Effects on nodular extracts of Alnus glutinosa (l.) Gaertn. on ammonification, nitrification and CO2 production in different soils

The effect of root nodule extracts from European alder (Alnus glutinosa [L.] Gaertn.) on the rates of amrnonification, nitrification and C02 production was evaluated in three soils of different physico-chemical characteristics. The extracts decreased net ammonification rate (up to a 43% respect to water control), probably because of an increase of immobilization rather than an effect of a speciffc inhibitor. The rate of nitrification was increased by the extracts (up to 40% from water control) because of the ammonium present in the extracts. An increase in C02 production showed that the nodule extracts stimulate microbial activity. This depended not only on the amount of organic matter introduced by the extracts but also to some activator of microflora.Se evalúa el efecto de extractos nodulares del aliso europeo (Alnus glutinosa [L.] Gaertn.) sobre las tasas de amonificación, nitrificación y producción de C02 en tres suelos de características físico-químicas diferentes. Los extractos reducen la tasa de amonificación (un 43% menor que en el control con agua), probablemente debida a un aumento de la inmovilización más que a un inhibidor especifico. La tasa de nitrificación crece por efecto de los extractos (un 40% respecto al control con agua) a consecuencia del amonio presente en éstos. El incremento de la producción de C02 muestra que los extractos estimulan la actividad microbiana. Esto no parece depender sólo del aporte extra de materia orgánica por los extractos, sino por algún activador especifico

Effects of nodular extracts of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. on nitrogen fixation (Acetylene reduction assay) and denitrification in different soils

European alder (Alnus glutinosa [L.] Gaertn) nodules were maintained under conditions that allow their exudation (water stress). The effect of this nodular extracts colected on free nitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction assay [ARA]) and denitrification, was evaluated in three soils of significativelydifferent physico-chemicalcharacteristics. The comparisons with controls having different concentrations of glucose as carbon source suggest that, in the assayed conditions, the nodular european alder extracts activate ARA (up to 9.97% respect water control) and produces a partial inhibition of denitrification. The effects do not seem to be due neither to organic carbon nor to nitrate, but rather to specific activator(s) and inhibitor(s) of the processes considered.Nódulos radicales de aliso europeo [Alnusglutinosa (L.)Gaertn.] fueron mantenidos en condiciones que optimizan el proceso de exudación (estrés hídrico). Se evaluó el efecto de dichos extractos sobre la fijación libre de nitrógeno (ARA) y desnitrificación en tres suelos con diferencias significativas en sus características físico-químicas. Las comparaciones con diferentes controles, muestran que los extractos activan (en un 9.97%) el ARA y promueven una inhibición parcial de la desnitrificación. Los efectos no parecen causados por el aporte de carbono orgánico o de nitrato por parte de los exudados, sino por algún activador o inhibidor especifico de los procesos considerados

Sex-related differences of fatty acid-binding protein 4 and leptin levels in atrial fibrillation

Aims: Adiposity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Our aim was to study the sex differences in adipokines levels according to AF burden. Methods and results: Two independent cohorts of patients were studied: (i) consecutive patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation (n = 217) and (ii) a control group (n = 105). (i) Adipokines, oxidative stress, indirect autonomic markers, and leucocytes mRNA levels were analysed; (ii) correlation between biomarkers was explored with heatmaps and Kendall correlation coefficients; and (iii) logistic regression and random forest model were used to determine predictors of AF recurrence after ablation. Our results showed that: (i) fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) and leptin levels were higher in women than in men in both cohorts (P < 0.01). In women, FABP4 levels were higher on AF cohort (20 ± 14 control, 29 ± 18 paroxysmal AF and 31 ± 17 ng/mL persistent AF; P < 0.01). In men, leptin levels were lower on AF cohort (22 ± 15 control, 13 ± 16 paroxysmal AF and 13 ± 11 ng/mL persistent AF; P < 0.01). (ii) In female with paroxysmal AF, there was a lower acetylcholinesterase and higher carbonic anhydrase levels with respect to men (P < 0.05). (iii) Adipokines have an important role on discriminate AF recurrence after ablation. In persistent AF, FABP4 was the best predictor of recurrence after ablation (1.067, 95% confidence interval 1-1.14; P = 0.046). Conclusion: The major finding of the present study is the sex-based differences of FABP4 and leptin levels according to AF burden. These adipokines are associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory and autonomic indirect markers, indicating that they may play a role in AF perpetuation.This study was supported by projects (PI16/01282 and PI18/01584) integrated in the Plan Estatal de I+D+I 2016–2019 and cofounded by ISCIII-Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). J.N.L.-C. and M.R.-M. were a recipient of a Sociedade Galega de Cardioloxía (SOGACAR) research grant. D.d.G.-C. was a recipient of a Juan de la Cierva-Incorporación grant from the Ministry of Science Innovation and Universities (IJCI-2016-29393). CIBER Cardiovascular (CB16/11/00403 to V.Ll.-C. and D.d.G.-C.) is a project from Carlos III Health Institute.Peer reviewe

Rol de sCD40L en la predicción de súper-respuesta a la terapia de resincronización cardiaca

Background. The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of the biomarkers Interleukin 6, Tumoral Necrosis Factor α, sCD40L, high sensitive Troponin T, high sensitive C-Reactive Protein and Galectin-3 in predicting super response (SR) to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), as they have not been studied in this field before. Methods. Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data was obtained preimplant and after one year. SR was defined as reduction in LVESV ≥ 30% at one year follow-up. Blood samples were extracted preimplant. Multivariate logistic regression and ROC curves were performed. Results. 50 patients were included, 23 (46%) were SR. Characteristics related to SR were: female (35 vs. 11%, p=0.04), suffering from less ischemic cardiomyopathy (13 vs. 63%, p<0.0001) and lateral (0 vs. 18%, p=0.03), inferior (4 vs. 33%, p=0.01) and posterior infarction (0 vs. 22%, p=0.01); absence of mitral regurgitation (47% vs. 22%, p=0.04), wider QRS width (157.7±22.9 vs. 140.8±19.2ms, p=0.01), higher concentrations of sCD40L (6.9±5.1 vs. 4.4±3.3 ng/mL, p=0.02), and left ventricular lead more frequent in lateral medial position (69 vs. 26%, p=0.002). QRS width, lateral medial position of the lead and absence of mitral regurgitation were independent predictors of SR. sCD40L showed a moderate direct correlation with SR (r=0.39, p=0.02) and with the reduction of LVESV (r=0.44, p=0.02). Conclusion. sCD40L correlates significantly with SR to CRT. QRS width, absence of mitral regurgitation and lateral medial position of the lead are independent predictors of SR in this cohort.Fundamento. Analizar los biomarcadores Interleuquina 6, factor de necrosis tumoral α, sCD40L, troponina T hipersensible, proteína C-reactiva hipersensible y galectina-3 en la predicción de súper-respuesta (SR) a la terapia de resincronización cardiaca (TRC), ya que no han sido valorados con anterioridad. Material y métodos. Se recopilaron datos clínicos, electrocardiográficos y ecocardiográficos preimplante y al año. Se definió SR como disminución del VTSVI ≥ 30% al año de seguimiento. Las muestras sanguíneas fueron extraídas preimplante. Se realizó regresión logística multivariante y curvas ROC. Resultados. Se incluyeron 50 pacientes, 23 (46%) fueron SR.Las características relacionadas con la SR fueron: ser mujer (35 vs. 11%, p=0,04), sufrir menos cardiopatía isquémica (13 vs. 63%, p<0,0001) e infarto lateral (0 vs. 18%, p=0,03), inferior (4 vs. 33%, p=0,01) y posterior (0 vs. 22%, p=0,01); ausencia de insuficiencia mitral (47% vs. 22%, p=0,04), mayor anchura del QRS (157,7±22,9 vs. 140,8±19,2 ms, p=0,01), mayor concentración de sCD40L (6,9±5,1 vs. 4,4±3,3 ng/mL, p=0,02), y electrodo ventricular izquierdo más frecuentemente en posición lateral media (69 vs. 26%, p=0,002). El QRS, la posición lateral media del electrodo y la ausencia de insuficiencia mitral fueron predictores independientes de SR. sCD40L mostró una correlación moderada directa con SR (r=0,39, p=0,02) y con la disminución del VTSVI (r=0,44, p=0,02). Conclusiones. sCD40L se correlaciona significativamente con SR a la TRC. El QRS, la ausencia de insuficiencia mitral y la posición lateral media del electrodo son predictores independientes de SR en esta cohorte

Geochemical and mineralógica! comparison of the cuttings of lzarra-1 drilling (Estella, Navarra)

Geochemical and mineralogical comparison of a sequence of "wet" and "dry" samples from the lzarra-1 drilling belonging to the Zufia formation (Estella, Navarra) has been made. The following techniques have been applied; X-rays, over total dust and gas crhomatography, over fraction obtained after a disolvent extraction of the organic matter. These techniques show a high relation between the two types of samples, changes either in mineralogical composition nor in organic composition not being seen. Futhermore, the anoxic character, the maturity degree and the continental origin of the organic matter is observe

Seasonal variations of Bacillus isolated from the rhizosphere of Elaeagnus angustifolia L

The rhizosphere of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. was sampled monthly during one year and the genera of the isolated bacteria were determined. Bacillus predominated in all seasons. Eight groups of Bacillus were identified according to biochemical tests described in the Bergey's Manual, from which, group VII, with B. mycoides and B. laterosporus as the most likely species to define it, predominated (total year average of 60.5%). In order to determine intrageneric variation, additional tests as resistance to antibiotics and use of different carbon sources were assayed. According to both tests, the Bacillus strains isolated from the rhizosphere of E. angustifolia differed significantly throughout the year. These results suggest the adaptation of rhizospheric microbial communities to environmental conditions, so variable in Mediterranean climates, and to the physiological status of the plant.Se muestreó la rizosfera de E. angustifolia L. durante un año y se determinaron los géneros a los que pertenecían las bacterias aisladas. Bacillus predominó durante todo el año. Se identificaron ocho grupos de Bacillus según las pruebas bioquímicas del Manual Bergey's entre los cuales predominaba el grupo VII (media anual 60.5%). Con objeto de determinar la variación intragenérica, se realizaron pruebas de resistencia a antibióticos y metabolización de fuentes de carbono. En ambos casos se encontraron diferencias significativas anua-les. Estos resultados sugieren la gran capacidad de adaptación de las comunidades microbianas rizosféricas tanto a las condiciones ambientales, tan variables en climas mediterráneos, como al estado fisiológico de la planta