Efecto de sistemas de labranza en luvisoles dedicados a la producción de pastos

Se realizó un experimento con el objetivo de determinar la influencia de los sistemas de labranza en las propiedades de los suelos luvisoles, en el municipio de Las Tunas. Los indicadores evaluados fueron: la densidad aparente (rb), la porosidad total (Pt), la porosidad de aireación (Pa), la materia orgánica (MO) y la densidad y biomasa de oligoquetos. Se muestrearon unidades experimentales, en un diseño de parcelas divididas y tres repeticiones, a las profundidades de 0-5, 5-20 y 20-30 cm. Los contenidos de MO y de densidad y biomasa de oligoquetos se evaluaron hasta los 20 cm. Se consideraron dos sistemas: labranza tradicional (LT) y labranza sin inversión del prisma (LSP) en comparación con un control sin labranza (NL). La LSP produjo la menor densidad y la mayor cantidad de espacios porosos en la matriz del suelo, con valores que difirieron significativamente de la LT y la NL, y favoreció el desarrollo de los oligoquetos hasta la profundidad de 20 cm. El mantenimiento de las capas densas en la profundidad de 20-30 cm en la LT disminuyó la porosidad total y restringió el desarrollo de las raíces, con valores de porosidad de aireación muy por debajo del 10 %. Se concluye que la labranza tradicional afectó el contenido de MO a corto plazo, y mantuvo las capas compactas en el horizonte subyacente, por lo que la continuidad de esta práctica en las áreas ganaderas de la región no se justifica ni a corto ni a largo plazo

Impacto del marabú (dichrostachys cinerea (l.) wigth et arm sobre la calidad de los suelos

The investigation began with a diagnosis of farms belonging to urban and suburban agriculture infested by Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wigth et Arm. They were determined in four systems of use (two systems infested by D. cinerea and two farming systems in operation for 10 years after deforestation of the marabou and put in cultivation) in the area of Becerra, Los Téllez estate in Las Tunas municipality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of red brown Fersialitic soils on granitoids that reflect the degree of stability of the soils under the marabou and the changes that have occurred in the use and management practices. To evaluate the effect of the management systems (soil pH, P, organic matter), physical (apparent density, sand content, total porosity) and biological (density and biomass of worms) variables were measured on soil quality indicators. The results showed that the systems of D. cinerea were the ones with the highest index of soil quality, taking organic matter, apparent density and biomass of worms as indicators. The cultivated systems reached the lowest organic carbon accumulation, density and biomass of oligochaetes and total porosity.La investigación se inició con un diagnóstico de fincas pertenecientes a la agricultura urbana y suburbana infestadas por Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wigth et Arm. Se determinaron en cuatro sistemas de uso (dos sistemas infestados por D. cinerea y dos sistemas agrícolas en explotación por 10 años luego de la deforestación del marabú y puesto en cultivo) en la zona de Becerra, finca Los Téllez del municipio Las Tunas. El objetivo fundamental fue valorar indicadores de calidad de los suelos Fersialíticos pardos rojizos sobre granitoides, que reflejen el grado de estabilidad de los suelos bajo el marabú y los cambios ocurridos por las prácticas de uso y manejo. Para evaluar el efecto de los sistemas de manejo sobre los indicadores de calidad de suelo se midieron indicadores químicos, (pH, P, Materia orgánica), físicos, (densidad aparente, contenido en arena, porosidad total) y biológicos, (densidad y biomasa de lombrices). Los resultados mostraron que los sistemas de D. cinerea resultaron los de mayor índice de calidad de los suelos tomando como indicadores materia orgánica, densidad aparente y biomasa de lombrices. Los sistemas cultivados alcanzaron la menor acumulación de carbono orgánico, densidad y biomasa de oligoquetos y porosidad total

Efecto de dos sistemas de labranza y aplicación de compost en el rendimiento de los pastos

La respuesta del cultivo Pennisetum purpureum, a los sistemas de labranza en un suelo Luvisol háplico se evaluó en la zona norte del municipio de Las Tunas. El experimento estuvo constituido por dos parcelas principales en un diseño de parcelas divididas, con tratamientos al azar en tres repeticiones. Los tratamientos en las parcelas principales fueron labranza tradicional y labranza sin inversión del prisma, cada una dividida en 2  sub-parcelas diferenciadas por la aplicación de compost. Las variables medidas fueron: altura de las plantas, longitud y ancho de la cuarta hoja, número de yemas,  hijos por macollas, relación hoja: tallo, masa seca de la raíz y masa fresca y seca de la planta. El sistema de labranza sin inversión del prisma con y sin compost incrementó los rendimientos del cultivo  respecto a la labranza tradicional. La labranza tradicional afectó el desarrollo óptimo del sistema radicular y por consiguiente menor producción de biomasa. Palabras claves: P. purpureum vc. Cuba CT-115,  luvisoles,  rendimientos, biomasa, manejo.  ABSTRACT The response of the Pennisetum purpureum crop to the tillage systems in a Luvisol haplic soil was evaluated in the northern area of ​​the municipality of Las Tunas. The experiment consisted of two main plots in a split plot design, with randomized treatments in three replicates. The treatments in the main plots were traditional tillage and tillage without inversion of the prism, each one divided into 2 subplots differentiated by the application of compost. The variables were measured: plant height of plants, length and width of the fourth leaf, number of buds, number of offspring by tillers, leaf: stem ratio, dry root mass, and fresh and dry mass of the plant. The tillage system without inversion of the prism with and without compost increased yields of the crop compared to traditional tillage. Traditional tillage affected the optimal development of the root system and, consequently, lower biomass production. Key words: P. purpureum vc. Cuba CT-115, luvisols, yields, biomass, management

Subjects with allergic reactions to drugs show in vivo polarized patterns of cytokine expression depending on the chronology of the clinical reaction

Manuscrito aceptado el 28 junio de 2000Background: The mechanisms involved in adverse drug reactions with an immunologic basis (ADRIB) can be antibody dependent, mainly IgE or T cell dependent (sensitized T cells). These mechanisms are regulated by a number of cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, which follow the classical TH1/TH2 immunologic paradigm. Although evidence for this has been seen in ex vivo studies, the results are heterogeneous, and few in vivo studies have been carried out in subjects with ADRIB. Objective: We studied a group of patients who experienced either immediate reactions (n = 10) or nonimmediate reactions (n = 9) to drugs to determine the cytokine pattern profile during the acute stage of the response, as well as after recovery. Methods: PBMCs were taken at different time intervals of 24 hours or less and 7, 15, and 30 days after the onset of the reaction, and the specific cytokine transcription and production were determined by using quantitative competitive RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Results: There was a transient polarized pattern corresponding to a TH1 response with IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in nonimmediate reactions and to a TH2 response with IL-4 in immediate reactions. Conclusions: This is the first in vivo demonstration of these TH1/TH2 patterns in subjects with ADRIB and confirms that çan immunologic process is occurring related to the mechanisms involved in the pathologic manifestation. These findings are relevant to the understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in ADRIB, suggesting that further studies in this direction are warranted.This work was supported in part by CICYT SAF 96/0240, Consejería de Salud de la Junta de Andalucía, FIS 98/0861, and the Spanish Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology

EL MOVIMIENTO OBRERO ESPIRITUANO ENTRE LOS AÑOS 1899-1902

El período comprendido entre los años 1899 y 1902 es una de las etapas que atrae la atención de quienes estudian la historia nacional; se definían entonces los derroteros por los que en el siglo XX había de transitar el país, por lo que allí se pueden encontrar las claves para la comprensión de muchos de los procesos sociales que se desarrollarían en la República, entre los que se encuentra la evolución del movimiento obrero. En el ámbito de una localidad como Sancti Spíritus, resulta de interés indagar sobre el tema, para poder acercarse a las particularidades que adoptan las luchas obreras en un contexto sobre el que no se dispone de información suficiente. El presente artículo tiene el propósito de determinar las características que adoptaron las luchas del incipiente movimiento obrero en la localidad entre los años 1899-1902, a partir del estudio de la prensa local de época para aportar información basada en fuentes originales que pueden contribuir a un conocimiento más profundo y objetivo de la sociedad espirituana de esos años. Se pudieron establecer manifestaciones de lucha de clases en la localidad en las que se expresó la voluntad de unidad del sector más avanzado de proletariado espirituano, que trató de fundar una organización que defendiera sus intereses y los de la nación cubana en la difícil coyuntura histórica de la época

Activation of the JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway after In Vitro Stimulation with IFN beta in Multiple Sclerosis Patients According to the Therapeutic Response to IFN beta

Interferon beta (IFNß) is a common treatment used for multiple sclerosis (MS) which acts through the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway. However, this therapy is not always effective and currently there are no reliable biomarkers to predict therapeutic response. We postulate that the heterogeneity in the response to IFNß therapy could be related to differential activation patterns of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Our aim was to evaluate the basal levels and the short term activation of this pathway after IFNß stimulation in untreated and IFNß treated patients, as well as according to therapeutic response. Therefore, cell surface levels of IFNAR subunits (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2) and the activated forms of STAT1 and STAT2 were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from MS patients by flow cytometry. Basal levels of each of the markers strongly correlated with the expression of the others in untreated patients, but many of these correlations lost significance in treated patients and after short term activation with IFNß. Patients who had undergone IFNß treatment showed higher basal levels of IFNAR1 and pSTAT1, but a reduced response to in vitro exposure to IFNß. Conversely, untreated patients, with lower basal levels, showed a greater ability of short term activation of this pathway. Monocytes from responder patients had lower IFNAR1 levels (p = 0.039) and higher IFNAR2 levels (p = 0.035) than non-responders just after IFNß stimulation. A cluster analysis showed that levels of IFNAR1, IFNAR2 and pSTAT1-2 in monocytes grouped 13 out of 19 responder patients with a similar expression pattern, showing an association of this pattern with the phenotype of good response to IFNß (p = 0.013)

HLA class II alleles in patients with multiple sclerosis in the Biscay province (Basque Country, Spain)

Genetic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with genes of the major histocompatibility complex, particularly with the HLA DRB1*1501-DQA1*0102-DQB1*0602 haplotype in Caucasians. To investigate the association of DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 alleles and haplotypes with MS in Biscay, Basque Country, northern Spain, we examined 197 patients and 200 regionally matched controls. High resolution HLA class II typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction followed by sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe hybridization. Several alleles were overrepresented in MS patients compared with those of controls: DRB1*0402, DRB1*1303, DRB1*1501, DQA1*0102, DQB1*0301, and DQB1*0602. DQB1*0602 was the only potentially predisposing allele for MS that withstood Bonferroni correction and maintained the association in a logistic regression model. On the other hand, several alleles showed lower frequencies in the MS group: DRB1*0101, DQA1*0101, DQB1*0303, and DQB1*0501, but only DRB1*0101 and DQB1*0303 maintained a negative association with the disease in the regression analysis. Three haplotypes were identified as potentially predisposing for MS in our population: DRB1*1501-DQA1*0102-DQB1*0602, DRB1*0402-DQA1*0301-DQB1*0302, and HLA-DRB1*013-DQA1*05-DQB1*0301. Additionally, three haplotypes associated with a lower risk for MS were identified, exhibiting DRB1*0101-DQA1*0101-DQB1*0501 the strongest negative association with MS [12% in controls vs. 3.8% in MS, Pc = 0.00047, OR = 0.290 (95%CI = 0.160–0.528)], and suggesting, therefore, a putative protective role for this haplotype in the population under study

Comparative Study of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory E ects of Leaf Extracts from Four Di erent Morus alba Genotypes in High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a low-grade chronic inflammation in multiple organs have been demonstrated in obesity. Morus alba leaves extracts (MAEs) have been used in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory agents. In this work, the bioactive compounds of di erent genotypes of M. alba L. (Filipina, Valenciana Temprana, Kokuso, and Italia) were analyzed not only by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS) and hydrophilic interaction chromatography–electrospray ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (HILIC-ESI-TOF-MS), but also screened for in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity by means of DPPH radical scavenging assay and Caenorhabditis elegans model. These MAEs were administered daily in a model of diet-induced obesity in mice. Filipina and Italia genotypes significantly reduced weight gain, the glycemic levels in high fat diet, as well as, levels of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. Filipina and Italia MAEs also reduced the expression of proinflammatory mediators such as Tnf- , Il-1 , Il-6 and increased the levels of adiponectin and AMPK, which exert anti-inflammatory e ects. Moreover, Italia genotype ameliorated the intestinal barrier function. In conclusion, Filipina and Italia methanolic extracts show the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory e ect, due to the presence of compounds such as protocatechuic acid or quercetin-3-glucoside, and they could be developed as a complementary treatment for obesity and metabolic disorders.Junta de Andalucia CTS 164Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness AGL2015-67995-C3-3-REuropean Commission (FEDER/ERDF)ERDF/FEDER Operational Programme of the Region of Murcia 2007ES161PO001 14-20/20Instituto de Salud Carlos II

Antiviral, Immunomodulatory and Antiproliferative Activities of Recombinant Soluble IFNAR2 without IFN-beta Mediation

Soluble receptors of cytokines are able to modify cytokine activities and therefore the immune system, and some have intrinsic biological activities without mediation from their cytokines. The soluble interferon beta (IFN-ss) receptor is generated through alternative splicing of IFNAR2 and has both agonist and antagonist properties for IFN-ss, but its role is unknown. We previously demonstrated that a recombinant human soluble IFN-ss receptor showed intrinsic therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Here we evaluate the potential biological activities of recombinant sIFNAR2 without the mediation of IFN-ss in human cells. Recombinant sIFNAR2 down-regulated the production of IL-17 and IFN-? and reduced the cell proliferation rate. Moreover, it showed a strong antiviral activity, fully protecting the cell monolayer after being infected by the virus. Specific inhibitors completely abrogated the antiviral activity of IFN-ss, but not that of the recombinant sIFNAR2, and there was no activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Consequently, r-sIFNAR2 exerts immunomodulatory, antiproliferative and antiviral activities without IFN-ss mediation, and could be a promising treatment against viral infections and immune-mediated diseases

Anti-Spike antibodies 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine booster dose in patients on hemodialysis: the prospective SENCOVAC study

Background: Patients on hemodialysis are at high-risk for complications derived from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present analysis evaluated the impact of a booster vaccine dose and breakthrough severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections on humoral immunity 3 months after the booster dose. Methods: This is a multicentric and prospective study assessing immunoglobulin G anti-Spike antibodies 6 and 9 months after initial SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients on hemodialysis that had also received a booster dose before the 6-month assessment (early booster) or between the 6- and 9-month assessments (late booster). The impact of breakthrough infections, type of vaccine, time from the booster and clinical variables were assessed. Results: A total of 711 patients [67% male, median age (range) 67 (20-89) years] were included. Of these, 545 (77%) received an early booster and the rest a late booster. At 6 months, 64 (9%) patients had negative anti-Spike antibody titers (3% of early booster and 29% of late booster patients, P =. 001). At 9 months, 91% of patients with 6-month negative response had seroconverted and there were no differences in residual prevalence of negative humoral response between early and late booster patients (0.9% vs 0.6%, P =. 693). During follow-up, 35 patients (5%) developed breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antibody titers at 9 months were independently associated with mRNA-1273 booster (P =. 001), lower time from booster (P =. 043) and past breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection (P <. 001). Conclusions: In hemodialysis patients, higher titers of anti-Spike antibodies at 9 months were associated with mRNA-1273 booster, lower time from booster and past breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infectionThe present project has been supported by Fresenius Medical Care, Diaverum, Vifor Pharma, Vircell, Fundación Renal Iñigo Álvarez de Toledo and ISCIII FEDER funds RICORS2040 (RD21/0005