1,112 research outputs found
Holocene geochemical footprint from Semiarid alpine wetlands in southern Spain
Here we provide the geochemical dataset that our research group has collected after 10 years of investigation in the Sierra Nevada National Park in southern Spain. These data come from Holocene sedimentary records from four alpine sites (ranging from âŒ2500 to âŒ3000âmasl): two peatlands and two shallow lakes. Different kinds of organic and inorganic analyses have been conducted. The organic matter in the bulk sediment was characterised using elemental measurements and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS). Leaf waxes in the sediment were investigated by means of chromatography with flame-ionization detection and mass spectrometry (GC-FID, GC-MS). Major, minor and trace elements of the sediments were analysed with atomic absorption (AAS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), as well as X-ray scanning fluorescence. These data can be reused by environmental researchers and soil and land managers of the Sierra Nevada National Park and similar regions to identify the effect of natural climate change, overprinted by human impact, as well as to project new management policies in similar protected areas.Universidad de Granada. Departamento de EstratigrafĂa y PaleontologĂaJunta de AndalucĂa: Grupos de investigaciĂłn RNM190 y RNM309Junta de AndalucĂa: Proyecto P11-RNM-7332España, Ministerio de EconomĂa y Competitividad: Proyecto CGL2013-47038-RRamĂłn y Cajal Fellowship: RYC-2015-18966Small Research Grant by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of ScotlandMarie Curie Intra-European Fellowship of the 7th Framework Programme for Research,
Technological Development and Demonstration of the European Commission: NAOSIPUK. Grant Number: PIEF-GA-2012-62302
Determination of diquat by flow injection-chemiluminescence
A simple, economic, sensitive and rapid method for the determination of the pesticide diquat was described. This new method was based on the coupling of flow injection analysis methodology and direct chemiluminescent detection; to the authors' knowledge, this approach had not been used up to now with this pesticide. It was based on its oxidation with ferricyanide in alkaline medium; significant improvements in the analytical signal were achieved by using high temperatures and quinine as sensitiser. Its high throughput (144 h(-1)), together with its low limit of detection (2 ng mL(-1)), achieved without need of preconcentration steps, permitted the reliable quantification of diquat over the linear range of (0.01-0.6) mu g mL(-1) in samples from different origins (river, tap, mineral and ground waters), even in the presence of a 40-fold concentration of paraquat, a pesticide commonly present in the commercial formulations of diquat.LĂłpez-Paz, JL.; CatalĂĄ-Icardo, M.; AntĂłn Garrido, B. (2009). Determination of diquat by flow injection-chemiluminescence. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 394(4):1073-1079. doi:10.1007/s00216-009-2609-zS107310793944Hayes WJ Jr, Laws ER Jr (1991) Handbook of pesticide toxicology, Academic Press, San DiegoUS Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/06WDW/contaminants/dw_contamfs/diquat.html (accessed in August 2008)Horwitz W (2000) Official methods of analysis of AOAC International 17th edition. AOAC International, Gaithersburg, MD, USAHara S, Sasaki N, Takase D, Shiotsuka S, Ogata K, Futagami K, Tamura K (2007) Anal Sci 23(5):523â531Rial Otero R, Cancho Grande B, PĂ©rez Lamela C, Simal Gandara J, Aria Estevez M (2006) J Chromatogr Sci 44(9):539â542Aramendia MA, Borau V, Lafont F, Marinas JM, Moreno JM, Porras JM, Urbano FJ (2006) Food Chem 97(1):181â188Nuñez O, Moyano E, Galceran MT (2004) Anal Chim Acta 525(2):183â190Martinez Vidal JL, Belmonte Vega A, Sanchez Lopez FJ, Garrido Frenich AJ (2004) Chromatogr A 1050(2):179â184Lee XP, Kumazawa T, Fujishiro M, Hasegawa C, Arinobu T, Seno H, Sato K (2004) J Mass Spectrom 39(10):1147â1152De Almeida RM, Yonamine M (2007) J Chromatogr B 853(1â2):260â264De Souza D, Machado SAS (2006) Electroanalysis 18(9):862â872De Souza D, Da Silva MRC, Machado SAS (2006) Electroanalysis 18(23):2305â2313PicĂł Y, Rodriguez R, Manes J (2003) Trends Anal Chem 22(3):133â151Ishiwata T (2004) Bunseki Kagaku 53(8):863â864Carneiro MC, Puignou L, GalcerĂĄn MT (2000) Anal Chim Acta 408:263Luque M, Rios A, Valcarcel M (1998) Analyst 123(11):2383â2387Perez Ruiz T, MartĂnez Lozano C, Tomas V (1991) Int J Environ Anal Chem 44(4):243â252Perez Ruiz T, MartĂnez Lozano C, Tomas V (1991) Anal Chim Acta 244(1):99â104Townshend A (1990) Analyst 115:495â500LĂłpez Paz JL, CatalĂĄ Icardo M (2008) Anal Chim Acta 625:173â179PawlicovĂĄ Z, Sahuquillo I, CatalĂĄ Icardo M, GarcĂa Mateo JV, MartĂnez Calatayud J (2006) Anal Sci 22:29â34Albert GarcĂa JR, CatalĂĄ Icardo M, MartĂnez Calatayud J (2006) Talanta 69:608â614Tomlin CDS (1997) The pesticide manual, 11th edn.The British Crop Protection CouncilUKCatalĂĄ-Icardo M, MartĂnez-Calatayud J (2008) Crit Rev Anal Chem 38:118â130Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Medio Rural y Marino. http://www.marm.es/ (accessed in September 2008)US Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/OGWWDW/contaminants (accessed in October 2008
Superparamagnetic colloids in viscous fluids
The influence of a magnetic field on the aggregation process of superparamagnetic colloids has been well known on short time for a few decades. However, the influence of important parameters, such as viscosity of the liquid, has received only little attention. Moreover, the equilibrium state reached after a long time is still challenging on some aspects. Indeed, recent experimental measurements show deviations from pure analytical models in extreme conditions. Furthermore, current simulations would require several years of computing time to reach equilibrium state under those conditions. In the present paper, we show how viscosity influences the characteristic time of the aggregation process, with experimental measurements in agreement with previous theories on transient behaviour. Afterwards, we performed numerical simulations on equivalent systems with lower viscosities. Below a critical value of viscosity, a transition to a new aggregation regime is observed and analysed. We noticed this result can be used to reduce the numerical simulation time from several orders of magnitude, without modifying the intrinsic physical behaviour of the particles. However, it also implies that, for high magnetic fields, granular gases could have a very different behaviour from colloidal liquids
Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in psychiatric inpatients in a northern Mexican city
BACKGROUND: Patients with psychiatric disorders were found to show a high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection. There is scarce information about the epidemiology of T. gondii infection in psychiatric patients in Mexico. Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection and associated socio-demographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics in a population of psychiatric patients in Durango City, Mexico. Seroprevalence in patients was compared with that obtained in a control population. METHODS: One hundred and thirty seven inpatients of a public psychiatric hospital and 180 controls were examined for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii by enzyme-linked immunoassay (Diagnostic Automation Inc., Calabasas, CA, USA). The control population consisted of blood donors of a public blood bank and elderly persons attending a senior center in the same city. Age in controls (42 years +/- 20.2) was comparable with that of the psychiatric patients (43.7 years +/-13.8) (p = 0.42). Socio-demographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics from the patients were also obtained. RESULTS: Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies indicating latent infection with T. gondii was found in 25 (18.2%) of 137 psychiatric inpatients and 16 (8.9%) of 180 controls (p = 0.02). Ten (26.3%) of 38 schizophrenic patients had latent infection and this prevalence was also significantly higher than that observed in controls (p = 0.005). Prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies was comparable among patients and controls (4.4% vs 2.2%, respectively, p = 0.22). Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii infection in inpatients was positively associated with sexual promiscuity (adjusted OR = 15.8; 95% CI: 3.8â64.8), unwashed raw fruit consumption (adjusted OR = 5.19; 95% CI: 2.3â11.3), and a history of surgery (adjusted OR = 6.5; 95% CI: 2.6â16), and negatively associated with lamb meat consumption (adjusted OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.10â0.63). CONCLUSION: In the present study, psychiatric inpatients in Durango, Mexico, in general and schizophrenia inpatients in particular had a significantly higher prevalence of T. gondii infection than the control group. Results suggest that unwashed raw fruit consumption might be the most important route of T. gondii transmission in our psychiatric inpatients while lamb meat consumption the less important. Additional studies will have to elucidate the causative relation between infection with T. gondii and psychiatric disorders
Diet and food strategies in a southern al-Andalusian urban environment during Caliphal period, ecija, Sevilla
The Iberian medieval period is unique in European history due to the widespread socio-cultural changes that took place after the
arrival of Arabs, Berbers and Islam in 711 AD. Recently, isotopic research has been insightful on dietary shifts, status, resource
availability and the impact of environment. However, there is no published isotopic research exploring these factors in southern
Iberian populations, and as the history of this area differs to the northern regions, this leaves a significant lacuna in our
knowledge. This research fills this gap via isotopic analysis of human (n = 66) and faunal (n = 13) samples from the 9th to the
13th century Ăcija, a town renowned for high temperatures and salinity. Stable carbon (ÎŽ13C) and nitrogen (ÎŽ15N) isotopes were
assessed from rib collagen, while carbon (ÎŽ13C) values were derived from enamel apatite. Human diet is consistent with C3 plant
consumption with a very minor contribution of C4 plants, an interesting feature considering the suitability of Ăcija to C4 cereal
production. ÎŽ15N values vary among adults, which may suggest variable animal protein consumption or isotopic variation within
animal species due to differences in foddering. Consideration of ÎŽ13C collagen and apatite values together may indicate sugarcane
consumption, while moderate ÎŽ15N values do not suggest a strong aridity or salinity effect. Comparison with other Iberian groups
shows similarities relating to time and location rather than by religion, although more multi-isotopic studies combined with
zooarchaeology and botany may reveal subtle differences unobservable in carbon and nitrogen collagen studies alone.OLC is funded by Plan Galego I2C mod.B (ED481D 2017/014). The research was partially funded by the projects âGalician Paleodietâ and by Consiliencia network (ED 431D2017/08) Xunta de GaliciaS
Two common nonsynonymous paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene polymorphisms and brain astrocytoma and meningioma
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) plays a major role in the metabolism of several organophosphorus compounds. The enzyme is encoded by the polymorphic gene <it>PON1</it>, located on chromosome 7q21.3. Aiming to identify genetic variations related to the risk of developing brain tumors, we investigated the putative association between common nonsynonymous <it>PON1 </it>polymorphisms and the risk of developing astrocytoma and meningioma.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Seventy one consecutive patients with brain tumors (43 with astrocytoma grade II/III and 28 with meningioma) with ages ranging 21 to 76 years, and 220 healthy controls subjects were analyzed for the frequency of the nonsynonymous <it>PON1 </it>genotypes L55M rs854560 and Q192R rs662. All participants were adult Caucasian individuals recruited in the central area of Spain.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The frequencies of the <it>PON1 </it>genotypes and allelic variants of the polymorphisms <it>PON1 </it>L55M and <it>PON1 </it>Q192R did not differ significantly between patients with astrocytoma and meningioma and controls. The minor allele frequencies were as follows: <it>PON1 </it>55L, 0.398, 0.328 and 0.286 for patients with astrocytoma, meningioma and control individuals, respectively; <it>PON1 </it>192R, 0.341, 0.362 and 0.302 for patients with astrocytoma, meningioma and control individuals, respectively. Correction for age, gender, or education, made no difference in odds ratios and the <it>p </it>values remained non-significant. Haplotype association analyses did not identify any significant association with the risk of developing astrocytoma or meningioma.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Common nonsynonymous <it>PON1 </it>polymorphisms are not related with the risk of developing astrocytoma and meningioma.</p
Telomere Length as a Biomarker for Adiposity Changes after a Multidisciplinary Intervention in Overweight/Obese Adolescents: The EVASYON Study
[Context]
Telomeres are biomarkers of biological aging. Shorter telomeres have been associated with increased adiposity in adults. However, this relationship remains unclear in children and adolescents.
[Objective]
To evaluate the association between telomere length (TL) and adiposity markers in overweight/obese adolescents after an intensive program. We hypothesize that greater TL at baseline would predict a better response to a weight loss treatment.
Design, Setting, Patients and Intervention
The EVASYON is a multidisciplinary treatment program for adolescents with overweight and obesity that is aimed at applying the intervention to all possibly involved areas of the individual, such as dietary habits, physical activity and cognitive and psychological profiles. Seventy-four participants (36 males, 38 females, 12â16 yr) were enrolled in the intervention program: 2 months of an energy-restricted diet and a follow-up period (6 months).
[Main Outcome]
TL was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction at baseline and after 2 months; meanwhile, anthropometric variables were also assessed after 6 months of follow-up.
[Results]
TL lengthened in participants during the intensive period (+1.9±1.0, p<0.001) being greater in overweight/obese adolescents with the shortest telomeres at baseline (r = â0.962, p<0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that higher baseline TL significantly predicted a higher decrease in body weight (B = â1.53, p = 0.005; B = â2.25, p = 0.047) and in standard deviation score for body mass index (BMI-SDS) (B = â0.22, p = 0.010; B = â0.47, p = 0.005) after the intensive and extensive period treatment respectively, in boys.
[Conclusion]
Our study shows that a weight loss intervention is accompanied by a significant increase in TL in overweight/obese adolescents. Moreover, we suggest that initial longer TL could be a potential predictor for a better weight loss response.Research relating to this work was funded by grants from the Health Research Fund from the Carlos III Health Institute from Ministry of Health and Consumption, Fondo de InvestigaciĂłn Sanitaria (FIS; PI051579, PI051080) for the EVASYON project; LĂnea Especial, NutriciĂłn y Obesidad (University of Navarra); Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN) [SAF2010-20367]; Carlos III Health Institute [Centro de InvestigaciĂłn BiomĂ©dica en Red (CIBER) project, CB06/03/1017], and RETICS network. The scholarship to S. GarcĂa-CalzĂłn from the FPU âFormaciĂłn de Profesorado Universitarioâ from the Spanish Ministry is fully acknowledged
Observation of associated near-side and away-side long-range correlations in âsNN=5.02ââTeV proton-lead collisions with the ATLAS detector
Two-particle correlations in relative azimuthal angle (ÎÏ) and pseudorapidity (Îη) are measured in âsNN=5.02ââTeV p+Pb collisions using the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The measurements are performed using approximately 1ââÎŒb-1 of data as a function of transverse momentum (pT) and the transverse energy (ÎŁETPb) summed over 3.1<η<4.9 in the direction of the Pb beam. The correlation function, constructed from charged particles, exhibits a long-range (2<|Îη|<5) ânear-sideâ (ÎÏâŒ0) correlation that grows rapidly with increasing ÎŁETPb. A long-range âaway-sideâ (ÎÏâŒÏ) correlation, obtained by subtracting the expected contributions from recoiling dijets and other sources estimated using events with small ÎŁETPb, is found to match the near-side correlation in magnitude, shape (in Îη and ÎÏ) and ÎŁETPb dependence. The resultant ÎÏ correlation is approximately symmetric about Ï/2, and is consistent with a dominant cosâĄ2ÎÏ modulation for all ÎŁETPb ranges and particle pT
A Functional Role of RB-Dependent Pathway in the Control of Quiescence in Adult Epidermal Stem Cells Revealed by Genomic Profiling
Continuous cell renewal in mouse epidermis is at the expense of a pool of pluripotent cells that lie in a well defined niche in the hair follicle known as the bulge. To identify mechanisms controlling hair follicle stem cell homeostasis, we developed a strategy to isolate adult bulge stem cells in mice and to define their transcriptional profile. We observed that a large number of transcripts are underexpressed in hair follicle stem cells when compared to non-stem cells. Importantly, the majority of these downregulated genes are involved in cell cycle. Using bioinformatics tools, we identified the E2F transcription factor family as a potential element involved in the regulation of these transcripts. To determine their functional role, we used engineered mice lacking Rb gene in epidermis, which showed increased expression of most E2F family members and increased E2F transcriptional activity. Experiments designed to analyze epidermal stem cell functionality (i.e.: hair regrowth and wound healing) imply a role of the Rb-E2F axis in the control of stem cell quiescence in epidermis
Trends in eczema prevalence in children and adolescents: AÂ Global Asthma Network Phase I Study
Background: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a major global public health issue with high prevalence and morbidity. Our goal was to evaluate eczema prevalence over time, using standardized methodology. Methods: The Global Asthma Network (GAN) Phase I study is an international collaborative study arising from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC). Using surveys, we assessed eczema prevalence, severity, and lifetime prevalence, in global centres participating in GAN Phase I (2015â2020) and one/ both of ISAAC Phase I (1993â1995) and Phase III (2001â2003). We fitted linear mixed models to estimate 10-yearly prevalence trends, by age group, income, and region. Results: We analysed GAN Phase I data from 27 centres in 14 countries involving 74,361 adolescents aged 13â14 and 47,907 children aged 6â7 (response rate 90%, 79%). A median of 6% of children and adolescents had symptoms of current eczema, with 1.1% and 0.6% in adolescents and children, respectively, reporting symptoms of severe eczema. Over 27 years, after adjusting for world region and income, we estimated small overall 10-year increases in current eczema prevalence (adolescents: 0.98%, 95% CI 0.04%â1.92%; children: 1.21%, 95% CI 0.18%â2.24%), and severe eczema (adolescents: 0.26%, 95% CI 0.06%â0.46%; children: 0.23%, 95% CI 0.02%â0.45%) with larger increases in lifetime prevalence (adolescents: 2.71%, 95% CI 1.10%â4.32%; children: 3.91%, 95% CI 2.07%â5.75%). There was substantial heterogeneity in 10-year change between centres (standard deviations 2.40%, 0.58%, and 3.04%), and strong evidence that some of this heterogeneity was explained by region and income level, with increases in some outcomes in high-income children and middle-income adolescents. Conclusions: There is substantial variation in changes in eczema prevalence over time by income and region. Understanding reasons for increases in some regions and decreases in others will help inform prevention strategies
- âŠ