Predicting CO2 production of lactating dairy cows from animal, dietary, and production traits using an international dataset

Automated measurements of the ratio of concentrations of methane and carbon dioxide, [CH4]:[CO2], in breath from individual animals (the so-called "Sniffer-technique") and estimated CO2 production can be used to estimate CH4 production, provided that CO2 production can be reliably calculated. This would allow CH4 production from individual cows to be estimated in large cohorts of cows, whereby ranking of cows according to their CH4 production might become possible and their values could be used for breeding of low CH4 emitting animals. Estimates of CO2 production are typically based on predictions of heat production, which can be calculated from body weight (BW), energy-corrected milk yield, and days of pregnancy. The objectives of the present study were to develop predictions of CO2 production directly from milk production, dietary, and animal variables, and furthermore develop different models to be used for different scenarios, depending on available data. An international data set with 2,244 records from individual lactating cows including CO2 production and associated traits, as dry matter intake (DMI), diet composition, BW, milk production and composition, days in milk and days pregnant, was compiled to constitute the training data set. Research location and experiment nested within research location were included as random intercepts. The method of CO2 production measurement (respiration chamber (RC) or GreenFeed (GF)) was confounded with research location, and therefore excluded from the model. In total, 3 models were developed based on the current training data set: Model 1 ("Best Model"), where all significant traits were included, Model 2 ("On-Farm Model"), where DMI was excluded, and Model 3 ("Reduced On-Farm Model"), where both DMI and BW were excluded. Evaluation on test data sets either with RC data (n = 103), GF data without additives (n = 478) or GF data only including observations where nitrate, 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), or a combination of nitrate and 3-NOP were fed to the cows (GF+: n = 295), showed good precision of the 3 models, illustrated by low slope bias both in absolute values (-0.22 to 0.097) and in percentage (0.049 to 4.89) of mean square error (MSE). However, the mean bias (MB) indicated systematic over-prediction and under-prediction of CO2 production when the models were evaluated on the GF and the RC test data set, respectively. To address this bias, the 3 models were evaluated on a modified test data set, where the CO2 production (g/d) was adjusted by subtracting (where measurements were obtained by RC) or adding absolute MB (where measurements were obtained by GF) from evaluation of the specific model on RC, GF, and GF+ test data sets. By this modification, the absolute values of MB and MB as percentage of MSE became negligible. In conclusion, the 3 models were precise in predicting CO2 production from lactating dairy cows.

[Take-home messages from the 2nd COPD 2023 Biennial of the French Society of Respiratory Diseases. Placing the patient at the center of the care pathway]

INTRODUCTION

The second COPD Biennial organized by the COPD working group of the French Society of Respiratory Diseases took place in Paris (Cochin) on 13th December 2023.

STATE OF THE ART

Major trends in 2023 were discussed; they encompassed concepts, definitions, biologics, care pathways, pulmonary rehabilitation and complex situations entailed by respiratory infections, cardiovascular comorbidities and pulmonary hypertension, and modalities of oxygen therapy and ventilation.

PERSPECTIVES

The different talks underlined major changes in COPD including the concepts of pre-COPD, etiotypes, health trajectories and new definitions of exacerbation. Recent results in biologics for COPD open the door to new pharmacological options. Assessment of current care pathways in France highlighted some causes for concern. For example, pulmonary rehabilitation is a key but insufficiently practiced element. Respiratory infections require careful assessment and treatments. Diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular comorbidities and pulmonary hypertension are of paramount importance. As of late, oxygen therapy and ventilation modalities have evolved, and are beginning to afford more personalized options.

CONCLUSIONS

As regards COPD, a personalized approach is crucial, placing the patient at the center of the care pathway and facilitating coordination between healthcare providers.

Genomic Loci Influencing Cue-Reactivity in Heterogeneous Stock Rats

Addiction vulnerability is associated with the tendency to attribute incentive salience to reward predictive cues; both addiction and the attribution of incentive salience are influenced by environmental and genetic factors. To characterize the genetic contributions to incentive salience attribution, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a cohort of 1,645 genetically diverse heterogeneous stock (HS) rats. We tested HS rats in a Pavlovian conditioned approach task, in which we characterized the individual responses to food-associated stimuli ("cues"). Rats exhibited either cue-directed "sign-tracking" behavior or food-cup directed "goal-tracking" behavior. We then used the conditioned reinforcement procedure to determine whether rats would perform a novel operant response for unrewarded presentations of the cue. We found that these measures were moderately heritable (SNP heritability, h2 = .189-.215). GWAS identified 14 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for 11 of the 12 traits we examined. Interval sizes of these QTLs varied widely. 7 traits shared a QTL on chromosome 1 that contained a few genes (e.g. Tenm4, Mir708) that have been associated with substance use disorders and other mental health traits in humans. Other candidate genes (e.g. Wnt11, Pak1) in this region had coding variants and expression-QTLs in mesocorticolimbic regions of the brain. We also conducted a Phenome-Wide Association Study (PheWAS) on other behavioral measures in HS rats and found that regions containing QTLs on chromosome 1 were also associated with nicotine self-administration in a separate cohort of HS rats. These results provide a starting point for the molecular genetic dissection of incentive salience and provide further support for a relationship between attribution of incentive salience and drug abuse-related traits.

Monitoring of sprint and change of direction velocity, vertical jump height, and repeated sprint ability in sub-elite female football players throughout their menstrual cycle

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the early follicular (EF, i.e., menstruation), late follicular (LF), and middle luteal (ML) phases of the menstrual cycle and different factors that may influence football performance.

METHODS

To this end, 11 eumenorrheic sub-elite female football players underwent field tests to assess sprint speed, lower extremity power, repeated sprint ability, velocity on change of direction, and technical skills at each cycle phase.

RESULTS

Performance during the 15-m change of direction ability test, 15-m ball dribbling test, squat jump height, total sprint time [sum of 7 sprints] and decrement score [(mean sprint time/best sprint time × 100) - 100], maximum and mean heart rate, and perceived exertion did not significantly differ among menstrual cycle phases. Conversely, the linear sprint velocity over 10, 20, 30-m distances was decreased in EF vs LF (10-, 20- and 30-m) and in ML vs LF (10- and 20-m) (p < 0.05). The 40-m sprint velocity did not change in the different menstrual cycle phases.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our study suggests that sex hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle are not associated with vertical jump, velocity on change of direction, and repeated sprint ability, but may influence linear sprint velocity over short distances (10, 20, and 30 m).

Magnetic anisotropy, magnetization reversal and switching in Ni4Nb2O9single crystals

Ni4Nb2O9is an insulating compensated ferrimagnet withTN= 77 K andTcomp= 33 K. We report here the study of the magnetic anisotropy using millimeter-size crystals grown in an image furnace. The magnetization measurements, vs temperature, performed withHaligned along the three main crystallographic axes, show similar Curie-Weiss temperatures (Θp≈ 190 K) and rather similar effective paramagnetic moments (from 3.5μBto 3.6μB). This suggests that the strongest magnetic interaction is the antiferromagnetic one, coupling the ferromagnetic distorted honeycomb layers and zigzag ribbons via face sharing NiO6octahedra. This strong antiferromagnetic coupling is supported by DFT calculations that do not evidence any inter site ferromagnetic interaction, leading to total compensation between magnetic moments of both Ni2+sites. Measurements vs magnetic field belowTNreveal an anisotropic behaviour, with square magnetization loops forHin theabplane, whereas linearM(H) curves without hysteresis are observed forH‖c. This anisotropy betweenabplane andcaxis occurs also in the magnetization reversal (MR), which is observed in theabplane only. Starting fromM(H) virgin curves collected just belowTcomp= 33 K withH‖aorH‖b, the memory-like effect was tested through magnetization switching induced byHorTalternating changes. BelowTcomp, smallerHis needed to switchMsymmetrically forHalongbthan alonga, and, forTswitching (2 K interval, constantH), a largerMchange is obtained alongathan alongb. The comparison with ferrimagnetic oxides which exhibit MR, like spinels or rare earth orthoferrites, shows that Ni4Nb2O9is unique since only one magnetic cation over two sites in octahedral coordination is at play, thus providing a unique platform to studyMswitching but also a challenge for theoretical interpretation.

The complex circumstellar environment of supernova 2023ixf

The early evolution of a supernova (SN) can reveal information about the environment and the progenitor star. When a star explodes in vacuum, the first photons to escape from its surface appear as a brief, hours-long shock-breakout flare1,2, followed by a cooling phase of emission. However, for stars exploding within a distribution of dense, optically thick circumstellar material (CSM), the first photons escape from the material beyond the stellar edge and the duration of the initial flare can extend to several days, during which the escaping emission indicates photospheric heating3. Early serendipitous observations2,4 that lacked ultraviolet (UV) data were unable to determine whether the early emission is heating or cooling and hence the nature of the early explosion event. Here we report UV spectra of the nearby SN 2023ixf in the galaxy Messier 101 (M101). Using the UV data as well as a comprehensive set of further multiwavelength observations, we temporally resolve the emergence of the explosion shock from a thick medium heated by the SN emission. We derive a reliable bolometric light curve that indicates that the shock breaks out from a dense layer with a radius substantially larger than typical supergiants.

[Management of Stent-graft migration with obstruction of supra-aortic vessel during an endovascular procedure for aortic isthmus rupture]

The endovascular approach is widely used in the management of aortic isthmic rupture. Even if it remains less invasive than conventional surgery, a life-threatening complications are possible. We report the case of a young female patient presenting a stent-graft migration during the deployment with total obstruction of the supra-aortic vessels. We describe the therapeutic management with a cerebral rescue procedure followed by a delayed surgical repair.

Relationship between residual feed intake and digestive traits of fattening bulls fed grass silage- or maize silage-based diets

Several studies tried to identify digestive determinants of individual variation in feed efficiency between fattening bulls, because of their importance for breeding and management strategies. Most studies focused on single traits or single diet. Little is known about diet-dependent differences in digestive determinants and on their relative importance in distinguishing divergent residual feed intake (RFI) bulls. This research aimed (i) to identify digestive traits that differed between bulls diverging in RFI and fed a maize silage- or a grass silage-based diets; (ii) to highlight the relationships between RFI and digestive traits, and (iii) to explore the hierarchy among digestive traits in discriminating RFI divergent bulls. After an initial RFI test of 84 days on 100 Charolais growing bulls fed two different diets based on grass silage (GS), or maize silage (MS), the 32 most RFI divergent bulls were selected (eight efficient RFI- and eight inefficient RFI+ bulls per diet) and measured thereafter for total tract apparent digestibility and transit rate, enteric gas emissions (CH4 and H2), rumen pH, and feeding behaviour. Rumen particle size and visceral organ and reticulo-omasal orifice (ROO) sizes and rumen and ileum histology were measured at slaughter on the 32 selected extreme RFI bulls. Irrespective of the diet, efficient bulls (RFI-) had lower rumen size, CH4 yield (g/kg DM intake; tendency), lower number of cells in the ileal crypts, tended to have longer time of rumen pH below 5.8 and lower proportion of small size particles in rumen content than non-efficient bulls (RFI+). A long-term test for feed efficiency (197 d on average) was performed on the whole experimental period until slaughter for the 100 animals. The long-term RFI value was negatively related to time spent in activity other than ingestion, rumination, and resting, and positively related (tendency) to the duration of ingestion events, to rumen and abomasum size, irrespective of the diet. Diet-dependent effects were noted: with GS, efficient (RFI-) bulls showed a slower transit rate, whereas with MS, efficient (RFI-) bulls tended to have shorter resting events and a smaller ROO than inefficient bulls (RFI+). The transit rate and the ROO size tended to be positively related, while total tract apparent digestibility of nitrogen was negatively related to long-term RFI value, but only in GS. Rumen size appeared as the most discriminating digestive variable between RFI divergent bulls, but this result should be validated on a larger number of animals and diets.

One-year prospective real-world assessment of effectiveness and safety of erenumab in migraine prevention: results of the French FHU INOVPAIN registry study

BACKGROUND

Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy and safety of erenumab. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of erenumab in a real-world setting in French patients with migraine associated with extreme unmet needs.

METHODS

This is a one year-prospective real-word study with enrolment of all consecutive adult patients included in the FHU InovPain registry who participated in a compassionate erenumab use program.

RESULTS

Of 144 patients included, 140 patients (82.1% female / mean age of 50.9 ± 11.4) received at least one dose of erenumab and were concerned by effectiveness and safety assessment. All patients had failed 11 oral preventive treatments. Most of them suffered from chronic migraine (88.6%) and presented a medication overuse (90.7%) at baseline. Thirty-eight (27.1%) discontinued treatment during the 12-month follow-up, with 22 (15.7%), 11 (7.9%) and 5 (3.6%) patients before 3, 6 or 9 months of treatment. The proportion of ≥ 50% responders at M3, M6, M9 and M12 was 74/140 (52.9%), 69/118 (58.5%), 61/107 (57.0%) and 60/102 (58.8%) respectively. At M3, the rate of reversion from chronic migraine to episodic migraine was 57.3% and the rate of transition from medication overuse to non-overuse was 46.5%. For monthly migraine days, the median (IQR) was 18.0 (13.0-26.0), 9.0 (5.0-17.0), 7.5 (5.0-14.0), 8.0 (5.0-12.5) and 8.0 (5.0-12.0) at M0, M3, M6, M9 and M12 respectively. For HIT-6 score, the median (IQR) was 68.0 (63.8-73.3), 60.0 (54.0-65.0), 60.0 (50.3-53.0), 59.0 (50.0-63.0) and 58.0 (50.0-62.9) at M0, M3, M6, M9 and M12 respectively. Fifty-three (37.9%) patients reported at least one of the following adverse events: cutaneous erythema and/or pain at the injection site for 42 (30%) patients, constipation for 22 (15.7%) patients, muscle spasm for 2 (1.4%) patients, alopecia for one (0.7%) patient and blood pressure increase in one (0.7%) patient. There was no serious adverse event. One female patient became pregnant after 5 months of exposure to erenumab with a safe evolution after treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

This first French real-world study related to migraine prevention with CGRP-mAbs confirms effectiveness and safety of erenumab in patients with extreme unmet needs.

Postoperative systemic inflammation after major abdominal surgery: patient-centred outcomes

Postoperative systemic inflammation is strongly associated with surgical outcomes, but its relationship with patient-centred outcomes is largely unknown. Detection of excessive inflammation and patient and surgical factors associated with adverse patient-centred outcomes should inform preventative treatment options to be evaluated in clinical trials and current clinical care. This retrospective cohort study analysed prospectively collected data from 3000 high-risk, elective, major abdominal surgery patients in the restrictive vs. liberal fluid therapy for major abdominal surgery (RELIEF) trial from 47 centres in seven countries from May 2013 to September 2016. The co-primary endpoints were persistent disability or death up to 90 days after surgery, and quality of recovery using a 15-item quality of recovery score at days 3 and 30. Secondary endpoints included: 90-day and 1-year all-cause mortality; septic complications; acute kidney injury; unplanned admission to intensive care/high dependency unit; and total intensive care unit and hospital stays. Patients were assigned into quartiles of maximum postoperative C-reactive protein concentration up to day 3, after multiple imputations of missing values. The lowest (reference) group, quartile 1, C-reactive protein ≤ 85 mg.l-1 , was compared with three inflammation groups: quartile 2 > 85 mg.l-1 to 140 mg.l-1 ; quartile 3 > 140 mg.l-1 to 200 mg.l-1 ; and quartile 4 > 200 mg.l-1 to 587 mg.l-1 . Greater postoperative systemic inflammation had a higher adjusted risk ratio (95%CI) of persistent disability or death up to 90 days after surgery, quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 being 1.76 (1.31-2.36), p < 0.001. Increased inflammation was associated with increasing decline in risk-adjusted estimated medians (95%CI) for quality of recovery, the quartile 4 to quartile 1 difference being -14.4 (-17.38 to -10.71), p < 0.001 on day 3, and -5.94 (-8.92 to -2.95), p < 0.001 on day 30. Marked postoperative systemic inflammation was associated with increased risk of complications, poor quality of recovery and persistent disability or death up to 90 days after surgery.

A vanguard randomised feasibility trial comparing three regimens of peri-operative oxygen therapy on recovery after major surgery

International recommendations encourage liberal administration of oxygen to patients having surgery under general anaesthesia, ostensibly to reduce surgical site infection. However, the optimal oxygen regimen to minimise postoperative complications and enhance recovery from surgery remains uncertain. The hospital operating theatre randomised oxygen (HOT-ROX) trial is a multicentre, patient- and assessor-blinded, parallel-group, randomised clinical trial designed to assess the effect of a restricted, standard care, or liberal peri-operative oxygen therapy regimen on days alive and at home after surgery in adults undergoing prolonged non-cardiac surgery under general anaesthesia. Here, we report the findings of the internal vanguard feasibility phase of the trial undertaken in four large metropolitan hospitals in Australia and New Zealand that included the first 210 patients of a planned overall 2640 trial sample, with eight pre-specified endpoints evaluating protocol implementation and safety. We screened a total of 956 participants between 1 September 2019 and 26 January 2021, with data from 210 participants included in the analysis. Median (IQR [range]) time-weighted average intra-operative Fi O2 was 0.30 (0.26-0.35 [0.20-0.59]) and 0.47 (0.44-0.51 [0.37-0.68]) for restricted and standard care, respectively (mean difference (95%CI) 0.17 (0.14-0.20), p < 0.001). Median time-weighted average intra-operative Fi O2 was 0.83 (0.80-0.85 [0.70-0.91]) for liberal oxygen therapy (mean difference (95%CI) compared with standard care 0.36 (0.33-0.39), p < 0.001). All feasibility endpoints were met. There were no significant patient adverse events. These data support the feasibility of proceeding with the HOT-ROX trial without major protocol modifications.

Genome-wide association studies of human and rat BMI converge on synapse, epigenome, and hormone signaling networks

A vexing observation in genome-wide association studies (GWASs) is that parallel analyses in different species may not identify orthologous genes. Here, we demonstrate that cross-species translation of GWASs can be greatly improved by an analysis of co-localization within molecular networks. Using body mass index (BMI) as an example, we show that the genes associated with BMI in humans lack significant agreement with those identified in rats. However, the networks interconnecting these genes show substantial overlap, highlighting common mechanisms including synaptic signaling, epigenetic modification, and hormonal regulation. Genetic perturbations within these networks cause abnormal BMI phenotypes in mice, too, supporting their broad conservation across mammals. Other mechanisms appear species specific, including carbohydrate biosynthesis (humans) and glycerolipid metabolism (rodents). Finally, network co-localization also identifies cross-species convergence for height/body length. This study advances a general paradigm for determining whether and how phenotypes measured in model species recapitulate human biology.

Bypassing the Need for Cell Permeabilization: Nanobody CDR3 Peptide Improves Binding on Living Bacteria

Membrane interaction constitutes to be an essential parameter in the mode of action of entities such as proteins, as well as cell-penetrating and antimicrobial peptides, resulting in noninvasive or lytic activities depending on the membrane compositions and interactions. Recently, a nanobody able to interact with the top priority, multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii was discovered, although binding took place with fixed cells only. To potentially overcome this limitation, linear peptides corresponding to the complementarity-determining regions (CDR) were synthesized and fluorescently labeled. Microscopy data indicated clear membrane interactions of the CDR3 sequence with living A. baumannii cells, indicating both the importance of the CDR3 as part of the parent nanobody paratope and the improved binding ability and thus avoiding the need for permeabilization of the cells. In addition, cyclization of the peptide with an additionally introduced rigidifying 1,2,3-triazole bridge retains its binding ability while proteolytically protecting the peptide. Overall, this study resulted in the discovery of novel peptides binding a multidrug-resistant pathogen.

Review: Reducing enteric methane emissions improves energy metabolism in livestock: is the tenet right?

The production of enteric methane in the gastrointestinal tract of livestock is considered as an energy loss in the equations for estimating energy metabolism in feeding systems. Therefore, the spared energy resulting from specific inhibition of methane emissions should be re-equilibrated with other factors of the equation. And, it is commonly assumed that net energy from feeds increases, thus benefitting production functions, particularly in ruminants due to the important production of methane in the rumen. Notwithstanding, we confirm in this work that inhibition of emissions in ruminants does not transpose into consistent improvements in production. Theoretical calculations of energy flows using experimental data show that the expected improvement in net energy for production is small and difficult to detect under the prevailing, moderate inhibition of methane production (≈25%) obtained using feed additives inhibiting methanogenesis. Importantly, the calculation of energy partitioning using canonical models might not be adequate when methanogenesis is inhibited. There is a lack of information on various parameters that play a role in energy partitioning and that may be affected under provoked abatement of methane. The formula used to calculate heat production based on respiratory exchanges should be validated when methanogenesis is inhibited. Also, a better understanding is needed of the effects of inhibition on fermentation products, fermentation heat, and microbial biomass. Inhibition induces the accumulation of H2, the main substrate used to produce methane, that has no energetic value for the host, and it is not extensively used by the majority of rumen microbes. Currently, the fate of this excess of H2 and its consequences on the microbiota and the host are not well known. All this additional information will provide a better account of energy transactions in ruminants when enteric methanogenesis is inhibited. Based on the available information, it is concluded that the claim that enteric methane inhibition will translate into more feed-efficient animals is not warranted.

Probiotic interventions promote metabolic health in high fat-fed hamsters in association with gut microbiota and endocannabinoidome alterations

Probiotics represent a promising tool to improve metabolic health, including lipid profiles and cholesterol levels. Modulation of the gut microbiome and the endocannabinoidome - two interrelated systems involved in several metabolic processes influenced by probiotics - has been proposed as a potential mechanism of action. This study establishes the impact of probiotics on metabolic health, gut microbiota composition and endocannabinoidome mediators in an animal model of hypercholesterolaemia. Syrian hamsters were fed either a low-fat low-cholesterol or high-fat high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet to induce hypercholesterolaemia and gavaged for 6 weeks with either Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CHOL-200 or a combination of the two. Globally, probiotic interventions ameliorated, at least partially, lipid metabolism in HFHC-fed hamsters. The interventions, especially those including L. acidophilus, modified the gut microbiota composition of the small intestine and caecum in ways suggesting reversal of HFHC-induced dysbiosis. Several associations were observed between changes in gut microbiota composition and endocannabinoidome mediators following probiotic interventions and both systems were also associated with improved metabolic health parameters. For instance, potential connexions between the Eubacteriaceae and Deferribacteraceae families, levels of 2‑palmitoylglycerol, 2‑oleoylglycerol, 2‑linoleoylglycerol or 2‑eicosapentaenoylglycerol and improved lipid profiles were found. Altogether, our results suggest a potential crosstalk between gut microbiota and the endocannabinoidome in driving metabolic benefits associated with probiotics, especially those including L. acidophilus, in an animal model of hypercholesterolaemia.

Lung pathology of natural Babesia rossi infection in dogs

A proportion of Babesia rossi infections in dogs are classified as complicated and one of the most lethal complications is acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Most dogs that die succumb within 24 hours of presentation. The pulmonary pathology caused by B. rossi in dogs has not been described. The aim of this study was to provide a thorough macroscopic, histological and immunohistochemical description of the lung changes seen in dogs naturally infected with B. rossi that succumbed to the infection. Death was invariably accompanied by alveolar oedema. Histopathology showed acute interstitial pneumonia characterised by alveolar oedema and haemorrhages, with increased numbers of mononuclear leucocytes in alveolar walls and lumens. Intra-alveolar polymerised fibrin aggregates were observed in just over half the infected cases. Immunohistochemistry showed increased numbers of MAC387- and CD204-reactive monocyte-macrophages in alveolar walls and lumens, and increased CD3-reactive T-lymphocytes in alveolar walls, compared with controls. These histological features overlap to some extent (but far from perfectly) with the histological pattern of lung injury referred to as the exudative stage of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) as is quite commonly reported in ALI/ARDS.

On-farm evaluation of multiparametric models to predict subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy cows

This research aimed: (i) to evaluate on-farm (FARM data) multiparametric models developed under controlled experiment (INRAE data) and based on non-invasive indicators to detect subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows. We also aimed to recover high discrimination capacity, if needed, by (ii) building new models with combined INRAE and FARM data; and (iii) enriching the models increasing from 2 to 5 indicators per model. For model enrichment, we focused on indicators determinable on-farm by quick and inexpensive routine analysis. Fifteen commercial dairy farms were selected to cover a wide range of SARA risk. In each farm, four Holstein early-lactating healthy primiparous cows were selected based on their last on-farm recording of milk yield and somatic cell count analysis. Cows were equipped with a reticulo-rumen pH sensor. The pH kinetics were analysed over a subsequent 7-day period. Relative pH indicators were used to classify cows with or without SARA. Milk, blood, faeces, and urine were collected for analysis of the indicators included in the models developed by Villot et al. (2020) on INRAE data that were externally evaluated using FARM data. Then, new models based on the same indicators were developed combining INRAE and FARM data to test whether a possible loss in performance was due to a limited validity domain of model by Villot et al (2020). Finally, the models developed combining INRAE and FARM data were adapted to the on-farm application and enriched by increasing indicators from 2 to 5 per model using linear discriminant analysis and leave-one-out cross-validation. The sensitivities (true-positive rate) in external evaluation on FARM data were substantially lower than those from cross-validation by Villot et al. (2020) (range: 0.1-0.75 vs 0.79-0.96, respectively), and the specificities (true-negative rate) showed a larger range with lower minimum values (range: 0.18-1.0 vs 0.62-0.97, respectively). The sensitivities of new models developed combining INRAE and FARM data ranged from 0.63 to 0.77. Models involving blood cholesterol, β-hydroxybutyrate, haptoglobin, milk and blood urea, and models involving milk fat/protein ratio, dietary starch proportion, and milk fatty acids had the highest performances, whereas models including sieved faecal residues and urine pH had the lowest. Enriching models to three indicators per model improved sensitivity and specificity, but the inclusion of more indicators was less or not effective. Larger field trials are required to validate our results and to increase variability and validity domain of models.

Changes in circulating forms of anti-Muüllerian hormone and androgens in women with and without PCOS: a systematic longitudinal study throughout pregnancy

STUDY QUESTION

What are the changes in serum concentration of total and cleaved anti-Muüllerian hormone (AMH) molecular forms and of androgens before and throughout pregnancy in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a longitudinal follow-up investigation?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Serum levels of total and cleaved AMH are higher from preconception to the third trimester of pregnancy in women with PCOS as compared to controls, whereas testosterone and androstenedione levels are higher in women with PCOS than in control women before pregnancy and during the second and third trimester of pregnancy.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Cross-sectional or partial longitudinal studies have shown higher AMH and androgen levels in pregnant women with PCOS as compared with non-PCOS women. To date, no complete longitudinal dynamic monitoring of the circulating forms of AMH and androgens from pre-conception to the third trimester of pregnancy have compared women with and without PCOS.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This systematic prospective quarterly longitudinal monocentric study was a comparative follow-up of 30 women with PCOS and 29 controls before and during pregnancy from April 2019 to July 2022.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Women aged 18-43 years with a pre-conception measurement of AMH were included during the first trimester of a singleton pregnancy. The PCOS group was defined according to the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria. The control group patients included in the study had normal ovarian reserves. Circulating total and cleaved AMH, and serum estradiol, LH, and androgen levels were measured during the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy in all study participants.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Before pregnancy, patients with PCOS had higher levels of AMH than controls. The total and cleaved AMH forms were significantly higher in women with PCOS than controls from pre-conception to the third trimester of pregnancy (all P < 0.001). Androgens (total testosterone and androstenedione) were higher in women with PCOS than controls from mid-pregnancy onwards.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Our control population was a population of infertile women with no ovarian problems but most of them had undergone ART treatments to achieve pregnancy.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

These results strengthen the hypothesis that gestational hyperandrogenism as well as exposure to elevated AMH levels in utero could be driving forces predisposing female progeny to develop PCOS.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Funding was provided by INSERM, France (grant number U1172) and the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, ERC-2016-CoG to P.G. grant agreement n° 725149/REPRODAMH. The authors have nothing to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03483792.

[Constrictive pericarditis and disseminated nocardiosis]

Human nocardiosis usually involves the respiratory tract or the skin but may disseminate to virtually any organ, it occurs in immunocompromised hosts as well as individuals with no apparent predisposition. Involvement of the pericardium is uncommon, having been reported infrequently in the past, but mandates a special management. This report describes the first case in Europe of a patient with chronic constrictive pericarditis from nocardia brasiliens, successfully treated with pericardiectomy and appropriate antibiotic therapy.

The atmospheric X-ray imaging spectrometer (AXIS) instrument: Quantifying energetic particle precipitation through bremsstrahlung X-ray imaging

The Atmospheric X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (AXIS) described in this work is a compact, wide field-of-view, hard x-ray imager. The AXIS instrument will fly onboard the Atmospheric Effects of Precipitation through Energetic X-rays (AEPEX) 6U CubeSat mission and will measure bremsstrahlung x-ray photons in the 50-240 keV range with cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detectors using coded aperture optics. AXIS will measure photons generated by energetic particle precipitation for the purpose of determining the spatial scales of precipitation and estimating electron precipitation characteristics. This paper describes the design and testing of the AXIS instrument, including a summary of simulations performed that motivate the shielding, optics, and mechanical design. Testing and characterization is reported that validates the instrument design and shows that the instrument design meets or exceeds the measurement requirements necessary for AEPEX mission success.

COVID-19 infection and maternal morbidity in critical care units in Scotland: a national cohort study

BACKGROUND

Previous research has shown that, in comparison with non-pregnant women of reproductive age, pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to be admitted to critical care, receive invasive ventilation, and die. At present there are limited data in relation to outcomes and healthcare utilisation following hospital discharge of pregnant and recently pregnant women admitted to critical care.

METHODS

A national cohort study of pregnant and recently pregnant women who were admitted to critical care in Scotland with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. We examined hospital outcomes as well as hospital re-admission rates.

RESULTS

Between March 2020 and March 2022, 75 pregnant or recently pregnant women with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were admitted to 24 Intensive Care Units across Scotland. Almost two thirds (n=49, 65%) were from the most deprived socio-economic areas. Complete 90-day acute hospital re-admission data were available for 74 (99%) patients. Nine (12%) women required an emergency non-obstetric hospital re-admission within 90 days. Less than 5% of the cohort had received any form of vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

This national cohort study has demonstrated that pregnant or recently pregnant women admitted to critical care with COVID-19 were more likely to reside in areas of socio-economic deprivation, and fewer than 5% of the cohort had received any form of vaccination. More targeted public health campaigning across the socio-economic gradient is urgently required.

Methodological guidelines: Cow milk mid-infrared spectra to predict GreenFeed enteric methane emissions

Various methodological protocols were tested on milk samples from cows fed diets affecting both methanogenesis and milk synthesis to identify the best approach for the prediction of GreenFeed system (GF) measured methane (CH₄) emissions by milk mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. The models developed were also tested on a data set from cows fed chemical inhibitors of CH₄ emission [3-nitrooxypropanol (3NOP)] that just marginally affect milk composition. A total of 129 primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows fed diets with different methanogenic potential were considered. Individual milk yield (MY) and dry matter intake were recorded daily, whereas fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) was recorded twice a week. The MIR spectra from 2 consecutive milkings were collected twice a week. Twenty CH₄ spot measurements with GF were taken as the basic measurement unit (BMU) of CH₄. The equations were built using partial least squares regression by splitting the database into calibration and validation data sets (excluding 3NOP samples). Models were developed for milk MIR spectra by milking and on day spectra obtained by averaging spectra from 2 consecutive milkings. Models based on day spectra were calibrated by using CH₄ reference data for a measurement duration of 1, 2, 3, or 4 BMU. Models built from the average of the day spectra collected during the corresponding CH₄ measurement periods were developed. Corrections of spectra by days in milk (DIM) and the inclusion of parity, MY, and FPCM as explanatory variables were tested as tools to improve model performance. Models built on day milk MIR spectra gave slightly better performances that those developed using spectra from a single milking. Long duration of CH₄ measurement by GF performed better than short duration: the coefficient of determination of validation (R²V) for CH₄ emissions expressed in grams per day were 0.60 vs. 0.52 for 4 and 1 BMU, respectively. When CH₄ emissions were expressed as grams per kilogram of dry of matter intake, grams per kilogram of MY, or grams per kilogram of FPCM, performance with a long duration also improved. Coupling GF reference data with the average of milk MIR spectra collected throughout the corresponding CH₄ measurement period gave better predictions than using day spectra (R²V = 0.70 vs. 0.60 for CH₄ as g/d on 4 BMU). Correcting the day spectra by DIM improved R²V compared with the equivalent DIM-uncorrected models (R²V = 0.67 vs. 0.60 for CH₄ as g/d on 4 BMU). Adding other phenotypic information as explanatory variables did not further improve the performance of models built on single day DIM-corrected spectra, whereas including MY (or FPCM) improved the performance of models built on the average of spectra (uncorrected by DIM) recorded during the CH₄ measurement period (R²V = 0.73 vs. 0.70 for CH₄ as g/d on 4 BMU). When validating the models on the 3NOP data set, predictions were poor without (R²V = 0.13 for CH₄ as g/d on 1 BMU) or with (R²V = 0.31 for CH₄ as g/d on 1 BMU) integration of 3NOP data in the models. Thus, specific models would be required for CH₄ prediction when cows receive chemical inhibitors of CH₄ emissions not affecting milk composition.

807 The Association between Blood Transfusion and Outcome in Hip Fracture Patients

Aim

Hip Fractures are endemic in older adults across Europe, with potential increases in incidence expected as the population ages. Management of blood loss and anaemia is a mainstay of care for these patients, but there is still significant debate regarding balance between benefit and risk of liberal versus restrictive transfusion policies. Understanding the association between providing blood products and adverse healthcare outcomes in hip fracture patients is a key component in the transfusion decision-making process.

Method

This retrospective cohort study uses national audit data from the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit (SHFA) and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) to examine the association between blood transfusion and important hip fracture process of care measures and healthcare outcomes.

Results

A total of 28 461 patient records were included for assessment across 19 acute hospitals. Blood transfusion during admission was associated with a small but statistically significant decrease in survival at both 30 and 60 days. Those receiving blood transfusion during admission were less likely to be mobilised by the end of the 1st post-operative day, less likely to have a length of stay below the average and had far lower probability of discharge.

Conclusion

This study found that blood transfusion is associated with poor healthcare outcomes following hip fracture, even when adjusted for potential confounding factors. This likely reflects the potential harm of perioperative anaemia rather than any direct impact from transfusion. Further work to reduce perioperative blood loss is therefore key to improving important hip fracture outcomes.

Biophysical parameters and time to isolation of pulmonary veins with a novel cryoballoon: results of POLAR ICE study

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Boston Scientific

Introduction

Low nadir temperatures and long thaw times with cryoballoon ablation are associated with successful pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Recently, a system that maintains uniform pressure and size has been introduced to improve catheter stability during cryoballoon ablation. The present results examine the relationship between cryoballoon time to isolation (TTI) and other biophysical parameters; time to -40ºC (TT-40), nadir temperature, time to thaw (TT0), and first pass isolation success in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF).

Methods

POLAR ICE, a prospective, non-randomized, multicenter (international) registry (NCT04250714), enrolled 400 patients across 19 centers, between Aug 2020 and May 2021. This study included any patients indicated for treatment of PAF with the POLARx cryoablation system. Cryodosing regimen was left to the operator and not specified by study protocol. Procedural characteristics, such as time to isolation (TTI), cryoablations per pulmonary vein, nadir temperature, and occlusion grade were recorded. PVI was confirmed via entrance block. Biophysical parameters for ablations longer than 120s were evaluated.

Results

Data on 389 PVI procedures (n=2303 ablations) were collected. Of those ablations, 1914 (83%) had a duration of at least 120s and were included in this analysis. Isolation was attempted using the CB alone. TTI was reported in 1335 ablations with the majority (64%) occurring within 60s. Biophysical parameters and single shot success rates were examined based on TTI. Ablations with TTI&lt;60s had significantly faster TT-40 (30.6±7.4s), lower nadir temperatures (-58.3±5.8ºC), longer thaw times (21.1±6.7s), and a greater proportion of grade 4 occlusions (88%) than longer TTIs or ablation with no TTI reported (Table 1). In TTIs&lt;60s single shot success was 95%, significantly greater than TT≥60s, or No TTI. Procedure-related complications included: phrenic nerve palsy (0.5%), tamponade (0.5%), AV block (0.3%), stroke (0.3%), and transient ischemic attack (0.3%).

Conclusions

These data suggest a correlation between cryoballoon biophysical parameters and single shot success. Good occlusion likely drives faster freeze and lower nadir temperatures, resulting in longer thaw times with this novel cryoballoon. Future research should examine the relationship between these parameters to drive optimization of cryoablation techniques and provide guidance toward improved workflow.

[Take-home messages from the COPD 2021 biennial of the French Society of Respiratory Diseases. Understanding to so as to better innovate]

INTRODUCTION

The first COPD biennial organized by the French Society of Respiratory Diseases (SPLF) took place on 17 December 2021.

STATE OF THE ART

The objective of the biennial was to discuss current knowledge regarding COPD pathophysiology, current treatments, research development, and future therapeutic approaches.

PERSPECTIVES

The different lecturers laid emphasis on the complexity of pathophysiologic mechanisms including bronchial, bronchiolar and parenchymal alterations, and also dwelt on the role of microbiota composition in COPD pathenogenesis. They pointed out that addition to inhaled treatments, ventilatory support and endoscopic approaches have been increasingly optimized. The development of new therapeutic pathways such as biotherapy and cell therapy (stem cells…) call for further exploration.

CONCLUSIONS

The dynamism of COPD research was repeatedly underlined, and needs to be further reinforced, the objective being to "understand so as to better innovate" so as to develop effective new strategies for treatment and management of COPD.

Nitrogen isotopic discrimination as a biomarker of between-cow variation in the efficiency of nitrogen utilization for milk production: A meta-analysis

Estimating the efficiency of N utilization for milk production (MNE) of individual cows at a large scale is difficult, particularly because of the cost of measuring feed intake. Nitrogen isotopic discrimination (Δ¹⁵N) between the animal (milk, plasma, or tissues) and its diet has been proposed as a biomarker of the efficiency of N utilization in a range of production systems and ruminant species. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of Δ¹⁵N to predict the between-animal variability in MNE in dairy cows using an extensive database. For this, 20 independent experiments conducted as either changeover (n = 14) or continuous (n = 6) trials were available and comprised an initial data set of 1,300 observations. Between-animal variability was defined as the variation observed among cows sharing the same contemporary group (CG; individuals from the same experimental site, sampling period, and dietary treatment). Milk N efficiency was calculated as the ratio between mean milk N (grams of N in milk per day) and mean N intake (grams of N intake per day) obtained from each sampling period, which lasted 9.0 ± 9.9 d (mean ± SD). Samples of milk (n = 604) or plasma (n = 696) and feeds (74 dietary treatments) were analyzed for natural ¹⁵N abundance (δ¹⁵N), and then the N isotopic discrimination between the animal and the dietary treatment was calculated (Δ¹⁵n = δ¹⁵N_animal - δ¹⁵N_diet). Data were analyzed through mixed-effect regression models considering the experiment, sampling period, and dietary treatment as random effects. In addition, repeatability estimates were calculated for each experiment to test the hypothesis of improved predictions when MNE and Δ¹⁵N measurements errors were lower. The considerable protein mobilization in early lactation artificially increased both MNE and Δ¹⁵N, leading to a positive rather than negative relationship, and this limited the implementation of this biomarker in early lactating cows. When the experimental errors of Δ¹⁵N and MNE decreased in a particular experiment (i.e., higher repeatability values), we observed a greater ability of Δ¹⁵N to predict MNE at the individual level. The predominant negative and significant correlation between Δ¹⁵N and MNE in mid- and late lactation demonstrated that on average Δ¹⁵N reflects MNE variations both across dietary treatments and between animals. The root mean squared prediction error as a percentage of average observed value was 6.8%, indicating that the model only allowed differentiation between 2 cows in terms of MNE within a CG if they differed by at least 0.112 g/g of MNE (95% confidence level), and this could represent a limitation in predicting MNE at the individual level. However, the one-way ANOVA performed to test the ability of Δ¹⁵N to differentiate within-CG the top 25% from the lowest 25% individuals in terms of MNE was significant, indicating that it is possible to distinguish extreme animals in terms of MNE from their N isotopic signature, which could be useful to group animals for precision feeding.

An app with brief behavioural support to promote physical activity after a cancer diagnosis (APPROACH): study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

Background

There are multiple health benefits from participating in physical activity after a cancer diagnosis, but many people living with and beyond cancer (LWBC) are not meeting physical activity guidelines. App-based interventions offer a promising platform for intervention delivery. This trial aims to pilot a theory-driven, app-based intervention that promotes brisk walking among people living with and beyond cancer. The primary aim is to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of study procedures before conducting a larger randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Methods

This is an individually randomised, two-armed pilot RCT. Patients with localised or metastatic breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer, who are aged 16 years or over, will be recruited from a single hospital site in South Yorkshire in the UK. The intervention includes an app designed to encourage brisk walking (Active 10) supplemented with habit-based behavioural support in the form of two brief telephone/video calls, an information leaflet, and walking planners. The primary outcomes will be feasibility and acceptability of the study procedures. Demographic and medical characteristics will be collected at baseline, through self-report and hospital records. Secondary outcomes for the pilot (assessed at 0 and 3 months) will be accelerometer measured and self-reported physical activity, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, and patient-reported outcomes of quality of life, fatigue, sleep, anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and habit strength for walking. Qualitative interviews will explore experiences of participating or reasons for declining to participate. Parameters for the intended primary outcome measure (accelerometer measured average daily minutes of brisk walking (≥ 100 steps/min)) will inform a sample size calculation for the future RCT and a preliminary economic evaluation will be conducted.

Discussion

This pilot study will inform the design of a larger RCT to investigate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this intervention in people LWBC.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN18063498. Registered 16 April 2021.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-022-01028-w.

Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, exerts analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-degradative actions in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disabling disease worldwide, with no effective and safe disease-modifying drugs (DMOAD) in the market. However, studies suggest that drugs, such as liraglutide, which possess strong potential in decreasing low-grade systemic inflammation may be effective in treating OA. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-degradative effects in OA using in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results showed that intra-articular injection of liraglutide alleviated pain-related behavior in in vivo sodium monoiodoacetate OA mouse model, which was probably driven by the GLP-1R-mediated anti-inflammatory activity of liraglutide. Moreover, liraglutide treatment significantly decreased IL-6, PGE₂ and nitric oxide secretion, and the expression of inflammatory genes in vitro in chondrocytes and macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, liraglutide shifted polarized macrophage phenotype in vitro from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype. Furthermore, liraglutide exerted anti-catabolic activity by significantly decreasing the activities of metalloproteinases and aggrecanases, a family of catabolic enzymes involved in cartilage breakdown in vitro. Overall, the findings of this study showed that liraglutide ameliorated OA-associated pain, possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and could constitute a novel therapeutic candidate for OA treatment.

Is the Development of Gestational Diabetes Associated With the ABO Blood Group/Rhesus Phenotype?

AIMS

There are few published data on the putative association between the ABO blood group/rhesus (Rh) factor and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Our aim was to explore the link between each one factor and GDM development.

METHODS

All women having given birth at Lille University Medical Center (Lille, France) between August 1^st, 2017, and February 28^th, 2018, were tested for GDM, using the method recommended in the French national guidelines. The risk of GDM was assessed for each ABO blood group, each Rh phenotype and combinations thereof, using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

1194 women had at least one GDM risk factor. The percentage of GDM varied with the ABO group (p=0.013). Relative to group O women, group AB women were more likely to develop GDM (OR = 2.50, 95% CI [1.43 to 4.36], p=0.001). Compared with the Rh-positive O group, only the Rh-positive AB group had an elevated risk of developing GDM (OR = 3.02, 95% CI [1.69 to 5.39], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that Rh-positive group AB women have a greater risk of GDM. With a view to preventing GDM, at-risk individuals could be identified by considering the ABO blood group phenotype either as a single risk factor or in combination with other risk factors.

Targeting the GLP-1/GLP-1R axis to treat osteoarthritis: A new opportunity?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions of people worldwide. In OA, chondrocytes, synovial cells and other joint cells become activated when exposed to an abnormal environment, including mechanical stress, inflammatory cytokines or disorganization of matrix proteins. Several analogues of the hormones called incretins have been developed and are used notably for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data has accumulated to suggest that incretinomimetics, which bind to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), have beneficial pleiotropic effects such as immunomodulation, anti-inflammation and neuronal protection. Thus, because of their anti-inflammatory properties, GLP-1-based therapies could benefit OA patients. This review focuses on the GLP-1R pathway, molecular mechanisms and phenotypes related to OA pathogenesis.

The translational potential of this article

The search for new therapeutic targets to treat people suffering from OA remains urgent as there is currently no disease-modifyingtherapy available for this disease. This review discusses how GLP-1 analogues could be potential DMOADs for treating OA thanks to their anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory and differentiation properties.