Towards Sustainable Dairy Production in Argentina: Evaluating Nutrient and CO2 Release from Raw and Processed Farm Waste

Mineralization studies are the first step to determine the usefulness of an amendment as fertilizer and are essential to create guidelines for dairy waste management to help producers make in-formed decisions. Our goal was to assess the effects of dairy raw, composted, and digested manure amendments on C, N, and P mineralization to evaluate the feasibility of their in-farm production and use as organic fertilizers. Liquid and solid fraction of dairy effluent (LDE, SDE), dairy effluent digestate (DED), onion-cattle manure digestate and compost (OCMD, OCMC) were characterized by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Soil microcosms with LDE, SDE, DED, OCMD and OCMC and the C, N and P mineralization were determined periodically. Elemental and structural dif-ferences among amendments led to contrasting profiles of C, N, and P mineralization and thus, in nutrient availability, immobilization, and CO2 emission. All processed materials were more stable than untreated waste, reducing C emissions. Digestates showed a net C immobilization and supplied the highest levels of available N, creating a relative P deficit. Instead, compost supplied N and P via mineralization, producing a relative P excess. Future studies should aim at evaluating fertilization strategies that combine both kinds of amendments, to exploit their complimentary agronomic characteristics.Fil: Iocoli, Gastón Alejandro. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; ArgentinaFil: Orden, Luciano. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Hilario Ascasubi; ArgentinaFil: López, Fernando Manuel. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; ArgentinaFil: Gómez, Marisa A.. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Villamil, Maria Bonita. University of Illinois at Urbana; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Zabaloy, Maria Celina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; Argentin

Treatment in vitro with PPARα and PPARγ ligands drives M1-to-M2 polarization of macrophages from T. cruzi-infected mice

AbstractTrypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas' disease, induces a persistent inflammatory response. Macrophages are a first line cell phenotype involved in the clearance of infection. Upon parasite uptake, these cells increase inflammatory mediators like NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, leading to parasite killing. Although desired, inflammatory response perpetuation and exacerbation may lead to tissue damage. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-dependent nuclear transcription factors that, besides regulating lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, have a significant anti-inflammatory effect. This is mediated through the interaction of the receptors with their ligands. PPARγ, one of the PPAR isoforms, has been implicated in macrophage polarization from M1, the classically activated phenotype, to M2, the alternatively activated phenotype, in different models of metabolic disorders and infection. In this study, we show for the first time that, besides PPARγ, PPARα is also involved in the in vitro polarization of macrophages isolated from T. cruzi-infected mice. Polarization was evidenced by a decrease in the expression of NOS2 and proinflammatory cytokines and the increase in M2 markers like Arginase I, Ym1, mannose receptor and TGF-β. Besides, macrophage phagocytic activity was significantly enhanced, leading to increased parasite load. We suggest that modulation of the inflammatory response by both PPARs might be due, at least in part, to a change in the profile of inflammatory macrophages. The potential use of PPAR agonists as modulators of overt inflammatory response during the course of Chagas' disease deserves further investigation

Uso de metodologías activas en la implantación de IIP en el Grado en Informática de la UPV

Este artículo describe la experiencia de implantación de la asignatura Introducción a la Informática y la Programación (IIP) de primer curso del Grado en Informática en la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Informática (ETSINF) de la Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), destacando el uso de metodologías activas de enseñanza-aprendizaje que incorporan el trabajo en grupo, el diseño de un método de evaluación acorde con la metodología empleada y la incorporación de herramientas tecnológicas de soporte a la docencia. Adicionalmente, se describen y evidencian los aspectos positivos y negativos de la experiencia tanto desde el punto de vista del profesor como del alumno.This paper describes the experience of setting up the IIP subject (Introduction to Computer Science and Programming) to new course degrees of the first course at School of Computer Science (ETSINF) in the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), pointing out the usage of active learning methodologies based on work group, the design of an evaluation method considering the applied methodology and the integration of technological tools to support teaching. Additionally, the positive and negative aspects of the experience are discussed both from the point of view of the teacher and the student

Contaminantes orgánicos persistentes en leche materna de centros urbanos de la provincia de Buenos Aires

Due to their chemical persistence and high lipophilicity, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have a tendency to accumulate and biomagnify in the food chain. Because of its easy noninvasive collection and high-fat content, human milk is a good indicator POPs in human populations. The aim of our study was to evaluate human exposure to POPs (PCBs, DDTs and its metabolites, α, β y γ HCHs, CHLDs: heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, trans- and cis-chlordanes and nonachlors) in 59 human milk samples collected during 2010-2011 in Punta Lara, Ensenada, Florencio Varela and Buenos Aires.Los contaminantes orgánicos persistentes (COPs) se acumulan en matrices ricas en materia grasa como la leche materna, que es un buen indicador de sus niveles en poblaciones humanas debido a su fácil y no invasiva extracción. Con el objeto de evaluar la exposición a COPs en la provincia de Buenos Aires y compararla con otras áreas, se analizaron bifenilos policlorados (PCBs), diclorodifeniltricloroetano (DDT) y sus metabolitos (DDT, TDE), hexaclorociclohexanos (α, β y γ-HCH) y clordanos (CHLDs: heptaclor y su epóxido, trans y cis clordanos y nonaclors) en muestras de leche materna colectadas durante 2010 y 2011 en Punta Lara, Ensenada, Florencio Varela y Capital Federal

Study of single muons with the Large Volume Detector at Gran Sasso Laboratory

The present study is based on the sample of about 3 mln single muons observed by LVD at underground Gran Sasso Laboratory during 36500 live hours from June 1992 to February 1998. We have measured the muon intensity at slant depths from 3 km w.e. to 20 km w.e. Most events are high energy downward muons produced by meson decay in the atmosphere. The analysis of these muons has revealed the power index of pion and kaon spectrum: 2.76 \pm 0.05. The reminders are horizontal muons produced by the neutrino interactions in the rock surrounding LVD. The value of this flux is obtained. The results are compared with Monte Carlo simulations and the world data.Comment: 13 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in "Physics of Atomic Nuclei

Competiciones de programación. Estímulo y salida laboral para los alumnos

Las competiciones de programación son un estímulo importante para los alumnos de informática. Durante los últimos años ha crecido el número de estas competiciones en su mayoría promovidas por grandes empresas con el propósito de reclutar alumnos brillantes. La International Collegiate Programming Contest es la más antigua de ellas, promovida por la ACM y patrocinada por IBM. A la final mundial van los mejores equipos de cada una de las más de 90 competiciones regionales que tienen lugar por todo el mundo. La regional en la que pueden participar las universidades españolas es la Southwestern Europe Regional Contest (España, Italia, Portugal, Suiza, Francia y Austria). Esta regional fue organizada por la Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Informàtica de la Universitat Politècnica de València en su edición de 2012 y lo será también en 2013. En este trabajo se presenta la experiencia de planificación de una regional, tanto a nivel organizativo como de planteamiento de los problemas para la competición. Asimismo, se destaca la importancia de este tipo de competiciones en cuanto al desarrollo de habilidades y destrezas en los alumnos, pues su dedicación a solucionar distintos tipos de problemas, combinando conocimientos de matemáticas con técnicas algorítmicas, les da una formación adicional que saben apreciar las grandes empresas. Algunos alumnos de la ETSInf que han participado en estas competiciones están en proceso o ya han sido contratados por empresas del sector como es Google.SUMMARY -- Programming contests are a good stimulus for computer engineering students. These contests have experienced an expansion during last years thanks to the interest of big companies for hiring brilliant students. The International Collegiate Programming Contest is the oldest one, promoted by ACM and sponsored by IBM. The ACM-ICPC World Final takes place every year, only the best teams can participate, which are selected from the ones who compete in the more than 90 regional contests celebrated around the world. Spanish universities can participate in the Southwestern Europe Regional Contest (Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Austria). The 2012 edition of this regional contest took place in Valencia, organised by the School of Computer Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de València. The 2013 edition will be organised in Valencia as well. In this paper it is presented the experience of planning a regional contest, both from the point of view of organisation as from posing the problems. Additionally, it is pointed out the value of this sort of programming contests as they foster the development of some abilities and skills in students, because the time they spend solving problems where the knowledge of mathematical concepts and of algorithmic techniques is very important. This fact gives students a special training very appreciated by big software companies. Some former students from ETSInf who participated in international programming contests were hired or are in process of being hired by Google

Health‐related quality of life, social support, and caregiver burden between six and 120 months after heart transplantation: a Spanish multicenter cross‐sectional study

[Abstract] A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the current heart transplant (HTx) outcomes in Spain. Clinical and functional status, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), social support, and caregiver burden were analyzed in 303 adult transplant recipients (77.9% males) living with one functioning graft. Mean age at time of HTx (SD) was 56.4 (11.4) years, and the reason for transplantation in all patients was congestive heart failure. All patients had received a first heart transplant 6 (± 1), 12 (± 2), 36 (± 6), 60 (± 10), or 120 (± 20) months previously. Participants completed the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), the EQ-5D, the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. Reasonable HRQoL, social support, and caregiver burden levels were found at all time points, although a slight decrease in HRQoL was recorded at 120 months (p ≤ 0.033). Multivariate regression analyses showed that complications, comorbidities, and hospitalizations were associated with HRQoL (EQ-5D: 48.4% of explained variance, F4,164 = 38.46, p < 0.001; KCCQ overall summary score: 45.0%, F3,198 = 54.073, p < 0.001). Patient functional capabilities and complications affected caregiver burden (p < 0.05). In conclusion, HTx patients reported reasonable levels of HRQoL with low caregiver burden. Clinical variables related to these outcomes included functional status, complications, and number of admissions

Contaminantes orgánicos persistentes (COPS) en leche materna de centros urbanos de la provincia de Buenos Aires

Due to their chemical persistence and high lipophilicity, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have a tendency to accumulate and biomagnify in the food chain. Because of its easy and noninvasive collection, and high fat content, human milk, is a good indicator of these residues in human populations. The aim of our study was to evaluate human exposure to POPs (PCBs, DDTs and its metabolites, α, β y γ HCHs, CHLDs:\nheptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, trans and cis chlordanes and nonachlors) in 59 human milk samples collected during 2010-2011 in Punta Lara, Ensenada, Florencio Varela and Capital Federal.\nHuman breast milk was collected with manual breast pumps, centrifuged to separate the cream that was freeze-dried and ultrasonically extracted with petroleum ether. The extracts, previously treated with sulfuric acid to eliminate lipids, were cleaned up by silica gel chromatography and analyzed by gas chromatography.Los COPs se acumulan en matrices ricas en materia grasa como la leche materna, que es un buen indicador de sus niveles en poblaciones humanas debido a su fácil y no invasiva extracción. Con el objeto de evaluar la exposición a COPs en la provincia de Buenos Aires y compararla con otras áreas, se analizaron bifenilos policlorados (PCBs), diclorodifeniltricloroetano (DDT) y sus metabolitos (DDT, TDE), hexaclorociclohexanos (α, β y γ-HCH) y clordanos (CHLDs: heptaclor y su epóxido, trans y cis clordanos y nonaclors) en muestras de leche materna colectadas durante 2010 y 2011 en Punta Lara, Ensenada, Florencio Varela y Capital Federal.\nLas muestras fueron colectadas con sacaleches manuales, centrifugadas para separar la crema que fue liofilizada y extraída con éter de petróleo y ultrasonido. Los extractos previamente tratados con ácido para eliminación parcial de lípidos, fueron purificados por cromatografía en gel de sílice y analizados por cromatografía gaseosa

Symptom- related screening programme for early detection of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after acute pulmonary embolism: the SYSPPE study

Background Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is the most severe long- term complication of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). We aimed to evaluate the impact of a symptom screening programme to detect CTEPH in PE survivors. Methods This was a multicentre cohort study of patients diagnosed with acute symptomatic PE between January 2017 and December 2018 in 16 centres in Spain. Patients were contacted by phone 2 years after the index PE diagnosis. Those with dyspnoea corresponding to a New York Heart Association (NYHA)/WHO scale≥II, visited the outpatient clinic for echocardiography and further diagnostic tests including right heart catheterisation (RHC). The primary outcome was the new diagnosis of CTEPH confirmed by RHC. Results Out of 1077 patients with acute PE, 646 were included in the symptom screening. At 2 years, 21.8% (n=141) reported dyspnoea NYHA/WHO scale≥II. Before symptom screening protocol, five patients were diagnosed with CTEPH following routine care. In patients with NYHA/WHO scale≥II, after symptom screening protocol, the echocardiographic probability of pulmonary hypertension (PH) was low, intermediate and high in 76.6% (n=95), 21.8% (n=27) and 1.6% (n=2), respectively. After performing additional diagnostic test in the latter 2 groups, 12 additional CTEPH cases were confirmed. Conclusions The implementation of this simple strategy based on symptom evaluation by phone diagnosed more than doubled the number of CTEPH cases. Dedicated follow- up algorithms for PE survivors help diagnosing CTEPH earlier

Synthetic heparan sulfate mimics based on chitosan derivatives show broad-spectrum antiviral activity

Enveloped viruses enter cells by binding to receptors present on host cell membranes, which trigger internalization and membrane fusion. For many viruses, this either directly or indirectly involves interaction with membrane-anchored carbohydrates, such as heparan sulfate, providing a potential target for a broad-spectrum antiviral approach. Based on this hypothesis, we screened a library of functionalized chitosan sulfates that mimic heparan sulfate in cellular membranes for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) entry. An array of compounds blocking SARS-CoV-2 and RSV were identified, with the lead compound displaying broad-spectrum activity against multiple viral strains and clinical isolates. Mechanism of action studies showed the drug to block viral entry irreversibly, likely via a virucidal mechanism. Importantly, the drug was non-toxic in vivo and showed potent post-exposure therapeutic activity against both SARS-CoV-2 and RSV. Together, these results highlight the potential of functionalized carbohydrates as broad-spectrum antivirals targeting respiratory viruses.Funding for this project was provided by grants SGL2021-03-009, SGL2103053, and SGL2021-03-052 from European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR through the CSIC Global Health Platform established by EU Council Regulation 2020/2094, to RG, to MAM-A, J. R., A. F.-M., J.L.L, and the IBV-Covid19-Pipeline acknowledge the financial support provided by CSIC (grants CSIC-COV19-013, CSIC-COV19-082) and the MICIN (grants PID2019-105337RB-C21, PID2020-120322RB-C21, PID2020-116880GB-I00). RG also acknowledges funding from the Generalitat Valenciana (GVA, GVCOVID19-2020-05). MAM-A acknowledges funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101137506 (NAVIPP).N