177 research outputs found

    Multiple solid-phase microextraction in a non equilibrium situation. Application in quantitative analysis of chlorophenols and chloroanisoles related to cork taint in wine

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    Multiple HS-solid-phase microextraction (MHS-SPME) is a modification of SPME developed for quantitative analysis that avoids possible matrix effects based on an exhaustive analyte extraction from the sample. In this paper, the theory of this process associated with a non-equilibrium situation has been presented. The application of an optimised HS-SPME-based method in the analysis of chloroanisoles and chlorophenols, previously acetylated, associated with the occurrence of cork taint in different red, white and rosé wine samples, has revealed the existence of matrix effects. This fact determines the choice of standard addition as the adequate technique for the quantification of these compounds in real samples. MHS-SPME is proposed as a good alternative technique with respect to HS-SPME because it avoids matrix effects, simplifies the quantification of these compounds in real samples and reduces analysis time, providing sensitivity below chloroanisole sensory threshold with acceptable precision. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

    Towards an increase of flash flood geomorphic effects due to gravel mining and ground subsidence in Nogalte stream (Murcia, SE Spain)

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    Transition from endorheic alluvial fan environments to well-channelized fluvial systems in natural conditions may occur in response to base-level fluctuations. However, human-induced changes in semi-arid regions can also be responsible for similar unforeseen modifications. Our results confirm that in-channel gravel mining and aquifer overexploitation over the last 50 years in the case study area have changed the natural stability of the Nogalte stream and, as a result, its geomorphic parameters including channel depth and longitudinal profile have begun to adapt to the new situation. Using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data we obtain maximum values for ground subsidence in the Upper Guadalentín Basin of  ∼ 10 cm yr−1 for the period 2003–2010. In this context of a lowered base level, the river is changing its natural flood model to a more powerful one. A comparison of the 1973 flood event, the most dramatic flood event ever recorded in the area, with the 2012 event, where there was a similar discharge but a sediment load deficit, reveals greater changes and a new flooding pattern and extension. In-channel gravel mining may be responsible for significant local changes in channel incision and profile. This, together with the collateral effects of aquifer overexploitation, can favour increased river velocity and stream power, which intensify the consequences of the flooding. The results obtained here clearly demonstrate an existing transition from the former alluvial pattern to a confined fluvial trend, which may become more pronounced in the future due to the time lag between the drop in aquifer level and ground subsidence, and introduce a new scenario to be taken into consideration in future natural hazard planning in this area.s. This research was partially funded by projects CGL 2011-23857, ESP2013-47780-C2-2-R and CGL2013-47412-C2-1-P (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness).Peer reviewe

    Nonparametric analysis of casein complex genes' epistasis and their effects on phenotypic expression of milk yield and composition in Murciano-Granadina goats

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    Improving knowledge on the causative polymorphisms or genes regulating the expression of milk quantitative and qualitative traits and their interconnections plays a major role in dairy goat breeding programs and genomic research. This information enables optimization of predictive and selective tools, to obtain better-performing animals to help satisfy market demands more efficiently. Goat milk casein proteins (αS1, αS2, β, and κ) are encoded by 4 loci (CSN1S1, CSN1S2, CSN2, and CSN3) clustered within 250 kb on chromosome 6. Among the statistical methods used to identify epistatic interactions in genome-wide qualitative association studies (GWAS), gene-based methods have recently grown in popularity due to their better statistical power and biological interpretability. However, most of these methods make strong assumptions about the magnitude of the relationships between SNP and phenotype, limiting statistical power. Thus, the aims of this study were to quantify the epistatic relationships among 48 SNP in the casein complex on the expression of milk yield and components (fat, protein, dry matter, lactose, and somatic cells) in MurcianoGranadina goats, to explain the qualitative nature of the SNP used to quantify the genotypes produced as a result. Categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA) was used to delimit and group the number of SNP studied depending on their implications in the explanation of milk yield and components variability. Afterward, nonlinear canonical correlation analysis was used to identify relationships among and within the SNP groups detected by CATPCA. Our results suggest that 79.65% of variability in the traits evaluated may be ascribed to the epistatic relationships across and within 7 SNP groups. Two partially overlapping groups of epistatically interrelated SNP were detected: one group of 21 SNP, explaining 57.56% of variability, and another group of 20 SNP, explaining 42.43% (multiple fit ≥ 0.1). Additionally, SNP18, 32, and 36 (CSN1S2, CSN1S1, and CSN2 loci, respectively) were the most significant SNP to explain intragroup epistatic variability (component loading > |0.5|). Conclusively, milk yield and quality may not only depend on the specific casein gene pool of individuals, but may also be relevantly conditioned by the relationships set across and within such genes. Hence, studying epistasis in isolation may be crucial to optimize selective practices for economically important dairy traits

    América Latina y el Caribe: dinámica demográfica y políticas para aliviar la pobreza

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    Incluye BibliografíaResumen En este documento se examinan las relaciones entre la dinámica demográfica y la pobreza, revisando la larga tradición y experiencia en los estudios en América Latina y el Caribe, así como los nuevos temas de preocupación que señalan la vigencia de la importancia de los factores demográficos en las situaciones de pobreza; de allí se exploran las modalidades de inclusión del conocimiento logrado en políticas, estrategias y programas destinados a su combate. Se presenta en primer lugar un análisis de los antecedentes más relevantes del debate sobre población y pobreza; luego se discute sobre el cambiante escenario de la transición demográfica en la región y sus asociaciones con la pobreza, básicamente considerando los rezagos transicionales en el comportamiento reproductivo y la mortalidad. Las secciones centrales están dedicadas a examinar temas emergentes en la región, que representan nuevos desafíos, como lo son la fecundidad adolescente (y sus tendencias disímiles a la de la fecundidad total), el proceso de envejecimiento (que está aconteciendo en un marco de gran incertidumbre), la localización espacial de la población y la migración interna (cuyas expresiones sobre la pobreza asoman en una combinación de viejos y nuevos rostros); también se hace un análisis sobre la migración internacional (que tiene especial interés en un contexto proclive al aumento de la movilidad, prestando especial atención al fenómeno de las remesas). Finalmente, se revisan de manera resumida tanto la experiencia en las intervenciones frente a la pobreza en la región, como algunos programas recientes de combate a la pobreza en países seleccionados; en este último caso se hace hincapié en considerar el grado de incorporación de variables demográficas en algunos megaprogramas y en las llamadas estrategias de reducción de la pobreza

    Speleoseismology and palaeoseismicity of Benis Cave (Murcia, SE Spain): coseismic effects of the 1999 Mula earthquake (mb 4.8)

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    This work describes the coseismic ceiling block collapse within Benis Cave (−213 m; Murcia, SE Spain), associated with the 1999 Mula earthquake (mb=4.8, MSK VII). The collapse occurred at −156 m into the Earthquake Hall, and as a consequence one small gallery became blind. We studied the geology, topography and active tectonic structures relevant to the cave. In addition, we carried out a seismotectonic analysis of the focal mechanism solutions, and also a fault population analysis on slickensides measured in fault planes in the cave. The stress and strain regime is interpreted as being congruent with the palaeoseismic evidence, and agrees with the fault kinematics established for cave galleries developed within fault planes and growth anomalies of coral flowstone. Our analysis suggests that one active segment (NNE–SSW) determined the morphology and topography of the Benis Cave, where strong to moderate palaeoearthquakes (6≤M≤7) took place. As a consequence of this intense seismic activity a small gallery collapsed. A new palaeoseismic structure, or seismothem, has been recognized, namely the effect of palaeoearthquakes affecting the pattern of development of the spatial coral flowstone distribution located at the bottom of the cave

    InSAR-Based Mapping to Support Decision-Making after an Earthquake

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    It has long been recognized that earthquakes change the stress in the upper crust around the fault rupture and can influence the behaviour of neighbouring faults and volcanoes. Rapid estimates of these stress changes can provide the authorities managing the post-disaster situation with valuable data to identify and monitor potential threads and to update the estimates of seismic and volcanic hazard in a region. Here we propose a methodology to evaluate the potential influence of an earthquake on nearby faults and volcanoes and create easy-to-understand maps for decision-making support after large earthquakes. We apply this methodology to the Mw 7.8, 2016 Ecuador earthquake. Using Sentinel-1 Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and continuous GPS data, we measure the coseismic ground deformation and estimate the distribution of slip over the fault rupture. We also build an alternative source model using the Global Centroid Moment Tensor (CMT) solution. Then we use these models to evaluate changes of static stress on the surrounding faults and volcanoes and produce maps of potentially activated faults and volcanoes. We found, in general, good agreement between our maps and the seismic and volcanic events that occurred after the Pedernales earthquake. We discuss the potential and limitations of the methodology.This work is supported by the European Commission, Directorate-General Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) under the SAFETY (Sentinel for Geohazards regional monitoring and forecasting) project (ECHO/SUB/2015/718679/Prev02) and by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness under INTERGEOSIMA (CGL2013-47412) and ACTIVESTEP (CGL2017-83931-C3), QUAKESTEP (1-P) + 3GEO(2-P) + GEOACTIVA (3-P) projects

    Estudio gravi-magnetométrico del margen continental argentino a partir de métodos automáticos, borde continental

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    En este trabajo se presenta un análisis de datos de anomalías del Campo Magnético Total (CMT) compiladas a partir de campañas oceanográficas y grillas globales actualizadas en el margen continental argentino entre las latitudes 35°S y 51°S. Los datos fueron procesados matemáticamente a fin de caracterizar fuentes o límites magnéticos en el borde entre las cortezas continental y oceánica (COB). Fueron aplicados los métodos de la señal analítica (SA), el ángulo tilt (TDR), y la segunda derivada vertical (SDV) en 3D. Se calcularon la deconvolución de Werner (DW) y la señal analítica 2D (SA2D), en perfiles transversales al margen, con el propósito de hallar la profundidad de las fuentes. La señal analítica mostró fuentes profundas coincidiendo a lo largo de los alineamientos magnéticos del Mesozoico M0- M4. La segunda derivada vertical expuso fuentes someras sobre la faja de la anomalía magnética G y los alineamientos magnéticos M0-M4, los cuales se mostraron controlados por el sistema de transferencia Río de La Plata y las zonas de fractura de transferencia (ZFT) Salado y Colorado. La delineación del valor nulo del TDR se ajustó tanto al borde oriental como al occidental de las cuñas buzantes hacia el mar (SDRs). Las profundidades de las fuentes obtenidas a través de DW y SA2D se compararon con modelos gravimétricos 2D. El estudio integral de las anomalías gravimétricas junto a las magnéticas proporcionó aportes al conocimiento de la conformación del margen y reafirma sus características de gran actividad volcánica.Eje: Estudio del Interior Terrestre.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

    Remote ischemic preconditioning ameliorates anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and preserves mitochondrial integrity

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    Aims: Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) is a serious adverse effect among cancer patients. A central mechanism of AIC is irreversible mitochondrial damage. Despite major efforts, there are currently no effective therapies able to prevent AIC. Methods and results: Forty Large-White pigs were included. In Study 1, 20 pigs were randomized 1:1 to remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC, 3 cycles of 5 min leg ischaemia followed by 5 min reperfusion) or no pretreatment. RIPC was performed immediately before each intracoronary doxorubicin injections (0.45 mg/kg) given at Weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. A group of 10 pigs with no exposure to doxorubicin served as healthy controls. Pigs underwent serial cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) exams at baseline and at Weeks 6, 8, 12, and 16, being sacrifice after that. In Study 2, 10 new pigs received 3 doxorubicin injections (with/out preceding RIPC) and were sacrificed at week 6. In Study 1, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) depression was blunted animals receiving RIPC before doxorubicin (RIPC-Doxo), which had a significantly higher LVEF at Week 16 than doxorubicin treated pigs that received no pretreatment (Untreated-Doxo) (41.5 ± 9.1% vs. 32.5 ± 8.7%, P = 0.04). It was mainly due to conserved regional contractile function. In Study 2, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at Week 6 showed fragmented mitochondria with severe morphological abnormalities in Untreated-Doxo pigs, together with upregulation of fission and autophagy proteins. At the end of the 16-week Study 1 protocol, TEM revealed overt mitochondrial fragmentation with structural fragmentation in Untreated-Doxo pigs, whereas interstitial fibrosis was less severe in RIPC+Doxo pigs. Conclusion: In a translatable large-animal model of AIC, RIPC applied immediately before each doxorubicin injection resulted in preserved cardiac contractility with significantly higher long-term LVEF and less cardiac fibrosis. RIPC prevented mitochondrial fragmentation and dysregulated autophagy from AIC early stages. RIPC is a promising intervention for testing in clinical trials in AIC.Fil: Galán Arriola, Carlos. Centro de Investigacion Biomedica En Red.; EspañaFil: Villena Gutiérrez, Rocio. Centro de Investigacion Biomedica En Red.; EspañaFil: Higuero Verdejo, María I.. Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares; EspañaFil: Díaz Rengifo, Iván A.. Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares; EspañaFil: Pizarro, Gonzalo. Centro de Investigacion Biomedica En Red.; EspañaFil: López, Gonzalo J.. Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares; EspañaFil: de Molina Iracheta, Antonio. Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares; EspañaFil: Pérez Martínez, Claudia. Universidad de Leon. Facultad de Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: García, Rodrigo Damián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; ArgentinaFil: González Calle, David. Centro de Investigacion Biomedica En Red.; EspañaFil: Lobo, Manuel. Centro de Investigacion Biomedica En Red.; EspañaFil: Sánchez, Pedro L.. Centro de Investigacion Biomedica En Red.; EspañaFil: Oliver, Eduardo. Centro de Investigacion Biomedica En Red.; EspañaFil: Córdoba, Raúl. Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz; EspañaFil: Fuster, Valentin. Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares; EspañaFil: Sánchez González, Javier. No especifíca;Fil: Ibanez, Borja. Centro de Investigacion Biomedica En Red.; Españ

    Latin Americans and Caribbeans in Europe. A cross-country analysis

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    With the beginning of the 21st century, there has been an acceleration of migratory flows from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to Europe. As a result, and despite the negative impact of the economic crisis, 4.6 million Latin American and Caribbean immigrants reside in Europe, half of them in Spain. This article analyses the recent evolution of these migratory flows, their territorial distribution, and their demographic profiles according to the 2011 European census data disseminated by a new tool -the Census Hub- implemented by the European Statistical System. The analysis shows the existence of a high LAC immigrant concentration in Spain and in certain European cities, a marked young and feminized demographic profile, a great variety of educational levels and a different insertion in each European labour market, although many LAC immigrants work in low-skill occupations, being overqualified and underemployed in most of the countries

    Universal mental health screening with a focus on suicidal behaviour using smartphones in a Mexican rural community: Protocol for the SMART-SCREEN population-based survey

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    Introduction Mental disorders represent the second cause of years lived with disability worldwide. Suicide mortality has been targeted as a key public health concern by the WHO. Smartphone technology provides a huge potential to develop massive and fast surveys. Given the vast cultural diversity of Mexico and its abrupt orography, smartphone-based resources are invaluable in order to adequately manage resources, services and preventive measures in the population. The objective of this study is to conduct a universal suicide risk screening in a rural area of Mexico, measuring also other mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety and alcohol and substance use disorders. Methods and analysis A population-based cross-sectional study with a temporary sampling space of 9 months will be performed between September 2019 and June 2020. We expect to recruit a large percentage of the target population (at least 70%) in a short-term survey of Milpa Alta Delegation, which accounts for 137 927 inhabitants in a territorial extension of 288 km 2. They will be recruited via an institutional call and a massive public campaign to fill in an online questionnaire through mobile-assisted or computer-assisted web app. This questionnaire will include data on general health, validated questionnaires including Well-being Index 5, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 2, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, selected questions of the Drug Abuse Screening Test and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scales and Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) questions about self-harm. We will take into account information regarding time to mobile app response and geo-spatial location, and aggregated data on social, demographical and environmental variables. Traditional regression modelling, multilevel mixed methods and data-driven machine learning approaches will be used to test hypotheses regarding suicide risk factors at the individual and the population level. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval (002/2019) was granted by the Ethics Review Board of the Hospital Psiquiátrico Yucatán, Yucatán (Mexico). This protocol has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. The starting date of the study is 3 September 2019. Results will serve for the planning and healthcare of groups with greater mental health needs and will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant mental health conferences. Trial registration number NCT04067063
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