Valorization of steelmaking slag and coal fly ash as amendments in combination with Betula pubescens for the remediation of a highly As- and Hg-polluted mining soil

Soil pollution by As and Hg is a pressing environmental issue given their persistence. The intricate removal processes and subsequent accumulation of these elements in soil adversely impact plant growth and pose risks to other organisms in the food chain and to underground aquifers. Here we assessed the effectiveness of non-toxic industrial byproducts, namely coal fly ash and steelmaking slag, as soil amendments, both independently and in conjunction with an organic fertilizer. This approach was coupled with a phytoremediation technique involving Betula pubescens to tackle soil highly contaminated. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate amendments' impact on the growth, physiology, and biochemistry of the plant. Additionally, a permeable barrier made of byproducts was placed beneath the soil to treat leachates. The application of the byproducts reduced pollutant availability, the production of contaminated leachates, and pollutant accumulation in plants, thereby promoting plant development and survival. Conversely, the addition of the fertilizer alone led to an increase in As accumulation in plants and induced the production of antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids and free proline. Notably, all amendments led to increased thiolic compound production without affecting chlorophyll synthesis. While fertilizer application significantly decreased parameters associated with oxidative stress, such as hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, no substantial reduction was observed after byproduct application. Thermal desorption analysis of the byproducts revealed Hg immobilization mechanisms, thereby indicating retention of this metalloid in the form of Hg chloride. In summary, the revalorization of industrial byproducts in the context of the circular economy holds promise for effectively immobilizing metal(loid)s in heavily polluted soils. Additionally, this approach can be enhanced through synergies with phytoremediation.

Mortality and severe neurological morbidity in extremely preterm growth-restricted fetuses

OBJECTIVE

To develop a model for the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in growth-restricted fetuses requiring delivery before 28 weeks in order to provide individualized patient counseling.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of singleton pregnancies with antenatal suspicion of fetal growth restriction requiring delivery before 28 weeks' gestation between January 2010 and January 2020 in six tertiary public hospitals in the Barcelona area, Spain. Separate predictive models for mortality only and mortality or severe neurological morbidity were created using logistic regression from variables available antenatally. For each model, predictive performance was evaluated using receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC)-curve analysis. Predictive models were validated externally in an additional cohort of growth-restricted fetuses from another public tertiary hospital with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 110 cases were included. The neonatal mortality rate was 37.3% and, among the survivors, the rate of severe neurological morbidity was 21.7%. The following factors were retained in the multivariate analysis as significant predictors of mortality: magnesium sulfate neuroprotection, gestational age at birth, estimated fetal weight, male sex and Doppler stage. This model had a significantly higher area under the ROC curve (AUC) compared with a model including only gestational age at birth (0.810 (95% CI, 0.730-0.889) vs 0.695 (95% CI, 0.594-0.795); P = 0.016). At a 20% false-positive rate, the model showed a sensitivity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of 66%, 80% and 66%, respectively. For the prediction of the composite adverse outcome (mortality or severe neurological morbidity), the model included: gestational age at birth, male sex and Doppler stage. This model had a significantly higher AUC compared with a model including only gestational age at birth (0.810 (95% CI, 0.731-0.892) vs 0.689 (95% CI, 0.588-0.799); P = 0.017). At a 20% false-positive rate, the model showed a sensitivity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of 55%, 63% and 74%, respectively. External validation of both models yielded similar AUCs that did not differ significantly from those obtained in the original sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Estimated fetal weight, fetal sex and Doppler stage can be combined with gestational age to improve the prediction of death or severe neurological sequelae in growth-restricted fetuses requiring delivery before 28 weeks. This approach may be useful for parental counseling and decision-making. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Clinical features and immune mechanisms directly linked to the altered liver function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of arthritis on liver function using different approaches in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed on 330 non-obese/non-T2DM subjects: 180 RA patients, 50 NAFLD non-RA patients, and 100 healthy donors (HDs). A longitudinal study was conducted on 50 RA patients treated with methotrexate for six months. Clinical and laboratory parameters and markers of liver disease were collected. Mechanistic studies were carried out in both the CIA mouse model and hepatocytes treated with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs).

RESULTS

RA patients have an increased risk of suffering from liver disease independent of obesity or T2DM. This risk was associated with factors such as insulin resistance, autoantibodies, inflammation, and component C3. Methotrexate treatment for six months was associated with liver abnormalities in those newly-diagnosed patients having CV risk factors. ACPAs induced a defective hepatocyte function, promoting IR and inflammation. The induction of arthritis in mice caused the infiltration of immune cells in the liver and increased inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic processes.

CONCLUSION

RA patients may experience mild to moderate liver inflammation due to the infiltration of T, B cells, and macrophages, and the action of ACPAs. This is independent of obesity or diabetes and linked to systemic inflammation, and disease activity levels. The negative effects of methotrexate on liver function could be restricted to the concomitant presence of cardiovascular risk factors.

Does drinking saccharin weaken an association of sweet with calories? Pre-exposure effects in flavor preference learning

The main aim of this experiment was to examine the claim that exposure to non-nutritive sweeteners weakens the formation of a sweet-calorie association. Three groups of food-deprived rats received training in which they drank an almond-flavored maltodextrin and saccharin solution. A final test phase assessed their preference for almond. The groups differed in preexposure prior to training. One was pre-exposed to saccharin, one to saccharin plus maltodextrin, and the third, control condition, received only water at this stage. When the rats continued under food deprivation for the test phase, the group exposed to the compound (saccharin plus maltodextrin) showed a weaker preference than the other two groups, while those pre-exposed to saccharin showed as strong a preference as the controls. When the test was conducted with the rats no longer food-deprived, only the water group showed a strong preference. These results support the proposal that rats can form both flavor-flavor and flavor-nutrient associations, expression of which will depend on motivational state. They did not find support for the suggestion that prior exposure to a non-nutritive sweetener can enhance subsequent learning about the nutritive properties of a sweet food.

Better Together: Volatile-Mediated Intraguild Effects on the Preference of Tuta absoluta and Trialeurodes vaporariorum for Tomato Plants

Plant-herbivore interactions have been extensively studied in tomato plants and their most common pests. Tomato plant chemical defenses, both constitutive and inducible, play a role in mediating these interactions. Damaged tomato plants alter their volatile profiles, affecting herbivore preferences between undamaged and damaged plants. However, previous studies on tomato volatiles and herbivore preferences have yielded conflicting results, both in the volatile chemistry itself as well as in the attraction/repellent herbivore response. This study revisits the volatile-mediated interactions between tomato plants and two of their main herbivores: the leafminer Tuta absoluta and the whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Tomato plant volatiles were analyzed before and after damage by each of these herbivores, and the preference for oviposition (T. absoluta) and settling (T. vaporariorum) on undamaged and damaged plants was assessed both after conspecific and heterospecific damage. We found that both insects consistently preferred damaged plants over undamaged plants. The emission of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) increased after T. absoluta damage but decreased after T. vaporariorum damage. While some of our findings are in line with previous reports, T. absoluta preferred to oviposit on plants damaged by conspecifics, which differs from earlier studies. A comparison of HIPVs emitted after damage by T. absoluta and T. vaporariorum revealed differences in up- or down-regulation, as well as significant variations in specific compounds (12 for T. absoluta and 26 for T. vaporariorum damaged-plants). Only two compounds, β-caryophyllene and tetradecane, significantly varied because of damage by either herbivore, in line with the overall variation of the HIPV blend. Differences in HIPVs and herbivore preferences may be attributed to the distinct feeding habits of both herbivores, which activate different defensive pathways in plants. The plant's challenge in simultaneously activating both defensive pathways may explain the preference for heterospecific damaged plants found in this study, which are also in line with our own observations in greenhouses.

[Translated article] Implementation of the standardized process of drug therapy evaluation in inpatients and outpatients

OBJECTIVES

The Pharmacotherapeutic follow-up program (PFU) carried out by the clinical pharmacist can be categorized within 3 fundamental activities; identification, resolution and prevention of adverse drug events. These must be adjusted to the requirements and resources of each institution, developing procedures to increase PFU efficiency and to guarantee patient safety. The clinical pharmacists of UC-CHRISTUS Healthcare Network developed a Standardized Pharmacotherapeutic Evaluation Process (SPEP). The main goal of our study is to evaluate the impact of this tool through the pharmacist evaluation number and pharmacist interventions number. Secondarily to determine the potential and direct cost savings associated with the pharmacist interventions in an Intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study evaluated the frequency and type of pharmacist evaluation and pharmacist interventions performed by clinical pharmacists in adult patients units of UC-CHRISTUS Healthcare Network, before and after the implementation of SPEP. The distribution of variables was evaluated using the Shapiro-Wilk test and the association between the use of SPEP and the pharmacist evaluation and pharmacist interventions number was performed using the Chi-square test. The cost evaluation associated with pharmacist interventions in the ICU was carried out using methodology proposed by Hammond et al. RESULTS: A total number of 1781 patients was evaluated before and 2129 after the SPEP. The pharmacist evaluation and pharmacist interventions number in the before-SPEP period were 5209 and 2246. In the after-SPEP period were 6105 and 2641, respectively. The increase in both the pharmacist evaluation and pharmacist interventions number was significant only in critical care patients. The potential cost saving in after-SPEP period in the ICU was USD 492,805. Major adverse drug events prevention was the intervention that generated the most savings with a reduction of 60.2%. The total direct savings for sequential therapy was USD 8072 in the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows a clinical pharmacist developed tool called SPEP that increased the pharmacist evaluation and pharmacist interventions number in multiple clinical scenarios. These were significant only in critical care patients. Future investigations should make effort to evaluate the quality and clinical impact of these interventions.

Correlating Eucalyptus leaf metabolomics with preference of the bronze bug, Thaumastocoris peregrinus

Eucalyptus species are among the most planted trees in forestry production, an ever-increasing commercial activity worldwide. Forestry expansion demands a continuous search for preventive and sanitary measures against pests and diseases. Massive application of phytosanitary products is incompatible with the forestry sector, so forest health management must be based on other principles. In this context, studies on insect plant relationships mediated by plant metabolites may contribute information relevant to plant resistance and genotype selection. In this study, we analyzed the leaf metabolome of four Eucalyptus species commonly planted in southern South America, to correlate this chemical information with feeding preference of Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae), an important pest of eucalypt plantations. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses were performed on polar and non-polar leaf extracts from Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus robusta, and Eucalyptus tereticornis (Myrtaceae). Feeding preferences were assessed in two-choice laboratory bioassays resulting in a preference gradient of the four plant species. Moreover, a performance bioassay where we contrasted survival and development time between the most and least preferred plants, showed a clear correlation with preference both in survival and developmental time of the most susceptible nymph instar. We found that species with high or low feeding preferences differ significantly in several foliar metabolites, which may be acting as feeding stimulants or deterrents for T. peregrinus. These findings may provide useful criteria for choosing Eucalyptus genotypes when planting in bronze bug infested areas.

Thrombectomy with embed aspiration in acute ischaemic stroke

BACKGROUND

In addition to stent retrievers, direct aspiration has become a reasonable thrombectomy strategy.

OBJECTIVES

We carried out the thrombectomy by guiding the aspiration catheter fully over the clot and performing immediate manual aspiration; we call this procedure "embed aspiration".

METHODS

In this prospective, non-randomised, single-centre study, we included all patients treated at a high volume-of-care stroke centre between 2017 and 2018 for the TRIANA (Thrombectomy in Andalusia using Aspiration) registry. Thrombectomy was carried out by embed aspiration. Patients were classified according to the success (eTICI 2b67-2c-3) or failure (eTICI 0-1-2a-2b50) of the procedure. Baseline clinical data and outcomes were compared, and multivariate analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The embed aspiration technique was used in 370 patients. Treatment was successful in 90.3% of patients. Mean puncture-to-recanalisation time was 25 minutes. The overall rate of good outcomes (mRS 0-2) at 3 months was 64%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports real-life evidence that standardised embed aspiration may be an alternative to stent retrievers for thrombectomy.

[Spontaneous pulmonary hematoma in patients with COVID-19]

The disease caused by Sars-Cov-2 (Covid-19) has become a worldwide pandemic and consequently a public health problem. Multiple complications associated with Covid-19 have been described, including coagulation abnormalities. Although the infection is known to induce a prothrombotic state, hemorrhagic complications have also been reported in patients with Covid-19, especially in anticoagulated patients. We present two cases of spontaneous pulmonary hematoma in patients with Covid-19 undergoing anticoagulant treatment. We aim to describe this complication, which although uncommon, should be taken into account in anticoagulated patients with Covid-19.

Has stroke mortality stopped declining in Spain?

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the changes in stroke mortality trends in Spain by autonomous community and by sex during the period 1980-2016, using joinpoint regression models.

METHODS

Mortality data were obtained from the Spanish National Statistics Institute. Crude and standardised rates were calculated for each Spanish autonomous community, and for each sex. Joinpoint analysis was used to identify the best-fitting points showing a statistically significant change in the trend.

RESULTS

Joinpoint analysis enabled us to differentiate between communities in which mortality rates showed a continuous decline throughout the study period in both sexes (Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and Leon, Ceuta, and Melilla) or in men only (Extremadura). In men, in all those communities in which changes in the trend were observed (all but Aragon, the Balearic Islands, and Murcia, where rates remained stable), we observed an initial period of decline (ranging from -3.4% in Catalonia and Extremadura, to -6.0% in Madrid) and a final period where the trends diverged: mortality rates continued to fall in Andalusia, Aragon, the Balearic Islands, and Madrid, but began to stabilise in Castile-La Mancha and Murcia and to increase in the Canary Islands. In women, in those communities where changes were observed (all but Aragon, Murcia, and the Basque Country, where rates remained stable), we observed an initial period of decline (ranging from -3.1% in Catalonia to -6.4% in Navarre) and a final period where divergent trends were observed: rates continued to decline in Andalusia, Aragon, Catalonia, Galicia, Madrid, and the Basque Country, but began to stabilise in Extremadura and Murcia and to increase in the Canary Islands.

CONCLUSIONS

Current data show that stroke mortality rates have decreased (in women in Andalusia), stabilised (in both sexes in Murcia, in men in Castile-La Mancha, and in women in Extremadura), and have even reversed (in both sexes in the Canary Islands). Further study is needed to identify the causes of these trends.

Zero valent iron nanoparticles and organic fertilizer assisted phytoremediation in a mining soil: Arsenic and mercury accumulation and effects on the antioxidative system of Medicago sativa L

Zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) attract interest given their effectiveness in soil remediation. However, little attention has been given to their impacts on plants. Likewise, although fertilizers are commonly used to enhance phytoremediation, their effects on As mobilization, resulting in potential toxic effects, require further study. In this context, we examined the impact of As and Hg accumulation on the antioxidative system of Medicago sativa grown in a soil amended with organic fertilizer and/or nZVI. The experiment consisted of 60 pots. Plants were pre-grown and transferred to pots, which were withdrawn along time for monitoring purposes. As and Hg were monitored in the soil-plant system, and parameters related to oxidative stress, photosynthetic pigments, and non-protein thiol compounds (NPTs) were measured. In general, the application of nZVI immobilized As in soil and increased Hg accumulation in the plant, although it surprisingly decreased oxidative stress. Plants in nZVI-treated soil also showed an increase in NPT content in roots. In contrast, the application of the fertilizer mobilized As, thereby improving bioaccumulation factors. However, when combining fertilizer with nZVI, the As accumulation is mitigated. This observation reveals that simultaneous amendments are a promising approach for soil stabilization and the phytomanagement of As/Hg-polluted soils.

Molecular Relationships in Biofilm Formation and the Biosynthesis of Exoproducts in Pseudoalteromonas spp

Most members of the Pseudoalteromonas genus have been isolated from living surfaces as members of epiphytic and epizooic microbiomes on marine macroorganisms. Commonly Pseudoalteromonas isolates are reported as a source of bioactive exoproducts, i.e., secondary metabolites, such as exopolymeric substances and extracellular enzymes. The experimental conditions for the production of these agents are commonly associated with sessile metabolic states such as biofilms or liquid cultures in the stationary growth phase. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms that connect biofilm formation and the biosynthesis of exoproducts in Pseudoalteromonas isolates have rarely been mentioned in the literature. This review compiles empirical evidence about exoproduct biosynthesis conditions and molecular mechanisms that regulate sessile metabolic states in Pseudoalteromonas species, to provide a comprehensive perspective on the regulatory convergences that generate the recurrent coexistence of both phenomena in this bacterial genus. This synthesis aims to provide perspectives on the extent of this phenomenon for the optimization of bioprospection studies and biotechnology processes based on these bacteria.

Has stroke mortality stopped declining in Spain?

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the changes in stroke mortality trends in Spain by autonomous community and by sex during the period 1980-2016, using joinpoint regression models.

METHODS

Mortality data were obtained from the Spanish National Statistics Institute. Crude and standardised rates were calculated for each Spanish autonomous community, and for each sex. Joinpoint analysis was used to identify the best-fitting points showing a statistically significant change in the trend.

RESULTS

Joinpoint analysis enabled us to differentiate between communities in which mortality rates showed a continuous decline throughout the study period in both sexes (Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and Leon, Ceuta, and Melilla) or in men only (Extremadura). In men, in all those communities in which changes in the trend were observed (all but Aragon, the Balearic Islands, and Murcia, where rates remained stable), we observed an initial period of decline (ranging from -3.4% in Catalonia and Extremadura, to -6.0% in Madrid) and a final period where the trends diverged: mortality rates continued to fall in Andalusia, Aragon, the Balearic Islands, and Madrid, but began to stabilise in Castile-La Mancha and Murcia and to increase in the Canary Islands. In women, in those communities where changes were observed (all but Aragon, Murcia, and the Basque Country, where rates remained stable), we observed an initial period of decline (ranging from -3.1% in Catalonia to -6.4% in Navarre) and a final period where divergent trends were observed: rates continued to decline in Andalusia, Aragon, Catalonia, Galicia, Madrid, and the Basque Country, but began to stabilise in Extremadura and Murcia and to increase in the Canary Islands.

CONCLUSIONS

Current data show that stroke mortality rates have decreased (in women in Andalusia), stabilised (in both sexes in Murcia, in men in Castile-La Mancha, and in women in Extremadura), and have even reversed (in both sexes in the Canary Islands). Further study is needed to identify the causes of these trends.

Multicenter Retrospective Registry of Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms with Endovascular Therapy (MACAARET): safety and efficacy study according to morphological considerations and spatial orientations

AIM

To analyse the safety and efficacy parameters of endovascular treatment of anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms, according to their morphological considerations and three-dimensional orientation in a multicentric registry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of a prospective database of consecutive patients that underwent endovascular embolisation for ACoA aneurysm in four high-volume neuroradiology interventional departments. The study has been registered in ClinicalTrial.gov. Data were collected regarding the clinico-demographic variables of the patients, anatomical variations of the circle of Willis, morphological considerations and spatial orientation of ACoA aneurysms were recorded. Safety and efficacy variables were also recorded. Associations between anatomical variations of the circle of Willis, morphological considerations, and spatial orientation of the ACoA aneurysms and safety and efficacy variables were assessed.

RESULTS

Data from 122 consecutive patients were collected in the MACAARET study (mean age (±SD) was 55 (±14) and 50.8% (62/122) were male). One hundred and five patients (86.1%) presented with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). ACoA aneurysms with a neck size of >4 mm had less chance of having successful endovascular treatment than those of ≤4 mm (19.8% versus 46.7%; p=0.002) and were also more likely to recanalise during follow-up (61.5% versus 19.5%; p=0.003). Moreover, ACoA aneurysms with an aspect ratio of >1.7 had more chance of having immediate therapeutic success than those with a ratio of ≤1.7 (70.7% versus 44.8%; p=0.012). There were no other associations between the anatomical variables of the ACoA aneurysms and the safety-efficacy variables.

CONCLUSION

ACoA aneurysms are suitable for both endovascular and microsurgical approaches, but more data are required to determine which is the best approach regarding the morphological and spatial orientation of the aneurysm and the anatomical variations of the circle of Willis.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the external ear: 170 cases treated with Mohs surgery

INTRODUCTION

Squamous cell carcinoma of the ear (SCC-E) shows high rates of local recurrence (LR) and lymph node metastases (NM). SCC-E is the leading cause of death from nonmelanoma skin cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the LR and NM rates and survival after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We treated 170 invasive SCC-E with MMS with a mean follow up of 48 months. Mean age was 76 years, 93.2% were male patients, mean size: 1.5 cm, and 61.8% of the tumours were well differentiated.

RESULTS

We observed 5 LRs, 2 locoregional recurrences, and 16 NMs in 23 patients. LR and NM rates were 4.1% and 10.6%, respectively. Only 3/25 recurrences occurred after 2 years of follow up. We observed 1(0.6%) distant metastasis (DM) in a patient who also presented LR + NM. Six out of seven cases with LR and 8/18 with NM died of disease, regardless of aggressive surgical rescue with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. Five-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and disease-specific survival were 81%, 82.6%, and 89.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Undeniably, the outcome in SCC-E is determined by locoregional control. DM are sporadic and rarely the cause of death. Systematic reviews and retrospective studies show a solid trend in favor of MMS vs surgical excision. The LR rate of this series (4.1%) is one of the lowest published to date with regard to SCC-E, and confirms this assertion. We observed 10.6% NMs according to other series that treated the whole spectrum of SCC-E. Almost 2/3 of patients with NMs die after therapeutic rescue. We believe that it is essential to identify prognostic factors to select patients for one of the following: close surveillance (ultrasonography) during the first 2 years after surgery, sentinel node biopsy, or elective treatment of the nodes (surgery or radiotherapy).

An extended statically equivalent serial chain-Identification of whole body center of mass with dynamic motion

BACKGROUND

Tracking the whole body center of mass (CoM) trajectory of balance-impaired individuals with a personalized model is useful in the development of customized fall prevention strategies. A personalized CoM estimate can be obtained using the statically equivalent serial chain (SESC) method, but the subject has to perform an identification procedure to determine the set of subject-specific SESC parameters. During this identification, the subject must hold a series of static poses, some of which are unsuitable for balanced-impaired individuals.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Can non-static poses be used to replace the static poses during SESC parameter identification?

METHODS

A new method that extends the range of postures used to determine SESC parameters is presented. It takes advantage of CoM dynamics and can be executed by predominantly using dynamic motions with a few static frames. Furthermore, it is implemented using a Kalman filter to allow automatic switching between the dynamic and static models. The proposed method was tested with motion data obtained from seven healthy adults using a Vicon motion capture system and an AMTI force platform.

RESULTS

We found that dynamic motions could be used to estimate the SESC parameter and even reproduce ground reaction forces; however a small number of static poses are still required to determine the subject's CoM position. The SESC-based CoM estimate obtained with this new approach was similar to that obtained using conventional full-static identification, except that the subject did not have to assume and maintain static poses.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our proposed extension of the conventional SESC method would facilitate its application in the field of neuro-rehabilitation, especially in patients who need balance training. This personalized CoM method could be applicable for patients who are not able to maintain a static posture. In addition, this method helps minimize the total identification time by increasing the number of usable recorded frames.

Self-Tuning Extended Kalman Filter Parameters to Identify Ankle's Third-Order Mechanics

The estimation of human ankle's mechanical impedance is an important tool for modeling human balance. This work presents the implementation of a parameter-estimation approach based on a state-augmented extended Kalman filter (AEKF) to infer the ankle's mechanical impedance during quiet standing. However, the AEKF filter is sensitive to the initialization of the noise covariance matrices. In order to avoid a time-consuming trial-and-error method and to obtain a better estimation performance, a genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to best tune the measurement noise (Rk) and process noise covariances (Q) of the extended Kalman filter (EKF). Results using simulated data show the efficacy of the proposed algorithm for parameter-estimation of a third-order biomechanical model. Experimental validation of these results is also presented. They suggest that age is an influencing factor in the human balance.

Treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma of the head and neck with Mohs surgery with paraffin sections

INTRODUCTION

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, low-grade mesenchymal skin tumor. Complete surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment. Head and neck (HN) DFSP features high local recurrence (LR) rates with wide local excision (WLE) due to both anatomical limitations and functional and cosmetic concerns. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) allows complete margin control and is particularly suitable for HN-DFSPs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2000 and 2018, 103 DFSP were managed with MMS; 41 (39.8%) were in the HN. Our case series included 23 females (56.1%); mean age: 44.5 yrs. The most frequent sites were the supraclavicular area (10) and forehead (9). Mean size: 5.1 cm (6-16). Previous surgery: 43.9%. We have used permanent-tissue MMS (27 cases) since 2006.

RESULTS

Mean first layer lateral margin: 1.6 cm. Negative margins after first and second stage: 51.2% and 92.7%, respectively. Mean follow-up: 92.6 months (16-225). LR: 1(2.4%). We observed no regional or distant metastasis.

DISCUSSION

We conducted a literature search in PubMed for HN-DFSP and found that this seems to be the largest published series to date. In terms of LR, a substantial difference between WLE 62.5% (9-73%) and MMS 0.8% (0-2.4%) was seen. Forty-one HN-DFSP with unfavorable prognostic factors (mean size: 5.1 cm, previous treatment: 43.9%) were treated. LR: 1(2.4%). Mean follow-up: 92.6 months. Randomized controlled trials are needed, though not likely to be conducted, mainly because of the rarity of HN-DFSP, the need for a long follow-up, and the lack of MMS availability in some institutions. We consider MMS to be the standard treatment for HN-DFSP due to its high cure rate and tissue sparing. Modified WLE with complete margin control appears to be a comparable strategy.

Inclusión de forrajes con distinta relación de fibra soluble e insoluble en la dieta de cerdos

Se evaluó la inclusión progresiva de dos forrajes con diferente contenido en fibra soluble (FS), en dietas de cerdos desde la recría a la terminación. Los tratamientos fueron: dieta base testigo (T0) formulada en base a maíz y harina de soja; dieta base con alfalfa (T1) (Medicago sativa var. Chaná) o con achicoria (T2) (Cichorium intibus var. Lacerta) para las fases (F) de recría I (F1, 40-60 kg de PV), recría II (F2, 60-80 kg de PV) y terminación (F3, 80 a 100 kg de PV). Se utilizaron 27 animales con un peso inicial de 42 kg (± 2.3), en un diseño de parcelas al azar en tres tratamientos con nueve repeticiones. El peso final y la ganancia diaria no difirieron entre tratamientos. El consumo de Fibra Dietaria fue mayor en los tratamientos con forraje (P

The Barcelona-Asymptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis (AsIA) study: Subclinical cervico-cerebral stenosis and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index as predictors of long-term incident cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We aimed to study subclinical non-invasive vascular markers as predictors of incident long-term cognitive impairment in a longitudinal population-based study.

METHODS

The Barcelona-Asymptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis (AsIA) study is a population-based study that included a random sample of 933 Caucasian subjects (mean age 66 years, 64% male) with a moderate-high vascular risk and without history of stroke or dementia. Subclinical carotid and intracranial stenosis was assessed at baseline visit by cervical and transcranial color-coded duplex (TCCD) and confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography. Cervico-cerebral stenosis (CCS) was defined as the presence of extra and/or intracranial stenosis >50%. Baseline middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA-PI) was measured bilaterally by TCCD, and mean PI of both sides was considered for analyses. Subjects were followed-up to determine incident long-term cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment or dementia).

RESULTS

After a median of 7.16 [6.91-7.75] years of follow-up, 91 subjects (9.7%) developed cognitive impairment, 27 of them mild cognitive impairment, and 64 dementia. Incidence of cognitive impairment was significantly higher among subjects with subclinical CCS (21.4% versus 9% in those without CCS) and among those with mean MCA-PI>1 (13.5% versus 7.4% in those with MCA-PI<1). In multivariate Cox regression analyses, both CCS and MCA-PI>1 were independently associated with incident cognitive impairment with HR of 2.07 [1.11-3.88] and 1.58 [1.02-2.46], respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Subclinical cervico-cerebral stenosis and higher MCA-PI are non-invasive neurosonological markers of incident long-term cognitive impairment in our population.

Noxious effects of selected food-occurring oxidized amino acids on differentiated CACO-2 intestinal human cells

The harmful effects of food-occurring oxidized amino acids, namely, aminoadipic acid (AAA), dityrosine (DTYR), L-kynurenine (KN), kynurenic acid (KA) and 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT), were studied on differentiated CACO-2 cells by flow cytometry and quantification of glutathione (GSH), and allysine. Cells were exposed to food-relevant doses (200 μM) of each compound for 4 or 72h and compared to a control (no stimulated cells). All oxidized amino acids induced apoptosis and results indicated that underlying mechanisms depended on the chemical nature of the species. AAA, KN and KA caused ROS generation and severe oxidative stress in 96%, 98% and 89% of exposed cells (77% in control cells), leading to significant GSH depletion and allysine accretion (1.5, 1.5 and 1.6 nmol allysine/mg protein, respectively at 4h; control: 0.22 nmol/mg protein; p < 0.05). DTYR and 3NT induced significant apoptosis to 29% and 25% of cells (control: 16%; p < 0.05) and necrosis to 28% and 26% of cells (control: 23%) at 72h by ROS-independent mechanisms. KN and KA were found to induce a cycle arrest effect on CACO-2 cells. These findings emphasize the potential harmful effects of the intake of oxidized proteins and amino acids and urge the necessity of carrying out further molecular studies.

SAT0322 PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: RESULTS FROM RESCLE REGISTRY

Background:

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is a very common finding in heart involvement in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence, risk factors and mortality associated with LVDD in a cohort of patients with SSc.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted with data from the multicentre Spanish Scleroderma Registry (RESCLE). A case-control study was performed to identify factors associated with LVDD.

Results:

Out of 1517 cases of SSc, 319 (21%) developed LVDD. Basal characteristics are shown in Table 1. In multivariate analysis, LVDD was associated to older age at diagnosis of SSc [54 vs 44 years, OR 1.05 (1,04-1.06)], presence of telangiectasia [67 vs 59%, OR 1.42 (1,88-1.08)], and treatment with calcium channel blockers [50 vs. 45%, OR 1.55 (1.16-1.96)], and inversely correlated to treatment with ACE inhibitors [74 vs. 83%, OR 0.59 (0.44-0.8)]. Mortality was increased in patients with LVDD (24 vs 17%, OR 1.4, p = 0.01). Kaplan–Meier cumulative survival for the SSc cohort, according to the presence or absence of LVDD showed significant differences in 30 years from the first SSc symptom (59 vs. 70%, p = 0.04).

Table 1.Number of patients1517319 (21%)1198 (79%)PLimited SSc923 (61%)201 (63%)722 (60%)0.438Diffuse SSc304 (20%)51 (16%)253 (21%)0.041Sine Sclerodema SSc174 (11%)47 (15%)127 (11%)0.048Age at disease onset(years) med±SD46.4±16.554.1±15.944.5±16.1<0.001Arterial hypertensión491 (33%)148 (48%)343 (30%)<0.001Digital ulcers615 (41%)108 (34%)507 (42%)0.006Telangiectasia918 (61%)212 (67%)706 (59%)0.011Interstitial lung disease645 (43%)153 (48%)492 (41%)0.021Pulmonary hypertension139 (9.2%)34 (11%)105 (8.8%)0.325Capillaroscopy Slow pattern673 (51%)130 (46%)543 (53%)0.038Centromere Antibodies679 (49%)154 (55%)525 (48%)0.032

Conclusion:

In our cohort, LVDD is relative common in SSc patients, and it is associated with older age at diagnosis, treatment with calcium channel blockers and telangiectasia. ACE inhibitors could play a protective role against the development of LVDD. Mortality is higher in SSc patients with LVDD, and is more significative over time.

References:

[1]Tennøe AHet al. Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Predicts Mortality in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;72:1804-13

Disclosure of Interests:

Andrés González: None declared, Jose Luis Patier: None declared, Mónica López-Rodríguez: None declared, Alfredo Guillén del Castillo: None declared, Manuel Rubio-Rivas: None declared, Ana Argibay: None declared, Begoña Marí-Alfonso: None declared, Antonio-J Chamorro: None declared, Ana Belén Madroñero-Vuelta: None declared, Eduardo L. Callejas-Moraga: None declared, Cristina González-Echávarri: None declared, Norberto Ortego: None declared, Vicent Fonollosa-Pla Consultant of: Actelion pharmaceuticals, GSK, MSD., Carmen Pilar Simeón-Aznar Consultant of: Actelion pharmaceuticals, GSK, MSD., on behalf of RESCLE Investigators, Autoimmune Diseases Study Group (GEAS): None declared

THU0548 THE ECONOMIC BURDEN OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS IN SPAIN. RESULTS OF THE SPANISH ATLAS 2017

Background:

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a disease associated with a high number of comorbidities, chronic pain, functional disability, and resource consumption.

Objectives:

This study aimed to estimate the burden of disease for patients diagnosed with AS in Spain.

Methods:

Data from 578 unselected patients with AS were collected in 2016 for the Spanish Atlas of Axial Spondyloarthritis via an online survey. The estimated costs were: Direct Health Care Costs (borne by the National Health System, NHS) and Direct Non-Health Care Costs (borne by patients) were estimated with the bottom-up method, multiplying the resource consumption by the unit price of each resource. Indirect Costs (labour productivity losses) were estimated using the human capital method. Costs were compared between levels of disease activity using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) score (<4 or low inflammation versus ≥4 or high inflammation) and risk of mental distress using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) score (<3 or low risk versus ≥3 or high risk).

Results:

The average annual cost per patient with AS in 2015 amounted to €11,462.3 (± 13,745.5) per patient. Direct Health Care Cost meant an annual average of €6,999.8 (± 9,216.8) per patient, to which an annual average of €611.3 (± 1,276.5) per patient associated with Direct Non-Health Care Cost borne by patients must be added. Pharmacological treatment accounted for the largest percentage of the costs borne by the NHS (64.6%), while for patients most of the cost was attributed to rehabilitative therapies and/or physical activity (91%). The average annual Indirect Costs derived from labour productivity losses were €3,851.2 (± 8,484.0) per patient, mainly associated to absenteeism. All categories showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between BASDAI groups (<4 vs ≥4) except for the Direct Non-Healthcare Cost, showing a progressive rise in cost from low to high inflammation. Regarding the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), all categories showed statistically significant differences between GHQ-12 (<3 vs ≥3), with higher costs associated with higher risk of poor mental health (Table 1).

Table 1.

Average annual costs per patient according to BASDAI and GHQ-12 groups (in Euros, 2015)

NDirect Health CostsDirect Non-Health CostsIndirect CostsTotal CostBASDAI<4917,592.0*557.32,426.5*10,575.8*≥43769,706.9*768.05,104.8*15,579.7*Psychological distress (GHQ-12)<31468,146.8*493.6*3,927.2*12,567.6*≥32609,772.9*807.2*4,512.3*15,092.5*Total5786,999.8611.33,851.211,462.3

* p <0.05

Conclusion:

Direct Health Care Costs, and those attributed to pharmacological treatment in particular, accounted for the largest component of the cost associated with AS. However, a significant proportion of the overall costs can be further attributed to labour productivity losses.

Acknowledgments:

Funded by Novartis Farmacéutica S.A.

Disclosure of Interests:

María Merino: None declared, Olta Braçe: None declared, Almudena González: None declared, Álvaro Hidalgo-Vega: None declared, Marco Garrido-Cumbrera: None declared, Jordi Gratacos-Masmitja Grant/research support from: a grant from Pfizzer to study implementation of multidisciplinary units to manage PSA in SPAIN, Consultant of: Pfizzer, MSD, ABBVIE, Janssen, Amgen, BMS, Novartis, Lilly, Speakers bureau: Pfizzer, MSD, ABBVIE, Janssen, Amgen, BMS, Novartis, Lilly

Best Practice Framework of Fracture Liaison Services in Spain and their coordination with Primary Care

The coordination of Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) with Primary Care (PC) is necessary for the continuity of care of patients with fragility fractures. This study proposes a Best Practice Framework (BPF) and performance indicators for the implementation and follow-up of FLS-PC coordination in clinical practice in Spain.

PURPOSE

To develop a BPF for the coordination of FLS with PC in Spain and to improve the continuity of care for patients with fragility fractures.

METHODS

A Steering Committee selected experts from seven Spanish FLS and related PC doctors and nurses to participate in a best practice workshop. Selection criteria were an active FLS with an identified champion and prior contact with PC centres linked to the hospital. The main aim of the workshop was to review current FLS practices in Spain and their integration with PC. A BPF document with processes, tools, roles, and metrics was then generated.

RESULTS

Spanish FLS consists of a multidisciplinary team of physicians/nurses but with low participation of other professionals and PC staff. Evaluation and treatment strategies are widely variable. Four desired standards were agreed upon: (1) Effective channels for FLS-PC communication; (2) minimum contents of an FLS clinical report and its delivery to PC; (3) adherence monitoring 3 months after FLS baseline visit; and (4) follow-up by PC. Proposed key performance indicators are (a) number of FLS-PC communications, including consensus protocols; (b) confirmation FLS report received by PC; (c) medical/nursing PC appointment after FLS report received; and (d) number of training sessions in PC.

CONCLUSIONS

The BPF provides a comprehensive approach for FLS-PC coordination in Spain, to promote the continuity of care in patients with fragility fractures and improve secondary prevention. The implementation of BPF recommendations and performance indicator tracking will benchmark best FLS practices in the future.

Social withdrawal and suicide risk: A descriptive study

Introduction

Social withdrawal is a major health problem that has been related with higher morbidity and mortality rates. There are few studies about the relationship between suicidal behavior and social isolation.

Aim

To describe the existence of suicidal risk in subjects with social isolation.

Method

Participants were 187 subjects referred to a Crisis Resolution Home Treatment because of social isolation. The inclusion criteria were: home isolation, avoiding of social situations and relationships, for at least 6 months. Suicide risk was assessed by the item of the Severity of Psychiatric Illness, dividing in four groups (from absence to high suicide risk). Socio-demographic and clinical data were also analysed.

Results

Most cases (n = 132, 70.5%) had absence of suicide risk. They were predominantly young males in all groups. There were no statistically significant differences in sociodemographic or clinical variables. The mean age at onset of social isolation was lower in the high suicide risk group, having lower socially withdrawn period. This group had also lower rates of child abuse and suicide attempt history. The more frequent diagnosis in all groups was psychotic, affective and anxiety disorders. Those cases with mild and high suicide risk needed more frequently hospitalization.

Conclusions

Social isolated people attended by CRHT do not have high frequency of suicide risk. Cases with higher suicide risk are younger and have a shorter period of isolation. The absence of child abuse history or previous suicide attempts contrasts with previous suicidal behavior research. These data can be influenced by the characteristics of functioning of CRHT and the small sample size.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Abstract P4-10-17: Baseline and pharmacodynamic changes of circulating exosomal microRNAs predict early versus late progression to palbociclib plus endocrine therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer. A sub-analysis of the PARSIFAL-1 trial

BACKGROUND: Palbociclib in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) is the first- or second-line standard of care for patients (pts) with hormone receptor (HR)-positive (+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative (-) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). No clinically validated markers of long-term benefit from palbociclib have been established and the clinically relevant resistance mechanisms to cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 inhibitors remain undefined. In the present study, we explored candidate circulating exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) as putative predictors of benefit and/or resistance to palbociclib in combination with ET in pts included in the PARSIFAL-1 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02491983). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PARSIFAL-1 was a randomized, open-label, phase II trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of palbociclib plus either fulvestrant or letrozole in HR+/HER2- MBC pts. For the study of exosomal miRNAs, forty-five consenting pts were selected based on primary endocrine resistance according to the ABC-4 criteria. Nine pts who progressed within the first six months after treatment initiation in the absence of an objective response were considered Resistant and thirty-six pts who progressed more than six months after starting therapy were classified as Sensitive. Exosomes were isolated from plasma samples collected at study entry (baseline) and after 12 weeks of treatment initiation. Differences in miRNA expression between Resistant and Sensitive pts as well as miRNA pharmacodynamic changes between baseline and 12-week samples were assessed. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was isolated using the miRNeasy plasma kit and the library preparation was done using the QIAseq miRNA library kit according to manufacturer’s instructions. All experiments were conducted at QIAGEN Genomic Services in Germany. Differential expression of miRNA between different conditions was studied using EdgeR statistical software package from Bioconductor. Estimated p-values for significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were adjusted using Benjamini-Hochberg’s False Discovery Rate (FDR). Differences in expression of miRNA with an FDR below 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Sequencing of exosomal RNA and preparation of miRNA libraries were successful for all included samples, with good technical performance. On average, 2.8 million Unique Molecular Index-corrected reads were obtained for each sample and the average percentage of mappable reads was 34.5%. Overall, expression of miRNAs was higher in Resistant compared with Sensitive pts. Eight miRNAs were called as differentially expressed between the two groups. Four miRNAs (miR-1246; miR-375; miR-193a-5p; miR-181d-5p) were differentially expressed at baseline, three (miR-196a-5p, miR-200a-3p, miR-320d) were differentially expressed at 12 weeks, and expression of one miRNA (miR-141-3p) was consistently higher across both time points in Resistant pts. Significant pharmacodynamic changes in miRNA expression were observed both in Resistant and Sensitive pts. Seven miRNAs (miR-224-5p, miR-16-5p, let-7a-5p, miR-381-3p, miR-200c-3p, miR-493-3p, let-7b-5p) in Sensitive pts and three miRNAs (miR-223-3p, miR-126-3p, miR-320b) in Resistant pts were differentially expressed between baseline and 12-week samples. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating exosomal miRNA profiling is feasible in liquid biopsies from MBC pts. Differential expression of selected miRNAs at baseline or their pharmacodynamic modulation may predict benefit from palbociclib combined with ET in pts with HR+/HER2- MBC. Validation of the most promising miRNAs by custom quantitative PCR is warranted.

Citation Format: David Casadevall, Joan Albanell Mestres, Federico Rojo, Beatríz Bellosillo, Abel González, Violeta Serra, Meritxell Bellet, Miguel Angel Gil, Miquel Angel Pujana, Angelo Gámez, Enrique Espinosa, Peter Schmid, Joseph Gligorov, Frederik Marmé, Carlos L. Arteaga, Leonardo Mina, Andrea Malfettone, Miguel Sampayo, José Manuel Pérez-García, Javier Cortés, Antonio Llombart-Cussac. Baseline and pharmacodynamic changes of circulating exosomal microRNAs predict early versus late progression to palbociclib plus endocrine therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer. A sub-analysis of the PARSIFAL-1 trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-10-17.

Análisis biocinemático de locomoción y termografía aplicada en la raza camellar canaria

La comprensión anatómica y locomotora de los aires naturales del camello es un elemento esencial para su evaluación cinética y cinemática en tanto que constituyen herramientas de marcada predictibilidad del rendimiento funcional, gasto energético y respuesta al entrenamiento. El estudio biomecánico, en asociación con evaluaciones termográficas complementarias, permite la delimitación precisa de los factores de riesgo potencialmente asociados a lesiones músculo-esqueléticas derivadas del trabajo físico desarrollado por estos animales y en consideración de patologías de etiología multifactorial en la mayor parte de los casos. Competiciones de velocidad, exhibiciones lúdicas o paseos turísticos son algunas de las actividades motoras desempeñadas por camellos y que, en regiones geográficas concretas, se encuentran perfiladas por un marcado arraigo cultural. En el caso particular del camello canario (Camelus dromedarius), su uso actual está marginalmente relegado al sector turístico. En condición de raza autóctona amenazada, el ajuste sistematizado de registros de rendimiento locomotor enriquecerá la viabilidad y sostenibilidad de las acciones de conservación, cría selectiva y revalorización funcional de esta raza camellar.

Caracterización zoométrica y evaluación de la condición corporal en la raza camellar canaria

La conservación, mejora y uso racional de los recursos genéticos animales locales y su diversidad son propósitos prioritarios a nivel nacional e internacional de evidente carácter legítimo. Reconocida en situación de amenaza, la raza camellar canaria (Camelus dromedarius) se encuentra marginalmente reducida a las islas orientales del archipiélago. Su uso queda restringido fundamentalmente a la explotación turística y, de forma esporádica, a labores variadas en el ámbito agropecuario. La caracterización morfoestructural y zoométrica del camello canario es una tarea clave que permitirá la identificación de aquellos caracteres o rasgos fenotípicos implicados en la actividad productivo-económica de estos animales con el fin de recuperar posibles nuevos nichos funcionales. La presente propuesta metodológica se enmarca en un contexto de oportunidad y resurgimiento de una potencial industria de producción con el asentamiento de las bases para un programa de recuperación y cría selectiva de esta raza camellar a través de su sustentabilidad funcional.

Caracterización etológica de la raza camellar canaria

El interés creciente en la aplicación de las ciencias del comportamiento a la producción animal ha posibilitado el desarrollo progresivo de técnicas para el mejoramiento y ajuste de los sistemas de manejo con vistas a obtener rendimientos productivos elevados en el marco de la sostenibilidad. La reproducción selectiva y diferencial para rasgos conductuales específicos y deseables en la raza camellar canaria (Camelus dromedarius), previa caracterización etofuncional, puede aplicarse a lograr un incremento del valor adaptativo de los animales a las presiones de los sistemas de producción pecuaria en que se encuentran. Esta iniciativa se enmarca en un plan estratégico de conservación, mejora y fomento de una raza autóctona amenazada a través de vías alternativas de rentabilidad y utilización sostenibles de la raza y sus productos. La cualificación del equipo humano implicado, así como la optimización técnica y mecánica de las infraestructuras en los sistemas de producción camellar, se convierten en objetivos de consideración prioritaria en etología aplicada.

Faba bean-rapeseed silage as substitute for Italian ryegrass silage: effects on performance and milk quality of grazing dairy cows

Three trials were conducted to study the effect of including in the ration of dairy cows the intercrop faba bean-rapeseed or Italian ryegrass silages on feed intake, milk quality and enteric methane emissions. Ten lactating Holstein cows, randomly allocated in two groups, were used in each trial in a crossover design. Dry matter intake and milk yield were recorded daily for each data period. Milk was sampled for analyses three times per period. Enteric methane emission was estimated applying a model that includes bodyweight, dry matter intake, nutritional values of feeds and milk composition. Concentrate and grass intake did not differ between treatments, while total mixed ration intake was higher with Italian ryegrass silage. Milk yield and protein concentration also increased with the Italian ryegrass treatment. The milk urea concentration was higher with the faba bean and rapeseed diet. Fatty acid profiles were affected by feeding strategy. Thereby, t11 18:1, c9 18:1 and total unsaturated fatty acid were higher when the intercrop silage was fed. As consequence, atherogenicity index and thrombogenicity index were lower under that treatment. Estimated enteric methane emissions did not differ between treatments. In conclusion, faba bean-rapeseed intercrop can be an alternative to Italian ryegrass to feed dairy cows. The rations formulated with the intercrop silage have potential to improve the milk fatty acid content, and show healthier profiles for consumers. However, it would be useful to study the protein content of these crops to avoid possible excess urea in milk and to maintain sustainable milk yield and milk protein content.

Subgingival Microbiota and Longitudinal Glucose Change: The Oral Infections, Glucose Intolerance and Insulin Resistance Study (ORIGINS)

Microbial communities along mucosal surfaces throughout the digestive tract are hypothesized as risk factors for impaired glucose regulation and the development of clinical cardiometabolic disease. We investigated whether baseline measures of subgingival microbiota predicted fasting plasma glucose (FPG) longitudinally. The Oral Infections, Glucose Intolerance and Insulin Resistance Study (ORIGINS) enrolled 230 diabetes-free adults (77% female) aged 20 to 55 y (mean ± SD, 34 ± 10 y) from whom baseline subgingival plaque and longitudinal FPG were measured. DNA was extracted from subgingival plaque, and V3 to V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced. FPG was measured at baseline and again at 2 y; glucose change was defined as follow-up minus baseline. Multivariable linear models regressed 2-y glucose change onto baseline measures of community diversity and abundances of 369 individual taxa. A microbial dysbiosis index (MDI) summarizing top individual taxa associated with glucose change was calculated and used in regression models. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, smoking status, body mass index, and baseline glucose levels. Statistical significance was based on the false discovery rate (FDR; <0.05) or a Bonferroni-corrected P value of 1 × 10^-4, derived from the initial 369 hypothesis tests for specific taxa. Mean 2-y FPG change was 1.5 ± 8 mg/dL. Baseline levels of 9 taxa predicted FPG change (all FDR <0.05), among which Stomatobaculum sp oral taxon 097 and Atopobium spp predicted greater FPG change, while Leptotrichia sp oral taxon 498 predicted lesser FPG change (all 3 P values, Bonferroni significant). The MDI explained 6% of variation in longitudinal glucose change (P < 0.001), and baseline glucose levels explained 10% of variation (P < 0.0001). FPG change values ± SE in the third versus first tertile of the MDI were 4.5 ± 0.9 versus 1.6 ± 0.9 (P < 1 × 10^-4). Subgingival microbiota predict 2-y glucose change among diabetes-free men and women.

Diel Periodicity of 3-Methyl-2-Butenyl Butyrate Emissions by Bronze Bug Males Is Suppressed in the Presence of Females

The bronze bug, Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae), is an exotic emerging pest in Eucalyptus commercial forests in South America, Africa, and southern Europe. Information on the chemical communication system and reproductive ecology of this insect is scant, and it may be relevant for designing management strategies for eucalypt plantations. Males emit large amounts of 3-methyl-2-butenyl butyrate, which attracts conspecific adult males but not females. To learn more about the biological function of this putative male-produced pheromone, we quantified this compound in volatile emissions collected from males, females, and couples, in three 4-h collecting periods during the morning, afternoon, and night of a single 24-h cycle. Our results showed that virgin males emit 3-methyl-2-butenyl butyrate in a diel time pattern, with an almost sevenfold difference between the afternoon emission peak compared to morning or night hours. In addition, we show that in the presence of females, males emit the compound in the same amounts throughout the photocycle. While a definite function cannot yet be attributed to the emission of 3-methyl-2-butenyl butyrate by T. peregrinus males, our findings point to an intraspecific function, possibly one related to male-male competition.

Attraction of Male Nymphs to Adult Male Volatiles in the Bronze Bug Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellape (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae)

The bronze bug, Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellape (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae), is an exotic emerging pest in Eucalyptus commercial forests in South America, Africa and southern Europe. Information on the chemical communication system and reproductive ecology of this insect is scant, and it may be relevant for designing management strategies for eucalypt plantations. Adults and nymphs usually aggregate in the field, possibly by means of chemical signals. Males emit large amounts of 3-methyl-2-butenyl butyrate, which attracts conspecific adult males but not females. The ecological role of this putative male aggregation pheromone remains unknown. Here, we report olfactometer bioassays showing that late-instar male nymphs are also attracted to synthetic 3-methyl-2-butenyl butyrate and to adult male volatile extracts, which contain this compound as the major component. As previously shown for adult females, nymphs that moulted into females were not attracted to either volatile stimulus. The intra-gender attraction of nymphs and adults may be related to the exploitation of food resources, or as a reproductive strategy for newly emerged males. Further studies on the reproductive behaviour and mating system of T. peregrinus will contribute to understanding the ecological significance of male-male, adult-nymph attraction, as well as the practical applications that may result from these findings.