Development of organs and tissues in lambs raised on Spanish mountain grassland

The present study was conducted to establish the pattern of body development in grass-raised Churra Tensina lambs. Forty-nine single male lambs were slaughtered at three body-weight intervals, according to the commercial categories of suckling (11.191.0kg), light (22.190.8 kg) and heavy lamb (32.092.9 kg). Non-carcass and carcass components were recorded and the half left carcasses were completely dissected. Lambs showed a low growth rate of main organs in relation to empty body weight (BW) (PB0.01). Skin fleece and liver accompanied the rest of mass growth (P 0.05). The allometric coefficients of forestomachs and large intestine were higher than that of the small intestine (PB0.05). Joints related to locomotion had early development (PB0.01), whereas those belonging to the trunk grew at faster rates than did carcass weight (PB0.01). The fatty tissues had increased growth coefficients (PB0.01), whereas bone and lean coefficients decreased (PB0.01) with increasing carcass weight. Intermuscular fat attained greater growth rates in lambs slaughtered at light BW than in heavy lambs (PB0.01). However, the former group displayed lower relative growth of pelvic-renal, subcutaneous and abdominal fat than the latter (PB0.01). This trait might reflect improved investment of dietary energy towards deposition of adipose tissue through the increased digestive tract capacity. L’e´tude devait pre´ciser comment se de´veloppe le corps des agneaux Churra Tensina engraisse´s a` l’herbe. Quarante-neuf agneaux maˆ les ont e´ te´ abattus a` trois poids corporels diffe´rents selon les cate´gories commerciales d’agnelet (11,191,0kg), d’agneau le´ger (22,19 0,8 kg) et d’agneau lourd (32,092,9 kg). Les auteurs ont consigne´ les parties de la carcasse et les autres parties puis entie`rement disse´que´ le coˆ te´ gauche de la carcasse. Les principaux organes des agneaux croissent lentement comparativement au poids de la carcasse vide (PB0,01). La peau et la laine ainsi que le foie suivent le reste de l’accroissement ponde´ ral (P 0,05). Les coefficients allome´triques du secteur gastrique ante´rieur et du gros intestin sont plus e´leve´ s que ceux de l’intestin greˆ le (PB0,05). Les articulations associe´es a` la locomotion se de´veloppent haˆ tivement (PB0,01) alors que celles du tronc croissent plus vite que le poids de la carcasse (PB0,01). Les tissus adipeux se caracte´ risent par un coefficient de croissance plus e´leve´ (PB0,01), tandis que les coefficients des os et de la viande maigre diminuent (PB0,01) a` mesure que le poids de la carcasse augmente. Le taux de croissance de la graisse intermusculaire est plus e´leve´ chez les agneaux le´gers que chez les agneaux lourds (PB0,01). Cependant, les sujets du premier groupe re´ve`lent une plus faible croissance relative de la matie`re grasse pelvique-re´nale, sous-cutane´e et abdominale que ceux du second groupe (PB0,01). Cette caracte´ristique pourrait traduire une meilleure utilisation de l’e´nergie des aliments pour le de´poˆt de tissu adipeux graˆ ce a` une capacite´ supe´rieure du tube digestif

A mechanobiological model for tumor spheroid evolution with application to glioblastoma: A continuum multiphysics approach

Background: Spheroids are in vitro quasi-spherical structures of cell aggregates, eventually cultured within a hydrogel matrix, that are used, among other applications, as a technological platform to investigate tumor formation and evolution. Several interesting features can be replicated using this methodology, such as cell communication mechanisms, the effect of gradients of nutrients, or the creation of realistic 3D biological structures. The main objective of this work is to link the spheroid evolution with the mechanical activity of cells, coupled with nutrient consumption and the subsequent cell dynamics. Method: We propose a continuum mechanobiological model which accounts for the most relevant phenomena that take place in tumor spheroid evolution under in vitro suspension, namely, nutrient diffusion in the spheroid, kinetics of cellular growth and death, and mechanical interactions among the cells. The model is qualitatively validated, after calibration of the model parameters, versus in vitro experiments of spheroids of different glioblastoma cell lines. Results: Our model is able to explain in a novel way quite different setups, such as spheroid growth (up to six times the initial configuration for U-87 MG cell line) or shrinking (almost half of the initial configuration for U-251 MG cell line); as the result of the mechanical interplay of cells driven by cellular evolution. Conclusions: Glioblastoma tumor spheroid evolution is driven by mechanical interactions of the cell aggregate and the dynamical evolution of the cell population. All this information can be used to further investigate mechanistic effects in the evolution of tumors and their role in cancer disease

The Importance of Strengthening Mother and Child Health Services during the First 1000 Days of Life: The Foundation of Optimum Health, Growth and Development

The first 1000 days of a child's life, spanning from the time of conception until 2 years of age, are a unique period of laying down the foundations of optimum health, growth, and development across the lifespan. However, the first 1000 days are also a period of enormous vulnerability. How mothers and children are cared for during this crucial time has a profound influence on a child's ability to grow, learn, and thrive.1 The role of the first 1000 days of life is well-described. However, investments in this key period are scarce and the provision of adequate health care services id insufficient. The aim of this report is to further raise the attention of decision-makers and health care officers and professionals, including pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, obstetricians, nurses, midwives, dieticians, and lactation consultants, on the importance of investing in health care services to support and empower parents and families during a most critical period of their children's life. In particular, we encourage the adoption of integrated strategies to establish adequate preventive efforts and a perspective shift to strengthen or develop where lacking, efficient health care services dedicated to the first 1000 days of life as the first line of prevention

Advocating for Children Trapped in the Midst of Armed Conflicts.

Natural and human-made disasters, including civil unrest, terrorism, biological and chemical threats, and war, have affected the world on a recurring basis. These events have caused suffering and misery to populations and have revealed a low degree of self-sufficiency and a high degree of unpreparedness on the part of governments to deal with the consequences.1 Natural and human-made adversity typically generate public health crises and economic instability, with lasting negative effects on the socioeconomic status of populations of all ages. These adverse effects affect children, who are among the most marginalized and vulnerable members of society and rarely consulted when communities make decisions that directly affect them. War is one of the world's most devastating events, requiring short-term interventions and complex long-term recovery planning, articulated in 4 phases—mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery—that focus on the rights of children who are in vulnerable circumstances and, therefore, at greater risk of harm. This commentary, authored by members of the board of directors of the European Pediatric Association–Union of National Pediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA), briefly discusses the plight of children exposed to situations of terror and horror during war, including severe loss and disruption in their lives, which can result in the lasting effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Our goal is to raise awareness among pediatricians and public health authorities of the importance of developing programs directed toward the rehabilitation of children affected by war, including social healing and peace culture education, as a key approach to primary prevention of the recurrence of war

Infrared-Emitting QDs for Thermal Therapy with Real-Time Subcutaneous Temperature Feedback

Nowadays, one of the most exciting applications of nanotechnology in biomedicine is the development of localized, noninvasive therapies for diverse diseases, such as cancer. Among them, nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy (PTT), which destroys malignant cells by delivering heat upon optical excitation of nanoprobes injected into a living specimen, is emerging with great potential. Two main milestones that must be reached for PTT to become a viable clinical treatment are deep penetration of the triggering optical excitation and real-time accurate temperature monitoring of the ongoing therapy, which constitutes a critical factor to minimize collateral damage. In this work, a yet unexplored capability of near-infrared emitting semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots, QDs) is demonstrated. Temperature self-monitored ­QD-based PTT is presented for the first time using PbS/CdS/ZnS QDs emitting in the second biological window. These QDs are capable of acting, simultaneously, as photothermal agents (heaters) and high-resolution fluorescent thermal sensors, making it possible to achieve full control over the intratumoral temperature increment during PTT. The differences observed between intratumoral and surface temperatures in this comprehensive investigation, through different irradiation conditions, highlight the need for real-time control of the intratumoral temperature that allows for a dynamic adjustment of the treatment conditions in order to maximize the efficacy of the therapyThis project has been supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad under project and MAT2013-47395-C4-1-R. B. del Rosal thanks Universidad Autónoma de Madrid for an FPI grant. F. Ren acknowledges scholarship support from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT) under the Programme de Bourses d’Excellence (Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students

The Importance of Continuing Breastfeeding during Coronavirus Disease-2019: In Support of the World Health Organization Statement on Breastfeeding during the Pandemic.

There are many questions and concerns about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including its implications for breastfeeding. This commentary draws on a statement and recommendations recently issued by the Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organization with the contribution of the European Pediatric Association-Union of National European Pediatric Societies and Associations and other main European pediatric organizations.1 Our aim is to provide pediatricians with further guidance on breastfeeding and related safety measures during COVID-19, particularly in instances where a mother has or may have COVID-19

Effects of the manual therapy approach of segments C0-1 and C2-3 in the flexion-rotation test in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Flexion-rotation test predominantly measures rotation in C1-2 segment. Restriction in flexion-rotation may be due to direct limitation in C1-2, but also to a premature tightening of the alar ligament as a result of lack of movement in C0-1 or C2-3. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a 20-min single cervical exercise session, with or without manual therapy of C0-1 and C2-3 segment in flexion-rotation test, in patients with chronic neck pain and positive flexion-rotation test. Methods: Randomized controlled clinical trial in 48 subjects (24 manual therapy+ exercise/24 exercise). Range of motion and pain during flexion-rotation test, neck pain intensity and active cervical range of motion were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Significant differences were found in favour of the manual therapy group in the flexion-rotation test: right (p < 0.001) and left rotation (p < 0.001); pain during the flexion-rotation test: right (p < 0.001) and left rotation (p < 0.001); neck pain intensity: (p < 0.001); cervical flexion (p < 0.038), extension (p < 0.010), right side-bending (p < 0.035), left side-bending (p < 0.002), right rotation (p < 0.001), and left rotation (p < 0.006). Conclusions: Addition of one C0-C1 and C2-C3 manual therapy session to cervical exercise can immediately improve flexion-rotation test and cervical range of motion and reduce pain intensity

The Role of Pediatricians in Providing Greater-Quality Care for Children: An Ongoing Debate

Child healthcare frequently is regarded as a secondary objective in the development of public health policies and not as a central issue. Cost-containment policies instead of quality of healthcare frequently have inspired strategic decisions in public health investments for pediatric structures and workforce. The negative implications of this decisional approach have been shown by the substantial unpreparedness of virtually all European health systems during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic,5 particularly in the area of primary care. The debate on the negative effects of cost-containment policies in the area of primary care in not new. In recent years, the role of pediatricians within the several European healthcare systems was variously reformed by governments, with an eye more to the budget than to the quality of care and its structural components, including staffing adequacy, training, and consistency as well as facility environment and size.1 As a result, the number of general pediatricians in Europe has decreased during the past 20 years.Data from the World Health Organization show that the average number of general pediatricians per 100 000 population in Europe declined 30.1% from 26.5% in 1998 to 18.5% in 2013.A further reduction in the pediatric workforce was reported in 2018 by the European Paediatric Association, the Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA). During the past 20 years, due to different factors, including socioeconomic and political reasons, several European countries decided to reform their public health systems and the responsibility of pediatric healthcare delivery was moved from pediatricians to general and family practitioners. The aim of this commentary by the Spanish Primary Care Pediatrics Association (AEPap), in collaboration with the European Confederation of Primary Care Pediatricians and EPA-UNEPSA, is to discuss data supporting the essential role played in Europe by well-trained pediatricians vs other providers in delivering quality healthcare for children

Prevention and contrast of child abuse and neglect in the practice of European paediatricians: a multi-national pilot study

Background: Child abuse and neglect, or maltreatment, is a serious public health problem, which may cause long-term effects on children's health and wellbeing and expose them to further adulthood vulnerabilities. Studies on child maltreatment performed in Europe are scarce, and the number of participants enrolled relatively small. The aim of this multi-national European pilot study, was to evaluate the level of understanding and perception of the concepts of child abuse and neglect by European paediatricians working in different medical settings, and the attitude toward these forms of maltreatment in their practice. Methods: The study was performed by a cross-sectional, descriptive, online survey, made available online to European paediatricians members of 50 national paediatric, who belonged to four different medical settings: hospital, family care, university centres and private practice. The questionnaire, designed as a multiple choice questions survey, with a single answer option consisted of 22 questions/statements. Frequency analyses were applied. Most of the data were described using univariate analysis and Chi-squared tests were used to compare the respondents and answers and a significance level of p ≤ 0.05 applied. Results: Findings show that European paediatricians consider the training on child maltreatment currently provided by medical school curricula and paediatric residency courses to be largely insufficient and continuing education courses were considered of great importance to cover educational gaps. Physical violence was recognized by paediatricians mostly during occasional visits with a significant correlation between detecting abuse during an occasional visit and being a primary care paediatrician. Results also showed a reluctance by paediatricians to report cases of maltreatment to the competent judicial authorities. Conclusions: Data of this study may provide useful contribution to the current limited knowledge about the familiarity of European paediatricians with child maltreatment and their skills to recognize, manage and contrast abusive childhood experiences in their practice. Finally, they could provide local legislators and health authorities with information useful to further improve public health approaches and rules able to effectively address shared risk and protective factors, which could prevent child abuse and neglect from ever occurring

Omics approaches in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which represents 80% of pancreatic cancers, is mainly diagnosed when treatment with curative intent is not possible. Consequently, the overall five-year survival rate is extremely dismal—around 5% to 7%. In addition, pancreatic cancer is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030. Therefore, advances in screening, prevention and treatment are urgently needed. Fortunately, a wide range of approaches could help shed light in this area. Beyond the use of cytological or histological samples focusing in diagnosis, a plethora of new approaches are currently being used for a deeper characterization of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, including genetic, epigenetic, and/or proteo-transcriptomic techniques. Accordingly, the development of new analytical technologies using body fluids (blood, bile, urine, etc.) to analyze tumor derived molecules has become a priority in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma due to the hard accessibility to tumor samples. These types of technologies will lead us to improve the outcome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients