Deciphering Seasonal Patterns in Animal Feeding: A Mechanistic Approach to Analyzing the Restricted Growth of Iberian Pigs.

The growth of animals is influenced by various factors including genetics, nutrition, and environmental conditions. This study focuses on understanding the traditional growth phases of Iberian pigs raised in semi-free-range environments prior to the finishing period within the Mediterranean forest. Using a comprehensive dataset of 5329 pigs, we evaluated the abilities of several mathematical models to predict growth patterns during the early growing and pre-finishing phases.

Postnatal growth of etiologically characterized preterm newborns according to gestational age at birth.

Objective: To examine the relationship between etiologically-based preterm birth sub-groups and early postnatal growth according to gestational age at birth.

Methods: Prospective, multinational, cohort study involving 15 hospitals that monitored preterm newborns to hospital discharge. Measures/exposures: maternal demographics; etiologically-based preterm birth sub-groups; very, moderate and late preterm categories, and feeding.

North Atlantic Extratropical Cyclone Tracks and Lagrangian-Derived Moisture Uptake Dataset.

Extratropical cyclones (ETCs) are the focus of many open questions, spanning from weather to climate and from local to global scales. The relationship between moisture uptake and precipitation over different mesoscale ETC structures remains poorly understood. The availability of moisture parameters to the scientific community through tracer dispersion models benefits the representation of the processes involving moisture, the dynamics of ETCs and the understanding of the associated meteorological fields.

Lethal Consequences and Embryo Shell Shape Alterations in the Marine Gastropod Due to Elevated Temperatures.

Environmental temperature is increasing while natural populations are forced to adjust their life cycle to new conditions, resulting in the expression of new phenotypic traits. Still, the links between these new environmental conditions and the subsequent phenotypic expressions are not fully explored. Here, we conducted manipulative experiments with embryos of the marine gastropod to assess the effects of warmer temperatures upon shell form.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Predictor of Treatment Response in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potential biomarker of response to treatment in psychiatric disorders. As it plays a role in the pathophysiological development of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it is of interest to study its role in predicting therapeutic responses in both conditions. We carried out a systematic review of the literature, looking for differences in baseline BDNF levels and the Val66Met BDNF polymorphism in these disorders between responders and non-responders, and found information showing that the Val/Val genotype and higher baseline BDNF levels may be present in patients that respond successfully to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.

Bioavailability of Supplemented Free Oleanolic Acid and Cyclodextrin-Oleanolic Acid in Growing Pigs, and Effects on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Plasma Metabolites.

Oleanolic acid (OLA) has beneficial health effects in animals, but in vivo efficacy in monogastric animals is questioned due to its low bioavailability. To gain further insight on the nutritional effects of OLA it was administered as part of a diet. We investigated digestibility and plasma OLA in pigs and the associated influence on growth, organs, digestibility of nutrients and plasma biochemical profile.

Valorization of treated wastewater from the soaking of baby alpaca skin fur.

Baby alpaca fur industry generates considerable wastewater during the soaking process, which contains high levels of total suspended solids (TSSs), proteins, and salts, among other components. The valorization of wastewater after precipitation, coagulation-flocculation, and aeration treatments was evaluated for use in irrigation water, fertigation, groundwater recharge, concrete construction, and disposal. The precipitation treatment sludge and the coagulation-flocculation treatment were evaluated as a protein source, soil quality improvement, and disposal.

Heat Production of Iberian Pig Exposed to High Temperature and Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Betaine or Zinc.

The effect of heat, and dietary betaine or zinc on the heat production (HP) of Iberian pigs was studied. Thirty barrows (44 kg) were individually housed for 28 days and assigned to one of five treatments: (1) thermoneutrality (20 °C) and fed a control diet (TN-CON) ad libitum; (2) hot (30 °C) and fed a control diet (HT-CON) ad libitum; (3) thermoneutrality and pair fed a control diet (TN-CON-PF) to HT-CON; (4) hot and fed a betaine-supplemented (0.5%) diet (HT-BET) ad libitum; and (5) hot and fed a zinc-supplemented (0.

Written narratives to understand the experience of individuals living with fibromyalgia.

Purpose: To explore the experiences of individuals with fibromyalgia (FM) through written narratives (WN) and to preliminarily investigate the potential value of these narratives for healthcare professionals in assessing the overall perceived severity and disability experienced by individuals with FM.

Materials And Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 46 participants with a FM diagnosis. They were asked to complete a WN task that aimed to capture their personal experiences.

Psychometric examination of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory Short Form (MPFI-24) and the Psy-Flex Spanish versions in individuals with chronic pain.

Background: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been found to be beneficial for individuals dealing with chronic pain. The theoretical mechanisms of change proposed by ACT are based on the Hexaflex model. To comprehensively reflect this model, the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI) and Psy-Flex have been developed.

Presence of metabolic syndrome markers in very low birth weight ex-premature infants during early adolescence.

Objectives: To investigate the association of growth patterns with overweight/obesity and markers of metabolic syndrome in ex-premature adolescents; to assess the relationship between the increase (1 SD) in Z-score weight at term and at 2 years with outcomes in adolescents with or without intrauterine growth restriction; and to evaluate the association between the Cook criteria and overweight/obesity according to body mass index.

Methods: Cohort, retrospective, analytical study. Population: adolescents born weighting<1,500 g.

Perception of People Diagnosed With Fibromyalgia About Information and Communication Technologies for Chronic Pain Management: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Background: Chronic pain is prevalent in our society, with conditions such as fibromyalgia being notably widespread. The gold standard for aiding individuals dealing with chronic pain involves interdisciplinary approaches rooted in a biopsychosocial perspective. Regrettably, access to such care is difficult for most of the people in need.

Analyzing the effects of drought at different time scales on cause-specific mortality in South Africa.

South Africa (SA) is highly vulnerable to the effects of drought on the environment, economy, and society. However, its effect on human health remains unclear. Understanding the mortality risk associated with different types of droughts in different population groups and by specific causes would help clarify the potential mechanisms involved.

Chronic neck and low back pain from personal experiences: a written narrative approach.

Chronic neck and low back pain are very common and have detrimental effects for people and society. In this study, we explore the experiences of individuals with neck and/or back pain using a written narrative methodology. A total of 92 individuals explained their pain experience using written narratives.

Olive Pomace Extract Contains Low Molecular Weight Peptides and Possesses ACE Inhibitory Activity.

The aim of the present study was to determine the ACE inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts of olive pomace and to understand whether they represent a good source of bioactive LMW peptides for nutritional and pharmacological applications. We produced a water extract from olive pomace (var. Picual) and obtained its low molecular weight (LMW) fraction (<3 kDa).

Women living with fibromyalgia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

We explored the experiences of women with fibromyalgia during the COVID-19 pandemic from a qualitative approach by interviewing eighteen women. We identified seven main themes after performing a thematic analysis: pain description, pain triggers, impact, coping strategies, treatment for pain, pain onset and general situation. In general, pain worsened during the pandemic, and activity restrictions and changes in social interactions were particularly related with that.

Estimation of in vivo body composition of Iberian pigs using bioelectric impedance and ultrasonography techniques.

Iberian pigs are renowned for their high-quality products and distinctive characteristics, including high fat accumulation, low protein deposition rate, and a long productive cycle. The study aimed to assess in vivo body composition of purebred Iberian pigs using bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and ultrasonography. Accurate estimation of body composition in live animals is crucial for adopting decisions at the farm level.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a screening tool for cognitive impairment in early stages of psychosis.

Background: Cognitive alterations have been reported in early stages of psychosis including people with First Episode Psychosis (FEP), Clinical High-Risk Mental State (CHR), and Psychotic-Like Experience (PLE). This study aimed to compare the cognitive function in early stages of psychosis using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a low-cost and brief assessment tool of cognitive functions.

Methods: A total of 154 individuals, including 35 with FEP, 38 CHR, 44 PLE, and 37 healthy controls (HC), were evaluated with the MoCA in Santiago, Chile.

Detection of Anomalies in Daily Activities Using Data from Smart Meters.

The massive deployment of smart meters in most Western countries in recent decades has allowed the creation and development of a significant variety of applications, mainly related to efficient energy management. The information provided about energy consumption has also been dedicated to the areas of social work and health. In this context, smart meters are considered single-point non-intrusive sensors that might be used to monitor the behaviour and activity patterns of people living in a household.