Low Pp Research Articles

Deep Neuromuscular Block with Low Pressure Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Postoperative pain management remains a challenge in laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) in conjunction with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum )PP) on postoperative pain, surgical parameters, and recovery outcomes. Methods: This randomized controlled double-blind study included 44 participants undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery. Patients were randomized equally into two groups (22 each): Group D received deep NMB, while group M received moderate NMB using cis-atracurium, through the utilization of computer-generated random numbers enclosed within sealed, opaque envelopes, following a parallel approach. Regarding deep NMB, following an initial dose of 0.15 mg/kg, a continuous infusion of 0.06 - 0.12 mg/kg/hr was administered to maintain a post-tetanic count between 1 and 2, with low PP pressure of 10 - 12 mmHg. Conversely, for moderate NMB, after the same initial dose of 0.15 mg/kg, the continuous infusion commenced upon the train-of-four count returning to 2, with the rate adjusted to sustain a count between 1 and 3, and standard PP pressure of 15 mmHg. The primary outcome was postoperative pain intensity as measured by Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The secondary outcomes included postoperative pain intensity measured by NRS scores from 2 hours to 48 hours post-surgery, time to first analgesic administration, cumulative opioid consumption within the initial 48-hour postoperative period, and patient-reported satisfaction with postoperative pain management. Statistical analysis using SPSS v26 included tests for normality (Shapiro-Wilks), with parametric data analyzed by t-test, non-parametric data by Mann-Whitney, and qualitative data by chi-square/Fisher's test. Results: Group D experienced a considerably longer time until the first analgesic rescue compared to group M (9.82 ± 1.5 hours vs. 7.23 ± 1.19 hours, P < 0.001). Morphine consumption in the first 24 hours was lower in Group D (10.77 ± 1.51 mg vs. 13.09 ± 1.74 mg, P < 0.001). At 6, 8, and 12 hours postoperatively, group D exhibited significantly lower pain scores (P < 0.05). Surgical duration, surgical field quality, complication rates, and patient satisfaction were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Deep NMB combined with low-pressure PP provided superior postoperative analgesia without compromising surgical field quality or increasing complications in laparoscopic abdominal surgeries.

Feasibility study on the production of low melt flow rate recycled polypropylene from postconsumer waste

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) recyclates face limitations in their use due to lower qualities compared with virgin PP, resulting from contaminations and the mixing of different PP grades. In particular, their high melt flow rate (MFR) hinders their suitability for applications requiring low MFR, such as pipes. This study investigates the feasibility of producing low MFR PP recyclates from packaging waste. For this purpose, recyclates were produced exclusively from manually sorted extrusion blow molding grades and compared with a recyclate derived from a conventional PP waste stream. Different washing temperatures and recyclate production processes were used to study their effects on the properties of the recyclates. The main objective was to determine the lowest achievable MFR and the rheological, mechanical, and thermal properties of the recyclates from improved sorting. The results are intended to serve as reference points for the evaluation of future automatic sorting trials. The enhanced sorting resulted in an 80% reduction in the MFR and improved ductility, thereby extending the potential applications of the recyclate. The different washing and production processes did not have a significant effect on the investigated properties, except for a slight decrease in the MFR with hot washing and the omission of the pelletizing step.

Protective Role of Pistacia Palaestina Boiss Fruit and Leaf Extracts in Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Ischemia

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In this study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Pistacia palaestina Boiss (PP) leaf and fruit extracts, which are thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI. 80 Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into 10 groups. The control group was given saline. PP leaf and fruit extracts at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg applied by gavage for 21 days. ISO 100 mg/kg subcutaneously was administered to the MI and MI-treatment groups on the 17th and 18th days of the experiment. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured in heart tissue. In serum, Troponin t, CK-MB; pro-inflammatory cytokine necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6; Anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels were determined by the ELISA method. Heart tissue was examined by haematoxylin-eosin staining. While lipid peroxidation indicator TBARS activity increased in the MI group, antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH levels decreased. While Troponin t, CK-MB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels increased, anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels decreased. Low and high dose PP leaf and fruit extracts significantly decreased TBARS, Troponin t, CK-MB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 levels, improved antioxidant enzyme activity, GSH and IL-10 levels. PP ameliorated cardiac biomarkers and histopathological changes in ISO-induced MI by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation. PP extracts may play an important cardioprotective role in the treatment of MI with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Biodegradation of additive-free polypropylene by bacterial consortia enriched from the ocean and from the gut of Tenebrio molitor larvae

Accumulation of highly recalcitrant PP wastes has caused a serious environmental pollution. We evaluated the biodegradation of two types of additive-free PP polymers by microbial degraders from different environments. Two bacterial consortia, designated as PP1M and PP2G, were enriched from the ocean and from the guts of Tenebrio molitor larvae. Both consortia were able to utilize each of two different additive-free PP plastics with relatively low molecular weights (low molecular weight PP powder and amorphous PP pellets) as the sole carbon source for growth. After a 30-day incubation, several plastic characterization methods, including high-temperature gel permeation chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry, were used to characterize the PP samples. The bio-treated PP powder was covered with tight biofilms and extracellular secretions with significantly increased hydroxyl and carbonyl groups and slightly decreased methyl groups. This suggested that degradation and oxidation had occurred. The altered molecular weights and the increased melting enthalpy and average crystallinity of the bio-treated PP samples all suggested that both consortia preferred to depolymerize and degrade the fractions with molecular weights of ≤34 kDa and the amorphous phase fractions of the two types of PP. Furthermore, low molecular weight PP powder was more susceptible to bacterial degradation compared to amorphous PP pellets. This study provides a unique example of different types of additive-free PP degradation by different culturable bacteria from the ocean and insect guts as well as a feasibility of PP waste removal in different environments.

Discovery of the mechanism of n-propylparaben-promoting the proliferation of human breast adenocarcinoma cells by activating human estrogen receptors via metabolomics analysis.

N-propylparaben (PP), a type of paraben, is commonly used as a preservative or antibacterial agent in daily chemicals, medicine, food, cosmetics, feed, and various industrial preservatives. Although PP promotes the growth of human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells by activating the human estrogen receptor (ER), the mechanism responsible for this type of programmed cell proliferation is poorly understood. To clarify the effect of PP on cell metabolic function and the potential molecular mechanism of PP induced MCF-7 cell proliferation from a new perspective. To use high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics combined with bioinformatics analysis to analyze the molecular mechanism. The results illustrated that differential endogenous compounds related to the effects of PP on cell metabolic functions were detected. PP was found to promote glycolysis in MCF-7 cells and enhance the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) in mitochondria, thus improving the energy supply to these tumor cells for metabolic function and promotion of rapid proliferation. Moreover, we found that PP promoted cell proliferation by affecting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway of MCF-7 cells. Our results revealed the molecular mechanism of low concentration PP promoting MCF-7 cell proliferation by activating ER.

Effects of pumping power on oxygen transport and performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell

BackgroundPumping power (PP), determined by the resistance of the gaseous reactants flowing in flow fields, significantly affects the net output power density of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), especially on the air-cooled PEMFCs. No previous studies on the oxygen transport performance of PEMFCs operated at high PPs are available. Novel flow channels are needed to serve the PEMFC applications with intermediate PP. MethodsThe fluid flow, heat, and mass transport processes in a steady-state PEMFC were simulated using a three-dimensional, two-phase, and non-isothermal model, with the oxygen concentration distributions, its interfacial fluxes, and the so-yielded pressure difference and electric current density being reported. Three flow fields were studied: parallel, serpentine, and a novel bamboo shape. Significant findingsThere is a threshold PP above which the current density reaches a plateau, counterbalanced by the increasing resistance built up by water accumulation at the cathode. Both the threshold PP and the maximum current density of the serpentine flow field (0.8 W, 1.83 A cm−2) are higher than those of the parallel flow field (0.1 W, 1.71 A cm−2) since the governing oxygen transport for the former depends on the convection and for the latter, the diffusion. A bamboo shape flow field has been proposed to compensate for the drawback of high PP needed for the serpentine flow field. The threshold PP is reduced to 0.5 W, with a maximum current density of 1.78 A·cm−2. The parallel flow field can be applied at a high mass flow rate and low PP scenario; at a low mass flow rate and high PP case, the serpentine flow field can be applied; in between, the bamboo flow field can be applied to be an appropriate alternative.

Particulate Trace Metal Sources, Cycling, and Distributions on the Southwest African Shelf

AbstractWe present labile (L‐pTM) and refractory (R‐pTM) particulate trace metal distributions of Fe, Mn, Al, Ti, Co, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu, and P for a transect along the southwest African shelf and an off‐shore section at 3°S of the GEOTRACES GA08 section cruise. Particle sources and biogeochemical cycling processes are inferred using particle‐type proxies and elemental ratios. Enhanced concentrations of bio‐essential L‐pTMs (Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Co, and P) were observed in the Benguela upwelling region, attributed to enhanced primary production. Bio‐essential pTM stoichiometric ratios (normalized to pP) were consistent with phytoplankton biomass across the transect, except for Fe and Mn, which included adsorbed and labile oxide phases. Low pP lability (∼41%) suggests a potential refractory biogenic source on the Benguela shelf. Variable labilities observed between stations along the transect indicated potentially different biogenic pP labilities among different plankton groups. Benthic resuspension was prevalent in (near‐)bottom waters along the transect and formed an important source of Fe and Mn oxides. Lithogenic particles along the entire shelf were Mn deficient and particles on the Benguela shelf were enriched in Fe, consistent with regional sediment compositions. Enhanced available‐Fe (dissolved + labile particulate Fe) concentrations (up to 39.6 nM) were observed in oxygen‐deficient (near‐)bottom waters of the Benguela shelf coinciding with low L‐pMn. This was attributed to the faster oxidation kinetics of Fe, allowing Fe‐oxide precipitation and retention on the shelf, while Mn oxidation was slower. Enhanced L‐pFe in the Congo River plume, which comprised as much as 93% of the available‐Fe pool, was attributed to increased scavenging and formation of Fe oxides. Increased scavenging of other particle‐reactive trace metals (TMs) (Mn, Al, and Pb) was also apparent in Congo‐influenced waters. However, particles did not play a significant role in transporting TMs off‐shelf within Congo plume waters.

The relationship between pulse pressure with plasma PCSK9 and interleukin-6 among patients with acute ischemic stroke and dyslipidemia

Background and purposeA high plasma concentration of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 is characteristic of a prothrombotic state in cardiovascular diseases. Elevated inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6, are associated with worse outcomes after ischemic stroke. We aimed to study the role of plasma PCSK9 and IL-6 in acute ischemic stroke with dyslipidemia. MethodsWe divided 123 enrolled patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke into normotensive and high blood pressure groups and further into high and low pulse pressure subgroups. Clinical characteristics and inflammatory and metabolic parameters, including plasma PCSK9 and IL-6, were recorded. ResultsAfter the analysis of the normotensive and BP groups, there were positive correlations between PP and carotid stenosis (P = 0.031) and plaque numbers (P = 0.013) and between National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores (P = 0.019) and carotid stenosis severity (P = 0.021) and resistance index (P = 0.04). There was a significant association between plasma cholesterol and PCSK9 (P = 0.044) in the low PP subgroup and IL-6 (P = 0.042) in the high PP subgroup. ConclusionsOur findings indicated that plasma PCSK9 levels were associated with the low PP subgroup, while IL-6 was associated with the high PP subgroup. Dyslipidemia control is also necessary for those who had a stroke and who have high PP. Further investigation to assess the role of PCSK9 and IL-6 in patients with stroke is required for early treatment and secondary prevention.

Shale gas mass transfer characteristics in hydration-induced fracture networks

The hydration-induced fractures significantly enhance shale gas production after well shut-in, which reveals considerable gas mass transfer characteristics. However, few studies focus on multiple flow mechanisms coupling the fracture distribution and morphological properties. Therefore, a novel apparent permeability (AP) model, in which poromechanics and desorption-induced aperture evolution are captured, has been derived to precisely define gas mass transfer through fracture networks. In this study, the fracture distributions are derived by fractal law, and the morphologies are solved using the orthogonal decomposition method (ODM) and shape coefficient correction. Viscosity changes in confined channels are also considered, further upscaling volume flux, Knudsen and surface diffusion through fractal theory by discrete integrals and derivation of the AP model combined with Darcy's law. The proposed model is verified well by experiments and the literature. The results show that the viscous flow contribution ratio decreases with decreasing aperture, while the Knudsen flow ratio slightly increases, and gas desorption significantly increases permeability when pp < pL. Therefore, the viscous flow is the dominant flow regime at high pp, and Knudsen and desorption diffusion gradually dominate the transmission at low pp. The larger bmax/bmin obviously enhances AP, the more confined apertures, and the AP decreases obviously as pp decreases. The stronger desorption and diffusion capability represent that gas will be transported sufficiently, higher co and δ indicate that the aperture is close more effectively, causing the AP reduction to be fast, and hydration further lowers E and v denotes higher AP due to the aperture shrinkage being replaced by matrix parts. The real gas effect on AP reduction cannot be ignored. This study identifies the gas transport characteristics in hydration fracture networks, with the research method also being applicable to other structures.

Association Between Pulse Pressure With All-Cause and Cardiac Mortality in Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Observational Cohort Study.

BackgroundPulse pressure (PP) is a surrogate of aortic stiffness, and reflects cardiac performance and stroke volume. Previous studies have indicated that PP was a robust predictor of cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. However, results have been mixed, and very few studies have focused on the association of PP with mortality in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between admission PP and the prognosis of patients with ACS.MethodsThis cohort study included 10,824 patients diagnosed with ACS from the Cardiovascular Center Beijing Friendship Hospital Database Bank (CBDBANK) from January 2013 to October 2018. Patients with cardiogenic shock, malignancy, severe trauma and, no PP at admission were excluded. Restricted cubic spline and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to evaluate the association between PP and 1-year all-cause and cardiac mortality.ResultsIn the whole cohort, a total of 237 (2.19%) all-cause deaths were reported at 1-year follow-up. Restricted cubic spline analysis suggested a J-shaped relationship between PP and mortality. Among patients with ACS, both lower and higher PP levels were related to an increased risk of mortality (Pnon–linear < 0.001); with a PP level of 30 or 80 mmHg, as compared with 50 mmHg, the adjusted hazard ratios for 1-year all-cause mortality were 2.02 (95% CI, 1.27–3.22) and 1.62 (95% CI, 1.13–2.33), respectively, after adjustments for potential confounders. Similar results were observed for cardiac deaths. The J-shaped relationship between PP and mortality remained in a series of subgroup analyses.ConclusionOur results suggested that both low and high PP were associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with ACS.

Impact of invasive aortic pulse pressure on coronary microvascular endothelial-independent dysfunction and on mortality in non-obstructive coronary artery disease

BackgroundPulse pressure (PP), a raw index of arterial stiffness, is inversely related to coronary microvascular function, even among patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), as per non-invasive studies. We...

Differential Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease Is Predicted by Changes in Ventricular Size but Moderated by Apolipoprotein E and Pulse Pressure.

Differential cognitive trajectories in Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be predicted by biomarkers from multiple domains. In a longitudinal sample of AD and AD-related dementias patients (n = 312), we tested whether 1) change in brain morphometry (ventricular enlargement) predicts differential cognitive trajectories, 2) further risk is contributed by genetic (Apolipoprotein E [APOE] ɛ4+) and vascular (pulse pressure [PP]) factors separately, and 3) the genetic + vascular risk moderates this pattern. We applied a dynamic computational approach (parallel process models) to test both concurrent and change-related associations between predictor (ventricular size) and cognition (executive function [EF]/attention). We then tested these associations as stratified by APOE (ɛ4-/ɛ4+), PP (low/high), and APOE+ PP (low/intermediate/high) risk. First, concurrently, higher ventricular size predicted lower EF/attention performance and, longitudinally, increasing ventricular size predicted steeper EF/attention decline. Second, concurrently, higher ventricular size predicted lower EF/attention performance selectively in APOEɛ4+ carriers, and longitudinally, increasing ventricular size predicted steeper EF/attention decline selectively in the low PP group. Third, ventricular size and EF/attention associations were absent in the high APOE+ PP risk group both concurrently and longitudinally. As AD progresses, a threshold effect may be present in which ventricular enlargement in the context of exacerbated APOE+ PP risk does not produce further cognitive decline.

934 Factors associated with acute response to treatment of severe hypertension in pregnancy

Pulse pressure (systolic – diastolic blood pressure; PP) has been proposed to guide medication choice for treatment of severe hypertension (HTN), as it may indicate whether the HTN is mediated by cardiac output (high PP) or systemic vascular resistance (low PP). We aimed to identify factors associated with response to treatment during pregnancy that may aid in tailoring therapy. This is a retrospective cohort study of women with severe HTN who were initially treated with intravenous labetalol, hydralazine or oral nifedipine at a tertiary care center (2015-2018). Severe HTN was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 160 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 110 mmHg sustained for 15 minutes or more. Association between medication choice and demographic characteristics at the time of treatment was evaluated using Pearson’s chi-square and ANOVA, where appropriate. Those with P < .2 were considered for incorporation into a multivariable model to predict resolution of severe HTN within 60 minutes of treatment. We identified 435 women who received treatment for severe HTN and grouped by initial medication received: 194 received labetalol, 137 nifedipine, and 104 hydralazine. Baseline BPs were similar among groups, but women receiving nifedipine had lower post-treatment BP and required less doses (Table 1). In the multivariable model, independent factors negatively correlated with resolution of severe HTN within 60 minutes included mean arterial pressure ≥ 125 mmHg, ≥ 2 doses administered, labetalol as first agent, PP > 75, gestational age < 37 weeks, postpartum treatment, and magnesium sulfate infusion > 10 minutes prior to resolution of severe HTN (Figure 1). The model had an optimism-corrected bootstrapped (1000 replicates) area under the curve of 0.84 (95% CI 0.76-0.86). Labetalol was associated with a longer time to resolution of severe HTN irrespective of PP. Nifedipine was associated with lower post-treatment BP and fewer required doses. Pulse pressure was not predictive of response to antihypertensives in our cohort.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

TPV: A New Insight on the Rubber Morphology and Mechanic/Elastic Properties

The objective of this work is to study the influence of the ratio between the elastomer (EPDM) phase and the thermoplastic phase (PP) in thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) as well as the associated morphology of the compression set of the material. First, from a study of the literature, it is concluded that the rubber phase must be dispersed with a large distribution of the domain size in the thermoplastic phase in order to achieve a high concentration, i.e., a maximal packing fraction close to ~0.80. From this discussion, it is inferred that a certain degree of progress in the crosslinking reaction must be reached when the thermoplastic phase is melted during mixing in order to achieve dispersion of the elastomeric phase in the thermoplastic matrix under maximum stress. In terms of elasticity recovery which is measured from the compression set experiment, it is observed that the crosslinking agent nature (DCP or phenolic resin) has no influence in the case of a TPV compared with a pure crosslinked EPDM system. Then, the TPV morphology and the rubber phase concentration are the first order parameters in the compression set of TPVs. Finally, the addition of carbon black fillers leads to an improvement of the mechanical properties at break for the low PP concentration (20%). However, the localization of carbon black depends on the crosslinking chemistry nature. With radical chemistry by organic peroxide decomposition, carbon black is located at the interface of EPDM and PP acting as a compatibilizer.

A comparative study of combined treatments for enhanced early-age cracking control of self-consolidating concrete

Concrete bridge deck and other concrete civil structures often experience severe early-age cracks, mainly due to thermal and shrinkage stresses during concrete curation and hydration. Nowadays, several treatments for crack control of concrete (e.g., the incorporation of PP fiber, internal curing materials, or expansive agent) have been proposed and proved effective, but there are very limited studies on the combined effect of PP fiber, internal curing material and expansive agent. Therefore, this study tended to provide a comprehensively comparative investigation of individual treatment and their combined effects on effectiveness of crack control. A total of 18 mixture proportions of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) with different ratios (or dosages) of three treatments were designed and were quantified for their early age cracking control. The results showed that the combined treatments provided different perspectives for effectively cracking control for SCC samples, as compared to individual ones. The results demonstrated that either PP fiber with EA or LWA with EA offered considerably improved cracking control, as compared to those of individual treatments. Particularly, when at low PP fiber content (i.e., 0.05% vol.), the cracking control of SCC was significantly improved to a certain extent with increase of LWA ratio. However, at higher PP fiber content of 0.1% vol., LWA did not show significant effect on improving concrete cracking control.

Multiplicity dependence of (anti-)deuteron production in pp collisions at [formula omitted

In this letter, the production of deuterons and anti-deuterons in pp collisions at s=7 TeV is studied as a function of the charged-particle multiplicity density at mid-rapidity with the ALICE detector at the LHC. Production yields are measured at mid-rapidity in five multiplicity classes and as a function of the deuteron transverse momentum (pT). The measurements are discussed in the context of hadron–coalescence models. The coalescence parameter B2, extracted from the measured spectra of (anti-)deuterons and primary (anti-)protons, exhibits no significant pT-dependence for pT<3GeV/c, in agreement with the expectations of a simple coalescence picture. At fixed transverse momentum per nucleon, the B2 parameter is found to decrease smoothly from low multiplicity pp to Pb–Pb collisions, in qualitative agreement with more elaborate coalescence models. The measured mean transverse momentum of (anti-)deuterons in pp is not reproduced by the Blast-Wave model calculations that simultaneously describe pion, kaon and proton spectra, in contrast to central Pb–Pb collisions. The ratio between the pT-integrated yield of deuterons to protons, d/p, is found to increase with the charged-particle multiplicity, as observed in inelastic pp collisions at different centre-of-mass energies. The d/p ratios are reported in a wide range, from the lowest to the highest multiplicity values measured in pp collisions at the LHC.

275 Penile Pain Profiles in Patients with Peyronies Disease (PD)

Little analysis has been conducted of penile pain in men with PD despite its association with patient bother. To analyze penile pain profiles in our PD population. As part of our initial patient evaluation, men are given a set of questions assessing penile pain including: presence in flaccid and erect state as well as intensity (measured using a 0-10 scale). Correlates of pain were sought including patient age, PD duration, erectile function, location of plaque. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables. Medical records of 306 patients were analyzed. 112 (37%) patients reported penile pain. 60% of pain sufferers had pain in the erect state only, 23% had both erect and flaccid pain, 9% had flaccid pain only and 8% did not answered. For men reporting erect pain, mean pain was 4.94 (SD = 2.27), similarly for men reporting flaccid pain, mean pain was 3.68 (SD = 2.09); this difference was statistically significant (p=0.044). PD duration was significantly shorter (p = 0.036) in the group with any pain (mean 12.98, SD = 19.81 months) versus those with none (mean 21.70, SD = 39.27). From patients with erect penile pain, 36% had PD duration of <6m, 21% had PD for 6-12m and 44% had for longer than 12m. From patients with flaccid pain, 33% had PD duration of <6m, 20% had PD for 6-12m and 47% had for longer than 12m (p=0.528 for comparison to men with erect pain). Penile pain did not impact patient ability to penetrate in this analyzes, probably due to PP relatively low mean PP intensity in VAS.

Predictive factors of adherence to urinary self-catheterization in older adults.

The primary aim is to explore the adherence predicting factors in clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) in patients aged over 65 years. The secondary aim is to assess whether in this population, the non-adherence risk is greater, compared with patients under 65. All patients older than 65 that successfully learned CISC between January 2011 and January 2016 were included. A control population younger than 65 matched with sex, body mass index, and pathology was selected. One hundered and thirteen (66.9%) out of the 169 patients older than 65 included were adherent at 1 month, and 80 (47.3%) at 6-12 months. Obesity (P = 0.027), a low PP test (Pencil and Paper test) score (P = 0.037), significant urinary stress incontinence (SUI) (P = 0.048), and prescription of CISC less than three per day (P = 0.03) were the risk factors predicting stopping CISC at 1 month, but none was associated with non-adherence at 6-12 months. Compared with the younger group, age was a risk factor for poor adherence at 1 month. Obesity, low PP test score, and important SUI are factors of poor adherence to CISC at 1 month in older adults. Necessity of more than three CISC per day is in favor of treatment continuation, possibly due to absence of spontaneous voiding in these patients. Long-term adherence to CISC in older adults in this study remains close to adherence to other treatments prescribed in urinary disorders, and thus shows that CISC could be an easily purposed therapeutic option in this population, either on a long-term or transitory basis.

Influence of the physiological stage of Blackbelly sheep on immunological behaviour against gastrointestinal nematodes

The influence of the physiological stage of a Blackbelly flock against natural infection by gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes (GIN) was investigated. Data on serum and saliva IgA levels and peripheral cellular immune response were recorded in 51 sheep for 6 months. The flock was divided based on their physiological stage as follows: a) pregnant ewes, b) lactating ewes, c) non-pregnant ewes, d) pre-weaning lambs, e) growing lambs and f) replacement sheep. Additionally, sheep were classified based on the parasite infection as stabled or grazing management system as follows: g) non-infected stabled sheep, h) infected and stabled sheep and i) infected grazing sheep. Faeces and blood samples were collected every fifteen days. The percentage of packed cell volume (PCV), plasma protein, (PP) and leucocyte differential counts (LDC) were recorded. Likewise, serum and saliva IgA levels were measured by the indirect ELISA technique. The number of GIN eggs excreted per g of faeces (EPG) was also determined using the McMaster technique. Data were analysed using the SAS program to identify fixed effect of physiological stages, infection time and interactions. Results showed high EPG values in stabled lactating ewes (2764) and in growing lambs (2950–4550 EPG). Pregnant ewes had higher PCV values (27%) than lactating ewes (23.5%). Infected lambs showed low PCV values (28.5%) and high PP values (5.9 g/dL) compared with non-infected lambs (31% PCV and 5.6 g/dL PP). The two most abundant GIN species identified were Haemonchus contortus (91%) and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (81%). Pregnant and non-pregnant ewes showed 29% and <20% of IgA values, respectively. High EPG, low IgA and eosinophils counts were observed until 180 days of age in infected lambs. In conclusion, the group of infected lactating ewes and lambs showed susceptibility to GIN than the other groups, including the pregnant ewes.

Ram sperm production estimates

The influence of the physiological stage of a Blackbelly flock against natural infection by gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes (GIN) was investigated. Data on serum and saliva IgA levels and peripheral cellular immune response were recorded in 51 sheep for 6 months. The flock was divided based on their physiological stage as follows: a) pregnant ewes, b) lactating ewes, c) non-pregnant ewes, d) pre-weaning lambs, e) growing lambs and f) replacement sheep. Additionally, sheep were classified based on the parasite infection as stabled or grazing management system as follows: g) non-infected stabled sheep, h) infected and stabled sheep and i) infected grazing sheep. Faeces and blood samples were collected every fifteen days. The percentage of packed cell volume (PCV), plasma protein, (PP) and leucocyte differential counts (LDC) were recorded. Likewise, serum and saliva IgA levels were measured by the indirect ELISA technique. The number of GIN eggs excreted per g of faeces (EPG) was also determined using the McMaster technique. Data were analysed using the SAS program to identify fixed effect of physiological stages, infection time and interactions. Results showed high EPG values in stabled lactating ewes (2764) and in growing lambs (2950–4550 EPG). Pregnant ewes had higher PCV values (27%) than lactating ewes (23.5%). Infected lambs showed low PCV values (28.5%) and high PP values (5.9 g/dL) compared with non-infected lambs (31% PCV and 5.6 g/dL PP). The two most abundant GIN species identified were Haemonchus contortus (91%) and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (81%). Pregnant and non-pregnant ewes showed 29% and <20% of IgA values, respectively. High EPG, low IgA and eosinophils counts were observed until 180 days of age in infected lambs. In conclusion, the group of infected lactating ewes and lambs showed susceptibility to GIN than the other groups, including the pregnant ewes.