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Abstract Background We previously analyzed morbidity and mortality in Jehovah’s Witnesses patients after cardiac surgery compared to control population patients. Patients who were Jehovah’s Witnesses were operated in accordance with their philosophical convictions and in respect of their refusal of transfusions. We propose to assess long-term survival and quality of life in the patients of this preliminary study. Methods We contacted 31 adult Jehovah’s Witnesses patients who underwent heart surgery at the Brugmann hospital between 1991 and 2012 and compared them to a control population of 62 patients that had no transfusion restriction, and matched them for sex, age at the time of intervention and the type of surgery performed. We compared long-term quality of life in both populations through the MacNew software, a validated instrument to assess quality of life of patients with cardiovascular disease. The long-term survival of patients was analyzed by Kaplan Meier curves. Results Long-term quality of life and survival do not appear different between the two groups. Patient evaluation by MacNew software shows comparable physical (p = 0.54), emotional (p = 0.12), social (p = 0.21) and global (p = 0.25) scores between the two populations. The analysis of the actuarial survival curves shows no differences in terms of long-term survival of these patients (p = 0.37). Conclusions Cardiac surgery in Jehovah’s Witnesses can be performed with identical long-term quality of life and survival compared to surgery without blood transfusion restriction, if one follows rigorous blood conserving strategies. Trial registration NCT03348072. Retrospectively registered 16 November 2017.

The recent development of advanced electronic sensors to monitor and record animal grazing activity provides a real opportunity to facilitate understanding of their behavioral responses. This study aimed to characterize the grazing activity and protein–energy requirements of grazing dairy goats in a Mediterranean woodland in northern Morocco by combining two sensors, the Global Positioning System (GPS) and three axis accelerometers. An experiment was conducted in a representative woodland with eight dairy goats. Measurements were undertaken during the three main grazing seasons (spring, summer, and autumn) for two consecutive and contrasting years. Grazing activity parameters were assessed using GPS collars and leg position sensors. The results showed that grazing time was higher in spring (57% and 59%) than in summer (39% and 36%) and autumn (41% and 45%), respectively, for the dry and wet years (p < 0.001). During the two studied years, the daily horizontal distance traveled by the goats increased from spring (about 4.5 km) to summer (about 6.5 km) and autumn (about 7.4 km), while greater daily vertical distances were recorded over similar distances during summer–autumn. Several protein–energy intakes that were insufficient to cover the requirements of the grazing goats were recorded, especially in summer. The combination of GPS collars and accelerometers contributed to a better understanding of the grazing activities of dairy goats in the studied Mediterranean woodland. These findings provide useful data on the protein–energy balances of dairy goats and offer additional information that could be useful for herders and managers to enhance goat-feeding strategies and guarantee high-performance in the semi-extensive traditional goat farming system.

Multiple neurological complications including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have been associated with COVID-19. We describe a case of GBS related to SARS-CoV-2 infection with an unusual presentation beginning with mobilization problems at home without previous classic respiratory or general manifestations. Asymptomatic infection with COVID-19 can lead to critical situations with respiratory insufficiency because of neurological complications such as GBS.

We report the cases of two patients experiencing persistent severe hypothermia. They were 45 and 30 years old and had a witnessed cardiac arrest managed with mechanized cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for 4 and 2.5 hours, respectively. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used in both patients who fully recovered without any neurological sequelae. These two cases illustrate the important role of extracorporeal CPR (eCPR) in persistent severe hypothermia leading to cardiac arrest.

Given that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often require one-to-one individualized instruction, using tablets as teaching tools may represent an interesting option in classrooms with high student to teacher ratios. The purpose of our study was to extend research by evaluating the effects of tablet-based instruction on the generalization of skills in children with ASD. Specifically, we used multiple probe designs to assess the effectiveness of using an app to teach one-word receptive identification to five children with ASD between 4 and 11 years old. Our results indicated that three of the five children displayed generalization on at least two concepts following tablet-based instruction. The tablet-based app may promote generalization of learned concepts in some children with ASD, but our results suggest that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. As such, our study underlines the importance of conducting individualized assessment prior to using tablet-based instruction with children with ASD.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) exert considerable ecological and economic damage and are becoming increasingly frequent worldwide. However, the biological factors underlying HABs remain uncertain. Relationships between algae and bacteria may contribute to bloom formation, strength, and duration. We investigated the microbial communities and metabolomes associated with a HAB of the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis off the west coast of Florida in June 2018. Microbial communities and intracellular metabolite pools differed based on both bacterial lifestyle and bloom level, suggesting a complex role for blooms in reshaping microbial processes. Network analysis identified K. brevis as an ecological hub in the planktonic ecosystem, with significant connections to diverse microbial taxa. These included four flavobacteria and one sequence variant unidentified past the domain level, suggesting uncharacterized diversity in phytoplankton-associated microbial communities. Additionally, intracellular metabolomic analyses associated high K. brevis levels with higher levels of aromatic compounds and lipids. These findings reveal water column microbial and chemical characteristics with potentially important implications for understanding HAB onset and duration.

Em dezembro de 2019, pacientes com sintomas respiratórios compareceram em algumas instituições médicas em Wuhan, na China e foram posteriormente diagnosticados com um novo tipo de pneumonia por coronavírus. A Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) em fevereiro de 2020 considerou a doença como uma Emergência em Saúde Pública, tratando-se de uma pandemia, conhecida como Corona Virus Disease 2019 (CoVid-19). Nesse sentido, objetiva-se com o presente artigo demonstrar registros na literatura que corroborem o uso da cloroquina no manejo clínico da CoVid-19. Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica, em que se utilizou as seguintes bases de dados referenciais: Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (Bvs), Web of Science; Periódico da Capes; SciELO; PubMed e LILACS. A avaliação crítica dos artigos selecionados para redação do artigo foi realizada mediante a ferramenta Critical Appraisal Tool (CAT). Por sua vez, compreende-se que a cloroquina pode inibir a replicação de vários vírus, interagindo com a entrada viral mediada por endossoma ou com os estágios finais da replicação de vírus envolvidos. Além disso, o uso de cloroquina concomitante ao remdesivir pode ter desfechos promissores até que uma vacina possa ser desenvolvida. Portanto, a cloroquina apresenta propriedades imunomoduladoras que podem ser de interesse nas infecções virais associadas à inflamação e/ou ativação imune, necessitando de pesquisas adicionais e considerando sempre seu potencial de toxicidade ao organismo humano.

In agroecosystems, soil biodiversity is increasingly becoming more recognized as providing benefits to both plants and human health. It performs a wide variety of ecological services beyond the recycling of nutrients to plant growth and manage pests and diseases below the economic injury level. This study investigated the effects of three Pseudomonas isolates (Q172B, Q110B and Q036B), isolated from untreated tomato rhizospheric soil, as a biological control agent of Bemisia tabaci which is a key pest of tomato crops. The study was conducted under laboratory and glasshouse conditions and the water treatment was used as a control. Adult mortality rates were assessed during three days at 24h interval and larva mortality rates were evaluated during six days after treatment at 48h interval. Results indicate that Q036B isolate has a faster effect on B. tabaci adult and larvae. Under laboratory conditions, all three Pseudomonas isolates (Q110B, Q036B and Q172B) have a significant effect on B. tabaci adult mortality compared to control. The earliest and the most important mortality rate of 76% was recorded by Q036B. Two isolates Q036B and Q110B caused a significant mortality on B. tabaci larvae; with highest mortality effect (79%) was observed for Q036B compared to control. However, Q172B has no mortality effects on B. tabaci larvae under laboratory conditions. In glasshouse conditions, only Q036B provided high mortality rates of 91% at 168h after treatment. The results of this study indicate that the Pseudomonas isolate Q036B significantly suppresses B. tabaci in tomato plant and could substitute the excessive use of chemicals. Current research indicates that soil biodiversity could be promising to preserve agro-ecological sustainability.

Neuropsychiatric manifestations in Sjögren’s syndrome are common and can occur not only during its course, but also at the onset of the disease. Depression and anxiety were the most frequently described symptoms. However, the association with bipolar disorder seems to be rare and not well documented. This case report presents a patient with bipolar disorder as comorbidity with Sjögren’s syndrome, suggesting that bipolar disorder could be associated with this autoimmune disease, which could lead to delaying diagnosis and treatment. A better analysis of the clinical background should be done by psychiatrists so to help early diagnosis and adapting prescription. Corticosteroids indicated in Sjögren’s syndrome should be prescribed with caution in bipolar disorder.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) and sensors technologies are increasingly used to study the grazing behavior of animals. This work was conducted to understand the grazing behavior and energy balance of goats browsing in forest rangeland using GPS and sensors technologies. Forage availability was estimated using the quadrat method during three grazing seasons. Simultaneously, eight indigenous goats were selected to explore their feeding behavior, grazing activities, and energy requirements. The experimental goats were fitted with GPS collars and leg sensors to monitor their grazing activities. At the same time, direct observation was used as a method to study their feeding behavior. Forage availability was higher during spring compared to the summer and autumn seasons. Goats recorded the highest biting rate during summer and autumn (about 22 bites/min). The highest intake rate was recorded during spring (5.6 g DM/min). During spring, goats spent most of their time on grazing (48%) in contrast to the summer and autumn (p < 0.001). They prolonged their lying down time in summer at the expense of standing duration. The time devoted exclusively to grazing (eating) was longer in spring. Walking time in summer and autumn was longer than in spring (p < 0.001). During summer and autumn, the energy balance of goats under grazing conditions was in deficit. Using GPS collars and leg sensors appears to be a useful and easily replicable method to explore and understand the seasonal changes in the grazing areas and activities of goats in a mountainous region. The results could help goat herders and managers to develop feeding and grazing systems while increasing the performance of goats in the Mediterranean forest rangeland.

Factorial design was used to investigate the parameters involved in co-digestion mixture of dairy wastes (from a Moroccan dairy industry) in order to improve methane production of this mixture. Indeed, evaluation of methane yield as a function of three parameters (pH, inoculum and organic load) showed the correlation between the experimental and statistical data in terms of pH 8 and inoculum 1 (constituted by sludge diluted in 1 L of basal medium of methanogenic bacteria, in addition to formic acid (5 mL L−1), propionic acid (5 mL L−1), lactic acid (5 mL L−1) and micro-nutrient (10 mL L−1)) as optimum parameters. However, a discrepancy was detected about organic load. The interaction between parameters had a positive effect on methane yield because it led to produce experimentally a maximum methane using the higher load (3.44 g VS). These results allow selecting the parameters for the improvement of methane production. Furthermore, the validity of the fitting model to describe and improve the efficiency of dairy wastes co-digestion was investigated. In addition, an abatement of 89% of volatile solids was observed and the mineral solids was increased from 4 to 7.2 g L−1, which is important of digestat value as fertilizer. Keywords: Factorial design, Co-digestion, Dairy wastes, Improvement, Methane production

Background: Diarrhea is frequently seen in autologous stem cell transplantation. Although toxicity related to conditioning is the most common cause, infectious pathogens can play a distinctive role particularly in certain regions and environments. Methods: The role of enteropathogens was investigated in 47 patients submitted to autologous stem cell transplantation at a Brazilian center between May 2011 and May 2013. All patients who presented with diarrhea consented to stool sample analysis to identify the etiological agents including coccidia, Strongyloides sp., Clostridium difficile and other pathogenic bacteria. Results: Thirty-nine patients (83%) had diarrhea, among whom seven (17.5%) presented with coccidia, three (7.5%) with Candida sp., one (2.5%) with C. difficile, and one (2.5%) with Giardia lamblia. There was a tendency toward a higher incidence of diarrhea in older patients (p-value = 0.09) and those who received conditioning with lomustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (p-value = 0.083). Furthermore, the number of days of neutropenia was higher in patients with diarrhea (p-value = 0.06). Conclusions: The high frequency of diarrhea caused by coccidia shows the importance of investigating and correctly identifying etiological agents and highlights the possible varieties of intestinal infections in patients who undergo autologous stem cell transplantation. Keywords: Stem cell transplant, Diarrhea, Etiological agent, Coccidia

The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is gram negative, xylem-inhabiting, devastating pathogen which causes various diseases on more than 300 plant hosts. Given the recent confirmed findings of X. fastidiosa in the European Union, this bacterium is becoming a serious threat to the Moroccan agricultural sector. A survey was conducted during May-September 2015 on the presence of X. fastidiosa in several commercial groves, covering olive, citrus and grapevine growing areas. In a few trees, severe symptoms which could be associated to the bacterium were observed. A total of 900 samples of different crops from different regions were randomly collected: 220 olive trees (cv. Picholine Marocaine) from two regions, 410 citrus trees belonging to 7 different cultivars collected in 4 regions and 270 grapevine plants belonging to 6 different cultivars from 3 regions; all these samples were tested for the presence of X. fastidiosa by using an ELISA commercial kit. The obtained results did not show any positive sample. These preliminary results are taken as an encouraging indication, considering that X. fastidiosa was not found in Morocco, at least in the surveyed crops. However, frequent extensive surveys in different regions are needed to prevent its entrance into the country.

Viroids are graft and mechanically transmissible agents, disseminated through budding. A field survey was conducted, during July 2013, for citrus viroids in the Gharb region. A total of 53 samples were collected and used for inoculation of ‘Etrog’ lemon before being tested by RT-PCR for the detection of exocotris (Citrus exocortis viroid, CEVd). The results showed that CEVd was widespread in the region with an infection rate of 84.9% in the analyzed samples. After genomic sequencing, a study of the genetic diversity was conducted on three representative local isolates of CEVd. The comparison between the nucleotide sequences of Moroccan CEVd isolates revealed a genetic diversity of less than 3%.

The subject of this research work is to stabilize the network TCP (transmission control protocol) as well as the queue of the router congestion by designing an Active Queue Management scheme able to ensure this role. The problem is dealt with under the theory of the command by using a tuned PID (proportional–integral–derivative) controller based on an extension of the Hermite–Biehler theorem applied to quasi-polynomials. This tuning approach uses Hurwitz stability concept, that is to say, a sufficient and necessary condition must be given so the roots of the quasi-polynomial lie in the left half plane. Since this stabilization method gives rise to a set of values for parameters ‘P’, ‘I’ and ‘D’, it turns out relevant to optimize the results achieved within this stability region. To achieve this purpose, a multi-criterion Ant Colony Optimization based on Pareto optimality is used, given the conflictual character of the closed-loop system performance parameters. The set of optimal solutions of the problem is given by determining the Pareto front of objective functions. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is evaluated via a series of numerical simulations in MATLAB and SIMULINK. The results are compared with those of the genetic algorithm and Ziegler–Nichols methods.

The olive cake (OC) and the cactus cladodes (CC) are two alternative feed resources widely available in the southern Mediterranean region that could be used in ruminants’ diet. Their impact on the rumen bacterial ecosystem is unknown. This work aims to evaluate their effects on the microbial community and meat fatty acids of goat’s kids. Forty-four goat kids were divided into four groups receiving diets with conventional concentrate, or 35% OC, or 30% CC, or 15% OC, and 15% CC. After 3 months, these animals were slaughtered, and the rumen liquor and longissimus dorsi and semimembranosus muscles samples were collected. Animals receiving a control diet had rumen liquor with high acidity than test groups (p < 0.001). Test rumen liquor was more adapted to digest efficiently their matching diet than control liquor (p < 0.05). These feedstuffs did not affect rumen bacteria abundance and alpha diversity (richness, evenness, and reciprocal Simpson indexes), and these results were confirmed by beta-diversity tests (NMDS plot, HOMOVA, PERMANOVA). The test diets slightly affected the individual fatty acids of meat (p < 0.05) without effect on fatty acids summaries, indexes, and ratios. Thus, these alternative feed resources could take place in goat kids’ diet to diversify their feed and to reduce feed costs.

Addressing social risks in cancer prevention and control presents a new opportunity for accelerating cancer health equity. As members of the American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO) Cancer Health Disparities Special Interest Group, we describe the current state of science on social risks in oncology research and practice. To reduce and eliminate the unjust burden of cancer, we also provide recommendations for multilevel research examining social risks as contributors to inequities and the development of social risks-focused interventions. Suggestions for research and practice are provided within levels of the socio-ecological model, including the interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many researchers have examined the prevalence of stereotypy in individuals with developmental disabilities, the results of previous studies have not been aggregated and analyzed methodically. Thus, we conducted a systematic review of studies reporting the prevalence of stereotypy in individuals with developmental disabilities. Our results indicated that the average prevalence of stereotypy across studies was 61 % and that individuals with autism spectrum disorders had the highest reported prevalence (i.e., 88 %) across specific diagnoses. Children and adults generally had similar overall prevalence measures, but the specific forms varied with age and diagnosis. Studies using the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised and the Autism Diagnostic Schedule-Revised generally reported higher estimates of prevalence of specific forms of stereotypy when compared to the Behavior Problem Inventory. However, the latter seemed more sensitive than the Aberrant Behavior Checklist for overall prevalence. Studies with a low risk of bias found a lower prevalence of stereotypy than those with a high risk of bias. Our systematic review underlines the importance of continuing research efforts to improve the assessment and treatment of stereotypy in individuals with developmental disabilities.

The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) is an important pest of many horticultural crops. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of three fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates obtained from rhizospheric soil of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) in Agadir, Morocco: Q110B, Q036B and Q172B, as potential biological control agents for T. urticae. Both acaricide and repellent activities were assessed on homogenous adult mites. The acaricidal activity test evaluated five concentrations of bacterial suspensions: 0 (control), 102, 104, 106, 108, and 1010 cfu ⋅ ml–1, while only the 1010 cfu ∙ ml−1 concentration of each bacterium was used for the repellent bioassay. The mortality rate and repellentindex were recorded 24, 48 and 72 h after application. Results indicated that the survival rate of T. urticae was reduced (p ≤ 0.01) by all three bacterial isolates compared to control. Within the 24–72 h time period the mortality rates ranged from 8 to 87%, 16 to 99%, and 13 to 89%, for Q110B, Q036B and Q172B isolates, respectively. The isolate Q036B (LC50 = 0.598 cfu ⋅ ml–1) provided higher mortality rates than Q172B and Q110B with LC50 values of 90,846 and 169,585 cfu ⋅ ml–1, respectively. Repellent activity was also the highest with Pseudomonas Q036B having a 71% repellence index at 48 h after application. Regarding the mechanism of action, all three isolates produced hydrogen cyanide, and exhibited protease and cellulose activities, although only Q036B and Q172B had potential chitinase action. Identification analysis showed that the isolates were either Pseudomonas putida (Q172B) or P. fluorescens (Q110B and Q036B). Our results indicate that the P. fluorescens isolate Q036B is a promising candidate for biological control of T. urticae, and has potential to contribute to an integrated pest management program to control this important pest. Then the fruits produced will be qualified as safe for consumers and the environment. The present work was customized to give support for policy decision makers as an agroecological potential meeting needs of industries and ecological balance.

Abstract The progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with mucosal damage in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This damage enables bacterial translocation from the gut and leads to subsequent inflammation. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS-exposure) is an established animal model for experimental colitis that was recently shown to recapitulate the link between GI-tract damage and pathogenic features of SIV infection. The current study tested the protective properties of ABX464, a first-in-class anti-HIV drug candidate currently in phase II clinical trials. ABX464 treatment strongly attenuated DSS-induced colitis in mice and produced a long-term protection against prolonged DSS-exposure after drug cessation. Consistently, ABX464 reduced the colonic production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNFα as well as that of the chemoattractant MCP-1. However, RNA profiling analysis revealed the capacity of ABX464 to induce the expression of IL-22, a cytokine involved in colitis tissue repair, both in DSS-treated mice and in LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages. Importantly, anti-IL-22 antibodies significantly reduced the protective effect of ABX464 on colitis in DSS-treated mice. Because reduced IL-22 production in the gut mucosa is an established factor of HIV and DSS-induced immunopathogenesis, our data suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of ABX464 warrant exploration in both HIV and inflammatory ulcerative colitis (UC) disease.

The physicochemical and biological sludge (PCS and BS) from a Moroccan dairy industry, constitute a source of organic matter that is ranging respectively between 58.67 to 90.6% and 18.85 to 92.5%. The composition of these sludges is very specific because they are derived from an effluent mixture (milk, orange, whey, …) witch varied according to production of this industry. As results, the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of these sludges fluctuate according to time. The pH of biological sludge varied between 7.35 to 8.85 while the pH of physicochemical sludge fluctuated between 5.32 to 7.5. In addition the microbial germs is represented by total coliforms (3.95.107 and 2.02.1011UFC.ml-1), total germs (1.61.109 and 2.36.1012 UFC.ml-1), sulphate-reducing bacteria (1.55.108 and 5.72.109 UFC.ml-1), lactobacillus (2.15.108 and 9.37.1011 UFC.ml-1) and streptococcus (1.05.109 and 2.46.1011UFC.ml-1) (respectively for BS and PCS). Assessment of anaerobic digestion for treating these wastes in batch reactor at mesophilic condition (38°C) show the promising results in terms of methane production and organic pollution removal. Indeed, the methane yields were 5.601 and 20.79 mlSTP.gVS-1 gave respectively by BS and PCS for the maximal load (100% of substrate) which is the optimal load. The total solid and volatile solid reduction reached 79.63 and 83.60% for biological sludge while it reached 87.06% and 89.16% for physicochemical sludge for the same load (100% of sludge).

The effect of acid-alkaline treatment of lignocellulosic material (wild carob forest wastes) on Ethyl violet adsorption was investigated. It was found that surface chemistry plays an important role in Ethyl Violet (EV) adsorption. HCl treatment produces more active acidic surface groups such as carboxylic and lactone, resulting in an increase in the adsorption of EV dye. The adsorption efficiency was higher for treated lignocellulosic material with HCl (WCHCl) compared to that treated with KOH (WCKOH); maximum biosorption capacities were 170 and 130 mg/g for WCHCl and WCKOH at pH 6, respectively.It was also found that for both treated materials less than 150 min was needed to reach equilibrium.The adsorption of a basic dye (i.e. ethyl violet or basic violet 4) was carried out by varying some process parameters, such as the initial concentration and pH. The adsorption process can be well described by means of a pseudo-second-order reaction model and experimental data were accurately expressed by the Sips and Langmuir models for both WCHCl and WCKOH.

Partial agonists weakly activate receptors even when occupying all available binding sites. Here the authors show that partial agonists of the AMPA receptor drive the adoption of multiple inactive forms, accounting for their limited efficacy.

ABSTRACT: Starting from the acceptation, which considers the context as homogeneous environment close to the linguistic sign and of the same nature, to that which apprehends it like environment distant and heterogeneous by its composition, the sciences of the language are faced with epistemological mutations. Faced with the proliferation of definitions and theories, our reflection focuses, essentially, on the epistemological mutations that the concept context has experienced through the different theories that consider it as the core of their theses. Through this article, we will try to highlight the evolution of this concept. Thus from the immanent approach, now classical or by some linguists, to textual and discursive approaches in perpetual mutations and in full proliferation, what could be today the most exhaustive conception on which specialists could agree? RÉSUMÉ: Partant de l’acception qui considère le contexte comme environnement homogène proche du signe linguistique et de même nature, à celle qui l'appréhende comme environnement lointain et hétérogène de par sa composition, les sciences du langage se retrouvent face à des mutations épistémologiques. Devant le foisonnement de définitions et de théories, notre réflexion porte, essentiellement, sur les mutations épistémologiques qu’a connues le concept contexte à travers les différentes théories qui le considèrent comme noyau de leurs thèses. A travers cet article, nous tenterons de mettre en évidence l’évolution qu’a connue ce concept. Ainsi de l'approche immanente, désormais classique ou révolue selon certains linguistes, aux approches textuelles et discursives en perpétuelles mutations et en pleine prolifération, quel peut être aujourd'hui, la conception la plus exhaustive sur laquelle pourraient s'entendre les spécialistes ?

Introdução: A terapia biológica revolucionou o tratamento das doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII). Embora muito efetivas, as medicações biológicas colocam os pacientes em maior risco de desenvolvimento de reações infusionais e paradoxais, infecções e alguns tipos de câncer como linfomas, este último especialmente quando feita em combinação com tiopurinas. A adequada seleção, aconselhamento e educação dos pacientes são itens importantes para o uso bem sucedido dos biológicos. Objetivo: Revisar a melhor estratégia para mostrar uma visão atualizada das etapas imprescindíveis no preparo dos pacientes com DII para terapia biológica. Material e Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura, em fevereiro de 2018, utilizando os termos de pesquisa: “doença de Crohn”, “doença inflamatória intestinal”, “imunização”, “imunossupressores” e “terapia biológica”, em língua inglesa e portuguesa. Foram incluídos apenas artigos originais e de revisão. Discussão e Conclusão: Uma história detalhada para excluir contraindicações destas medicações e um monitoramento baseado em diretrizes são passos importantes antes de iniciar a terapia. Biológicos devem ser considerados somente se uma avaliação confirmar que o paciente tem doença ativa. É relevante também excluir condições que mimetizam a atividade de doença. Até o momento, os agentes biológicos demonstraram um perfil de segurança favorável em pacientes com DII. No entanto, é importante que o início da terapia biológica seja discutido atentamente com os pacientes, explicando os riscos e benefícios do tratamento. Antes de iniciar o uso de biológicos, os pacientes necessitam ser rastreados para tuberculose latente, hepatites B e C, e infecção por HIV. Idealmente, o status vacinal deve ser verificado e atualizado antes do início da terapia imunossupressora. As diretrizes atuais recomendam aos pacientes adultos com DII o mesmo esquema de imunização de rotina da população geral, evitando as vacinas de agentes vivos durante a terapia imunossupressora. Todas essas medidas são essenciais para estabelecer de forma segura a terapia esperada pelo uso de biológicos.

Forest rangelands contribute largely to goat diets in the Mediterranean area. Information about browsed plant quality is essential for adequate feeding management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the temporal changes in chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of the main plant species selected by goats in the Southern Mediterranean forest rangeland during two consecutive years; these were very contrasted (dry and wet). The browsed species were composed of herbaceous, eleven shrubs, and four tree species. Overall, large variability in chemical composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) was observed among species, grazing season (spring, summer, and autumn), and years within each species. Crude protein (CP) content varied from 60 to 240 g/kg dry matter (DM). The fiber fractions, except for Quercus suber, increased significantly by advancing maturity. Due to the water stress, the lignin level presented a higher value during the spring of the dry year. Condensed tannin (CT) content varied from 2 to 184 g/kg DM. CP, IVOMD, and ME showed a negative correlation with lignin and CT. Based on the results presented herein, it is concluded that the nutritive value of the browsed plant species was highest in the spring and lowest during the summer and autumn of both studied years. With a good grazing management strategy, the selected plant species by goats could guarantee high-quality feeding resources throughout the year.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Tenebrio molitor meal (TM) and/or olive leaf powder (OL) supplementation to quail diet on animal performance, carcass yield and some blood parameters. One hundred and forty-four 1-day-old Japanese quails (body weight: 29.9 ± 0.46 g) were divided into four groups of 36 chicks, receiving four different diets, i.e., G1: Standard commercial (SCD); G2: SCD + 3% TM; G3: SCD + 3% OL; and G4: SCD + 3% TM + 2% OL. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. The results showed that TM and OL inclusion promoted quail body weight at 5 weeks of age; p = 0.001. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of G3 was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced compared to the other groups. Overall mortality was not different, at around 6.25%, between groups. Carcass [(71.5–74.3%)], gizzard [(2.5–2.7%)], heart [(1.1–1.2%)] and giblet [(6.8–6.9%)] yields were not influenced by the diet. No significant effect of the diet was observed for serum proteins, creatinine, urea and lipids. To conclude, the mixture of an incorporation of TM and OL in quail diet showed no adverse effects on growth performance, carcass constituent yields and serum constituents.

In this paper, we consider the problem of stabilizing network using a new proportional- integral (PI) based congestion controller in active queue management (AQM) router; with appropriate model approximation in the first order delay systems, we seek a stability region of the controller by using the Hermite- Biehler theorem, which isapplicable to quasipolynomials. A Genetic Algorithm technique is employed to derive optimal or near optimal PI controller parameters.

In the Mediterranean area, the olive cake (OC) and cactus cladodes (CC) are two alternative resources widely available that could be used for ruminants’ feeding. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of OC and/or CC diet incorporation on the production performance and quality of goat milk. Forty-four lactating goats were randomly allocated to four groups. The control one (Co) received a conventional feed. Test groups (TOC; TCC and TOC+CC) received 20% OC, 30% CC, or 15% OC and 20% CC, respectively, on concentrate dry matter basis. Over three months, milk production was evaluated, and samples were collected to analyze the milk quality. No significant differences were observed between control and test groups for daily milk production, yield, composition and acidity. In milk fat, OC incorporation increased C18:1n-9, mono-unsaturated (MUFA) and n-9 fatty acid (FA), and decreased 9t-C18:1 and poly-unsaturated FA (PUFA) (p < 0.05). Significantly highest contents of C15:0, C18:1n-9, and C21:0, and lowest levels of C4:0, 9t-C18:1, 6t-C18:2, C20:0, and PUFA were obtained with cactus cladodes administration (p < 0.05). The TOC + CC diet reduced C4:0, 9t-C18:1, 6t-C18:2, C22:6n-3, and PUFA proportions, and increased C18:1n-9, MUFA/PUFA, and thrombogenic indexes. The incorporation rates of OC and CC that could reach 20% and 30%, respectively, had no major negative effects on milk production performance, composition, and quality. Thus, they could be introduced in the diets of lactating goats.

Mediterranean forest rangelands offer an important feed source for goats. Concerns about grazing strategies and management schemes in order to ensure the rangeland sustainability of Southern Mediterranean forest have revived interest in the foraging behavior of goats. This study was conducted to investigate the seasonal changes of feeding behavior of grazing goats in the Southern Mediterranean forest rangeland of Northern Morocco during two consecutive years beginning in 2016. The direct observation method was used to compare diet composition, intake rate, and diet selectivity of goats during three seasons (spring, summer, and fall). Bite mass of each plant species selected by goats was estimated using hand-plucked simulation. The optimal foraging theory was used as a tool to explain the goats foraging decisions. Bite mass range was extremely wide and varied seasonally. The goats’ diet was largely composed of Cistus spp., Lavandula stoechas, Quercus spp., and Myrtus communis. The result shows that the smaller the bite mass, the higher the biting rate, leading to increased short term intake rates. The selection of various plant species during fall and summer enlarged the diet diversity of goats. As expected, goats preferred trees and some shrubs despite their low availability. Consequently, the most available species is not necessarily the most positively selected. Particular high and positive selection of Quercus suber was observed over seasons. The outcomes confirm the high adaptability and ability of goats to select a woody species across seasons. Knowledge about forage availability and the feeding behavior of goats could be used as the first guide for rangeland managers to ensure herd and forest sustainability.

Progress with the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been hampered by inconsistent methodologies used to assess treatment effects. A sizable number of trials conducted over the years has generated only weak evidence backing current treatment recommendations, as shown by systematic reviews on old-world and new-world CL (OWCL and NWCL).Using a previously published guidance paper on CL treatment trial methodology as the reference, consensus was sought on key parameters including core eligibility and outcome measures, among OWCL (7 countries, 10 trial sites) and NWCL (7 countries, 11 trial sites) during two separate meetings.Findings and level of consensus within and between OWCL and NWCL sites are presented and discussed. In addition, CL trial site characteristics and capacities are summarized.The consensus reached allows standardization of future clinical research across OWCL and NWCL sites. We encourage CL researchers to adopt and adapt as required the proposed parameters and outcomes in their future trials and provide feedback on their experience. The expertise afforded between the two sets of clinical sites provides the basis for a powerful consortium with potential for extensive, standardized assessment of interventions for CL and faster approval of candidate treatments.

Abnormal torsion could be associated with cyclovertical strabismus, but torsion measurements are not reliable in children. To assess an objective fundus torsion evaluation in a paediatric population, we used Non-Mydriatic Fundus photography (NMFP) in healthy and cyclovertical strabismus patients to evaluate the disc-foveal angle over time and observers.We used a retrospective set of NMFP including 24 A or V-pattern strabismus and 27 age-matched normal children (mean age 6.4 and 6.7 years respectively), taken during 2 distinct follow-up consultations (separated by 251 and 479 days respectively). Each disc-foveal angle measurement (from which the ocular torsion can be assessed) was performed by 5 different observers, using graphical software and based on reproducible fundus anatomical marks. Statistical analysis was performed with a multivariate ANOVA using group, time and observers as factors, in addition to intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) to assess measurement reproducibility.A significant difference of disc-foveal angle measures was observed between groups (p0,97).Abnormal amount of objective torsion could be associated with alphabet-pattern strabismus. Disc-foveal angle evaluation by NMFP in a children population appears as a non-invasive, reliable and reproducible method.

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