Clinical and pathological aspects and cerebellar lectin binding in cattle poisoned with Solanum fastigiatum var. fastigiatum and Solanum bonariense

Microscopic and lectin histochemical studies were performed using the cerebella of 33 natural cases of Solanum fastigiatum var. fastigiatum intoxication in the cattle from southern Brazil and 2 natural and 4 experimental cases of Solanum bonariense from Uruguay. The following biotinylated lectins were used in both cases: WGA, sWGA, BS-I, Con-A, RCA-I, DBA, and UEA-I, with the addition of LCA in S. fastigiatum poisoning cases. Histologically, the lesions consisted of fine vacuolization, distention of portions of the Purkinje cells, axonal spheroids measuring 14-50 m in the granular cell layer and adjacent white matter and, proliferation of the Bergmann?s glia. Lectin histochemistry revealed strong reactivity of stored material in Purkinje neurons with the lectins sWGA, Con-A, and LCA in S. fastigiatum cases. A similar pattern was found in S. bonariense cases with a most intense reactions to WGA, and less intense reaction to Con-A, whereas BS-I and RCA-I binding was absent to poor in these neurons in all the cases studied.Lectin reactivity in Purkinje cells between cases was independent of cell damage (from mild to severe loss of neurons). Both S. fastigiatum and S. bonariense have similar lectin binding,  suggesting a similar pathogenesis. Since comparable binding patterns have been described in animals poisoned with swainsonine-containing plants, perhaps the toxins in these plants contain related glycosidaseinhibiting toxins or inhibit glycoprotein and lysosomal metabolism through some related mechanism. The results of this study showed that in spontaneous poisoning by S. fastigiatum and S. bonariense in the cattle, the pattern of lectin binding is similar to those observed in S. fastigiatum experimental conditions.Fil: Sant’Ana, Fabiano J.F.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Barbeito, Claudio Gustavo. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Nishida, Fabian. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Gimeno, Eduardo Juan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Verdes, José M.. Universidad de la República. Facultad de Ciencias; UruguayFil: Moraña, Antonio. Universidad de la República; UruguayFil: Barros, Claudio S.L.. Universidad de la República; Urugua

A New Theoretical Dynamic Analysis of Ship Rolling Motion Considering Navigational Parameters, Loading Conditions and Sea State Conditions

[Abstract] Despite the IMO’s efforts and the large quantity of research carried out over the years concerning the sudden loss of stability in fishing vessels, and even the damage done to merchant fleets due to cargo shifting, accidents with very relevant consequences continue to occur. This paper can be considered as a continuation of the recent research of authors which was carried out with ships in static conditions, with pure beam seas and without resistance. The aim of the present research is to provide a reference for ships’ operators to improve the ship’s behavior and seakeeping, to alter the ship’s loading conditions or the navigational parameters (heading and speed), and even be aware of the time available to carry out these modifications before reaching dangerous situations. For this, all sea state conditions were mathematically modelled for, including the ship’s rolling motion both in static and in realistic and dynamic conditions, with the waves influencing the vessel by coming from any direction. Relevant results of easy comprehension for ships’ operators are shown in each of the models, which were validated with a representative real case study

Characterization of the bile and gall bladder microbiota of healthy pigs

MicrobiologyOpen published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Bile is a biological fluid synthesized in the liver, stored and concentrated in the gall bladder (interdigestive), and released into the duodenum after food intake. The microbial populations of different parts of mammal's gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small and large intestine) have been extensively studied; however, the characterization of bile microbiota had not been tackled until now. We have studied, by culture-dependent techniques and a 16S rRNA gene-based analysis, the microbiota present in the bile, gall bladder mucus, and biopsies of healthy sows. Also, we have identified the most abundant bacterial proteins in the bile samples. Our data show that the gall bladder ecosystem is mainly populated by members of the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. Furthermore, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allowed us to visualize the presence of individual bacteria of different morphological types, in close association with either the epithelium or the erythrocytes, or inside the epithelial cells. Our work has generated new knowledge of bile microbial profiles and functions and might provide the basis for future studies on the relationship between bile microbiota, gut microbiota, and health. © 2014 The Authors.This work was supported by AGL2013-44761-P and AGL2013-41980-P projects from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Spain). Borja Sánchez was the recipient of a Ramón y Cajal postdoctoral contract from MINECO.Peer Reviewe

New Approach for Managing Sustainability in Projects

[Abstract] Despite the work done to date, project sustainability management (PSM) is still at an embryonic stage. The existing literature considers sustainability as a transversal aspect to be incorporated into the traditional management functions (scope, time, cost, quality, etc.). This article proposes sustainability as a key aspect of project management, with three essential components: principles, processes and competences. Regarding principles, the principle of sustainable development should be added to those generally suggested. As for processes, seven are proposed for (1) planning sustainability management; (2) establishing a sustainability breakdown structure; (3) defining the sustainability objective; (4) identifying project alternatives to achieve it; (5) planning and (6) implementing the sustainability strategy; and (7) monitoring and control. The main interrelationships between these processes and those of project initiation, planning, implementation, control, and closure are also analysed. In addition, the competences that the project manager should have in this field are identified, as well as the main criteria to take into account in order to adapt PSM processes to the characteristics of the project and the organisation. Finally, the results of a Delphi analysis carried out to validate these proposals are presented

Trichothecenes and zearalenone production by Fusarium equiseti and Fusarium semitectum species isolated from Argentinean soybean

Fusarium equiseti and F. semitectum represent the most abundant species in the Fusarium complex isolated from flowers, soybean pods and seeds in Argentina. The aim of the present study was to assess the production of major type A and type B trichothecenes (diacetoxyscirpenol, neosolaniol, T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin, nivalenol, deoxynivalenol) and zearalenone by 40 F. equiseti and 22 F. semitectum isolates on rice culture. Mycotoxins were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection after derivatisation with 1-anthronylnitrile for type A trichothecenes (i.e. diacetoxyscirpenol, neosolaniol, T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin), by HPLC with UV detection for type B trichothecenes (i.e. nivalenol and deoxynivalenol) and by TLC for zearalenone. Twenty-two of 40 F. equiseti isolates produced diacetoxyscirpenol, nivalenol and ZEA alone or in combination, whereas only 2 of 20 F. semitectum isolates were nivalenol and ZEA producers. Both Fusarium species did not produce any deoxynivalenol, neosolaniol, T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin. The variable retention in toxigenicity displayed by both fungal species suggests that these species have a saprophytic lifestyle in the soybean agroecosystem in Argentina.Fil: Barros, Germán Gustavo. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Alaniz Zanon, Maria Silvina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Palazzini, Juan Manuel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Haidukowski, M.. b Institute of Sciences of Food Production; ItaliaFil: Pascale, M.. b Institute of Sciences of Food Production; ItaliaFil: Chulze, Sofia Noemi. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología; Argentin

Optimisation Techniques for Managing the Project Sustainability Objective: Application to a Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

[Abstract] In addition to traditional project management objectives (cost, time, scope and quality, among others), it is now necessary to include a global sustainability objective in all projects, regardless of their nature and scale. The processes for managing this objective may include sub-processes for optimising the sustainability of some or all of the project’s deliverables. In this paper an integrated optimisation technique was applied to optimise the design of a shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE) by taking into account economic, social and environmental indicators. A case study previously analysed in the literature, although with different objectives and scope, was considered for such a purpose. Diverse sets of weights were defined for the environmental impacts, as well as two additional cases. In the first one, all the indicators where assessed in a linear way. Non-linearities were studied in the second one. Both non-nature-inspired (exhaustive search and Monte Carlo simulation) and nature-inspired (Particle Swarm Optimisation, Crow Search Algorithm and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II) optimisation techniques were used to solve the problem. The results were presented and discussed in depth. The findings show the necessity of applying these kinds of methodologies in the design of energy systems and, in particular, STHE

Residential Radon in Central and South America: A Systematic Review.

Radon gas is a pulmonary carcinogen and the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. There are many countries that have not implemented measures to reduce the risk it poses to the general population. The aim of this study was to locate available evidence on exposure to residential radon and the regulations to monitor and control this across Central and South America, by conducting a review of the scientific literature and government documents in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. This review included 31 studies which had taken measurements of radon in these countries. While Brazil, Argentina, and Peru have undertaken most research, no country in Central and South America has a national map of exposure to residential radon. The prevalence of exposure to radon was uneven, both among the different countries and within individual countries. No country has regulations to prevent the entry of radon into homes, and nine countries have not set maximum permissible concentrations for residential radon. There is a limited number of studies in South and Central America, with a limited spatial coverage, and there is a need to improve knowledge on exposure to residential radon and its effects, and for governments to take the necessary actions to introduce preventive measures in their statutory regulations

Inner wall filler as a singular and significant source of indoor radon pollution in heritage buildings: An exhalation method-based approach

Abstract The presence of radon in buildings is a matter of growing concern in the industry. A further layer of complexity is present in heritage buildings, where sources of exhalation other than those observed in more modern conventional buildings may render diagnosis and intervention even more difficult. This study explored the high exhalation rates originating in the inner fillers in thick elements such as bearing walls and structural floors and vaults characterising historic construction. They were found to be close to the values observed in soils and one to two orders of magnitude greater (range: 32.5 mBq/m2·s to 149.7 mBq/m2·s) than found in the construction materials themselves, such as granite. The radon emitted into building interiors by those members exhibited more or less uniform concentration profiles on all storeys, irrespective of elevation and consequently distance form the soil. Further to the results delivered by an accumulative model, the only explanation for the empirical findings is that the inner filler in structural members sources a substantial fraction of the high exhalation rates. That would open a new exploratory pathway for remedies that should necessarily address all emissions, rather than deeming the soil as the sole or primary source of radon gas. The issue is broached in this article on the grounds of a case study of the Tower of Hercules at Corunna, Spain, a building dating from Roman times and presently used as a museum and monument open to the public

Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration in Cattle Poisoned with <i>Solanum</i> spp. in South America: An Epidemiological, Clinicopathological, Pathological, and Toxicological Review

Cattle that consume Solanum bonariense L (= Solanum fastigiatum Willd.) or Solanum paniculatum L. develop a typical cerebellar cortical degeneration characterized by periodic episodes of ataxia, hypermetria, hyperesthesia, head and thoracic limb extension, opisthotonus, nystagmus, and falling to the side or backward. Histological lesions include vacuolation, degeneration, and loss of Purkinje cells. Axonal spheroids, microcavitations, and other changes of Wallerian degeneration in cerebellar granular layer and white matter are also observed. Neurotoxic compounds in Solanum spp. causing neurologic dysfunction in ruminants were not definitively elucidated. The same Solanaceae species are extensively used with culinary purposes or for the treatment of liver and gastrointestinal disorders as hangovers in humans. In the present paper, we review the epidemiology, clinical signs, and pathological hallmarks of poisoning by Solanum —S. bonariense L. (=S. fastigiatum Willd.) and S. paniculatum—with emphasis in histopathology, ultrastructural, and lectin- and immuno-histochemical changes in spontaneous and experimentally poisoned cattle in South America. The current knowledge of the pathogenesis of these bovine cerebellar cortical degenerations is discussed, and some advances in botanical and toxicological aspects of these Solanaceae species are presented, taking into account the potential risk of human poisoning.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration in Cattle Poisoned with <i>Solanum</i> spp. in South America: An Epidemiological, Clinicopathological, Pathological, and Toxicological Review

Cattle that consume Solanum bonariense L (= Solanum fastigiatum Willd.) or Solanum paniculatum L. develop a typical cerebellar cortical degeneration characterized by periodic episodes of ataxia, hypermetria, hyperesthesia, head and thoracic limb extension, opisthotonus, nystagmus, and falling to the side or backward. Histological lesions include vacuolation, degeneration, and loss of Purkinje cells. Axonal spheroids, microcavitations, and other changes of Wallerian degeneration in cerebellar granular layer and white matter are also observed. Neurotoxic compounds in Solanum spp. causing neurologic dysfunction in ruminants were not definitively elucidated. The same Solanaceae species are extensively used with culinary purposes or for the treatment of liver and gastrointestinal disorders as hangovers in humans. In the present paper, we review the epidemiology, clinical signs, and pathological hallmarks of poisoning by Solanum —S. bonariense L. (=S. fastigiatum Willd.) and S. paniculatum—with emphasis in histopathology, ultrastructural, and lectin- and immuno-histochemical changes in spontaneous and experimentally poisoned cattle in South America. The current knowledge of the pathogenesis of these bovine cerebellar cortical degenerations is discussed, and some advances in botanical and toxicological aspects of these Solanaceae species are presented, taking into account the potential risk of human poisoning.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria