A comparative study of root system architecture in seedlings of Brachypodium spp. using three plant growth supports

This work reports a rapid procedure of comparing root development among different genotypes of Brachypodium spp., using three plant growth supports: gel chamber, ‘Termita’ chamber and Whatman paper. Eight variables of the root system architecture (RSA) (number of seminal roots, number of lateral roots, total length of the roots, length of the primary root, mean diameter of the roots, mean diameter of the primary root, total surface area and total volume of the roots) were studied in seedling of four genotypes each of Brachypodium distachyon, B. stacei and B. hybridum. Correlations between pairs of growth supports in terms of the eight variables examined were highly significant. In all three supports, B. stacei showed the greatest root system development while B. distachyon showed the least; B. hybridum, an allotetraploid species derived from hybridization between B. distachyon and B. stacei, showed intermediate development. ANOVA and LSD tests showed that significant differences exist between the supports, species and genotypes with respect to all the variables analysed. A cluster analysis was conducted to determine if the RSA traits could be used to differentiate the species and genotypes of Brachypodium. This analysis allowed differentiated between the three species and twelve genotypes of Brachypodium spp., although a certain overlap between species was observed. The Whatman paper support was the easiest to use, and is recommended for the characterization of large collections of genotypes

Estimation of intake and digestibility of kleingrass from in situ parameters measured in sheep

The voluntary intake and digestibility of kleingrass (Panicum coloratum cv. Verde) were measured in seven periods, comprising one full year. The forage was offered twice a day ad Iibitum to .seven rams, frtted with faces collection bags; each experimental period was composed of 8 days for adaptation and 8 days for collection of data. The dry matter (DM) Intake (DMI) varied from 36.1 to 64.9 glkg MO.75, the digestible dry-matter Intake (DDMI), from 17.4 to 41.9 glkg MO.75 and the in vivo dry matter apparent digestibility (DMD), from 0.471 to 0.667. Daily samples of offered forage were taken and pooled subsamples from each of the seven periods were incubated in nylon bags in the rumen of three Hereford steers. The data were fitted to the exponential equation: p= a + b (1-e~) to estimate p (the proportionate loss of DM at time t of incubation); effective degradability (ED) and lag time (L) were also estimated. The parameters obtained in situ were related to the in vivo results by simple and multiple regression. The correlation coefficients of the rate of degradation {9 and ED with DMI, DDMI and DMD were, respectively, 0.96 and 0.97; 0.97 and 0.96; 0.86 and 0.88. By including, Q, Q and k into a multiple regression analysis, the coefficients of determination (R2) were: DMI: 0.99; DDMI: 0.99 and DMD: 0.91. Within the conditions of this study, the parameters obtained in situ were reasonable estimators of voluntary intake and digestibility.Resúmenes de Trabajos presentados en otras publicaciones (por docentes de la UNLPam.) Publicado en Animal Science, 67: 535-540, 1998

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum using the Nuss technique in children and adolescents: Indications, outcomes, and limitations

AbstractBackgroundPectus excavatum (PE) is a common congenital deformity. The Nuss technique for minimally invasive repair of PE involves thoracoscopy-assisted insertion of a bar or plate behind the deformity to displace the sternum anteriorly. Our objective here was to clarify the indications and limitations of the Nuss technique based on a review of 70 patients.Materials and methodsA retrospective review of children managed at two centres identified 70 patients who had completed their growth and had their plate removed. Mean age was 13.8 years (range, 6–19 years). The reason for surgery was cosmetic disfigurement in 66 (95%) patients. The original Nuss technique was used in 63 patients, whereas 7 patients required an additional sub-xiphoid approach. Time to implant removal ranged from 8 months to 3 years.ResultsThe cosmetic outcome was considered satisfactory by the patients in 64 (91%) cases and by the surgeon in 60 (85.7%) cases. Major complications requiring further surgery occurred in 6 (8.5%) patients and consisted of haemothorax (n=2), chest wall sepsis (n=2, including 1 after implant removal), allergy (n=1), and implant displacement (n=1). Early or delayed minor complications occurred in 46 (65%) patients and resolved either spontaneously or after non-surgical therapy.DiscussionThe minimal scarring and reliably good outcomes support the widespread use of the Nuss technique in children and adolescents. Our complication rates (minor, 65%; and major, 8.5%) are consistent with previous publications. In our opinion, contra-indications to thoracoscopic PE correction consist of a history of cardio-thoracic surgery and the finding by computed tomography of a sternum-to-spine distance of less than 5cm or of sternum rotation greater than 35°. In these situations, we recommend a sub- and retro-xiphoid approach to guide implant insertion or a classic sterno-chondroplasty procedure.Level of evidenceLevel IV, retrospective descriptive cohort study

Relationships in Patagonian species of Berberis (Berberidaceae) based on the characterization of rDNA internal transcribed spacer sequences

Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the 18S(ITS1)-5.8S 26S(ITS2) rDNA region was performed in order to analyse the phylogenetic relationships between 13 Patagonian species of the genus Berberis (Berberidaceae). The divergence values between the pairwise sequence in the studied Patagonian species were in the range 2.9–22.9%. The lengths of the ITS1 and ITS2 sequences were in the range 227–231 bp and 220–224 bp, respectively, and the 5.8S sequence was 159 bp throughout all species. B. microphylla sensu Landrum does not appear to be monophyletic based on current sampling. Indeed, we suggest that B. microphylla should be distinguished from B. buxifolia, B. parodii, and B. heterophylla . ITS sequences, together with data obtained from morphological, biochemical, amplified fragment length polymorphism, and cytological characterizations, support the existence of diploid and polyploid hybrid speciation in the genus.Fil: Bottini, Maria Cecilia Juana. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Austral de Chile; ChileFil: de Bustos, A.. Universidad de Alcalá; EspañaFil: Sanso, Andrea Mariel. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Jouve, N.. Universidad de Alcalá; EspañaFil: Poggio, Lidia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentin

Comparación de modelos utilizados para estimar la materia seca in sacco y la degradabilidad

El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar algunos de los modelos disponibles, utilizados para estimar la dinámica de la desaparici6n y la degradabilidad de la materia seca (MS) en rumen, en dos grupos de gramíneas: Verdeos invernales (VI) y perennes de crecimiento estival (GrE). Las muestras (n = 327) fueron incubadas en bolsas de nylon en el rumen de tres novillos Holando-Argentino, con fistula ruminal. Los datos experimentales obtenidos, fueron tratados matemáticamente utilizando distintos modelos para estimar tasa de degradación y degradaci6n efectiva de la MS. La tasa de desaparici6n fue estimada a partir de dos modelos no lineales similares, con y sin tiempo de retardo y con una ecuación de primer orden. Las degradabílidades efectivas se calcularon utilizando las constantes estimadas por los dos modelos no lineales con y sin tiempo de retardo, por sumatoria de las degradaciones entre perlados sucesivos y por estimación de la relación entre la tasa de pasaje de la MS no degradada para las primeras horas de incubación y la de la MS insoluble. La degradabilidad máxima se estimó a través de la predicción de la asíntota de la hipérbola, determinando la intercepción de la doble reciproca de tiempo y materia seca no degradada. Los parámetros equivalentes entre modelos fueron comparados como observaciones apareadas dentro de cada recurso forrajero. La asociación entre parámetros y entre valores de degradabilidad se evaluó por análisis de correlación. Las diferencias entre parámetros comparables en VI y GrE fueron significativas (P < 0,01), la asociación fluctuó entre 0,72 y 0,96. Las correlaciones entre degradabilidades efectivas y máxima obtenidas mediante los distintos modelos fueron estrechas (r > 0,97). Todos los modelos estimaron con similar precisión la degradabilidad efectiva de la MS del alimento, independientemente del valor nutritivo del mismo. Por lo tanto, cualquiera de los modelos estudiados puede utilizarse para estimar la degradabilidad de la MS. Sin embargo, a partir de un trabajo experimental similar, puede obtenerse mayor información si ésta se procesa utilizando el modelo no lineal con tiempo de retardo.Resúmenes de Trabajos presentados en otras publicaciones (por docentes de la UNLPam.), Publicado en Revista argentina de producción animal, 17(4): 353- 364, 199

Acute low back pain is marked by variability: An internet-based pilot study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pain variability in acute LBP has received limited study. The objectives of this pilot study were to characterize fluctuations in pain during acute LBP, to determine whether self-reported 'flares' of pain represent discrete periods of increased pain intensity, and to examine whether the frequency of flares was associated with back-related disability outcomes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a cohort study of acute LBP patients utilizing frequent serial assessments and Internet-based data collection. Adults with acute LBP (lasting ≤3 months) completed questionnaires at the time of seeking care, and at both 3-day and 1-week intervals, for 6 weeks. Back pain was measured using a numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), and disability was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). A pain flare was defined as 'a period of increased pain lasting at least 2 hours, when your pain intensity is distinctly worse than it has been recently'. We used mixed-effects linear regression to model longitudinal changes in pain intensity, and multivariate linear regression to model associations between flare frequency and disability outcomes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>42 of 47 participants (89%) reported pain flares, and the average number of discrete flare periods per patient was 3.5 over 6 weeks of follow-up. More than half of flares were less than 4 hours in duration, and about 75% of flares were less than one day in duration. A model with a quadratic trend for time best characterized improvements in pain. Pain decreased rapidly during the first 14 days after seeking care, and leveled off after about 28 days. Patients who reported a pain flare experienced an almost 3-point greater current NPRS than those not reporting a flare (mean difference [SD] 2.70 [0.11]; p < 0.0001). Higher flare frequency was independently associated with a higher final ODI score (<it>ß </it>[SE} 0.28 (0.08); p = 0.002).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Acute LBP is characterized by variability. Patients with acute LBP report multiple distinct flares of pain, which correspond to discrete increases in pain intensity. A higher flare frequency is associated with worse disability outcomes.</p

Dry matter production and nutritive value of forage of Digitaria eriantha cv. Irene in two locations oft be central semi-arid region of Argentina

The aim of this experiment was to compare dry matter (DM) production rates and nutritive value of a warm-season grass, Digitaria erisntha ev. Irene, in two locations of Central Argentina, Santa Rosa (SR) and Villa Mercedes (VM). The plants were established in two identical groups of plots, within a randomized block design DM rates were calculated from serial, out of phase clippings, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and crude protein (CP) content analyzed on subsamples. The study lasted for three consecutive growing seasons. Results showed that DM production rates were generally higher (P&lt;0.05) in SR than in VM, but IVDMD and CP content showed no clear trends between both locations. DM production tended to lower from year 1 to 3, related to processes of N depletion from soils (VM) and diminishing rainfall (SR). It is concluded that D. eriantha is a very promising warm-season grass to Central Argentina. Data of nutritive value obtained in one location can be used in others, but results of DM production rates should be taken under the conditions where they will be used.Resúmenes de Trabajos presentados en otras publicaciones (por docentes de la UNLPam.)  Publicado en Proceedings of the XVIII international grassland congress. Forage and Management, Session 22: 101-102, 1997

Unbiased proteomic profiling of host cell extracellular vesicle composition and dynamics upon HIV-1 infection

Cells release diverse types of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which transfer complex signals to surrounding cells. Specific markers to distinguish different EVs (e.g. exosomes, ectosomes, enveloped viruses like HIV) are still lacking. We have developed a proteomic profiling approach for characterizing EV subtype composition and applied it to human Jurkat T cells. We generated an interactive database to define groups of proteins with similar profiles, suggesting release in similar EVs. Biochemical validation confirmed the presence of preferred partners of commonly used exosome markers in EVs: CD81/ADAM10/ITGB1, and CD63/syntenin. We then compared EVs from control and HIV-1-infected cells. HIV infection altered EV profiles of several cellular proteins, including MOV10 and SPN, which became incorporated into HIV virions, and SERINC3, which was re-routed to non-viral EVs in a Nef-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that SERINC3 controls the surface composition of EVs. Our workflow provides an unbiased approach for identifying candidate markers and potential regulators of EV subtypes. It can be widely applied to in vitro experimental systems for investigating physiological or pathological modifications of EV release

Efecto de la suplementación con jugos de fruta sobre el ambiente y la digestión de forrajes en rumen

The use of fruit juice as energy supplement to beef cows have been increasing in La Pampa Province during the last years. The aim of the present study was to measure the effect of the addition of fruit juice to an alfalfa hay diet, on rumen environment and forage digestion. Six rumen fistulated steers were used within a cross-over design, with two treatments and two perlods. The animals were fed ad libitum on alfalfa hay. This diet was supplemented with 4.47 mi Kg LWO·7S.d" of distilled water (To) or fruit juice (T,), via rumen cannulae twice a day (8:00 and 16:00 h). After seven days of adaptation to the diets, samples of rumen liquid were taken at 8:00, 10:00 and 14:00 h (16, 2 and 6 h after supplementation of water or juice) during tour consecutive days. Concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH)-N), volatile fatty acids NFA) and pH were determined on the rumen samples. The rumen digestion of DM and CP of leaves of alfalfa hay and DM of deferred weeping lovegrass hay was measured through the in sacco technique. The results were analyzed by ANOVA. The pH values were different (To= 6.60; T1 = 6.35; P = 0.051) after 2 h of supplementation, but no differences were found after 6 h (To= 6.50; T1 = 6.40; P = 0.130) or 16 h (To= 6.33 T1 = 6.17; P = 0.169). The VFA concentrations showed a trend to signification (in mM) (To= 76.3 T1 = 71.3; P = 0.094) at 6 h, although no treatment effect could be detected at 2 h (To= 74.8; T1 = 80.7; P = 0.293) or 16 h (To= 85.7; T1 =  84.6; P = 0.866). The supplementation with fruit Juice had no effect on rumen ammonia concentration (in mg.l-1 of NH3-N): 2 h: To= 237.0; ; T1 = 230.6; P = 0.522; 6 h To= 210.0; ; T1 =197.2; P = 0.356; 16 h: TD = 215.8; ; T1 = 196.7; P = 0.154. The addition of fruit juice to the diet To= 67.8;  T1 =  67.6; P = 0.831 and deferred weeping lovegrass hay: T0 = 23.1; T1 = 22.2; p". 0.421. The ED of CP of Ieaves of alfalfa hay showed a trend to be higher when only distilled water was added (To = 47.4; T1 = 45.6; P = 0.107). In the conditions of this assay, the supplementation of fruit juice to fibrous diets did not produce clear effects on rumen environment and digestion that could affect the nutritional status.La utilización de Jugos de fruta como suplemento energético en vacas de cria ha tomado gran importancia en la Provincia de La Pampa, durante los últimos años. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el efecto de la adición de Jugo de fruta a una dieta de heno de alfalfa sobre el ambiente ruminal y la digestión ruminal. Se utilizaron seis novillos fistulados en el rumen, en un diseño cross-over de dos tratamientos y dos periodos. Los animales recibieron, sd libitum, heno de alfalfa, a esta dieta se adicionaron 4,47 mi Kg. PV0.75.d-1 de agua destilada (To) o jugo de fruta (T1), ambos fueron suministrados a través de cánula ruminal dos veces al día (8:00 y 16:00 h). Después de 7 días de acostumbramiento a los tratamientos se extrajeron muestras de líquido ruminal a las 2, 6 Y 16 h posteriores al suministro del agua o jugo, durante cuatro días consecutivos en cada periodo. Sobre las muestras extraídas se determinó pH, concentración de nitrógeno amoniacal (N-NH3 y ácidos grasos volátiles (AGV). La degradación de la materia seca (MS) y proteína bruta (pe) en el rumen fue medida sobre hojas de heno de alfalfa y sobre MS de heno de pasto llorón diferido, a través de la técnica in sacco. Los resultados fueron analizados mediante ANOVA. El pH difirió (To :1 6,60; T1 = 6,35; P = 0,051) luego de dos horas de la adición de jugo, mientras que no fue distinto a las 6 h (To = 6,50; T1 = 6,40; p= 0,130) ni a las 16 h (To = 6,33; T1=6,17; p= 0,169). En AGV (en mM) se observó una tendencia a la significación (To= 76,3; T1= 71,3; P :1 0,094) a las 6 h, mientras que no hubo efecto de tratamiento a las 2 h (To= 74,8; T1= 80,7; P = 0,293) ni a las 16 h (To= 85,7; T1 = 84,6; P= 0,866). No se detectó efecto alguno de la suplementación con jugo sobre la concentración de amoniaco ruminal (en mg l-1, de N-NH3): 2 h: Te = 237,0; T, = 230,6; P = 0,522; 6 h: To= 210,0; T1= 197,2; P= 0,356; 16 h: To = 215,8; T1= 196,7; P= 0,154. La adición de Jugo no influyó sobre la degradabilidad efectiva (DE) in sacco de la materia seca de hojas de alfalfa (DE: To= 67,8; T1= 67,6; p =0,831) Y de heno de pasto llorón diferido (DE: Te = 23,1; T, = 22,2; P = 0,421). La DE de la PB de hojas de heno de alfalfa presentó una tendencia a ser mayor cuando se agregó agua destilada (To = 47,4; T1= 45,6; P = 0,107). En las condiciones del ensayo, la suplementaci6n con Jugos de fruta sobre una dieta fibrosa no produjo efectos claros sobre el ambiente ruminal que afecten el status nutricional.Trabajo presentado en el 20° Congreso Argentino de Producción Animal, junio de 1996, Río Hondo, Santiago del Estero

Contenido de Iignina como estimador de la degradabilidad ruminal en gramíneas

The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between lignin content and the degradable fraction of warm-season grasses. The 120 samples used came from plots of the following species, Eragrostis curvula ev. Tanganyka (Ee), Panicum virgatum ev. Pathfinder (Pv), Panicum coIoratum ev. Selection 75 (Pe) and Tetrachne dregeí (Td). The samples were obtained during two consecutive winters, in 1990/91. The forage obtained was divided into its fractions, blade and stem+sheath, on which Iignin content (L) was determined. Each fraction was incubated within nylon bags, in the rumen of three fístulated steers. The Information obtained from incubations was mathematically processed to estimate the asymptote of the hyperbole (Dmax), and, through a non-linear model, the rapidly (a) and slowly (b) degradable dry malter values were determined. The contents of L were related to the values obtained by rumen incubation y, = (a+b) and Y2 = Dmax. Pseudovarlables were used to discriminate between grass species: Ee (Pv, Pe and Td=0); Pv (Pv = 1; Pe and Td=0); Pe (Pe = 1; Pv and Td=0);Td (Td=1; Pv and Pe=0). The equations obtained were, y, = 102.6 - 6.97L + 21.57Pv + 7.70Pe - 1.82L*Pe; R2 = 0.68(P&lt;0.01), SE = 7.8; Y2 = 73.10 - 3.72L + 43.72Pv - 5.55L*Pv + 26.76Pe - 2.85L*Pc + 25.69Td - 3.44L*Td; R2 = 0.77(P&lt;0.01), SE = 5.8. The results demonstrate that, the degradable fraction of warm-season grasses can be estimated by the Iignin content of the forage source.El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la relación existente entre el contenido de lignina con la fracción degradable en gramíneas perennes de crecimiento estival. Se tomaron 120 muestras provenientes de parcelas implantadas con Eragrostis curvula ev Tanganyka (Ec), Panicum virgatum ev Pathfinder (Pv), Panicum coloratum ev Selection 75 (Pc) y Tetrachne dregel (Td) cortadas durante dos inviernos, en 1990/91. En las muestras, previa división en las fracciones lámina y tallo+vaina, se determinó el contenido de Iignina (L) y fueron incubadas en bolsitas en el rumen de tres novillos. A partir de la información obtenida en la incubación se estimó la asíntota de la hipérbola (Cmax) y, a través de un modelo no lineal, los valores de materia seca rápida (a) y lentamente (b) degradable. Los contenidos de L fueron relacionados con v,=(a+b) e VI=Cmax. Para diferenciar entre gramlneas se utilizaron pseudovariables, Ee (Pv, Pe V Td=0); Pv (Pv=1; Pe y Td=0); Pe (Pc=1; Pv Y Td=0); Td (Td=1; Pv Y Pc=0). Las ecuaciones obtenidas fueron, V, = 102,6 - 6,97L + 21,57Pv + 7,70Pc - 1,82L*Pe; R2 = 0,68(P&lt;0,01); EE = 7,8; VI = 73,10 - 3,72L + 43,72Pv - 5,55L*Pv + 26,76Pc - 2,85L*Pe + 5,69Td· 3,44L*Td; R2 = 0,77(P&lt;0,01);EE = 5,8. Se concluye que conociendo el contenido en lignina, para gramíneas perennes de crecimiento estival, puede estimarse la fracción degradable