Effect of increasing lignin in isoenergetic diets at two soluble fibre levels on digestion, performance and carcass quality of growing rabbits

To assess the effect of increasing dietary lignin in isoenergetic diets at two soluble fibre (SF) levels on digestion, performance and carcass quality of growing rabbits, four diets were formulated according a 2 × 2 factorial design: low SF-low lignin (LSF/LL), low SF-high lignin (LSF/HL), high SF-low lignin (HSF/LL) and high SF-high lignin (HSF/HL). On average, in HSF diets SF was increased by 49 g/kg DM, mainly replacing starch (−53 g/kg DM), and in HL diets lignin was increased by 40 g/kg, mainly reducing starch (-78 g/kg DM), with increasing EE (+31 g/kg DM). Two hundred and sixty crossbred weaned rabbits (35 days old) were assigned to the experimental diets, individually housed and fed ad libitum until 63 days of age. Digestibility (from 49 to 53 days old), growth performance (from 35 to 63 days old), carcass quality (at 63 days old) and caecal environment (at 63 days old) were studied in 12, 65, 45 and 16 rabbits per diet, respectively. High SF diets showed higher CTTAD of fibrous fractions (+0.206±0.011, +0.207±0.015, +0.214±0.011 and +0.167±0.015 for aNDFom, ADFom, hemicelluloses and cellulose, respectively, P < 0.001), OM (+0.042±0.004, P < 0.001) and GE (+0.055±0.005, P < 0.001), resulting in high DE content (10.6 vs. 9.30 MJ/kg DM). In contrast, CTTAD of CP was lower (−0.023±0.009, P = 0.013), as well as the DP content (96.9 vs. 103 g/kg DM). This dietary variation reduced the DM content of caecal digesta (−28±3 g/kg, P < 0.001), besides increasing its VFA concentration (+18.0±4.0 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and reducing its pH (−0.28±0.05, P < 0.001). Feed intake and LW gain decreased, with an improvement of feed to gain ratio (−13.8 %, −4.7 %, −9.4 %, respectively; P < 0.001). The proportion of gastrointestinal tract was increased, with a subsequent reduction in dressing out (+19±2 g/kg LW and −15±2 g chilled carcass weight/kg LW, respectively, P < 0.001). High lignin diets showed lower CTTAD of OM (-0.055±0.004, P < 0.001) and GE (−0.034±0.005, P < 0.001) without affecting DE and DP contents. This dietary variation increased DM content of caecal digesta (+21±3 g/kg, P < 0.001), but did not affect the other caecal digesta traits. Feed intake was higher (+4.9 %, P < 0.001), although differences were dependent on the growth phase and the SF level (maximum difference at 35–49 days with low SF diets, +11.0 %, P < 0.001; minimum difference at 49–63 days with high SF diets, +1.0 %, P = 0.689), but did not affect LW gain and consequently impaired the feed to gain ratio (+5.1 %, P < 0.001). No effect was observed on dressing out, but the dissectible fat proportion increased (+6.7±1.1 g/kg reference carcass weight, P < 0.001).info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Geochemical and Volcanological Criteria in Assessing the Links between Volcanism and VMS Deposits: A Case on the Iberian Pyrite Belt, Spain

VMS deposits in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), Spain and Portugal, constitute the largest accumulation of these deposits on Earth. Although several factors account for their genetic interpretation, a link between volcanism and mineralization is generally accepted. In many VMS districts, research is focused on the geochemical discrimination between barren and fertile volcanic rocks, these latter being a proxy of VMS mineralization. Additionally, the volcanological study of igneous successions sheds light on the environment at which volcanic rocks were emplaced, showing an emplacement depth consistent with that required for VMS formation. We describe a case on the El Almendro–Villanueva de los Castillejos (EAVC) succession, Spanish IPB, where abundant felsic volcanic rocks occur. According to the available evidence, their geochemical features, εNd signature and U–Pb dates suggest a possible link to VMS deposits. However, (paleo)volcanological evidence here indicates pyroclastic emplacement in a shallow water environment. We infer that such a shallow environment precluded VMS generation, a conclusion that is consistent with the absence of massive deposits all along this area. We also show that this interpretation lends additional support to previous models of the whole IPB, suggesting that compartmentalization of the belt had a major role in determining the sites of VMS depositionThis research is supported by the research project “Caracterización y datación isotópicas de rocas ígneas y sistemas hidrotermales en la Faja Pirítica Ibérica Española” (BTE2003-04354, Plan Nacional I+D) Careful revisions by anonymous reviewers have importantly contributed to improve this work and are acknowledged with than

Genetic selection of maternal lines and digestive efficiency in rabbits: long term selection for litter size at weaning versus hyper selection for reproductive longevity

The objective of the present paper is to evaluate how long-term selection for litter size at weaning or short-term hyper selection for reproductive longevity, affect the digestive utilisation of growing and lactating rabbits. A digestibility trial was carried out during the 3rd week of lactation with a total of 27 multiparous does: 14 females came from a line selected for litter size at weaning over 32 generations (V), and 13 from a recently constituted, long lived-productive line (LP). Another digestibility trial was performed during the growing period with a total of 48 growing rabbits (24 from each line). After a 7 d adaptation period, faeces were collected individually for 4 d (from 13 to 16 d of lactation or from 49 to 53 d of age, respectively). Daily feed intake and weight gain recorded during the experimental growing period were similar for both lines (137 g of dry matter (DM)/d and 48 g/d, respectively). Growing rabbits from the V-line showed greater values for the digestibility of the DM and OM (+1 percentage point; P<0.10) and signifi cantly higher values for the acid detergent fi bre (+3 percentage points; P=0.03) than animals from the LP line. No signifi cant differences for the apparent digestibility coeffi cients of crude protein, neutral detergent fi bre, crude fi bre and gross energy were observed between lines, these being on average 65.7, 23.0, 10.7 and 52.6%, respectively. Females from the LP line were initially heavier (+258 g of live weight; P=0.06), and presented a signifi cantly greater daily feed intake (+22 g DM/d; P=0.04) and milk yield (+37 g/d; P=0.01) during the pre-experimental and faeces collection phases (from 6 to 16 d of lactation). V-line lactating does displayed greater values for digestibility for all those nutrients evaluated (from +0.9 and +3.7 percentage points for the crude protein and acid detergent fi bre) compared to the LP line females, although these were only signifi cant for the DM, organic matter and gross energy (+2.3, +2.5, +2.1 percentage points; P<0.05). In conclusion, rabbits selected for litter size at weaning seem to have greater effi ciency for digestive utilisation than those hyper selected for reproductive longevity.This study has been supported by the Spanish CICYT project AGL 2004-02710/GAN.Pascual Amorós, JJ.; Ródenas, L.; Martínez, E.; Cervera, C.; Blas, E.; Baselga, M. (2008). Genetic selection of maternal lines and digestive efficiency in rabbits: long term selection for litter size at weaning versus hyper selection for reproductive longevity. World Rabbit Science. 16(3). doi:10.4995/wrs.2008.62516

Diagnostic accuracy of sliding sign for detecting pouch of Douglas obliteration and bowel involvement in women with suspected endometriosis: systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the sliding sign on transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) in detecting pouch of Douglas obliteration and bowel involvement in patients with suspected endometriosis, using laparoscopy as the reference standard

Character strengths predict an increase in mental health and subjective well-being over a one-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

This study examines whether character strengths predict resilience (operationalized as stable or higher mental health and subjective well-being despite an adverse event) over a period of approximately 1 month during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Spain. Using a longitudinal design, participants (N = 348 adults) completed online measures of sociodemographic data, information regarding their situation in relation to the COVID-19, character strengths, general mental health, life satisfaction, positive affect and negative affect. All variables were measured at Time 1 and Time 2, except for sociodemographic and most COVID-related information (Time 1 only). Time 1 data collection was conducted between March 21, 2020 and April 2, 2020, i.e., approximately the second week of lockdown in Spain. Time 2 data collection was conducted between April 24, 2020 and May 18, 2020, after the Spanish government announced its intention to progressively release the lockdown. A principal component analysis of character strengths was conducted. Five character strength factors were extracted: fortitude, goodness, intellectual, interpersonal, and restraint. Factor structures at Times 1 and 2 were highly consistent. All character strength factors at Time 1 correlated positively with life satisfaction and positive affect, and negatively with negative affect and mental health at T2 (higher scores in the mental health measure indicate poorer mental health). Fortitude strengths showed the highest correlations. We conducted a series of regression analyses with strength factors at Time 1 as predictors, and mental health, life satisfaction, and positive and negative affect as dependent variables, controlling for their baseline levels. To test the directionality of the relationship between strengths and the dependent variables, all analyses were reversed. All character strength factors predicted an increase in mental health. They also predicted positive affect, with the exception of strengths of restraint. Fortitude, intellectual, and interpersonal strengths predicted an increase in life satisfaction. Finally, fortitude strengths, interpersonal strengths, and strengths of restraint, predicted a decrease in negative affect. None of the reversed analyses yielded significant effects. Limitations, implications, and possible character strengths-based interventions aimed at promoting mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed

Methylene blue? Therapeutic alternative in the management of septic shock refractory to norepinephrine

Introduction: Methylene blue is receiving special interest in perioperative and intensive care of patients with distributive shock due to its ability to block the action of nitric oxide and to antagonize deep vasodilation. Objective: The objective is to illustrate the use of the methylene blue, summarizing the perioperative management of a case with secondary vasoplegic syndrome due to a norepinephrine refractory septic shock and the response to methylene blue, reviewing the latest evidence of this therapeutic alternative. In practice:We describe the case of a 60-year-old man, paraplegic, with septic shock due to a long evolution decubitus pressure ulcer. After two hours of surgery, the patient remained with hemodynamic deterioration despite high doses of vasopressin (3 IU/hour) and norepinephrine (2 µg/kg /min), therefore methylene blue was administered with two intravenous bolus doses of 50 mg without adverse effects. After half an hour hemodynamic improvement was evidenced, allowing to decrease norepinephrine infusion and normalizing blood pressure. Finally, debridement of necrotic tissue, amputation and disarticulation of left coxofemoral joint was performed with subsequent transfer to the ICU and discharge to the spinal cord injury ward twenty eight days later. Conclusions: As it has been demonstrated in our patient, methylene blue is a therapeutic alternative to manage patients with persistent hypotension despite the use of various vasopressors during the management of vasoplegic syndrome secondary to septic shock

Las asociaciones de ostrácodos en secuencias aluviales como indicadores de cambios ambientales holocenos (Bardenas Reales de Navarra, Cuenca del Ebro, NE Península Ibérica)

En este trabajo se estudian las asociaciones de ostrácodos identificadas en tres unidades aluviales preservadas en Bardenas Reales de Navarra (Cuenca del Ebro, NE Península Ibérica), para reconstruir la evolución paleoambiental de esta área durante el Holoceno final. Las especies de ostrácodos más comunes en las muestras estudiadas son Ilyocypris bradyi Sars y Paralimnocythere aff. psammophila (Flössner), acompañadas por Pseudocandona albicans (Brady). Las variaciones en su abundancia relativa a lo largo de dichas unidades aluviales permiten caracterizar cambios internos en el ambiente de depósito. Así, la unidad depositada entre 4763±87 y 2848±55 años cal. BP presenta como especie más abundante a I. bradyi, lo que indica la existencia de pequeños arroyos o riachuelos con agua corriente que se desarrollaron probablemente en llanuras de inundación fluviales. Sin embargo, de 2848±55 a 836±65 años cal. BP Paralimnocythere aff. psammophila es la especie dominante, representando el establecimiento de un medio acuático efímero y de aguas estancadas, posiblemente relacionado con condiciones climáticas más áridas (Anomalía Climática Medieval). Finalmente, la asociación de ostrácodos identificada en el Reciente (191±97 a 127±82 años cal. BP) está constituida principalmente por I. bradyi, que indicaría la presencia de nuevo de aguas corrientes. Esta última asociación parece estar vinculada a la influencia de condiciones climáticas húmedas y frías (Pequeña Edad del Hielo) durante el Reciente en esta área. Por lo tanto, la evolución paleoambiental para el Holoceno final de Bardenas Reales de Navarra, identificada a partir de las asociaciones de ostrácodos, muestra una buena correlación con los cambios climáticos rápidos holocenos deducidos en otros registros continentales del NE de la Península Ibérica. In this paper, the ostracod assemblages identified in three alluvial units preserved in Bardenas Reales de Navarra (Ebro Basin, NE Iberian Peninsula) have been studied, with the aim of reconstructing the palaeoenvironmental evolution of this area during the late Holocene. The most common ostracod species in the studied samples are Ilyocypris bradyi Sars and Paralimnocythere aff. psammophila (Flössner), accompanied by Pseudocandona albicans (Brady). Variations in their relative abundance along these alluvial units allow us to characterize internal changes in the depositional environment. Thus, the unit deposited between 4763±87 and 2848±55 years cal. BP is dominated by I. bradyi, indicating the presence of small streams with running water developed probably in fluvial flood plains. Nevertheless, from 2848±55 to 836±65 years cal. BP Paralimnocythere aff. psammophila is the dominant species, representing the establishment of an ephemeral and stagnant aquatic environment, mainly related with more arid climatic conditions (Medieval Warm Period). Finally, the ostracod assemblage identified in Recent times (191±97 to 127±82 years cal. BP) is mainly dominated by I. bradyi, which indicates the presence of running waters. This later assemblage probably defines the influence of cold and wet climatic phase (Little Ice Age) during Recent times in this area. The palaeoenvironmental evolution identified from the late Holocene according to ostracod assemblages in Bardenas Reales de Navarra shows good correlation with rapid climatic changes deduced from other continental records of the NE Iberian Peninsula

Feeding programmes based on highly-digestible fibre weaning diets: effects on health, growth performance and carcass and meat quality in rabbits

The effect of three different dietary programmes on health, growth performance and carcass and meat quality in young rabbits weaned at 28 d was studied using a diet (F) rich in highly-digestible fibre, from 17 to 63 d of age (group FF); using diet F from 17 to 42 d followed by a diet poor in highly-digestible fibre and rich in starch and fat (S) until 63 d (group FS); and using a standard diet C with intermediate highly-digestible fibre and starch content, containing 100 ppm of zinc-bacitracin, from 17 to 63 d (group CC). A highly-digestible fibre diet could be useful to reduce the incidence of digestive disorders. However, it decreased slaughter weight (2294 g in FF vs. 2406 g in CC; P<0.05) and carcass and meat traits, e.g. dressing out percentage (55.4% in FF vs. 56.7% in CC; P<0.05), meat to bone ratio (5.73 in FF vs. 5.94 in CC; P<0.05) and hind leg fat content (3.81% in FF vs. 4.71% in CC; P<0.05) at 63 d of age. Switching to a high starch and fat diet at late fattening improved chilled carcass weight at 63 d of age (1339 g in FS vs. 1263 g in FF; P<0.05) mainly through the promotion of liver development (7.53% in group FS vs. 6.47% in group FF; P<0.05) and fat deposition (3.89% in FS vs. 2.63% in FF; P<0.05), and increased hind leg fat content (+1.2 points of fat percentage; P<0.05). However, this switch increased health risk (35.1% in FS vs. 17.6% in FF; P<0.05).This study was supported by the Interministerial Commission for Science and Technology (CICYT) from the Spanish Government Grant number AGL2011-30170-C02-01 is gratefully acknowledged. Funding from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for Madam Pascual's contract (PTA2011-5888-T) is also gratefully acknowledged.Pascual Amorós, MDLD.; Soler Sanchis, MD.; Cervera Fras, MC.; Pla Torres, M.; Pascual Amorós, JJ.; Blas Ferrer, E. (2014). Feeding programmes based on highly-digestible fibre weaning diets: effects on health, growth performance and carcass and meat quality in rabbits. Livestock Science. 169:88-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2014.07.007S889516

Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Producing Extended-Spectrum B-Lactamases in Spain: Microbiological and Clinical Features

Extended-spectrum B-lactamases (ESBL) of the CTX-M, SHV, and TEM families were recognized in 76 (67%), 31 (27%), and 6 (5%) isolates, respectively, among 162 ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBLKp) strains obtained in a multicenter study in Spain. Predisposing factors for ESBL-Kp acquisition included invasive procedures, mechanical ventilation, and previous antimicrobial use