Estudio comparativo entre urea y torta de soja en la producción de leche en cabras de raza Granadina (1)

Se ha estudiado comparativamente el efecto de dos raciones complementadas con torta de soja una y la otra con cebada más urea, sobre la producción de leche y grasa de la misma, en dos lotes de cabras de raza granadina. Hemos calculado el costo de producción del litro de leche empleando ambas raciones, para conocer la repercusión económica que tiene la posible sustitución. Se ha estudiado el stress producido por el cambio brusco de raciones, en la producción de leche y en el tenor en grasa de la misma. Hemos aplicado tratamiento estadístico para conocer el grado de significación de nuestros resultados, en producción de leche y grasa de la misma, en el estudio comparativo de las dos raciones y en la influencia por el cambio brusco de la dieta De nuestros ensayos concluimos: La sustitución de la torta de soja por cebada adicionada de urea, en la alimentación de la cabra no produce ninguna variación en la producción de leche y aumenta ligeramente el tenor en grasa de la misma, según 10 demuestra el tratamiento estadístico aplicado a nuestros resultados. El costo de producción del litro de leche se encuentra disminuido en 35 céntimos, cuando los animales consumen la ración de cebada más urea. Al cambiar bruscamente las raciones se produce un “stress”  en los animales, manifestándose por una disminución de la producción de leche; hecho significativo en el 90 % de los casos. Igual ocurre con el tenor en grasa de la leche, no siendo esta caída tan marcada, y la significación encontrada en el análisis estadístico es escasa (80 %)

On the suitability of hugging face hub for empirical studies

peer reviewedContext. Empirical studies in software engineering mainly rely on the data available on code-hosting platforms, being GitHub the most representative. Nevertheless, in the last years, the emergence of Machine Learning (ML) has led to the development of platforms specifically designed for hosting ML-based projects, with Hugging Face Hub (HFH) as the most popular one. So far, there have been no studies evaluating the potential of HFH for such studies. Objective. We aim at performing an exploratory study of the current state of HFH and its suitability to be used as a source platform for empirical studies. Method. We conduct a qualitative and quantitative analysis of HFH. The former will be performed by comparing the features of HFH with those of other code-hosting platforms, such as GitHub and GitLab. The latter will be performed by analyzing the data available in HFH. Results. We propose a feature framework to characterize HFH and report on the current usage of the platform, both in terms of number and types of projects (and surrounding community) and the features they mostly rely on. Conclusions. The results confirm that HFH offers enough features and diverse enough data to be the source of relevant empirical studies on the development, evolution and usage of AI-related projects. The results also triggered a discussion on aspects of HFH that should be considered when performing such empirical studies.U-AGR-7344 - P20/IS/16544475/BESSER/Cabot - CABOT Jord

Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease

Background: Researchers have suggested that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from oily fish (long-chain omega-3 (LCn3), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), as well as from plants (alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)) benefit cardiovascular health. Guidelines recommend increasing omega-3-rich foods, and sometimes supplementation, but recent trials have not confirmed this. Objectives: To assess effects of increased intake of fish- and plant-based omega-3 for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CVD) events, adiposity and lipids. Search methods: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase to April 2017, plus ClinicalTrials.gov and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry to September 2016, with no language restrictions. We handsearched systematic review references and bibliographies and contacted authors. Selection criteria: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that lasted at least 12 months and compared supplementation and/or advice to increase LCn3 or ALA intake versus usual or lower intake. Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed validity. We performed separate random-effects meta-analysis for ALA and LCn3 interventions, and assessed dose-response relationships through meta-regression. Main results: We included 79 RCTs (112,059 participants) in this review update and found that 25 were at low summary risk of bias. Trials were of 12 to 72 months' duration and included adults at varying cardiovascular risk, mainly in high-income countries. Most studies assessed LCn3 supplementation with capsules, but some used LCn3- or ALA-rich or enriched foods or dietary advice compared to placebo or usual diet. Meta-analysis and sensitivity analyses suggested little or no effect of increasing LCn3 on all-cause mortality (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.03, 92,653 participants; 8189 deaths in 39 trials, high-quality evidence), cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.03, 67,772 participants; 4544 CVD deaths in 25 RCTs), cardiovascular events (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.04, 90,378 participants; 14,737 people experienced events in 38 trials, high-quality evidence), coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.09, 73,491 participants; 1596 CHD deaths in 21 RCTs), stroke (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.16, 89,358 participants; 1822 strokes in 28 trials) or arrhythmia (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.05, 53,796 participants; 3788 people experienced arrhythmia in 28 RCTs). There was a suggestion that LCn3 reduced CHD events (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.97, 84,301 participants; 5469 people experienced CHD events in 28 RCTs); however, this was not maintained in sensitivity analyses - LCn3 probably makes little or no difference to CHD event risk. All evidence was of moderate GRADE quality, except as noted. Increasing ALA intake probably makes little or no difference to all-cause mortality (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.20, 19,327 participants; 459 deaths, 5 RCTs),cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.25, 18,619 participants; 219 cardiovascular deaths, 4 RCTs), and it may make little or no difference to CHD events (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.22, 19,061 participants, 397 CHD events, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence). However, increased ALA may slightly reduce risk of cardiovascular events (from 4.8% to 4.7%, RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.07, 19,327 participants; 884 CVD events, 5 RCTs, low-quality evidence), and probably reduces risk of CHD mortality (1.1% to 1.0%, RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.26, 18,353 participants; 193 CHD deaths, 3 RCTs), and arrhythmia (3.3% to 2.6%, RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.10, 4,837 participants; 141 events, 1 RCT). Effects on stroke are unclear. Sensitivity analysis retaining only trials at low summary risk of bias moved effect sizes towards the null (RR 1.0) for all LCn3 primary outcomes except arrhythmias, but for most ALA outcomes, effect sizes moved to suggest protection. LCn3 funnel plots suggested that adding in missing studies/results would move effect sizes towards null for most primary outcomes. There were no dose or duration effects in subgrouping or meta-regression. There was no evidence that increasing LCn3 or ALA altered serious adverse events, adiposity or lipids, although LCn3 slightly reduced triglycerides and increased HDL. ALA probably reduces HDL (high- or moderate-quality evidence). Authors' conclusions: This is the most extensive systematic assessment of effects of omega-3 fats on cardiovascular health to date. Moderate- and high-quality evidence suggests that increasing EPA and DHA has little or no effect on mortality or cardiovascular health (evidence mainly from supplement trials). Previous suggestions of benefits from EPA and DHA supplements appear to spring from trials with higher risk of bias. Low-quality evidence suggests ALA may slightly reduce CVD event risk, CHD mortality and arrhythmia

Article Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum BPF2 and Pediococcus acidilactici ST6, Two Bacteriocinogenic Isolated Strains from Andalusian Spontaneous Fermented Sausages

Traditional spontaneously fermented foods are well known for their sensory and safety properties, which is mainly due to their indigenous microflora. Within this group of food, Mediterranean dry-cured sausages stand out as a significant source of lactic-acid bacterial strains (LAB) with biotechnological properties, such as their antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the biodiversity of antagonistic LAB strains from different Andalusian traditional sausages, such as salchichón and chorizo. First, a screening was carried out focusing on the antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, and Staphylococcus aureus, selecting two strains due to their higher antibiosis properties, both in agar and liquid media. These bacteria were identified as Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum BPF2 and Pediococcus acidilactici ST6. In addition, genomic studies confirmed the presence of certain structural genes related to the production of bacteriocins. Finally, the culture supernatants of both strains were purified and analyzed by LC-MS/MS, obtaining the relative molecular mass and the amino acid sequence and identifying the peptides as the bacteriocins Pediocin-PA and Leucocin K. In conclusion, genomes and antimicrobial substances of P. acidilactici ST6, a Pediocin-PA producer, and Lpb. paraplantarum BPF2, a Leucocin K producer, isolated from Andalusian salchichón and chorizo, respectively, are presented in this work. Although further studies are required, these strains could be used alone or in combination as starters or protective cultures for the food industryPRIMA program, under BioProMedFood project (Reference Number: 2019-SECTION2-4; CUP: J34I19004820005)PRIMA program is supported by the European Union H2020 program and innovation progra

Еffects of fortified milk on cognitive abilities in school-aged children: results from a randomized-controlled trial

Background: Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals and long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential for children’s brain development and cognitive functions. The current study investigated whether milk fortified with micronutrients and PUFA can result in improved cognitive function in mainstream school children. Methods: One-hundred-and-nineteen children (age 8–14, 58 boys) were randomly allocated to a fortified milk group or a regular full milk control group. Participants consumed 0.6L/day of the milk for 5 months. We recorded relevant biochemical, anthropometric, and cognitive measures (working memory and processing speed) at the start of the study and at follow-up after 5 months. Results: The fortified milk significantly increased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (change from baseline of 28% [95% CI 17–39%] vs. −6% [95% CI − 13 to 0%] in the control group) and serum 25OH-vitamin D concentrations (41% [95% CI 30–52%] vs. 21% [95% CI 11–30%] in the control group). The fortified milk improved working memory on one of two tests (32% [95% CI 17–47%] vs. 13% [95% CI 6–19%] in the control group). The fortified milk also indirectly increased processing speed on one of two tests; this effect was small and completely mediated by increases in 25OH-vitamin D concentrations. Conclusions: These results suggest that fortifying milk with micronutrients and PUFA could be an effective and practical way to aid children’s cognitive development.Biosearch Life

Factors Predicting the Response to a Vitamin D-Fortified Milk in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

Background: Milk products fortified with vitamin D may constitute an alternative to pharmacological supplements for reaching the optimal levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Our aim was to analyze the response of serum 25(OH)D and its predictive factors in postmenopausal healthy women after a dietary intervention with a milk fortified with vitamin D and calcium. Methods: We designed a prospective study including 305 healthy postmenopausal women who consumed a fortified milk with calcium (900 mg/500 mL) and vitamin D3 (600 IU/500 mL) daily for 24 months. Results: The 25(OH)D concentrations at 24 months were correlated to weight, to body mass index, to the percentage of fat, triglycerides and to baseline 25(OH)D levels. We found significant differences in the levels of 25(OH)D at 24 months according to baseline 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.001) and body mass index (p = 0.019) expressed at quartiles. Multivariate analysis showed an association between levels of 25(OH)D after the intervention and at baseline 25(OH)D (Beta = 0.47, p < 0.001) and percentage of body fat (Beta = -0.227, p = 0.049), regardless of the body mass index. Conclusions: In healthy postmenopausal women, the improvement in 25(OH)D after an intervention with a fortified milk for 24 months depends mainly on the baseline levels of serum 25(OH)D and on the percentage of body fat

Effects of a Combination of Elderberry and Reishi Extracts on the Duration and Severity of Respiratory Tract Infections in Elderly Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to respiratory tract infections, so natural strategies to ameliorate the duration and severity of these infections are of great interest in this population. The objective of this study is to evaluate the e cacy of the consumption of a combination of elderberry and reishi extracts on the incidence, severity, and duration of respiratory tract infections in a group of healthy elderly volunteers. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was performed during the winter season. A group of 60 nursing home residents 65 years of age was randomly assigned to receive a combination of 1.5 g of elderberry +0.5 g of reishi or a placebo daily for 14 weeks. Data about the health conditions of the volunteers were evaluated and recorded by a medical doctor every 2 weeks. The incidence of respiratory infections was similar in both groups. However, volunteers in the extract group presented a significantly lower duration of common cold events (2.5 vs. 4.8 days, p = 0.033).and a significantly lower probability of having a high severity influenza-like illness event (p = 0.039). Moreover, the incidence of sleep disturbances was significantly lower in the extract group (p = 0.049). Therefore, the administration of a combination of elderberry and reishi extracts to the elderly population during the winter season might be used as a natural strategy to reduce the duration and severity of respiratory tract infections

LDL-Cholesterol-Lowering Effects of a Dietary Supplement Containing Onion and Garlic Extract Used in Healthy Volunteers

Hypercholesterolemia plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, and its prevention seems to be a crucial healthcare strategy to ameliorate these conditions. Subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia are frequently advised against using cholesterol-lowering drugs due to potential side effects, with an emphasis instead on prioritizing dietary adjustments and lifestyle modifications as the primary strategy. In this context, the use of dietary supplements based on medicinal plants may be recommended as a complementary approach to managing elevated cholesterol levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and potential therapeutic effectiveness of a standardized formulation containing extracts from garlic and onions in addressing the health concerns of individuals with slightly elevated cholesterol levels. A controlled, randomized, double-blind, two parallel-group study was conducted over 8 weeks, with clinical visits scheduled at baseline, weeks 2 and 4, as well as at the end of the study. The results revealed significant reductions in both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol levels among participants who received the extract. Additionally, improvements in blood pressure, as well as in oxidative and inflammatory markers were observed, thus suggesting its potential as a valuable therapeutic intervention for managing mild hypercholesterolemia.Junta de Andalucía (CTS 164) and by “Unidad de Excelencia para el Estudio de los Trastornos del Envejecimiento (UNETE)” with funds from the European UnionMiguel Servet contract (CP22/00153) from the Instituto de Salud Carlos IIISara Borrell contract (CD23/00102) from the Instituto de Salud Carlos II

Daily consumption of a dairy drink enriched with DHA, Vitamins and minerals enhanced nutritional status and cognitive abilities parameters

Preadolescence is a period of growth with special nutritional requirements. In this research we investigated the effects produced by a 5-month consumption of an enriched dairy drink on biochemical and cognitive development parameters in children. Methods: 119 children (8 14y) of both genders (male 49%, female 51%) were randomly distributed into two study groups. The supplemented group (SG, n = 60) consumed 0.6 L/day (breakfast, elevenses and teatime) of an enriched dairy drink containing fish oils (high in DHA), oleic acid, carbohydrates (sugar and honey), vitamins (A, B complex, C, D, and E) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc) (Puleva Max®). The control group (CG, n = 59) consumed 0.6 L/day of standard whole milk. Both groups received the same dietary advice and consumed the dairy drinks for 5-moths, in addition to their usual diet. Blood samples and psychometric tests (some subscales of W.I.S.C.-IV of Wechsler and EVALUA of Vidal) were taken at 0 and 5 months. RM ANOVA was applied. Data are expressed as mean±SEM. Results: The consumption of the enriched dairy drink (SG) produced significant (p < 0.05) increases in plasma DHA (20%) and calcium (1.5%). Total proteins (1.9%), transferrine (2.1%), total cholesterol (3.3%) and HDLcholesterol (5.2%), but not LDL-cholesterol, decreased significantly in CG. Regarding psychometric parameters, digits span (working memory test), speed reading and reading comprehension scores showed significant increases in SG at the end of the study (16.8%, 19.1%, and 19.0% respectively) whereas CG only showed higher scores in the reading comprehension test (19.2%). Conclusion: The dietary supplementation with the enriched dairy drink improved the nutritional and biochemical status and a number of cognitive performance markers in children of 8 and 14 years. Supported by Puleva Food SA.Universidad e Granada Puleva Biotech S

Optical diagnosis of colorectal polyp images using a newly developed computer-aided diagnosis system (CADx) compared with intuitive optical diagnosis

Background Optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps remains challenging. Image-enhancement techniques such as narrow-band imaging and blue-light imaging (BLI) can improve optical diagnosis. We developed and prospectively validated a computer-aided diagnosis system (CADx) using high-definition white-light (HDWL) and BLI images, and compared the system with the optical diagnosis of expert and novice endoscopists.Methods CADx characterized colorectal polyps by exploiting artificial neural networks. Six experts and 13 novices optically diagnosed 60 colorectal polyps based on intuition. After 4 weeks, the same set of images was permuted and optically diagnosed using the BLI Adenoma Serrated International Classification (BASIC).Results CADx had a diagnostic accuracy of 88.3% using HDWL images and 86.7% using BLI images. The overall diagnostic accuracy combining HDWL and BLI (multimodal imaging) was 95.0%, which was significantly higher than that of experts (81.7%, P =0.03) and novices (66.7%, P <0.001). Sensitivity was also higher for CADx (95.6% vs. 61.1% and 55.4%), whereas specificity was higher for experts compared with CADx and novices (95.6% vs. 93.3% and 93.2%). For endoscopists, diagnostic accuracy did not increase when using BASIC, either for experts (intuition 79.5% vs. BASIC 81.7%, P =0.14) or for novices (intuition 66.7% vs. BASIC 66.5%, P =0.95).Conclusion CADx had a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than experts and novices for the optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps. Multimodal imaging, incorporating both HDWL and BLI, improved the diagnostic accuracy of CADx. BASIC did not increase the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopists compared with intuitive optical diagnosis