Testicular growth and comb and wattles development in three Italian chicken genotypes reared under free range conditions

Abstract Male chickens belonging to three Italian purebreds \u2013 Ermellinata di Rovigo (ER), Robusta lionata (RL) and Robusta maculata (RM) \u2013 were studied. All the birds were reared under the same rearing conditions (from May until autumn). Chickens were reared under infra-red lamps from birth until 4 weeks of age with a 24L:0D photoperiod. Then they were kept outdoor: the photoperiod changed according to the season (from 16L:8D to 12L:12D). At 138 and 168 days of age 20 birds/breed were weighed and then slaughtered. Testicular samples were collected, after evisceration, processed and embedded in paraffine wax. Sections were stained for morphological observations, observed with light microscope, and then classified according to the testis maturation stage. Ermellinata di Rovigo chickens showed the lowest (P<0.01) body weight and the highest (P<0.01) testes weight; testes maturity was higher (P<0.01) in ER than in RL, whereas RM was intermediate. For each genotype testes weight and testes maturity did not significantly differ with aging. Correlations between testes weight and body, comb, and wattles weight, according to the breed, were calculated at 168 days of age. For ER no significant correlation was found, whereas RL showed a significant (P<0.01) positive relationship between testes weight and body weight, and sexual secondary characters. Robusta maculata showed a significant correlation between testes weight and comb (P<0.01) and wattles weight (P<0.10). Our results suggest that under the studied environmental conditions ER showed the highest testes development according to its more precocious achievement of adult body weight, whereas RL was the least precocious purebred

3D visualization and virtual reality for cultural heritage diagnostic

In the past years, many different new technologies for Cultural Heritage Diagnostic have been developed. In particular laser scanner surveys with digital photogrammetry and also multi-spectral surveys are becoming very useful and inalienable tools for non invasive diagnosis. In the SIDART Project (Integrated System for Cultural Heritage diagnosis), we develop a software able to visualize and elaborate triangulated surfaces coming from high resolution laser scanner survey. In this paper, we want to present the most innovative aspect of our study, that is the possibility to visualize and work in default mode or in immersive Stereoscopy (3D mode). This lets the operator perceive the third dimension and the “virtual investigation” of the object becomes more realistic. This lets us take into consideration in a more simple, natural and correct way and also reduce the possibility to make wrong evaluation due to the false prospective of the classic visualization

Culture and creativity as assets for inclusive growth in small and remote places: a design-led process

This paper aims to highlight the design-led process in the research and the range of its application in contexts beyond the mainstream: the decentralized areas, defined as “small and remote places”. This is based on an ongoing action-research project called SMOTIES - Creative works with small and remote places, a four-year co-funded project by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. The ten partners involved in the project come from the cultural realm, including universities, design/art collectives, NGOs, and design associations. They aim at knowledge transfer, capacity building, and audience development in 10 small and remote areas in their own country. This paper refers to the first two years’ activities focusing on the shared methodology and overall program

Targeted biological therapies for Graves’ disease and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. Focus on B-cell depletion with Rituximab

Based on experience from the treatment of other autoimmune diseases and because of the limitations imposed by existing therapeutic options for Graves’ disease (GD) and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), rituximab (RTX) was recently proposed as a novel therapy option. Here, we summarize the rationale for using RTX; give an overview of the possible mechanisms of action; and give an account of its effects and side-effects when used in GD and TAO. Scant evidence, originating from only a few methodologically inhomogeneous studies, suggests that RTX may prolong remission for hyperthyroidism over that seen with antithyroid drugs, at least in mild GD. Furthermore, in patients with TAO, who are unresponsive to conventional immunosuppressive therapy, RTX seems efficacious. As we wait for larger-scale randomized studies, RTX, should be considered experimental and reserved for patients who do not respond favourably to conventional therapy. It is the first in what is likely to be a series of new and emerging treatments specifically targeting relevant components of the immune system. Further studies will hopefully lead to improved and better tailored, individualized therapy for GD and especially TAO.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/79171/1/j.1365-2265.2010.03806.x.pd

Modelling of orthogonal cutting by incremental elastoplastic analysis and meshless method

International audienceThis Note introduces an application of the meshless method to the case of machining simulation in small deformations, which is still subjected to numerical limitations. The treatment of the contact problem at the tool/chip interface is presented, and highlights the interest of the coupling of the contact law with friction. Validation results are detailed through typical example

Secondary education in Argentine: Compulsory, Inclusion and production of new/old school inequalities

En Argentina las condiciones de acceso, permanencia y egreso a la escuela secundaria se han transformado en las últimas dos décadas. El derecho a la educación es la bandera política de las vigentes leyes de Educación Nacional y Técnico Profesional. A partir de resultados de investigaciones de tipo cualitativo, basadas en el estudio de casos en escuelas de gestión estatal y recurriendo a elementos del enfoque etnográfico; proponemos analizar y problematizar desde el enfoque de la justicia social con los aportes de Nancy Fraser y Stephen Ball, dos instrumentos de políticas educativas promovidos en escuelas secundarias de la ciudad de Córdoba que atienden a una población afectada por múltiples desigualdades: el Nuevo Régimen Académico, como instrumento diseñado para reformar el formato escolar y las Prácticas Profesionalizantes en la figura de la pasantía, para la inserción en el mundo laboral. A modo de hipótesis orientadora sostenemos que en la puesta en acto de ambos instrumentos se promueven dinámicas que luchan contra la exclusión escolar al tiempo que legitiman nuevas desigualdades escolares. Los resultados de este trabajo buscan contribuir a los debates actuales sobre las dinámicas y tensiones de los procesos de inclusión/exclusión educativa en la escuela secundaria.In Argentina, conditions of access, permanence and promotion in secondary school have been transformed in the last two decades. The right to education is the political banner of the current laws of National Education and Technical Vocational. Based on qualitative research that responds to case studies, we propose to analyze and problematize, from the contributions of Nancy Fraser and Stephen Ball, two instruments of educational policies promoted in secondary schools of Córdoba city where assist a population affected by multiple inequalities: The New Academic Regime, as an instrument designed to reform the school format and, Professionalization Practices under the internship format, as an instrument to get inside the work world. We propose as a guiding hypothesis that the enactment of both instruments promotes dynamics that fight against school exclusion while legitimizes new school inequalities. The results seek to contribute to the current debates about the dynamics and tensions of the processes of educational inclusion/ exclusion in secondary school.Fil: Maturo, Yanina Débora. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Humanidades. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Humanidades; ArgentinaFil: Bocchio, María Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Humanidades. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Humanidades; ArgentinaFil: Miranda de Fassi, Estela Maria. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Argentin

Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Clinical Presentation and Outcome in 219 Patients

Ante la baja frecuencia del carcinoma medular de tiroides (CMT), en el Departamento de Tiroides de SAEM nos propusimos realizar un estudio de cohorte, observacional, retrospectivo y multicéntrico. Se incluyeron 219 pacientes con diagnóstico histológico de CMT. El 65 % fueron mujeres, la edad promedio fue de 39 ± 20 años (1 a 84 años); 44-% de los casos fueron familiares. Las formas de presentación más frecuentes fueron nódulo tiroideo (58 %) y pesquisa genética por antecedente familiar (22 %). Si bien la citología tiroidea fue diagnóstica de CMT en el 39 % de los casos, fue determinante de indicación quirúrgica en el 79 %. En el 47 % de los pacientes el diagnóstico de CMT se obtuvo previamente al tratamiento quirúrgico inicial por punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF), estudio genético o nivel de calcitonina (CT)). El 65 % se presentó en estadios avanzados (TNM III y IV). El estudio del protoncogen RET se realizó en 162 pacientes (74 %). En el 49 % se observó mutación siendo la más frecuente (76 %) en el codón 634. La forma hereditaria más frecuentemente observada fue el síndrome de neoplasia endocrina múltiple (NEM) 2A (57 % de los casos familiares), seguida por carcinoma medular familiar (25 %) y NEM 2B (13 %). Los casos familiares tuvieron menor edad al diagnóstico y mayor frecuencia de diagnóstico prequirúrgico. Los casos índice tuvieron mayor edad al momento del diagnóstico, mayores niveles de antígeno carcinoembrionario (CEA) y CT prequirúrgicos, mayor proporción de estadios III y IV y mayor porcentaje de evidencia de enfermedad al momento de la última consulta que aquellos detectados por pesquisa. En 143 pacientes (65 %) se obtuvieron registros completos de seguimiento en los que se analizaron los factores relacionados con la evolución. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 44 meses: fallecieron 21 pacientes (14,6 %) y 122 (86 %) viven; 76 de estos (54 %) se encuentran libres de enfermedad. El grupo con evidencia de enfermedad se presentó en estadios más avanzados. Resultaron factores de mayor riesgo para evidencia de enfermedad: sexo masculino, CMT esporádico, niveles elevados de CT prequirúrgicos, estadio IV y presencia de metástasis. Los niveles de CT posquirúrgicos fueron menores en aquellos pacientes que en la evolución final no presentaron evidencia de enfermedad. El principal factor pronóstico de la evolución de los pacientes con CMT fue el estadio de presentación, determinando la importancia del diagnóstico precoz con el fin de poder implementar un tratamiento quirúrgico curativo en estadios menos avanzados.Due to the low frequency of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), an observational, cohort, retrospective multicenter study was conducted at the Thyroid Department of the Endocrine and Metabolism Argentine Society (SAEM). We included 219 patients with histologically proven MTC, with a mean age of 39 ± 20 yr (range 1-84 years). Sixty five percent were women and 44% were familial cases. The most common presentations were thyroid nodule (58 %) and genetic screening due to family history (22 %). In 39 % of patients, diagnosis of MTC was made by fine needle aspiration, but cytology led to surgery in 79 %. In 47 % of patients, MTC was diagnosed by cytology, calcitonin (CT) levels or genetic studies prior to initial surgery. Sixty five percent of patients had advanced stages of the disease (TNM III or IV) at diagnosis. Proto-oncogene RET was studied in 162 patients (74 %). In 49% a mutation was reported, most frequently in codon 634 (76 %). Regarding hereditary forms of MTC, MEN 2A was the most frequent (57%), followed by familial MTC in 25 % and MEN 2B in 13 % of cases. Familial cases were younger subjects and had more frequently a pre-surgery diagnosis. Index cases were older, with higher CEA and CT levels, presented in more advanced stages and had more frequently evidence of disease at final assessment than patients who were diagnosed by genetic screening. Follow-up records of 143 patients were analyzed (65%); median time was 44 months; 21 patients died (14.6 %) and 122 survived (86 %), 76 showed no evidence of disease (NED) (54 %). High risk factors for evidence of disease at the final evaluation were: male gender, sporadic MTC, higher CT pre-surgery levels, stage IV and metastasis. Post surgery CT levels were lower in patients with NED. Stage at initial diagnosis was the main prognostic factor in patients with MTC, determining the importance of early detection for performing curative surgery in less advanced stages.Fil: Califano, I.. Sociedad Argentina de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo; ArgentinaFil: Deutsch, S.. Sociedad Argentina de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo; ArgentinaFil: Castro Jozami, L.. Sociedad Argentina de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo; ArgentinaFil: Fassi, J.. Sociedad Argentina de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo; ArgentinaFil: Lowenstein, A.. Sociedad Argentina de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo; ArgentinaFil: Balzaretti, M.. Sociedad Argentina de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo; ArgentinaFil: Novelli, J. L.. Centro de Tiroides “Dr. J.L. Novelli”; ArgentinaFil: Figari, M.. Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Olstein, G.. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital Gral.de Agudos "ramos Mejia"; ArgentinaFil: Sanso, Elsa Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas; ArgentinaFil: Barontini, Marta Beatriz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas; ArgentinaFil: Iorcansky, S.. Sociedad Argentina de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo; ArgentinaFil: Cabezón, C.. Sociedad Argentina de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo; ArgentinaFil: Departamento de Tiroides de la Sociedad Argentina de Endocrinología y Metabolismo

Dark matter search in a Beam-Dump eXperiment (BDX) at Jefferson Lab

MeV-GeV dark matter (DM) is theoretically well motivated but remarkably unexplored. This Letter of Intent presents the MeV-GeV DM discovery potential for a 1 m$^3$ segmented plastic scintillator detector placed downstream of the beam-dump at one of the high intensity JLab experimental Halls, receiving up to 10$^{22}$ electrons-on-target (EOT) in a one-year period. This experiment (Beam-Dump eXperiment or BDX) is sensitive to DM-nucleon elastic scattering at the level of a thousand counts per year, with very low threshold recoil energies ($\sim$1 MeV), and limited only by reducible cosmogenic backgrounds. Sensitivity to DM-electron elastic scattering and/or inelastic DM would be below 10 counts per year after requiring all electromagnetic showers in the detector to exceed a few-hundred MeV, which dramatically reduces or altogether eliminates all backgrounds. Detailed Monte Carlo simulations are in progress to finalize the detector design and experimental set up. An existing 0.036 m$^3$ prototype based on the same technology will be used to validate simulations with background rate estimates, driving the necessary R$\&$D towards an optimized detector. The final detector design and experimental set up will be presented in a full proposal to be submitted to the next JLab PAC. A fully realized experiment would be sensitive to large regions of DM parameter space, exceeding the discovery potential of existing and planned experiments by two orders of magnitude in the MeV-GeV DM mass range.Comment: 28 pages, 17 figures, submitted to JLab PAC 4