Seasonal distribution of forage biomass and protein quality of gatton panic, Brachiaria and buffel grass in eastern Santiago del Estero. Communication

Publicado en Revista Argentina de Producción Animal 40 (Supl 1), p. 135Las curvas de velocidad de producción de la biomasa forrajera y el análisis de la calidad forrajera son herramientas básicas para la planificación de la alimentación animal en los sistemas pastoriles. Esto es debido a que posibilitan desarrollar estrategias de cosecha forrajera eficiente y realizar ajustes entre la oferta y demanda existente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la dinámica estacional de la oferta forrajera, en cantidad y calidad proteica en pasturas de Megathyrsus maximus cv. gatton panic (GAT), Pennisetum ciliare cv. Biloela (Buffel grass, BUF) y Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandú (Brachiaria, BRA).EEA QuimilíFil: Clausen, Liliana. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Quimilí; ArgentinaFil: Castro, Cesar German. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Reconquista; ArgentinaFil: Ramírez, Noelia María. Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Agronomía y Agroindustrias; Argentin

Forage production and crude protein of gatton panic, Brachiaria and buffel grass subjected to contrasting cutting frequencies

Publicado en Revista Argentina de Producción Animal 40 (Supl 1), p. 134En el Chaco semiárido la alimentación animal de los sistemas extensivos está basada en pasturas megatérmicas. En estas especies su activo crecimiento comienza en primavera, es máximo en verano y decae en otoño. Así, la carga animal es altamente dependiente de la receptividad de las pasturas en la época en que las mismas son menos productivas. En general, en los sistemas ganaderos de la zona el manejo que se realiza es con baja eficiencia de uso de las pasturas en el período de activo crecimiento, lo cual podría generar cambios en la cantidad y calidad forrajera. Específicamente, estas pasturas poseen una marcada caída del valor nutritivo con una frecuencia de defoliación baja. El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar la producción forrajera y contenido proteico de Megathyrsus maximus cv. gatton panic (GAT), Pennisetum ciliare cv. Biloela (buffel grass, BUF) y Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandú (Brachiaria, BRA), sometidas a frecuencias de defoliación contrastantes.EEA QuimilíFil: Clausen, Liliana. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Quimilí; ArgentinaFil: Castro, Cesar German. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Reconquista; ArgentinaFil: Ramírez, Noelia María. Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Agronomía y Agroindustrias; Argentin

Sulbactam pivoxil powder attributes and compatibility study with excipients

Background: Sulbactam pivoxil is an irreversible β-lactamase inhibitor that can be used with β-lactam antibiotics to improve antibacterial therapy by the oral route. Relevant properties of this drug for pharmaceutical manufacturing are not available in the open literature. In this work, a solid-state characterization of sulbactam pivoxil at the molecular, particle, and bulk levels was performed. Results: Particles exhibited a mean diameter of about 350 μm, irregular shape crystals, and good flow properties. This work presents for the first time the crystal structure of this β-lactamase inhibitor obtained by X-ray diffraction analysis. Fourier-transform infrared results showed the characteristic bands of aliphatic hydrocarbons and ester groups. The differential scanning calorimetry curve exhibited a sharp endothermic peak at 109 °C corresponding to sulbactam pivoxil melting. The thermogravimetric curve revealed a mass loss at 184 °C associated with a decomposition process. This powder showed a moisture content of 0.34% and a water activity of 0.463. Potential interactions between sulbactam pivoxil and common pharmaceutical excipients were evaluated by thermal analysis. The endothermic peak and the enthalpies of melting were preserved in almost all the analyzed mixtures. Conclusion: The powder was constituted by micro-sized crystals of sulbactam pivoxil that had suitable physicochemical properties for processing in controlled humidity environments. Thermal analyses suggested that sulbactam pivoxil is compatible with most of the evaluated excipients. The information obtained in the present study is relevant for the development, manufacturing, and storage of formulations that include sulbactam pivoxil.Fil: Gallo, Loreana Carolina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química; ArgentinaFil: González Vidal, Noelia Luján. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca; ArgentinaFil: Ferreira, Fabio F.. Universidad Federal do Abc; BrasilFil: Ramírez Rigo, María Veronica. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química; Argentin

Resilience, Stress, and Cortisol Predict Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

Objective: to determine the relationship between stress, resilience, and cognitive perfor- mance in older people without dementia. Method: multiple linear regressions were performed using measures of cognitive performance as dependent variables, and measures of stress and resilience as predictors in a sample of 63 Spanish elderly people. Results: participants reported low levels of stress during their lifetime. In addition to socio-demographic variables, greater stress was related to better delayed recall and worse letter–number sequencing and block design. Higher capillary cortisol was associated with lower flexibility on the Stroop task. Regarding protective factors, we found that greater psychological resilience was related to higher scores on the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III, letter–number sequencing, and verbal fluency. Conclusion: in older people with low stress, apart from age, gender, and education, psychological resilience is a significant predictor of global cognitive status, working memory, and fluency. Likewise, stress is related to verbal memory functioning, working memory, and visuoconstructive abilities. Capillary cortisol level predicts cogni- tive flexibility. These findings may help to identify risk and protective factors for cognitive decline in older people. Training-based programs to reduce stress and increase psychological resilience may play an important role in preventing cognitive decline

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Vitamin D Metabolic Pathway and Their Relationship with High Blood Pressure Risk

High blood pressure (HBP) is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality worldwide. The progression of the disease leads to structural and/or functional alterations in various organs and increases cardiovascular risk. Currently, there are significant deficiencies in its diagnosis, treatment, and control. Vitamin D is characterized by its functional versatility and its involvement in countless physiological processes. This has led to the association of vitamin D with many chronic diseases, including HBP and CVD, due to its involvement in the regulation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to the vitamin D metabolic pathway on the risk of developing HBP. An observational case-control study was performed, including 250 patients diagnosed with HBP and 500 controls from the south of Spain (Caucasians). Genetic polymorphisms in CYP27B1 (rs4646536, rs3782130, rs703842, and rs10877012), CYP2R1 rs10741657, GC rs7041, CYP24A1 (rs6068816, and rs4809957), and VDR (BsmI, Cdx2, FokI, ApaI, and TaqI) were analyzed by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for body mass index (BMI), dyslipidemia, and diabetes, showed that in the genotypic model, carriers of the GC rs7041 TT genotype were associated with a lower risk of developing HBP than the GG genotype (odds ratio (OR) = 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.41–0.77, p = 0.005, TT vs. GG). In the dominant model, this association was maintained; carriers of the T allele showed a lower risk of developing HBP than carriers of the GG genotype (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.47–1.03; TT + TG vs. GG, p = 0.010). Finally, in the additive model, consistent with previous models, the T allele was associated with a lower risk of developing HBP than the G allele (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.40–0.87, p = 0.003, T vs. G). Haplotype analysis revealed that GACATG haplotypes for SNPs rs1544410, rs7975232, rs731236, rs4646536, rs703842, and rs10877012 were associated with a marginally significant lower risk of developing HBP (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.12–1.02, p = 0.054). Several studies suggest that GC 7041 is associated with a lower active isoform of the vitamin D binding protein. In conclusion, the rs7041 polymorphism located in the GC gene was significantly associated with a lower risk of developing HBP. This polymorphism could therefore act as a substantial predictive biomarker of the disease.ERDF funds (EU) from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PT13/0010/0039) supported by co-funding grants from the Biobank of the Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Vitamin D Metabolic Pathway as Survival Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer

Several studies have suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to vitamin D metabolism may affect CRC carcinogenesis and survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of 13 SNPs involved in the vitamin D metabolic pathway on CRC survival. We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study, which included 127 Caucasian CRC patient from the south of Spain. SNPs in VDR, CYP27B1, CYP2R1, CYP24A1, and GC genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Cox regression analysis adjusted for metastasis, age of diagnosis, stage (IIIB, IV or IVB), ECOG score (2–4), lymph node involvement, adjuvant chemotherapy, and no family history of CRC showed that the VDR ApaI (p = 0.036), CYP24A1 rs6068816 (p < 0.001), and GC rs7041 (p = 0.006) were associated with OS in patients diagnosed with CRC, and CYP24A1 rs6068816 (p < 0.001) was associated with PFS adjusted for metastasis, age of diagnosis, stage (IIIB, IV or IVB), ECOG score (2–4), lymph node involvement, adjuvant chemotherapy, and no primary tumor resection. The rest of the SNPs showed no association with CRC survival. Thus, the SNPs mentioned above may have a key role as prognostic biomarkers of CRCERDF funds (EU)Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PT13/0010/0039)Biobank of the University Hospital Virgen de las Nieve

Hair cortisol concentrations in a Spanish sample of healthy adults

Hair cortisol concentration (HCC), as a novel promising method to retrospectively measure hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, is being increasingly studied. We tested the relationships between HCC and a range of possible confounding variables in a Spanish sample of healthy adults and pregnant women. In this sample of healthy Spaniards, results suggested an association between HCC and physical exercise and educational level. In pregnant women, the prevalence of HCC was higher than in non-pregnant woman, and was related to educational level. This study emphasises the need to determine the relationship between HCC and confounders such as sociodemographic and lifestyle variables in the general population and specific groups formed by individuals such as pregnant women.This research is part of a doctoral thesis. It has been economically supported by the "PSI2015-63494-P" I+D Project of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and FEDE

Avaliação de risco por exposição a hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos na saúde da população residente ao redor do complexo químico de Tarragona

One of the most important chemical industrial sites of Spain and, indeed, of southern Europe is close to the city of Tarragona and its surrounding villages. Therefore, the aim of this study was to calculate the chronic risk by inhalation of 18 atmospheric Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) for the population living in municipalities close to this chemical site. The sampling campaign was conducted between June 2008 and June 2009, and around 50 air samples were collected during different meteorological periods, in each of the three sampling sites selected for this study. Samples were taken for 24 h with the simultaneous collection of the particle phase (total suspended particles) on quartz microfiber filters, and the gas phase on polyu- rethane foam cartridges. The PAHs were extracted by pressurized liquid extraction and determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.For calculating inhalation risk assessment, the 18 PAHs were expressed as benzo(a)pyrene equivalents using toxic equivalency factors. Risk was then calculated taking into account the World Health Organization (WHO) unit risk of 8.7 lung cancer cases per 100,000 people, with an exposure of 1 ng m-3 of benzo(a)pyrene over a lifetime of 70 years. The average lifetime lung cancer risk of the global study was 1.2·10-4. This risk is higher than the values recommended by the WHO and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), but it is lower than the threshold of 10-3, which is considered to be a definite risk.La ciudad de Tarragona y sus alrededores conviven con la actividad industrial de uno de los complejos más importantes de España y del sur de Europa. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido evaluar el riesgo crónico por inhalación de 18 hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) en la población residente en los municipios ubicados alrededor de este complejo.Para el estudio se eligieron tres municipios y en cada uno de ellos se recogieron alrededor de 50 muestras desde junio de 2008 a junio de 2009. En cada muestra se captó, simultáneamente y durante 24 horas, la fase particulada (partículas totales en suspensión, PST) en filtro de fibra de cuarzo y la fase gaseosa en cilindros de espuma de poliuretano. Los HAP se extrajeron con diclorometano mediante extracción presurizada y se cuantificaron utilizando cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas.Para estimar el riesgo por inhalación a los HAP, primero se expresaron los 18 HAP como equivalentes de benzo(a)pireno utilizando factores de toxicidad equivalente, y posteriormente se aplicó el factor de riesgo, definido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), de desarrollar cáncer de pulmón a lo largo de toda la vida, de 8,7 x 10-5 por ng m-3 de benzo(a)pireno.El valor medio de riesgo obtenido en el estudio ha sido de 1,2·10-4. Este valor supera los criterios recomendados por la OMS o la Agencia de Protección Medioambiental Americana (USEPA); sin embargo, es inferior a 10-3, umbral considerado como riesgo definitivo para la población.A cidade de Tarragona e os seus arredores convivem com a actividade industrial de um dos complexos mais importantes de Espan- ha e do sul da Europa. O objectivo desde estudo tem sido avaliar o risco crónico por inalação de 18 hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) na população residente nos municípios localizados em redor deste complexo. Para este estudo foram escolhidos três municípios e em cada um deles recolheu-se à volta de 50 amostras desde Junho de 2008 a Julho de 2009. Em cada amostra captou-se, simultaneamente e durante 24 horas, a fase particulada (partículas totais em suspen- são, PST) em filtro de fibra de quartzo e a fase gasosa em cilindros de espuma de poliuretano. Os HAP extraíram-se com diclorometano através de extracção pressurizada e quantificação por cromatografia gasosa e espectrometria de massas. Para estimar o risco por inalação de HAP, primeiro expressaram-se os 18 HAP como equivalentes de benzo(a)pireno utilizando factores de toxicidade de equivalência, e posteriormente aplicou-se o factor de risco, definido pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS), no desenvolvimento de cancro do pulmão para uma esperança de vida de 70 anos, de 8,7 x 10-5 por ng m-3 de benzo(a) pireno. O valor médio de risco obtido no estudo foi de 1,2·10-4. Este valor supera os critérios recomendados pela OMS e pela Agência de Protecção do Meio-ambiental Americana (USEPA); contudo, é inferior a 10-3, limite a partir do qual o risco é assumido para a população

Cómo construir aulas inclusivas en la universidad

Este trabajo persigue analizar el ideal de aula que tienen estudiantes universitarios con discapacidad9 . En el estudio participaron 44 estudiantes con discapacidad y se utilizó una metodológica biográfico-narrativa. De los resultados se extraen una serie de recomendaciones que ayudarían a construir un aula universitaria ideal. Fundamentalmente, destacan cuatro recomendaciones para que las aulas sean inclusivas: espacios arquitectónicos accesibles para todo el alumnado, metodologías participativas y activas, uso de recursos tecnológicos, actitud positiva del profesorado hacia la discapacidad y formación de éste en materia de discapacidad y nuevas tecnologías.The aim of this work is to analyze what student with disabilities would like to be their public university classroom. A total of 44 university students with disabilities participated in the study. Biographic- narrative methodology was used. The results indicated different recommendations that contribute to creating inclusive university classroom. In short, these students propose that classroom would be physically accessible for everyone, participative methodologies and use technological resources, professors with positive attitudes to student with disabilities, and specific teacher-training in disability and new technologies

App yo embarazo, una nueva forma de facilitar información a la gestante y su pareja

Comunicación oral presentada en el 3er Congreso Internacional de Comunicación en Salud (3ICHC), celebrado los días 19 y 20 de octubre de 2017 en la Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.Los objetivos son mejorar los conocimientos y destrezas del cuidado de las gestantes, sus parejas y sus futuros recién nacidos, ofreciendo una información veraz, detallada y personalizada a las embarazadas y sus pareja