Fermentación ruminal en función del tipo de forraje en dieta de novillos de engorde confinados

Con el objetivo de evaluar el consumo y la digestibilidad total aparente de los nutrientes, parámetros ruminales y síntesis de proteína microbiana en bovinos de engorde alimentados con caña de azúcar o silo de maíz. Fueron utilizados 16 bovinos Nelore canulados en el rumen, machos, castrados y con peso vivo de 360±12 kg, distribuidos en un diseño completamente al azar con dos tratamientos, siendo silo de maíz (SM) y caña de azúcar (CA). La dieta fue constituida por 70% de forraje y 30 % de concentrado según los tratamientos, ambas dietas fueron isoproteicas e isoenergéticas y fueron calculadas para maximizar la síntesis de proteína microbiana ajustando los niveles de energía metabolizable fermentable y nitrógeno disponible en el rumen. La dieta CA permitió mayor consumo de MS y MO (P<0.05), mientras que la dieta SM presento mayor digestibilidad aparente total de la MO y la PB, mayor concentración de N-NH3, y mayor síntesis de Nmic y Pmic (P<0.05). No hubo diferencias significativas en los valores medios de pH ruminal de ambas dietas (P>0.05). El ensilaje de maíz como fuente de forraje en dietas para ganado de carne resultó en una mejor utilización de los nutrientes, ambiente ruminal y síntesis de proteína microbiana en comparación con las dietas con caña de azúcar picada como una fuente de forraje en bovinos alimentados con la relación forraje: concentrado 70:30.Con el objetivo de evaluar el consumo y la digestibilidad total aparente de los nutrientes, parámetros ruminales y síntesis de proteína microbiana en bovinos de engorde alimentados con caña de azúcar o silo de maíz. Fueron utilizados 16 bovinos Nelore canulados en el rumen, machos, castrados y con peso vivo de 360±12 kg, distribuidos en un diseño completamente al azar con dos tratamientos, siendo silo de maíz (SM) y caña de azúcar (CA). La dieta fue constituida por 70% de forraje y 30 % de concentrado según los tratamientos, ambas dietas fueron isoproteicas e isoenergéticas y fueron calculadas para maximizar la síntesis de proteína microbiana ajustando los niveles de energía metabolizable fermentable y nitrógeno disponible en el rumen. La dieta CA permitió mayor consumo de MS y MO (P<0.05), mientras que la dieta SM presento mayor digestibilidad aparente total de la MO y la PB, mayor concentración de N-NH3, y mayor síntesis de Nmic y Pmic (P<0.05). No hubo diferencias significativas en los valores medios de pH ruminal de ambas dietas (P>0.05). El ensilaje de maíz como fuente de forraje en dietas para ganado de carne resultó en una mejor utilización de los nutrientes, ambiente ruminal y síntesis de proteína microbiana en comparación con las dietas con caña de azúcar picada como una fuente de forraje en bovinos alimentados con la relación forraje: concentrado 70:30

A Maritime Piracy Scenario for the n-Core Polaris Real-Time Locating System

here is a wide range of applications where Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) and Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) can be used to build context-aware systems. On the one hand, WSNs comprise an ideal technology to develop sensing systems, as well as Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) aimed at indoor environments, where existing global navigation satellite systems, such as GPS, do not work correctly. On the other hand, agent technology is an essential piece in the analysis of data from distributed sensors and gives them the ability to work together and analyze complex situations. In this sense, n-Core Polaris is an indoor and outdoor RTLS based on ZigBee WSNs and an innovative set of locating and automation engines. This paper describes the main components of the n-Core Polaris system, as well as a proposed scenario where n-Core Polaris can be used to support boarding and rescue operations in maritime piracy environments

The Absence of Caspase-8 in the Dopaminergic System Leads to Mild Autism-like Behavior

In the last decade, new non-apoptotic roles have been ascribed to apoptotic caspases. This family of proteins plays an important role in the sculpting of the brain in the early stages of development by eliminating excessive and nonfunctional synapses and extra cells. Consequently, impairments in this process can underlie many neurological and mental illnesses. This view is particularly relevant to dopamine because it plays a pleiotropic role in motor control, motivation, and reward processing. In this study, we analyze the effects of the elimination of caspase-8 (CASP8) on the development of catecholaminergic neurons using neurochemical, ultrastructural, and behavioral tests. To do this, we selectively delete the CASP8 gene in cells that express tyrosine hydroxylase with the help of recombination through the Cre-loxP system. Our results show that the number of dopaminergic neurons increases in the substantia nigra. In the striatum, the basal extracellular level of dopamine and potassium-evoked dopamine release decreased significantly in mice lacking CASP8, clearly showing the low dopamine functioning in tissues innervated by this neurotransmitter. This view is supported by electron microscopy analysis of striatal synapses. Interestingly, behavioral analysis demonstrates that mice lacking CASP8 show changes reminiscent of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Our research reactivates the possible role of dopamine transmission in the pathogenesis of ASD and provides a mild model of autism

Microbiological contamination of conventional and reclaimed irrigation water: evaluation and management measures

The wide diversity of irrigation water sources (i.e., drinking water, groundwater, reservoir water, river water) includes reclaimed water as a requested measure for increasing water availability, but it is also a challenge as pathogen exposure may increase. This study evaluates the level of microbial contamination in different irrigation waters to improve the knowledge and analyses management measures for safety irrigation. Over a one-year period, the occurrence of a set of viruses, bacteria and protozoa, was quantified and the performance of a wetland system, producing reclaimed water intended for irrigation, was characterized. Human fecal pollution (HAdV) was found in most of the irrigation water types analysed. Hepatitis E virus (HEV), an emerging zoonotic pathogen, was present in groundwater where porcine contamination was identified (PAdV). The skin-carcinoma associated Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), was found occasionally in river water. Noroviruses were detected, as expected, in winter, in river water and reclaimed water. Groundwater, river water and reservoir water also harboured potential bacterial pathogens, like Helicobacter pylori, Legionella spp. and Aeromonas spp. that could be internalized and viable inside amoebas like Acanthamoeba castellanii, which was also detected. Neither Giardia cysts, nor any Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected. The wetland system removed 3 Log10 of viruses and 5 Log10 of bacteria, which resembled the river water quality. Irrigation waters were prone to variable contamination levels and according to the European guidance documents, the E. coli (EC) levels were not always acceptable. Sporadic detection of viral pathogens as NoV GII and HAdV was identified in water samples presenting lower EC than the established limit (100MNP/100 mL). When dealing with reclaimed water as a source of irrigation the analysis of some viral parameters, like HAdV during the peak irrigation period (summer and spring) or NoV during the coldest months, could complement existing water management tools based on bacterial indicators

Evaluating the n-Core Polaris Real-Time Locating System in an Indoor Environment

Context-aware technologies allow Ambient Assisted Living developments to automatically obtain information from users and their environment in a distributed and ubiquitous way. One of the most important technologies used to provide context-awareness is Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). Wireless Sensor Networks comprise an ideal technology to develop Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) aimed at indoor environments, where existing global navigation satellite systems do not work correctly. In this regard, n-Core Polaris is an indoor and outdoor RTLS based on ZigBee WSNs and an innovative set of locating and automation engines. This paper presents the main components of the n-Core Polaris, as well as some experiments made in a real scenario whose results demonstrate the effectiveness of the system in indoor environments

Mediterranean alcohol-drinking pattern, low to moderate alcohol intake and risk of atrial fibrillation in the PREDIMED study

[Background and aims] There is ongoing controversy about the effect of a low to moderate alcohol consumption on atrial fibrillation (AF). Our aim is to assess the association between adherence to a Mediterranean alcohol drinking pattern and AF incidence.[Methods and results] A total 6527 out of the 7447 participants in the PREDIMED trial met our inclusion criteria. A validated frequency food questionnaire was used to measure alcohol consumption. Participants were classified as non-drinkers, Mediterranean alcohol drinking pattern (MADP) (10–30 g/d in men and 5–15 g/day in women, preferably red wine consumption with low spirits consumption), low-moderate drinking (<30 g/day men y and < 15 g/day women), and heavy drinking. We performed multivariable Cox regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of incident AF according to alcohol drinking patterns. After a mean follow up of 4.4 years, 241 new incident AF cases were confirmed. Alcohol consumption was not associated to AF incidence among low-moderate drinkers (HR: 0.96; 95%CI: 0.67–1.37), adherents to MADP (HR: 1.15 95%CI: 0.75–1.75), or heavy drinkers (HR: 0.92; 95%CI: 0.53–1.58), compared with non-drinkers.[Conclusions] In a high cardiovascular risk adult population, a Mediterranean alcohol consumption pattern (low to moderate red wine consumption) was not associated with an increased incidence of AF.[Clinical trials] URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com. Unique identifier: ISRCTN35739639.PREDIMED trial was supported by the official funding agency for biomedical research of the Spanish government (Instituto de Salud Carlos III) RTIC G03/140 (Coordinator: Dr Estruch) and RTIC RD 06/0045 (Coordinator: Dr Martínez-González). We also acknowledge grants from the National Institutes of Health, United States (1R01HL118264-01); Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria– Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (PI04/0233, PI05/0976, PI07/0240, PI10/01407, PI10/02658, PI11/00049, PI11/02505 and AGL2010-22319-C03-03); Consejería de Salud de la Junta de Andalucía (PI0105/2007), and by the Generalitat Valenciana, Spain (ACOMP/2013/165 and ACOMP/2013/159)

Socioeconomic, Clinical, and Molecular Features of Breast Cancer Influence Overall Survival of Latin American Women

Molecular profile of breast cancer in Latin-American women was studied in five countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay. Data about socioeconomic characteristics, risk factors, prognostic factors, and molecular subtypes were described, and the 60- month overall cumulative survival probabilities (OS) were estimated. From 2011 to 2013, 1,300 eligible Latin-American women 18 years or older, with a diagnosis of breast cancer in clinical stage II or III, and performance status ≦̸ 1 were invited to participate in a prospective cohort study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, and clinical and outcome data, including death, were extracted from medical records. Unadjusted associations were evaluated by Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests and the OS by Kaplan–Meier method. Log-rank test was used to determine differences between cumulative probability curves. Multivariable adjustment was carried out by entering potential confounders in the Cox regression model. The OS at 60 months was 83.9%. Multivariable-adjusted death hazard differences were found for women living in Argentina (2.27), Chile (1.95), and Uruguay (2.42) compared with Mexican women, for older (≥60 years) (1.84) compared with younger (≤40 years) women, for basal-like subtype (5.8), luminal B (2.43), and HER2-enriched (2.52) compared with luminal A subtype, and for tumor clinical stages IIB (1.91), IIIA (3.54), and IIIB (3.94) compared with stage IIA women. OS was associated with country of residence, PAM50 intrinsic subtype, age, and tumor stage at diagnosis. While the latter is known to be influenced by access to care, including cancer screening, timely diagnosis and treatment, including access to more effective treatment protocols, it may also influence epigenetic changes that, potentially, impact molecular subtypes. Data derived from heretofore understudied populations with unique geographic ancestry and sociocultural experiences are critical to furthering our understanding of this complexity.Fil: de Almeida, Liz María. Instituto Nacional de Câncer; BrasilFil: Cortés, Sandra. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Vilensky, Marta. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; ArgentinaFil: Valenzuela, Olivia. Universidad de Sonora; MéxicoFil: Cortes Sanabria, Laura. Hospital de Especialidades Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI; MéxicoFil: de Souza, Mirian. Instituto Nacional de Câncer; BrasilFil: Barbeito, Rafael Alonso. Universidad de la República; UruguayFil: Abdelhay, Eliana. Instituto Nacional de Câncer; BrasilFil: Artagaveytia, Nora. Universidad de la Republica; UruguayFil: Daneri Navarro, Adrian. Universidad de Guadalajara; MéxicoFil: Llera, Andrea Sabina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Müller, Bettina. Instituto Nacional del Cáncer; ChileFil: Podhajcer, Osvaldo Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Velazquez, Carlos. Universidad de Sonora; MéxicoFil: Alcoba, Elsa. Hospital Maria Curie; ArgentinaFil: Alonso, Isabel. Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell; UruguayFil: Bravo, Alicia I.. Hospital Higa Eva Perón; ArgentinaFil: Camejo, Natalia. Universidad de la República; UruguayFil: Carraro, Dirce Maria. A. C. Camargo Cancer Center; BrasilFil: Castro, Mónica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; ArgentinaFil: Cataldi, Sandra. Instituto Nacional del Cáncer; UruguayFil: Cayota, Alfonso. Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo; UruguayFil: Cerda, Mauricio. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Colombo, Alicia. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Crocamo, Susanne. Instituto Nacional de Câncer; BrasilFil: Silva-Garcia, Aida A.. Universidad de Guadalajara; MéxicoFil: Viña, Stella. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; ArgentinaFil: Zagame, Livia. Instituto Jalisciense de Cancerología; MéxicoFil: Jones, Beth. University of Yale; Estados UnidosFil: Szklo, Moysés. University Johns Hopkins; Estados Unido