Preliminary Water Assessment Reports of The Test Basins of The Watch Project

This report presents the initial plans of the case studies how they link to rest of the Watch project and on which water resources they will focus. This report will function as the basis for further discussions on how to improve the integration of the case studies within the project and to develop a more general protocol for each of the case studies. Currently 5 catchments are used within the Watch project, they differ in climatic and hydro-geological features and expected climate changes: the Glomma River basin (Eastern Norway), the upper Guadiana basin (Central Spanish Plateau), the Nitra River basin (central Slovakia), the Upper-Elbe basin (part of the Elbe River) and the island of Crete. Also the water resources issues vary over these cases. Agricultural (and domestic) water use is under pressure in the Mediterranean catchments probably aggravating with the expected increase in drought frequency under future climate. The Norwegian catchment provides hydropower services under threat of precipitation increase rather than decrease. The central European catchments are threatened mainly by increased variability, i.e. increased frequencies of extremes in a densely populated environment, and river flow may need additional buffers (reservoirs) to reduce floodrisk and store water for dry period

Green's Matrix for a Second Order Self-Adjoint Matrix Differential Operator

A systematic construction of the Green's matrix for a second order, self-adjoint matrix differential operator from the linearly independent solutions of the corresponding homogeneous differential equation set is carried out. We follow the general approach of extracting the Green's matrix from the Green's matrix of the corresponding first order system. This construction is required in the cases where the differential equation set cannot be turned to an algebraic equation set via transform techniques.Comment: 19 page

Development and characterization of a hydrogel containing silver sulfadiazine for antimicrobial topical applications

Development and optimization of a hydrogel with impregnated silver sulfadiazine was pursued, for antimicrobial topical applications. The selected hydrogel exhibited a homogeneous appearance, with whitish colloration and devoid of any fractures or cracks. The content in impregnated silver sulfadiazine was within established limits (1%, w/w) with a standard deviation of up to 1.28%. The hydrogel presented a good characteristic in relation to release of the active antimicrobial principle, verified through swelling tests and antimicrobial activity. The swelling tests indicated a higher increase in weight during the first 6 h of contact with a moist environment, with a maximum value of 266.00 ± 0.81, and with maintenance of the original shape of the hydrogel. The impregnated silver sulfadiazine presented antimicrobial activity, as expected, indicating a prolonged release of the drug. The infrared spectra of the hydrogel with impregnated silver sulfadiazine indicated that the drug did not engage in any bonds with the polymeric matrix, which otherwise could have reduced its antimicrobial activity. The mechanical resistance tests produced good results, indicating that the hydrogels may be utilized in different locations of the human body with skin lesions.Project funding by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, São Paulo, Brazil) (FAPESP Ref. Nos. 2012/15651-4, 2013/03181-6, and 2014/21122-0) is hereby gratefully acknowledged. This work also received support from CNPq in the form of a Research Productivity (PQ) fellowshi

Cost-Utility Analysis of a Medication Review with Follow-Up Service for Older Adults with Polypharmacy in Community Pharmacies in Spain: The conSIGUE Program

© 2015, Springer International Publishing Switzerland. Background: The concept of pharmaceutical care is operationalized through pharmaceutical professional services, which are patient-oriented to optimize their pharmacotherapy and to improve clinical outcomes. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of a medication review with follow-up (MRF) service for older adults with polypharmacy in Spanish community pharmacies against the alternative of having their medication dispensed normally. Methods: The study was designed as a cluster randomized controlled trial, and was carried out over a time horizon of 6 months. The target population was older adults with polypharmacy, defined as individuals taking five or more medicines per day. The study was conducted in 178 community pharmacies in Spain. Cost-utility analysis adopted a health service perspective. Costs were in euros at 2014 prices and the effectiveness of the intervention was estimated as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). In order to analyze the uncertainty of ICER results, we performed a non-parametric bootstrapping with 5000 replications. Results: A total of 1403 older adults, aged between 65 and 94 years, were enrolled in the study: 688 in the intervention group (IG) and 715 in the control group (CG). By the end of the follow-up, both groups had reduced the mean number of prescribed medications they took, although this reduction was greater in the IG (0.28 ± 1.25 drugs; p < 0.001) than in the CG (0.07 ± 0.95 drugs; p = 0.063). Older adults in the IG saw their quality of life improved by 0.0528 ± 0.20 (p < 0.001). In contrast, the CG experienced a slight reduction in their quality of life: 0.0022 ± 0.24 (p = 0.815). The mean total cost was €977.57 ± 1455.88 for the IG and €1173.44 ± 3671.65 for the CG. In order to estimate the ICER, we used the costs adjusted for baseline medications and QALYs adjusted for baseline utility score, resulting in a mean incremental total cost of −€250.51 ± 148.61 (95 % CI −541.79 to 40.76) and a mean incremental QALY of 0.0156 ± 0.004 (95 % CI 0.008–0.023). Regarding the results from the cost-utility analysis, the MRF service emerged as the dominant strategy. Conclusion: The MRF service is an effective intervention for optimizing prescribed medication and improving quality of life in older adults with polypharmacy in community pharmacies. The results from the cost-utility analysis suggest that the MRF service is cost effective

The assessment of litter quality in broiler chickens: validity, inter-assessor reliability, and intra-assessor repeatability of three visual scoring systems

1. This study evaluated the validity, inter-assessor reliability and intra-assessor repeatability of three visual scoring systems for litter quality, one known as the Welfare Quality Assessment Protocol© and two complementary systems for friability and humidity developed by the ClassyFarm initiative. 2. In 6 rooms of an experimental barn, 2450 medium-growing broiler chickens were reared on coarse sawdust litter until they reached a body weight of 2.2 kg at 43 days of age, with a stocking density of 33 kg/m2. 3. Sixty-six litter samples were analysed for litter moisture at two different time points during the broiler chickens’ production cycle, and were visually scored using the three systems, two consecutive times, by 7 assessors to analyse their validity, inter-reliability and intra-repeatability according to the litter moisture level. 4. The three resulting scores were correlated with the litter moisture (p < 0.001) and correlations were stronger when the litter moisture was above 35%. Similarly, inter-assessor reliability and intra-assessor repeatability were better for all three scoring systems when litter moisture was above 35% than when it was below 35%. 5. The ClassyFarm Friability system was the most reliable regardless of litter moisture level. The ClassyFarm Humidity system was the least reliable and repeatable when the litter moisture was below 35%. The Welfare Quality scoring system lay between the two ClassyFarm systems considering inter-assessor reliability, but was as repeatable as the ClassyFarm Friability system.The work was supported by the EURCAW-Poultry-SFA [European Commission Grant number: SANTE/EURC/2021-2022/SI2.871763].info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Romosozumab (sclerostin monoclonal antibody) versus teriparatide in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis transitioning from oral bisphosphonate therapy : a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial

Background: Previous bisphosphonate treatment attenuates the bone-forming effect of teriparatide. We compared the effects of 12 months of romosozumab (AMG 785), a sclerostin monoclonal antibody, versus teriparatide on bone mineral density (BMD) in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis transitioning from bisphosphonate therapy. Methods: This randomised, phase 3, open-label, active-controlled study was done at 46 sites in North America, Latin America, and Europe. We enrolled women (aged >= 55 to <= 90 years) with postmenopausal osteoporosis who had taken an oral bisphosphonate for at least 3 years before screening and alendronate the year before screening; an areal BMD T score of -2.5 or lower at the total hip, femoral neck, or lumbar spine; and a history of fracture. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) via an interactive voice response system to receive subcutaneous romosozumab (210 mg once monthly) or subcutaneous teriparatide (20 mu g once daily). The primary endpoint was percentage change from baseline in areal BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the total hip through month 12 (mean of months 6 and 12), which used a linear mixed effects model for repeated measures and represented the mean treatment effect at months 6 and 12. All randomised patients with a baseline measurement and at least one post-baseline measurement were included in the efficacy analysis. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01796301. Findings: Between Jan 31, 2013, and April 29, 2014, 436 patients were randomly assigned to romosozumab (n=218) or teriparatide (n=218). 206 patients in the romosozumab group and 209 in the teriparatide group were included in the primary efficacy analysis. Through 12 months, the mean percentage change from baseline in total hip areal BMD was 2.6% (95% CI 2.2 to 3.0) in the romosozumab group and -0.6% (-1.0 to -0.2) in the teriparatide group; difference 3.2% (95% CI 2.7 to 3.8; p<0.0001). The frequency of adverse events was generally balanced between treatment groups. The most frequently reported adverse events were nasopharyngitis (28 [13%] of 218 in the romosozumab group vs 22 [10%] of 214 in the teriparatide group), hypercalcaemia (two [<1%] vs 22 [10%]), and arthralgia (22 [10%] vs 13 [6%]). Serious adverse events were reported in 17 (8%) patients on romosozumab and in 23 (11%) on teriparatide; none were judged treatment related. There were six (3%) patients in the romosozumab group compared with 12 (6%) in the teriparatide group with adverse events leading to investigational product withdrawal. Interpretation: Transition to a bone-forming agent is common practice in patients treated with bisphosphonates, such as those who fracture while on therapy. In such patients, romosozumab led to gains in hip BMD that were not observed with teriparatide. These data could inform clinical decisions for patients at high risk of fracture

Broccoli and Radish Sprouts are Safe and Rich in Bioactive Phytochemicals

©. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/cc-by-nc-nd /4.0/ This document is the Acepted version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in [Postharvest Biology and Technology]. To access the final edited and published work see [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2017.01.010]Cruciferous sprouts (e.g. broccoli and red radish) are rich source of health-promoting phytochemicals more concentrated than the adult plant edible organs; however, these tiny microgreens need cold storage conditions to preserve their quality to reach the consumers in microbiologically safe conditions, maintaining their composition and acceptability. In this work, the microbiological status and phytochemical composition of broccoli and radish sprouts were evaluated at harvest (Day 0), and after seven and fourteen days of storage at two different temperatures, 5 and 10 °C. Pathogenic microorganisms were absent during shelf-life; nevertheless, the slight growth of Enterobacteriaceae organisms, aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, molds and yeasts was assessed. The temperature of storage highly influenced the quality and content of bioactives in the sprouts, and for practical applications, the storage at 5 ºC is the most suitable option. Moreover, these fresh crucifers remain acceptable for consumers after a long refrigerated storage period (14 d), being an interesting option for consuming fresh and naturally-functional foods

The sperm factor: paternal impact beyond genes

The fact that sperm carry more than the paternal DNA has only been discovered just over a decade ago. With this discovery, the idea that the paternal condition may have direct implications for the fitness of the offspring had to be revisited. While this idea is still highly debated, empirical evidence for paternal effects is accumulating. Male condition not only affects male fertility but also offspring early development and performance later in life. Several factors have been identified as possible carriers of non-genetic information, but we still know little about their origin and function and even less about their causation. I consider four possible non-mutually exclusive adaptive and non-adaptive explanations for the existence of paternal effects in an evolutionary context. In addition, I provide a brief overview of the main non-genetic components found in sperm including DNA methylation, chromatin modifications, RNAs and proteins. I discuss their putative functions and present currently available examples for their role in transferring non-genetic information from the father to the offspring. Finally, I identify some of the most important open questions and present possible future research avenues

Effectiveness of TBE vaccination in southern Germany and Latvia

Funding Information: This study was sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The AuthorsBackground: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a vaccine-preventable disease which may cause long-term sequelae and even death. The data on the long-term effectiveness of TBE vaccines are limited. Additionally, the vaccination schedule is complex which in part contributes towards sub-optimal uptake in TBE-endemic areas. The current ecological study measures vaccine effectiveness (VE) in two European countries. Methods: TBE VE was measured from 2007 to 2018 in Latvia and Southern German states by age group, vaccination history, and schedule compliance. TBE cases and vaccination history were obtained from the public health agencies for Latvia and the southern German federal states of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg. Cases were “within schedule” if a TBE infection was diagnosed within the time interval preceding the next scheduled dose and “outside schedule” if the diagnosis occurred after the next scheduled dose. Vaccine uptake was estimated via representative nationwide surveys. Results: VE after 2, 3, and ≥4 doses was high in both countries at 97.2%, 95.0%, and 95.4% for southern Germany, and 98.1%, 99.4%, and 98.8% for Latvia while within- schedule, and only showed marginal differences outside schedule at 90.6%, 89.9%, and 95.6% for southern Germany, and 97.4%, 98.4%, and 99.0% for Latvia regardless of age groups. Conclusions: In both countries, VE after two and three primary doses within-schedule was very high in all age groups. Once receiving booster doses, high VE continued to be observed even in persons with extended intervals since the last dose received, suggesting that longer and more flexible booster intervals may be considered for sustainable long-term protection.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Virtual reality-based early neurocognitive stimulation in critically ill patients: A pilot randomized clinical trial

This study focuses on the application of a non-immersive virtual reality (VR)-based neurocognitive intervention in critically ill patients. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of direct outcome measures to detect the impact of this digital therapy on patients’ cognitive and emotional outcomes. Seventy-two mechanically ventilated adult patients were randomly assigned to the “treatment as usual” (TAU, n = 38) or the “early neurocognitive stimulation” (ENRIC, n = 34) groups. All patients received standard intensive care unit (ICU) care. Patients in the ENRIC group also received adjuvant neurocognitive stimulation during the ICU stay. Outcome measures were a full neuropsychological battery and two mental health questionnaires. A total of 42 patients (21 ENRIC) completed assessment one month after ICU discharge, and 24 (10 ENRIC) one year later. At onemonth follow-up, ENRIC patients had better working memory scores (p = 0.009, d = 0.363) and showed up to 50% less non-specific anxiety (11.8% vs. 21.1%) and depression (5.9% vs. 10.5%) than TAU patients. A general linear model of repeated measures reported a main effect of group, but not of time or group–time interaction, on working memory, with ENRIC patients outperforming TAU patients (p = 0.008, ¿p2 = 0.282). Our results suggest that non-immersive VR-based neurocognitive stimulation may help improve short-term working memory outcomes in survivors of critical illness. Moreover, this advantage could be maintained in the long term. An efficacy trial in a larger sample of participants is feasible and must be conducted. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland