Turbiditas carbonatadas del Cretácico inferior en el Arroyo Bercho, Prebético de Jaén: Interpretación genética e implicaciones paleogeográficas

[ES] El análisis de las características sedimentarias de las turbiditas carbonatadas permite precisar la interpretación paleogeográfica del Prebético de Jaén, durante el Cretácico. Se pueden distinguir dos asociaciones de facies: a) Turbiditas de estatificación fina, intercaladas en abundante sedimento pelágico, e interpretadas como facies de borde de lóbulo. b) Cuerpos turbidíticos lenticulares interpretados como lóbulos de depósito formados por agradación. Aparecen asociadas a una serie depositada en una cuenca que progresivamente se fue haciendo más somera y que terminó con la implantación de una plataforma carbonatada en el Cenomanense. Se calcula que el depósito de las turbidítas debió realizarse a unos pocos centenares de metros de profundidad.[EN] The analysis of the sedimentary characteristics of the carbonate turbidites allows to accurate the paleogeographic interpretation of the Prebetie of laen. Two types of facies associations can be distinguished: a) Thin bedded turbidites> as intercalations into mainly hemipelapic sediments, interpreted as lobe fringe facies, b) Lents like turbiditie bodies corresponding to agradational depositional lobes. They occur associated to an shallowing upward sequence ending with Cenomanian carbonated platform facies. The turbiditic deposit supodselly took place in a few hundreds meters deep sedimentary basin.Trabajo patrocinado por la C.A.I.C.Y.T., dentro del proyecto «El Mesozoico de las Cordilleras Béticas» realizado en este centro del C.S.I.C.Peer reviewe

Controlled deformation of vesicles by flexible structured media

Liquid crystalline (LC) materials, such as actin or tubulin networks, are known to be capable of deforming the shape of cells. Here, elements of that behavior are reproduced in a synthetic system, namely, a giant vesicle suspended in a LC, which we view as a first step toward the preparation of active, anisotropic hybrid systems that mimic some of the functionality encountered in biological systems. To that end, we rely on a coupled particle-continuum representation of deformable networks in a nematic LC represented at the level of a Landau–de Gennes free energy functional. Our results indicate that, depending on its elastic properties, the LC is indeed able to deform the vesicle until it reaches an equilibrium, anisotropic shape. The magnitude of the deformation is determined by a balance of elastic and surface forces. For perpendicular anchoring at the vesicle, a Saturn ring defect forms along the equatorial plane, and the vesicle adopts a pancake-like, oblate shape. For degenerate planar anchoring at the vesicle, two boojum defects are formed at the poles of the vesicle, which adopts an elongated, spheroidal shape. During the deformation, the volume of the topological defects in the LC shrinks considerably as the curvature of the vesicle increases. These predictions are confirmed by our experimental observations of spindle-like shapes in experiments with giant unilamellar vesicles with planar anchoring. We find that the tension of the vesicle suppresses vesicle deformation, whereas anchoring strength and large elastic constants promote shape anisotropy

Evaluation of seminal characteristics of Pelibuey and East Friesian rams at two different times of the year

Objective: To determine the changes in seminal quality of Pelibuey and East Friesian rams during the non-breeding (long days; March-June) and breeding seasons (short days; September-December) at 19° north latitude. Design/methodology/approach: To determine changes in seminal quality over time, seminal parameters of rams, collected with an artificial vagina were evaluated over 32 weeks. An analysis of variance was performed with a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (breed and season). Results: No differences were found within breeds or between breeds in the same season in the evaluated seminal parameters; however, differences were reported between seasons in the live weight parameters, lower in the non-reproductive season, in addition to an increased scrotal circumference and mass motility during the reproductive season. Study limitations/implications: Semen parameters estimation, in field trials, is subjective compared to computerized semen evaluation systems, it is therefore desirable to have extensive experience in semen evaluation at the field level before starting the study. To confirm the results obtained in this study, a new experiment with a larger number of experimental units is suggested. Findings/conclusions: It is concluded that in the environmental and management conditions, where the seminal evaluation took place, no differences were found between breeds, suggesting that the Pelibuey and East Friesian breeds at 19° north latitude do not decrease their seminal parameters during the non-breeding season compared to the breeding season. This suggest that these two sheep breeds are able to reproduce, in such conditions, all year round

Praderas de fanerógamas marinas en la bahía de Cádiz: conservación y gestión

Comunicación técnicaLa bahía de Cádiz es un humedal costero protegido por figuras de protección nacionales (Parque Natural) e internacionales (LIC, Convención Ramsar) dada su importancia ecológica. La biodiversidad biológica incluye numerosas especies de macroalgas, invertebrados, peces y aves. Un hecho de singular importancia, y poco conocido por las administraciones públicas, es que en este humedal conviven 3 de las 4 especies de fanerógamas marinas, o más estrictamente angiospermas marinas, de Europa. Las praderas de Cymodocea nodosa y Zostera noltii junto con escasos rodales de Zostera marina, proporcionan numerosos servicios ecológicos que están siendo estudiados por el grupo de Estructura y Dinámica de Ecosistemas Acuáticos de la Universidad de Cádiz. Desde hace 15 años hemos desarrollado proyectos tanto nacionales como internacionales en la bahía con el fin de poner en práctica bases ecológicas para la gestión de estas praderas como parte integrante del ecosistema. Estas herramientas abarcan desde un nivel ecofisiológico muy reduccionista (tasas fotosintéticas, incorporación de nutrientes), hasta un nivel más holista (mapas de cobertura, efecto a gran escala de variables ambientales, utilización de información para la estimación de la calidad ecológica de la masa de agua). Las actuaciones desarrolladas incluyen la consolidación de una red de voluntariado (FAMAR) para la recogida y análisis de la información. El trabajo que se presenta resume la información disponible, con series de datos recogidos y analizados durante la última década, para la gestión de las praderas y el estado de conservación de las mismas. Se incluyen además algunas perspectivas para la gestión.Proyecto ECOLAGUNES del programa europeo Interreg del espacio SUDOE (SOE1/P2/F153), proyecto IMACHYDRO, del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (CTM2008-00012/MAR), proyectos de excelencia de la Junta de Andalucía FUNDIV (P07-RNM-02516), PAMBIO (P08-RNM-03783) y BAHÍA (P06-RNM0163713 página

Analysis of bright bolides recorded between October and November 2022 by the Southwestern Europe Meteor Network

We present in this work the analysis of some of the bright fireballs spotted in the framework of the Southwestern Europe Meteor Network (SWEMN) between October and November 2022. They have been observed from the Iberian Peninsula and had a maximum brightness ranging from mag. –7 to mag. –15. Most meteors included in this report were linked to the sporadic background and also to the Southern Taurids.Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (project PID2019-105797GB-I00). State Agency for Research of the Spanish MCIU through the “Center of Excellence Severo Ochoa” award to the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (SEV-2017-0709). Spanish grant AYA -RTI2018–098657–J-I00 “LEO-SBNAF” (MCIU / AEI / FEDER, UE)

Remarkable fireballs spotted in the framework of the Southwestern Europe Meteor Network along August and September 2022

Some of the bright bolides observed in the framework of the Southwestern Europe Meteor Network between August and September 2022 are described in this work. These have been spotted from the Iberian Peninsula. Their maximum luminosity ranges from mag. –7 to mag. –12. One of these bolides gave rise to a meteorite.Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (project PID2019-105797GB-I00). Spanish MCIU through the “Center of Excellence Severo Ochoa” award to the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (SEV-2017-0709).Spanish grant AYA - RTI2018 – 098657 -J- I00 “LEO-SBNAF” (MCIU / AEI / FEDER, UE)

The Southwestern Europe Meteor Network: notable meteors spotted between December 2022 and January 2023

We present in this report the analysis of some of the notable meteors registered in the framework of the Southwestern Europe Meteor Network between December 2022 and January 2023. These were recorded from Spain. Their peak brightness ranges from mag. –7 to mag. –10. The emission spectrum of one of them is also presented. Bright meteors included here were produced by different sources: the sporadic background, major meteoroid streams, and poorly-known streams.Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (project PID2019-105797GB-I00). State Agency for Research of the Spanish MCIU through the “Center of Excellence Severo Ochoa” award to the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (SEV-2017-0709). Spanish grant AYA - RTI2018 – 098657 – J - I00 “LEO – SBNAF” (MCIU / AEI / FEDER, UE)

Design and baseline characteristics of SALT-HF trial: hypertonic saline therapy in ambulatory heart failure

Aims: Hypertonic saline solution (HSS) plus intravenous (IV) loop diuretic appears to enhance the diuretic response in patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF). The efficacy and safety of this therapy in the ambulatory setting have not been evaluated. We aimed to describe the design and baseline characteristics of the SALT-HF trial participants. Methods and results: ‘Efficacy of Saline Hypertonic Therapy in Ambulatory Patients with HF’ (SALT-HF) trial was a multicenter, double-blinded, and randomized study involving ambulatory patients who experienced worsening heart failure (WHF) without criteria for hospitalization. Enrolled patients had to present at least two signs of volume overload, use ≥ 80 mg of oral furosemide daily, and have elevated natriuretic peptides. Patients were randomized 1:1 to treatment with a 1-h infusion of IV furosemide plus HSS (2.6–3.4% NaCl depending on plasmatic sodium levels) versus a 1-h infusion of IV furosemide at the same dose (125–250 mg, depending on basal loop diuretic dose). Clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters were collected at baseline and after 7 days, and a telephone visit was planned after 30 days. The primary endpoint was 3-h diuresis after treatment started. Secondary endpoints included (a) 7-day changes in congestion data, (b) 7-day changes in kidney function and electrolytes, (c) 30-day clinical events (need of IV diuretic, HF hospitalization, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality or HF-hospitalization). Results: A total of 167 participants [median age, 81 years; interquartile range (IQR), 73–87, 30.5% females] were randomized across 13 sites between December 2020 and March 2023. Half of the participants (n = 82) had an ejection fraction >50%. Most patients showed a high burden of comorbidities, with a median Charlson index of 3 (IQR: 2–4). Common co-morbidities included diabetes mellitus (41%, n = 69), atrial fibrillation (80%, n = 134), and chronic kidney disease (64%, n = 107). Patients exhibited a poor functional NYHA class (69% presenting NYHA III) and several signs of congestion. The mean composite congestion score was 4.3 (standard deviation: 1.7). Ninety per cent of the patients (n = 151) presented oedema and jugular engorgement, and 71% (n = 118) showed lung B lines assessed by ultrasound. Median inferior vena cava diameter was 23 mm, (IQR: 21–25), and plasmatic levels of N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) and antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) were increased (median NT-proBNP 4969 pg/mL, IQR: 2508–9328; median CA125 46 U/L, IQR: 20–114). Conclusions: SALT-HF trial randomized 167 ambulatory patients with WHF and will determine whether an infusion of hypertonic saline therapy plus furosemide increases diuresis and improves decongestion compared to equivalent furosemide administration alone

M2 Macrophages Activate WNT Signaling Pathway in Epithelial Cells: Relevance in Ulcerative Colitis

Macrophages, which exhibit great plasticity, are important components of the inflamed tissue and constitute an essential element of regenerative responses. Epithelial Wnt signalling is involved in mechanisms of proliferation and differentiation and expression of Wnt ligands by macrophages has been reported. We aim to determine whether the macrophage phenotype determines the expression of Wnt ligands, the influence of the macrophage phenotype in epithelial activation of Wnt signalling and the relevance of this pathway in ulcerative colitis. Human monocyte-derived macrophages and U937-derived macrophages were polarized towards M1 or M2 phenotypes and the expression of Wnt1 and Wnt3a was analyzed by qPCR. The effects of macrophages and the role of Wnt1 were analyzed on the expression of β-catenin, Tcf-4, c-Myc and markers of cell differentiation in a co-culture system with Caco-2 cells. Immunohistochemical staining of CD68, CD206, CD86, Wnt1, β-catenin and c-Myc were evaluated in the damaged and non-damaged mucosa of patients with UC. We also determined the mRNA expression of Lgr5 and c-Myc by qPCR and protein levels of β-catenin by western blot. Results show that M2, and no M1, activated the Wnt signaling pathway in co-culture epithelial cells through Wnt1 which impaired enterocyte differentiation. A significant increase in the number of CD206+ macrophages was observed in the damaged mucosa of chronic vs newly diagnosed patients. CD206 immunostaining co-localized with Wnt1 in the mucosa and these cells were associated with activation of canonical Wnt signalling pathway in epithelial cells and diminution of alkaline phosphatase activity. Our results show that M2 macrophages, and not M1, activate Wnt signalling pathways and decrease enterocyte differentiation in co-cultured epithelial cells. In the mucosa of UC patients, M2 macrophages increase with chronicity and are associated with activation of epithelial Wnt signalling and diminution in enterocyte differentiation

Design and baseline characteristics of SALT‐HF trial: hypertonic saline therapy in ambulatory heart failure

Aims Hypertonic saline solution (HSS) plus intravenous (IV) loop diuretic appears to enhance the diuretic response in patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF). The efficacy and safety of this therapy in the ambulatory setting have not been evaluated. We aimed to describe the design and baseline characteristics of the SALT-HF trial participants. Methods and results 'Efficacy of Saline Hypertonic Therapy in Ambulatory Patients with HF' (SALT-HF) trial was a multicenter, double-blinded, and randomized study involving ambulatory patients who experienced worsening heart failure (WHF) without criteria for hospitalization. Enrolled patients had to present at least two signs of volume overload, use >= 80 mg of oral furosemide daily, and have elevated natriuretic peptides. Patients were randomized 1:1 to treatment with a 1-h infusion of IV furosemide plus HSS (2.6-3.4% NaCl depending on plasmatic sodium levels) versus a 1-h infusion of IV furosemide at the same dose (125-250 mg, depending on basal loop diuretic dose). Clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters were collected at baseline and after 7 days, and a telephone visit was planned after 30 days. The primary endpoint was 3-h diuresis after treatment started. Secondary endpoints included (a) 7-day changes in congestion data, (b) 7-day changes in kidney function and electrolytes, (c) 30-day clinical events (need of IV diuretic, HF hospitalization, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality or HF-hospitalization). Results A total of 167 participants [median age, 81 years; interquartile range (IQR), 73-87, 30.5% females] were randomized across 13 sites between December 2020 and March 2023. Half of the participants (n = 82) had an ejection fraction >50%. Most patients showed a high burden of comorbidities, with a median Charlson index of 3 (IQR: 2-4). Common co-morbidities included diabetes mellitus (41%, n = 69), atrial fibrillation (80%, n = 134), and chronic kidney disease (64%, n = 107). Patients exhibited a poor functional NYHA class (69% presenting NYHA III) and several signs of congestion. The mean composite congestion score was 4.3 (standard deviation: 1.7). Ninety per cent of the patients (n = 151) presented oedema and jugular engorgement, and 71% (n = 118) showed lung B lines assessed by ultrasound. Median inferior vena cava diameter was 23 mm, (IQR: 21-25), and plasmatic levels of N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) and antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) were increased (median NT-proBNP 4969 pg/mL, IQR: 2508-9328; median CA125 46 U/L, IQR: 20-114). Conclusions SALT-HF trial randomized 167 ambulatory patients with WHF and will determine whether an infusion of hypertonic saline therapy plus furosemide increases diuresis and improves decongestion compared to equivalent furosemide administration alone