible differences in fertility in heifers versus lactating cows.

Phenotypic and transcriptional study of the antimicrobial activity of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles on a wastewater biofilm-forming Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain

The extensive use of nanoparticles (NPs) in industrial processes makes their potential release into the environment an issue of concern. Ag and ZnO NPs are among the most frequently used NPs, potentially reaching concentrations of 1-4 and 64 mg/kg, respectively, in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs), with unknown effects over microbial populations. Thus, we examined, in depth, the effect of such NPs on a P. aeruginosa strain isolated from a WWTP. We evaluated the growth, ROS production and biofilm formation, in addition to the transcriptomic response in presence of Ag and ZnO NPs at concentrations potentially found in sewage sludge. The transcriptomic and phenotypic patterns of P. aeruginosa in presence of Ag NPs were, in general, similar to the control treatment, with some specific transcriptional impacts affecting processes involved in biofilm formation and iron homeostasis. The biofilms formed under Ag NPs treatment were, on average, thinner and more homogeneous. ZnO NPs also alters the biofilm formation and iron homeostasis in P. aeruginosa, however, the higher and more toxic concentrations utilized caused an increase in cell death and eDNA release. Thus, the biofilm development was characterized by EPS production, via eDNA release. The number of differentially expressed genes in presence of ZnO NPs was higher compared to Ag NPs treatment. Even though the responses of P. aeruginosa to the presence of the studied metallic NPs was at some extent similar, the higher and more toxic concentrations of ZnO NPs produced greater changes concerning cell viability and ROS production, causing disruption in biofilm development.

Effect of a single intra-articular administration of stanozolol in a naturally occurring canine osteoarthritis model: a randomised trial

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease with a high negative impact on patient's quality of life and a high financial burden. It is a source of chronic pain and affects all mammals, including humans and dogs. As the dog is a common model for translation research of human OA, and exploring spontaneous dog OA can improve the health and well-being of both humans and dogs. To describe the effect of the intra-articular administration of stanozolol in a naturally occurring canine OA model, forty canine (N = 40) hip joints were randomly assigned to receive stanozolol or saline (control). On treatment day and at 8, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days post-treatment, several evaluations were conducted: weight distribution, joint range of motion, thigh girth, digital thermography, and radiographic signs. Also, synovial fluid C-reactive protein and interleukin-1 levels were evaluated. Results from four Clinical Metrology Instruments was also gathered. Results were compared with Repeated Measures ANOVA, with a Huynh-Feldt correction, paired-samples t-test, or Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with p < 0.05. OA was graded as mild (90%), moderate (5%), and severe (5%), including both sexes. They had a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and a bodyweight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. No differences were found between groups at treatment day in all considered evaluations. Weight distribution showed significant improvements with stanozolol from 15 days (p < 0.05) up to 180 days (p < 0.01). Lower values during thermographic evaluation in both views taken and improved joint extension at 90 (p = 0.02) and 180 days (p < 0.01) were observed. Pain and function scores improved up to 180 days. In the control group, radiographic signs progressed, in contrast with stanozolol. The use of stanozolol was safe and produced significant improvements in weight-bearing, pain score, and clinical evaluations in a naturally occurring canine OA model.

Characterization of weight-bearing compensation in dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis

To describe the weight-bearing compensation in working dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA), fifty police working dogs were evaluated with a weight distribution platform at the initial evaluation and after intra-articular treatment (a negative control - 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl), a platelet concentrate, Hylan G-F 20, triamcinolone hexacetonide or stanozolol). Six evaluation sessions were performed, over a 180-day period. Results were compared by breed, age, sex, weight and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals hip grade scores with the Independent Samples T-Test, repeated samples Analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficient, p<0.05. Animals had a mean age of 6.5±2.4 years and a bodyweight of 26.7±5.2kg. No significant differences were observed when comparing weight-bearing for different breeds, sex, hip grades or weight during the initial evaluation. Significant differences were observed in deviation (p<0.01) and symmetry index (p<0.01) between the control and treatment groups during the follow-up period. A weight shift from pelvic to thoracic limbs was observed, with a weak, although significant, correlation between a pelvic limb and the opposing contralateral thoracic limb. Labrador Retrievers showed higher symmetry index and deviation from normal values during the follow-up period than German Shepherd Dogs and Dutch Shepherd Dogs. Male dogs also showed higher symmetry index and deviation comparing with females. At this period, the symmetry index showed a weak, although significant, correlation with body weight. Weight-bearing of all limbs correlated with the remaining limbs, reflecting a more balanced weight distribution than the initial evaluation. The weight distribution platform can be used to evaluate patients, at the initial presentation and during the assessment of response to treatment.

Acylase enzymes disrupting quorum sensing alter the transcriptome and phenotype of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the composition of bacterial biofilms from wastewater treatment plants

Biofilms represent an essential way of life and colonization of new environments for microorganisms. This feature is regulated by quorum sensing (QS), a microbial communication system based on autoinducer molecules, such as N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) in Gram negative bacteria. In artificial ecosystems, like Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs), biofilm attachment in filtration membranes produces biofouling. In this environment, the microbial communities are mostly composed of Gram-negative phyla. Thus, we used two AHLs-degrading enzymes, obtained from Actinoplanes utahensis (namely AuAAC and AuAHLA) to determine the effects of degradation of QS signals in the biofilm formation, among other virulence factors, of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain isolated from a WWTP, assessing molecular mechanisms through transcriptomics. Besides, we studied the possible effects on community composition in biofilms from activated sludge samples. Although the studied enzymes only degraded the AHLs involved in one of the four QS systems of P. aeruginosa, these activities produced the deregulation of the complete QS network. In fact, AuAAC -the enzyme with higher catalytic efficiency- deregulated all the four QS systems. However, both enzymes reduced the biofilm formation and pyocyanin and protease production. The transcriptomic response of P. aeruginosa affected QS related genes, moreover, transcriptomic response to AuAAC affected mainly to QS related genes. Regarding community composition of biofilms, as expected, the abundance of Gram-negative phyla was significantly decreased after enzymatic treatment. These results support the potential use of such AHLs-degrading enzymes as a method to reduce biofilm formation in WWTP membranes and ameliorate bacterial virulence.

The effect of photobiomodulation therapy on the management of chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhea in dogs

To evaluate photobiomodulation therapy's effectiveness (PBMT) in managing chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhea. Thirty dogs were selected and divided into a control (CG) and treatment group (TG). CG received psyllium husk at the dose of 4 tablespoons/day for 30 days. TG received PBMT with a Class IV therapeutic laser, divided into three sessions on week 1, two sessions on week 2, and one session on week 3. A daily log of fecal characteristics was maintained, and on days 0, 8, 15, and 30, a canine inflammatory bowel disease index (CIBDAI) and body condition scores (BCS) were obtained. Results were compared using a Mann-Whitney test. Multiple regression was run to predict CIBDAI, Bristol stool scores, and diarrhea from different parameters. The Kaplan-Meier test was used to compare the occurrence rate of ≥ 1 day of diarrhea and ≥ 2 days of diarrhea by 30 days. Cox regression analysis to investigate interest covariates influences the same outcome. A p < 0.05 was set. The sample included 15 Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs, 10 German Shepherd Dogs, and 5 Dutch Shepherd Dog, with a mean age of 3.6 ± 2.3 years and a bodyweight of 24.6 ± 8.0 kg. TG showed an improvement in all scores and clinical signs, increased body weight, and BCS. An increased time of appearance of a second episode of diarrhea was observed in both groups. Activity level contributed to the prediction of defecation frequency and CIBDAI. PBMT significantly improved clinical signs and frequency of diarrhea episodes compared to psyllium husk.

Impact of COVID-19 on angioplasty service and outcome of patients treated for critical limb ischaemia

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a major challenge worldwide and endovascular revascularization is an important component of treatment that is affected by COVID-19 restrictions.

Purpose

Here, we evaluated the impact of COVID-19 restriction on angioplasty service and outcome of patients undergoing lower limb angioplasty.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing endovascular revascularisation between August 2018-March 2021 in a UK district general hospital were analysed retrospectively. Indications for angioplasty of all patients were discussed and agreed upon in multi-disciplinary teams. We compared time from referral to angioplasty, patient and procedural characteristics, technical success, peri-procedural complications, and outcome (wound healing, major amputation, target lesion revascularization, death) in patients treated 'before' and after February 2020 (“during COVID-19”).

Results

One hundred nineteen patients were treated 'before' (92% critical limb ischaemia [CLI]; 60% diabetes mellitus) and 72 were treated 'during COVID-19' (96% CLI; 61% diabetes mellitus). While the total monthly number of patients treated did not change, the number of outpatients treated as day cases increased (40% to 72%) and overnight stays for social reasons decreased (16% to 10%). Treatment of hospitalized patients decreased from 44% to 18%. The percentage of outpatients treated at &lt;14 days after referral increased from 39% to 63% and hospitalized patients treated &lt;5 days from 47% to 54%. Neither COVID-19 nor time to procedure affected wound healing (p(log Rank) = 0.451; median time to healing 168±25 days) and amputation free survival (p(log Rank) = 0.924; median survival 368±30 days) in all CLI patients significantly. However, amputation-free survival was significantly worse in hospitalized as compared to outpatients (p(log Rank) &lt;0.001; median survival 155±20 vs 368±30 days) with similar wound healing in those that survived (p(log Rank) = 0.340; median time to wound healing 168±25 days). Of note, the known causes of death were sepsis (32%), pneumonia (18%), COVID pneumonia (18%), cardiac (16%) and stroke (8%).

Conclusions

Adapting to COVID-19 restriction we maintained a safe and effective angioplasty service while shortening waiting times. Very high mortality rates in patients after hospitalization indicated that CLI need to be treated much earlier and more aggressively to avoid disease progression requiring hospitalization.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Coronary artery calcium score to predict coronary CT angiography interpretability. An old problem revisited

Introduction

Clinical guidelines recommend against the use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with heavy calcification due to interpretability concerns, but no specific approach or threshold is provided. Recently, alternative methods have been proposed as more reliable predictors of CCTA interpretability than the classic coronary artery calcium score (CACS). The purpose this study was to compare the performance of different measures of coronary calcification as predictors of CCTA interpretability.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing CACS and CCTA between 2018 and 2020. The key exclusion criteria were known coronary artery disease, CACS of zero, and presence of non-assessable coronary lesions for reasons other than calcification (movement/gating artifacts or vessel diameter &lt;2mm). CCTA studies were considered non-interpretable if the main reader considered one or more coronary lesions non-assessable due to calcification. Three different measures of coronary calcification were compared using ROC curve analysis: 1) total CACS; 2) CACS-to-lesion ratio (total CACS divided by the number of calcified plaques); and 3) calcium score of the most calcified plaque. Decision-tree analysis was performed to identify the algorithm that best predicts CCTA interpretability.

Results

A total of 432 patients (191 women, mean age 64±11 years) were included. Overall, 31 patients (7.2%) had a non-interpretable CCTA due to calcification. Patients with non-interpretable CCTA had higher CACS (median 589 vs. 50 AU, p&lt;0.001), higher CACS-to-lesion ratio (median 43 vs. 14 AU/lesion, p&lt;0.001), and higher score of the most calcified plaque (median 445 vs. 43 AU, p&lt;0.001). Among the 3 methods, CACS showed the highest discriminative power to predict a non-interpretable CCTA (C-statistic 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.95, p&lt;0.001) – Figure 1.

Decision-tree analysis identified a single-variable algorithm (CACS value ≤515 AU) as the best discriminator of CCTA interpretability: 396 of the 409 patients (97%) with CACS ≤515 AU had an interpretable CCTA, whereas only 5 of the 23 patients (22%) with CACS &gt;515 AU had an interpretable test, yielding a total of 96% correct predictions.

Conclusions

The recently proposed and more complex measures of coronary calcification seem unable to outperform total CACS as a predictor of CCTA interpretability. A simple CACS cutoff-value around 500 AU remains the best discriminator for this purpose.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Validation of an analytical method based on QuEChERS and LC-MS/MS to quantify nine mycotoxins in plant-based milk

Plant-based beverages (popularly known as vegetable milk) have become increasingly important in recent years. However, the nonexistence of information on mycotoxin contamination is noticeable. We herein describe the development and validation of an analytical methodology that employs QuEChERS and LC-MS/MS for the simultaneous determination of nine mycotoxins (aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, fumonisins B1 and B2, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, and citreoviridin) in seven types of vegetable milk (peanut, oat, rice, cashew, maize, soybean, and coconut). The method provided the following quantification limits, recoveries at the lowest validated concentration and relative standard deviations under repeatability conditions at the lowest validated concentration, respectively: aflatoxin B1 (0.023 μg/l, 84.98 and 9.23%); aflatoxin B2 (0.024 μg/, 93.00 and 4.85%); aflatoxin G1 (0.057 μg/l, 98.85 and 5.53%); aflatoxin G2 (0.031 μg/l, 96.64 and 4.08%); fumonisin B1 (2.166 μg/l, 75.55 and 16.78%); fumonisin B2 (1.105 μg/l, 70.47 and 11.89%); ochratoxin A (0.104 μg/l, 72.05 and 5.12%); zearalenone (8.093 μg/l, 107.10 and 6.37%); citreoviridin (1.305 μg/l, 97.25 and 7.28%). The method uses small amounts of samples, solvents, and other inexpensive reagents with no need for laborious clean-up and pre-concentration steps. Its attractive characteristics (simplicity, low cost compared to procedures that use immunoaffinity columns, and full compatibility with routine analyses) make it potentially valuable. As a proof-of-principle, the validated methodology was applied to seven commercial samples of different compositions showing that some were contaminated with aflatoxins and ochratoxin A.

The effect of a double dose of cloprostenol sodium on luteal blood flow and pregnancy rates per artificial insemination in lactating dairy cows

Inadequate luteolysis in fertility programs is a problem for lactating dairy cows treated with a single dose of PGF_2α. The proportion of cows with complete luteolysis can be increased by administering 2 doses of PGF_2α 24 h apart. This study hypothesized that a double dose of cloprostenol sodium (1.0 mg) could take the place of 2 doses 24 h apart due to its enhanced half-life. Cows were allocated to receive 1 of 3 treatments: negative controls: 0.5 mg of cloprostenol sodium (single; n = 337); positive controls: two 0.5-mg doses of cloprostenol sodium 24 h apart (two/24; n = 313); and treated: 1.0 mg of cloprostenol sodium (double; n = 298) at the final PGF_2α of Double-Ovsynch. Cows received artificial insemination (AI) 16 h after final GnRH of Double-Ovsynch. Pregnancy diagnosis was determined at 24, 34, 62, and 184 d post-AI. Pregnancy loss was categorized in the following periods: between 24 to 34, 34 to 62, and 62 to 184 d post-AI. Ultrasonography (B-mode and color Doppler) was used to assess luteal function pre- and posttreatment with various doses of cloprostenol sodium. Luteal volume and luteal blood flow (LBF) from d 7 and 14 corpora lutea were determined before treatment (d -1), and 2 and 4 d after treatment. No evidence was observed of an effect of treatment on pregnancy rates per AI at 24, 34, or 62 d post-AI. No effect was observed of treatment on pregnancy losses occurring between d 24 and 34, 34, and 62, and between 62 and 184 d post-AI. However, third-plus parity cows treated with the single treatment had greater pregnancy loss compared with two/24 and double between d 24 and 34 post-AI. Third-plus parity cows that received the double treatment had lower LBF 2 and 4 d after treatment compared with cows treated with single. Amount of LBF present 4 d after treatment was not a predictor of pregnancy or pregnancy loss. A double dose (1.0 mg) of cloprostenol sodium may be a feasible alternative for fertility programs based on nondifferent outcomes to the two/24 treatment, lower pregnancy losses, and reduced LBF disappearance following treatment in third-plus parity cows in comparison with the single treatment.

P–073 High-intensity interval training modulates the effects of hypertension on inflammatory mediators in testis in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats

Study question

Is the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) able to prevent the increase of the inflammatory proteins in the testis of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)?

Summary answer

HIIT for 8 weeks inhibits the increase of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and the interleukin 6 (IL6) in the testis of SHR.

What is known already

Hypertension increases the inflammatory cytokines of the cardiovascular system, causing damage in the microcirculation and in the testes. Hypertension is a cause of low fertility in men and exercises are indicated to decrease blood pressure and improve overall health. HIIT is characterized by short periods of exercise, with an intensity equal to or greater than the anaerobic threshold, separated by recovery periods. HIIT can be indicated for cardiac patients, as this type of training improves the cardiac autonomic nervous system and lipemic control in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals.

Study design, size, duration

Male Wistar-Kyoto rats without hypertension and SHRs were divided into 3 groups (n = 4): WKY (Wistar-Kyoto); SHR; and SHR-HIIT (SHRs that performed HIIT). The HIIT was realized in treadmill for 5 days/week for 8 weeks. HIIT started with 5 times of 4 minutes of 100% of the maximum exhaust speed, with active rest intervals of 3 minutes at 60%. There was an increase of once every week until reaching 7 times each session.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Samples from testicles were used for immunostainig IL6 and TNFα. After the blocking, the sections were subjected to reaction of specific antibodies IL6 (1:50, E–4, sc–28343) and TNFα (1:50, 52B83, sc–257) at 4ºC overnight, and with secondary antibodies m-IgGK (1:200, IgG-HRP, sc–516) at room temperature for 2 hours. Diaminobenzidine (1:50) was used against Harris stained with Hematoxylin and evaluated in the photomicroscope. Data were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA followed by Tukey post test (P &lt; 0.05).

Main results and the role of chance

The immunostainig of IL6 was higher in SHR (10.23 ± 0.47) than in SHR-HIIT (8.69 ± .44) group (P = 0,0237). From the same perspective, immunoexpression of TNFα was higher in SHR (10.10 ± 0.42) than WKY (8.24 ± 0.24) and SHR-HIIT (7.82 ± 0.39) groups (P = 0.0018).

Limitations, reasons for caution

As a limitation of the study, we have no measurement of fertility parameters to affirm that the HIIT improve the fertility because of the reduction of inflammatory mediators.

Wider implications of the findings: The hypertension drugs have a negative effect on fertility. HIIT can be suggested as a treatment for hypertension as an alternative to medication, since HIIT can inhibit the increase of the inflammatory mediators in testis and its consequences to the reproduction. Financial support by São Paulo Research foundation, FAPESP (2018/22682–0).

Trial registration number

2018/22682–0