Analysis of Participation in Multifunctional Agriculture: U.S. Rice Farms

Multifunctional agriculture is particularly fundamental to some working lands conservation policies and programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), Conservation Security Program (CSP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). Farmers can also be engaged in providing recreational and agri-tourism services such as hunting, fishing, bird-watching, farm tours, petting zoos and hospitality services. Using the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) we analyze factors associated with participation in conservation, recreation and agri-tourism activities as a function of farm structure, farm financial measures, production practices, and socio-demographic characteristics of the farm operator. To estimate the functional relationships we estimate a binary logistic model where the dependent variable takes a value equal to one if the farm operator reports in the ARMS survey participation in conservation programs, recreation or agritourism. Results show that the level of farm operator education and cultural practices that use conservation technical assistance are significant at the 0.01 and 0.10 levels, respectively, in explaining participation. Farm financial characteristics were not significant. Location (state where operator is located) is also not significant.multifunctional agriculture, agri-environmental policy, rice, logistic model, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy, Land Economics/Use, Q18, Q26, Q28,

Efecto del ejercicio sobre las subpoblaciones HDL, la enzima lecitina-colesterol acil-transferasa y la proteína transportadora de ésteres de colesterol en estudiantes de Medicina

ResumenObjetivoEvaluar el efecto del ejercicio físico sobre los niveles de las subpoblaciones HDL, enzima lecitina-colesterol acil-transferasa y la proteína transportadora de ésteres de colesterol en estudiantes de Medicina.MétodoLa población se dividió de manera voluntaria en 2 grupos: ejercicio y no ejercicio. Se midieron perímetro abdominal e índice de masa corporal, subfracciones de HDL2 y HDL3 por precipitación iónica, y enzima lecitina-colesterol acil-transferasa y proteína transportadora de ésteres de colesterol mediante Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA).ResultadosEl perfil lipídico de riesgo aumentó en ambos grupos: las HDL, HDL3 y HDL2 disminuyeron en ambos grupos, pero solo las HDL2 lo hicieron de forma significativa en el grupo que realizó ejercicio. La lecitina-colesterol acil-transferasa y la proteína transportadora de ésteres de colesterol permanecieron sin cambios significativos. Sin embargo, en el grupo que hizo ejercicio hubo disminución estadísticamente significativa de HDL2 y lecitina-colesterol acil-transferasa, en las mujeres.ConclusionesEl ejercicio logra modificar algunas variables como el perímetro abdominal, el índice de masa corporal y las HDL3. Estas modificaciones son dependientes del género, pero, a pesar de la intervención de 3 meses con un programa de ejercicio, este no logra reducir los factores de riesgo lipídico en esta población de estudiantes de Medicina, debido a que su entorno hace muy compleja la respuesta metabólica al ejercicio.AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate exercise effect on HDL subpopulations, lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase enzyme and ester transfer protein cholesterol levels in medical students.MethodPopulation was divided voluntarily into 2 groups, exercise and no exercise. Waist circumference and body mass index were measured; subfractions HDL2 and HDL3 by ion precipitation and LCAT and CETP enzymes Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA).ResultsLipidrisk profile increased in both groups; HDL, HDL2 and HDL3 decreased in both groups, but only the HDL2 decreased significantly in students who exercised. LCAT and CETP remained without significant changes, however, in the exercise group, there was statistically significant decrease in HDL2 and LCAT in women.ConclusionsThis study shows that exercise does alter some variables such as waist circumference, body mass index and HDL3. These changes are dependent on gender, but despite the intervention of 3 months with an exercise program, it fails reducing lipid risk factors in this medical student populations, given their environment, which complicates their metabolic response to exercise

Leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activity of extracts and saponins from Ilex laurina (Aquifoliaceae)

Purpose: To evaluate the leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activity of alcohol and non-alcohol extracts and saponins from Ilex laurina.Methods: Extracts were obtained by percolation with solvents of different polarities: hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and ethanol. The ethyl acetate extract was subjected to silica gel column chromatography eluting with a step gradient of dichloromethane-methanol. All products were evaluated in vitro for leishmanicidal activity against amastigotes of leishmania panamensis and cytotoxicity on U-937 cells.Results: Two saponins were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract. The ethyl acetate extract showed high leishmanicidal activity against intracellular amastigotes of L. panamensis (EC50, 7.5 ± 1.5 μg/mL) and low activity against axenic amastigotes (EC50, 52.8 ±1.6 μg/mL); this extract showed also high cytotoxicity (LC50, 57.7 ± 12.1 μg/mL). Saponin 2 exhibited high activity against intracellular amastigotes (EC50, 5.9 ± 0.5 μg/mL) but also showed high cytotoxicity on U-937 cells (EC50, 25.7 ± 6.1 μg/mL). This compound showed similar leishmanicidal activity and cytotoxicity to meglumine antimoniate and amphotericin B, respectively, drugs currently used for the treatment of leishmaniasis.Conclusions: Based on these results, Ilex laurina is a potential source of compounds that can lead to the development of new therapeutic alternatives against leishmaniasis.Keywords: Leishmaniasis, Antiprotozoal, Saponin, Ilex laurina, Aquifoliacea

DIET OF OILBIRDS (STEATORNIS CARIPENSIS) IN CUEVA DE LOS GUÁCHAROS NATIONAL PARK (COLOMBIA): TEMPORAL VARIATION IN FRUIT CONSUMPTION, DISPERSAL, AND SEED MORPHOLOGY

Abstract  ∙ Oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis) are specialized nocturnal frugivores that inhabit Neotropical forests and have the potential to play key ecological roles as seed dispersers. In this study, we focused on type and quantity of seeds dispersed by a population of Oilbirds in Cueva de Los Guácharos National Park (Colombia). We assessed temporal variation in diet composition, fruit nutrient composition and measured seed morphology. To do this, we used 5–10 seed traps in a cave from 2011 to 2016, conducting a 5‐day census 1–4 times each year. In 2015, we performed a census in all 12 months to document within year variation. We found seeds of 52 species (including 17 named species, 12 identified just to family, and 23 morphospecies). We found a clear dominance of Arecaceae and Lauraceae families. Intra‐annual variation in species richness reflects the fact that more biomass and higher seed numbers are deposited in the cave in periods of nesting (January–June), as well as during seasonal fruiting patterns in the region. Data on fruit contents from published literature indicated that oilbird diet includes a high representation of lipid‐rich fruits. Consumed seed size varied enormously (range: 0.01–5.99 g dry mass), the largest seeds being up to 29 mm wide and 54 mm long. Regurgitated seeds showed a negative allometric relationship between width and length. Overall, we found a diverse diet and that Oilbirds provide efficient seed dispersal in terms of seed quantity; however, many aspects of dispersal quality remain to be determined. Resumen ∙ Dieta de los Guácharos (Steatornis caripensis) en el parque nacional Cueva de Los Guácharos (Colombia): variación temporal en la cantidad de la dispersión y morfología de semillas Los guácharos (Steatornis caripensis) son aves nocturnas frugívoras especializadas que habitan bosques neotropicales y que tienen el potencial de desempeñar roles ecológicos claves como dispersoras de semillas. En este trabajo, estudiamos la dieta y la cantidad de semillas dispersadas por una población de guácharos en el Parque Nacional Natural Cueva de los Guácharos (Colombia). Para ello, evaluamos la variación temporal, comparamos la composición de lípidos y medimos la morfología de las semillas. De 2011 a 2016 dispusimos 5–10 trampas de semillas en la cueva principal del parque y llevamos a cabo censos de usualmente 5 días, 1–4 veces cada año. Adicionalmente, en 2015 hicimos censos mensuales durante todo el año. En la dieta de los guácharos encontramos semillas de 52 especies de plantas (incluyendo 17 especies, 12 taxones identificados hasta familia y 23 morfoespecies), en las cuales se reflejó una clara dominancia de las familias Arecaceae y Lauraceae. La variación intranual en la riqueza de especies de las semillas depositadas en la cueva mostró que en los periodos de anidación de los guácharos (enero a junio) se presentó el mayor número de semillas y la mayor biomasa, además una alta riqueza de especies en el primer semestre es coherente con los patrones de fructificación en la región. La dieta del guácharo incluyó una alta representación de frutos ricos en lípidos, lo cual fue inferido de la literatura publicada. Los tamaños de las semillas dispersadas variaron enormemente (peso seco entre 0.01 y 5.99 g), siendo las semillas más grandes de 29 mm de ancho y 54 mm de largo. Las semillas que fueron dispersadas mostraron una relación alométrica negativa entre el ancho y el largo. Aunque, nosotros reportamos que los guácharos tienen una dieta diversa y proveen una eficiente dispersión de semillas en términos de la cantidad, aún deben determinarse muchos aspectos de la calidad de la dispersión

Sintomatología osteomuscular y factor de riesgo postural en docentes de primaria y bachillerato

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) have a major impact on the health of individuals and their occupational performance. In the field of teaching, the MSD become apparent a long time after the beginning of the triggers actions, especially the position. Objective: Determine the prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms (MSS) and to characterize the postural risk factors in teachers. Methodology: Descriptive study in 38 teachers of a primary and high school educative institution of Cali, Colombia. The MSS were detected by Nordic questionnaire (n=38) and postural risk was assessed by Rapid Entire Body Assessment tool (REBA, n=15). Additionally, occupational variables as labor time, activity time (hours/day) and teaching activities were collected. Results: The most prevalent MSS are located in the neck (19%) and lower back (15%). Since the main teaching activity is the lecture (94.7%), it was found that the most prevalent posture is bipedal with arms over shoulders (80%), generating a postural risk level 2, which implies weak inconvenience. Conclusion: The teaching activity involves risks for the development of MSD, which may be originated in postural factors. Associative studies are needed to assess this hypothesis.Los Desórdenes Osteomusculares (DOM) tienen un impacto importante en la salud del individuo y su desempeño ocupacional. En el campo de la docencia, los DOM se manifiestan al cabo de mucho tiempo del inicio de la acción de los factores desencadenantes, en especial la postura. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de Síntomas Osteomusculares (SOM) y caracterizar los factores de riesgo postural en docentes. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, en 38 docentes de una institución educativa de nivel básico y secundario de la ciudad de Cali, Colombia. Los SOM se detectaron a través del cuestionario nórdico (n=38) y el riesgo postural se midió con el instrumento de evaluación postural rápida (EPR; n=15). Adicionalmente, se recolectaron variables ocupacionales como: tiempo de ejercicio, tiempo de actividad (horas/día) y actividades docentes. Resultados: Los SOM más prevalentes se localizaron en cuello (19%) y espalda baja (15%). Dado que la principal actividad docente es la clase magistral (94.7%), se detectó que la postura de mayor prevalencia es bípeda con brazos por encima de hombros (80%), generando un nivel de riesgo postural 2, lo cual implica débiles molestias. Conclusión: La actividad docente implica riesgos para el desarrollo de DOM, que pueden estar originados en las posturas. Se necesitan estudios de tipo asociativo para evaluar esta hipótesis

Synthesis and leishmanicidal activity of cinnamic acid esters: structure–activity relationship

Several cinnamic acid esters were obtained via Fischer esterification of cinnamic acids derivatives with aliphatic alcohols. Structures of the products were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for antileishmanial activity against L. (V) panamensis amastigotes and cytotoxic activity was evaluated against mammalian U-937 cells. The compounds 11, 15–17, and 23, were active against Leishmania parasite and although toxic for mammalian cells, they still are potential candidates for antileishmanial drug development. A SAR analysis indicates that first, while smaller alkyl chains lead to higher selectivity indices (10, 11 vs. 12–17); second, the degree of oxygenation is essential for activity, primarily in positions 3 and 4 (17 vs. 18–20 and 22); and third, hydroxyl groups increase both activity and cytotoxicity (14 vs. 23). On the other hand, the presence of a double bond in the side chain is crucial for cytotoxicity and leishmanicidal activity (12 vs. 21). However, further studies are required to optimize the structure of the promising molecules and to validate the in vitro activity against Leishmania demonstrated here with in vivo studies.The authors thank Dr. Javier Garcés for his help in this study. We acknowledge the support by the Universidad de Antioquia (Estrategia de Sostenibilidad 2013–2014 and CIDEPRO) and Colciencias (contract No. 357-2011)

Novel Role for Surfactant Protein A in Gastrointestinal Graft-versus-Host Disease

Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) is a severe and frequent complication of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) that involves the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. The pathobiology of GVHD is complex and involves immune cell recognition of host antigens as foreign. We hypothesize a central role for the collectin surfactant protein A (SP-A) in regulating the development of GVHD after allogeneic BMT

Prioritization strategies in clinical practice guidelines development: a pilot study

Objective: Few methodological studies address the prioritization of clinical topics for the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). The aim of this study was to validate a methodology for Priority Determination of Topics (PDT) of CPGs. Methods and results: Firstly, we developed an instrument for PDT with 41 criteria that were grouped under 10 domains, based on a comprehensive systematic search. Secondly, we performed a survey of stakeholders involved in CPGs development, and end users of guidelines, using the instrument. Thirdly, a pilot testing of the PDT procedure was performed in order to choose 10 guideline topics among 34 proposed projects; using a multicriteria analysis approach, we validated a mechanism that followed five stages: determination of the composition of groups, item/domain scoring, weights determination, quality of the information used to support judgments, and finally, topic selection. Participants first scored the importance of each domain, after which four different weighting procedures were calculated (including the survey results). The process of weighting was determined by correlating the data between them. We also reported the quality of evidence used for PDT. Finally, we provided a qualitative analysis of the process. The main domains used to support judgement, having higher quality scores and weightings, were feasibility, disease burden, implementation and information needs. Other important domains suc

Soluciones terapéuticas para la reconstrucción de la dermis y la epidermis. Oportunidades en el medio antioqueño

En Antioquia, es necesario buscar una solución disponible, efectiva y económicamente viable para afrontar los problemas de la piel de los pacientes que, por accidentes o enfermedades, han disminuido su calidad de vida y se encuentran aislados a la espera de tratamientos que les permitan recuperar la funcionalidad de su cuerpo y les reduzcan los riesgos por la exposición de los tejidos internos. Las diferentes soluciones existentes en el mercado todavía no han llegado a superar algunos obstáculos tales como el cubrimiento de todas las extensiones, los altos costos, la funcionalidad de los tejidos restaurados, los rechazos de tipo inmune y la escasez de los sitios donantes. Este artículo presenta una revisión literaria que busca mostrar las diferentes alternativas de solución para pacientes con problemas de piel, dando énfasis en las soluciones clásicas aplicables y económicamente viables desde la ingeniería de tejidos en el sector antioqueño.In Antioquia (Colombia), there are many patients who suffer dermal injuries caused by accident or disease. Therefore, it is necessary to pursue available, effective and affordable solutions to overcome dermal problems. Physicians and patients are both expecting corrective treatments that can reduce inner tissue exposition and allow the possibility of recovering skin functionality. Although there are many solutions for skin replacement, some obstacles remain, such as: high costs, limited availability of skin for implantation in extended areas, adequate functionality of the restored tissue and immunological rejection. Due to these issues, this article presents some of the existing alternative solutions for patients with skin injuries, considering the histology and physiology of the skin, and regarding the classical and economically attainable solutions to be used in Antioquia