Ammonium depletion associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in the Mexican Caribbean

The Mexican Caribbean contributes significantly to Mexico's gross national product. The number of tourists declined from 16.7 million in 2019 to 8.8 million in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a rapid recovery of 13.5 million in 2021. Wastewater discharge is the primary contamination source associated with the tourism sector's demand for goods and services. Water quality could improve due to fewer tourists arriving during the COVID-19 sanitary emergency. This study aimed to quantify ammonium concentrations at eleven locations to evaluate water quality during the sanitary restriction due to the pandemic in the Mexican Caribbean. The ammonium concentrations were 85 % (Nov-2019), 89 % (Feb-2020), and 86 % (Feb-2021) higher than in Nov-2020, where six of the eleven sampled stations were below the detection limit (0.15 μM). Lower ammonium concentrations coincide with the sanitary restriction period and a decrease in affluent tourists.

Is YouTube a reliable tool for approaching robotic assisted transabdominal preperitoneal surgery? A critical review of the available resources

INTRODUCTION

The robotic transabdominal preperitoneal approach (rTAPP) is a relatively recent technique for the treatment of inguinal hernia. To achieve optimal results, the 10 golden rules described must be followed. Surgeons in training often review videos to familiarize themselves with new techniques, YouTube being one of the most used platforms. The objective of this study is to carry out an evaluation of the 10 most viewed videos on YouTube of inguinal hernia repair by transabdominal preperitoneal approach (rTAPP) to determine if the 10 golden rules are met.

METHODS

Identify and evaluate the 10 videos with the highest number of views related to rTAPP. Three experienced Surgeons evaluated compliance with the 10 golden rules using a Likert scale. Data were analyzed in Excel (Microsoft) and plotted with Tableau (Tableau Inc). The consistency between evaluators was determined using Cronbach's alpha, considering a value >0.7 acceptable.

RESULTS

The average overall evaluation was 3.63 with a range of 2.6 to 4.9. The scores related to compliance with the rules 1, 2, 9, 10 were satisfactory; on the other hand, rules 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 were weak, particularly rule number 7. Internal consistency was observed between raters with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.98.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of compliance with the 10 golden rules in most of the videos demonstrates that the use of videos (YouTube) is not an adequate resource for learning robot-assisted inguinal hernia cure.

Identification of genomic regions, genetic variants and gene networks regulating candidate genes for lipid metabolism in pig muscle

The intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition of porcine meat have a significant impact on its quality and nutritional value. This research aimed to investigate the expression of 45 genes involved in lipid metabolism in the longissimus dorsi muscle of three experimental pig backcrosses, with a 25% of Iberian background. To achieve this objective, we conducted an expression Genome-Wide Association Study (eGWAS) using gene expression levels in muscle measured by high-throughput real-time qPCR for 45 target genes and genotypes from the PorcineSNP60 BeadChip or Axiom Porcine Genotyping Array and 65 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in 20 genes genotyped by a custom-designed Taqman OpenArray in a cohort of 354 animals. The eGWAS analysis identified 301 eSNPs associated with 18 candidate genes (ANK2, APOE, ARNT, CIITA, CPT1A, EGF, ELOVL6, ELOVL7, FADS3, FASN, GPAT3, NR1D2, NR1H2, PLIN1, PPAP2A, RORA, RXRA and UCP3). Three cis-eQTL (expression quantitative trait loci) were identified for GPAT3, RXRA, and UCP3 genes, which indicates that a genetic polymorphism proximal to the same gene is affecting its expression. Furthermore, 24 trans-eQTLs were detected, and eight candidate regulatory genes were located in these genomic regions. Additionally, two trans-regulatory hotspots in Sus scrofa chromosomes 13 and 15 were identified. Moreover, a co-expression analysis performed on 89 candidate genes and the fatty acid composition revealed the regulatory role of four genes (FABP5, PPARG, SCD, and SREBF1). These genes modulate the levels of α-linolenic, arachidonic, and oleic acids, as well as regulating the expression of other candidate genes associated with lipid metabolism. The findings of this study offer novel insights into the functional regulatory mechanism of genes involved in lipid metabolism, thereby enhancing our understanding of this complex biological process.

Life cycle assessment of biowaste and green waste composting systems: A review of applications and implementation challenges

Composting is one of the most widely applied methods for recycling organic waste. This process has been proposed as one option that facilitates the reincorporation of materials into the production cycle. However, composting also generates environmental impacts. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the most common approach to evaluate the environmental impacts of a process at different system stages. Nevertheless, applying LCA in composting facilities is challenging due to the extensive information required, the lack of standardization on the initial assumptions, the definition of system boundaries, and the high diversity of existing composting technologies. This paper systematically reviews LCA studies in biowaste and/or green waste composting. The study highlights the challenges that should be met in order to improving the application of LCA to evaluate the environmental impacts of this type or waste treatment strategy. The review protocol used identified 456 papers published between 2010 and 2022. After the screening, 56 papers were selected, read, and thoroughly analyzed. The results show that: i) about 68% of the studies aimed to compare composting with other solid waste management options; ii) there was a wide diversity among the impact categories considered, which predominantly included climate change and ozone depletion; iii) there was no consensus on the functional unit or the system boundaries; iv) the main gaseous emissions studied were ammonia, methane, and nitrogen oxide, which were generally determined by emission factors; v) the avoided environmental impacts associated with the end-product quality and its application as an organic amendment or soil improver were ignored. This work demonstrates the complexity of conducting credible and valid composting LCA studies and proposes seven recommendations for improving the application of this assessment methodology to analyze this waste management alternative.

Analysis of the Impact of the Learning Curve on the Safety Outcome of the Totally Robotic-Assisted Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: a Single-Institution Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Totally robotic-assisted biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) learning curve has been described to be longer at approximately 50 cases, at which point operative time and complications rate decrease and tend to stabilize. This study aimed to form an analysis of the impact of the learning curve on the safety outcomes of the totally robotic-assisted BPD/DS.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent primary totally robotic-assisted BPD/DS by one of our certified bariatric and metabolic surgeon member of our institution was performed. The patients were classified into two groups, the learning stage group (first 50 cases) and the mastery stage group. Differences in operative time in minutes and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-six patients were included. The operative time and the postoperative length of stay were significantly higher in the learning stage group (173.8 ± 35.8 min vs. 139.2 ± 30.2 min, p= 0.0001; 3.4 ± 1.4 days vs. 2.6 ± 0.9 days, p= 0.0002). The overall leakage rate was significantly higher in the learning stage group (8% vs. 0.4%, p= 0.0001). The global rate of complications for the learning stage group was 14%, and for the mastery stage group was 6.6% (p= 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

After the first 50 cases, the operative time, the length of stay, and the overall rate of complications decreased, being especially significant the decrease in the duodeno-ileal anastomosis leakage rate after reaching the learning curve.

The role of complexity for digital twins of cities

We argue that theories and methods drawn from complexity science are urgently needed to guide the development and use of digital twins for cities. The theoretical framework from complexity science takes into account both the short-term and the long-term dynamics of cities and their interactions. This is the foundation for a new approach that treats cities not as large machines or logistic systems but as mutually interwoven self-organizing phenomena, which evolve, to an extent, like living systems.

AB0462 CORRELATION BETWEEN SAXON TEST AND UNSTIMULATED SALIVARY FLOW RATE IN PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED SJÖGREN´S SYNDROME

Background

Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, which alters their function producing dryness of the mouth, eyes and other mucous membranes. The method used to quantify glandular hypofunction is by whole saliva flow stimulated and unstimulated (UWSF) [1], which takes between 5 and 15 minutes (min). The Saxon test [2], is another tool with the same objective but requires less time: 2 minutes. In the literature, we only have found one study that compares the Saxon test with other diagnostic methods although it is developed in patients without SS [3].

Objectives

To compare the Saxon test and UWSF in a cohort of patients with suspected SS.

Methods

In a consecutive cohort of patients who attended the rheumatology department for suspected SS, UWSF was measured (mL/5 min) and the Saxon test (gr/2 min) was performed. The Index Reported by Patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome of the EULAR (ESSPRI) was collected too. This is a patient-reported index designed to assess the severity of patients’ symptoms (dryness, pain, somatic and mental fatigue) in SS through an average of single 0–10 numerical scale for each domain. To measure the UWSF, patients were asked to swallow their saliva before the start of the test and then to spit into a container for 5 min. The Saxon test was performed by calculating the difference in the weight of two pieces of sterile gauze that the patient chews for two minutes. An UWSF >0.25 mL/min, a Saxon test >2.75 g/2min and an ESSPRI<5 were considered normal. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rs) was used to determine the correlation between both quantitative variables. The Chi-square test and the Gamma test were used in the comparisons between the groups (altered and normal) and the Mann-Whitney U in the comparisons of the quantitative variables based on the groups (altered and normal) previously defined. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

We enrolled 70 patients (63 women/7 men), with a mean age ± standard deviation of 54±13 years. The medians (Me) and interquartile ranges (IQR) obtained were 1.500 (0.6750 – 2.5000) mL/5min for the UWSF, 2.405 (1.6775-3.4925) g/2min for the Saxon test, 6.67 (3.67-7.67) for ESSPRI and 7.00 (4.00-8.00) for ESSPRI-dryness score.

A direct and significant correlation between the Saxon test and the UWSF (rs=0.325; P=0.006) was observed. Twenty-four patients (34.3%) presented an altered UWSF and forty-two patients (60%) had an altered Saxon test. When we analysed the intensity of the association between the different groups (altered/normal) of both variables, we observed a direct and significant association (Gamma value=0.583, P=0.010) between both tools.

We also detected differences in the Saxon test between patients with altered UWSF (Me: 1.89 gr/2min.; IQR: 1.47-2.68) and those with normal UWSF (Me: 2.78 gr/2 min.; IQR: 1.77-3, 75) (P=0.029). Similarly, we observed significant differences in UWSF values between patients with altered Saxon test (Me: 1.30 mL/5min IQR: 0.50-2.13) and those with a normal Saxon test (Me: 2.00 mL/5min IQR: 1.5-2.88) (P=0.008).

Regarding the ESSPRI, 42 (62,7%) patients presented an altered ESSPRI and 49 (73,1%) had an altered ESSPRI-dryness score. The group patients with ESSPRI-dryness score≥5 obtained significantly worse scores on the Saxon test (Me: 2.10 g/2min IQR: 1.58-3.07) and on the ESSPRI (Me:7.33 IQR:5.83-8.00) than the normal ESSPRI-dryness score group: Me:3.02 g/2min, IQR:2.20-3.84, on Saxon test (P=0.026); Me: 2.66 IQR:1, 00-4.08, on the ESSPRI (P=0.000).

Conclusion

In patients with suspected SS, there is a direct and significant correlation between the Saxon test and the UWSF. Therefore, the Saxon test could be useful in the initial assessment of oral gland dysfunction, to save time and/or to select patients who require performing the UWSF.

References

[1]Martínez Ceballos MA et al. Rev. Colomb Reumatol.2020; 27 (S2):90-101.

[2]Kohler PF & Winter ME. Arthr & Rheum. 1985;28(10):1128-32.

[3]Minagi HO et al. J Oral Rehabil.2020;47:1550-6.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

SEOM-GECP-GETTHI Clinical Guidelines for the treatment of patients with thymic epithelial tumours (2021)

Thymic epithelial tumours (TET) represent a heterogeneous group of rare malignancies that include thymomas and thymic carcinoma. Treatment of TET is based on the resectability of the tumour. If this is considered achievable upfront, surgical resection is the cornerstone of treatment. Platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard regimen for advanced TET. Due to the rarity of this disease, treatment decisions should be discussed in specific multidisciplinary tumour boards, and there are few prospective clinical studies with new strategies. However, several pathways involved in TET have been explored as potential targets for new therapies in previously treated patients, such as multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors with antiangiogenic properties and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). One third of patient with thymoma present an autoimmune disorders, increasing the risk of immune-related adverse events and autoimmune flares under ICIs. In these guidelines, we summarize the current evidence for the therapeutic approach in patients with TET and define levels of evidence for these decisions.

Simplified risk-prediction for benchmarking and quality improvement in emergency general surgery. Prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Emergency General Surgery (EGS) conditions account for millions of deaths worldwide, yet it is practiced without benchmarking-based quality improvement programs. The aim of this observational, prospective, multicenter, nationwide study was to determine the best benchmark cutoff points in EGS, as a reference to guide improvement measures.

METHODS

Over a 6-month period, 38 centers (5% of all public hospitals) attending EGS patients on a 24-h, 7-days a week basis, enrolled consecutive patients requiring an emergent/urgent surgical procedure. Patients were stratified into cohorts of low (i.e., expected morbidity risk <33%), middle and high risk using the novel m-LUCENTUM calculator.

RESULTS

A total of 7258 patients were included; age (mean ± SD) was 51.1 ± 21.5 years, 43.2% were female. Benchmark cutoffs in the low-risk cohort (5639 patients, 77.7% of total) were: use of laparoscopy ≥40.9%, length of hospital stays ≤3 days, any complication within 30 days ≤ 17.7%, and 30-day mortality ≤1.1%. The variables with the greatest impact were septicemia on length of hospital stay (21 days; adjusted beta coefficient 16.8; 95% CI: 15.3 to 18.3; P < .001), and respiratory failure on mortality (risk-adjusted population attributable fraction 44.6%, 95% CI 29.6 to 59.6, P < .001). Use of laparoscopy (odds ratio 0.764, 95% CI 0.678 to 0.861; P < .001), and intraoperative blood loss (101-500 mL: odds ratio 2.699, 95% CI 2.152 to 3.380; P < .001; and 500-1000 mL: odds ratio 2.875, 95% CI 1.403 to 5.858; P = .013) were associated with increased morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers, for the first time, clinically-based benchmark values in EGS and identifies measures for improvement.

Three-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac strain imaging in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with premature cardiovascular disease and adverse cardiovascular outcome in the mother. Subclinical cardiac functional changes in the left ventricle have been reported during pregnancy in women with GDM using conventional echocardiography, but results are inconsistent. The aims of the current study were to assess whether GDM is associated with biventricular systolic dysfunction in the mother and whether these cardiac changes can be detected using the novel echocardiographic modalities of strain imaging and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study in women with GDM and controls examined at 26-40 weeks of gestation. All women underwent echocardiography, and 3D volumes of the left and right ventricles and left atrium were collected. Ejection fraction and left ventricular mass were measured using 3D echocardiography. Left ventricular mass was indexed to body surface area. Speckle-tracking echocardiography was used to assess global longitudinal strain of the left and right ventricles and strain of the left atrium.

RESULTS

The study population included 123 women with GDM and 246 controls. Women with GDM, compared to controls, were older (35.1 ± 5.2 vs 32.4 ± 5.5 years; P < 0.001), had higher body mass index (30.6 (interquartile range (IQR), 26.2-35.2) vs 27.5 (IQR, 24.7-30.7) kg/m² ; P < 0.001) and had higher systolic blood pressure (119.9 ± 11.2 vs 116.4 ± 12.0 mmHg; P = 0.007). In all women with GDM, there was good glycemic control. In women with GDM, compared to controls, there was lower global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle (-19.3% (IQR, -21.4 to -17.6%) vs -20.1% (IQR, -22.1 to -18.7%); P = 0.002) and right ventricle (-22.2% (IQR, -26.1 to -19.8%) vs -24.1% (IQR, -27.0 to -21.9%); P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in ejection fraction, left ventricular mass, diastolic function assessed by left atrial strain, or 3D functional indices.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with GDM, compared to women with uncomplicated pregnancy, have lower left and right ventricular myocardial deformation. Volumetric assessment using 3D echocardiography does not provide additional information about maternal cardiac function. Strain imaging is a sensitive echocardiographic modality to detect early cardiac functional changes in women with GDM. Further studies are needed to assess the pattern of deterioration of cardiac function with advancing age in women with a history of GDM. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Framing in multiple public goods games and donation to charities

The vast amount of research devoted to public goods games has shown that contributions may be dramatically affected by varying framing conditions. This is particularly relevant in the context of donations to charities and non-governmental organizations. Here, we design a multiple public goods experiment by introducing five types of funds, each differing in the fraction of the contribution that is donated to a charity. We found that people contribute more to public goods when the associated social donations are presented as indirect rather than as direct donations. At the same time, the fraction of the donations devoted to charity is not affected by the framing. We have also found that, on average, women contribute to public goods and donate to charity significantly more than men. These findings are of potential interest to the design of social investment tools, in particular for charities to ask for better institutional designs from policy makers.

Biomass fuel production from cellulosic sludge through biodrying: Aeration strategies, quality of end-products, gaseous emissions and techno-economic assessment

This study assesses the technological, environmental and economic feasibility of biodrying to valorise cellulosic sludge as a renewable energy source. Specifically, three different aeration strategies were compared in terms of biodrying performance, energetic consumption, gaseous emissions, quality of end-products and techno-economic analysis. These strategies were based on different combinations of convective drying with biogenic heat produced. Two innovative biodrying performance indicators (Energetic Biodrying Index and Biodrying Performance Index) were proposed to better assess the initial and operational conditions that favour the maximum energy process efficiency and the highest end-product quality. The end-products obtained consistently presented moisture contents below 40% and lower heating values above 9.4 MJ·kg-1. However, the best values achieved were 32.6% and 10.4 MJ·kg-1 for moisture content and lower heating value, respectively. Low N₂O and CH₄ emissions confirmed the effective aeration of all three strategies carried out, while NH₄ and tVOCs were related either to temperature or biological phenomena. A techno-economic analysis proved the economic viability and attractiveness of the biodrying technology for cellulosic sludge in all the strategies applied.

Trabecular and cortical bone involvement in rheumatoid arthritis by DXA and DXA-based 3D modelling

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients had a higher risk of developing low bone mineral density (BMD) or osteoporosis. RA patients on classic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (c-DMARD) therapy showed significantly lower BMD than controls, while no significant differences in most parameters were found between RA patients receiving biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b-DMARDs) and controls. The 3D analysis allowed us to find changes in the trabecular and cortical compartments.

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate cortical and trabecular bone involvement of the hip in RA patients by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and 3D analysis. The secondary end-point was to evaluate bone involvement in patients treated with classic (c-DMARD) or biological (b-DMARD) disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapies and the effect of the duration of the disease and corticosteroid therapy on 3D parameters.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 105 RA patients and 100 subjects as a control group (CG) matched by age, sex, and BMI was carried out. BMD was measured by DXA of the bilateral femoral neck (FN) and total hip (TH). The 3D analyses including trabecular and cortical BMD were performed on hip scans with the 3D-Shaper software.

RESULTS

FN and TH BMD and trabecular and cortical vBMD were significantly lower in RA patients. The c-DMARD (n = 75) group showed significantly lower trabecular and cortical vBMD than the CG. Despite the lower values, the b-DMARD group (n = 30) showed no significant differences in most parameters compared with the CG. The trabecular and cortical 3D parameters were significantly lower in the group with an RA disease duration of 1 to 5 years than in the CG, and the trabecular vBMD was significantly lower in the group with a duration of corticosteroid therapy of 1 to 5 years than in the CG, while no significant differences were found by standard DXA in the same period.

CONCLUSIONS

RA patients had a higher risk of developing low BMD or osteoporosis than controls. RA patients receiving c-DMARD therapy showed significantly lower BMD than controls, while no significant differences in most parameters were found between RA patients receiving b-DMARDs and controls. 3D-DXA allowed us to find changes in trabecular and cortical bone compartments in RA patients.

Characterisation of sperm piRNAs and their correlation with semen quality traits in swine

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are essential in the transcriptional silencing of transposable elements and warrant genome stability in the mammalian germline. In this study, we have identified piRNAs in porcine sperm using male germline and zygote datasets from human, mice, cow and pig, and evaluated the relation between their abundances and sperm quality traits. In our analysis, we identified 283 382 piRNAs, 1355 of which correlated with P ≤ 0.01 to at least one semen quality trait. Fifty-seven percent of the correlated piRNAs mapped less than 50 kb apart from any other piRNA in the pig genome. Furthermore, piRNA location was significantly enriched near long interspersed nuclear elements. Moreover, some of the significant piRNAs mapped within or close to genes relevant for fertility or spermatogenesis such as CSNK1G2 and PSMF1.

Mitotic entry upon Topo II catalytic inhibition is controlled by Chk1 and Plk1

Catalytic inhibition of topoisomerase II during G2 phase delays onset of mitosis due to the activation of the so-called decatenation checkpoint. This checkpoint is less known compared with the extensively studied G2 DNA damage checkpoint and is partially compromised in many tumor cells. We recently identified MCPH1 as a key regulator that confers cells with the capacity to adapt to the decatenation checkpoint. In the present work, we have explored the contributions of checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) and polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), in order to better understand the molecular basis of decatenation checkpoint. Our results demonstrate that Chk1 function is required to sustain the G2 arrest induced by catalytic inhibition of Topo II. Interestingly, Chk1 loss of function restores adaptation in cells lacking MCPH1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Plk1 function is required to bypass the decatenation checkpoint arrest in cells following Chk1 inhibition. Taken together, our data suggest that MCPH1 is critical to allow checkpoint adaptation by counteracting Chk1-mediated inactivation of Plk1. Importantly, we also provide evidence that MCPH1 function is not required to allow recovery from this checkpoint, which lends support to the notion that checkpoint adaptation and recovery are different mechanisms distinguished in part by specific effectors.

Genome-wide association study for feed efficiency in collective cage-raised rabbits under full and restricted feeding

Feed efficiency (FE) is one of the most economically and environmentally relevant traits in the animal production sector. The objective of this study was to gain knowledge about the genetic control of FE in rabbits. To this end, GWASs were conducted for individual growth under two feeding regimes (full feeding and restricted) and FE traits collected from cage groups, using 114 604 autosome SNPs segregating in 438 rabbits. Two different models were implemented: (1) an animal model with a linear regression on each SNP allele for growth trait; and (2) a two‐trait animal model, jointly fitting the performance trait and each SNP allele content, for FE traits. This last modeling strategy is a new tool applied to GWAS and allows information to be considered from non‐genotyped individuals whose contribution is relevant in the group average traits. A total of 189 SNPs in 17 chromosomal regions were declared to be significantly associated with any of the five analyzed traits at a chromosome‐wide level. In 12 of these regions, 20 candidate genes were proposed to explain the variation of the analyzed traits, including genes such as FTO, NDUFAF6 and CEBPA previously associated with growth and FE traits in monogastric species. Candidate genes associated with behavioral patterns were also identified. Overall, our results can be considered as the foundation for future functional research to unravel the actual causal mutations regulating growth and FE in rabbits.

The addition of Lactobacillus spp. negatively affects Mycoplasma bovis viability in bovine cervical mucus

BACKGROUND

Mycoplasma bovis is an important pathogen for the cattle industry worldwide causing significant economic losses. Several transmission routes, including those related to reproduction, have been described. Indeed, the pathogen can colonize the female reproductive tract after artificial insemination (AI) with contaminated semen. Lactobacillus spp.-based probiotics have been used for vaginal dysbiosis treatment in women and cows although their role in controlling cervico-vaginal infections due to M. bovis is unknown. The objective of the present work is to assess the viability of M. bovis (PG45, NCTC 10131) in experimentally contaminated cervical mucus after the addition of Lactobacillus spp. at different concentrations as a competing agent and pH acidifier.

RESULTS

The addition of probiotic at a concentration higher than 10⁸ colony forming units (CFU/mL had a detrimental effect (P < 0.05) on mycoplasma viability in cervical mucus. This coincided with a significant LAB growth and an important decrease in pH from 8.4 to 5.6 (P < 0.05). However, after the addition of less concentrated probiotic, M. bovis survival was not affected and there was no significant LAB growth despite the drop of pH from 8.4 to 6.73 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The addition of concentrations higher than 10⁸ CFU/mL of Lactobacillus spp. negatively affects M. bovis viability in bovine cervical mucus under in vitro conditions. Although the effect observed on the pathogen viability seems to be related to the pH decrease after LAB proliferation in cervical mucus, further studies are necessary to elucidate if other factors are implicated. Nevertheless, the administration of Lactobacillus spp.-based probiotics might be used in the future to control M. bovis proliferation in the cervico-vaginal tract of cows.

Cinética de degradación ruminal in situ de ensilado de rastrojo de maíz (Zea mays) con niveles crecientes de urea

Se estudió el efecto de la inclusión de urea sobre la composición y cinética de degradación ruminal in situ en el ensilado de rastrojo de maíz. Se partió de cuatro de tratamientos al adicionar el 0, 1, 2 y 3% de urea a una mezcla de rastrojo de maíz con el 10% de melaza. Se elaboraron 128 microsilos (3 kg/unidad y 4 repeticiones por tratamiento). La apertura de los silos se realizó a los 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 y 56 días. Se determinó el contenido de la materia seca (MS), materia orgánica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), FND y FAD. La degradabilidad in situ se obtuvo mediante el método de Mehrez y Orskov y la degradabilidad de MS y PB mediante el análisis de los residuos con el método Kjeldhal. Los datos se analizaron con el procedimiento GLM y el test de Tukey (P±

FFClust: Fast fiber clustering for large tractography datasets for a detailed study of brain connectivity

Automated methods that can identify white matter bundles from large tractography datasets have several applications in neuroscience research. In these applications, clustering algorithms have shown to play an important role in the analysis and visualization of white matter structure, generating useful data which can be the basis for further studies. This work proposes FFClust, an efficient fiber clustering method for large tractography datasets containing millions of fibers. Resulting clusters describe the whole set of main white matter fascicles present on an individual brain. The method aims to identify compact and homogeneous clusters, which enables several applications. In individuals, the clusters can be used to study the local connectivity in pathological brains, while at population level, the processing and analysis of reproducible bundles, and other post-processing algorithms can be carried out to study the brain connectivity and create new white matter bundle atlases. The proposed method was evaluated in terms of quality and execution time performance versus the state-of-the-art clustering techniques used in the area. Results show that FFClust is effective in the creation of compact clusters, with a low intra-cluster distance, while keeping a good quality Davies-Bouldin index, which is a metric that quantifies the quality of clustering approaches. Furthermore, it is about 8.6 times faster than the most efficient state-of-the-art method for one million fibers dataset. In addition, we show that FFClust is able to correctly identify atlas bundles connecting different brain regions, as an example of application and the utility of compact clusters.

Metformin protects from oxaliplatin induced peripheral neuropathy in rats

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After oxaliplatin treatment rats developed mechanical and cold hyperalgesia.

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We observed intraepidermal nerve fiber degeneration, and mild spinal cord gliosis.

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Co treatment with Metformin could prevent all these pathological outcomes.

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This suggests metformin as a candidate drug to prevent oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy.

Oxaliplatin is a commonly used drug to treat cancer, extending the rate of disease-free survival by 20% in colorectal cancer. However, oxaliplatin induces a disabling form of neuropathy resulting in more than 60% of patients having to reduce or discontinue oxaliplatin, negatively impacting their chance of survival. Oxaliplatin-induced neuropathies are accompanied by degeneration of sensory fibers in the epidermis and hyperexcitability of sensory neurons. These morphological and functional changes have been associated with sensory symptoms such as dysesthesia, paresthesia and mechanical and cold allodynia. Various strategies have been proposed to prevent or treat oxaliplatin-induced neuropathies without success. The anti-diabetic drug metformin has been recently shown to exert neuroprotection in other chemotherapy-induced neuropathies, so here we aimed to test if metformin can prevent the development of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in a rat model of this condition. Animals treated with oxaliplatin developed significant intraepidermal fiber degeneration, a mild gliosis in the spinal cord, and mechanical and cold hyperalgesia. The concomitant use of metformin prevented degeneration of intraepidermal fibers, gliosis, and the altered sensitivity. Our evidence further supports metformin as a new approach to prevent oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy with a potential important clinical impact.

Safety and patient-reported outcomes of atezolizumab, carboplatin, and etoposide in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (IMpower133): a randomized phase I/III trial

BACKGROUND

The addition of atezolizumab to carboplatin and etoposide (CP/ET) significantly improved progression-free and overall survival for patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) in the IMpower133 study (NCT02763579). We have evaluated adverse events (AEs) and patient-reported outcomes in IMpower133 to assess the benefit-risk profile of this regimen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients received four 21-day cycles of CP/ET plus intravenous atezolizumab 1200 mg or placebo (induction phase), followed by atezolizumab or placebo (maintenance phase) until progression or loss of benefit. AEs were assessed and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated every 3 weeks during treatment using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire - Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and QLQ-LC13.

RESULTS

Overall, 394 patients were assessable for safety in the induction phase and 318 in the maintenance phase. The frequency of AEs, grade 3-4 AEs, and serious AEs was similar between arms in both phases. Immune-related AEs were more frequent in the atezolizumab arm during both induction (28% versus 17%; leading to atezolizumab/placebo interruption 9% versus 5%, leading to withdrawal 4% versus 0%) and maintenance (26% versus 15%; leading to atezolizumab/placebo interruption, 3% versus 2%, leading to withdrawal 1% versus 1%), most commonly rash (induction 11% versus 9%, maintenance 14% versus 4%), and hypothyroidism (induction 4.0% versus 0%, maintenance 10% versus 1%). Changes in patient-reported treatment-related symptoms commonly associated with quality of life impairment were generally similar during induction and most of the maintenance phase. Patient-reported function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) improved in both arms after initiating treatment, with more pronounced and persistent HRQoL improvements in the atezolizumab arm.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ES-SCLC, atezolizumab plus CP/ET has a comparable safety profile to placebo plus CP/ET, and the addition of atezolizumab did not adversely impact patient-reported HRQoL. These data demonstrate the positive benefit-risk profile of first-line atezolizumab plus CP/ET in ES-SCLC and further support this regimen as a new standard of care in this setting.

CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER

NCT02763579.

Determination of Vegetal Proteins in Milk Powder by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay: Interlaboratory Study

Eight laboratories participated in a collaborative study to evaluate an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine soy, pea, and wheat proteins in pasteurized or ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk powders. To perform this assay, polyclonal antibodies for soy, pea, and wheat proteins were obtained from rabbit sera. Collaborators received calibration standards composed of milk powder containing 0–8% (w/w) vegetal protein in total protein and blind test samples containing approximately 1, 2, and 5% (w/w) vegetal protein. An indirect competitive ELISA was performed with a kit prepared by a participating laboratory; the kit contained plates coated with soy, pea, or wheat proteins, the corresponding specific antisera, enzyme-labeled second antibody, and substrate solution. Test samples and calibrants were extracted with phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.4, containing 0.05% Tween and assayed with the ELISA kits. The degree of adulteration was affected by the type of heat treatment applied to the samples. The estimated percentage of vegetal protein addition was close to the theoretical value for pasteurized samples but much lower for UHT samples. For pasteurized samples, intralaboratory relative standard deviations ranged from 5 to 22% and interlaboratory relative standard deviations ranged from 14 to 34%.

Optimal duration of first-line chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer: data from the AGAMENON registry

BACKGROUND

The optimal duration of first-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced gastric cancer is unknown. Diverse clinical trials have proposed different strategies including limited treatment, maintenance of some drugs, or treatment until progression.

METHOD

The sample comprises patients from the AGAMENON multicenter registry without progression after second evaluation of response. The objective was to explore the optimal duration of first-line chemotherapy. A frailty multi-state model was conducted.

RESULTS

415 patients were divided into three strata: discontinuation of platinum and maintenance with fluoropyrimidine until progression (30%, n = 123), complete treatment withdrawal prior to progression (52%, n = 216), and full treatment until progression (18%, n = 76). The hazard of tumor progression decreased by 19% per month with the full treatment regimen. However, we found no evidence that fluoropyrimidine maintenance (hazard ratio [HR] 1.07, confidence interval [CI] 95%, 0.69-1.65) worsened progression-free survival (PFS) with respect to treatment until progression. Predictive factors for PFS were ECOG performance status, ≥ 3 metastatic sites, prior tumor response, and bone metastases. Toxicity grade 3/4 was more common in those who continued the full treatment until progression vs fluoropyrimidine maintenance (16% vs 6%).

CONCLUSION

The longer duration of the full initial regimen exerted a protective effect on the patients of this registry. Platinum discontinuation followed by fluoropyrimidine maintenance yields comparable efficacy to treatment up to PD, with a lower rate of serious adverse events.

Valorisation of biowaste digestate through solid state fermentation to produce biopesticides from Bacillus thuringiensis

The main goal of this work is the production of a biopesticide through solid-state fermentation of biowaste digestate inoculated with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) at pilot scale using different configurations of reactors. Fermentations were carried out using insulated and non-insulated, stirred and non-stirred reactors at different scales (10, 22 and 100 L) in order to assess the influence of the reactor configuration on the biopesticide production process. A maximum temperature of 60 °C was reached in 10-L insulated non-stirred reactors where increments of Bt viable cells and spores with respect to initial values of 1.9 and 171.6 respectively, were attained. In contrast, when temperature was regulated by using 22-L non-insulated stirred reactors the increment of viable cells and spores were 0.8 and 1.9, respectively, at a stable temperature of 27 °C. When the non-insulated stirred reactor was scaled up to 100-L, the increase of viable cells and spore counts were 1.2 and 3.8 respectively, with an average temperature of 28 °C. These results demonstrated that the election of a proper reactor configuration is important when considering the development of a new SSF process, especially when dealing with non-conventional substrates as digestate.

Effect of triploidy on digestive enzyme activity of early stages of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

In the present work, growth and digestive enzyme activities of total acid and alkaline proteases, pepsin, trypsin, lipase, and α-amylase, as well as partial characterization of enzyme activity, were studied in diploid and triploid turbot. Growth was similar between both groups. Acid protease activity increased consistently during the experiment, for both diploid (2n) and triploid (3n) fish. The alkaline protease activity was always higher for triploids throughout the experiment. Proteolytic acid activity (pH 2) was generally higher for diploids, at all temperatures tested. Higher activity was at pH 2 and 3 for 2n and 3n fish, respectively. Regarding temperature, acid and alkaline protease activity was higher at 37 °C and 60 °C, respectively, for both groups. The general increase in pancreatic enzymes (trypsin and amylase) before 35 days after hatching (DAH) and posterior decrease until 60 DAH. There was a marked effect on enzyme activity when changing from live prey to pellets (35 DAH), especially on triploids.

There Is Great Ignorance About the Brain Death Concept Among the Population in Santiago de Cuba (Cuba)

INTRODUCTION

The knowledge of the brain death (BD) concept is important when determining the attitude toward organ donation.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the level of knowledge of the BD concept among the population in Santiago de Cuba and determine the factors that condition it.

METHODS

From the Collaborative International Donor Project, we obtained a sample of Cubans living in the area of Santiago de Cuba (n = 455). The attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO-RIOS). The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. Student t test, χ², Fisher, and logistic regression analysis were used.

RESULTS

Forty percent (n = 180) of the respondents know the BD concept and consider it as the death of an individual. Of the rest, 43% (n = 199) do not know about it, and the remaining 17% (n = 76) consider that it does not mean the death of a patient. The variables significantly related to the correct knowledge of BD in the multivariate analysis and considered as independent are: level of studies; the opinion of the couple toward organ donation; the religion of the respondent; having offspring; and a favorable attitude toward organ donation.

CONCLUSION

There is ignorance about the brain death concept among the population of Santiago de Cuba. This lack of knowledge has a direct relationship with various psychosocial factors.

Attitude Toward Organ Donation in the Population of Cienfuegos, Cuba

INTRODUCTION

The sensitization of the population toward organ donation is fundamental; for that reason, it is important to determine the factors that condition the opinion toward donation on the population scope in order to carry out cost-effective campaigns.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the attitude toward the donation of the proper organs for transplantation among the population residing in Cienfuegos, Cuba.

METHOD

Population under study: Population who reside in Cienfuegos, Cuba.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Population over 15 years old as stratified by age and sex. Assessment instrument: The attitude questionnaire for organ donation for transplant-PCID-DTO Ríos. Fieldwork: A random selection based on stratification. The available data from the census were used. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. Verbal consent was requested to collaborate in the study.

STATISTICS

Student t test, χ², Fisher, and a logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A sample of 636 respondents was included in the study, of which 71% (n = 453) are in favor of donating their organs after death, 16% (n = 103) are against, and 13% (n = 80) are undecided. This attitude is associated with different psychosocial variables (P < .001): age, marital status, having offspring, level of studies, carrying out prosocial activities, discussing with the family the subject of donation and transplantation, knowledge of the concept of brain death, the attitude toward the manipulation of the corpse, the religion of the respondent, and the attitude of the couple toward organ transplantation. The main independent factors obtained in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio >2.5): knowledge of the brain death concept, attitude toward the manipulation of the corpse, religion, and attitude of the couple toward transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

The attitude toward organ donation among the population of Cienfuegos, Cuba, is favorable and is conditioned by several psychosocial factors.

Gypsy Population Presents a Favorable Attitude Toward Related Living Donation

INTRODUCTION

Negative organ donation rates among the Gypsies is much higher than that of any other social group in Spain. However, living donation rates have not been raised much in this social group, despite the existence of several Gypsy patients on the waiting list for transplantation.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the attitude toward related living donation among the Gypsy population who reside in Spain.

METHODS

This type of study is an observational sociological study. The study consisted of the adult Gypsy population residing in Spain, and a random sampling of 230 adult gypsies was conducted. Attitude questionnaires for live donation, both hepatic PCID-DVH-Ríos and renal PCID-DVR-Ríos, were used, and random selection was based on stratification. Questionnaires were self-administered and completed anonymously. Student t test, χ2, Fisher, and a logistic regression analysis were used.

RESULTS

A sample of 206 Gypsies (52% women) with a mean age of 34 years is obtained. Seventy-two percent (n = 150) would donate an organ to a relative in life, 8% (n = 16) would not donate it, and 20% (n = 41) have doubts. Respondents with a favorable attitude toward living donation presented a more favorable attitude toward cadaveric organ donation (55% vs 0%, P < .001). The attitude toward living kidney donation was more favorable (81% in favor) than toward living liver donation (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The Gypsy ethnic group is sensitized to live donor transplantation. The family and cultural roots of Gypsy people could condition this favorable attitude, a fact to be taken into account to sensitize this social group and promote donation campaigns with the aim of increasing donation rates.

Electron Transfer Reactions in Micellar Systems

The influence of micelles on electron transfer processes is reviewed. The micelles modify the rate of electron transfer reactions by producing changes in all the relevant parameters controlling this rate; that is, through modification of the reorganization free energy, the reaction free energy, the nuclear dynamics and the strength of the coupling between the donor and the acceptor. Applications of studies on electron transfer reactions in micellar systems in different fields are presented.

Comparison of real-time PCR methods for quantification of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) in processed food samples

The quantification of species in commercial products is limited by analytical shortcomings, as most of them provide semiquantitative results. An exception is real-time PCR, which can provide quantitative results using hybridization probes. In the present work, this technique has been applied to the absolute, absolute-relative and relative quantification of the most valued hake species in European markets, Merluccius merluccius (European Hake). The best quantification results for this species in binary mixtures with non-target species (Merluccius capensis) and using a species-specific real-time PCR MMER_VIC system was achieved using a relative quantification approach (MLL as reference system). Absolute quantification using the MLL nuclear system has been demonstrated as appropriate for the quantification of the Merluccius genus in food model samples. This study reveals the impact of different reference systems (MLL and HAKE) in the absolute-relative and relative quantification approaches, showing that the nuclear MLL system performed better than the mitochondrial HAKE system.