Prediction of growth performance parameters in the growing and free-range finishing phases of the Iberian pig via meta-analysis

Aim of study: To describe and predict mathematically the growth parameters of Iberian pigs. Area of study: Iberian dehesa agroforestry system. Southwest of Iberian Peninsula. Material and methods: A quantitative and systematic review was carried out to find all studies with valid data of growth and finishing in the Iberian swine breed published up to May 2020. For the analysis of the data, a mathematical fitting model was obtained and a function was postulated to describe the relation between the variables age and body weight. Main results: 112 publications were found, and after applying several quality filters, 18 with age and weight matched data were used. The database was composed of 76 different tests and 22,558 animals. The clasical growth phases were independently evaluated for data analysis.It was necessary to separate the finishing trials into three groups according to the starting age. Seven mathematical models were obtained for lactation,post-weaning, and montanera finishing. However, no valid test data were found during the growth and prefinishing phases. Besides that, a single model was obtained combining lactation and post-weaning, and another surface model including the variables age and weight to compare average daily weight gain in montanera finishing phase. Research highlights: After systematic review of the studies that provide information on the growth of Iberian pigs, and a quantitative analysis, some mathematical linear and nonlinear models have been developed for the prediction of the production ratios at different phases

Magnesium Deintercalation From the Spinel-Type MgMn2-yFeyO4 (0.4≤y≤2.0) by Acid-Treatment and Electrochemistry

Rechargeable magnesium batteries attract lots of attention because of their high safety and low cost compared to lithium batteries, and it is needed to develop more efficient electrode materials. Although MgMn2O4 is a promising material for the positive electrode in Mg rechargeable batteries, it usually exhibits poor cyclability. To improve the electrochemical behavior, we have prepared nanoparticles of MgMn2-yFeyO4. The XRD results have confirmed that when Mn3+ (Jahn-Teller ion) ions are replaced by Fe3+ (non-Jahn-Teller ion), the resulting MgMn2-yFeyO4 is a cubic phase. The structure and theoretical voltage are theoretically calculated by using the DFT method. The obtained samples have been chemically treated in acid solution for partial demagnesiation, and it is observed that the presence of iron inhibits the deinsertion of Mg through disproportionation and favors the exchange reaction. The electrochemical behavior in non-aqueous magnesium cells has been explored

α-Galactosidase A Augmentation by Non-Viral Gene Therapy: Evaluation in Fabry Disease Mice

Fabry disease (FD) is a monogenic X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in the lysosomal enzyme α-Galactosidase A (α-Gal A). It is a good candidate to be treated with gene therapy, in which moderately low levels of enzyme activity should be sufficient for clinical efficacy. In the present work we have evaluated the efficacy of a non-viral vector based on solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) to increase α-Gal A activity in an FD mouse model after intravenous administration. The SLN-based vector incremented α-Gal A activity to about 10%, 15%, 20% and 14% of the levels of the wild-type in liver, spleen, heart and kidney, respectively. In addition, the SLN-based vector significantly increased α-Gal A activity with respect to the naked pDNA used as a control in plasma, heart and kidney. The administration of a dose per week for three weeks was more effective than a single-dose administration. Administration of the SLN-based vector did not increase liver transaminases, indicative of a lack of toxicity. Additional studies are necessary to optimize the efficacy of the system; however, these results reinforce the potential of lipid-based nanocarriers to treat FD by gene therapy.This research was funded by Merck Salud Foundation, MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE (RTI2018-098672-B-I00) and by the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU (GIU17/032)

Synthesis of split-rings-based artificial transmission lines through a new two-step, fast converging, and robust aggressive space mapping (ASM) algorithm

© 2013 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.This paper is focused on the synthesis of artificial transmission lines based on complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs). The considered structures are microstrip lines with CSRRs etched in the ground plane and microstrip lines loaded with both CSRRs and series capacitive gaps. An aggressive space mapping (ASM) optimization algorithm, able to automatically generate the layout of these arti ficial lines, has been developed.The tool has been optimized in order to achieve fast convergence and to provide accurate results. The main relevant aspects of the proposed algorithm (based on a n ovel two-step ASM optimization approach) are: 1) the capability to provide the implementable circuit elements of the equivalent circuit model of the considered artificial lines and 2) the ability to converge in a few (unprecedented) iteration steps, due to a new procedure to generate the initial layouts (which are very close to the final ones). First, the software is tested through the synthesis of several CSRR-based microstrip lines, and then some practical application examples of such artificial lines are reported to illustrate the potential of the proposed synthesis tool.This work was supported in part by MICIIN-Spain under Project TEC2010-17512 METATRANSFER, Project TEC2010-21520-C04-01, Project CONSOLIDER EMET CSD2008-00066, and Grant AP2008-04707, Generalitat de Catalunya under Project 2009SGR-421, and MITyC-Spain under Project TSI-020100-2010-169 METASINTESIS.Selga, J.; Rodríguez Pérez, AM.; Boria Esbert, VE.; Martín, F. (2013). Synthesis of split-rings-based artificial transmission lines through a new two-step, fast converging, and robust aggressive space mapping (ASM) algorithm. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques. 61(6):2295-2308. https://doi.org/10.1109/TMTT.2013.2259254S2295230861

Immediate Effects of Whole-Body versus Local Dynamic Electrostimulation of the Abdominal Muscles in Healthy People Assessed by Ultrasound: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Dynamic electrostimulation consists of the application of local or global electrostimulation together with physical exercise. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a dynamic electrostimulation session on the thickness of the abdominal musculature, inter-rectus distance, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, and to identify possible differences in its form of application. A total of 120 healthy participants were divided into three groups: the whole-body electrostimulation group, the local electrostimulation group, and the control group without electrical stimulation. All groups performed a single session with the same dynamic exercise protocol. Muscle thickness and inter-rectus distance were evaluated ultrasonographically using the Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging technique both at rest and in muscle contraction (the active straight leg raise test) to find the post-intervention differences. The results showed significant differences in immediate post-intervention heart rate, with a smaller increase in the local electrostimulation group compared to the control and whole-body electrostimulation groups. No significant differences were identified between the groups after the interventions in the rest of the variables analyzed. Therefore, a local application, with the same effects as a global application on the abdominal musculature, has fewer contraindications, which makes its use more advisable, especially in populations with cardiorespiratory disorders, for which more research is needed.Sección Deptal. de Radiología, Rehabilitación y Fisioterapia (Enfermería)Fac. de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y PodologíaTRUEProfessional College of Physiotherapists of Castilla y León (Spain).pu

Nucleic Acid Delivery by Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Switchable Lipids: Plasmid DNA vs. Messenger RNA

The development of safe and effective nucleic acid delivery systems remains a challenge, with solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)-based vectors as one of the most studied systems. In this work, different SLNs were developed, by combination of cationic and ionizable lipids, for delivery of mRNA and pDNA. The influence of formulation factors on transfection efficacy, protein expression and intracellular disposition of the nucleic acid was evaluated in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293). A long-term stability study of the vectors was also performed. The mRNA formulations induced a higher percentage of transfected cells than those containing pDNA, mainly in ARPE-19 cells; however, the pDNA formulations induced a greater protein production per cell in this cell line. Protein production was conditioned by energy-dependent or independent entry mechanisms, depending on the cell line, SLN composition and kind of nucleic acid delivered. Vectors containing 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) as unique cationic lipid showed better stability after seven months, which improved with the addition of a polysaccharide to the vectors. Transfection efficacy and long-term stability of mRNA vectors were more influenced by formulation-related factors than those containing pDNA; in particular, the SLNs containing only DOTAP were the most promising formulations for nucleic acid delivery.This research was funded by the MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE (RTI2018-098672-B-I00) and by the UPV/EHU (GIU17/032)

Variability of extreme precipitation over Europe and its relationships with teleconnection patterns

A growing interest in extreme precipitation has spread through the scientific community due to the effects of global climate change on the hydrological cycle, and their threat to natural systems' higher than average climatic values. Understanding the variability of precipitation indices and their association to atmospheric processes could help to project the frequency and severity of extremes. This paper evaluates the trend of three precipitation extremes: the number of consecutive dry/wet days (CDD/CWD) and the quotient of the precipitation in days where daily precipitation exceeds the 95th percentile of the reference period and the total amount of precipitation (or contribution of very wet days, R95pTOT). The aim of this study is twofold. First, extreme indicators are compared against accumulated precipitation (RR) over Europe in terms of trends using non-parametric approaches. Second, we analyse the geographically opposite trends found over different parts of Europe by considering their relationships with large-scale processes, using different teleconnection patterns. The study is accomplished for the four seasons using the gridded E-OBS data set developed within the EU ENSEMBLES project. Different patterns of variability were found for CWD and CDD in winter and summer, with north–south and east–west configurations, respectively. We consider physical factors in order to understand the extremes' variability by linking large-scale processes and precipitation extremes. Opposite associations with the North Atlantic Oscillation in winter and summer, and the relationships with the Scandinavian and East Atlantic patterns as well as El Niño/Southern Oscillation events in spring and autumn gave insight into the trend differences. Significant relationships were found between the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and R95pTOT during the whole year. The largest extreme anomalies were analysed by composite maps using atmospheric variables and sea surface temperature. The association of extreme precipitation indices and large-scale variables found in this work could pave the way for new possibilities regarding the projection of extremes in downscaling techniques

Sobre la relación entre felicidad, satisfacción laboral y compromiso organizacional docente en una institución educativa de Medellín

El presente estudio realiza un análisis cualitativo, cuantitativo y correlacional de la felicidad percibida por los docentes participantes y su relación con la satisfacción laboral y el compromiso organizacional en una institución educativa de Medellín. La educación desempeña un papel central en toda sociedad, pero en la actualidad, con las constantes reflexiones en torno a la calidad educativa, la labor de los profesores se ha convertido en un núcleo de interés investigativo. Por ese motivo, nos parece relevante atender al bienestar y felicidad de los docentes dado que el grado de satisfacción que experimenten se reflejará en los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje en las instituciones educativas. Los instrumentos de recolección son el cuestionario y la entrevista semiestructurada. En el análisis e interpretación del estudio se identificó una relación significativa entre felicidad, satisfacción laboral y compromiso organizacional, que se concreta en las conclusiones.

La competencia digital en estudiantes de magisterio. Análisis competencial y percepción personal del futuro maestro

Educational policies have highlighted digitalcompetence as a key for citizens at anyformative stage. In this way, teachers musthave developed their own digital skills tobe able to contribute to the student’s developmentof their digital competence. Inthis study, we aimed to analyze the integrationof Information and CommunicationTechnologies within Early Childhoodand Primary Education degrees and thetechnological training which teachers hadreceived. The main objective of this study,based on the available policies, is to explorethe perception that the students ofEducational Degrees have of their own digitalcompetence, using as a reference theDigital Competence Framework for Educators published by the Spanish Ministry ofEducation. We have designed a questionnaire,which has been answered by 104students from the Early Childhood EducationDegree and the Primary EducationDegree. Results show that students (andfuture teachers) have, in general terms, anintermediate level of digital competence,showing good marks in the areas of Informationand Communication. The lowestrates are linked to safety, problem solvingand creation of technological contents. Itis important to highlight that there are differencesbetween the personal perceptionof the future teachers about their own digitalcompetence and the real abilities thatthe marks show.La competencia digital del ciudadano se ha convertido en un elemento clave en las políticas educativas de cualquier etapa formativa. En este sentido, que el profesorado que imparte docencia en las diferentes enseñanzas haya adquirido y desarrollado sus propias destrezas en este ámbito, se postula como un prerrequisito básico para que los estudiantes puedan adquirir también esta competencia. En este trabajo se analiza la integración normativa de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación en las etapas de Educación Infantil y Educación Primaria, así como el planteamiento que se realiza de la formación tecnológica del profesoradocomo base para el estudio posterior. El objetivo principal de este trabajo, partiendo de la regulación normativa, es explorar la percepción que tienen los estudiantes de los títulos de Magisterio acerca de su propia competencia digital, interpretando los resultados en base a la propuesta del Marco Común de Competencia Digital Docente del Ministerio de Educación,Cultura y Deporte. Para ello, se ha diseñado un cuestionario ad-hoc, que ha sido respondido por 104 estudiantes de los Grados de Educación Infantil y Educación Primaria. Los resultados evidencian que los estudiantes (y futuros docentes) tienen, de modo global, un nivel de competencia digital intermedio, obteniendo mayores puntuaciones en las áreas de informacióny comunicación y mayores carencias en las áreas de seguridad, resolución de problemas y creación de contenidos. Es importante resaltar, asimismo que hay divergencias entre la percepción personal de los futuros maestros sobre su competencia digital y las capacidades reales que demuestran los resultados

Immunohistochemical comparative study of the odontogenic keratocysts and other odontogenic lesions

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to compare the pattern of expression of EGFR, cyclin D1, Ki-67, p-53 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the epithelial lining of odontogenic keratocysts, dentigerous cysts, radicular cysts and ameloblastomas. Methods: four micrometers, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 11 odontogenic keratocysts, 10 dentigerous cysts, 10 radicular cysts and 10 ameloblastomas were immunohistochemically studied. Results: There were statistically significant differences between cyclin D1 expression in odontogenic keratocysts and radicular cysts (p= 0.001) and ameloblastomas (p= 0.04). The differences in CEA expression between the four studied lesions were statistically significant (p< 0.0005). Proliferating cells were significantly more prevalent in odontogenic keratocysts (p< 0.0005) with a mean percentage of Ki-67 positively stained nuclei of 40%. In dentigerous cysts this mean was of 17%, of 15.5% in RC and of 7.8 in ameloblastomas. Conclusion: Some of these findings could support the theory that odontogenic keratocysts are neoplastic in origin, but other results clearly support that these lesions are developmental cysts with some neoplastic properties because of the high intrinsic growth potential