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The study was conducted to evaluate the thermophysiological, haematological, biochemical and behavioural stress responses of sheep transported on road. A total of 44 Chamarita breed adult ewes were randomly allotted to one of two groups, one control group (untransported) and transported group (journey of 4 h), and blood stress indicators were measured 1 day before transport and at four time points post-transport (0, 4 and 24 h). Thermophysiological profiles of ewes were measured by temperature buttons ( iButton Thermochron®) and placed in intravaginal sponges. Direct observations, with a combination of scan and behaviour sampling, were carried out to collect information on individual behaviour and the time it took the ewes to drink water, eat and rest after returning to their pen respectively. Transported ewes lost approximately 1 kg live weight compared to controls and had higher body temperatures until 12 h post-transport. Cortisol, glucose, non-esterified fatty acid ( NEFA) concentrations as well as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (N/L) and other physiological indicators were higher immediately after unloading in transported ewes but mostly returned to normal after 4 h, with complete recovery after 24 h. Behavioural analysis post-transport demonstrated that transported ewes chose to eat before drinking and spent less time resting than controls in the first 3 h after unloading. The study demonstrates that transportation even under short-journey conditions induced behavioural, physiological and thermophysiological responses indicative of the induction of significant stress, leading to live weight shrinkage that may jeopardize farmer's incomes. Finally, results of this study validated the use of iButton Thermochron® data loggers for monitoring the stress response during transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Fibrous hamartoma of infancy is a rare soft tissue lesion of infants and young children with characteristic triphasic morphology. Case Description. An 18-month-old female child was presented with complaints of swelling over right leg shin since birth. On examination, a lump of size 7x3 cm was identified which was mobile and nontender. Local excision was performed and tissue sent for histopathological examination. On gross examination, a globular, capsulated, firm to hard tissue had cut section revealing solid grey-white to grey-brown lesion with myxoid areas identified. Microscopic examination revealed a poorly circumscribed lesion comprising intersecting trabeculae of fibrous tissue, areas of immature oval and stellate cell within myxoid matrix, and varying amounts of interspersed mature fat cells. Conclusion. Even though fibrous hamartoma of infancy is a rare benign entity with limited clinical knowledge, proper diagnosis is mandatory as its prognosis is excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyses spatial preferences and behavioural patterns of lambs during fattening in straw enriched pens. Lambs were allocated in three replicates with 12 lambs each and housed in 6x6 m pens partially divided in two equal areas with and without straw bedding. Each pen was video-recorded continuously from 8 am to 8 pm on days 1, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28. The use of different pen areas and the behaviour of the lambs were evaluated and analysed. The use of the space was significantly higher (p<0.05) for the straw area, where there was also more resting and affiliative interactions (p<0.05). In the areas without straw, animals walked more, remained standing longer periods (p<0.05) and had more stereotypic and aggressive behaviour (p<0.05). The study demonstrated that, when given the choice between two areas with similar resources, lambs prefer straw bedding. Straw is suggested to promote affiliation improving the adaptation to the feedlot. This could be useful to convince system managers that the availability of straw is beneficial to lamb welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We retrospectively examined 93 children (47M/46F) with primary vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) followed for a mean period of 3.5 years. They were divided into two groups. Group A included 34 babies (25M/9F) with a prenatal diagnosis of pelvic dilatation. Mean age at presentation was 12 days and no urinary tract infection (UTI) occurred before our first examination. VUR was unilateral in 21 (62%) patients and bilateral in 13 (38%). It was mild (grades I-III) in 12 (25%) refluxing renal units (RRU) and severe (grades IV-V) in 35 (75%). Renal damage (RD) was present, at diagnosis, in 40 (85%) RRU. There was a greater prevalence of abnormal kidneys in male units (88%) than in female units (75%). Group B included 59 infants (22M/37F) less than 1 year old with UTI. The mean age at first examination was 7.6 months. VUR was unilateral in 32 (54%) infants and bilateral in 27 (46%), mild in 60 (70%) RRU and severe in 26 (30%). At diagnosis, 54 (63%) RRU presented RD, which was more common in females (66%) than in males (44%). Our study confirms that primary VUR associated with prenatal hydronephrosis usually affects males and is severe. VUR diagnosed after UTI, instead, is more common in females and is frequently mild. Although in the first type of reflux RD is often present at diagnosis, then probably congenital, it may always progress after UTI; hence the importance of early diagnosis and careful follow-up in each infant with primary VUR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we propose a reliability analysis targeting the evaluation of the suitability of a Phase-Change Memory (PCM) device for Storage Class Memory (SCM) applications. Thanks to the analysis of programming and endurance characteristics in single devices and 4 kb arrays we compare two different GeTe and GeSbTe (αGST) based PCM. The evolution of the phase-change material along cycling is explained by the analysis of subthreshold characteristics and analytical equations based on experimental data for the description of electrical parameters evolution are given. An extrapolation method to evaluate endurance at more than 109 cycles required for SCM is described and applied, showing the intrinsic high endurance capability and suitability for SCM applications of αGST wrt GeTe. • Phase-Change Memory based on αGeSbTe alloy shows higher suitability for Storage Class Memory applications than GeTe. • Subthreshold conduction and data retention trends give important hints on material evolution along cycling. • The total lifetime of the Phase-Change Memory device depends on the energy of the single programming pulse. • The subthreshold conduction slope evolution is correlated to the cumulative programming energy along cycling by a power law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Early detection and prevention of diseases can reduce morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. There is need to assess the utilization of preventive services for common chronic diseases, cancers, and vaccinations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and sequence of utilization of preventive services for common chronic diseases, cancers, and vaccinations in addition to exploring community perspectives on these services. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey, which was conducted at primary healthcare centers in Prince Sultan Military Medical City covering Riyadh region from October 2022 to January 2023. The study used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from attendees aged 18 years and older, focusing on the utilization of eight preventive services (blood glucose testing, blood pressure measurement, cholesterol testing, screening for breast cancer, screening for cervical cancer, screening for colorectal cancer, screening for prostate cancer, and flu and pneumococcal vaccines). Descriptive statistics of the study were reported in frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was used to assess association between outcome variables. Results: Participants were mostly married and had a higher educational degree. However, a considerable number is not accessing primary healthcare services regularly. The results showed that the rate of utilizing preventive services was as follows: blood pressure screening (91%), blood glucose testing (72%), cholesterol testing (65.8%), vaccination utilization (39.5%), breast cancer screening (8%), prostate cancer screening (4.6%), colon cancer screening (4.2%), and least utilized was cervical cancer screening with frequency of (3%). Conclusion: The results underscore the importance of increasing awareness and accessibility of primary healthcare services to promote better health outcomes in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the antiproteinuric effect of angiotensin converting enzyme-I or enalapril in children with nephrotic syndrome. Increase of albumin levels after the treatment; Stability of creatinine clearance; Reduction of proteinuria.

Presents information on a study which verified the efficacy of enalapril in pediatric patients with nephrotic syndrome. Methodology; Results; Conclusion.

A response by Giuliana Lama and colleagues to a letter to the editor about their article "Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and reflux nephropathy: 2-year follow-up" in the December 1997 issue is presented.

The present study is focused on the development and characterization of innovative cementitious-based composite sensors. In particular, multifunctional cement mortars with enhanced piezoresistive properties are realized by exploiting the concept of confinement of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) in a three-dimensional percolated network through the use of a natural-rubber latex aqueous dispersion. The manufactured cement-based composites were characterized by means of Inelastic Neutron Scattering to assess the hydration reactions and the interactions between natural rubber and the hydrated-cement phases and by Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray diffraction to evaluate the morphological and mineralogical structure, respectively. Piezo-resistive properties to assess electro-mechanical behavior in strain condition are also measured. The results show that the presence of natural rubber latex allows to obtain a three-dimensional rGO/MWCNTs segregate structure which catalyzes the formation of hydrated phases of the cement and increases the piezo-resistive sensitivity of mortar composites, representing a reliable approach in developing innovative mortar-based piezoresistive strain sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the costs and outcomes associated with three treatment programs that served 149 individuals with dual disorders (i.e., individuals with co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorders) who were homeless at baseline. The three treatment programs were: Integrated Assertive Community Treatment (IACT), Assertive Community Treatment only (ACTO), and standard care (Control). Participants were randomly assigned to treatment and followed for a period of 24 months. Clients in the IACT and ACTO programs were more satisfied with their treatment program and reported more days in stable housing than clients in the Control condition. There were no significant differences between treatment groups on psychiatric symptoms and substance use. The average total costs associated with the IACT and Control conditions were significantly less than the average total costs for the ACTO condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Clinical nutrition is an activity realized in most of Health Centres of France, Canada, Great Britain and USA. The aim of our work was to determine activity and resources of Nutrition Units of Hospitals in the Community of Castilla y León. Material and methods: A questionnaire was send to all Hospitals of Castilla y León (SACYL); Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Hospital Comarcal de Medina del Campo, Hospital General Yagüe-Divino Vallés (Burgos), Complejo Hospitalario de León, Hospital General de Segovia, Hospital Virgen de Sonsoles de Ávila, Hospital Virgen de la Concha de Zamora, Hospital Comarcal de Aranda de Duero, Hospital Comarcal de Miranda, Hospital General de Soria, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Salamanca. Results: Nine Centres responded questionnaire (75%). A total of 5 Hospitals had a Unit of Nutrition (55.6%). The results showed an average of 0.37 ± 0.55 specialists for each 400 beds, 0.87 ± 0.63 nurses for each 400 beds and 1.91 ± 2.3 auxiliaries for each 400 beds, with an average of 0.21 ± 0.41 specialists for each 100,000 habitants, 0.49 ± 0.36 nurses for each 100,000 habitants and 1.09 ± 1.2 auxiliaries for each 100,000 habitants. The activity of these Units is demanded by other Units, with an average of 3.2 ± 3.4 consultations per day. The main diseases of this activity were 33.3% tumoral pathology, 55.6% surgery and 11.1% neurological pathology. Oral supplements were the first intervention tool. Only 3 Centres had a home artificial nutrition consultation. The main diseases of this activity were post surgical patients (33,3%), tumoral pathology (33,3%), neurological pathology (22%) and inflammatory bowel disease (11%). Conclusion: Resources in Units of Nutrition of Castilla y Leon were limited. However, activity in Hospital an in home is equal than other areas. New actions of Local Administration are necessaries to follow recommendations of Council of Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1Abstract Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is a rare autosomal recessive spondylo-epiphyseal dysplasia. The characteristic features of SIOD include 1) short stature with hyperpigmented macules and an unusual facies, 2) proteinuria with progressive renal failure, 3) lymphopenia with recurrent infections, and 4) cerebral ischaemia. Although 25 patients have been reported with this disorder, the clinical course and phenotype of SIOD are not well characterized. This report summarizes the clinical findings, course and treatment of reported patients and includes 14 additional patients with SIOD. We emphasize the high incidence of cerebral ischaemia and ocular abnormalities, define the high incidence of thyroid dysfunction and blood cytopenia, and confirm the absence of effective and durable medical therapies. Conclusion Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia is a multi-system autosomal recessive disorder with variable expression that affects the skeletal, renal, immune, vascular, and haematopoietic systems. Medical therapy is limited especially for more severely affected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes myocardial compliance in young patients with neurofibromatosis type I without cardiovascular malformations compared with normal subjects. Characteristics of patients; Echocardiographic characteristics of patients; Doppler tissue parameters.