Variations in the basic biokinematic pattern in three breeds of horses at the hand-led walk

In this study the lineal and temporal parameters of the stride of andalusian (n=10), angloarabian (n=6) and arabian (n=7) mature horses were compared at the walk. The speeds were similar in the three breeds (1.63±0.10 m/s), for what the Archivos de zootecnia vol. 48, núm. 183, p. 328. GALISTEO ET AL. statistical comparisons were carried out by an analysis of the variance, and a means comparison test (Tukey test). The stride lenght was shorter in arabians and andalusians than in angloarabians, while the overtracking lenght was bigger in the arabians. The duration of the forelimb cycle was bigger in angloarabians due to a bigger duration in this breed of the stance phase. The midstace position (expressed as a percentaje of the stride duration) differed among the three breeds, indicating that each one shows times of braking and propulsion of the forelimb different to the other ones; but not in the instant in which the hoof reaches the highest point in its trajectory. In the hind limb the differences were much less marked, since small differences were detected in the duration of the cycle between arabians and angloarabians, while the stride duration was longer in andalusians and angloarabians than in the Arabians; the braking and propulsion phases (determined by the position along the stride of the midstance position) didn’t differ among breeds, the same with the instant in which the hindhoof reach the highest point in its trajectory. It can be concluded that marked differences exist between equine breeds in the lineal parameters of the stride at the walk, and the temporal parameters of the forelimb, while in the hind limb are less marked, probably because this member is functionally committed in the propulsion of the horse.En este estudio se compararon los parámetros lineales y temporales del tranco de paso de caballos adultos de Pura Raza Española (n=10), Angloárabe (n=6) y Árabe (n=7). Las velocidades fueron similares en las tres razas (1,63±0,10 m/s), por lo que las comparaciones estadísticas se realizaron mediante un análisis de la varianza y un test de comparación de medias (Test de Tukey). La amplitud de tranco fue más corta en Árabes y Españoles que en Angloárabes, mientras que la longitud de sobrehuella fue mayor en los Árabes. La duración del ciclo del miembro torácico fue mayor en Angloárabes debido a una mayor duración en esta raza de la fase de apoyo. La posición de apoyo medio (expresada porcentualmente a la duración total del ciclo) difirió entre las tres razas, indicando que cada raza presenta tiempos de frenada y propulsión del miembro torácico diferentes a las demás; no así en el instante en el que el casco alcanza el punto más alto de su trayectoria. En el miembro pelviano las diferencias fueron mucho menos marcadas, ya que se detectaron pequeñas diferencias en la duración del ciclo entre Árabes y Angloárabes, mientras que la duración del tranco fue mayor en Españoles y Angloárabes que en los Árabes; los tiempos de frenada y propulsión (determinada por la posición a lo largo del tranco del apoyo medio) no difirió entre razas, lo mismo que el instante en que el casco pelviano se encuentra en el punto más alto de su trayectoria. Se puede concluir que existen marcadas diferencias entre razas equinas en los parámetros lineales del tranco al paso, al igual que sucede con los parámetros temporales del miembro torácico, mientras que en el pelviano son menos marcadas, probablemente porque este miembro está funcionalmente más comprometido que el torácico en la propulsión del caballo

Effects of histamine H 3 receptor ligands in experimental models of anxiety and depression

Abstract Histamine H 3 receptor ligands have been proposed to be of potential therapeutic interest for the treatment of different central nervous system disorders; however, the psychopharmacological properties of these drugs have not been studied extensively. In this work, we investigated the possible involvement of histamine H 3 receptor function in experimental models of anxiety (elevated plus-maze) and depression (forced swimming test). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated IP with the histamine H 3 receptor agonist R--methylhistamine (10 mg / kg) or the histamine H 3 receptor antagonist thioperamide (0.2, 2 and 10 mg /kg) and 30 min afterwards the time spent in the open arms of an elevated plus-maze was registered for 5 min. The immobility time of male OF1 mice in the forced swimming test was recorded for 6 min, 1 h after the IP administration of R--methylhistamine (10 and 20 mg / kg), thioperamide (0.2, 2, 10 and 20 mg / kg) or another histamine H 3 receptor antagonist, clobenpropit (5 mg / kg). The locomotor activity of mice was checked in parallel by means of an activity meter. Both saline controls and active drug controls were used in all the paradigms. Neither thioperamide nor R--methylhistamine significantly changed animal behaviour in the elevated plus-maze. R--methylhistamine and the higher dose of thioperamide assayed (20 mg / kg) were also inactive in the forced swimming test. By contrast, thioperamide (0.2-10 mg / kg) dose-dependently decreased immobility, the effect being significant at 10 mg /kg (33 % reduction of immobility); clobenpropit produced an effect qualitatively similar (24 % reduction of immobility). None of these histamine H 3 receptor antagonists affected locomotor activity. These preliminary results suggest that the histamine H 3 receptor blockade could be devoid of anxiolytic potential but have antidepressant effects. Besides, the stimulation of these receptors does not seem to be followed by changes in the behavioural parameters studied

Fibrous Caps in Atherosclerosis Form by Notch-Dependent Mechanisms Common to Arterial Media Development.

Atheromatous fibrous caps are produced by smooth muscle cells (SMCs) that are recruited to the subendothelial space. We tested whether the recruitment mechanisms are the same as in embryonic artery development, which relies prominently on Notch signaling to form the subendothelial medial SMC layers. Notch elements were expressed in regions of fibrous cap in human and mouse plaques. To assess the causal role of Notch signaling in cap formation, we studied atherosclerosis in mice where the Notch pathway was inactivated in SMCs by conditional knockout of the essential effector transcription factor RBPJ (recombination signal-binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J region). The recruitment of cap SMCs was significantly reduced without major effects on plaque size. Lineage tracing revealed the accumulation of SMC-derived plaque cells in the cap region was unaltered but that Notch-defective cells failed to re-acquire the SMC phenotype in the cap. Conversely, to analyze whether the loss of Notch signaling is required for SMC-derived cells to accumulate in atherogenesis, we studied atherosclerosis in mice with constitutive activation of Notch signaling in SMCs achieved by conditional expression of the Notch intracellular domain. Forced Notch signaling inhibited the ability of medial SMCs to contribute to plaque cells, including both cap SMCs and osteochondrogenic cells, and significantly reduced atherosclerosis development. Sequential loss and gain of Notch signaling is needed to build the cap SMC population. The shared mechanisms with embryonic arterial media assembly suggest that the cap forms as a neo-media that restores the connection between endothelium and subendothelial SMCs, transiently disrupted in early atherogenesis.This study was supported by a grant from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación with cofunding from the European Regional Development Fund (SAF2016- 75580-R and PID2019-108568RB-I00 to J.F. Bentzon and SAF2016-78370-R to J.L. de la Pompa) and from the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF17OC0030688 to. J.F. Bentzon). The CNIC is supported by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, and the Pro CNIC Foundation and is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence (SEV-2015-0505).S

Europium and Terbium doped apatite obtained by hydrothermal transformation of biogenic calcium carbonate from oyster shells

Póster presentado en The International Conference on Crystal Growth and Epitaxy-ICCGE-20, Naples (Italy), 30-july 4 august 2023Seashell wastes from aquaculture and canning industries represent an important environmental issue nowadays [1]. Shells are made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with a low content of proteins and polysaccharides (1-5 wt.%). The valorization of this waste by using it as a raw material for the production of calcium phosphates may have a positive impact both environmental and economic, thus contributing to the sustainability of this important sector. In some biomedical industries, there is a growing demand for calcium phosphate (apatite) crystals including nanosized, micron-sized, and larger sizes. This work is devoted to producing functional apatite nanocrystals, eg. doped with luminescent lanthanide (Ln3+) ions [2,3], using oyster shells (Mg-calcite, 5 wt.% Mg) from the species Crassostrea gigas as a Ca source. Experiments were performed by a one-pot hydrothermal method using KH2PO4 as a P reagent, a P/CaCO3 ratio of 0.6 (stoichiometric respect to hydroxyapatite), and either Eu3+ or Tb3+ (10and 20 mM). Characterization by XRD, FTIR, Raman, and ICP revealed the full transformation of biogenic CaCO3 particles into doped apatite. It was obtained at 160 ºC with (Ca+Ln)/P ratios 1.72 and 1.68 when adding Eu3+ and Tb3+ (10 mM) and 1.88 and 1.99 when the lanthanide concentration in the solution increased to 20 mM. In both cases, nanocrystals displayed needleor plate-like morphologies and polydisperse size distribution. Luminescence characterization of the nanoparticles showed different luminescence spectra depending on the doping ion. They displayed excitation and emission wavelengths of 395nm and 616 nm for the Eu3+-, and 372 and 543 nm for the Tb3+-doped samples. The relative luminescence intensities correlated well with their Ln3+ content while luminescence lifetimes (up to 1600 ¿s) were higher for Tb3+-doped apatites. Overall, the nanoparticles showed notable luminescent behavior and could find application as luminescent probes for bioimaging or nanophosphors for the electronic industry. Acknowledgements: Grant ref. PCI2020-112108 is funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Spain) and the European Union "NextGenerationEU"/PRTR". PCI2020-112108 is part of the project CASEAWA of ERA-NET Cofund BlueBio H2020.Grant ref. PCI2020-112108 is funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Spain) and the European Union "NextGenerationEU"/PRTR". PCI2020-112108 is part of the project CASEAWA of ERA-NET Cofund BlueBio H202

Microparticles induce pulmonary artery contraction through activation of acid sphingomyelinase and inhibition of Kv currents

National audienc

Cholesterol lowering depletes atherosclerotic lesions of smooth muscle cell-derived fibromyocytes and chondromyocytes

S

Vanadium Inhalation in a Mouse Model for the Understanding of Air-Suspended Particle Systemic Repercussion

There is an increased concern about the health effects that air-suspended particles have on human health which have been dissected in animal models. Using CD-1 mouse, we explore the effects that vanadium inhalation produce in different tissues and organs. Our findings support the systemic effects of air pollution. In this paper, we describe our findings in different organs in our conditions and contrast our results with the literature

Major Allergen Content in Allergen Immunotherapy Products: The Limited Value of Numbers

The prevalence of allergic disorders has increased drastically over the last 50 years to the extent that they can be considered epidemic. At present, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only therapy that targets the underlying cause of allergic disorders, and evidence of its superiority is based on data accumulated from clinical trials and observational studies demonstrating efficacy and safety. However, several aspects remain unresolved, such as harmonization and standardization of manufacturing and quantification procedures across manufacturers, homogeneous reporting of strength, and the establishment of international reference standards for many allergens. This article discusses issues related to the measurement of major allergen content in AIT extracts, raising the question of whether comparison of products from different manufacturers is an appropriate basis for selecting a specific AIT product. Allergen standardization in immunotherapy products is critical for ensuring quality and, thereby, safety and efficacy. However, lack of harmonization in manufacturing processes, allergen quantification (methodologies and references), national regulatory differences, clinical practice, and labeling shows that the comparison of AIT products based solely on major allergen amounts is not rational and, in fact, impossible. Moreover, when rating the information given for a specific product, it is necessary to take into account further inherent characteristics of products and their application in clinical practice, such as the state of extract modification, addition of adjuvant or adjuvant system, route of administration (sublingual/ subcutaneous), and cumulative dose as per posology (including the volume per administration). Finally, only convincing clinical data can serve as the basis for product-specific evaluation and cross-product comparability of individual products

Variation in Susceptibility to Downy Mildew Infection in Spanish Minority Vine Varieties

Downy mildew is one of the most destructive diseases affecting grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.). Caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola (Berk. and Curt.) Berl. and de Toni, it can appear anywhere where vines are cultivated. It is habitually controlled by the application of phytosanitary agents (copper-based or systemic) at different stages of the vine growth cycle. This, however, is costly, can lead to reduced yields, has a considerable environmental impact, and its overuse close to harvest can cause fermentation problems. All grapevines are susceptible to this disease, although the degree of susceptibility differs between varieties. Market demands and European legislation on viticulture and the use of phytosanitary agents (art. 14 of Directive 128/2009/EC) now make it important to know the sensitivity of all available varieties, including minority varieties. Such knowledge allows for a more appropriate use of phytosanitary agents, fosters the commercial use of these varieties and thus increases the offer of wines associated with different terroirs, and helps identify material for use in crop improvement programmes via crossing or genetic transformation, etc. Over 2020–2021, the susceptibility to P. viticola of 63 minority vine varieties from different regions of Spain was examined in the laboratory using the leaf disc technique. Some 87% of these varieties were highly susceptible and 11% moderately susceptible; just 2% showed low susceptibility. The least susceptible of all was the variety Morate (Madrid, IMIDRA). Those showing intermediate susceptibility included the varieties Sanguina (Castilla la Mancha, IVICAM), Planta Mula (Comunidad Valenciana, ITVE), Rayada Melonera (Madrid, IMIDRA), Zamarrica (Galicia, EVEGA), Cariñena Roja (Cataluña, INCAVI), Mandrègue (Aragón, DGA) and Bastardo Blanco (Extremadura, CICYTEX). The highly susceptible varieties could be differentiated into three subgroups depending on sporulation severity and density

Variation in Susceptibility to Downy Mildew Infection in Spanish Minority Vine Varieties

Downy mildew is one of the most destructive diseases affecting grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.). Caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola (Berk. and Curt.) Berl. and de Toni, it can appear anywhere where vines are cultivated. It is habitually controlled by the application of phytosanitary agents (copper-based or systemic) at different stages of the vine growth cycle. This, however, is costly, can lead to reduced yields, has a considerable environmental impact, and its overuse close to harvest can cause fermentation problems. All grapevines are susceptible to this disease, although the degree of susceptibility differs between varieties. Market demands and European legislation on viticulture and the use of phytosanitary agents (art. 14 of Directive 128/2009/EC) now make it important to know the sensitivity of all available varieties, including minority varieties. Such knowledge allows for a more appropriate use of phytosanitary agents, fosters the commercial use of these varieties and thus increases the offer of wines associated with different terroirs, and helps identify material for use in crop improvement programmes via crossing or genetic transformation, etc. Over 2020–2021, the susceptibility to P. viticola of 63 minority vine varieties from different regions of Spain was examined in the laboratory using the leaf disc technique. Some 87% of these varieties were highly susceptible and 11% moderately susceptible; just 2% showed low susceptibility. The least susceptible of all was the variety Morate (Madrid, IMIDRA). Those showing intermediate susceptibility included the varieties Sanguina (Castilla la Mancha, IVICAM), Planta Mula (Comunidad Valenciana, ITVE), Rayada Melonera (Madrid, IMIDRA), Zamarrica (Galicia, EVEGA), Cariñena Roja (Cataluña, INCAVI), Mandrègue (Aragón, DGA) and Bastardo Blanco (Extremadura, CICYTEX). The highly susceptible varieties could be differentiated into three subgroups depending on sporulation severity and density.This work, performed by the VIOR (Viticultura, Olivo y Rosa) group of the Misión Biológica de Galicia (CSIC), forms part of the project “Valorización de variedades minoritarias de vid por su potencial para la diversificación vitivinícola. Resiliencia a enfermedades fúngicas influenciadas por el cambio climático” (MINORVIN) (RTI 2018-101085-RC32), funded by MCIN/AEI/, 10.13039/501100011033 and the European Regional Development Fund.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio