Influence of TiO2 nanoparticles content as reinforce material to enhance the mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of Sn and Sn-Ag alloy for dental applications.

This study evaluated the influence of the TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on the mechanical and chemical performance of Sn and Sn-Ag alloys. The XRD (X-ray diffraction) and HR-TEM (high resolution-transmission electron microscopy) methods were used to characterize the NPs synthesized by the sol-gel microwave process. The chemical composition of the alloys was Sn, Sn+3TiO2 NPs, Sn-5Ag+1.5TiO2 NPs, Sn-10Ag, and Sn-10Ag+3TiO2 NPs, obtained from an experimental factorial design (EFD). A statistical model was used to determine the mechanical and chemical properties, showing the Vickers hardness response surface, tensile strength, wear, and corrosion resistance. The wear and corrosion tests for the various alloy compositions were performed using human artificial saliva solution. The results indicated that the Sn-10Ag+3TiO2 NPs exhibited the highest mechanical performance due to their increased hardness (380 HV), tensile strength (370 N), and wear resistance (0.34 × 10-3 mm3 Nm-1); in all the cases, the inclusion of TiO2 NPs enhanced the corrosion resistance of the alloys. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), Sn-10Ag+3TiO2 NPs alloy could be classified as a possible type IV restorative material.

Characteristics of Medically Transported Critically Ill Children with Respiratory Failure in Latin America: Implications for Outcomes.

Several challenges exist for referral and transport of critically ill children in resource-limited regions such as Latin America; however, little is known about factors associated with clinical outcomes. Thus, we aimed to describe the characteristics of critically ill children in Latin America transferred to pediatric intensive care units for acute respiratory failure to identify risk factors for mortality. We analyzed data from 2,692 patients admitted to 28 centers in the Pediatric Collaborative Network of Latin America Acute Respiratory Failure Registry. Among patients referred from another facility (773, 28%), nonurban transports were independently associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 9.4; 95% confidence interval: 2.4-36.3).

High incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected patients despite thrombo-prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infected patients present thrombotic complications caused by direct endothelial cells injury of the microvessels. Pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) has been reported by Computed Tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with high D-dimer levels. OBJECTIVES: We present the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients diagnosed of PE by CTPA in our hospital. We also present the comparison of these findings with non-infected patients with PE data. METHODS: Retrospective observational cohort study that included patients over 18 years of age hospitalised consecutively between 26th February and 20th May 2020 in an European Hospital with SARS-CoV2 virus infection, and with suspected infection at beginning of admission but with negative PCR, who were studied with CTPA for suspicion of VTE, during their hospitalization. RESULTS: During the study period, 52 CTPA were performed in our hospital, sixteen in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, with 4 cases (33%) of PE in the infected group, and 11 (44%) in the non-infected group. No significant differences in age (p = 0.43) and sex (p = 0.31) were found between the two groups, infected and non-infected patients. In the infected group, the patients who had PE had a much lower median age (47.8 years) than those without PE (73.3 years). No differences between infected and non-infected patients were detected in the diagnosis of PE with CTPA, 28.6% versus 27.8% (p = 1.00). Overall patient mortality was 1.9%; one patient died (6.3%) in the infected group, and none in the non-infected group (p = 0.31). CONCLUSION: A considerable incidence of PE diagnosed by CTPA in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients has been observed, despite thrombo-prophylaxis.

Is there any effect of flu vaccine on the SARS-CoV-2 infected patients?

Objectives: On 11 March, WHO declared a global pandemic caused by a new virus of the family Coronaviridae that has since been called SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 does not have specific antiviral drug treatment currently. There are currently more than one hundred research projects into vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 worldwide, and 17 of them are already being tested on humans, according to the WHO. Until we have an effective vaccine, the possible preventive effect of flu vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 infection based on cross-reactivity has been postulated.Our objective was to analyse the effect of vaccination against flu virus in the season prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in our hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study of patients admitted to hospital with SARS-CoV2 infection. We analysed the differences between patients who had received or had not the flu vaccination for the 2019-2020 season. Results: We found no significant differences (p = 0.09) in patients who died (43 in total), of whom 23 (21.5%) were vaccinated against the flu and 20 (13.5%) were not. In mortality, we obtained an adjusted OR = 0.873 (95% CI: 0.294-2.083), and about the success of health care the adjusted OR was 1.447 (95% CI: 0.610-3.430). Conclusions: Flu vaccination in patients admitted for SARS-CoV-2 infection had neither a beneficial nor a harmful effect on the clinical courses or outcomes of patients admitted to an European hospital.

Objetivos: El 11 de marzo, la OMS declaró una pandemia global causada por un nuevo virus de la familia Coronaviridae que desde entonces ha sido denominado SARS-CoV-2. Actualmente no existe ningún tratamiento frente a la COVID-19 con fármacos antivirales específicos. A día de hoy existen más de 100 proyectos de investigación sobre vacunas frente a SARS-CoV-2 a nivel mundial, habiendo sido ya probados 17 de ellas en humanos, según la OMS. Hasta que no se disponga de una vacuna efectiva se ha postulado el posible efecto preventivo de la vacuna frente a la gripe para la infección por SARS-CoV-2, basado en la reactividad cruzada.Nuestro objetivo fue analizar el efecto de la vacuna frente a la gripe en la temporada previa a la pandemia de COVID-19 en nuestros pacientes hospitalizados infectados por SARS-CoV-2. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo observacional de cohorte de pacientes hospitalizados por SARS-CoV-2. Analizamos las diferencias entre los pacientes que habían recibido y los que no habían recibido aún la vacuna para la temporada 2019-2020. Resultados: No encontramos diferencias significativas (p = 0,09) en cuanto a los pacientes fallecidos (43 en total), de los cuales 23 (21,5%) habían sido vacunados frente a la gripe y 20 (13,5%) no habían sido vacunados. En términos de mortalidad, obtuvimos un OR: 0,873 (IC 95%: 0,294-2,083), y en lo referente al éxito de los cuidados sanitarios el OR ajustado fue de 1,447 (IC 95%: 0,610-3,430). Conclusiones: La vacunación frente a la gripe en los pacientes ingresados por SARS-CoV-2 no tuvo un efecto beneficioso ni perjudicial en los cursos clínicos o resultados de los pacientes ingresados en un hospital europeo.

Hospitalization budget impact during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to determine the direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Spain's health budget. METHODS: Budget impact analyses based on retrospective data from patients with suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) admitted to a Spanish hospital between February 26 and May 21, 2020. Direct medical costs from the perspective of the hospital were calculated. We analyzed diagnostic tests, drugs, medical and nursing care, and isolation ward and ICU stays for three cohorts: patients seen in the emergency room only, hospitalized patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and patients who tested negative. RESULTS: The impact on the hospital's budget for the 3 months was calculated at €15,633,180, 97.4% of which was related to health care and hospitalization. ICU stays accounted for 5.3% of the total costs. The mean cost per patient was €10,744. The main costs were staffing costs (10,131 to 11,357 €/patient for physicians and 10,274 to 11,215 €/patient for nurses). Scenario analysis showed that the range of hospital expenditure was between €14,693,256 and €16,524,924. The median impact of the pandemic on the Spanish health budget in the sensitivity analysis using bootstrapped individual data was €9357 million (interquartile range [IQR], 9071 to 9689) for the conservative scenario (113,588 hospital admissions and 11,664 ICU admissions) and €10,385 million (IQR, 110,030 to 10,758) for the worst-case scenario (including suspected cases). CONCLUSION: The impact of COVID-19 on the Spanish public health budget (12.3% of total public health expenditure) is greater than multiple sclerosis, cancer and diabetes cost.

A multidisciplinary approach to reduce and refine antimicrobial drugs use for diarrhoea in dairy calves.

This study evaluated the impact of a multidisciplinary intervention to reduce and refine antimicrobial drug use for treatment of diarrhoea in dairy calves. The intervention consisted of modification of management practices for disease prevention, health evaluation training of farm staff, implementation of an algorithm directed at antimicrobial therapy for diarrhoeic calves, and monthly farm visits. A combination of retrospective (before intervention period [BP], 1 year) and prospective (immediately after intervention period [AP], 1 year) cohorts were used. Health outcomes measured included incidence of diarrhoea and overall mortality. Antimicrobial treatment rates for diarrhoea and total mass of antimicrobial drugs used at the calf and farm level were also evaluated. Outcomes were assessed using the χ2 or Fisher's exact test, and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Records of 2049 and 2251 calves from 10 farms were available in the BP and AP, respectively. Reduced antimicrobial treatment rates occurred on seven farms (P < 0.01), but not on three farms in the AP. A total of 85% (1303/1573) and 18% (310/1698) of diarrhoeic calves were treated with antimicrobial drugs in the BP and AP (P < 0.001), respectively. There were no differences in the incidence of diarrhoea or mortality between periods. In the AP, the use sulfamethazine and trimethoprim decreased on eight farms, one farm discontinued use of lincomycin and spectinomycin, while two farms discontinued use and one reduced use of cephalosporins. This multidisciplinary approach was effective in reducing antimicrobial drug use for calf diarrhoea on dairy farms without negative impacts on calf health.

Factors associated with reported likelihood to get vaccinated for COVID-19 in a nationally representative US survey.

OBJECTIVES: Although general principles related to vaccination hesitancy have been well researched, reports on reluctance to be vaccinated for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States are somewhat surprising, given the disease's substantive disruption of everyday life. However, the landscape in which people are making COVID-19 vaccination decisions has recently evolved with releases of encouraging vaccine-related data and changes to official messaging about the virus. Therefore, this study sought to identify factors associated with reported likelihood to get vaccinated for COVID-19 among US adults in late January 2021. STUDY DESIGN: We used the Prolific online research panel to survey a nationally representative sample of 1017 US adults. METHODS: Respondents were asked about their behavioral intentions toward COVID-19 vaccination, trust in science, perceptions related to COVID-19, and selected sociodemographic factors. We computed associations between those 11 independent variables and likelihood to get vaccinated for COVID-19 using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Around 73.9% of respondents indicated at least some likelihood to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Trust in science and perceived seriousness of COVID-19 were positively associated with intention to get vaccinated, and identifying as Black or African American was negatively associated with intention to get vaccinated. Other factors were moderately, weakly, or not at all associated with intention. CONCLUSIONS: Building trust in science and truthfully emphasizing the seriousness of catching COVID-19 should be further researched for their potential to support campaigns to encourage COVID-19 vaccination. Data continue to suggest the importance of dialogue with Black communities about COVID-19 vaccination.

Effects of a high-fat-diet supplemented with probiotics and ω3-fatty acids on appetite regulatory neuropeptides and neurotransmitters in a pig model.

The pig is a valuable animal model to study obesity in humans due to the physiological similarity between humans and pigs in terms of digestive and associated metabolic processes. The dietary use of vegetal protein, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids is recommended to control weight gain and to fight obesity-associated metabolic disorders. Likewise, there are recent reports on their beneficial effects on brain functions. The hypothalamus is the central part of the brain that regulates food intake by means of the production of food intake-regulatory hypothalamic neuropeptides, as neuropeptide Y (NPY), orexin A and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), and neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. Other mesolimbic areas, such as the hippocampus, are also involved in the control of food intake. In this study, the effect of a high fat diet (HFD) alone or supplemented with these additives on brain neuropeptides and neurotransmitters was assessed in forty-three young pigs fed for 10 weeks with a control diet (T1), a high fat diet (HFD, T2), and HFD with vegetal protein supplemented with Bifidobacterium breve CECT8242 alone (T3) or in combination with omega-3 fatty acids (T4). A HFD provoked changes in regulatory neuropeptides and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the hypothalamus and alterations mostly in the dopaminergic system in the ventral hippocampus. Supplementation of the HFD with B. breve CECT8242, especially in combination with omega-3 fatty acids, was able to partially reverse the effects of HFD. Correlations between productive and neurochemical parameters supported these findings. These results confirm that pigs are an appropriate animal model alternative to rodents for the study of the effects of HFD on weight gain and obesity. Furthermore, they indicate the potential benefits of probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids on brain function.

[Prioritisation of tools for integrated care: Local survey of health professionals' beliefs and expectations]. / Priorización de herramientas para la integración entre atención primaria y hospitalaria: encuesta sobre expectativas y creencias de los profesionales.

INTRODUCTION: Integrated care is a top priority for most of the National Health Services. In this study, an evaluation is made on the professional's beliefs and expectations regarding integration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March and June 2017, Health Professionals from El Bierzo, León, Spain, were invited to complete 2 questionnaires on health integration process, including an online questionnaire on patient care integration (405 and 211 participants, respectively out of the total 1854 professionals). RESULTS: Three out of four professionals pointed at communication as the most important factor to achieve integration. Medical records, Health Care Education and medication reconciliation were the other prioritised factors. Care pathways (98%), nurse navigator (93%) or shared care protocols (92%) were highly recommended. The entire Hospital Service (55%) was the preferred link, with Primary Care versus a single consultant for every Primary Care Centre (29%), or for all the whole area (16%).There were no differences between primary and hospital services in most of the tools assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Communication tools are the cornerstone to achieve a successful integration of the care services according to Health Professionals.

Is there association between human development index and tuberculosis mortality risk? Evidence from a spatial analysis study in the south of Brazil.

The goal of this study was to analyse the spatial pattern of tuberculosis (TB) mortality using different approaches, namely: mortality rates (MR), spatial relative risks (RR) and Bayesian rates (Global and Local) and their association with human development index (HDI), Global and its three dimensions: education, longevity and income. An ecological study was developed in Curitiba, Brazil based on data from Mortality Information System (2008-2014). Spatial scan statistics were used to compute RR and identify high-risk clusters. Bivariate Local Indicator of Spatial Associations was used to assess associations. MR ranged between 0 and 25.24/100.000 with a mean (standard deviation) of 1.07 (2.66). Corresponding values for spatial RR were 0-27.46, 1.2 (2.99) and for Bayesian rates (Global and Local) were 0.49-1.66, 0.90 (0.19) and 0-6.59, 0.98 (0.80). High-risk clusters were identified for all variables, except for HDI-income and Global Bayesian rate. Significant negative spatial relations were found between MR and income; between RR and HDI global, longevity and income; and Bayesian rates with all variables. Some areas presented different patterns: low social development/low risk and high risk/high development. These results demonstrate that social development variables should be considered, in mortality due TB.

Detection of Bovine Coronavirus in Healthy and Diarrheic Dairy Calves.

BACKGROUND: BCoV is identified in both healthy and diarrheic calves, complicating its assessment as a primary pathogen. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the detection rates of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) in feces of healthy and diarrheic calves and to describe the usefulness of a pancoronavirus reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR (PanCoV-RT-PCR) assay to identify BCoV in samples of diarrheic calves. ANIMALS: Two hundred and eighty-six calves <21 days. Calves with liquid or semiliquid feces, temperature >39.5°C, and inappetence were considered as cases, and those that had pasty or firm feces and normal physical examination were designated as controls. METHODS: Prospective case-control study. A specific BCoV-RT-PCR assay was used to detect BCoV in fecal samples. Association between BCoV and health status was evaluated by exact and random effect logistic regression. Fecal (n = 28) and nasal (n = 8) samples from diarrheic calves were tested for the presence of BCoV by both the PanCoV-RT-PCR and a specific BCoV-RT-PCR assays. A Kappa coefficient test was used to assess the level of agreement of both assays. RESULTS: BCoV was detected in 55% (157/286) of calves; 46% (66/143), and 64% (91/143) of healthy and diarrheic calves, respectively. Diarrheic calves had higher odds of BCoV presence than healthy calves (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.26 to 3.83, P = 0.004). A good agreement between PanCoV-RT-PCR and BCoV-RT-PCR to detect BCoV was identified (κ = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.392 to 0.967; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: BCoV was more likely to be detected in diarrheic than healthy calves. The PanCoV-RT-PCR assay can be a useful tool to detect CoV samples from diarrheic calves.

Characterization of the Fecal Bacterial Microbiota of Healthy and Diarrheic Dairy Calves.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal diarrhea accounts for more than 50% of total deaths in dairy calves. Few population-based studies of cattle have investigated how the microbiota is impacted during diarrhea. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the fecal microbiota and predict the functional potential of the microbial communities in healthy and diarrheic calves. METHODS: Fifteen diarrheic calves between the ages of 1 and 30 days and 15 age-matched healthy control calves were enrolled from 2 dairy farms. The Illumina MiSeq sequencer was used for high-throughput sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene (Illumina, San Diego, CA). RESULTS: Significant differences in community membership and structure were identified among healthy calves from different farms. Differences in community membership and structure also were identified between healthy and diarrheic calves within each farm. Based on linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe), the genera Bifidobacterium, Megamonas, and a genus of the family Bifidobacteriaceae were associated with health at farm 1, whereas Lachnospiraceae incertae sedis, Dietzia and an unclassified genus of the family Veillonellaceae were significantly associated with health at farm 2. The Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) analysis indicated that diarrheic calves had decreased abundances of genes responsible for metabolism of various vitamins, amino acids, and carbohydrate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The fecal microbiota of healthy dairy calves appeared to be farm specific as were the changes observed during diarrhea. The differences in microbiota structure and membership between healthy and diarrheic calves suggest that dysbiosis can occur in diarrheic calves and it is associated with changes in predictive metagenomic function.

Pig cognitive bias affects the conversion of muscle into meat by antioxidant and autophagy mechanisms.

Slaughter is a crucial step in the meat production chain that could induce psychological stress on each animal, resulting in a physiological response that can differ among individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between an animal's emotional state, the subsequent psychological stress at slaughter and the cellular damage as an effect. In all, 36 entire male pigs were reared at an experimental farm and a cognitive bias test was used to classify them into positive bias (PB) or negative bias (NB) groups depending on their decision-making capabilities. Half of the animals, slaughtered in the same batch, were used for a complete study of biomarkers of stress, including brain neurotransmitters and some muscle biomarkers of oxidative stress. After slaughter, specific brain areas were excised and the levels of catecholamines (noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA)) and indoleamines (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and serotonin (5HT)) were analyzed. In addition, muscle proteasome activity (20S), antioxidant defence (total antioxidant activity (TAA)), oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation (LPO)) and autophagy biomarkers (Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein I light chain 3 (LC3-I) and LC3-II) were monitored during early postmortem maturation (0 to 24 h). Compared with PB animals, NB pigs were more susceptible to stress, showing higher 5HT levels (P<0.01) in the hippocampus and lower DA (P<0.001) in the pre-frontal cortex. Furthermore, NB pigs had more intense proteolytic processes and triggered primary muscle cell survival mechanisms immediately after slaughter (0 h postmortem), thus showing higher TAA (P<0.001) and earlier proteasome activity (P<0.001) and autophagy (Beclin-1, P<0.05; LC3-II/LC3-I, P<0.001) than PB pigs, in order to counteract the induced increase in oxidative stress, that was significantly higher in the muscle of NB pigs at 0 h postmortem (LPO, P<0.001). Our study is the first to demonstrate that pig's cognitive bias influences the animal's susceptibility to stress and has important effects on the postmortem muscle metabolism, particularly on the cell antioxidant defences and the autophagy onset. These results expand the current knowledge regarding biomarkers of animal welfare and highlight the potential use of biomarkers of the proteasome, the autophagy (Beclin-1, LC3-II/LC3-I ratio) and the muscle antioxidant defence (TAA, LPO) for detection of peri-slaughter stress.

Fetal growth-retardation and brain-sparing by malnutrition are associated to changes in neurotransmitters profile.

The present study assesses possible changes in the levels of different neurotransmitters (catecholamines and indoleamines) in fetuses affected by nutrient shortage. Hence, we determined the concentration of catecholamines and indoleamines at the hypothalamus of 56 swine fetuses obtained at both 70 and 90days of pregnancy (n=33 and 23 fetuses, respectively). The degree of fetal development and the fetal sex affected the neurotransmitters profile at both stages. At Day 70, there were found higher mean concentrations of l-DOPA in both female and male fetuses with severe IUGR; male fetuses with severe IUGR also showed higher concentrations of TRP than normal male littermates. At Day 90 of pregnancy, the differences between sexes were more evident. There were no significant effects from either severe IUGR on the neurotransmitter profile in male fetuses. However, in the females, a lower body-weight was related to lower concentrations of l-DOPA and TRP and those female fetuses affected by severe IUGR evidenced lower HVA concentration. In conclusion, the fetal synthesis and use of neurotransmitters increase with time of pregnancy but, in case of IUGR, both catecholamines and indoleamines pathways are affected by sex-related effects.

Duodenitis-Proximal Jejunitis in Horses After Experimental Administration of Clostridium difficile Toxins.

BACKGROUND: Duodenitis-proximal jejunitis (DPJ) is an acute sporadic gastrointestinal disorder of horses of unknown cause. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: We hypothesize that Clostridium difficile toxins are involved in the pathogenesis of DPJ in horses. The objective of this study was to determine whether experimentally delivered C. difficile toxins cause clinical signs and histologic lesions similar to those of naturally occurring DPJ. ANIMALS: Six healthy mature mixed breed horses. METHODS: Experimental study: animal model of animal disease. Fasted horses were administered crude C. difficile toxins via gastroscopy and monitored for up to 48 hour. Blood was collected for complete blood cell count, biochemistry profile, and plasma fibrinogen assay, and abdominal fluid was collected for cytologic analysis and total solids before and after toxin administration. Physical examination and abdominal ultrasonography were performed throughout the study period. Tissues were collected from the gastrointestinal tract and processed for routine histologic analysis, and lesions were scored. RESULTS: Clinical signs were observed in 2 of 6 horses that are typical although not specific for horses with naturally occurring DPJ. Histopathologic lesions were observed in 6 of 6 horses and were similar to those reported in horses with naturally occurring DPJ. Two horses were severely affected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Duodenitis-proximal jejunitis is likely a syndrome with multiple causes that result in the same clinical and pathologic findings, and our data suggest that the toxins of C. difficile represent one cause of this syndrome. Toxin dose and variation in individual animal susceptibility might affect the clinical signs and lesions after administration of C. difficile toxins.

Sex and intrauterine growth restriction modify brain neurotransmitters profile of newborn piglets.

The current study aimed to determine, using a swine model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), whether short- and long-term neurological deficiencies and interactive dysfunctions of Low Birth-Weight (LBW) offspring might be related to altered pattern of neurotransmitters. Hence, we compared the quantities of different neurotransmitters (catecholamines and indoleamines), which were determined by HPLC, at brain structures related to the limbic system (hippocampus and amygdala) in 14 LBW and 10 Normal Body-Weight (NBW) newborn piglets. The results showed, firstly, significant effects of sex on the NBW newborns, with females having higher dopamine (DA) concentrations than males. The IUGR processes affected DA metabolism, with LBW piglets having lower concentrations of noradrenaline at the hippocampus and higher concentrations of the DA metabolites, homovanillic acid (HVA), at both the hippocampus and the amygdala than NBW neonates. The effects of IUGR were modulated by sex; there were no significant differences between LBW and NBW females, but LBW males had higher HVA concentration at the amygdala and higher concentration of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, the serotonin metabolite, at the hippocampus than NBW males. In conclusion, the present study shows that IUGR is mainly related to changes, modulated by sex, in the concentrations of catecholamine neurotransmitters, which are related to adaptation to physical activity and to essential cognitive functions such as learning, memory, reward-motivated behavior and stress.

Green chemistry synthesis of nano-cuprous oxide.

Green chemistry and a central composite design, to evaluate the effect of reducing agent, temperature and pH of the reaction, were employed to produce controlled cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles. Response surface method of the ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy is allowed to determine the most relevant factors for the size distribution of the nanoCu2O. X-ray diffraction reflections correspond to a cubic structure, with sizes from 31.9 to 104.3 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals that the different shapes depend strongly on the conditions of the green synthesis.

Distribution of genital human papillomavirus genotypes in benign clinical manifestations among men from Northern Spain.

BACKGROUND: In the literature, data on the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men vary significantly and the exact distribution of specific genotypes is still unclear. As infections usually occur without symptoms, men might only attend their hospital clinic when they have a specific concern, being in most cases genital warts (condylomas), which are often caused by low-risk HPV genotypes. The aim of this study was to assess HPV genotype distribution and prevalence among men attending hospital for HPV-associated conditions and to evaluate infection-associated factors. METHODS: Samples from men with clinical manifestations of HPV-related infections seen during 2007-2012 at the Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Control Department at Basurto University Hospital were genotyped using Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test kit (Roche Molecular Diagnostics, Germany). Data on probable risk factors were collected and investigated for possible association. RESULTS: Of 184 anogenital samples, 138 (75 %) were tested as positive for HPV; 57 (41.3 %) single HPV infections and 81 (58.7 %) multiple infections. Only 45.6 % of HPV-positive samples presented low-risk genotypes 6 or 11, whereas 71/138 (51.4 %) had at least one oncogenic (high-risk) genotype. Oncogenic genotypes and multiple HPV infections were both associated with a higher number of lifetime sexual partners and their incidence appeared to increase with patient age. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is accepted that HPV 6 and 11 genotypes are main causes of condylomas, our findings show a high incidence of multiple infections and high-risk genotypes in men with benign HPV manifestations. The fact that the condyloma is a skin lesion facilitates the entry of virus into cells and thus cancer progression; therefore, monitoring for HPV is important, especially in those patients with high-risk genotypes (regardless of whether they cause condyloma).

[Recurrent pregnancy loss: a literature review]. / Pérdida recurrente del embarazo: revisión bibliográfica.

Background: The definition of recurrent pregnancy loss varies according different authors and consensus: the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) defines RPL when two or more pregnancy losses occur, and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) defines it as three or more pregnancy losses, not necessarily intrauterine. To this day, there is no uniform approach that serves as a guide in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition; this is why, in up to 50% of the cases of RPL, it will not be possible to identify the specific etiology. Objetive: To report on the recurrent pregnancy loss, in order to harmonize concepts and suggest a diagnosis and treatment for this condition approach. Method: The search strategy included, but was not limited to keywords like: recurrent abortion, infertility, habitual abortion, primary antiphospholipid syndrome, lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin antibodies and anti B2 glycoprotein I.

The Use of Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator (rTPA) in The Treatment of Fibrinous Pleuropneumonia in Horses: 25 Cases (2007-2012).

BACKGROUND: Information about treatment protocols, adverse effects and outcomes with intrapleural recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) use in horses with fibrinous pleuropneumonia is limited. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Describe factors that contribute to clinical response and survival of horses treated with rTPA intrapleurally. ANIMALS: Horses with bacterial pneumonia and fibrinous pleural effusion diagnosed by ultrasonography, that were treated with rTPA intrapleurally. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter case series from 2007-2012. Signalment, history, clinical and laboratory evaluation, treatment, and outcome obtained from medical records. Regression analysis used to identify associations between treatments and outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty three hemithoraces were treated in 25 horses, with 55 separate treatments. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (375-20,000 µg/hemithorax) was administered 1-4 times. Sonographically visible reduction in fibrin mat thickness, loculations, fluid depth, or some combination of these was seen in 32/49 (65%) treatments. Response to at least 1 treatment was seen in 17/20 (85%) horses with sonographic follow-up evaluation after every treatment. Earlier onset of rTPA treatment associated with increased survival odds. No association was found between cumulative rTPA dose or number of rTPA doses and survival, development of complications, duration of hospitalization or total charges. Clinical evidence of hypocoagulability or bleeding was not observed. Eighteen horses (72%) survived to discharge. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Treatment with rTPA appeared safe and resulted in variable changes in fibrin quantity and organization within the pleural space. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator could be a useful adjunct to standard treatment of fibrinous pleuropneumonia, but optimal case selection and dosing regimen remain to be elucidated.