Casein genetic variants in ovine Merino breed

The genetic polymorphism on Merina ewe milk was investigated, using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 8.6 and ultra thin-layer isoelectric focusing techniques, according to Krause et al. (1988), and Chianese et al. (1992). The casein fractions identified were: - Seven as1-casein phenotypes: CC, BB, BC, AB, AC, BD and CD (Chianese et al.,1996). - Three as2-casein phenotypes, provisionally nominated F, S, and I. - Three b-casein phenotypes, also provisionally nominated K, L and M, because their genetic segregation is not well known yet. The phenotypical distribution of the observed casein fractions and their adjustment to a normal distribution is presented.El polimorfismo genético de la leche de oveja Merina fue investigado mediante electroforesis en gel de poliacrilamida a pH 8,6 (PAGE) e isoelectroenfoque en gel ultrafino (UTLIEF), siguiendo las técnicas descritas por Krause et al. (1988) y Chianese et al. (1992). Dentro de las fracciones caseínicas se identificaron siete fenotipos de as1-caseína (CC, BB, BC, AB, AC, BD y CD), según la nomenclatura establecida por Chianese et al. (1996). Mientras que, a nivel de as2- y b-caseína se han observado tres perfiles electroforéticos, denominados provisionalmente F, S e I; K, L y M respectivamente, ya que no se conoce su segregación genética. Se presenta la distribución fenotípica de las fracciones caseínicas estudiadas, así como su ajuste a la distribución normal

Effect of phytase supplements on in vitro hydrolysis of proteins by rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792)

The present paper evaluates the impact on plant meal and on an experimental feed product of supplementing them with four levels of phytase (0, 2 000, 4 000 and 6 000 FTU/kg), by assessing in vitro hydrolysis of protein in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) using a pH-stat system. The effect on fish meal's digestibility of adding phytic acid was also evaluated. The highest degree of hydrolysis (DH) was obtained when phytase was added at 4 000 FTU/kg. The experimental diet's DH diminished when phytase was added at 6 000 FTU/kg. However, protein hydrolysis dropped as the percentage of phytic acid in the in vitro reaction mixture increased.En este trabajo se evaluó el efecto de la suplementación con 4 niveles de fitasa (0, 2 000, 4 000 y 6 000 FTU/kg) en un pienso experimental y sobre una harina vegetal, evaluando la hidrólisis in vitro de la proteína por pH-stat con extractos enzimáticos de trucha arcoiris Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792). Además, se evaluó el efecto que ejerce la adición de ácido fítico sobre la digestibilidad de una harina de pescado. Se observó que, para el pienso experimental, el mayor grado de hidrólisis se obtiene cuando la inclusión de fitasa es de 4 000 FTU/kg, disminuyendo ligeramente cuando la inclusión es de 6 000 FTU/kg. En cambio, se observó una disminución de la hidrólisis proteica a medida que se incrementaba el porcentaje de ácido fítico en la mezcla de reacción in vitro.Instituto Español de Oceanografí

Organic Ingredients as Alternative Protein Sources in the Diet of Juvenile Organic Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

[EN] The use of organic ingredients as a source of protein in aquaculture diets has gained significant attention due to the growing demand for organic seafood products. This study aimed to evaluate the potential for the use of organic ingredients as protein sources in the diet of juvenile organic seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). A total of 486 juvenile seabass with an average weight of 90 g were fed six diets containing varied organic proteins. The control group (CON) was fed a diet with conventional fishmeal from sustainable fisheries as the primary protein source. The other five groups were fed diets with different compositions: organic Iberian pig meal byproduct (IB diet), a combination of organic Iberian pig meal byproduct and insect meal (IB-IN diet), a mix of organic Iberian pig meal byproduct and organic rainbow trout meal byproduct (IB-TR diet), a blend of organic rainbow trout meal byproduct and insect meal (TR-IN), and a mixed diet containing all of these protein sources (MIX diet). Over a 125-day feeding trial, growth performance, feed utilisation, feed digestibility, and histological parameters were assessed. The results showed that the fish fed the control diet had the highest final weight and specific growth rate, followed by the fish fed the TR-IN and IB-TR diets. The IB-TR diet had the highest apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for protein, while the TR-IN diet had the lowest. Histological analysis revealed that fish fed the control diet had the largest nucleus diameter and hepatocyte diameter. Use of IN seems to penalise performance in several ways. Fish fed diets containing insect meal grew less, and those diets had lower digestibility. Fish fed the TR and IB diets grew at rates near that of the control, and the feed had acceptable digestibility.This project was developed with the collaboration of the Biodiversity Foundation (Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge) through the Pleamar Programme, co-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). A full scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education of the Arab Republic of Egypt funds the researcher Eslam Tefal.Tefal, E.; Jauralde García, I.; Martínez-Llorens, S.; Tomas-Vidal, A.; Milián-Sorribes, MC.; Moyano, FJ.; Peñaranda, D.... (2023). Organic Ingredients as Alternative Protein Sources in the Diet of Juvenile Organic Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Animals. 13(24). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13243816132

Solid-State Hydrolysis (SSH) Improves the Nutritional Value of Plant Ingredients in the Diet of Mugil cephalus

The possibility of improving the nutritional quality of plant byproducts (brewers’ spentgrain and rice bran) through an enzyme treatment was tested in a formulated feed for grey mullet(Mugil cephalus). The enzyme treatment was carried out by Solid-State Hydrolysis (SSH) using acommercial preparation including carbohydrases and phytase. A feed prepared without the treatmentand a commercial feed for carp were used as controls. In a preliminary short-term trial carried out atlaboratory facilities, fish receiving the enzyme-treated feed showed significant improvement in bothFCR and SGR when compared to those obtained with the untreated diet, although both experimentaldiets presented worse values than those obtained with the commercial feed. Different metabolicindicators including higher values of muscle glycogen and plasmatic triglycerides supported thepositive effect of the enzyme treatment on the nutritional condition of the fish over those fed on thediet containing non-treated ingredients. Results of growth and feed efficiency that were obtainedin a second long-term trial developed for 148 days under real production conditions evidenced theequivalence among the experimental and commercial diets and confirmed that enzyme pretreatmentof plant ingredients by SSH may be a useful procedure to improve the nutritive value of highfiber plant byproducts when included in practical diets for this species and others with similarnutritional features

Estudio y restauración del sable en acero de Damasco de Mehemet Alí

The present manuscript is about study and restoration of a sabre, which belonged to Mehemet Ali. The work has been adopted a scientific and a historical approach. Scientific one has revealed the secrets of Damascus steel, so admired by the power of their swords as well as by the beauty of their beautiful markings, and damascene works. Techniques such as Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), ICP Mass and Ultrasonic have been used in order to achieve this scientific research. Historical approach has carried out a work about the contribution of Mehemet Ali, especially to Egypt in the 18th and 19th centuries.El presente artículo trata sobre el estudio y restauración del sable perteneciente a Mehemet Alí. Este trabajo se ha realizado bajo dos enfoques diferentes: científico e histórico. El primero, en donde se han desvelado los secretos internos de este maravilloso y genuino acero de Damasco, tan admirado por el poder de sus espadas como por la belleza de las aguas y damasquinados presentes en las mismas. Para ello nos hemos ayudado de técnicas como la Microscopía Óptica, Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido (MEB), ICP Masas y Ultrasonidos. Bajo el segundo enfoque, se ha realizado un seguimiento histórico de Mehemet Alí, y su contribución al Egipto de los siglos XVIII y XIX

Variation in Nicotine Metabolization According to Biological Factors and Type of Nicotine Consumer

This study aims to describe the nicotine metabolite ratio among tobacco smokers and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) users and nonusers. We analyzed pooled data from a longitudinal and a cross-sectional study of the adult population from the city of Barcelona. The final sample included information on 166 smokers, 164 e-cigarettes users with nicotine, 41 e-cigarette users without nicotine, 95 dual users (users of both products), and 508 nonusers. We used log-linear models to control for the potential confounding effect of the daily number of cigarettes smoked. Salivary nicotine metabolic rate assessment included the rate of nicotine metabolism (cotinine/nicotine) and the nicotine metabolite ratio (trans-3′-hydroxycotinine/cotinine). Exclusive users of e-cigarette without nicotine have the lowest rate of nicotine metabolism (Geometric mean: 0.08, p-values < 0.001) while cigarette smokers have the highest (Geometric mean: 2.08, p-values < 0.001). Nonusers have lower nicotine metabolic rate than cigarette smokers (Geometric means: 0.23 vs. 0.18, p-value < 0.05). Younger individuals (18–44 years) have a higher rate of nicotine metabolism than older individuals (45–64 years and 65–89) (Geometric means: 0.53 vs. 0.42 and 0.31, respectively, p-values < 0.01) and individuals with lower body mass index (21–25 kg/m2) have a higher rate of nicotine metabolism than the rest (26–30 kg/m2 and 31–60 kg/m2) (Geometric means: 0.52 vs. 0.35 and 0.36, respectively-values < 0.01). Nicotine metabolic rates are useful biomarkers when reporting smoking status and biological differences between individuals

Mobile application for recommending courses in University Studies

Los Grados Universitarios en sus planes de estudios tienen asignados una serie de créditos optativos, en los que el estudiante tiene libertad para elegir las asignaturas que más le interesen. Esta elección suele ser bastante complicada para los estudiantes, que si bien cuentan con una guía docente de cada asignatura, que les permite conocer los contenidos teóricos y prácticos, los profesores que la imparten, la metodología y los criterios de evaluación, no suele ser suficiente para decidirse. En este contexto, los estudiantes están interesados en las valoraciones que le pueden ofrecer otros compañeros o compañeras que las cursaron, siendo una práctica habitual que los estudiantes recurran a los estudiantes de otros cursos para que les orienten en el proceso. No obstante, se debe tener cierta precaución con esta práctica, porque no todas las valoraciones que se reciban deberían tener la misma consideración. Por un lado, los intereses y propósitos del estudiante que pide opinión y los del estudiante que la proporciona puede que sean diferentes, y por otro lado, puede que la información se encuentre distorsionada por haber pasado por varios intermediarios. En este escenario, los sistemas de recomendación aparecen como herramientas para ayudar a la toma de decisiones generando recomendaciones a los estudiantes sobre un determinado objeto de estudio, a partir de preferencias y opiniones dadas por otros estudiantes que tienen unos intereses o preferencias similares a los suyos. En este proyecto se ha diseñado e implementado una aplicación móvil, fácil de manejar por los estudiantes y que permite que cualquier estudiante registrado en un determinado Grado pueda obtener una recomendación sobre las asignaturas que más le pueden interesar.University studies contain several optional subjects that can be chosen by students according to their preferences. To make this decision, student has a teaching guide of each subject which contains information about theoretical and practical contents, professors, methodology and assessment process. Despite being useful, in many cases this information is insufficient to make the best decision. In this context, students ask other peer students who have already studied the subject for advice. However, this process should be carried out cautiously. On one hand, the interests and goals of consulted students could be different to those of the student that requires the information, and on the other hand, the information could present a distorted vision of reality due to the intervention of many intermediaries. This project intends to offer recommendations that help students to choose the subjects that could be more interesting for him or her from opinions given by other peers. With this purpose, we design and develop a mobile application that allows students to obtain a recommendation about the more convenient subjects according to his/her preferences

Antigen production after latency reversal and expression of inhibitory receptors in CD8+ T cells limit the killing of HIV-1 reactivated cells

The so-called shock and kill therapies aim to combine HIV-1 reactivation by latency-reversing agents (LRA) with immune clearance to purge the HIV-1 reservoir. The clinical use of LRA has demonstrated detectable perturbations in the HIV-1 reservoir without measurable reductions to date. Consequently, fundamental questions concerning the limitations of the recognition and killing of LRA-reactivated cells by effector cells such as CD8+ T cells remain to be answered. Here, we developed a novel experimental framework where we combine the use of cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell lines and ex vivo CD8+ T cells from HIV-1-infected individuals with functional assays of LRA-inducible reactivation to delineate immune barriers to clear the reservoir. Our results demonstrate the potential for early recognition and killing of reactivated cells by CD8+ T cells. However, the potency of LRAs when crossing the barrier for antigen presentation in target cells, together with the lack of expression of inhibitory receptors in CD8+ T cells, are critical events to maximize the speed of recognition and the magnitude of the killing of LRA-inducible provirus. Taken together, our findings highlight direct limitations in LRA potency and CD8+ T cell functional status to succeed in the cure of HIV-1 infection

FaMYB123 interacts with FabHLH3 to regulate the late steps of anthocyanin and flavonol biosynthesis during ripening.

In this work, we identified and functionally characterized the strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) R2R3 MYB transcription factor FaMYB123. As in most genes associated with organoleptic properties of ripe fruit, FaMYB123 expression is ripening-related, receptacle-specific, and antagonistically regulated by ABA and auxin. Knockdown of FaMYB123 expression by RNAi in ripe strawberry fruit receptacles downregulated the expression of enzymes involved in the late steps of anthocyanin/flavonoid biosynthesis. Transgenic fruits showed a parallel decrease in the contents of total anthocyanin and flavonoid, especially malonyl derivatives of pelargonidin and cyanidins. The decrease was concomitant with accumulation of proanthocyanin, propelargonidins, and other condensed tannins associated mainly with green receptacles. Potential coregulation between FaMYB123 and FaMYB10, which may act on different sets of genes for the enzymes involved in anthocyanin production, was explored. FaMYB123 and FabHLH3 were found to interact and to be involved in the transcriptional activation of FaMT1, a gene responsible for the malonylation of anthocyanin components during ripening. Taken together, these results demonstrate that FaMYB123 regulates the late steps of the flavonoid pathway in a specific manner. In this study, a new function for an R2R3 MYB transcription factor, regulating the expression of a gene that encodes a malonyltransferase, has been elucidated.This work was funded by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion (AGL2014-55784-C2-2-R and AGL2017-86531-C2-2-R). FJMR is supported by a ‘Margarita Salas’ post-doctoral fellowship (UCOR02MS) from the University of Cordoba (Requalification of the Spanish university system) from the Ministry of Universities financed by the European Union (NexGenerationEU). FJMH is supported by a ‘Juan de la Cierva-Incorporacion’ fellowship (IJC2020- 045526-I), funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union ‘NextGenerationEU’/PRTR. AR-F and SA are on the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program, Project PlantaSYST (SGA-CSA No. 739582 under FPA No. 664620). The authors thank Dr. Gema Garc ıa from the Microscopy Unit of UCAIB-IMIBIC for technical help with the microscope. Funding for open access charge: University of Cordoba/CBUA.S

Diet and SIRT1 Genotype Interact to Modulate Aging-Related Processes in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: From the CORDIOPREV Study

We investigated whether long-term consumption of two healthy diets (low-fat (LF) or Mediterranean (Med)) interacts with SIRT1 genotypes to modulate aging-related processes such as leucocyte telomere length (LTL), oxidative stress (OxS) and inflammation in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). LTL, inflammation, OxS markers (at baseline and after 4 years of follow-up) and SIRT1-Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs7069102 and rs1885472) were determined in patients from the CORDIOPREV study. We analyzed the genotype-marker interactions and the effect of diet on these interactions. Regardless of the diet, we observed LTL maintenance in GG-carriers for the rs7069102, in contrast to carriers of the minor C allele, where it decreased after follow-up (p = 0.001). The GG-carriers showed an increase in reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio (p = 0.003), lower lipid peroxidation products (LPO) levels (p < 0.001) and a greater decrease in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels (p < 0.001) after follow-up. After the LF diet intervention, the GG-carriers showed stabilization in LTL which was significant compared to the C allele subjects (p = 0.037), although the protective effects found for inflammation and OxS markers remained significant after follow-up with the two diets. Patients who are homozygous for the SIRT1-SNP rs7069102 (the most common genotype) may benefit from healthy diets, as suggested by improvements in OxS and inflammation in patients with CHD, which may indicate the slowing-down of the aging process and its related diseases