Epidemiological aspects, clinical management and short-term outcomes in elderly patients diagnosed with acute heart failure in the emergency department in Spain: results of the EDEN-34 study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence of acute heart failure (AHF) diagnosis in elderly patients in emergency departments (ED), diagnostic confirmation in hospitalized patients, and short-term adverse events.

METHODS

All patients aged ≥65 years attended in 52 Spanish EDs during 1 week were included and those diagnosed with AHF were selected. In hospitalized patients, those diagnosed with AHF at discharge were collected. As adverse events, in-hospital and 30-day mortality, and combined adverse event (death or hospitalization) at 30 days post-discharge were collected. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for association of demographic variables, baseline status and constants at ED arrival with mortality and 30-day post-discharge adverse event were calculated.

RESULTS

We included 1,155 patients with AHF (annual incidence: 26.5 per 1000 inhabitants ≥65 years, 95% CI: 25.0-28.1). In 86% the diagnosis of AHF was known at discharge. Overall 30-day mortality was 10.7% and in-hospital mortality was 7.9%, and the combined event in 15.6%. In-hospital and 30-day mortality was associated with arterial hypotension (adjusted OR: 74.0, 95% CI: 5.39-1015. and 42.6, 3.74-485, respectively and hypoxemia (2.14, 1.27-3.61; and 1.87, 1.19-2.93) on arrival at the ED and requiring assistance with ambulation (2.24, 1.04-4.83; and 2.48, 1.27-4.86) and age (per 10-year increment; 1.54, 1.04-2.29; and 1.60, 1.13-2.28). The combined post-discharge adverse event was not associated with any characteristic.

CONCLUSIONS

AHF is a frequent diagnosis in elderly patients consulting in the ED. The functional impairment, age, hypotension and hypoxemia are the factors most associated with mortality.

Lurbinectedin in patients with small cell lung cancer with chemotherapy-free interval ≥30 days and without central nervous metastases

OBJECTIVES

This report focuses on lurbinectedin activity and safety in a subgroup of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients from a Basket phase 2 study (Trigo et al. Lancet Oncology 2020;21:645-654) with chemotherapy-free interval (CTFI) ≥ 30 days. This pre-planned analysis was requested for obtaining regulatory approval of lurbinectedin in Switzerland.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with extensive-stage SCLC, no central nervous system (CNS) metastases, and disease progression after platinum-containing therapy were included. Topotecan data from a contemporary, randomized, controlled phase 3 study (ATLANTIS) were used as indirect external control in a matched patient population (n = 98 patients).

RESULTS

Lurbinectedin showed a statistically significant higher overall response rate (ORR) by investigator assessment (IA) compared to topotecan subgroup (41.0 % vs. 25.5 %; p = 0.0382); higher ORR by Independent Review Committee (IRC) (33.7 % vs. 25.5 %); longer median duration of response (IA: 5.3 vs. 3.9 months; IRC: 5.1 vs. 4.3 months), and longer median overall survival (10.2 vs. 7.6 months). Grade ≥ 3 hematological abnormalities were remarkably lower with lurbinectedin: anemia 12.0 % vs. 54.1 %; leukopenia 30.1 % vs. 68.4 %; neutropenia 47.0 % vs. 75.5 %, and thrombocytopenia 6.0 % vs. 52.0 %. Febrile neutropenia was observed at a higher incidence with topotecan (6.1 % vs. 2.4 % with lurbinectedin) despite that the use of growth-colony stimulating factors was mandatory with topotecan.

CONCLUSION

With the limitations of an indirect comparison, however using recent and comparable SCLC datasets, this post hoc analysis shows that SCLC patients with CTFI ≥ 30 days and no CNS metastases have a positive benefit/risk ratio with lurbinectedin, superior to that observed with topotecan.

Impact of a Moderate CYP3A4 Inducer (Bosentan) on Lurbinectedin Pharmacokinetics and Safety in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: An Open-Label, Two-Way, Crossover, Phase Ib Drug-Drug Interaction Study

This open-label, two-way, crossover, phase Ib drug-drug interaction study investigated whether the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety profile of lurbinectedin (LRB) are affected by co-administration of a moderate CYP3A4 inducer (bosentan, BOS) in adult patients with advanced solid tumors. Eleven patients were randomly assigned to Sequence 1 (LRB + BOS in Cycle 1 [C1] and LRB alone in Cycle 2 [C2]) or Sequence 2 (LRB alone in C1 and LRB + BOS in C2), and finally, eight patients (four per sequence) were considered evaluable for PK assessment. LRB (3.2 mg/m2, 1 h [h], intravenous) was administered alone or combined with multiple BOS administration (125 mg/12 h oral; 5.5 days). Co-administration with BOS decreased the systemic total exposure (area under the curve, AUC) of LRB by 21% for AUC0-t and 20% for AUC0-∞ and increased clearance by 25%. Co-administration with BOS did not significantly modify the unbound plasma LRB PK parameters. BOS increased the conversion of LRB to its metabolite M1, with no changes on its metabolite M4. The LRB safety profile was consistent with the toxicities previously described for this drug. No differences in terms of toxicity were found between LRB with and without BOS. In summary, the magnitude of the observed changes precludes a clinically relevant effect of BOS co-administration on LRB exposure and its safety profile.

Recommendations for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in nursing homes

Nursing homes (NH) conceptually should look as much like a home as possible. However NH have unquestionable similarities with a nosocomium as they are places where many patients with underlying diseases and comorbidities accumulate. There is evidence of transmission of microorganisms between residents and between residents and caregivers. We have not found any recommendations specifically aimed at the prevention of nosocomial infections in NH by the major Public Health Agencies and, therefore, the Health Sciences Foundation (Fundación de Ciencias de la Salud) has convened a series of experts and 14 Spanish scientific societies to discuss recommendations that could guide NH personnel in establishing written programs for the control and reduction of these infections. The present document is the result of these deliberations and contains suggestions for establishing such control programs on a voluntary and flexible basis in NH. We also hope that the document can help the health authorities to encourage this control activity in the different territorial areas of Spain. In our opinion, it is necessary to draw up a written plan and establish the figure of a coordinator or person responsible for implementing these projects. The document includes measures to be implemented and ways of quantifying the reality of different problems and of monitoring the impact of the measures established.

Pooled Safety Analysis of Single-Agent Lurbinectedin in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumours

BACKGROUND

Lurbinectedin was approved by FDA and other health regulatory agencies for treating adults with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Safety profile at approved dose (3.2 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) was acceptable and manageable in 105 adult SCLC patients from a phase II basket trial. This study analyses safety data from several solid tumours treated at the lurbinectedin-approved dose.

METHODS

Data were pooled from 554 patients: 335 from all nine tumour-specific cohorts of the phase II basket trial and 219 from a randomised phase III trial (CORAIL) in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Events and laboratory abnormalities were graded using NCI-CTCAE v.4.

RESULTS

Most common tumours were ovarian (n = 219, 40%), SCLC (n = 105, 19%) and endometrial (n = 73, 13%). Transient haematological laboratory abnormalities were the most frequent grade 3 or more events: neutropenia (41%), leukopenia (30%), anaemia (17%) and thrombocytopenia (10%). Most common treatment-emergent non-haematological events (any grade) were transient transaminase increases (alanine aminotransferase [66%], aspartate aminotransferase [53%]), fatigue (63%), nausea (57%), constipation (32%), vomiting (30%) and decreased appetite (25%). Dose reductions were mostly due to haematological toxicities, but most patients (79%) remained on full lurbinectedin dose. Serious events mostly consisted of haematological disorders. Eighteen treatment discontinuations (3%) and seven deaths (1%) were due to treatment-related events.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis confirms a manageable safety profile for lurbinectedin in patients with advanced solid tumours. Findings are consistent with those reported in patients with relapsed SCLC, Ewing sarcoma, germline BRCA1/2 metastatic breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumours and ovarian cancer.

Lurbinectedin in patients with pretreated endometrial cancer: results from a phase 2 basket clinical trial and exploratory translational study

Second-line treatment of endometrial cancer is an unmet medical need. Lurbinectedin showed promising antitumor activity in a phase I study in combination with doxorubicin in advanced endometrial cancer. This phase 2 Basket trial evaluated lurbinectedin 3.2 mg/m2 1-h intravenous infusion every 3 weeks in a cohort of 73 patients with pretreated endometrial cancer. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) according to RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DoR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety and an exploratory translational study. Confirmed complete (CR) and partial response (PR) was reported in two and six patients, respectively (ORR = 11.3%; 95%CI, 5.0-21.0%). Median DoR was 9.2 months (95%CI, 3.4-18.0 months), median PFS was 2.6 months (95%CI, 1.4-4.0 months) and median OS was 9.3 months (95%CI, 6.1-12.8 months). Molecular subtypes showed differences in PFS rate at 6 months (p53abn 23.7% vs. "No Specific Molecular Profile" [NSMP] 42.9%) and median OS (p53abn 6.6 months vs. NSMP 16.1 months). The most common treatment-related adverse events (mostly grade 1/2) were fatigue (54.8% of patients), nausea (50.7%), vomiting (26.0%) decreased appetite (17.8%). and constipation, (19.2%). The most common grade 3/4 toxicity was neutropenia (43.8%; grade 4, 19.2%; febrile neutropenia, 4.1%). In conclusion, considering the exploratory aim of this trial and the hints of antitumor activity observed together with a predictable and manageable safety profile, further biomarker-based development of lurbinectedin is recommended in this indication in combination with other agents. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02454972.

Modified Chevrel technique for abdominal closure in critically ill patients with abdominal hypertension and limited options for closure

Abdominal compartment syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition seen in critically ill patients, and most often caused by acute pancreatitis, postoperative abdominal vascular thrombosis or mesenteric ischemia. A decompressive laparotomy is sometimes required, often resulting in hernias, and subsequent definitive wall closure is challenging.

AIM

This study aims to describe short term results after a modified Chevrel technique for midline laparotomies in patients witch abdominal hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a modified Chevrel as an abdominal closure technique in 9 patients between January 2016 and January 2022. All patients presented varying degrees of abdominal hypertension.

RESULTS

Nine patients were treated with new technique (6 male and 3 female), all of whom had conditions that precluded unfolding the contralateral side as a means for closure. The reasons for this were diverse, including presence of ileostomies, intraabdominal drainages, Kher tubes or an inverted T scar from previous transplant. The use of mesh was initially dismissed in 8 of the patients (88,9%) because they required subsequent abdominal surgeries or active infection. None of the patients developed a hernia, although two died 6 months after the procedure. Only one patient developed bulging. A decrease in intrabdominal pressure was achieved in all patients.

CONCLUSION

The modified Chevrel technique can be used as a closure option for midline laparotomies in cases where the entire abdominal wall cannot be used.

The influence of the Artisan-Verisyse position on the postoperative outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Iris-fixated intraocular lens (IOL) is considered a safe and effective option for the correction of aphakia in patients with insufficient capsular support. This systematic review aims to summarize the existing evidence about the Artisan/Verisyse IOLs and to assess the influence of the IOL position on the postoperative outcomes. Three different databases were used for this systematic review and metaanalysis (PubMED, Scopus, and Embase). We searched for case series or clinical trials comparing the prepupillary versus retropupillary Artisan/Verisyse implantation. The statistical analysis was performed with the programming language R (version 3.6.1 2019-07-05). The number of articles included in the meta-analysis was six, with 506 eyes included in total. We found no significant differences in postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (0.309 [0.089-0.528] vs. 0.32 [0.2-0.44]), spherical equivalent (SE) (0.0153 D [-0.362 to 0.393] vs. -0.329 D [-0.62 to - 0.038]), and central corneal cell density (CECD) (1669.85 cells [1605.949-2150.937] vs. 1635.99 cells [1413.64-1858.363]) between the prepupillary and the retropupillary implantation, respectively. There were no significant differences in the rates of cystoid macular edema (CME; 7.70% vs. 9.8%), pupil deformation (4.5% vs. 5.4% retropupillary), or IOL luxation (2.3% and 2.2%). We found little influence of the IOL position in the postoperative analyzed outcomes. Thus, the implant position should be based on the surgeon's technical experience. Double-blind randomized prospective studies would improve the available evidence on the best implant position for the Artisan/Verisyse IOL.

Lurbinectedin, a selective inhibitor of oncogenic transcription, in patients with pretreated germline BRCA1/2 metastatic breast cancer: results from a phase II basket study

BACKGROUND

Lurbinectedin, a selective inhibitor of oncogenic transcription, has shown preclinical antitumor activity against homologous recombination repair-deficient models and preliminary clinical activity in BRCA1/2 breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This phase II basket multitumor trial (NCT02454972) evaluated lurbinectedin 3.2 mg/m² 1-h intravenous infusion every 3 weeks in a cohort of 21 patients with pretreated germline BRCA1/2 breast cancer. Patients with any hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status were enrolled. The primary efficacy endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) according to RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DoR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety.

RESULTS

Confirmed partial response (PR) was observed in six patients [ORR = 28.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 11.3% to 52.2%] who had received a median of two prior advanced chemotherapy lines. Lurbinectedin was active in both BRCA mutations: four PRs in 11 patients (36.4%) with BRCA2 and two PRs in 10 patients (20.0%) with BRCA1. Median DoR was 8.6 months, median PFS was 4.1 months and median OS was 16.1 months. Stable disease (SD) was observed in 10 patients (47.6%), including 3 with unconfirmed response in a subsequent tumor assessment [ORR unconfirmed = 42.9% (95% CI 21.8% to 66.0%)]. Clinical benefit rate (PR + SD ≥ 4 months) was 76.2% (95% CI 52.8% to 91.8%). No objective response was observed among patients who had received prior poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were nausea (61.9%), fatigue (38.1%) and vomiting (23.8%). These AEs were mostly grade 1/2. The most common grade 3/4 toxicity was neutropenia (42.9%: grade 4, 23.8%: with no febrile neutropenia).

CONCLUSIONS

This phase II study met its primary endpoint and showed activity of lurbinectedin in germline BRCA1/2 breast cancer. Lurbinectedin showed a predictable and manageable safety profile. Considering the exploratory aim of this trial as well as previous results in other phase II studies, further development of lurbinectedin in this indication is warranted.

Lurbinectedin in patients with pretreated neuroendocrine tumours: Results from a phase II basket study

BACKGROUND

Patients with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) need alternative therapies after failure of first-line therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This phase II trial evaluated lurbinectedin, a selective inhibitor of oncogenic transcription, at 3.2 mg/m² as a 1-h intravenous infusion every 3 weeks in 32 NETs patients treated in the second- or third-line setting. The primary efficacy endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) according to RECIST v1.1 assessed by the investigators. Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DoR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety.

RESULTS

Two of 31 evaluable patients had confirmed partial responses (ORR = 6.5%; 95%CI, 0.8-21.4%). Median DoR was 4.7 months (95% CI, 4.0-5.4 months), median PFS was 1.4 months (95% CI, 1.2-3.0 months) and median OS was 7.4 months (95% CI, 3.4-16.2 months). Lurbinectedin showed an acceptable, predictable and manageable safety profile. The most common grade 3/4 toxicity was neutropenia (40.6%; grade 4, 12.4%; febrile neutropenia, 3.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the exploratory aim of this trial that evaluated a heterogeneous population of NETs patients, and the signs of antitumour activity observed (two confirmed partial responses and seven long disease stabilisations), further development of lurbinectedin is warranted in a more selected NETs population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Sponsor Study Code: PM1183-B-005-14. EudraCT number: 2014-003773-42.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov reference: NCT02454972.

Study of the relationship between regional cerebral saturation and pCO2 changes during mechanical ventilation to evaluate modifications in cerebral perfusion in a newborn piglet model

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) could be a useful continuous, non-invasive technique for monitoring the effect of partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) fluctuations in the cerebral circulation during ventilation. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of NIRS to detect acute changes in cerebral blood flow following PaCO₂ fluctuations after confirming the autoregulation physiology in piglets. Fourteen piglets (<72 h of life) were studied. Mean arterial blood pressure, oxygen saturation, pH, glycemia, hemoglobin, electrolytes, and temperature were monitored. Eight animals were used to evaluate brain autoregulation, assessing superior cava vein Doppler as a proxy of cerebral blood flow changing mean arterial blood pressure. Another 6 animals were used to assess hypercapnia generated by decreasing ventilatory settings and complementary CO₂ through the ventilator circuit and hypocapnia due to increasing ventilatory settings. Cerebral blood flow was determined by jugular vein blood flow by Doppler and continuously monitored with NIRS. A decrease in PaCO₂ was observed after hyperventilation (47.6±2.4 to 29.0±4.9 mmHg). An increase in PaCO₂ was observed after hypoventilation (48.5±5.5 to 90.4±25.1 mmHg). A decrease in cerebral blood flow after hyperventilation (21.8±10.4 to 15.1±11.0 mL/min) and an increase after hypoventilation (23.4±8.4 to 38.3±10.5 mL/min) were detected by Doppler ultrasound. A significant correlation was found between cerebral oxygenation and Doppler-derived parameters of blood flow and PaCO₂. Although cerebral NIRS monitoring is mainly used to detect changes in regional brain oxygenation, modifications in cerebral blood flow following experimental PaCO₂ changes were detected in newborn piglets when no other important variables were modified.

Analysis of the vomeronasal organ transcriptome reveals variable gene expression depending on age and function in rabbits

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a chemosensory organ specialized in pheromone detection that shows a broad morphofunctional and genomic diversity among mammals. However, its expression patterns have only been well-characterized in mice. Here, we provide the first comprehensive RNA sequencing study of the rabbit VNO across gender and sexual maturation stages. We characterized the VNO transcriptome, updating the number and expression of the two main vomeronasal receptor families, including 128 V1Rs and 67 V2Rs. Further, we defined the expression of formyl-peptide receptor and transient receptor potential channel families, both known to have specific roles in the VNO. Several sex hormone-related pathways were consistently enriched in the VNO, highlighting the relevance of this organ in reproduction. Moreover, whereas juvenile and adult VNOs showed significant transcriptome differences, male and female did not. Overall, these results contribute to understand the genomic basis of behavioural responses mediated by the VNO in a non-rodent model.

Low frequency of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease despite high prevalence of CMV viraemia in patients with advanced HIV infection: a clinical and immunological 48-week follow-up study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate the dynamics of cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication and CMV-specific immune response recovery after antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation in patients with advanced HIV infection.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of patients with HIV infection and CD4 counts of < 100 cells/µL was carried out (September 2015 to July 2018). HIV viral load (VL), CD4 count and CMV VL were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at baseline and at 4, 12, 24 and 48 weeks, and CMV-specific immune response was determined by QuantiFERON-CMV assay at baseline and 48 weeks. All patients were started on ART but only those with CMV end-organ disease (EOD) received anti-CMV treatment.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients with a median age of 43.6 [interquartile range (IQR) 36.7-52.4] years were included in the study. At baseline, the median CD4 count was 30 cells/µL (IQR 20-60 cells/µL) and the median HIV VL was 462 000 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL (IQR 186 000-1 300 000 copies/mL). At baseline, 32% patients had detectable CMV viraemia but none had detectable CMV viraemia at 48 weeks. Only one of 53 (1.9%) patients developed EOD during follow-up. Seven (13.2%) patients were lost to follow-up and six (11.3%) died; none of the deaths was related to CMV. Similar percentages of patients had a CMV-specific immune response at baseline (71.7%) and at 48 weeks (70.0%). The magnitude of this response tended to increase over time [median 1.63 (IQR 0.15-5.77) IU/mL at baseline vs. median 2.5 (IQR 0.1-8.325) IU/mL at 48 weeks; P = 0.11]. We did not find any risk factors associated with 48-week mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the prevalence of CMV viraemia in patients with advanced HIV infection remains high, achieving a good immunological recovery through ART is enough to suppress CMV viraemia, without an increased risk of CMV EOD. The prevalence of a CMV-specific immune response was high and endured over time.

Diagnostic accuracy of combining C-Reactive protein and Alvarado Score among 2-to-20-year-old patients with acute appendicitis suspected presenting to Emergency Departments

OBJECTIVE

Main objective was whether the combination of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Alvarado Score (AS) increase the diagnosis accuracy of AS among 2-to-20-year-old patients with suspected acute appendicitis presenting to Emergency Departments.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of prospective cohort study consecutively including all patients from 2 to 20 years of age attended for suspected acute appendicitis in 4 Spanish Emergency Departments during 6-month period. We collected demographic, clinical, analytic and radiographic, and surgical data. AS categories were retrospectively calculated as low (0-4 points), intermediate (5-6 points) or high (7-10 points). The cut-off levels were >0.5 mg/dl for CRP. The outcome was diagnosis of acute appendicitis within 14 days of the index visit.

RESULTS

A total of 331 patients with suspected of acute appendicitis (mean age 11.8 (SD 3.8) years; 52.9% males) were recruited. According to AS, 108 (32.6%) were at low risk, 76 at (23.0%) intermediate risk and 147 (44.4%) at high risk of acute appendicitis. One hundred and sixteen (35.0%) cases had confirmed histopathological diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The AUCs of ROC were 0.76 (0.70-0.81) for AS and 0.79 (95% CI 0.75-0.84) for CRP-AS being the difference statistically significant (p=0.003). The CRP for diagnosis acute appendicitis in low risk AS group had negative predictive value of 95.8% (95%CI 87.3-98.9) and likelihood ratio negative of 0.4 (95%CI 0.2-1.0)..

CONCLUSIONS

CRP-AS has shown to increase the diagnostic accuracy of AS for acute appendicitis. This approach may be useful to rule out the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in paediatric patients attended for abdominal pain suggestive of acute appendicitis.

Energy, nitrogen partitioning, and methane emissions in dairy goats differ when an isoenergetic and isoproteic diet contained orange leaves and rice straw crop residues

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating rice straw and orange leaves into the diets for goats. Ten Murciano-Granadina goats at mid lactation weighing 45 ± 0.3 kg were used in a crossover design. Two isoproteic and isoenergetic diets (180 g/kg DM and 17 MJ/kg DM, respectively) with alfalfa hay as forage source (33% of DM) were fed. A control diet (CON) incorporated barley as energy source and soy hulls as fiber component. The experimental diet (ORG) replaced barley and soy hulls with orange leaves (19% on DM basis), rice straw (12%, on DM basis) and soya oil (2%). Peas and horsebeans were the protein source in both diets. Each goat received the 2 treatments in 2 periods. Goats were fed the experimental diets and after 14 d on their respective treatments moved to individual metabolism cages for another 7 d. Subsequently, feed intake, total fecal and urine output and milk yield were recorded daily over the first 5 d. During the next 2 d ruminal fluid and blood samples were collected, and then individual gas-exchange measurements were recorded by a mobile open-circuit indirect calorimetry system using a head box. No differences in dry matter intake were detected, and apparent total-tract digestibility was greater in CON than ORG. Efficiency of metabolizable energy intake for milk and maintenance also was lower in response to ORG (0.65 vs. 0.63), with energy balance being negative (-12 kJ/kg of BW^0.75) due to mobilization of fat (-16 g/animal vs. 68 g/animal for ORG and CON, respectively). Although actual milk yield was lower in goats fed ORG (2.32 vs. 2.06 kg/d, respectively), energy-corrected milk did not differ (2.81 kg/d on average). In terms of milk quality, milk fat content, and concentrations of monounsaturated (18.54 vs. 11.55 g/100 g milk fat) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (5.75 vs. 3.99 g/100 g milk fat) were greater in goats fed ORG. Based on various indices, the milk produced by ORG would be less atherogenic and thrombogenic than CON milk. Compared with CON, enteric CH₄ emission was lower due to feeding ORG (reduction of 38 g CH₄/kg milk fat). Data suggest that greater fat mobilization in goats fed ORG might have been due to the apparent lack of synchrony between degradable protein and carbohydrate and the lipogenic nutrients associated with the lower cereal content of the ORG diet. Thus, goats fed ORG seemed to rely more on fat depots to help meet energy requirements and reach optimal performance. As such, the lower content of glucogenic nutrients in ORG did not favor body fat deposition and partitioning of ME into body tissue. Overall, responses in terms of CH₄ emissions and milk quality suggest that inclusion of rice straw and orange leaves in diets for small ruminants could be a valuable alternative to reuse, recycle and revalue agricultural by-products.

Environmental refuges increase performance of juvenile mussels Mytilus chilensis: Implications for mussel seedling and farming strategies

Estuarine ecosystems are characterized by a wide physical-chemical variation that in the context of global change scenarios may be exacerbated in the future. The fitness of resident organisms is expected to be influenced by such variation and, hence, its study is a priority. Some of that variation relates to water vertical stratification, which may create "environmental refuges" or distinct layers of water with conditions favoring the fitness of some individuals and species. This study explored the performance of juvenile mussels (M. chilensis) settled in two distinctive water depths (1 m and 4 m) of the Reloncaví fjord (southern Chile) by conducting a reciprocal transplants experiment. Salinity, saturation state and the contents of CO₃ in seawater were among the factors that best explained the differences between the two layers. In such environmental conditions, the mussel traits that responded to such variation were growth and calcification rates, with significantly higher values at 4 m deep, whereas the opposite, increased metabolic stress, was higher in mussels raised and transplanted to the surface waters (1 m). Such differences support the notion of an environmental refuge, where species like mussels can find better growth conditions and achieve higher performance levels. These results are relevant considering the importance of M. chilensis as a shellfish resource for aquaculture and a habitat forming species. In addition, these results shed light on the variable responses exhibited by estuarine organisms to small-scale changes in the characteristics of the water column, which in turn will help to better understand the responses of the organisms to the projected scenarios of climate global change.

Antitumor activity of lurbinectedin in second-line small cell lung cancer patients who are candidates for re-challenge with the first-line treatment

INTRODUCTION

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend re-challenge with the first-line treatment for relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with chemotherapy-free interval (CTFI)≥180 days. A phase II study (NCT02454972) showed remarkable antitumor activity in SCLC patients treated with lurbinectedin 3.2 mg/m² 1 -h intravenous infusion every 3 weeks as second-line therapy. We report results for the pre-planned subset of patients with CTFI ≥ 180 days.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty patients aged ≥18 years with pathologically proven SCLC diagnosis, pretreated with only one prior platinum-containing line, no CNS metastases, and with CTFI ≥ 180 days were evaluated. The primary efficacy endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR) assessed by the Investigators according to RECIST v1.1.

RESULTS

ORR was 60.0 % (95 %CI, 36.1-86.9), with a median duration of response of 5.5 months (95 %CI, 2.9-11.2) and disease control rate of 95.0 % (95 %CI, 75.1-99.9). Median progression-free survival was 4.6 months (95 %CI, 2.6-7.3). With a censoring of 55.0 %, the median overall survival was 16.2 months (95 %CI, 9.6-upper level not reached). Of note, 60.9 % and 27.1 % of patients were alive at 1 and 2 years, respectively. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events and laboratory abnormalities were hematological disorders (neutropenia, 55.0 %; anemia; 10.0 % thrombocytopenia, 10.0 %), fatigue (10.0 %) and increased liver function tests (GGT, 10 %; ALT and AP, 5.0 % each). No febrile neutropenia was reported.

CONCLUSION

Lurbinectedin is an effective treatment for platinum-sensitive relapsed SCLC, especially in patients with CTFI ≥ 180 days, with acceptable safety and tolerability. These encouraging results suggest that lurbinectedin can be another valuable therapeutic option rather than platinum re-challenge.

Growth rates in two natural populations of Gasterosteus aculeatus in northwestern Spain: relationships with other life history parameters

We analysed growth rates of two natural populations of the three–spined stickleback fish, Gasterosteus aculeatus, in Galicia (north–west of Spain) where it has a strictly annual life cycle. We used the von Bertalanffy growth model to estimate nonlinear function for length–at–age data sets. These European peripheral populations reach the highest growth rates (k of the von Bertalanffy model > 0.4 month–1) known for this species. Instantaneous mortality rates and fecundity were computed using von Bertalanffy model parameters for each population. Mortality rates found in Galician populations were 2.0–2.3 higher times than those observed in general for Gasterosteidae. Combining both mortality and fertility, different intermediate fitness optima in each population were obtained for mature females. Overall, these differences in life history compared to other studied populations of sticklebacks can be interpreted as local adaptations to a Mediterranean climate type with high degree–days. Consequently, these populations at the edges of the species’ range may have adapted to the unique environmental conditions and may be of interest in ecology and conservation.

Effect assessment of reclaimed water and carbamazepine exposure on the thyroid axis of X. laevis: Apical and histological effects

There is increasing environmental concern about the constant presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in surface water, generally attributed to water discharge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that are unable to completely remove these compounds. The slight, but continuous, presence of these contaminants in reclaimed water (RW) poses a risk of chronic and sublethal toxicity, and the thyroid axis can likely be a target of many of these PPCPs. In this work, we addressed the effects of RW on the Xenopus laevis thyroid system. The Amphibian Metamorphosis Assay (AMA test) was used with modifications by exposing X. laevis tadpoles to RW samples, and to RW spiked with carbamazepine (CBZ) at 100 and 1000 higher than the average levels environmentally relevant (RW 100× and RW 1000×, respectively). Carbamazepine was selected because it is considered a marker of anthropogenic pollution and could have a potential effect on the thyroid axis. The morphological endpoints and histological alterations to the thyroid gland were evaluated. The results suggested the stimulation of the thyroid gland from exposures to the RW samples, supported by tadpoles' accelerated development and by the histological alterations observed in the thyroid gland. Developmental acceleration was also seen in the tadpoles exposed to the RW-100× and -1000× samples at comparable levels to those seen in exposures to RW samples alone. Hence CBZ did not seem to increase the effects of RW on the thyroid axis. Overall, our results suggested endocrine effects of these RW samples regardless of the CBZ concentration.

Inclusion of lemon leaves and rice straw into compound feed and its effect on nutrient balance, milk yield, and methane emissions in dairy goats

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of incorporating lemon leaves and rice straw into the compound feed of diets for dairy goats. Ten Murciano-Granadina dairy goats (n = 5 per group) in mid-lactation were used in a crossover design experiment (2 treatments across 2 periods). Goats were fed a mixed ration with barley grain (control, CON) or CON plus lemon leaves [189 g/kg of dry matter (DM)] and rice straw (120 g/kg of DM) in place of barley grain (LRS). Soybean oil (19 g/kg of DM) was added to the LRS diet to make it isoenergetic (17 MJ of gross energy/kg of DM) relative to CON. After 14 d on their respective treatments, goats were allocated to individual metabolism cages for another 7 d. Subsequently, feed intake, total fecal and urine output, and milk yield were recorded daily over the first 5 d. During the last 2 d, ruminal fluid and blood samples were collected, along with individual gas exchange measurements recorded by a mobile open-circuit indirect calorimetry system using a head box. No differences in DM intake were detected, and ME intake in LRS was lower than in CON (1,095 vs. 1,180 kJ/kg of metabolic body weight). No differences were observed in milk production, but milk fat content was greater in LRS (6.4%) than in CON (5.6%). Greater concentrations of monounsaturated (14.94 vs. 11.96 g/100 g of milk fat) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (4.53 vs. 4.03 g/100 g of milk fat) were detected in the milk of goats fed LRS compared with CON. Atherogenicity (2.68 vs.1.91) and thrombogenic (4.58 vs. 2.81) indices were lower with LRS compared with CON. Enteric CH₄ emission was lower in LRS (24.3 g/d) compared with CON (31.1 g/d), probably due to the greater lipid content and unsaturated fatty acid profile of lemon leaves and the soybean oil added in the LRS diet. Overall, data suggest that incorporating lemon leaves and rice straw into lactating goat diets is effective in reducing CH₄ emissions while allowing improvements in milk fat production and milk thrombogenic index without affecting production performance. Thus, their inclusion in compound feeds fed to small ruminants appears warranted and would have multiple positive effects, as on efficiency of nutrient use, human health, and the environment.

Development and evaluation of a mechanistic model of post-absorptive nitrogen partitioning in lactating goats

Context Goats contribute to global warming through emission of nitrous oxide from urine and faeces. To reduce nitrogen (N) excretion, improvements of N efficiency of goats is necessary. Aims The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a dynamic mechanistic research-oriented model that explicitly represents N partition into faeces, urine and milk in dairy goats fed total mixed rations. Methods Data from five N-balance dairy-goat experiments were used to develop a mechanistic dynamic model of post-absorptive N partition. Various representations considering either mass action or Michaelis–Menten kinetics of N usage for milk were proposed. Key results The data for faecal and urine N responses were best fit by a straight line; whereas, data for milk N responses were best fit by curvilinear saturating curve. The model with curvilinear saturating curve had more precise parameter estimates, with the predicted N excretion in faeces (15.6 g/day), urine (15.4 g/day) and milk N output (11.7 g/day) being very close to the observed values, namely, 15.31 g N/day in faeces, 18.78 g N/day in urine and 12.24 g N/day in milk. Independent datasets with 12 studies were used to evaluate the model. The model tended to under-predict faecal N outflow at a lower N intake level and urinary N outflow at a higher N intake level, with the lowest mean bias for milk N outflow. Conclusions The final chosen model was adequate to represent faecal, urinary and milk N outflows in dairy goats. Implications The model has provided a mechanistic description of N usage, which is useful to frame and test hypotheses of physiological regulation of N use by goats, and focus on a more efficient transfer of dietary N into milk, reducing the N excretion in faeces and urine.

[Cardiovascular Preparticipation Screening of young population. Position statement of Chilean Scientific Societies]

The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE), defined as "the health supervision of individuals, prior to the practice of physical activity and/or sports, which seeks to optimize their safe participation in sports and provide an opportunity to identify current and future risks to their health and quality of life", inclu des the Cardiovascular assessment, which aims to screen cardiovascular pathologies with the risk of worsening or sudden death during exercise. Although there is broad international consensus that the use of Pediatric Cardiovascular PPE in young athletes is useful, there is no consensus on whether this should be used in the entire pediatric population or on which is the best strategy to apply. This article presents the position of the scientific societies related to sport, physical activity and child health on the Pediatric Cardiovascular PPE.

Multicenter Phase II Study of Lurbinectedin in BRCA-Mutated and Unselected Metastatic Advanced Breast Cancer and Biomarker Assessment Substudy

PURPOSE

This multicenter phase II trial evaluated lurbinectedin (PM01183), a selective inhibitor of active transcription of protein-coding genes, in patients with metastatic breast cancer. A unicenter translational substudy assessed potential mechanisms of lurbinectedin resistance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two arms were evaluated according to germline BRCA1/2 status: BRCA1/2 mutated (arm A; n = 54) and unselected ( BRCA1/2 wild-type or unknown status; arm B; n = 35). Lurbinectedin starting dose was a 7-mg flat dose and later, 3.5 mg/m² in arm A. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). The translational substudy of resistance mechanisms included exome sequencing (n = 13) and in vivo experiments with patient-derived xenografts (n = 11) from BRCA1/2-mutated tumors.

RESULTS

ORR was 41% (95% CI, 28% to 55%) in arm A and 9% (95% CI, 2% to 24%) in arm B. In arm A, median progression-free survival was 4.6 months (95% CI, 3.0 to 6.0 months), and median overall survival was 20.0 months (95% CI, 11.8 to 26.6 months). Patients with BRCA2 mutations showed an ORR of 61%, median progression-free survival of 5.9 months, and median overall survival of 26.6 months. The safety profile improved with lurbinectedin dose adjustment to body surface area. The most common nonhematologic adverse events seen at 3.5 mg/m² were nausea (74%; grade 3, 5%) and fatigue (74%; grade 3, 21%). Neutropenia was the most common severe hematologic adverse event (grade 3, 47%; grade 4, 10%). Exome sequencing showed mutations in genes related to the nucleotide excision repair pathway in four of seven tumors at primary or acquired resistance and in one patient with short-term stable disease. In vivo, sensitivity to cisplatin and lurbinectedin was evidenced in lurbinectedin-resistant (one of two) and cisplatin-resistant (two of three) patient-derived xenografts.

CONCLUSION

Lurbinectedin showed noteworthy activity in patients with BRCA1/2 mutations. Response and survival was notable in those with BRCA2 mutations. Additional clinical development in this subset of patients with metastatic breast cancer is warranted.

Absorption of wireless radiation in the child versus adult brain and eye from cell phone conversation or virtual reality

Children's brains are more susceptible to hazardous exposures, and are thought to absorb higher doses of radiation from cell phones in some regions of the brain. Globally the numbers and applications of wireless devices are increasing rapidly, but since 1997 safety testing has relied on a large, homogenous, adult male head phantom to simulate exposures; the "Standard Anthropomorphic Mannequin" (SAM) is used to estimate only whether tissue temperature will be increased by more than 1 Celsius degree in the periphery. The present work employs anatomically based modeling currently used to set standards for surgical and medical devices, that incorporates heterogeneous characteristics of age and anatomy. Modeling of a cell phone held to the ear, or of virtual reality devices in front of the eyes, reveals that young eyes and brains absorb substantially higher local radiation doses than adults'. Age-specific simulations indicate the need to apply refined methods for regulatory compliance testing; and for public education regarding manufacturers' advice to keep phones off the body, and prudent use to limit exposures, particularly to protect the young.

Classifying different Iberian pig genetic lines by applying chemical-instrumental parameters of dry-cured Iberian shoulders

Iberian pigs are an autochthonous porcine breed mainly bred in southwestern of Iberian Peninsula, this herd traditionally feeds on acorn and pasture, in an extensive production system. In this study, the main objective was for classifying Iberian shoulders from different genetic lines of pigs and their crossed genetic lines. For that, morphology parameters, fatty acid profile and volatile compounds were determined on two batches of dry-cured Iberian shoulders. The samples were acquired from the same place of the dry-cured Iberian shoulders. From these data, two databases were created, for training and validation purpose. Results on this study, firstly demonstrate the capability of data mining techniques in order to classify shoulder as function as Iberian pig genetic lines by using of different quality characteristics. Four classification models were developed and tested in the training database and all models achieved a percentage of correct classification higher than 75%. Then, the same four classification models were performed in the validation database and the model of J48 decision tree and fatty acid profile reached the highest correct classification percentage (91.67%), and from Retinto genetic line (95.65%). From this classification model, a software application was developed in order to determine in a semi-automatic way the genetic line of the dry-cured Iberian shoulder. This application could be used in the meat industries for determining relationships between genetic line and meat quality or performance of noble parts.

Sublethal and chronic effects of reclaimed water on aquatic organisms. Looking for relationships between physico-chemical characterisation and toxic effects

The use of reclaimed water for irrigation and aquaculture purposes is generally considered a reliable alternative for sustainable water management in regions with water scarcity. Many organic compounds, generally called compounds of emerging concern (CECs), have been detected in reclaimed water, which implies continuous exposure for aquatic organisms. To date no quality criteria have been proposed for this group of compounds. This work aims to assess the acute, sublethal and chronic effects of reclaimed water using two representative organisms of the aquatic compartment; the green alga Chlorella vulgaris and the microcrustacean Daphnia magna. The study comprises the 72 h-algal growth inhibition test, the D. magna feeding bioassay and the D. magna reproduction test. The results highlighted, for the selected characterised compounds, no differences in the concentrations between the different tertiary WWTP treatments, except for the particular case of carbamazepine. Considering seasonality, no differences were observed between the two different sample collection campaigns. The sublethal and chronic effects observed for these samples could not be explained by the lower concentrations found in the chemical characterisation. However, in the majority of cases, dilution of raw reclaimed water reduced the toxic effects of these samples. Several interactions among compounds can affect the mixture's toxicity. Canonical correlation analyses (CCA) were included to explore the potential relationships between the physico-chemical characterisation of reclaimed water and effects on aquatic organisms. The results corroborated the toxic effect of some pharmaceuticals, in particular beta-blockers and antibiotics, on the growth and yield of green algae, as well as inhibition of daphnia reproduction. Thus the CCA methods could help to elucidate the potential relationships between the physico-chemical characterisation and toxic effects by considering all the potential interactions.

Multicenter Phase II Study of Lurbinectedin in BRCA-Mutated and Unselected Metastatic Advanced Breast Cancer and Biomarker Assessment Substudy

Purpose

This multicenter phase II trial evaluated lurbinectedin (PM01183), a selective inhibitor of active transcription of protein-coding genes, in patients with metastatic breast cancer. A unicenter translational substudy assessed potential mechanisms of lurbinectedin resistance.

Patients and Methods

Two arms were evaluated according to germline BRCA1/2 status: BRCA1/2 mutated (arm A; n = 54) and unselected (BRCA1/2 wild-type or unknown status; arm B; n = 35). Lurbinectedin starting dose was a 7-mg flat dose and later, 3.5 mg/m² in arm A. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). The translational substudy of resistance mechanisms included exome sequencing (n = 13) and in vivo experiments with patient-derived xenografts (n = 11) from BRCA1/2-mutated tumors.

Results

ORR was 41% (95% CI, 28% to 55%) in arm A and 9% (95% CI, 2% to 24%) in arm B. In arm A, median progression-free survival was 4.6 months (95% CI, 3.0 to 6.0 months), and median overall survival was 20.0 months (95% CI, 11.8 to 26.6 months). Patients with BRCA2 mutations showed an ORR of 61%, median progression-free survival of 5.9 months, and median overall survival of 26.6 months. The safety profile improved with lurbinectedin dose adjustment to body surface area. The most common nonhematologic adverse events seen at 3.5 mg/m² were nausea (74%; grade 3, 5%) and fatigue (74%; grade 3, 21%). Neutropenia was the most common severe hematologic adverse event (grade 3, 47%; grade 4, 10%). Exome sequencing showed mutations in genes related to the nucleotide excision repair pathway in four of seven tumors at primary or acquired resistance and in one patient with short-term stable disease. In vivo, sensitivity to cisplatin and lurbinectedin was evidenced in lurbinectedin-resistant (one of two) and cisplatin-resistant (two of three) patient-derived xenografts.

Conclusion

Lurbinectedin showed noteworthy activity in patients with BRCA1/2 mutations. Response and survival was notable in those with BRCA2 mutations. Additional clinical development in this subset of patients with metastatic breast cancer is warranted.

Intrathecal administration of autologous bone marrow stromal cells improves neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury

Neuropathic pain (NP) is highly disabling, responds poorly to pharmacological treatment, and represents a significant cause of decreased quality of life in patients suffering from spinal cord injury (SCI). In recent years, cell therapy with autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has been considered as a potential therapeutic weapon in this entity. Ten patients suffering chronic SCI received 100 million MSCs into subarachnoid space by lumbar puncture (month 1 of the study) and this procedure was repeated at months 4 and 7 until reaching a total doses of 300 million MSCs. Intensity of NP was measured by standard numerical rating scale (VAS) from 0 to 10, recording scores previous to the first MSCs administration and monthly, until month 10 of follow-up. Months 1, 4, 7 and 10 of the study were selected as time points in order to a statistical analysis by the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank test. Our results showed significant and progressive improvement in NP intensity after the first administration of MSCs (p: 0.003). This study supports the benefit of intrathecal administration of autologous MSCs for the treatment of NP in patients with SCI.

Phase II randomized study of PM01183 versus topotecan in patients with platinum-resistant/refractory advanced ovarian cancer

Background

PM01183 is a new compound that blocks active transcription, produces DNA breaks and apoptosis, and affects the inflammatory microenvironment. PM01183 showed strong antitumor activity in preclinical models of cisplatin-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer.

Patients and methods

Patients with platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer were included in a two-stage, controlled, randomized (in a second stage), multicenter, phase II study. Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) by RECIST and/or GCIG criteria. The exploratory first stage (n = 22) confirmed the activity of PM01183 as a single agent at 7.0 mg flat dose every 3 weeks (q3wk). The second stage (n = 59) was randomized and controlled with topotecan on days 1-5 q3wk or weekly (every 4 weeks, q4wk).

Results

ORR was 23% (95% CI, 13%-37%) for 52 PM01183-treated patients. Median duration of response was 4.6 months (95% CI, 2.5-6.9 months), and 23% (95% CI, 0%-51%) of responses lasted 6 months or more. Ten of the 12 confirmed responses were reported for 33 patients with platinum-resistant disease [ORR = 30% (95% CI, 16%-49%)]; for the 29 patients treated with topotecan in the second stage, no responses were found. Median PFS for all PM01183-treated patients was 4.0 months (95% CI, 2.7-5.6 months), and 5.0 months (95% CI, 2.7-6.9 months) for patients with platinum-resistant disease. Grade 3/4 neutropenia in 85% of patients; febrile neutropenia in 21% and fatigue (grade 3 in 35%) were the principal safety findings for PM01183.

Conclusion

PM01183 is an active drug in platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer and warrants further development. The highest activity was observed in platinum-resistant disease. Its safety profile indicates the dose should be adjusted to body surface area (mg/m2).

Trial code

EudraCT 2011-002172-16.

Evaluation of Hematobin as a Vaccine Candidate to Control Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae) Loads in Cattle

The horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.), is a blood-sucking livestock ectoparasite responsible for substantial livestock losses. In the present work, the potential use of recombinant hematobin (HTB), a horn fly salivary protein, as an antigen for cattle vaccination was investigated. In this trial, horn fly loads and H. irritans's blood intake were assessed in vaccinated (n = 4) and control (n = 4) crossbred dark-coated steers, which were naturally infected. The vaccinated group received a 1 ml subcutaneous injection of 100 µg of HTB protein emulsified in 500 µl of Incomplete Freund Adjuvant (AIF) on days 0 and 30. The control group received on the same days 1 ml of distilled water emulsified in 500 µl of AIF. The vaccinated group had significantly more HTB-specific IgG antibodies after the HTB booster and had a lower fly load than the control group (206 ± 23 vs. 285 ± 23 flies per animal, respectively). Blood intake by H. irritans did not differ between groups. In summary, these results suggest that vaccinating cattle with HTB could reduce cattle H. irritans load.

A Natural Cattle Immune Response Against Horn Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Salivary Antigens May Regulate Parasite Blood Intake

The horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.), is a blood-sucking ectoparasite that is responsible for sizeable economic losses in livestock. The salivary gland products facilitate blood intake. Taking advantage of the identification of novel H. irritans salivary antigens (Hematobin, HTB and Irritans 5, IT5), we investigated the parasite loads, H. irritans blood intake, and antibody response of naturally infected bovines during the fly season. Fly loads and fly hemoglobin content fluctuated during the trial. Each time horn fly loads exceeded 200 flies per cattle, a reduction in horn fly blood intake was observed three weeks later. All of the cattle elicited an antibody response against HTB and IT5 that declined once the fly season was over. Cattle anti-IT5 titers were positively correlated with parasite loads and negatively correlated with fly blood intake. These results suggest that the natural changes in the H. irritans blood intake observed in this study were associated with a natural host response against horn fly salivary antigens.

Effect of rice bran as a replacement for oat grain in energy and nitrogen balance, methane emissions, and milk performance of Murciano-Granadina goats

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of substituting oat grain with rice bran on energy, nitrogen and carbon balance, methane emissions, and milk performance in dairy goats. Ten Murciano-Granadina dairy goats in late lactation (46.1 ± 3.07 kg) were assigned to 2 treatments in a crossover design, where each goat received both treatments in 2 periods. One group of 5 goats was fed a mixed ration with 379 g of oat grain/kg of dry matter (O diet) and the other group of 5 goats was fed a diet that replaced oat grain with 379 g/kg dry matter of rice bran (RB diet). Diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isoproteic, so bypass fat was added to reach the same amount of energy in both diets. The goats were allocated to individual metabolism cages. After 14 d of adaptation, feed intake, total fecal and urine outputs, and milk yield were recorded daily over a 5-d period. Then, gas exchange measurements were recorded individually by a mobile open-circuit indirect calorimetry system using a head box. Dry matter intake was different for both diets [1.83 ± 0.11 vs. 1.61 ± 0.08 (means ± SD), for O and RB, respectively]. Metabolizable energy intake and heat production were not significantly different between diets, with average values of 1,254 [standard error of the mean (SEM) = 110.0] and 640 (SEM = 21.0) kJ/kg of BW(0.75), respectively. Significant differences were found in milk fat content (5.3 and 6.9%, SEM = 0.36; for O and RB, respectively) and milk fatty acids: medium-chain fatty acids (17.17 vs. 12.90 g/100g, SEM = 0.969; for O and RB, respectively) and monounsaturated fatty acids (20.63 vs. 28.29 g/100g, SEM = 1.973; for O and RB, respectively). Enteric CH4 emission was lower for the RB diet (23.2 vs. 30.1g/d, SEM = 2.14; for O and RB, respectively), probably because of the higher lipid content in RB diets than O diets (11.7 vs. 4.1%, respectively). Lactating goats utilized RB without detrimental effects on energy metabolism. Higher milk fat and lower CH4 emissions were observed with the RB diet compared with the O diet.