Reproduction in the externally brooding sea anemone Epiactis georgiana in the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea

14 pages, 8 figures, 2 tablesExternal parental care is uncommon among actiniarians but common in Epiactis species. Here, several aspects of reproduction are analyzed for of one of them, Epiactis georgiana. Samples were collected in December, January, February, March, and April in the Antarctic Peninsula and the eastern Weddell Sea, during 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2003. Most sexually mature individuals of E. georgiana are male or female, but some are hermaphrodites. This is the first report of hermaphroditism in E. georgiana, which is the third species of the genus with this sexual pattern. The results suggest that oogenesis starts in December and that at least two generations of oocytes overlap; a third generation is often brooded externally. Putative fertilization is likely internal, and larvae and/or embryos are externally brooded on the distal part of the adult column until an advanced developmental stage. Apparently E. georgiana reproduces seasonally, probably releasing the embryos/larvae in the last months of the austral spring (December). Inter-individual variability was observed in gametogenesis. In addition, specimens from the Antarctic Peninsula were larger than those from the Weddell Sea. This study represents the first step in understanding the reproductive mode of E. georgianaSpecial thanks are addressed to Prof. Dr. Wolf Arntz (Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Bremerhaven, Germany) who made possible our participation in several Antarctic projects and cruises. We extend our acknowledgements to the officers and crew of the R/V Polarstern and many colleagues on board during the EASIZ, ANDEEP, and BENDEX cruises for their valuable assistance. Thanks to M. Conradi (Universidad de Sevilla) who collected a considerable amount of the material analyzed in this manuscript. Comments from M. Daly, D. Fautin, and an anonymous reviewer substantially improved this manuscript. Support was provided by a MCT-CSICgrant (I3P-BPD2001-1) to E. Rodríguez and Spanish CICYT projects: ANT97-1533-E, ANT98-1739-E, ANT99-1608-E, REN2001-4269-E/ANT, REN2003-04236, and CGL2004-20141-E. This is a contribution to the SCAR program, Ecology of the Antarctic Sea Ice Zone (EASIZ) and ANDEEP contribution 159Peer reviewe

Naturally lignan-rich foods: a dietary tool for health promotion?

Dietary guidelines universally advise adherence to plant-based diets. Plant-based foods confer considerable health benefits, partly attributable to their abundant micronutrient (e.g., polyphenol) content. Interest in polyphenols is largely focused on the contribution of their antioxidant activity to the prevention of various disorders, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Polyphenols are classified into groups, such as stilbenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans and others. Lignans, which possess a steroid-like chemical structure and are defined as phytoestrogens, are of particular interest to researchers. Traditionally, health benefits attributed to lignans have included a lowered risk of heart disease, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and breast cancer. However, the intake of naturally lignan-rich foods varies with the type of diet. Consequently, based on the latest humans’ findings and gathered information on lignan-rich foods collected from Phenol Explorer database this review focuses on the potential health benefits attributable to the consumption of different diets containing naturally lignan-rich foods. Current evidence highlight the bioactive properties of lignans as human health-promoting molecules. Thus, dietary intake of lignan-rich foods could be a useful way to bolster the prevention of chronic illness, such as certain types of cancers and cardiovascular disease

Estudio para la mejora de la calidad del vino albariño

Premio de Investigación, Real Academia Galega de Ciencias, convocatoria 2009.[EN]Twenty-two clones from Albariño variety (Vitis vinifera L.), from an initial collection of 115 clones, were selected on the basis of their ampelographic, molecular and sanitary characteristics. These selected clones were studied from the agronomic and oenological point of view, and were also quantified for their levels of susceptibility to Powdery Mildew, Oidium and Botrytis. An ecotypic yeast was selected, its use has been patented and it is being exploited. Musts obtained from the previously selected Albariño clones were fermented with this yeast, essentially by increasing the content in volatile substances of interest (terpens: linalool and geraniol; norisoprenoids: α-ionone and β- damascenone), leading to wines with improved fermentative dynamic and sensorial attributes.[ES]En base a características ampelográficas, moleculares y sanitarias, se seleccionaron 22 clones de la variedad Albariño (Vitis vinifera L.), partiendo de 115 iniciales. Sobre los clones seleccionados se ha llevado a cabo un estudio agronómico y enológico, así como la cuantificación de los niveles de susceptibilidad a Mildiu, Oídio y Botrytis. Se ha seleccionado una levadura ecotípica, cuyo uso ha sido patentado y se encuentra en explotación. Con ella se fermentaron los mostos obtenidos a partir de los clones de Albariño previamente seleccionados, dando lugar a vinos con una dinámica fermentativa xPremio de Investigación, Real Academia Galega de Ciencias, convocatoria 2009 y unos atributos sensoriales mejorados, fundamentalmente en base al aumento del contenido en sustancias volátiles de interés (terpenos: linalool y geraniol; norisoprenoides: α-ionona y β- damascenona).La actividad realizada ha sido financiada, además de por la Bodega Terras Gauda S.A., por la Xunta de Galicia (PGIDIT04TAL035E), y por el propio CSIC (PIE 2004 7 0E 214).Peer reviewe

Comparación de la actividad mitótica de las células epiteliales tubulares, en dos zonas del riñón de ratones machos adultos posnefrectomía

La nefrectomía unilateral (Nx) generalmente, está asociada con degeneración a largo término del riñón remanente. Es sabido que la remoción de un riñón estimula inmediatamente el crecimiento y la función del otro pero, hay diferentes mecanismos que inician el crecimiento compensatorio renal (CCR) dependiendo en parte de la edad, del sexo y de la zona analizada. Algunos autores demostraron que en ratones de ambos sexos, durante las primeras horas siguientes a la Nx, hay un periodo inicial de crecimiento hiperplásico aunque, solamente en el compartimiento cortical. Sin embargo, en trabajos previos nosotros observamos que a las 50 horas de la Nx, los valores de ADNs de las células tubulares corticales (CTC) y de la médula externa (CTM), son similares a los de los ratones intactos y a los de los animales falsamente nefrectomizados (F Nx), en ambos sexos.Facultad de Ciencias Médica

Detection of 75+ pulsation frequencies in the δ Scuti star FG Virginis

Extensive photometric multisite campaigns of the δ Scuti variable FG Vir are presented. For the years 2003 and 2004, 926 h of photometry at the millimag precision level were obtained. The combinations with earlier campaigns lead to excellent frequency resolution and high signal/noise. A multifrequency analysis yields 79 frequencies. This represents a new record for this type of star. The modes discovered earlier were confirmed. Pulsation occurs over a wide frequency band from 5.7 to 44.3 c/d with amplitudes of 0.2 mmag or larger. Within this wide band the frequencies are not distributed at random, but tend to cluster in groups. A similar feature is seen in the power spectrum of the residuals after 79 frequencies are prewhitened. This indicates that many additional modes are excited. The interpretation is supported by a histogram of the photometric amplitudes, which shows an increase of modes with small amplitudes. The old question of the "missing modes" may be answered now: the large number of detected frequencies as well as the large number of additional frequencies suggested by the power spectrum of the residuals confirms the theoretical prediction of a large number of excited modes. FG Vir shows a number of frequency combinations of the dominant mode at 12.7162 c/d (m = 0) with other modes of relatively high photometric amplitudes. The amplitudes of the frequency sums are higher than those of the differences. A second mode (20.2878 c/d) also shows combinations. This mode of azimuthal order m = -1 is coupled with two other modes of m = +1. © ESO 2005.This investigation has been supported by the Austrian Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung. The Spanish observations were supported by the Junta de Andalucía and the DGI under project AYA2000-1580

Las representaciones artísticas de los «Cuetos Pardos» (Cabrales, Asturias): identificación, estudio preliminar, y planteamientos para resolver un enigma

The aim of this paper is to describe a group of engravings and paintings discovered in a rocky outcrop of eastern Asturias. This first analysis of the panel allowed us to know the main features of the art motifs that, nowadays, don’t have an absolute dating associated. Apart from the analysis of the rock art the text addresses the prehistoric context, as well as the landscape in the surroundings of the rock. These are key data for a comprehensive view of the site, as well as for understanding the long roots of the prehistoric communities in this space.El presente texto da noticia detallada de la localización de un conjunto de motivos pintados y grabados en una formación rocosa de la zona oriental de Asturias. El estudio preliminar del panel permite conocer en detalle las características de las muestras artísticas que, de momento, carecen de referencias cronológicas absolutas. Acompañando el análisis del panel se incluye una contextualización prehistórica y paisajística que permite entender no solo el paraje en el que se encuentran las figuras, sino también el largo anclaje prehistórico al lugar

Effect of Algarroba on Grazing Cow Behavior and Milk Production. I. Dry Season.

The effect of algarroba (Prosopis juliflora SW) arborization on grazing cow behavior and milk production was assessed. The trial was made in the rainy season, and six enclosures were used per arborization treatment (low arborization, 1-7 trees/ha; mid arborization, 12-16 trees/ha; high arborization, 20-27 trees/ha). Rational grazing was performed. The grass rested for 21-28 days, and sprinklers were used for irrigation. The animalsʼ activity time and the number of animals were registered. Milk production values were compared using ANOVA, following a randomized design with six replicas. No significant differences were observed in the morning grazing (118-203 min), but there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the afternoon, in favor of more arborization (103-125 min), whereas in lands with mid and high arborization, cows ruminated longer, with higher water consumption and milk production, and values between 11.85-13.76 kg/v/day

Relación dialógica emergente para la gestión y ordenamiento del territorio. Exploración de eco-proyectos en el borde oeste de la ciudad de Córdoba en su interfase urbana-metropolitana

Ponencia presentada en la 53º IFLA World Congress International Federation of Landascape Architects. Tasting the Landscape. Torino, Italia. 2016El estudio hace énfasis en los Paisajes del Borde, particularizando en el Borde Oeste de la Ciudad de Córdoba, República Argentina, en su interfase con el área metropolitana y su relación con las Infraestructuras en una escala urbano-territorial como medio de reconciliación entre la arquitectura, la ciudad y el territorio. Se reconoce la interacción dialógica Paisaje e Infraestructura y en particular a las Infraestructuras Verdes constituida por una red interconectada de paisajes de valor ambiental, cultural y visual que conforman una estructura ecológica, básica y compleja, que estructuran el territorio y traspasan las áreas de fronteras entre el campo, la ciudad, y los límites jurisdiccionales constituyendo un sistema de ordenadores en el paisaje y una herramienta posible para la gestión y el ordenamiento del territorio. El proyecto en ese marco, contempla la redefinición de las infraestructuras urbanas como una hibridación de infraestructuras verdes y la valoración de los paisajes que las contienen, a través de un estudio que permita la elaboración de catálogos de paisaje con sus variantes e invariantes y la realización de ensayos donde dialoguen el paisaje y la infraestructuras con exploraciones de hibridación redefiniendo las infraestructuras urbanas como soportes de Eco-proyectos y como medio de reconciliación entre la naturaleza y el artificio.Fil: Álvarez, Teresita. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Castellán, Walter. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Garat, Oscar E. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Figueroa Langou, Santiago. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Homola, Iván F. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Fank, Lucía. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Monguillot, Silvia S. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Soneira, Francisco. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Rodríguez, Estefanía. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaIngeniería Arquitectónic

Características del líquido sinovial en pacientes con artritis idiopática juvenil

Introducción: El análisis del líquido sinovial (LS) es una herramienta importante en el diagnóstico de pacientes con artritis idiopática juvenil (AIJ). Pacientes y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de las características citológicas del LS obtenido de pacientes con AIJ en el periodo 2008-2016. Resultados: Se analizaron 102 LS de 59 pacientes. El 66% fueron mujeres y la forma clínica más frecuente fue la AIJ oligoarticular persistente (52,5%). La mediana de edad al inicio fue de 5 años (RIC 2,4-11,8). El LS generalmente era de características inflamatorias (mediana leucocitos 11.757/mm3; RIC 4.543-18.800) con predominio de polimorfonucleares (PMN, 61%; RIC 30-75). Ocho pacientes (14%) presentaron recuentos inferiores a 2.000 cél/mm3, con predominio de mononucleares (80%), mientras que 3 pacientes (5%) presentaron recuentos superiores a 50.000 cél/mm3, con predominio de PMN (90%). No se encontraron diferencias en los recuentos celulares entre las distintas formas de AIJ. La mediana del recuento de leucocitos de pacientes positivos para ANA fue un 20% inferior a la de niños negativos para ANA (9.340 vs. 11.600/mm3; p = 0,23). La proporción de PMN en LS tendía a aumentar conforme se incrementaba la VSG (p < 0,001) y/o la PCR (p = 0,03). No existe correlación del índice JADAS-10 con el recuento en LS (p = 0,4). El LS en artrocentesis simultáneas de diferentes articulaciones mostró una correlación significativa (p = 0,001). Conclusiones: El LS de pacientes con AIJ generalmente tiene características inflamatorias, aunque un 19% presentó recuentos inferiores a 2.000 o superiores a 50.000 cél/mm3. Los recuentos en pacientes positivos para ANA tendían a ser menores que en los negativos para ANA (no significativo). La proporción de PMN aumentaba con los reactantes.Introduction: Synovial fluid (SF) analysis is an important tool for the diagnosis of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out of cytological features of SF samples obtained from patients with JIA during the period 2008-2016. Results: A total of 102 SF samples from 59 patients were analysed. JIA was more common in females (66%). The most frequent form was persistent oligoarticular JIA (52.5%). The median age at onset was 5 years (IQR 2.4-11.8). SF usually showed an inflammatory pattern (median white blood cells count 11,757/mm3; IQR 4,543-18,800), with a predominance of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells (61%; IQR 30-75). Eight patients (14%) had white blood cells counts of less than 2,000 cells/mm3, with predominance of mononuclear cells (80%), whereas 3 patients (5%) had white blood cells counts higher than 50,000 cells/mm3, with a predominance of PMN cells (90%). Synovial white blood cells count did not show significant differences among the different forms of JIA. The median synovial white blood cells count in ANA-positive patients was 20% lower than in ANA-negative (9,340 vs. 11,600/mm3; P=.23). The proportion of PMN increased with increasing levels of ESR (P<.001) and/or CRP (P=.03). No significant correlation was found between JADAS-10 and synovial white blood cells count (P=.4). SF obtained from different joints in simultaneous arthrocentesis showed a significant correlation P=.001). Conclusion: SF from JIA patients usually had inflammatory characteristics, although 19% of the patients showed white blood cells counts below 2,000cells/mm3 or higher than 50,000cells/mm3. SF cell count was non-significantly lower in ANA-positive patients, and the proportion of PMN increased with increasing levels of ESR/CRP

Phylogenetic Relationships among Deep-Sea and Chemosynthetic Sea Anemones: Actinoscyphiidae and Actinostolidae (Actiniaria: Mesomyaria)

Sea anemones (Cnidaria, Actiniaria) are present in all marine ecosystems, including chemosynthetic environments. The high level of endemicity of sea anemones in chemosynthetic environments and the taxonomic confusion in many of the groups to which these animals belong makes their systematic relationships obscure. We use five molecular markers to explore the phylogenetic relationships of the superfamily Mesomyaria, which includes most of the species that live in chemosynthetic, deep-sea, and polar sea habitats and to test the monophyly of the recently defined clades Actinostolina and Chemosynthina. We found that sea anemones of chemosynthetic environments derive from at least two different lineages: one lineage including acontiate deep-sea taxa and the other primarily encompassing shallow-water taxa