The use of sodium caseinate in the freezing of sheep semen.

The aim of this study was to assess the addition of 2% sodium caseinate in a commercial egg yolk-based medium in frozen ovine semen. Eight Dorper males were used for the study. The ejaculate was divided into two portions and frozen without (G1) or with the addition of 2% sodium caseinate (G2). Kinetic parameters were evaluated using CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis), and membrane and acrosome integrity as well as oxidative stress were assessed using flow cytometry. After thawing, a thermoresistance test was conducted at time points T0 and T90. For the fertility test, 100 ewes were inseminated with semen from two rams selected based on in vitro parameters, one with good post-thaw quality (+70% total motility) and the other with low post-thaw quality (-55% total motility). For the fertility test, the females were divided into 4 groups for insemination: low-quality ram without caseinate (GBS = 25) and with caseinate (GBC = 25), and high-quality ram without caseinate (GAS = 25) and with caseinate (GAC = 25). Regarding the results of sperm kinetics, there was a statistically significant difference in the parameters of average path velocity (VAP) and curvilinear velocity (VCL) between the group frozen with BotuBov and the group with added caseinate. At time point T90, straight-line velocity maintained a trend (p < .06), with BotuBov® (BB group) being superior to caseinate this time, and in the linearity parameter, caseinate was superior to BotuBov®. Flow cytometry analysis showed no difference between any of the evaluated tests. In the fertility test, there was no statistically significant difference in the pregnancy rate between the BotuBOV® group (23%, 11/48) and the sodium caseinate group (BC group) (33%, 17/52), and no differences were observed in the male versus diluent interaction (p = .70). In conclusion, sodium caseinate supplementation did not influence sperm kinetic parameters and the fertility of sheep.

NMR Longitudinal Rotating Frame Relaxation Time (T1ρ) with a Weak Spin Locking Field as an Approach to Characterize Solid-State Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients: Proof of Concept.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) longitudinal rotating frame relaxation time (T1ρ), rarely used in low-field NMR, can be more effective than conventional T1 and T2 relaxation times to differentiate polymorphic forms of solid pharmaceuticals. This could be attributed to T1ρ sensibility to structural and molecular dynamics that can be enhanced by changing the strength of the oscillating magnetic field (B1) of spinlock pulses. Here, we compared the capacity of T1, T2, and T1ρ to differentiate inactive (A) and active (C) crystalline forms of the World Health Organization essential drug Mebendazole. The results showed that T1 and T2 values of both forms were statistically identical at 0.47 T. Conversely, T1ρ of both forms measured with weak spinlock B1 fields, ranging from 0.08 to 0.80 mT were statistically different in the same spectrometer. The T1ρ also has the limit of detection to detect the presence of at least 10% of inactive A form in the active C form. Therefore, T1ρ, measured with weak spinlock B1 fields can be an effective, streamlined, and complementary approach for characterizing not only solid active pharmaceutical ingredients but other solid-state materials as well.

Detrimental Impact of Atrial Fibrillation among Patients Hospitalized for Acute Exacerbation of COPD: Results of a Population-Based Study in Spain from 2016 to 2021.

Background/Objectives: To analyze changes in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD); to evaluate hospital outcomes according to AF status, assessing sex differences; to identify factors associated with AF presence; and to analyze variables associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM) in AE-COPD patients with AF. Methods: We used data from the Registry of Specialized Care Activity-Basic Minimum Data Set (RAE-CMBD) to select patients aged ≥40 years with COPD in Spain (2016-2021). We stratified the study population according to AF presence and sex. The propensity score matching (PSM) methodology was employed to create comparable groups based on age, admission year, and comorbidities at the time of hospitalization. Results: We identified 399,196 hospitalizations that met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 20.58% had AF. The prevalence of AF rose from 2016 to 2021 (18.26% to 20.95%), though the increase was only significant in men. The median length of hospital stay (LOHS) and IHM were significantly higher in patients with AF than in those without AF. After PSM, IHM remained significantly higher for man and women with AF. Older age, male sex, and several comorbidities were factors associated with AF. Additionally, older age, male sex, different comorbidities including COVID-19, hospitalization in the year 2020, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were associated with higher IHM in patients with AE-COPD and AF. Conclusions: AF prevalence was high in patients hospitalized for AE-COPD, was higher in men than in women, and increased over time. AF presence was associated with worse outcomes. The variables associated with IHM in hospitalized AE-COPD patients with AF were older age, male sex, different comorbidities including COVID-19 presence, hospitalization in the year 2020, need of mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission.

Building momentum through networks: Bioimaging across the Americas.

In September 2023, the two largest bioimaging networks in the Americas, Latin America Bioimaging (LABI) and BioImaging North America (BINA), came together during a 1-week meeting in Mexico. This meeting provided opportunities for participants to interact closely with decision-makers from imaging core facilities across the Americas. The meeting was held in a hybrid format and attended in-person by imaging scientists from across the Americas, including Canada, the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Uruguay. The aims of the meeting were to discuss progress achieved over the past year, to foster networking and collaborative efforts among members of both communities, to bring together key members of the international imaging community to promote the exchange of experience and expertise, to engage with industry partners, and to establish future directions within each individual network, as well as common goals. This meeting report summarises the discussions exchanged, the achievements shared, and the goals set during the LABIxBINA2023: Bioimaging across the Americas meeting.

Influence of diabetes and other risk factors on in-hospital mortality following kidney transplantation: an analysis of the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database from 2016 to 2020.

INTRODUCTION: To assess time trends in incidence, clinical characteristics, complications, and hospital outcomes among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and patients without diabetes who underwent kidney transplant (KT); to identify variables associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM); and to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We used a nationwide discharge database to select KT recipients admitted to Spanish hospitals from 2016 to 2020. We stratified patients according to diabetes status. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify the variables associated with IHM. RESULTS: A total of 14 594 KTs were performed in Spain (T2D, 22.28%; T1D, 3.72%). The number of KTs rose between 2016 and 2019 and and decreased from 2019 to 2020 in all groups. In patients with T2D, the frequency of KT complications increased from 21.08% in 2016 to 34.17% in 2020 (p<0.001). Patients with T2D had significantly more comorbidity than patients with T1D and patients without diabetes (p<0.001). Patients with T1D experienced KT rejection significantly more frequently (8.09%) than patients with T2D (5.57%).COVID-19 was recorded in 26 out of the 2444 KTs performed in 2020, being found in 6 of the 39 patients deceased that year (15.38%) and in 0.83% of the survivors.The variables associated with IHM were comorbidity and complications of KT. The presence of T1D was associated with IHM (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.36 to 5.16) when patients without diabetes were the reference category. However, T2D was not associated with a higher IHM (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.61 to 1.2). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in the number of transplants. Patients with T1D have more rejection of the transplanted organ than patients with T2D. Fewer women with T2D undergo KT. The presence of T1D is a risk factor for IHM.

A Technological Tool Aimed at Self-Care in Patients With Multimorbidity: Cross-Sectional Usability Study.

BACKGROUND: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been positioned as useful tools to facilitate self-care. The interaction between a patient and technology, known as usability, is particularly important for achieving positive health outcomes. Specific characteristics of patients with chronic diseases, including multimorbidity, can affect their interaction with different technologies. Thus, studying the usability of ICTs in the field of multimorbidity has become a key element to ensure their relevant role in promoting self-care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the usability of a technological tool dedicated to health and self-care in patients with multimorbidity in primary care. METHODS: A descriptive observational cross-sectional usability study was performed framed in the clinical trial in the primary care health centers of Madrid Health Service of the TeNDER (Affective Based Integrated Care for Better Quality of Life) project. The TeNDER technological tool integrates sensors for monitoring physical and sleep activity along with a mobile app for consulting the data collected and working with self-management tools. This project included patients over 60 years of age who had one or more chronic diseases, at least one of which was mild-moderate cognitive impairment, Parkinson disease, or cardiovascular disease. From the 250 patients included in the project, 38 agreed to participate in the usability study. The usability variables investigated were effectiveness, which was determined by the degree of completion and the total number of errors per task; efficiency, evaluated as the average time to perform each task; and satisfaction, quantified by the System Usability Scale. Five tasks were evaluated based on real case scenarios. Usability variables were analyzed according to the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients. A logistic regression model was constructed to estimate the factors associated with the type of support provided for task completion. RESULTS: The median age of the 38 participants was 75 (IQR 72.0-79.0) years. There was a slight majority of women (20/38, 52.6%) and the participants had a median of 8 (IQR 7.0-11.0) chronic diseases. Thirty patients completed the usability study, with a usability effectiveness result of 89.3% (134/150 tasks completed). Among the 30 patients, 66.7% (n=20) completed all tasks and 56.7% (17/30) required personalized help on at least one task. In the multivariate analysis, educational level emerged as a facilitating factor for independent task completion (odds ratio 1.79, 95% CI 0.47-6.83). The median time to complete the total tasks was 296 seconds (IQR 210.0-397.0) and the median satisfaction score was 55 (IQR 45.0-62.5) out of 100. CONCLUSIONS: Although usability effectiveness was high, the poor efficiency and usability satisfaction scores suggest that there are other factors that may interfere with the results. Multimorbidity was not confirmed to be a key factor affecting the usability of the technological tool. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05681065; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05681065.

Dopamine D2 receptor antagonist counteracts hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in diet-induced obese male mice.

Obesity leads to insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes. In humans, low levels of the hormone prolactin (PRL) correlate with IR, adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction, and increased prevalence of T2D. In obese rats, PRL treatment promotes insulin sensitivity and reduces visceral AT adipocyte hypertrophy. Here, we tested whether elevating PRL levels with the prokinetic and antipsychotic drug sulpiride, an antagonist of dopamine D2 receptors, improves metabolism in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese male mice. Sulpiride treatment (30 days) reduced hyperglycemia, IR, and the serum and pancreatic levels of triglycerides in obese mice, reduced visceral and subcutaneous AT adipocyte hypertrophy, normalized markers of visceral AT function (PRL receptor, Glut4, insulin receptor and Hif-1α), and increased glycogen stores in skeletal muscle. However, the effects of sulpiride reducing hyperglycemia were also observed in obese prolactin receptor null mice. We conclude that sulpiride reduces obesity-induced hyperglycemia by mechanisms that are independent of prolactin/prolactin receptor activity. These findings support the therapeutic potential of sulpiride against metabolic dysfunction in obesity.

Orthopantomography Detection of Atheroma Plaques and Its Relationship with Periodontal Disease and Missing Teeth.

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the atheromatous plaques' prevalence in orthopantomography and their relationship with periodontal disease and missing teeth. Material and Methods. Orthopantomographs of 1,254 patients over 18 years of age from Clínica Arlanza in Lerma, Burgos, were examined between 2017 and 2021. A Planmeca ProOne® orthopantomograph (68 kV, 7 mA, and 10 sg) was used. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistics® version 25. The results of the categorical variables were described as frequencies (%). Contingency tables were made with the qualitative variables, and the chi-square test was applied to study the relationship among them. The measure of statistical power used was the relative risk (RR), which was described with its respective 95% confidence interval (CI). Student's t-test was applied to study the relationship between the qualitative variable "presence or absence of atheroma plaque" and the quantitative variable "number of teeth." Results: A 6.2% prevalence of atheroma plaques was obtained from 1,079 selected X-rays. The risk in patients with periodontal disease increased as periodontal disease worsened. The risk in patients with periodontal disease increased as periodontal disease worsened as follows: healthy patients vs. periodontal patients with less than 30% bone loss in radiography: RR 0.434, 95% CI 0.181-1.041, p = 0.053 healthy patients vs. patients with between 30%-60% bone loss: RR 0.177, 95% CI 0.075-0.418, p < 0.05 healthy patients vs. patients with more than 60% bone loss: RR 0.121, 95% CI 0.041-0.355, p < 0.05. Patients with calcifications on their orthopantomograms had a lower mean teeth number (20.9 teeth) compared to patients without calcifications (24 teeth), which was statistically significant, t (1077) = -3.125, p < 0.05. Conclusions: Orthopantomography can be considered a screening method to detect patients at increased cardiovascular risk who are referred for individualized study. It is important to continue research to know the real significance of these findings. Dentists should be aware of the importance of our work in our patients' systemic health.

Barreras y facilitadores para el uso de las guías de práctica clínica por residentes de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria: estudio cualitativo con grupos focales / Barriers and facilitators for the use of clinical practice guidelines by Family and Community Medicine residents: qualitative study with focus groups

Objetivo: identificar barreras y facilitadores para el uso de las guías de práctica clínica (GPC) por residentes de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria.Métodos: metodología cualitativa. Se formaron tres grupos focales, total 28 residentes de tercer y cuarto año de las siete unidades docentes multiprofesionales de Atención Familiar y Comunitaria de Madrid. Los temas explorados fueron: conocimiento, comprensión, utilidad y uso de GPC. Las categorías elegidas para agrupar el discurso se elaboraron siguiendo el Manual metodológico de GuíaSalud. Análisis sociológico bajo la perspectiva fenomenológica.Resultados: las barreras relacionadas con la formación fueron el modelo de formación recibida para adquirir las habilidades necesarias, la falta de conocimientos para evaluar la calidad de las guías y un limitado conocimiento de los buscadores. Entre las barreras del contexto social y del sistema sanitario, se identificaron el conflicto con las expectativas del paciente, con las recomendaciones de otros especialistas, las características de los pacientes que consultan en Atención Primaria (AP) y la limitación de tiempo en las consultas. Como facilitadores se identificaron la motivación personal, los conocimientos y el modelo de práctica profesional del tutor y que las GPC fueran claras, breves y en diversos formatos.Conclusiones: los residentes dan valor a las GPC como herramientas docentes, de ayuda a la toma de decisiones y para desempeñar un mejor ejercicio profesional, aunque encuentran dificultades y limitaciones en su uso. El papel del tutor se identifica como clave; la formación, motivación y el modelo de práctica del tutor son considerados como los mayores facilitadores.(AU)

Aim: to identify barriers and facilitators for the use of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) by Family and Community Medicine residents.Method: qualitative methodology. Three focus groups were set up, with a total of 28 participants, 3rd and 4th year residents of the 7 Multiprofessional Family and Community Care Teaching Units of Madrid. The topics explored were based on knowledge, understanding, usefulness and use of CPG. The categories chosen for discussion were drawn up according to the GuiaSalud Methodological Manual. Sociological analysis was performed using a phenomenological approach.Results: the barriers related to training were the training model received to acquire the necessary skills, the lack of knowledge to evaluate the quality of guidelines and a limited knowledge of the search engines. Among the barriers related to social context and health system, conflict with the patient's expectations or with the recommendations of other specialists, the characteristics of patients who consult in primary care and the limited time available for consultations were all identified. Personal motivation, the tutor’s knowledge and professional practice model and clear, brief CPGs and in various formats were all identified as facilitators. Conclusions: residents value CPGs as teaching and decision-making tools, as well as a tool to improve their professional practice. However, they detect difficulties and limitations in their use. Training, motivation and the tutor's practice model are considered to be among the greatest facilitators.(AU)

Multi-omics Investigations in Endocrine Systems and Their Clinical Implications.

Innovative techniques such as the "omics" can be a powerful tool for the understanding of intracellular pathways involved in homeostasis maintenance and identification of new potential therapeutic targets against endocrine-metabolic disorders. Over the last decades, proteomics has been extensively applied in the study of a wide variety of human diseases, including those involving the endocrine system. Among the most endocrine-related disorders investigated by proteomics in humans are diabetes mellitus and thyroid, pituitary, and reproductive system disorders. In diabetes, proteins implicated in insulin signaling, glucose metabolism, and ß-cell activity have been investigated. In thyroid diseases, protein expression alterations were described in thyroid malignancies and autoimmune thyroid illnesses. Additionally, proteomics has been used to investigate the variations in protein expression in adrenal cancers and conditions, including Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease. Pituitary tumors and disorders including acromegaly and hypopituitarism have been studied using proteomics to examine changes in protein expression. Reproductive problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis are two examples of conditions where alterations in protein expression have been studied using proteomics. Proteomics has, in general, shed light on the molecular underpinnings of many endocrine-related illnesses and revealed promising biomarkers for both their detection and treatment. The capacity of proteomics to thoroughly and objectively examine complex protein mixtures is one of its main benefits. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a widely used method that identifies and measures proteins based on their mass-to-charge ratio and their fragmentation pattern. MS can perform the separation of proteins according to their physicochemical characteristics, such as hydrophobicity, charge, and size, in combination with liquid chromatography. Other proteomics techniques include protein arrays, which enable the simultaneous identification of several proteins in a single assay, and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), which divides proteins depending on their isoelectric point and molecular weight. This chapter aims to summarize the most relevant proteomics data from targeted tissues, as well as the daily rhythmic variation of relevant biomarkers in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions within the involved endocrine system, especially because the actual modern lifestyle constantly imposes a chronic unentrained condition, which virtually affects all the circadian clock systems within human's body, being also correlated with innumerous endocrine-metabolic diseases.

Long-term heat acclimation training in mice: Similar metabolic and running performance adaptations despite a lower absolute intensity than training at temperate conditions.

This study investigated the impact of long-term heat acclimation (HA) training on mouse thermoregulation, metabolism, and running performance in temperate (T) and hot (H) environments. Male Swiss mice were divided into 1) Sedentary (SED) mice kept in T (22 °C; SED/T), 2) Endurance Trained mice (ET, 1 h/day, 5 days/week, 8 weeks, 60 % of maximum speed) in T (ET/T), 3) SED kept in H (32 °C; SED/H), and 4) ET in H (ET/H). All groups performed incremental load tests (ILT) in both environments before (pre-ET) and after four and eight weeks of ET. In the pre-ET period, H impaired (∼30 %) performance variables (maximum speed and external work) and increased (1.3 °C) maximum abdominal body temperature compared with T. In T, after four weeks, although ET/H exercised at a lower (∼30 %) absolute intensity than ET/T, performance variables and aerobic power (peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak) were similarly increased in both ET groups compared with SED/T. After eight weeks, the external work was higher in both ET groups compared with SED/T. Only ET/T significantly increased VO2peak (∼11 %) relative to its pre-ET period. In H, only after eight weeks, both ET groups improved (∼19 %) maximum speed and reduced (∼46 %) post-ILT blood lactate concentrations compared with their respective pre-ET values. Liver glycogen content increased (34 %) in both ET groups and SED/H compared with SED/T. Thus, ET/H was performed at a lower absolute intensity but promoted similar effects to ET/T on metabolism, aerobic power, and running performance. Our findings open perspectives for applying HA training as part of a training program or orthopedic and metabolic rehabilitation programs in injured or even obese animals, reducing mechanical load with equivalent or higher physiological demand.

Association between Asthma and Lower Levels of Physical Activity: Results of a Population-Based Case-Control Study in Spain.

(1) Background: Our aim was to determine changes in the prevalence of physical activity (PA) in adults with asthma between 2014 and 2020 in Spain, investigate sex differences and the effect of other variables on adherence to PA, and compare the prevalence of PA between individuals with and without asthma. (2) Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, population-based, matched, case-control study using European Health Interview Surveys for Spain (EHISS) for 2014 and 2020. (3) Results: We identified 1262 and 1103 patients with asthma in the 2014 and 2020 EHISS, respectively. The prevalence of PA remained stable (57.2% vs. 55.7%, respectively), while the percentage of persons who reported walking continuously for at least 2 days a week increased from 73.9% to 82.2% (p < 0.001). Male sex, younger age, better self-rated health, and lower body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with greater PA. From 2014 to 2020, the number of walking days ≥2 increased by 64% (OR1.64 95%CI 1.34-2.00). Asthma was associated with less PA (OR0.87 95%CI 0.47-0.72) and a lower number of walking days ≥2 (OR0.84 95%0.72-0.97). (4) Conclusions: Walking frequency improved over time among people with asthma. Differences in PA were detected by age, sex, self-rated health status, and BMI. Asthma was associated with less LTPA and a lower number of walking days ≥2.

Dirofilaria immitis in Italian Cats and the Risk of Exposure by Aedes albopictus.

Background: Dirofilaria immitis, the agent of canine and feline heartworm disease (HWD), is a widespread mosquito-borne helminth. The true prevalence of HW infection in cats is likely underestimated due to the difficulty in establishing a definitive diagnosis. Aedes albopictus, a recognized competent vector for D. immitis, is currently considered the most invasive mosquito species worldwide and Italy presents the highest abundance of Ae. albopictus in Europe. Materials and Methods: The present study was aimed at evaluating the current seroprevalence of D. immitis antibodies in cats in Italy. Further, the ecological niche model (ENM) was applied to evaluate the potential future risk of feline HWD associated with the presence of Ae. albopictus. Results: Sera of 812 Italian cats were analyzed, and the average prevalence of D. immitis antibodies was 12%. Seropositivity was significantly associated with age (<6 years), whereas there was no association with sex or geographical area. Data obtained with the risk map showed that the highest risk of infection was found in northern inland areas and along coastal areas, whereas the lowest risk was identified at higher altitudes. The ENM correctly classified most of the areas where D. immitis seropositive cats were found, with 80.4% occurring in high and very high-risk areas. Conclusions: Results of the present study suggest that cats in Italy are exposed to D. immitis infection, and that routine prevention should be part of the general health care protocols in cats. Moreover, the resulting risk maps indicate that areas with a suitable habitat for Ae. albopictus may put cats at risk of exposure to D. immitis.

Label-free electrochemical immunosensing of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) at synthesized rGO/MoS2/AgNPs nanocomposite. Application to the determination in human cerebrospinal fluid.

An electrochemical bioplatform involving screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with rGO/MoS2/AgNPs nanocomposites, the covalent immobilization of the specific capture antibody, and label-free detection has been developed for the determination of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP). The resulting immunosensor profits the benefits of the rGO high conductivity, the pseudo-peroxidase activity of MoS2 and the electrocatalytic effect provided by AgNPs for improving the reduction current responses of hydrogen peroxide at the electrode surface. GFAP is a biomarker of central nervous system injuries has been proposed for the detection and monitoring of neurological diseases as epilepsy, encephalitis, or multiple sclerosis. For the first time, amperometric detection of the immunosensing event was performed by measuring the electrocatalytic response of hydrogen peroxide reduction at the modified electrode. Several techniques including scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopies were used for the characterization of the synthesized composite whilst electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) using the redox probe Fe(CN)63-/4- was employed to evaluate the success of the steps implied in the fabrication of the immunosensor. After optimization of the involved experimental variables, a linear calibration plot for GFAP was constructed over the 0.6-100 ng mL-1 range, and a detection limit of 0.16 ng mL-1 was achieved. The developed immunosensor was successfully applied to the determination of GFAP in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients diagnosed with encephalitis.

Trends and sex differences in atrial fibrillation among patients hospitalized due to asthma: Insights from a nationwide population-based discharge database in Spain, 2016-2021.

AIMS: To analyze changes in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients hospitalized due to asthma; to compare hospital outcomes in asthma patients with and without AF, assessing sex differences; to identify variables associated with the presence of AF; and to analyze the factors associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM) among asthma patients with AF. METHODS: We used data from the Registry of Specialized Care Activity-Basic Minimum Data Set to select all patients aged ≥40 years with an asthma diagnosis in Spain, from 2016 to 2021. We stratified the study population according to the presence of AF and sex. RESULTS: We identified 65,233 hospitalizations that met the inclusion criteria (14.85 % with AF). The prevalence of AF significantly increased over time, with the male sex being a protective factor for its presentation. IHM were significantly higher in patients with AF. Older age, being a woman, congestive heart failure, renal disease, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and hyperthyroidism were associated with the presence of AF. Advanced age and the presence of cancer and COVID-19 were factors associated with a higher IHM, as well as admission to an intensive care unit and the use of invasive mechanical ventilation. There were no association of sex with the IHM. CONCLUSIONS: AF is highly prevalent among subjects hospitalized due to asthma, with this prevalence having increased significantly in Spain over time. The presence of AF in patients with asthma was associated significantly with a higher LOHS and IHM. Sex was not associated with IHM in these patients.

Trends in Anaphylaxis Hospitalizations among Adults in Spain and Their Relationship with Asthma-Analysis of Hospital Discharge data from 2016 to 2021.

(1) Background: Anaphylaxis is a rapid-onset, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction. This study explores the epidemiological trends and clinical outcomes of adult patients with and without asthma hospitalized for anaphylaxis in Spain from 2016 to 2021. (2) Methods: Data from the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database (RAE-CMBD) were analyzed. We stratified patients with anaphylaxis based on their asthma diagnosis and evaluated various comorbidities and clinical outcomes. Propensity score matching was used to match confounders. (3) Results: The total number of hospitalizations for anaphylaxis remained stable, with a decrease in 2020 probably due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drug-induced anaphylaxis increased, in addition to being the main triggering factor. Asthma prevalence among those admitted for anaphylaxis emerged from 7.63% to 10.69%, with a higher frequency of respiratory failure and need for mechanical ventilation in this group; despite this, ICU admissions and in-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between asthmatics and non-asthmatics. Asthma was also not a risk factor for severe anaphylaxis. Multivariable analysis identified advanced age, ischemic heart disease, acute respiratory failure, and invasive mechanical ventilation as factors associated with severe anaphylaxis. (4) Conclusions: This study provides valuable information on the complexity of anaphylaxis, its relationship with asthma, and factors influencing its severity. Overall, clinical outcomes did not differ significantly in asthmatic patients compared to non-asthmatic patients, although asthmatic patients had more respiratory complications. Further research is necessary to delve deeper into the multifactorial nature of anaphylaxis and its implications in clinical practice.

Vasoinhibin's Apoptotic, Inflammatory, and Fibrinolytic Actions Are in a Motif Different From Its Antiangiogenic HGR Motif.

Vasoinhibin, a proteolytic fragment of the hormone prolactin, inhibits blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) and permeability, stimulates the apoptosis and inflammation of endothelial cells, and promotes fibrinolysis. The antiangiogenic and antivasopermeability properties of vasoinhibin were recently traced to the HGR motif located in residues 46 to 48 (H46-G47-R48), allowing the development of potent, orally active, HGR-containing vasoinhibin analogues for therapeutic use against angiogenesis-dependent diseases. However, whether the HGR motif is also responsible for the apoptotic, inflammatory, and fibrinolytic properties of vasoinhibin has not been addressed. Here, we report that HGR-containing analogues are devoid of these properties. Instead, the incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with oligopeptides containing the sequence HNLSSEM, corresponding to residues 30 to 36 of vasoinhibin, induced apoptosis, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, expression of genes encoding leukocyte adhesion molecules (VCAM1 and ICAM1) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL1B, IL6, and TNF), and adhesion of peripheral blood leukocytes. Also, intravenous or intra-articular injection of HNLSSEM-containing oligopeptides induced the expression of Vcam1, Icam1, Il1b, Il6, and Tnf in the lung, liver, kidney, eye, and joints of mice and, like vasoinhibin, these oligopeptides promoted the lysis of plasma fibrin clots by binding to plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Moreover, the inhibition of PAI-1, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, or NF-κB prevented the apoptotic and inflammatory actions. In conclusion, the functional properties of vasoinhibin are segregated into 2 different structural determinants. Because apoptotic, inflammatory, and fibrinolytic actions may be undesirable for antiangiogenic therapy, HGR-containing vasoinhibin analogues stand as selective and safe agents for targeting pathological angiogenesis.