On the prediction of SAV transmission among Norwegian aquaculture sites.

Pancreas Disease (PD) is a viral disease that affects Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Norwegian, Scottish and Irish aquaculture. It is caused by salmonid alphavirus (SAV) and represents a significant problem in salmonid farming. Infection with SAV leads to reduced growth, mortality, product downgrading, and has a significant financial impact for the farms. The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of various factors on the transmission of SAV and to create a predictive model capable of providing an early warning system for salmon farms within the Norwegian waters. Using a combination of publicly available databases, specifically BarentsWatch, and privately held PCR analyses a feature set consisting of 11 unique features was created based on the input parameters of the databases. An ensemble model was developed based on this feature set using XG-Boost, Ada-Boost, Random Forest and a Multilayer Perceptron. It was possible to successfully predict SAV transmission with 94.4% accuracy. Moreover, it was possible to predict SAV transmission 8 weeks in advance of a 'PD registration' at individual aquaculture salmon farming sites. Important predictors included well boat movement, environmental factors, proximity to sites with a 'PD registration' and seasonality.

Erratum to "Use of a real-time location system to detect cows in distinct functional areas within a barn" (JDS Commun. 2:217-222).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2020-0050.].

Use of a real-time location system to detect cows in distinct functional areas within a barn.

Automated sensor-based monitoring of cows has become an important tool in herd management to improve or maintain animal health and welfare. Location systems offer the ability to locate animals within the barn for, for example, artificial insemination. Furthermore, they have the potential to measure the time cows spend in important areas of the barn, which might indicate need for improvement in the management of the herd or individuals. In this study, we tested the sensor-based real-time location system (RTLS) Smartbow (SB, Smartbow GmbH) under field conditions. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the accuracy of the system to predict the location of the cow and the agreement between visual observations and RTLS observations for the total time spent by cows in relevant areas of the barn and (2) to compare the performance of 2 different algorithms (Alg1 and Alg2) for cow location. The study was conducted on a commercial Austrian dairy farm. In total, 35 lactating cows were video recorded for 3 consecutive days. From these recordings, approximately 1 h was selected randomly each day for every cow (3 d × 35 cows). Simultaneously, location data were collected and classified by the RTLS system as dedicated to the alley, feed bunk, or cubicle on a 1-min resolution. A total of 6,030 paired observations were derived from visual observations (VO) and the RTLS and used for the final data analysis. Substantial agreement of categorical data between VO and SB was obtained by Cohen's kappa for both algorithms (Alg1 = 0.76 and Alg2 = 0.78). Similar results were achieved by both algorithms throughout the study, with a slight improvement for Alg2. The ability of the system to locate the cows in the predefined areas was assessed, and the results from Alg2 showed sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of alley (74.0, 91.2, and 76.9%), feed bunk (93.5, 86.2, and 89.1%), and cubicle (90.5, 83.3, and 95.4%) and an overall accuracy of 87.6%.The correlation coefficient (r) between VO and SB for the total time cows spent (within 1 h) in the predefined areas was good to strong (r = 0.82, 0.98, and 0.92 for alley, feed bunk, and cubicle, respectively). These results show the potential of the system to automatically assess total time spent by cows in important areas of the barn for indoor settings. Future studies should focus on evaluating 24-h periods to assess time budgets and to combine technologies such as accelerometers and location systems to improve the performance of behavior prediction in dairy cows.

Hydrocephalus shunt therapy: current titanium shunt valve implants obstructed by internal tissue proliferations identified as extracellular matrix membranes.

PURPOSE: Shunt valves, required for treatment of hydrocephalus, demand for high performance rates and lifelong excellent function. To overcome problems with traditional silicone materials, adjustable and gravity-adapted titanium valves were developed. Even modern shunt valve systems are still subject to occlusion. The aim of the present study was to investigate dysfunctional silicone and titanium valves for presence of cellular and proteinous materials inside the housings by means of histopathology. METHODS: A total of 19 explanted shunt valves from children between 2 and 182 months of age were investigated following dysfunction. After fixation in formalin and embedding in hard resin, slices were ground to a thickness of 5-30 µ. Besides standard histology, immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies with markers for microglia, astrocytes, platelets, monocytes, and the proteins laminin, fibronectin, and collagen IV. RESULTS: Traces, layers, and plaques could be demonstrated in every investigated silicone or titanium valve with an implantation time of more than 6 days. Most of the tissue was found adjacent to silicone and titanium surfaces of the inner housing, the adjustment rotor, and ball-in-cone core. Markers for micro and astroglia stained positive in 40-60% of the specimen, mostly demonstrating a proteinous layer positive for laminin (80%), fibronectin (30%), and collagen IV (30%). CONCLUSIONS: Tissue reactions with formation of cellular and proteinous matrix components are common in obstructed silicone and titanium shunt valves. The tissue mimics astrocytic repair mechanisms genuine for basilar membrane matrix. The knowledge of these typical arachnoid patterns of colonization is a prerequisite for developing future shunt devices.

Atención en las primeras 48 horas tras el alta de maternidad en la consulta de enfermería o Pediatría / Assistance on the first 48 hours after discharge from maternity in Primary Care Practice

Introducción: desde el momento en que el recién nacido es dado de alta de la maternidad hasta que es atendido en su centro de salud (CS) pasa un periodo de tiempo crucial y, a veces, excesivamente prolongado. Objetivo: conocer la edad en que son atendidos por primera vez los recién nacidos en Atención Primaria (AP) en la Comunidad Valenciana. Material y métodos: encuesta dirigida a los pediatras de AP. Resultados: participaron 46 CS de las provincias de Castellón y Valencia (de un total de 162 centros). Se declararon datos de 248 recién nacidos durante el periodo del 9 de abril al 30 de junio del año 2013. El 58% de los recién nacidos fueron vistos por primera vez en su CS a partir del quinto día de vida. Los niños nacidos en un hospital público tienen casi dos veces más probabilidades de acudir al CS antes de los seis días de vida que los niños nacidos en un hospital privado (odds ratio [OR]: 1,97; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 0,92 a 4,1; p=0,07). El 56,93% de las lactancias maternas y mixtas fueron vistas después del quinto día de vida. El 24,2% de los casos estudiados no tenía la tarjeta de asistencia sanitaria (TAS) al salir de la maternidad. La mayoría de los niños nacidos en maternidades privadas no tenía la TAS al alta, requisito imprescindible para solicitar cita en su CS. Conclusiones: desde el momento en que el recién nacido es dado de alta de la maternidad hasta que es atendido por primera vez por el equipo de pediatra-enfermera, pasa un periodo de tiempo importante (AU)

Introduction: a critical period of time, sometimes too long, passes since healthy term infants are discharged from hospital until they are visited at primary care practices. Objective: to assess the age after birth when healthy term infants are first checked at primary care practices in Comunitat Valenciana. Material and methods: survey of primary care pediatricians from Comunitat Valenciana. Results: Forty-six Primary Care Practices participated in the provinces of Castellón and Valencia (from a total of 162 practices). Data from 248 term infants from April 9th to June 30th 2013 were collected. Fifty-eight percent of the infants were first seen after the fifth day of life. Children born in a public hospital are almost twice as much likely to be visited before 6 days of life than children born in a private hospital (odds ratio [OR]: 1.97, 95% CI: 0.92 to 4.1, p = 0.07). Exclusive breastfeeding and mixed feeding were seen after the fifth day of life in 56.93%. No health insurance card at discharge (most of children born in a private maternity), essential to make an appointment, was observed in 24.2% of the cases studied. Conclusions: since the time healthy term infants are discharged from hospital until they are first visited by the pediatric-nurse team, a too long critical period passes

Transvenous closure of patent foramen ovale: preliminary results with a new self-expanding nitinol wire mesh in a Swine model.

Objectives. The transvascular closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) with self-expanding devices carries the risk of left atrial thrombus formation related to material protruding into the left atrium. Thus, we developed a novel device with flat left atrial disc geometry. We evaluated feasibility, handling, and biocompatibility in a porcine animal model. Methods. Implantation of an Occlutech Figulla PFO device was performed in 10 mini pigs using fluoroscopy and intra-cardiac ultrasound after transseptal puncture of the interatrial septum. Angiographic follow-up was performed after six and twelve weeks. Results. Implantation was successful in 100%. There were no further implant related complications. One procedure related death occurred, as one animal died of ventricular tachycardia due to mispunture of the interatrial septum. Angiographic studies showed no residual shunt during follow-up. Histopathological evaluation could demonstrate partial neoendothelialization after 6 weeks with completion after 12 weeks. The devices were incorporated into connective tissue containing fibro muscular cells. An only mild inflammatory reaction was detected locally related to the polyester fibers. Conclusion. In terms of feasibility and handling, the new device does not seem to be inferior to other presently used implantation systems. Good biocompatibility was demonstrated with rapid and complete neoendothelialization.

Taller para pediatras docentes. Enseñando a aprender / Workshop for teaching paediatricians. Teaching to learn

El enfoque de la tutorización como una mera transmisión de conocimientos resulta inadecuado. El residente es un adulto capaz de aprender por sí mismo y la labor más importante del tutor consistirá en estimularle, orientarle y fomentar su capacidad de autoaprendizaje, dotándole de herramientas para detectar sus necesidades formativas y de recursos que le permitan adquirir las competencias y los conocimientos necesarios para alcanzar los objetivos establecidos. En definitiva, se trata de enseñarle a aprender como base de una formación continuada que deberá mantener a lo largo de toda su carrera profesional. Además, el tutor debería erigirse en modelo profesional y apoyo moral para el residente. Para todo ello serían convenientes una cierta formación en metodología docente y en técnicas de feedback, así como el conocimiento de herramientas específicas de detección de necesidades formativas, por otro lado igualmente aplicables a la práctica diaria del tutor. Los métodos de enseñanza son diversos e incluyen el autoaprendizaje, el aprendizaje de campo, el aprendizaje basado en problemas, la lección magistral, los talleres, los trabajos de grupo, etc. Aspectos importantes a nivel práctico son: acordar y planificar para la rotación unos contenidos que, respetando unos conocimientos básicos, se adapten a las necesidades de cada residente; mantener con él una comunicación empática y feedback constructivo; orientarle desde el primer momento en los aspectos básicos de la consulta; proporcionarle una asunción progresiva de responsabilidades y buscar tiempo para la docencia (AU)

The approach of the tutoring as a mere transmission of knowledge is inadequate. The resident is an adult able to learn by him/herself and the most important work of the tutor will consist of stimulating him, guiding him and fomenting his capacity of self-learning, equipping him with tools to assess his learning needs and with resources that allow him to acquire the necessary competencies and knowledge to reach the established objectives. Actually, it consists of teaching him to learn the base of a continued formation that will have to maintain throughout all his professional activity. In addition, the tutor would have to be a professional model and a moral support for the resident. For all, it would be advisable a certain formation in educational methodology and techniques of “feedback”, as well as the knowledge of learning needs assessment tools, equally applicable to the daily practice of the tutor. The learning methods are diverse and include the self-learning, practice learning, problem based learning, lessons, seminaries, group works, etc. Important aspects at practical level are: to decide and to plan for the rotation contents that, respecting basic knowledge, adapt to the necessities of each resident; to maintain with him constructive and empathic communication and “feedback”; to drive him from the first moment in the basic aspects of the daily work; to provide him a progressive assumption of responsibilities and to look for time for teaching (AU)

Actualización en el tratamiento del disgerminoma ovárico / Treatment of ovarian dysgerminoma. An update

Presentamos 2 casos de disgerminomas ováricos tratados en nuestro servicio en el último año. Son tumores que afectan a mujeres jóvenes, por lo que debemos realizar un tratamiento conservador que les permita mantener la fertilidad. La cirugía conservadora, asociada si es necesario a quimioterapia, consigue muy buenos resultados. En el primer caso se realizó cirugía conservadora por tratarse de una mujer joven

We present two cases of ovarian dysgerminoma treated in our hospital in the last year. These tumors affect young women and consequently conservative treatment should be provided to preserve fertility. Conservative surgery associated with chemotherapy, if necessary, provides good results. In the first case, conservative surgery was performed because the patient was a young woman

[Female sexual function and related factors]. / Función sexual femenina y factores relacionados.

OBJECTIVES: To appraise female sexual function and to describe the factors that most commonly accompany dysfunction. DESIGN: Transversal, descriptive study. SETTING: Primary care. PARTICIPANTS: Two-hundred and twenty-three women from 18 to 76 seen at an urban health centre between November 2004 and February 2005 and who wanted to take part in the study. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: These were collected in an anonymous questionnaire structured in 5 sections with 53 items. The questionnaire comprised social and economic, cultural and life-style variables; female sexual function (FSF); and perception of own state of health (SF-12). A binary logistical regression analysis was run. RESULTS: Female sexuality reaches its maximum expression at 30-35 years (FSF=30.0, 95% CI, 28.3-31.6). Risk factors for sexual dysfunction were: age over 44 and religion (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 2.8-15); physical component on the SF-12 below 37 (OR, 3; 95% CI, 1.3-7.2); mental component on the SF-12 below 31 (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2-7.8). Not having a stable partner was a risk factor for arousal (OR, 9.6; 95% CI, 2.8-24.0); for lubrication (OR, 9.3; 95% CI, 4.0-21.5); for orgasm (OR, 8.8; 95% CI, 3.1-24.8); and for dyspareunia (OR, 8.9; 95% CI, 3.9-20.5). It was not a risk factor for desire or satisfaction with sexual life. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of sexual dysfunction consisted of a woman aged over 44 without a stable partner, who practised religion, was unemployed and had perception of low quality of life.

Función sexual femenina y factores relacionados / Female sexual function and related factors

Objetivo. Valorar la función sexual femenina y describir los factores que aparecen con más frecuencia junto con su disfunción. Diseño. Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Emplazamiento. Atención primaria. Participantes. Participaron 223 mujeres de 18 a 76 años atendidas en un centro de salud urbano desde noviembre del 2004 hasta febrero de 2005 que desearon participar de forma voluntaria en el estudio. Mediciones principales. Se recogieron mediante cuestionario anónimo estructurado en 5 apartados con 53 ítems. Comprendía variables socioeconómicas, culturales, de estilo de vida, función sexual femenina (IFSF) y autopercepción del estado de salud (SF-12). Se efectuó un análisis de regresión logística binaria. Resultados. La sexualidad femenina logra su máxima expresión entre los 30 y los 35 años (IFSF: 30,0 intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 28,3-31,6). Los factores de riesgo para la disfunción sexual son: edad > 44 años y religión (odds ratio [OR] = 6,5; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 2,8-15), componente físico del SF-12 < 37 (OR = 3; IC del 95%, 1,3-7,2), componente mental del SF-12 < 31 (OR = 3,1; IC del 95%, 1,2-7,8). No tener pareja estable fue factor de riesgo para la excitación (OR = 9,6; IC del 95%, 2,8-24,0), la lubricación (OR = 9,3; IC del 95%, 4,0-21,5), el orgasmo (OR = 8,8; IC del 95%, 3,1-24,8) y la dispareunia (OR = 8,9; IC del 95%, 3,9-20,5). No fue factor de riesgo para el deseo ni para la satisfacción con la vida sexual. Conclusiones. El perfil de disfunción sexual consistió en mujer mayor de 44 años sin pareja estable, con práctica de alguna religión, desempleada y con baja autopercepción de calidad de vida

Objectives. To appraise female sexual function and to describe the factors that most commonly accompany dysfunction. Design. Transversal, descriptive study. Setting. Primary care. Participants. Two-hundred and twenty-three women from 18 to 76 seen at an urban health centre between November 2004 and February 2005 and who wanted to take part in the study. Main measurements. These were collected in an anonymous questionnaire structured in 5 sections with 53 items. The questionnaire comprised social and economic, cultural and life-style variables; female sexual function (FSF); and perception of own state of health (SF-12). A binary logistical regression analysis was run. Results. Female sexuality reaches its maximum expression at 30-35 years (FSF=30.0, 95% CI, 28.3-31.6). Risk factors for sexual dysfunction were: age over 44 and religion (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 2.8-15); physical component on the SF-12 below 37 (OR, 3; 95% CI, 1.3-7.2); mental component on the SF-12 below 31 (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2-7.8). Not having a stable partner was a risk factor for arousal (OR, 9.6; 95% CI, 2.8-24.0); for lubrication (OR, 9.3; 95% CI, 4.0-21.5); for orgasm (OR, 8.8; 95% CI, 3.1-24.8); and for dyspareunia (OR, 8.9; 95% CI, 3.9-20.5). It was not a risk factor for desire or satisfaction with sexual life. Conclusions. The profile of sexual dysfunction consisted of a woman aged over 44 without a stable partner, who practised religion, was unemployed and had perception of low quality of life

Salud sexual y reproductiva del adolescente. Presentación del seminario / No disponible

No disponible

Effect of a novel dietary supplement on skin aging in post-menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to quantify the effects on skin in post-menopausal women of a novel dietary supplement (Imedeen Prime Renewal) that contained soy extract, fish protein polysaccharides, extracts from white tea, grape seed and tomato, vitamins C and E as well as zinc and chamomile extract. DESIGN: The study was a 6-month double blind, placebo controlled, randomized study on healthy post-menopausal females. SETTING: The study was performed at a commercial Contract Research Organisation (TJ Stephens & Associates Inc., TX, USA). INTERVENTIONS: Two tablets of Imedeen Prime Renewal or placebo were given twice daily for 6 months. SUBJECTS: Thirty-eight (active group) and 42 (placebo group) subjects completed the study out of 100. RESULTS: Clinical grading showed that the active group had a significantly greater improvement (P < 0.05) compared to placebo for the face after 6 months treatment for: forehead, periocular and perioral wrinkles, mottled pigmentation, laxity, sagging, under eye dark circles and overall apperance; skin on the décolletage after 2, 3 and 6 months treatment and skin on the hand after 3 and 6 months treatment. Photo evaluation showed that the active group had a significantly greater improvement (P < 0.05) on the face after 3 and 6 months for several parameters. Ultrasound measurements showed that the active group had a significantly greater improvement (P < 0.0001) for density measurements after 6 months treatment. CONCLUSION: In summary, this novel dietary supplement, Imedeen Prime Renewal, provides improved condition, structure and firmness of the skin in post-menopausal women after 6 months.

Breakable stent for interventions in infants and neonates: an animal study and histopathological findings.

OBJECTIVE: To test in a neonatal animal model the feasibility and biocompatibility of a new breakable stent that can be broken open by balloon dilatation during reintervention for use in neonates and infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical grade stainless steel breakable stents (n = 16) were interventionally implanted in systemic arteries in neonatal piglets (n = 7). Patency of the stented segments was shown by repeated angiography. Stents were redilated up to three times. After a follow up of 18-165 days the animals were killed and the tissue block containing the stent was excised. Besides standard histological examination, scanning electron microscopy was used for biocompatibility screening. RESULTS: The stents were broken by redilatation with a conventional angioplasty balloon catheter. During follow up, patency of all stented segments was shown angiographically. One stent became dislocated during implantation. One vessel ruptured during redilatation when an inadequately large balloon catheter was used for dilatation. No other complications were observed. Scanning electron microscopy showed complete cellular coverage of the stent struts. Histological examination showed thinning of the vessel wall and partial rupture of the media at the site of stent breakage. An only mild inflammatory reaction was detected. CONCLUSION: The new breakable stent can be broken open by simple angioplasty. Feasibility, effectiveness, and biocompatibility were shown in an animal model. Surgery to remove stents from paediatric patients due to disproportion between a previously implanted stent and the growing vessel may be avoided by the use of a breakable stent.

Fatal complete atrioventricular block as a complication of bacterial sepsis in a premature newborn.

We report on a premature infant with a body weight < 900 g who developed complete heart block as a complication of Enterobacter bacteremia. The infant could be successfully paced using a transcutaneous pacemaker for a limited time. Histopathological examination of the heart did not reveal any abnormalities of the specialized conduction system.

Biocompatibility screening in cardiovascular implants.

BACKGROUND: Interest in information on biocompatibility of implants is increasing. The purpose of this paper is to discuss methods and results of pathological biocompatibility screening of explanted cardiovascular implants. METHODS: Use of standard histology after embedding in paraffin is limited since metallic implants have to be removed during workup with disruption of the specimen. Alternatively, tissue blocks containing an implant can be embedded in methylmethacrylate or hydroxyethylmethacrylate and processed by sectioning with a diamond cutter and grinding, thus leaving the implant in situ and saving the tissue/implant interface for detection of local inflammatory reactions. Another important aspect of evaluation is the progress of thrombus organisation after initial fibrin clotting on the metal surface or in the inner part of occlusion devices. New methacrylate resins and embedding techniques allow for specific immunohistochemical staining of the specimen thus enabling characterisation of tissues surrounding the implant. Information on endothelialisation of the vascular surface of the implant can be obtained by means of immunohistochemistry or by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Illustrating the use of these technologies, we demonstrate findings in tissue specimens from animal studies with different types of devices (i.e. stents, occlusion devices). We present corresponding findings in human specimens with implants that were removed during corrective surgery for congenital heart defects. Early endothelialisation of the vascular surface was seen after implantation in all types of devices. Cells within occlusion devices could be characterised histologically and immunohistochemically as fibromuscular cells as seen in intimal hyperplasia after stent implantation. Inflammatory implant-host reactions ranged from mild to moderate (medical grade stainless steel, nitinol) to severe (polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]). CONCLUSIONS: With an optimal work-up of cardiovascular implants, ingrowth and endothelialisation as well as inflammatory reactions in the surrounding tissue can be assessed. This information allows evaluation of individual tissue reactions to the implant and may serve as valuable basis for optimisation of biocompatibility by implant modification.