Intensification of livestock farming in times of climate change: The challenges of domestic grazing in the drylands of the Argentine Patagonia

Livestock grazing modifies and even degrades arid ecosystems, which threatens the sustainability of livestock farming itself. It is essential to learn more about the effects of grazing on vegetation and soil to design strategies to avoid desertification, perhaps the most serious problem faced by drylands. In this paper, we evaluate the changes in the functional traits of the plant community and the biological soil crust induced by the intensification of grazing in Patagonian ecosystems. This description, together with changes in diversity, plant composition, and ecosystem functioning, can help us to understand the mechanisms by which the intensification of sheep grazing could degrade arid ecosystems.; El pastoreo con ganado modifica los ecosistemas áridos y llega incluso a degradarlos, lo que atenta contra la sustentabilidad de la propia actividad ganadera. Resulta clave conocer los efectos del pastoreo sobre la vegetación y el suelo para poder diseñar estrategias que eviten la desertificación, quizá el problema más grave que encaran los ecosistemas áridos. En este artículo, evaluamos los cambios en los rasgos funcionales de la comunidad vegetal y la costra biológica del suelo inducidos por la intensificación del pastoreo en ecosistemas patagónicos. Esta descripción, junto con los cambios en la diversidad, composición y funcionamiento ecosistémico, ayuda a comprender los mecanismos por los que la intensificación del pastoreo ovino podría degradar los ecosistemas áridos.; El pasturatge amb bestiar modifica els ecosistemes àrids i fins i tot arriba a degradar-los, cosa que atempta contra la sostenibilitat de la mateixa activitat ramadera. Resulta clau conèixer els efectes del pasturatge sobre la vegetació i el sòl per a poder dissenyar estratègies que eviten la desertificació, potser el problema més greu que encaren els ecosistemes àrids. En aquest article, avaluem els canvis en els trets funcionals de la comunitat vegetal i la crosta biològica del sòl induïts per la intensificació del pasturatge en ecosistemes patagònics. Aquesta descripció, juntament amb els canvis en la diversitat, composició i funcionament ecosistèmic, ajuda a comprendre els mecanismes pels quals la intensificació del pasturatge oví podria degradar els ecosistemes àrids

A Retrospective Cohort Study of Traumatic Root Fractures in Primary Dentition: Can Splinting Type Improve Therapeutic Outcomes?

(1) Introduction: Deciduous traumatic dental injuries pose a serious global health concern. Root fractures show an incidence rate of approximately 2%; however, the literature is limited regarding the appropriate treatment and prognosis of affected teeth. This retrospective study aims to analyze the long-term outcomes of orthodontic splinting using brackets compared with composite resin-only splinting in two homogeneous samples affected by root fractures. The study also examines the onset and patterns of root resorption. (2) Methods: The first group included 25 patients with 27 deciduous upper incisors affected by root fracture; Group 2 consisted of 35 patients with 38 root fractures of maxillary deciduous teeth. The categorical data for both groups were analyzed using the chi-squared homogeneity test. Age groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test; p < 0.005 was considered statistically significant. (3) Results: In both groups, the male gender predominated similarly. In Group 1, early decidual loss occurred in 16% of cases, whereas in Group 2 it occurred in 51% of cases. Pulp canal obliteration was observed in 68% of deciduous teeth in Group 1, compared with 30% in Group 2. No complications affecting permanent teeth were noted in Group 1; in Group 2, 29% developed enamel dysplasia and 26% experienced delayed eruption, with statistically significant differences in these proportions. Apical fragment resorption was observed in 92% of cases in Group 1 and 30% in Group 2. (4) Conclusions: The treatment of deciduous tooth root fractures using orthodontic splints can yield significant benefits, such as reduction of early tooth loss. Furthermore, the study confirms that early resorption of the distal fragment of fractured roots is a common physiological phenomenon in primary teeth and typically occurs within a year following trauma

Chronic Trazodone and Citalopram Treatments Increase Trophic Factor and Circadian Rhythm Gene Expression in Rat Brain Regions Relevant for Antidepressant Efficacy

Abstract: Trazodone is an efficacious atypical antidepressant acting both as an SSRI and a 5HT2A and 5HT2C antagonist. Antagonism to H1-histaminergic and alpha1-adrenergic receptors is responsible for a sleep-promoting action. We studied long-term gene expression modulations induced by chronic trazodone to investigate the molecular underpinning of trazodone efficacy. Rats received acute or chronic treatment with trazodone or citalopram. mRNA expression of growth factor and circadian rhythm genes was evaluated by qPCR in the prefrontal cortex (PFCx), hippocampus, Nucleus Accumbens (NAc), amygdala, and hypothalamus. CREB levels and phosphorylation state were evaluated using Western blotting. BDNF levels were significantly increased in PFCx and hippocampus by trazodone and in the NAc and hypothalamus by citalopram. Likewise, TrkB receptor levels augmented in the PFCx after trazodone and in the amygdala after citalopram. FGF-2 and FGFR2 levels were higher after trazodone in the PFCx. The CREB phosphorylation state was increased by chronic trazodone in the PFCx, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. Bmal1 and Per1 were increased by both antidepressants after acute and chronic treatments, while Per2 levels were specifically augmented by chronic trazodone in the PFCx and NAc, and by citalopram in the PFCx, amygdala, and NAc. These findings show that trazodone affects the expression of neurotrophic factors involved in antidepressant responses and alters circadian rhythm genes implicated in the pathophysiology of depression, thus shedding light on trazodone’s molecular mechanism of actio

Systems biology integration of proteomic data in rodent models of depression reveals involvement of the immune response and glutamatergic signalling

Purpose The pathophysiological basis of major depression is incompletely understood. Recently, numerous proteomic studies have been performed in rodent models of depression to investigate the molecular underpinnings of depressive-like behaviours with an unbiased approach. The objective of the study was to integrate the results of these proteomic studies in depression models to shed light on the most relevant molecular pathways involved in the disease. Experimental design Network analysis was performed integrating pre-existing proteomic data from rodent models of depression. The IntAct mouse and the HRPD were used as reference protein-protein interaction databases. The functionality analyses of the networks were then performed by testing over-represented GO biological process terms and pathways. Results Functional enrichment analyses of the networks revealed an association with molecular processes related to depression in humans, such as those involved in the immune response. Pathways impacted by clinically effective antidepressants were modulated, including glutamatergic signalling and neurotrophic responses. Moreover, dysregulations of proteins regulating energy metabolism and circadian rhythms were implicated. The comparison with protein pathways modulated in depressive patients revealed significant overlapping. Conclusions and clinical relevance This systems biology study supports the notion that animal models could contribute to the research into the biology and therapeutics of depression

Metabolomics Fingerprint Induced by the Intranigral Inoculation of Exogenous Human Alpha-Synuclein Oligomers in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is considered a synucleinopathy because of the intraneuronal accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein (αSyn). Recent evidence points to soluble αSyn-oligomers (αSynO) as the main cytotoxic species responsible for cell death. Given the pivotal role of αSyn in PD, αSyn-based models are crucial for the investigation of toxic mechanisms and the identification of new therapeutic targets in PD. By using a metabolomics approach, we evaluated the metabolic profile of brain and serum samples of rats infused unilaterally with preformed human αSynOs (HαSynOs), or vehicle, into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Three months postinfusion, the striatum was dissected for striatal dopamine (DA) measurements via High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis and mesencephalon and serum samples were collected for the evaluation of metabolite content via gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. Multivariate, univariate and correlation statistics were applied. A 40% decrease of DA content was measured in the HαSynO-infused striatum as compared to the contralateral and the vehicle-infused striata. Decreased levels of dehydroascorbic acid, myo-inositol, and glycine, and increased levels of threonine, were found in the mesencephalon, while increased contents of fructose and mannose, and a decrease in glycine and urea, were found in the serum of HαSynO-infused rats. The significant correlation between DA and metabolite content indicated that metabolic variations reflected the nigrostriatal degeneration. Collectively, the metabolomic fingerprint of HαSynO-infused rats points to an increase of oxidative stress markers, in line with PD neuropathology, and provides hints for potential biomarkers of PD

Insulin Receptor Isoform A and Insulin-like Growth Factor II as Additional Treatment Targets in Human Osteosarcoma

Abstract Despite the frequent presence of an insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGFIR)-mediated autocrine loop in osteosarcoma (OS), interfering with this target was only moderately effective in preclinical studies. Here, we considered other members of the IGF system that might be involved in the molecular pathology of OS. We found that, among 45 patients with OS, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 serum levels were significantly lower, and IGF-II serum levels significantly higher, than healthy controls. Increased IGF-II values were associated with a decreased disease-free survival. After tumor removal, both IGF-I and IGF-II levels returned to normal values. In 23 of 45 patients, we obtained tissue specimens and found that all expressed high mRNA level of IGF-II and >IGF-I. Also, isoform A of the insulin receptor (IR-A) was expressed at high level in addition to IGFIR and IR-A/IGFIR hybrids receptors (HRA). These receptors were also expressed in OS cell lines, and simultaneous impairment of IGFIR, IR, and Hybrid-Rs by monoclonal antibodies, siRNA, or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor BMS-536924, which blocks both IGFIR and IR, was more effective than selective anti-IGFIR strategies. Also, anti–IGF-II-siRNA treatment in low-serum conditions significantly inhibited MG-63 OS cells that have an autocrine circuit for IGF-II. In summary, IGF-II rather than IGF-I is the predominant growth factor produced by OS cells, and three different receptors (IR-A, HRA, and IGFIR) act complementarily for an IGF-II–mediated constitutive autocrine loop, in addition to the previously shown IGFIR/IGF-I circuit. Cotargeting IGFIR and IR-A is more effective than targeting IGF-IR alone in inhibiting OS growth. [Cancer Res 2009;69(6):2443–52

Diseño y desarrollo de un sistema de alerta temprana para pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19

La pandemia por COVID-19 planteó un desafío para el sistema salud, debido a la gran demanda de pacientes hospitalizados. La identificación temprana de pacientes hospitalizados con riesgo de evolución desfavorable es vital para asistir en forma oportuna y planificar la demanda de recursos. El propósito de este estudio fue identificar las variables predictivas de mala evolución en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 y crear un modelo predictivo que pueda usarse como herramienta de triage. A través de una revisión narrativa, se obtuvieron 44 variables vinculadas a una evolución desfavorable de la enfermedad COVID-19, incluyendo variables clínicas, de laboratorio y radiográficas. Luego se utilizó un procesamiento por método Delphi modificado de 2 rondas para seleccionar una lista final de variables incluidas en el score llamado COVID-19 Severity Index. Luego se calculó el Área Bajo la Curva (AUC) del score para predecir el pase a terapia intensiva en las próximas 24 horas. El score presentó un AUC de 0,94 frente a 0,80 para NEWS-2. Finalmente se agregó el COVID-19 Severity Index a la historia clínica electrónica de un hospital universitario de alta complejidad. Se programó para que el mismo se actualice de manera automática, facilitando la planificación estratégica, organización y administración de recursos a través de la identificación temprana de pacientes hospitalizados con mayor riesgo de transferencia a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos.Pandemics pose a major challenge for public health preparedness, requiring a coordinated international response and the development of solid containment plans. Early and accurate identifica tion of high-risk patients in the course of the current COVID-19 pandemic is vital for planning and making proper use of available resources. The purpose of this study was to identify the key variables that account for worse outcomes to create a predictive model that could be used effectively for triage. Through literature review, 44 variables that could be linked to an unfavorable course of COVID-19 disease were obtained, including clinical, laboratory, and X-ray variables. These were used for a 2-round modified Delphi processing with 14 experts to select a final list of variables with the greatest predictive power for the construction of a scoring system, leading to the creation of a new scoring system: the COVID-19 Severity Index. The analysis of the area under the curve for the COVID-19 Severity Index was 0.94 to predict the need for ICU admission in the following 24 hours against 0.80 for NEWS-2. Additionally, the digital medical record of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires was electronically set for an automatic calculation and constant update of the COVID-19 Severity Index. Specifically designed for the current COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 Severity Index could be used as a reliable tool for strategic planning, organization, and administration of resources by easily identifying hospitalized patients with a greater need of intensive care.Fil: Huespe, Ivan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica. - Hospital Italiano. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica. - Instituto Universitario Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica.; ArgentinaFil: Carboni Bisso, Indalecio. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Gemelli, Nicolas A.. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Terrasa, Sergio Adrian. Hospital Italiano; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Di Stefano, Sabrina. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Burgos, Valeria Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica. - Hospital Italiano. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica. - Instituto Universitario Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica.; ArgentinaFil: Sinner, Jorge. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Oubiña, Mailen. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Bezzati, Marina. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Delgado, Pablo. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Las Heras, Marcos. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Risk, Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica. - Hospital Italiano. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica. - Instituto Universitario Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica.; Argentin

Heavy metals: teeth as environmental biomarkers

Aim of this study was to measure the concentration of heavy metals in tooth matrix and to determine the factors that affect their presence. During tooth development and mineralization several metals can be absorbed in the tooth matrix, thus allowing us to use them as biological markers

Diseño y desarrollo de un sistema de alerta temprana para pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19

La pandemia por COVID-19 planteó un desafío para el sistema salud, debido a la gran demanda de pacientes hospitalizados. La identificación temprana de pacientes hospitalizados con riesgo de evolución desfavorable es vital para asistir en forma oportuna y planificar la demanda de recursos. El propósito de este estudio fue identificar las variables predictivas de mala evolución en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 y crear un modelo predictivo que pueda usarse como herramienta de triage. A través de una revisión narrativa, se obtuvieron 44 variables vinculadas a una evolución desfavorable de la enfermedad COVID-19, incluyendo variables clínicas, de laboratorio y radiográficas. Luego se utilizó un procesamiento por método Delphi modificado de 2 rondas para seleccionar una lista final de variables incluidas en el score llamado COVID-19 Severity Index. Luego se calculó el Área Bajo la Curva (AUC) del score para predecir el pase a terapia intensiva en las próximas 24 horas. El score presentó un AUC de 0,94 frente a 0,80 para NEWS-2. Finalmente se agregó el COVID-19 Severity Index a la historia clínica electrónica de un hospital universitario de alta complejidad. Se programó para que el mismo se actualice de manera automática, facilitando la planificación estratégica, organización y administración de recursos a través de la identificación temprana de pacientes hospitalizados con mayor riesgo de transferencia a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos.Pandemics pose a major challenge for public health preparedness, requiring a coordinated international response and the development of solid containment plans. Early and accurate identifica tion of high-risk patients in the course of the current COVID-19 pandemic is vital for planning and making proper use of available resources. The purpose of this study was to identify the key variables that account for worse outcomes to create a predictive model that could be used effectively for triage. Through literature review, 44 variables that could be linked to an unfavorable course of COVID-19 disease were obtained, including clinical, laboratory, and X-ray variables. These were used for a 2-round modified Delphi processing with 14 experts to select a final list of variables with the greatest predictive power for the construction of a scoring system, leading to the creation of a new scoring system: the COVID-19 Severity Index. The analysis of the area under the curve for the COVID-19 Severity Index was 0.94 to predict the need for ICU admission in the following 24 hours against 0.80 for NEWS-2. Additionally, the digital medical record of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires was electronically set for an automatic calculation and constant update of the COVID-19 Severity Index. Specifically designed for the current COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 Severity Index could be used as a reliable tool for strategic planning, organization, and administration of resources by easily identifying hospitalized patients with a greater need of intensive care.Fil: Huespe, Ivan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica. - Hospital Italiano. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica. - Instituto Universitario Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica.; ArgentinaFil: Carboni Bisso, Indalecio. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Gemelli, Nicolas A.. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Terrasa, Sergio Adrian. Hospital Italiano; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Di Stefano, Sabrina. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Burgos, Valeria Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica. - Hospital Italiano. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica. - Instituto Universitario Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica.; ArgentinaFil: Sinner, Jorge. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Oubiña, Mailen. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Bezzati, Marina. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Delgado, Pablo. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Las Heras, Marcos. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Risk, Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica. - Hospital Italiano. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica. - Instituto Universitario Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Traslacional E Ingenieria Biomedica.; Argentin