Entire papilla preservation technique for treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: a series of cases

OBJECTIVE

Periodontitis is characterized by bone resorption. Vertical bone loss results in an intraosseous defect. Multiple surgical approaches for treating intrabony defects have shown different grades of effectiveness. Recently, the entire papilla preservation technique has been proposed, improving clinical parameters, such as pocket depth and clinical attachment level. This series of cases aimed to describe the use of the entire papilla preservation surgical technique without using biomaterials to regenerate periodontal intrabony defects. The influence on the clinical periodontal parameters and radiographic parameters was measured through CBCT, the latter not described until now, and analyzed the possible postoperative complications.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

A total of six intrabony periodontal defects associated with at least one periodontal pocket with probing depths equal to or greater than 6 mm were treated with the entire papilla preservation technique. The clinical and radiographic parameters were evaluated at the beginning and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean probing pocket depth reduction was 4.00 ± 0.63 mm, the mean clinical attachment level gain was 3.67 ± 1.03 mm, and the mean radiographic intrabony filling was 2.41 ± 2.03 mm. Early healing was uneventful; the mean visual analog scale at 7 days was 0.

CONCLUSIONS

This minimally invasive technique results in an improvement in clinical and radiographic parameters, the latter showing a filling of the bone defect observed during the 6-month evaluation after surgical treatment. These results confirm the importance of clot and flap stability in regenerating intraosseous defects.

Exploratory analysis of local extreme-temperature attributable mortality in an urban city of Madrid

AIM

to assess the Heat (HW) and Cold Waves (CW) risks on health in the urban municipality of Getafe.

METHODOLOGY

time series analysis between 01/01/1999-31/10/2013.

DEPENDENT VARIABLE

daily mortality due to natural causes - (ICD-10): A99-R99-.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

the maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) daily temperature. The mortality-temperature relationship was analysed to determine the thresholds of HW (Thresholdheat) and CW (Thresholdcold). Using Poisson GLM (link = log), the Relative Risk (RR), Attributable Risk (AR) and Attributable Mortality (AM) were determined for each degree of the Tmax exceeding the Thresholdheat (Theat) and for each degree of Tmin under the Thresholdcold (Tcold). Finally, socioeconomic variables were analysed descriptively.

RESULTS

Thresholdheat was 36 °C while Thresholdcold was 0 °C. The RRs associated with Theat, i.e. 1.08 (1.03 1.14), are akin to those obtained for Tcold, i.e. 1.05 (1.03 1.08). There were 202 HW and 430 CW episodes. The AM to HW totalled 61 (25, 96) deaths, while that attributable to CW reached 146 (82,211) deaths. The vulnerability in Getafe seems to be lower than in surrounding similar urban and rural cities.

CONCLUSIONS

The singular urban development of the municipality may have granted it an advantage over surrounding municipalities regarding temperature extremes.

Low Dose Radiotherapy in the Management of COVID-19 Pneumonia (LOWRAD-Cov19): Final Results

Purpose/Objective(s)

To evaluate the results of LD-RT to lungs in the management of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Materials/Methods

We conducted a prospective phase I-II trial enrolling COVID-19 patients ≥50 years-old, with bilateral lung involvement at imaging study and oxygen requirement. Patients received 1 Gy to whole lungs in a single fraction. Primary outcome was radiological response assessed as severity and extension scores at days +3 and +7. Secondary outcomes were toxicity (CTCAE v5.0), days of hospitalization, changes in inflammatory blood parameters (ferritin, lymphocytes, C-reactive protein, d-dimer and LDH) and SatO2/ FiO2 index (SAFI), at day +3 and +7. Descriptive analyses were summarized as means with standard deviation (SD) and/or medians with interquartile ranges (IQR). A Wilcoxon sign rank test for paired data was used to assess the CT scores and Chi Square was used to assess for comparison of categorical variables.

Results

Forty-one patients were included. Median age was 71 (IQR 60-84). Eighteen patients (47%) previously received any antiCOVID treatment (tocilizumab, lopinavir/ritonavir, remdesivir) and thirty-two patients (84%) received steroids during LD-RT. Extension score improved significantly (p=0.02) on day +7 and SAFI on day +3 and + 7 (p<0.01). Median SAFI on day 0 was 147 (IQR 118-264), 230 (IQR 120-343) on day +3 and 293 (IQR 121-353) on day +7. Significant decrease was found in C-reactive protein on day +7 (p=0.02) and in lymphocytes counts on day +3 and +7 (p=0.02). Median number of days in hospital after RT was 11 (range 4-78). With a median follow-up of 60 days after LD-RT, 26 (63%) patients were discharged, 11 (27%) died because of COVID respiratory failure and 4 (10%) died of other causes.

Conclusion

LD-RT is a feasible and well-tolerated treatment that may lead to rapid clinical improvement. Large randomized trials should be done to establish the efficacy of LD-RT to treat COVID-19 pneumonia.

TCL-318 Evaluation of the Antitumor Activity of Amiloride in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas Using In-Vitro Models

CONTEXT

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) have an aggressive clinical behavior and poor response to treatment; therefore, the search for new drugs is required. We have previously demonstrated the antitumor activity of amiloride in multiple myeloma. This prompted us to investigate the possibility of a cytotoxic effect of amiloride in this kind of T-cell lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antitumor activity of amiloride in different PTCL using in-vitro assays and identify the possible mechanisms involved.

DESIGN

Two anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) cell lines, KARPAS-299 and SR-786, and two cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cell lines, HH and HuT-78 (Sézary syndrome), were used. Cell viability and apoptosis were studied after exposure to different increasing concentrations of the drug at 24, 48, and 72 hours by colorimetric MTT and annexin V/propidium iodide double-labeling assays, respectively.

RESULTS

Amiloride significantly inhibited cell growth in the PTCL cell lines, depending on increasing drug concentration and time. Inhibition was statistically significant (P<0.05) from 0.15 mM for KARPAS-299, SR-786, and HH at 24, 48, and 72 hours and from 0.3 mM for HuT-78 at 48 and 72 hours. KARPAS-299 and SR-786 were the most sensitive cell lines to amiloride exposure, whereas HuT-78 cells were less sensitive, although with the highest concentration of amiloride, its cell viability decreased to levels below 50% and 40% at 48 and 72 hours, respectively. Induction of cell death by apoptosis was detected in all cell lines, with apoptosis levels up to 25% at 24 hours and more than 80% at 48 and 72 hours using intermediate doses of the drug.

CONCLUSIONS

1) Amiloride significantly decreased the cell viability of PTCL. 2) ALCL cell lines were the most sensitive to amiloride exposure. 3) The cytotoxic effect induced by amiloride in PTCL was mediated by apoptosis. Ongoing Objectives: To evaluate apoptosis as the possible mechanism of cell death induction through the analysis of caspases, synergism with drugs commonly used in the treatment of PTCL, and changes in gene and protein expression induced by amiloride.

FUNDING

Regional Health Management of Castilla y León (GRS 2142/A/2020);); Carlos III Health Institute European Union (PI19/00674); AECC (PROYE20047GUTI).

AB0472 DEFINING AN ACCEPTABLE STATE OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN PRIMARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME

Background

The PSS-QoL (the Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome Quality of Life Questionnaire) is a disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaire in primary Sjögren Syndrome (PSS). The psychometric testing showed a valid and reliable assessment, which allows a comprehensive evaluation of the patients’ perspective and the extent of the disease in PSS.

Objectives

To define the threshold of an acceptable QoL state (AQLS) and the minimal detectable change (MDC) of the PSS-QoL.

Methods

Data of patients from the PSS registry of the Medical University of Graz fulfilling the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for PSS were analysed. Patients completed the PSS-Qol and ESSPRI (EULAR Sjögren’s syndrome patient-reported index), disease activity was assessed by the ESSDAI (EULAR Sjögren’s syndrome disease activity index) and an evaluator’s global assessment (EGA, scale from 0 to 10). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to estimate the AQLS based on patients’ assessment on the extent of HRQL. We selected the optimal cut-off of PSS-QoL by the maximal Youden index. At the follow – up visits after 12 months, patients assessed, whether their HRQL had changed. An anchoring method based on this evaluation was used to estimate the MDC of PSS-QoL. Furthermore, clinical data were compared in AQLS and non-AQLS groups.

Results

Data from 152 PSS patients were analysed which of 91.4% (n=139) were female. The mean age was 59.65±12.3 years (± standard deviation) and the mean disease duration was 5.6±5.3 years.

The AQLS estimate was defined as PSS-QoL≤29.5. 40.1% (n=61) were categorized to be in AQLS. Although AQLS patients were significantly younger (56.9±13.1years vs 61.5±11.4 years, p<0.01) they had a longer disease duration (6.9±5.8 years vs. 4.7±4.7 years, p<0.05) compared to non-AQLS patients. AQLS patients had a lower EGA (2 [0-5] vs 3 [0-7], p<0.01 (median [range]), higher IgG (15.7[7.7-33.8, range] vs 13.1 [6.5-38.1], p<0.05) and higher rheumatoid-factor IgA (84 [0-500] vs 20 [0-500], p<0.01).

AQLS patients showed significantly lower burden of sicca (measured by ESSPRI and sicca VAS scores).

The MDC for PSS-QoL was defined as 12.2 points. After one year, patients’ HRQL did not change in 83.3% and got worse 7.1%.

Conclusion

This study determined the AQLS and the minimal detectable change for HRQL. These results will help evaluating the HRQL of patients in clinical practice, as well as possible assistance designing future clinical trials. Patients in AQLS show lower dryness scores but higher immunological activity compared to non-AQLS patients. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine factors affecting patients’ HRQL in PSS.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

CHA2DS2VASC score for predicting atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Spanish Society of Cardiology

Introduction

CHA2DS2-VASc Score is widely used to predict thromboembolic risk in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF). However the role of CHA2DS2-VASC score for predicting AF in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS) remains unknown.

Methods

Sixty-three consecutive patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack with ABCD2 scale≥4 of unknown etiology, were prospectively recruited. They were classified according to

CHA2DS2-VASc Score: group 1 (score ≤ 5), and group 2 (score &gt;5). The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of AF during clinical follow-up.

Results

Twenty-six (41%) patients had a CHA2DS2VASC score &gt; 5 (group 2). Patients in this group were older (81 ± 5.5 vs 75 ± 8 years; p &lt; 0.001) and more frequently female (73% vs 43% p = 0.019). Patients in group 2 present more often hypertension (84% vs 43% p = 0.001), diabetes (38% vs 11%, p = 0.009) , dyslipidemia 77% vs 49%, p = 0.024), and a prior history of coronary artery disease (27% vs 5%, p = 0.026). Notably, patients with higher CHA2DS2VASC showed worse left atrial ejection fraction (41.7 ± 13.1 vs 52.2 ± 15%, p = 0.009) and worse left atrial strain reservoir (21.5 ± 7.1 vs 33.8 ± 11%, p &lt; 0.001), conduct (9.5 ± 4.8 vs 16.6 ± 8.4%;p &lt; 0.001) and contraction (12 ± 4.6 vs 17.2 ± 7.3, p = 0.002). During follow-up AF was detected more often in group 2 (42% vs 11% p = 0.006). In multivariate analysis CHA2SD2VAS &gt; 5 was an independent predictor of AF in patients with CS (HR 7.3 [95% CI 1.2-45.6] p = 0.032)

Conclusion

A CHA2DS2VASC score &gt;5 is an independent predictor of AF in patients with CS. This score provides a new clinical tool to inform clinicians with regards to the optimal treatment of these challenging patients

Horizontal Bone Augmentation in the Posterior Atrophic Mandible and Dental Implant Stability Using the Tenting Screw Technique

The aim of this study was to analyze horizontal bone augmentation using the tenting screw technique in the posterior mandible. Included subjects had a 3-mm bone width and 9-mm bone height, measured by CBCT. After the surgical approach, two to four screws were inserted, leaving 4 mm of extraosseous space; reconstruction was achieved using allogeneic biomaterial and leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin together with an absorbable membrane. After 4 months, a new CBCT scan was obtained to compare the bone gain and implant placement. Early and secondary stability were measured by the implant stability quotient (ISQ); prosthetic load was performed 16 weeks later. Student t test was used to compare bone gains and implant stability, with significance set at P < .05. Fourteen subjects and 27 surgical sites initially exhibited a mean bone width of 2.95 ± 0.75 mm. Four months after augmentation, the bone width was 7.15 ± 1.87 mm, confirming a significant bone gain (4.2 ± 1.26 mm). Twenty-seven implants were placed with a minimum insertion torque of 35 Ncm; the primary stability was 69.3 ± 7.16 ISQ, and the secondary stability was 75.9 ± 3.29 ISQ (P > .05). It may be concluded that the tenting screw technique is predictable in terms of bone gain and that it facilitates implant stability.

Diagnostic potential of peri-implant crevicular fluid microRNA-21-3p and microRNA-150-5p and extracellular vesicles in peri-implant diseases

BACKGROUND

To explore the diagnostic usefulness of extracellular vesicles (EVs), and their subpopulations (micro-vesicles and exosomes), and microRNAs (miRNA-21-3p, miRNA-150-5p, and miRNA-26a-5p) in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) of subjects with healthy, peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis implants.

METHODS

A total of 54 patients were enrolled into healthy, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis groups. PICF samples were collected, EVs subpopulations (MVs and Exo) were isolated and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of miRNA-21-3p, miRNA-150-5p and miRNA-26a-5p was quantified by qRT-PCR. Logistic regression models and accuracy performance tests were estimated.

RESULTS

PICF samples show the presence of EVs delimited by a bi-layered membrane, in accordance with the morphology and size (< 200 nm). The concentration of PICF-EVs, micro-vesicles and exosomes was significantly increased in peri-implantitis implants compared to healthy implants (P = 0.023, P = 0.002, P = 0.036, respectively). miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p expression were significantly downregulated in patients with peri-implantitis in comparison with peri-implant mucositis sites (P = 0.011, P = 0.020, respectively). The reduced expression of miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p was associated with peri-implantitis diagnosis (OR:0.23, CI 0.08-0.66, P = 0.007 and OR:0.07, CI 0.01-0.78, P = 0.031, respectively). The model which included the miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p expression had a sensitivity of 93.3%, a specificity of 76.5%, a positive predictive value of 77.8%, and a negative predictive value of 92.9%. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 3.97 and 0.09, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the model was 0.84.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase concentration of EVs with a downregulation expression of miRNA-21-3p and miRNA-150-5p could be related with the peri-implantitis development.

A negative energy balance during the peri-implantational period reduces dam IGF-1 but does not alter progesterone or pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) or fertility in suckled cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a negative energy balance during the first third of gestation on metabolic, endocrine, and pregnancy recognition parameters in 2 beef cattle breeds adapted to semiextensive conditions. Seventy-five lactating Parda de Montaña and 40 Pirenaica multiparous cows rearing calves were synchronized and timed artificial inseminated (TAI) on day 76 postpartum. Cows were assigned to one of 2 diets (CONTROL or SUBNUT; 100% or 65% of their requirements supplied) until day 82 of gestation. Pregnancy was diagnosed 37 d post-TAI using ultrasound. Blood samples were obtained to determine metabolic (glucose, NEFA, β-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, and urea) and endocrine (IGF-1) status throughout the first third of gestation and to determine the concentrations of progesterone and pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) in the peri-implantational period. Undernutrition affected both cow and calf performance. The CONTROL cows maintained BCS and BW, whereas SUBNUT cows had negative daily gains. The CONTROL lactating calves had higher BW gains than SUBNUT. These negative effects were more evident in the Pirenaica breed, which was more sensitive to undernutrition. The negative energy balance was reflected in the cows' metabolic profiles, with higher NEFA values and lower IGF-1 concentrations in SUBNUT cows. However, undernutrition did not affect dam pregnancy/TAI or pregnancy recognition and maintenance, confirming that during periods of undernourishment pregnant dams prioritize the allocation of dietary energy toward reproductive functions. Progesterone concentration on day 21 post-TAI (with a 4.8 ng/mL cut-off value) and PSPB on day 26 post-TAI (with a 0.57 ng/mL cut-off value) were determined as the earliest indicators to accurately establish dam pregnancy status, regardless of breed or nutrition treatment. In summary, early undernutrition affected cow performance and metabolic profiles and impaired lactating calf growth, but did not affect progesterone or PSPB concentrations or the pregnancy/TAI rate in suckled cows.

Maternal nutrient restriction in early pregnancy increases the risk of late embryo loss despite no effects on peri-implantation interferon-stimulated genes in suckler beef cattle

Reducing feeding costs in suckler beef herds to improve economic returns could have detrimental impacts on fertility. This study sought to determine whether maternal nutrient restriction during early pregnancy affects interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during the peri-implantation period in two beef cattle breeds. Relationships were also examined between subnutrition and pregnancy failure defined according to ISG fold changes on Days 18 and 21 and to plasma pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) concentrations on Day 28 post-artificial insemination (AI). Pirenaica or Parda de Montaña dams were assigned to a control (n = 23) or subnutrition (n = 30) group, receiving 100% or 65% of their estimated nutritional requirements from Day 1 to 82 post-AI, respectively. Treatment did not affect ISG expression or fertility. According to ISG fold changes (chi-square P = .023) or PSPB levels (chi-square P = .04) recorded in the subnutrition group, late embryo loss was more likely than in controls. Positive correlation was detected between Day 28 PSPB concentrations and both Day 18 MX1, MX2 and ISG15 expression, and Day 21 OAS1 expression. OAS1 and MX1 fold changes were found to be the best variables to discriminate pregnancy status. Our findings indicate that maternal nutrient restriction during the first third of pregnancy does not impair embryo signalling yet may increase the risk of pregnancy failure.

Comparison of the effects of two shortened timed-AI protocols on pregnancy per AI in beef cattle

The objective was to compare pregnancy per AI (P/AI) between two shortened timed-AI (TAI) protocols in beef cattle. This study also determined whether administration of eCG in heifers and timing of AI in cows would affect P/AI. Cattle were submitted at random to either a modified 5-d Co-synch protocol (Day 0 = progesterone releasing device (CIDR); Day 5 = CIDR removal and 500 μg of cloprostenol (PGF); Day 8 = 100 μg GnRH concurrent with AI) or J-synch protocol (Day 0 = CIDR insertion and 2 mg of estradiol benzoate i.m.; Day 6 = CIDR removal and 500 μg PGF; Day 9 = 100 μg GnRH concurrent with AI). In Experiment 1, 1135 heifers (13-15 mo of age) received an estrus detection patch (Estrotect™) on Day 5 and 579 were selected at random to receive 300 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) at the time of CIDR removal. Patches were scored from 0 to 3 based on color change between initial application and AI; 0 = unchanged, 1 = ≤ 50% change, 2 = > 50% change, 3 = missing. Estrus was defined to have occurred when the patch was scored 2 or 3. In Experiment 2, 399 cyclic, non-lactating beef cows from 1 location were submitted to either the modified 5-d Co-synch or J-synch protocol and within each protocol cows were TAI at either 66 ± 1 (n = 199) or 72 ± 1 h (n = 200) following CIDR removal. Transrectal ultrasonography was used in both experiments to determine presence of a corpus luteum (CL) on Day 0, and to diagnose pregnancy 35 d after TAI. In Experiment 1, eCG increased estrus rate only in heifers without a CL on day 0 that were submitted to the modified 5-d Co-synch protocol (41.9 vs. 69.6%). Heifers submitted to the J-synch protocol had greater (P = 0.03) P/AI compared with those in the modified 5-d Co-synch (48.7 vs. 41.1%) and heifers that expressed estrus before AI had increased (P < 0.0001) P/AI compared to those that did not (53.6 vs. 36.5%). Administration of eCG and presence of a CL tended to affect P/AI (P = 0.13). In Experiment 2, cows submitted to the J-synch protocol tended (P = 0.07) to have greater P/AI compared to those in the modified 5-d Co-synch (74.1 vs. 66.5%). There was no association between P/AI and timing of AI. In summary, the J-synch protocol resulted in greater P/AI than the modified 5-day Co-synch protocol in heifers and cows. Administration of eCG increased estrus rate in heifers without a CL at the start of the protocol and tended to improve P/AI in all heifers. Timing of AI (66 vs. 72 h) had no effect on P/AI in cows subjected to either TAI protocol.

A lateral flow assay for the rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis infection in wild boar

The native Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a reservoir of Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of animal tuberculosis (TB), a chronic disease in livestock, companion animals and wild mammals. Cases of M. bovis infection in wild boar or feral pig have been reported worldwide, making early detection a priority in the eradication of the disease. Point-of-care diagnostic tests, such as low cost lateral flow assays, provide high specificity and sensitivity and can be performed on site, an essential requirement for a rapid screening of wildlife. A lateral flow assay, LFA, (INgezim TB CROM Ab) for the detection of M. bovis-specific antibodies in wild boar serum and blood has been developed based on MPB83, one of the major immunogenic antigens of the bacterium. A total of 140 samples of wild boar serum, well-characterized by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex culture and TB compatible post-mortem lesions, have been analysed with LFA, and results were compared with one in-house and two commercial Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA), INgezim TB Porcine and INgezim Tuberculosis DR. In experimental samples, the achieved values of sensitivity of the different techniques ranged from 84.3% to 92.1% and the specificity was 100% in all of them. In field animals, specificity ranged from 96% to 100%, whereas sensitivity ranged from 48% to 64% in juvenile wild boar, increasing to 93.3%-100% in adult wild boar. In particular, the total sensitivity and specificity values obtained with the new LFA were 83% and 97%, respectively, indicating that INgezim TB CROM Ab could be used as a first approach for the surveillance of TB in wild boar, with a special applicability for animal-side testing.

The fatty acid composition of ewe milk or suckling lamb meat can be used to discriminate between ewes fed different diets

Thirty-nine ewe-lamb pairs were used to evaluate the effects of the diet of lactating ewes, the type of forage (pasture vs hay) and the inclusion of 10% quebracho in the concentrate on the fatty acid (FA) profile of their milk and the meat of their suckling lambs. The estimated forage–concentrate ratio was 80:20. Milk from pasture ewes had a higher percentage of saturated FAs (SFAs; 62.3 vs 56.5), lower percentages of monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs; 30.4 vs 36.6) and n-6 polyunsaturated FAs, and a lower n-6:n-3 ratio (1.9 vs 2.3) than did that of hay ewes (P &lt; 0.001). Meat of pasture lambs had higher percentages of total polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs; 23.0 vs 20.4; P &lt; 0.05) and n-3 (7.0 vs 5.0; P &lt; 0.001) and lower percentages of MUFAs (37.9 vs 41.8; P &lt; 0.001) and n-6:n-3 (2.0 vs 2.8; P &lt; 0.001) than did that of hay lambs. The inclusion of quebracho increased MUFAs in milk (P &lt; 0.05) and decreased SFAs in meat (P &lt; 0.05). Ewes were correctly classified to the different treatments by using the FA profile of milk (100% score outcome), and to a lesser extend by using the FA profile of lamb (82–100% score outcome); de novo synthesis of FAs in lamb muscle might have reduced the classification accuracy. In conclusion, forage type had a greater effect on the FA profiles of ewe milk and the meat of suckling lambs than did the inclusion of quebracho in the concentrate. To improve the classification of meat of suckling lamb, other biomarkers should be examined. These results are relevant for ewes farmed for the production of milk as well as lambs.

Preliminary study of the effects of an anti-gonadotropin-releasing factor vaccine at two initial liveweights on the carcass traits and meat quality of bulls

The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of the Improvac® anti-gonadotropin-releasing factor vaccine developed for pigs on the carcass quality and shelf life of meat from Serrana de Teruel bulls at two liveweights at the start of immunisation. The anti-gonadotropin-releasing factor vaccine stopped testosterone production regardless of the liveweight. The carcasses of immunised bulls were less heavy and had poorer conformation than those of entire bulls, although the dressing percentages were similar. Immunisation had no influence on the degree of carcass fatness or intramuscular fat content. Immunisation decreased metmyoglobin formation during storage, especially in light bulls. Immunisation reduces the total meat collage, improving tenderness and reducing the ageing time. Minimum toughness was reached 2 weeks earlier than in entire bulls. Quick tenderisation was achieved regardless of the liveweight at immunisation; therefore, the technique studied here could be effective for producing tender meat and avoiding long periods of maturation. In conclusion, immunisation at any of the initial liveweights trialed may be detrimental to animal performance. However, it was effective in delaying metmyoglobin formation and produced more tender meat than that of entire bulls from the first day, thus reducing the ageing time.

Actual incidence of prostate cancer in healthcare areas of the autonomous community of Castilla-Leon during 2014. CAPCYL registry data

OBJECTIVE

To determine the actual incidence of prostate cancer (PC) in the healthcare areas of Castilla-Leon in 2014.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicentre study was conducted with the participation of 7 of the 9 healthcare areas of Castilla-Leon. We collected retrospective data that included 87.8% of the target population (men diagnosed with PC with histopathological confirmation in 2014). We calculated the raw and age-adjusted incidence rates based on the direct method and consulted the community and national epidemiological data in the Spanish National Institute of Statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 1198 new cases of PC were diagnosed, with a raw incidence rate in the community of 109.54 cases per 100,000 men. The adjusted rates for the Spanish and European populations were 115.41 and 110.07, respectively. The age group with the highest diagnostic concentration was the 60-70-year group, with 41.97% of the diagnoses. The group with the highest incidence was the 70-80-year group, with 438.87 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. There were differences in the raw and age-adjusted incidence rates and in the age at diagnosis among the various included healthcare areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The community raw incidence rate was higher than most existing data. We observed significant differences among the various geographical areas, which could be explained mainly by the age distribution and the opportunistic screening policies for each area.

Influence of postweaning feeding management of beef heifers on performance and physiological profiles through rearing and first lactation

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 2 postweaning feeding management approaches (FEED: 0.8 [HIGH] vs 0.6 [MOD] kg/d target ADG) on the performance of heifers of 2 beef breeds (BREED: Parda de Montaña [PA] vs Pirenaica) calving at 2 yr. Twenty-five heifers previously creep fed before weaning (6 mo) were assigned to 2 planes of nutrition from 6 to 15 mo of age. At 15 mo, they were inseminated, and then received similar diets until weaning of their first calf (4 mo postcalving). Several parameters were measured to analyze growth and development (BW; ADG; size measures at 6 mo, 15 mo, calving, and weaning), performance at puberty and first breeding, and dam and calf performance in the first lactation (calving traits, ADG, milk yield). Metabolic (glucose, cholesterol, NEFA, β-hydroxybutyrate, and urea) and endocrine status (IGF-I and leptin) were assessed in plasma samples collected every 3 mo from 6 mo to calving and monthly during lactation. No interaction between BREED and FEED was observed. Heifers from the HIGH feeding treatment had higher postweaning ADG than those on the LOW diet. At 15 mo, they had greater BW, heart girth, and external pelvic area, but they did not differ thereafter. All heifers reached puberty at similar BW (55% mature BW) but different ages. Heifers from the HIGH treatment tended (P < 0.09) to be pubertal earlier, and PA heifers were 1.6 mo younger than Pirenaica heifers (P < 0.05) at puberty. At the time of conception (452 ± 59 kg) and calving (471 ± 51 kg), BW was above common recommendations in all groups. Calving traits and performance in lactation did not differ between feeding treatments. BREED only influenced birth weight; PA calves being heavier (P < 0.05), which resulted in a larger calf/cow BW ratio, but no effect on calving difficulty or subsequent performance. Metabolic substrates and hormones depended mostly on sampling date, which was related to current energy and protein intake. Glucose (P < 0.001), cholesterol (P < 0.001), and IGF-I (P < 0.05) were greater during the postweaning phase in heifers on the HIGH diet, and persistent physiological effects were observed during lactation. Age at puberty was negatively related with IGF-I (r = -0.43, P < 0.001), but not with leptin concentrations. In conclusion, regardless of breed, a moderate growth rate ensured adequate heifer development and performance until the first lactation, whereas no advantage was gained from enhanced postweaning gains.

Effect of two periodontal treatment modalities in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized clinical trial

AIM

To evaluate the impact of two non-surgical periodontal treatment modalities on metabolic and periodontal clinical parameters in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and poor glycaemic control and chronic periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. Ninety-three T2DM subjects with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) > 7% were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving scaling with root planing in multiple sessions quadrant-by-quadrant (Q by Q) or within 24 hr (one stage). Periodontal parameters, HbA1c, glycaemia blood levels (FPG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) values were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months post-therapy.

RESULTS

At 6 months, HbA1c had decreased by 0.48% in the Q by Q group and by 0.18% in the one-stage group (p = 0.455). After therapy, subjects with an initial HbA1c < 9% showed an increase of 0.31% (p = 0.145), compared with a decrease of 0.88% (p = 0.006) in those with an initial HbA1c ≥ 9%. Periodontal parameters improved significantly (p < 0.0001) post-therapy, with similar results for both treatment modalities.

CONCLUSION

Periodontal therapy had the greatest impact on HbA1c reduction on patients with an HbA1c > 9% regardless of treatment modality. Both modalities resulted in significant improvements in periodontal parameters.

Meat quality of light lambs is more affected by the dam's feeding system during lactation than by the inclusion of quebracho in the fattening concentrate

The inclusion of natural antioxidants in the diet, through fresh forages or condensed tannins, might prolong meat shelf life and modify the meat quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dam's feeding system during lactation and the inclusion of quebracho in the fattening concentrate of male lambs on meat color, chemical composition, and lipid oxidation. Dams and their suckling lambs were fed indoors or allowed to graze on alfalfa or sainfoin until lambs reached 42 d old. Thereafter, the weaned lambs were fed concentrates with 5% quebracho or without quebracho until reaching 22 to 24 kg BW. Meat of suckling lambs from dam's fed indoors (Indoor lambs) presented greater intramuscular fat content and lower α-tocopherol content than meat of suckling lambs from dam's fed Alfalfa (Alfalfa lambs) and Sainfoin (Sainfoin lambs; < 0.01), independent of the fattening diet. Regarding meat color of longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle, on average, Indoor lambs' meat presented greater lightness, yellowness, and hue angle values than Alfalfa and Sainfoin lambs' meat ( < 0.05). The redness was affected by the interaction between the feeding system during lactation and the time of storage, but, on average, Alfalfa and Sainfoin lambs had greater redness than Indoor lambs ( < 0.05). The lipid oxidation from 5 to 14 d of meat display time observed for Sainfoin lambs was lower than that for Indoor lambs ( < 0.05). The intramuscular fatty acid profile of meat from the Sainfoin and Alfalfa lambs met particularly well the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations recommendation for human health, compared that of meat from the Indoor lambs. The dietary inclusion of quebracho during fattening modified meat α-tocopherol content, oxymyoglobin levels after 8 d of storage, and fatty acid profiles. In conclusion, the results indicate higher importance of the diet during suckling than during the subsequent fattening period on meat quality parameters such as color, lipid oxidation, and fatty acid profile. Dams grazing Sainfoin provide a more stable lamb meat, and it would be cheaper to feed the dams with fresh forages with a high α-tocopherol content than supplementing the concentrate of the lambs with synthetic α-tocopherol.

Adrenal Failure Due to Metastasis Both to the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Area and the Adrenals

A 61-year-old white male was admitted to our hospital with a big-cell bronchogenic carcinoma whose first clinical manifestation was diabetes insipidus (01) secondary to metastasis to the hypothalamic-pituitary area (MHP). In three months, and progressively, he developed anterior pituitary failure, as well as primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) due to metastasis in both adrenals. Panhypopituitarism or PAI due to both MHP and adrenals has been rarely reported in the literature. A thorough examination of the oncologic patient led us to diagnose hormone insufficiency properly. The absence of reported cases might be due to the fact that the symptoms resulting from hormone insufficiency are veiled by the severe condition of the patients suffering from disseminated cancer.

Milk yield and genomewide expression profiling in the mammary gland of beef primiparous cows in response to the dietary management during the pre- and postweaning periods

Accelerated growth programs during prepubertal periods have been promoted to advance the first calving of beef heifers. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate nutrition-induced changes on first lactation milk yield and composition and on gene expression of the mammary gland in Parda de Montaña primiparous cows. Female calves ( = 16) were involved in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment. In the preweaning period (PRE-W; 0-6 mo), female calves were either fed a creep feed supplement (Creep) or fed only their dam's milk (Control). In the postweaning period (POST-W; 6-15 mo), heifers received either a high-energy diet (91.7 MJ/d) or a moderate-energy diet (79.3 MJ/d). All the heifers were managed together from breeding (15 mo) to the end of their first lactation (32 mo). Animal performance; milk production and quantity during the first lactation; plasma glucose, IGF-I, and leptin concentrations; and RNA samples from the mammary gland at the end of the first lactation of the primiparous cows (32 mo) were analyzed. The BW and ADG of the primiparous cow during its first lactation were not different among treatments; however, creep feeding during PRE-W reduced milk production ( < 0.01), milk CP, crude fat, lactose, nonfat solids, and casein content throughout lactation and increased somatic cell count in the third ( < 0.05) and fourth month of lactation ( < 0.10). The energy level during the POST-W had no effect on milk production and quality. Gene expression in the mammary gland was affected by the diet in the PRE-W and POST-W, with the PRE-W diet having the greatest impact. During the PRE-W, creep feeding resulted in upregulation of genes related to immune response and chemokine activity, suggesting that these animals might be in a compromised immune status. Therefore, this strategy would not be recommendable; meanwhile, increasing the energy level in the diet during the POST-W would be recommendable, because it had no deleterious effects on milk yield and composition.

Diagnostic aptitude of West Nile virus-like particles expressed in insect cells

West Nile virus is a globally spread zoonotic arbovirus. The laboratory diagnosis of WNV infection relies on virus identification by RT-PCR or on specific antibody detection by serological tests, such as ELISA or virus-neutralization. These methods usually require a preparation of the whole virus as antigen, entailing biosafety issues and therefore requiring BSL-3 facilities. For this reason, recombinant antigenic structures enabling effective antibody recognition comparable to that of the native virions, would be advantageous as diagnostic reagents. WNV virions are enveloped spherical particles made up of 3 structural proteins (C, capsid; M, membrane and E, envelope) enclosing the viral RNA. This study describes the co-expression of these 3 proteins yielding non-infectious virus-like particles (VLPs) and the results of the initial assessment of these VLPs, used instead of the whole virus, that were shown to perform correctly in two different ELISAs for WNV diagnosis.

Evidence of a one-dimensional thermodynamic phase diagram for simple glass-formers

Glass formers show motional processes over an extremely broad range of timescales, covering more than ten orders of magnitude, meaning that a full understanding of the glass transition needs to comprise this tremendous range in timescales. Here we report simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy investigations of three glass-forming liquids, probing in a single experiment the full range of dynamics. For two van der Waals liquids, we locate in the pressure-temperature phase diagram lines of identical dynamics of the molecules on both second and picosecond timescales. This confirms predictions of the isomorph theory and effectively reduces the phase diagram from two to one dimension. The implication is that dynamics on widely different timescales are governed by the same underlying mechanisms.

Tissue-specific daily variation in the oxidative status of sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): a comparative study

The oxidative status is associated with animal lifespan, metabolism, activity and circadian rhythms. The objective of this work is to study the time course of the oxidative status over a daily cycle in the plasma, liver and brain, and the changes in the plasma cortisol levels of sturgeon and trout. The knowledge of daily oxidative status will provide a better understanding of the trout and sturgeon physiology and adequate maintenance and food supply of farmed fish in relation to photoperiod. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione transferase, DT-diaphorase activities, lipid peroxidation and cortisol were measured. Our results showed that the antioxidative enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in the liver of trout and sturgeon changed through the day, with increased levels in lipid peroxidation of liver in the dark period for sturgeon. This could be related to the different activity time in both species, an issue to be taken into account when designing the guidelines of the maintenance of these species in fish farms. On the contrary, there was not clear influence of the daily rhythms on brain oxidative status. The higher efficiency of the antioxidant defences in the brain of sturgeon, which displays less lipid peroxidation and higher antioxidative activity, could be related to its longer life expectancy. The absence of any apparent daily rhythm in the plasma cortisol levels in sturgeon could indicate a lower susceptibility to stress, and that mechanisms involved in cortisol secretion in chondrosteans could be different from that described for teleosteans.

Development of a novel lateral flow assay for detection of African swine fever in blood

Background

African swine fever (ASF) is a viral infectious disease of domestic and wild suids of all breeds and ages, causing a wide range of hemorrhagic syndromes and frequently characterized by high mortality. The disease is endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and Sardinia. Since 2007, it has also been present in different countries of Eastern Europe, where control measures have not been effective so far. The continued spread poses a serious threat to the swine industry worldwide. In the absence of vaccine, early detection of infected animals is of paramount importance for control of the outbreak, to prevent the transmission of the virus to healthy animals and subsequent spreading of the disease. Current laboratory diagnosis is mainly based on virological methods (antigen and genome detection) and serodiagnosis.

Results

In the present work, a Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) for antigen detection has been developed and evaluated. The test is based on the use of a MAb against VP72 protein of ASFV, the major viral capsid protein and highly immunogenic. First experiments using VP72 viral and recombinant protein or inactivated culture virus showed promising results with a sensitivity similar to that of a commercially available Antigen-ELISA. Moreover, these strips were tested with blood from experimentally infected pigs and field animals and the results compared with those of PCR and Antigen-ELISA. For the experimentally infected samples, there was an excellent correlation between the LFA and the ELISA, while the PCR always showed to be more sensitive (38 % positive samples by PCR versus 27 % by LFA). The LFA was demonstrated to be positive for animals with circulating virus levels exceeding 10⁴ HAU. With the field samples, once again, the PCR detected more positives than either the Antigen-ELISA or LFA, although here the number of positive samples scored by the LFA exceeded the values obtained with the Antigen-ELISA, showing 60 % positivity vs 48 % for the ELISA. For the two groups of sera, the specificity was close to 100 % indicating that hardly any false positive samples were found.

Conclusions

The newly developed LFA allows rapid and reliable detection of ASFV, at field and laboratory level, providing a new useful tool for control programs and in situations where laboratory support and skilled personnel are limited.

Effect of dietary macronutrient proportion on intermediate metabolism and oxidative status in sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii) and trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): comparative study

Three isoenergetic diets varying the proportion of dietary energy supplied by each of the macronutrients (carbohydrate, lipid, or protein) were delivered, to farmed sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii) and trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), to test the possible effects on the intermediate metabolism and oxidative status in liver, white muscle, and heart. In trout, there is an adaptive metabolic response to an increase in lipids and carbohydrates in the diet. However, this does not happen in the sturgeon. These differences may be due to different dietary habits of both species. In terms of oxidative status, only the liver displayed oxidative stress in both species, showing an increase in the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities after feeding with the high-lipid and high-protein diet.

Development of a duplex lateral flow assay for simultaneous detection of antibodies against African and Classical swine fever viruses

Classical swine fever (CSF) and African swine fever (ASF) are both highly contagious diseases of domestic pigs and wild boar and are clinically indistinguishable. For both diseases, antibody detection is an integral and crucial part of prevention and control measures. The purpose of our study was to develop and initially validate a duplex pen-side test for simultaneous detection and differentiation of specific antibodies against CSF virus (CSFV) and ASF virus (ASFV). The test was based on the major capsid protein VP72 of ASFV and the structural protein E2 of CSFV, both considered the most immunogenic proteins of these viruses. The performance of the pen-side test was evaluated using a panel of porcine samples consisting of experimental, reference, and field sera, with the latter collected from European farms free of both diseases. The new lateral flow assay was able to detect specific antibodies to ASFV or CSFV, showing good levels of sensitivity and specificity. These preliminary data indicate the potential of the newly developed pen-side test for rapid differential detection of antibodies found in the 2 diseases, which is of particular importance in the field and in front-line laboratories where equipment and skilled personnel are limited and control of ASF and CSF is crucial.

Accuracy of Different Mini Nutritional Assessment Reduced Forms to Evaluate the Nutritional Status of Elderly Hospitalised Diabetic Patients

BACKGROUND

Disease-associated malnutrition (DAM) is a health problem involving all sanitary levels, especially hospitalised elderly patients. Different MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment)-based forms have been validated in different settings, but it remains unclear if they are appropriate to evaluate the nutritional status of geriatric hospitalised patients with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to analyse the accuracy of several MNA reduced forms to detect malnutrition in hospitalised elderly diabetic patients.

METHODS

A multicentre observational study was carried out in diabetic patients, who were over the age of 65, from 35 Spanish hospitals. Principal component analysis (PCA) selected the minimal components to elaborate the newly-proposed reduced new version of the MNA (r-MNA). Cohen's Kappa index (KI), with its 95% confidence interval (CI), was used to measure the agreement between the different reduced forms (r-MNA, MNA-SF-BMI, MNA-SF-CC, m-MNA) with the original MNA.

RESULTS

Five hundred and ninety-one elderly diabetic patients were included in the study. ROC analysis determined the following cut-off points for the newly proposed r MNA: 0-<10 "malnourished", 10-12 "at risk" and >12-15 "well-nourished". The upper cut-off point demonstrated a sensitivity of 87.7%, a specificity of 78.3% and an area under the curve of 0.93. The lower cut-off point showed a sensitivity of 95.9%, a specificity of 78.3% and an area under the curve of 0.95. The best agreement with the original MNA was observed for the MNA-SF-BMI (Κ index 80.7; 95% CI: 77.4-84) and the worst for the r-MNA (Κ index 72; 95% CI: 68.2-75.4).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that MNA-SF-BMI is the most accurate screening tool for determining the nutritional status of hospitalised diabetic elderly patients. This is an easy-to-use, fast screening tool with a low risk of misclassification.

Inflammatory response to the administration of mesenchymal stem cells in an equine experimental model: effect of autologous, and single and repeat doses of pooled allogeneic cells in healthy joints

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation has become a promising therapeutic choice for musculoskeletal injuries. Joint-related disorders are highly prevalent in horses. Therefore, these animals are considered as suitable models for testing MSC-based therapies for these diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and inflammatory responses to intra-articular single and repeat dose administration of autologous or of pooled allogeneic MSCs in healthy equine healthy joints. Six horses were intra-articularly injected with a single autologous dose of bone marrow derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) and two separate doses of allogeneic BM-MSCs pooled from several donors. All contralateral joints were injected with Lactated Ringer’s Solution (LRS) as the control vehicle. Signs of synovitis and lameness were evaluated at days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 after injection. Total protein (TP), white blood cell count (WBC) and neutrophil count (NC) in synovial fluid were also measured at the same time-points.

Results

A mild synovial effusion without associated lameness was observed after all BM-MSCs injections. The second allogeneic injection caused the lowest signs of synovitis. Local temperature slightly increased after all BM-MSCs treatments compared to the controls. TP, WBC and NC in synovial fluids also increased during days 1 to 5 after all BM-MSCs injections. Both, clinical and synovial parameters were progressively normalized and by day 10 post-inoculation appeared indistinguishable from controls.

Conclusions

Intra-articular administration of an allogeneic pool of BM-MSCs represents a safe therapeutic strategy to enhance MSCs availability. Importantly, the absence of hypersensitivity response to the second allogeneic BM-MSCs injection validates the use of repeat dose treatments to potentiate the therapeutic benefit of these cells. These results notably contribute to the development of stem cell based therapies for equine and human joint diseases.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-016-0692-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The role of fatness on physical fitness in adolescents with and without Down syndrome: The UP&DOWN study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit higher levels of fatness and low levels of physical fitness compared with those without DS. In adolescents without DS, fatness is tightly associated with physical fitness, but this association is unclear in adolescents with DS. The aim of this study was to examine the association between several markers of fatness and physical fitness in a relative large sample of adolescents with and without DS.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A total of 111 adolescents with DS (41 females) aged 11-20 years participated in this cross-sectional study. We also included a sex-matched control group (ratio 1:2) of 222 adolescents without DS aged 12-18 years, participating in the UP&DOWN Study. The Assessing Level of Physical Activity (ALPHA) health-related fitness test battery for adolescents was used to assess fatness and physical fitness.

RESULTS

Our results show that fatness is not associated with low levels of physical fitness in adolescents with DS (that is, 3 of the 16 analyses identified differences in physical fitness variables by groups of fatness). In contrast, fatness, as expected, is associated with levels of physical fitness in adolescents without DS (that is, 13 of the 16 analyses identified differences in physical fitness variables by groups of fatness).

CONCLUSIONS

The present finding contributes to new knowledge by suggesting that the role of fatness on physical fitness is different in adolescents with and without DS, and consequently, the poor levels of physical fitness in adolescents with DS may be due to the syndrome rather than the high prevalence of obesity from this population.

Adsorption of probe molecules in pillared interlayered clays: experiment and computer simulation

In this paper we investigate the adsorption of various probe molecules in order to characterize the porous structure of a series of pillared interlayered clays (PILC). To that aim, volumetric and microcalorimetric adsorption experiments were performed on various Zr PILC samples using nitrogen, toluene, and mesitylene as probe molecules. For one of the samples, neutron scattering experiments were also performed using toluene as adsorbate. Various structural models are proposed and tested by means of a comprehensive computer simulation study, using both geometric and percolation analysis in combination with Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations in order to model the volumetric and microcalorimetric isotherms. On the basis of this analysis, we propose a series of structural models that aim at accounting for the adsorption experimental behavior, and make possible a microscopic interpretation of the role played by the different interactions and steric effects in the adsorption processes in these rather complex disordered microporous systems.