Circadian temperature rhythm in breeding sows: differences between days in oestrus and anoestrus after weaning

BACKGROUND

Mammals are subject to circadian rhythms for the control of various physiological events. One of the parameters known to be subject to variations throughout the day is body temperature, which is also subject to influences such as environmental temperature. However, there are not many studies on these rhythms in breeding sows. The aim of this study was to determine the circadian parameters for body temperature in post-weaning sows during oestrus period, throughout the seasons in a warm climate.

RESULTS

Differences were observed in inter-daily stability, intra-daily fragmentation and cycle length comparing the summer sows with the other seasons. Differences were also observed in the period that the sows were in oestrus compared to the non-oestrus period for intra-daily fragmentation, with these differences being more important in the warm seasons compared to the cold seasons. The parameters normalised by COSINOR also showed significant differences when comparing seasons, especially in the acrophase of the temperature maximum. Another significant finding was an increase in vaginal temperature during oestrus in sows monitored in summer compared to the other seasons. Correlations between body, vaginal and environmental temperature were observed.

CONCLUSION

There is a seasonal influence on the circadian rhythm of temperature and summer is clearly the season with the greatest differences in circadian parameters when compared to the other seasons. The extreme summer conditions seem to definitely influence this rhythm and make the body and vaginal temperature of the sows different from the rest of the year. The increase in period robustness in both body and vaginal temperature during the days when sows are in oestrus could be related to the hormonal events of oestrus and ovulation and seems to be independent of weather since it occurs in all controlled seasons. However, this robustness is significantly higher in summer than in the other seasons both in the oestrus period and on days when sows are not in oestrus.

Spatial distribution and source identification of phthalates and organochlorine compounds in Galician mussels (NW Spain)

The spatial distribution of five phthalate esters (PAEs) and 17 organochlorine compounds (OCs) in wild and raft mussels from Galician littoral collected in 2020, and its relationship with anthropogenic activities was studied in this work. The Rías de Foz and Muros-Noia were the most polluted by PAEs, while the Rías de Ferrol and Barqueiro by PCBs. The highest levels of all contaminants were present in wild mussel, except DEHP that were predominant in raft mussel. The levels of most PAEs were negatively correlated with levels of the lower chlorinated PCBs and OCPs. The spatial distribution of pollutants confirmed by PCA was affected by the proximity to anthropogenic sources, phthalates by urban wastewater and PCBs by industrial inputs, mainly. The study of human exposure assessment suggests that Risk Quotient values were < 1, so the consumption of Galician raft mussels did not pose a risk to human health.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in Peru: A molecular description of an unconventional clinical presentation

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most frequent cancer of digestive tract tumors in Peru, with a high mortality rate of 17.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. A significant number of HCC cases in Peru do not follow the classic clinical epidemiology of the disease described in other parts of the world. Those patients present with a distinct transcriptome profile and a singular tumor process, suggesting a particular type of hepatocarcinogenesis in a portion of the Peruvian population. Our aim was to understand the clinical and biologic involvement of the epigenetic profile (methylation) and gene expression (transcriptome) of HCC in Peruvian patients.

METHODS

HCC and liver transcriptome and DNA methylation profiles were evaluated in 74 Peruvian patients.

RESULTS

When grouped by age, there was greater DNA methylation in younger patients with HCC but no differences with respect to the transcriptomic profile. A high prevalence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) (>90%) was also observed in the younger patients with HCC. Enrichment analyses in both molecular profiles pinpointed PRC2 as an important molecular effector of that liver tumor process in Peruvian patients.

CONCLUSION

HCC in Peruvian patients has a unique molecular profile, associated with the presence of HBV, as well as overall DNA hypermethylation related to undifferentiated liver cells or cellular reprogramming.

Optimization of micro-QuEChERS extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the fast determination of phthalic acid esters in mussel samples

In this study, a new miniaturized version of the analytical method based on the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) technique using Florisil in the cleanup step for extracting six phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in mussel samples was developed by using a design of experiments. For this purpose, 1.5 mL of ultrapure water and later, 1.5 mL of acetonitrile were added to 0.1 g of the lyophilized sample, followed by 0.3 g of a commercial extraction salt packet (magnesium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate dihydrate, and sodium hydrogencitrate sesquihydrate). The recovered extract was purified using 0.1 g of Florisil. The final extract was evaporated and reconstituted in 1 mL of hexane. The six phthalates were determined by a GC-MS (SIM) system. The whole method was validated at two concentration levels. Recoveries ranged from 79% to 108%. Reproducibility in terms of coefficients of variation was between 4.9% and 12.1%. The limits of quantification of the whole method were between 0.53 and 38.0 μg per kg dry weight. Five mussel samples coming from the Galician Rías were analysed using this method. Except for three of the five samples where DnOP (di-n-octyl phthalate) was below the limit of quantification, all PAEs were found in concentrations that ranged between 1.99 and 372.7 μg per kg dry weight.

Semantic Adaptation to the Interpretation of Gradable Adjectives via Active Linguistic Interaction

When communicating, people adapt their linguistic representations to those of their interlocutors. Previous studies have shown that this also occurs at the semantic level for vague and context-dependent terms such as quantifiers and uncertainty expressions. However, work to date has mostly focused on passive exposure to a given speaker's interpretation, without considering the possible role of active linguistic interaction. In this study, we focus on gradable adjectives big and small and develop a novel experimental paradigm that allows participants to ask clarification questions to figure out their interlocutor's interpretation. We find that, when in doubt, speakers do resort to this strategy, despite its inherent cognitive cost, and that doing so results in higher semantic alignment measured in terms of communicative success. While not all question-answer pairs are equally informative, we show that speakers become better questioners as the interaction progresses. Yet, the higher semantic alignment observed when speakers are able to ask questions does not increase over time. This suggests that conversational interaction's key advantage may be to boost coordination without committing to long-term semantic updates. Our findings shed new light on the mechanisms used by speakers to achieve semantic alignment and on how language is shaped by communication.

Quality of life and disease experience in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in Spain: a mixed-methods study

OBJECTIVES

To gather insights on the disease experience of patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and assess how patients' experiences and narratives related to the disease complement data collected through standardised patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Also, to explore new ways of evaluating the burden experienced by patients and caregivers.

DESIGN

Observational, descriptive, multicentre, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study.

SETTING

Secondary care, patient's homes.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty patients with HFrEF (New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification I-III) aged 38-85 years.

MEASURES

PROMs EuroQoL 5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and patient interview and observation.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients with HFrEF participated in the study. The patients' mean (SD) age was 72.5 (11.4) years, 65% were male and were classified inNYHA functional classes I (n=4), II (n=7) and III (n=9). The study showed a strong impact of HF in the patients' quality of life (QoL) and disease experience, as revealed by the standardised PROMs (EQ-5D-5L global index=0.64 (0.36); Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total symptom score=71.56 (20.55)) and the in-depth interviews. Patients and caregivers often disagreed describing and evaluating perceived QoL, as patients downplayed their limitations and caregivers overemphasised the poor QoL of the patients. Patients related current QoL to distant life experiences or to critical moments in their disease, such as hospitalisations. Anxiety over the disease progression is apparent in both patients and caregivers, suggesting that caregiver-specific tools should be developed.

CONCLUSIONS

PROMs are an effective way of assessing symptoms over the most recent time period. However, especially in chronic diseases such as HFrEF, PROM scores could be complemented with additional tools to gain a better understanding of the patient's status. New PROMs designed to evaluate and compare specific points in the life of the patient could be clinically more useful to assess changes in health status.

Mechanical ventilation in Spain, 1998-2016: changes in the disconnection of mechanical ventilation

PURPOSE

To evaluate changes in the disconnection of mechanical ventilation in Spain from 1998 to 2016.

DESIGN

Post-hoc analysis of four cohort studies.

AMBIT

138 Spanish ICUs.

PATIENTS

2141 patients scheduled extubated.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

VARIABLES OF INTEREST

Demographics, reason for mechanical ventilation, complications, methods for disconnection, failure on the first attempt at disconnection, duration of weaning, reintubation, post-reintubation tracheotomy, ICU stay and mortality.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase (p<0.001) in the use of gradual reduction of support pressure. The adjusted probability of using the gradual reduction in pressure support versus a spontaneous breathing trial has increased over time, both for the first attempt at disconnection (taking the 1998 study as a reference: odds ratio 0.99 in 2004, 0.57 in 2010 and 2.43 in 2016) and for difficult/prolonged disconnection (taking the 1998 study as a reference: odds ratio 2.29 in 2004, 1.23 in 2010 and 2.54 in 2016). The proportion of patients extubated after the first attempt at disconnection has increased over time. There is a decrease in the ventilation time dedicated to weaning (from 45% in 1998 to 36% in 2016). However, the duration in difficult/prolonged weaning has not decreased (median 3 days in all studies, p=0.435).

CONCLUSIONS

There have been significant changes in the mode of disconnection of mechanical ventilation, with a progressive increase in the use of gradual reduction of pressure support. No relevant changes in outcomes have been observed.

[Smell and taste disorders in Spanish patients with mild COVID-19]

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly throughout the world. Smell and/or taste disorders have emerged as a very frequent symptom as the disease has spread in Europe. Spain is one of the European countries with the highest number of infections.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical progression of smell and taste disorders in Spanish patients with mild COVID-19.

Methods

An online survey was used to conduct a cross-sectional study of patients who presented sudden smell and/or taste disorders during the 2 months of total lockdown due to COVID-19 in Spain.

Results

In our sample, 91.18% of respondents with impaired smell and/or taste and who were able to undergo PCR testing were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Anosmia and ageusia presented in isolation in 6.5% of participants. The remaining 93.5% presented other mild symptoms: headache (51.6%), cough (51.6%), myalgia (45.2%), asthaenia (38.7%), nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea (35.5%), fever (41.9%), low-grade fever (29.0%), odynophagia (25.8%), or diarrhoea (6.5%). The mean duration of anosmia was 8.33 days, with patients subsequently manifesting hyposmia; complete resolution occurred after a mean of 17.79 days. In 22.6% of respondents, olfactory deficits persisted. All participants recovered their sense of taste.

Conclusions

Olfactory and gustatory disorders are prevalent symptoms in mild COVID-19. Most patients do not present associated nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea and a small group of patients present these alterations in isolation.

Smell and taste disorders in Spanish patients with mild COVID-19

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly throughout the world. Smell and/or taste disorders have emerged as a very frequent symptom as the disease has spread in Europe. Spain is one of the European countries with the highest number of infections.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical progression of smell and taste disorders in Spanish patients with mild COVID-19.

Methods

An online survey was used to conduct a cross-sectional study of patients who presented sudden smell and/or taste disorders during the 2 months of total lockdown due to COVID-19 in Spain.

Results

In our sample, 91.18% of respondents with impaired smell and/or taste and who were able to undergo PCR testing were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Anosmia and ageusia presented in isolation in 6.5% of participants. The remaining 93.5% presented other mild symptoms: headache (51.6%), cough (51.6%), myalgia (45.2%), asthaenia (38.7%), nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea (35.5%), fever (41.9%), low-grade fever (29.0%), odynophagia (25.8%), or diarrhoea (6.5%). The mean duration of anosmia was 8.33 days, with patients subsequently manifesting hyposmia; complete resolution occurred after a mean of 17.79 days. In 22.6% of respondents, olfactory deficits persisted. All participants recovered their sense of taste.

Conclusions

Olfactory and gustatory disorders are prevalent symptoms in mild COVID-19. Most patients do not present associated nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea and a small group of patients present these alterations in isolation.

Qualitative disorder measurements from backscattering spectra through an optical fiber

In the processes related to the development of cancer, there are different genetic and epigenetic events involved that result in structural changes of the affected cells. In the early stages of the disease, these changes occur at the nanoscale, remaining undetectable by conventional light microscopy, due to diffraction-limited resolution (∼250 - 550 nm). In this sense, a technique termed partial wave spectroscopy (PWS) allows the detection of these nanostructural changes by measuring a statistical parameter called disorder strength (L _d ). PWS uses a combination of a tunable filter and a camera to acquire the backscattering spectra for each pixel on the image. In this paper, we study and validate the possibility of obtaining a qualitative measurement of the disorder using the spectrum of the averaged spatial information. Instead of using spatial information and measuring sequentially spectral ranges, we measure the backscattered signal gathered by an optical fiber by means of a spectrograph. This will allow this method to be applied in systems where it is not possible to acquire a complete high resolution image for many spectral bands, while significantly enhancing speed.

Mechanical ventilation in Spain, 1998-2016: Epidemiology and outcomes

PURPOSE

To evaluate changes in the epidemiology of mechanical ventilation in Spain from 1998 to 2016.

DESIGN

A post hoc analysis of four cohort studies was carried out.

SETTING

A total of 138 Spanish ICUs.

PATIENTS

A sample of 4293 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 12h or noninvasive ventilation for more than 1h.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

VARIABLES OF INTEREST

Demographic variables, reason for mechanical ventilation, variables related to ventilatory support (ventilation mode, tidal volume, PEEP, airway pressures), complications during mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and ICU mortality.

RESULTS

There was an increase in severity (SAPSII: 43 points in 1998 vs. 47 points in 2016), changes in the reason for mechanical ventilation (decrease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute respiratory failure secondary to trauma, and increase in neurological disease and post-cardiac arrest). There was an increase in noninvasive mechanical ventilation as the first mode of ventilatory support (p<0.001). Volume control ventilation was the most commonly used mode, with increased support pressure and pressure-regulated volume-controlled ventilation. A decrease in tidal volume was observed (9ml/kg actual b.w. in 1998 and 6.6ml/kg in 2016; p<0.001) as well as an increase in PEEP (3cmH₂O in 1998 and 6cmH₂O in 2016; p<0.001). In-ICU mortality decreased (34% in 1998 and 27% in 2016; p<0.001), without geographical variability (median OR 1.43; p=0.258).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant decrease in mortality was observed in patients ventilated in Spanish ICUs. These changes in mortality could be related to modifications in ventilation strategy to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury.

An incidental finding in newborn screening leading to the diagnosis of a patient with ECHS1 mutations

Short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECHS1) is a mitochondrial beta-oxidation enzyme involved in the metabolism of acyl-CoA fatty acid esters, as well as in valine metabolism. ECHS1 deficiency has multiple manifestations, including Leigh syndrome early at birth or in childhood with poor prognosis, to cutis laxa, exercise-induced dystonia and congenital lactic acidosis.

Here we describe the case of a newborn with mutations in ECHS1 that caught our attention after the incidental finding of 3-hydroxy-butyryl\3-hydroxy-isobutyryl\malonylcarnitine (C4OH\C3DC) and tiglylcarnitine (C5:1) on blood spot in the newborn screening (NBS) program. Diagnosis was suspected based on the analysis of organic acids on dried urine spot. A moderate increase of 2-methyl-2,3-dihydroxybutyric acid, was detected, which is a known marker of this disease. Exome analysis showed c.404A>G (p.Asn135Ser) mutation in homozygosis in the ECHS1 gene. The child was therefore admitted to the hospital. Initial examination showed little response to auditory stimuli and mild hypertonia of the extremities. Clinical deterioration was evident at 4 months of age, including neurological and cardiac involvement, and the patient died at 5 months of age. This case illustrates how an incidental detection in the NBS Program can lead to the diagnosis ECHS1 deficiency. Although it is a severe disease, with no treatment available, early detection would allow adequate genetic counseling avoiding the odyssey that suffered most of these families.

Placental levels of metals and associated factors in urban and sub-urban areas of Seville (Spain)

Environmental exposure to metals among women, revealed their adverse effects on pregnancy. The fetus is exposed to these toxic elements only via the placenta which are able to accumulate there or cross it, compromising the protective functions of this organ. Numerous studies have shown associations between the prenatal exposition to some metals and an impact on cognitive, motor and intellectual development of the child. Sixty two placental samples were taken at delivery to determine the mineral content (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn) by ICP-OES. Among these metals, essential ones (B, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Zn) can have health beneficial effects at low levels however, in high concentration are potentially toxic. On the other hand, elements such as Al, Cd, Pb, are classified as toxic metals, no matter what its concentration is. The aim of this study is to find the potential relationships between these metals levels, newborn's parameters, pregnancy details and the epidemiologic information obtained using a questionnaire data from the participant pregnant women from Seville (Spain). The main maternal determinant of detectable placenta Cd levels was smoking during pregnancy. Other maternal factors that may affect placenta metal levels were gestational age (Al, B, Ba, and Pb) or dietary supplement (Fe). It has to be stressed that our results have to be interpreted with caution, because of the small study group and the low exposure levels, along with the lack of information on potential sources of exposure to these metals. The use of placenta samples obtained at delivery can be considered strength of this study since the concentration of some metals in placenta can indicate the extent of maternal exposure during gestation.

Holographic waveguides in photopolymers

The possibilities that offer the holographic optical elements for photovoltaic and "see through display" applications open new windows for holographic recording materials. In this sense, some specific characteristics are required for each particular application. Waveguides are one of the key elements for these applications. Photopolymers are one of the most competitive candidates for waveguide fabrication. In this work, we evaluate the performance of one example from each of three families of photopolymer material in fabrication of a 633nm waveguide. Firstly, polyvinyl alcohol acrylamide, PVA/AA, the second one, a nanoparticle-thiol-ene, NPC, and on the last place a penta/hexa-acrylate based polymer with dispersed nematic liquid crystal molecules, PDLC. We study the critical role of the material and in particular, spatial resolution for this application.

Easy-To-Synthesize Spirocyclic Compounds Possess Remarkable in Vivo Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Society urgently needs new, effective medicines for the treatment of tuberculosis. To kick-start the required hit-to-lead campaigns, the libraries of pharmaceutical companies have recently been evaluated for starting points. The GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) library yielded many high-quality hits, and the associated data were placed in the public domain to stimulate engagement by the wider community. One such series, the spiro compounds, are described here. The compounds were explored by a combination of traditional in-house research and open source methods. The series benefits from a particularly simple structure and a short associated synthetic chemistry route. Many members of the series displayed striking potency and low toxicity, and highly promising in vivo activity in a mouse model was confirmed with one of the analogues. Ultimately the series was discontinued due to concerns over safety, but the associated data remain public domain, empowering others to resume the series if the perceived deficiencies can be overcome.

Pepsinogen C Expression in Tumors of Extragastric Origin

We have examined by immunohistochemistry the ability of human carcinomas of various origin to produce pepsinogen C, an aspartyl proteinase mainly involved in the digestion of proteins in the stomach and recently found to be associated with breast carcinomas. Of the 268 tumors analyzed 80 (29.8%) showed positive staining for pepsinogen C. These positive tumors included 12 gastric (38.7% of the 31 examined cases), nine pancreatic (42.8%), two renal (20%), 12 prostatic (40%), three bladder (27.3%), 14 endometrial (29.7%) and 18 ovarian (40%) carcinomas. We also detected 10 melanomas (50%) that were positive for pepsinogen C. By contrast, immunohistochemical staining for the proteinase was not detected in colorectal, cervical, lung and basal cell skin carcinomas. These results demonstrate that pepsinogen C, a proteolytic enzyme of highly restricted expression in human tissues, can also be expressed by a wide variety of human carcinomas. In addition, and similar to pepsinogen C expression in breast carcinomas, the production of this enzyme by different human tumors might be related to putative hormonal alterations associated with the development and progression of these tumors.

Expression and Clinical Significance of Pepsinogen C in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

Pepsinogen C is an aspartyl-proteinase usually involved in the digestion of proteins in the stomach, and an androgen- inducible protein in breast cancer cells. In this study we evaluated its expression and clinical significance in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. Pepsinogen C expression was examined by immunohistochemical methods in a series of 73 pancreatic carcinomas. The prognostic value of pepsinogen C was retrospectively evaluated by multivariate analysis. A total of 21 (28.8%) pancreatic carcinomas stained positively for pepsinogen C. The percentage of pepsinogen C-positive tumors was significantly higher in well-differentiated tumors (38.3%) than in moderately differentiated (15.8%) and poorly differentiated (0%) tumors (p<0.05). In addition, statistical analysis revealed that pepsinogen C expression was associated with clinical outcome. Thus, patients with pepsinogen C-negative tumors have a poorer overall survival than those with pepsinogen C-positive tumors. Our results led us to consider that the expression of pepsinogen C may represent a useful biological marker in pancreatic cancer. Expression of this protein may be a marker of gastric-type differentiation of the tumors and it might also reflect the existence of a complete hormone receptor pathway in a subset of pancreatic carcinomas.

An adverse immune-endocrine profile in patients with tuberculosis and type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a risk factor for the development of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and both diseases present endocrine alterations likely to play a role in certain immuno-endocrine-metabolic associated disorders. Patients with TB, or with TB and type 2 diabetes (TB + T2DM) and healthy controls (HCo) were assessed for plasma levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), estradiol, testosterone, growth hormone (GH), prolactin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ) and the specific lymphoproliferative capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. All patients had higher levels of cortisol with a reduction in DHEA, thus resulting in an increased cortisol/DHEA ratio (Cort/DHEA). Increased prolactin and particularly GH levels were found in both groups of TB patients. This was not paralleled by increased concentrations of IGF, which remained within the levels of HCo. Estradiol levels were significantly augmented in patients TB, and significantly more in TB + T2DM, whereas testosterone levels were decreased in both groups of patients. IFN- γ and IL-6 concentrations were significantly increased in all TB, even further in TB + T2DM; while IL-10 was equally increased in both groups of TB patients. The in vitro specific proliferative capacity was decreased in both groups of patients as compared to that of HCo. The adverse immune-endocrine profile of TB seems to be slightly more pronounced in patients who also have T2DM.

Diffractive lenses recorded in absorbent photopolymers

Photopolymers can be appealing materials for diffractive optical elements fabrication. In this paper, we present the recording of diffractive lenses in PVA/AA (Polyvinyl alcohol acrylamide) based photopolymers using a liquid crystal device as a master. In addition, we study the viability of using a diffusion model to simulate the lens formation in the material and to study the influence of the different parameters that govern the diffractive formation in photopolymers. Once we control the influence of each parameter, we can fit an optimum recording schedule to record each different diffractive optical element with the optimum focalization power.

Time to culture conversion in smokers with pulmonary tuberculosis

Background and objective. It has been reported that tobacco smoking slows the sterilisation of sputum culture in pulmonary tuberculosis, but the factors that could delay culture conversion in patients who smoke are not known. Our aim is to identify the factors influencing sputum culture conversion in smokers with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods. Ninety-nine patients with a smoking history and diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis were analysed retrospectively. The relationship between sputum culture status at the second month and the following variables: age, gender, pack-years index, comorbid diseases, number acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in sputum smear examination, radiological findings (cavitary, extensive or limited disease), drug susceptibility pattern and initial treatment, was analysed. The Student t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression model with forward stepwise conditional methods were used for statistical analysis. A p value of &lt;0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results. Twenty six patients (26.2%): 18 males (22.2%) and 8 females (44%) were sputum culture positive at the end of the second month of treatment. In univariate analysis, culture conversion time was significantly associated with female gender and extensive disease, but in a logistic regression analysis was only correlated with female gender (OR=5.63 95% CI 1.21-20.64-p=0.02). Conclusion. In current smokers with pulmonary tuberculosis, the ‘time to culture’ conversion relates only to the female gender.

Good response to rituximab in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and pulmonary, renal manifestations and ophthalmoplegia

Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is a classical drug for the treatment of severe granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). However, a considerable number of patients are resistant to standard treatment and it can show substantial toxicity. Therefore, alternative agents should be considered in refractory cases. We report the successful use of rituximab (RTX) in a 70-year-old patient diagnosed of GPA who developed ophthalmoplegia, an uncommon complication of GPA. The patient also had upper and lower respiratory tract involvement and kidney manifestations with good prognosis. We review the causes of ophtalmoparesis and the treatment with RTX in GPA.

Two diffusion photopolymer for sharp diffractive optical elements recording

Photopolymers as recording media are widely used in optical applications. In such materials, changes in the phase of the transmittance function are generated during exposure due to refractive index and thickness modulations. These changes arise primarily as a consequence of photopolymerization and mass transport processes. Characterizing polymers' performance, for example, quantifying the value of monomer diffusion, is therefore very important. Applying index matching, the volume and surface optical effect are separated in an acrylamide/polyvinylalcohol (AA/PVA) material. Using a simplified model that includes the effects of the holes produced during polymerization, both hole and monomer diffusion are analyzed. The analysis presented indicates higher material sensitivity than previously estimated. The results also indicate the possibility of recording sharper diffractive optical elements profiles, like blazed gratings, having diffraction efficiencies higher than 80%.

Reproductive ecology of coypu (Myocastor coypus Molina, 1782) in the Middle Delta of the Paraná River, Argentina

The objective of this study was to estimate and compare some important reproductive parameters of Myocastor coypus over time (June 2006-May 2008), in wetlands of the Middle Delta of the Paraná River (MD) Entre Ríos province, R. Argentina. Within the original coypu distribution range, the MD is among the areas of highest habitat suitability for the species. Coypus were captured and the following reproductive parameters were estimated on a monthly, seasonal and annual basis: pregnancy rate (PR), litter size (LS), gross productivity (GP) and annual production (AP). Statistical non-parametric tests were used for comparisons. Additionally, the expected birth date of each embryo and fetus was estimated by assigning it to a developmental stage category and considering the gestation period of the species. All the parameters showed high values and PR and LS differed significantly between the dry (2006) and humid years (2007). Two peaks of birth were detected, one in spring and another one in mid-autumn. The implications of these results for ensuring the sustainable management of this rodent are discussed.

On the prediction of Hodgkin lymphoma treatment response

PURPOSE

The cure rate in Hodgkin lymphoma is high, but the response along with treatment is still unpredictable and highly variable among patients. Detecting those patients who do not respond to treatment at early stages could bring improvements in their treatment. This research tries to identify the main biological prognostic variables currently gathered at diagnosis and design a simple machine learning methodology to help physicians improve the treatment response assessment.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective analysis of the response to treatment of a cohort of 263 Caucasians who were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in Asturias (Spain). For that purpose, we used a list of 35 clinical and biological variables that are currently measured at diagnosis before any treatment begins. To establish the list of most discriminatory prognostic variables for treatment response, we designed a machine learning approach based on two different feature selection methods (Fisher's ratio and maximum percentile distance) and backwards recursive feature elimination using a nearest-neighbor classifier (k-NN). The weights of the k-NN classifier were optimized using different terms of the confusion matrix (true- and false-positive rates) to minimize risk in the decisions.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We found that the optimum strategy to predict treatment response in Hodgkin lymphoma consists in solving two different binary classification problems, discriminating first if the patient is in progressive disease; if not, then discerning among complete and partial remission. Serum ferritin turned to be the most discriminatory variable in predicting treatment response, followed by alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. The importance of these prognostic variables suggests a close relationship between inflammation, iron overload, liver damage and the extension of the disease.

Influence of index matching on AA/PVA photopolymers for low spatial frequency recording

Photopolymers present appealing optical properties for holographic and diffractive applications. They enable modulation of the electrical permittivity and thickness and are self-processing, and layers with a wide range of thicknesses and properties can be fabricated on demand. In order to obtain a complete characterization of the material, low spatial frequency analysis has become a fundamental tool because the motion of the components inside of the material can be measured. We propose to use an index matching component to carry out a complete characterization and to differentiate the "apparent" and the real monomer diffusion. We also have quantified the minimum thickness to obtain the phase modulation of 2π required for the fabrication of many diffractive elements such as lenses, axicons, or blazed gratings. Finally, we have studied the influence of the thermal effects in the thickness variations.

Applicability and accuracy improvement of transient elastography using the M and XL probes by experienced operators

Transient elastography (TE) is the reference method to obtain liver stiffness measurements (LSM), but no results are obtained in 3.1% and unreliable in 15.8%. We assessed the applicability and diagnostic accuracy of TE re-evaluation using M and XL probes. From March 2011 to April 2012 868 LSM were performed with the M probe by trained operators (50-500 studies) (LSM1). Measurements were categorized as inadequate (no values or ratio <60% and/or IQR/LSM >30%) or adequate. Inadequate LSM1 were re-evaluated by experienced operators (>500 explorations) (LSM2) and inadequate LSM2 using XL probe (LSMXL). Inadequate LSM1 were obtained in 187 (21.5%) patients, IQR/LSM >30% in 97 (51%), ratio <60% in 24 (13%) and TE failed to obtain a measurement in 67 (36%). LSM2 achieved adequate registers in 123 (70%) of 175 registers previously considered as inadequate. Independent variables (OR, 95%CI) related to inadequate LSM1 were body mass index (1.11, 1.04-1.18), abdominal circumference (1.03, 1.01-1.06) and age (1.03, 1.01-1.04) and to inadequate LSM2 were skin-capsule distance (1.21, 1.09-1.34) and abdominal circumference (1.05, 1.01-1.10). The diagnostic accuracy (AUROC) to identify significant fibrosis improved from 0.89 (LSM1) to 0.91 (LSM2) (P = 0.046) in 334 patients with liver biopsy or clinically significant portal hypertension. A third evaluation (LSMXL) obtained adequate registers in 41 (93%) of 44 patients with inadequate LSM2. Operator experience increases the applicability and diagnostic accuracy of TE. The XL probe may be recommended for patients with inadequate values obtained by experienced operators using the M probe. http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01900808).

Postoperative surgical complications after lung transplantation

This is a review article on the main postoperative complications after lung transplantation: airways complications, vascular complications, pleural complications, surgical wound complications, and abdominal complications. Incidence data, severity, and major management regimens are reported. Postoperative complications after lung transplantation result in a significantly increased morbidity and mortality, with early diagnosis and therapy being extremely important.