Estudio electrocardiografía en estación y de cúbito lateral derecho en crías de alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

The aim of the study was to determine the electrocardiographic parameters in both station and right lateral decubitus positions in baby alpacas. The work was done in 30 alpacas (17 males and 13 females) of 60 days old, from the communities alpaqueras Maranganí, Canchis in Cusco. The electrocardiographic values in station and right lateral decubitus were: heart rate 124.83 and 114.16, P wave duration 0.04 and 0.04 s, P wave amplitude 0.180 and 0.173 mV, duration and PQ 0.101 s 0.102, 0.039 and 0.038 QRS duration s, QRS complex 0.643 and 0.557 mV, duration and QT 0.225 0.2370.040 s, T wave amplitude 0.393 and 0.413 mV. The values of ECG parameters showed no significant differences between the two positions. We conclude that is possible to use any positions for the clinic examen in alpacas.El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo determinar los parámetros electrocardiográficos en las posiciones estación y decúbito lateral derecha en crías de alpacas. El trabajo se hizo en 30 alpacas (17 machos y 13 hembras) menores de 60 días de edad, provenientes de las comunidades alpaqueras de Maranganí, Canchis, en Cusco. Los valores electrocardiográficos en estación y en decúbito lateral derecho fueron: Frecuencia cardiaca 124.83 y 114.16, Duración onda P 0.04 y 0.04 s, amplitud onda P 0.180 y 0.173 mV, duración PQ 0.102 y 0.101 s, duración QRS 0.039 y 0.038 s, complejo QRS 0.643 y 0.557 mV, duración QT 0.225 y 0.2370.040 s, amplitud onda T 0.393 y 0.413 mV, los valores no mostraron diferencias significativas al comparalos entre ambas posiciones. Se concluye que en alpacas se puede usar indiferentemente cualquiera de las dos posiciones electrocardiográficas para fines clínico

Tortillas on the roaster: Central America’s maize–bean systems and the changing climate

Maize and beans are a vital component of human diets and culture in Central America. More than a million smallholder families grow these crops for subsistence, producing 70% of the maize and 100% of the beans consumed locally. Average yields are low, however – 1.5 t/ha for maize and 0.7 t/ha for beans – on the approximately 2.5 million hectares of land sown to these crops (40% of the total area harvested) in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In the years to come, a harsher climate together with soil degradation1, widespread poverty, and rural people’s limited access to services and infrastructure will pose challenging obstacles to production. By 2025, these pressures could result in total annual losses of maize and bean production in the four countries of around 350,000 t – with a gross production value of around US$120 million. To ward off this threat to the food security of some 100,000 households, effective adaptation strategies must be developed in collaboration with stakeholders in the maize and bean value chains. These strategies require strong public support and must draw on both scientific and community knowledge

Tortillas en el comal: los sistemas de maíz y fríjol de América Central y el cambio climático

El maíz y el fríjol son un componente vital de las dietas alimenticias de los humanos y la cultura en América Central. Más de un millón de familias de pequeños agricultores siembran estos cultivos para su subsistencia y producen el 70% del maíz y 100% del fríjol que se consume localmente. Sin embargo, los rendimientos promedio son bajos —1.5 t/ha para maíz y 0.7 t/ha para fríjol — en las cerca de 2.5 millones de hectáreas de tierra sembradas con estos cultivos (40% del área total cosechada) en El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras y Nicaragua. En los próximos años, el cambio climático junto con la degradación del suelo, la pobreza generalizada y el acceso limitado de la población rural a servicios e infraestructura plantearán obstáculos desafiantes para la producción. Para el 2025, estas presiones podrían producir pérdidas anuales totales de la producción de maíz y fríjol en los cuatro países de alrededor de 350.000 t — con un valor bruto de producción cercano a US$120 millones. Para detener esta amenaza para la seguridad alimentaria de alrededor de 100.000 hogares, se deben desarrollar unas estrategias de adaptación efectivas en colaboración con los interesados directos de las cadenas de valor del maíz y el fríjol. Estas estrategias requieren un apoyo público firme y deben aprovechar tanto el conocimiento científico como el saber de las comunidades

Physicochemical quality of underground water from agricultural influence

GGroundwater in rural areas is the only source of supply for consumption and various activities. It is exposed to various pollutants that arrive through the subsoil layers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of water from 15 wells in the municipality of Cotaxtla, through physicochemical variables such as pH, conductivity (EC), salinity and total dissolved solids (TDS), where the results were compared with the regulations according to its use. The samples were collected according to NOM-230-SSA1-2002. The physicochemical variables were determined with the multiparametric Consort C6010. Results ranged from pH 6.71-8.04, EC 228-4500 mS/cm, salinity 0.13-2.42 mg/L, and TDS 132-2250 mg/L. In every case, water is destined for agricultural use, where 52% is used for livestock and 80% for consumption, 60% of the wells are community and supply 612 inhabitants. According to Mexican regulations, the results obtained from EC, 13% of the wells were not suitable for consumption, in relation to the TDS results, 33% were not suitable for consumption and 13% were not suitable for agricultural irrigation. The pH showed values within the norm, however, one showed a pH of 6.71 ± 0.043, while the rest were found between 7.4 ± 0.03-8.1 ± 0.19. In all values, significant differences were shown between the sites analyze

Psychosocial factors related to physical activity in frail and prefrail elderly people

Background: Increased physical activity (PA) is a very important factor in a healthy aging lifestyle. Psychosocial factors have also a main role in the initiation and maintenance of this behavior, but nowadays its implications for frailty elderly people are unknown, therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the psychosociological variables of behavior change that influence the practice of (PA) in frail and prefrail elderly. Methods: A total of 103 frail and pre-frail elderly people (72 females) participated in this cross-sectional study, on the framework of the EXERNET-Elder3.0 project. Age ranged from 68–94 years (mean = 80.4 ± 5.9 years). Individualized face-to-face interviews according to the constructs of the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) (decisional balance (DB) and self-efficacy (SE)], social support (SS) (family and friends) and outcome expectations (OE) were administered to all participants. Results: Significant differences were found in DB, perceived benefits (PBn), SE, family-related SS and OE as a function of stages of change (SoC) (p < 0.005), but no significant were found in perceived barriers (PBrr) (p = 0.259) and friends-related SS (p = 0.068). According to the Scheffé post-hoc test, those in advanced SoC (Action-Maintenance), scored higher than those in lower SoC (Precontemplation-Contemplation and Preparation). Conclusion: The scores obtained from the study variables differed according to the SoC, supporting the external validity for the use of the TTM in frailty elderly. Further research is needed to determine the impact of PBrr and friends-related SS on this people, as well as to identify the validity of this model in the long-term in this population

Effects of multicomponent training and detraining on the fitness of older adults with or at risk of frailty: results of a 10-month quasi-experimental study

The aims of this study were (1) to analyse the effects of a 6-month multicomponent training (MCT) on the physical fitness of older adults with or at risk of frailty; (2) to study the consequences of a 4-month detraining period; (3) to analyse the influence of frailty status on the training and detraining adaptations. A total of 102 robust, frail and prefrail older adults (80.1 ± 6.1 y) were divided into an intervention (TRAIN) and control group (CON). The TRAIN performed a 6-month MCT, while the CON continued with their usual lifestyle. Fitness assessment was mainly based on the Senior Fitness Test. Four evaluations were carried out; at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 10 months from baseline. Linear mixed models were performed to analyse group by time interactions and to compare differences in changes within groups between different time points. After 6-month MCT, TRAIN showed greater improvements for all fitness variables (group effects p < 0.05, except for flexibility) when compared to the CON. During the 4-month detraining period, TRAIN significantly decreased their balance, upper-limb flexibility and upper and lower-limb strength (all p < 0.05). CON only decreased upper-limb flexibility. When accounting for frailty status in the TRAIN, the frail-prefrail showed lower adaptations to the training and were more affected by detraining than the robust. The presented MCT is a good strategy to improve fitness in this population, but its positive effects are limited in time. It is, therefore, critical to avoid detraining periods

NIVELES DE POTASIO SÉRICO Y ESTUDIO ELECTROCARDIOGRÁFICO EN CRÍAS DE ALPACA (Vicugna pacos)

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of serum potassium and electrocardiographic parameters in young alpacas. Thirty alpacas (17 males and 13 females) from 1 to 60 days of age from various alpaca farms in Maranganí, Cusco were used. The levels of serum potassium was 5.91 ± 1.48 mmol/L and without statistical differences between sexes. The electrocardiographic values were: P wave time, 0.04 ± 0.0s; P wave amplitude, 0.173 ± 0.058 mV; PQ time, 0.101 ± 0.02 s; QRS time, 0.038 ± 0.006 s; QRS complex, 0.557 ± 0.412 mV; QT time, 0.237 ± 0.040 s; T wave amplitude, 0.413 ± 0.266 mV. Moreover, animals with increased T wave had potassium values above 5.5 mmol/L but without signs of heart disease. In addition, values of serum potassium and electrocardiographic paramters showed similarity to the values of other species.El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo determinar los niveles de potasio sérico y los parámetros electrocardiográficos. El trabajo se hizo en 30 alpacas (17 machos y 13 hembras) menores de 60 días de edad, provenientes de las comunidades alpaqueras de Maranganí, Canchis, en Cusco. El nivel de potasio sérico fue de 5.91 ± 1.48 mmol/L, sin diferencias estadísticas entre sexos. Los valores electrocardiográficos fueron: Duración onda P, 0.04 ± 0.0 s; amplitud onda P, 0.173 ± 0.058 mV; duración PQ, 0.101 ± 0.020 s; duración QRS, 0.038 ± 0.006 s; complejo QRS, 0.557 ± 0.412 mV; duración QT, 0.237 ± 0.040 s; amplitud onda T, 0.413 ± 0.266 mV. Asimismo, se observó que crías con onda T aumentada presentaban valores de potasio por encima de 5.5 mmol/L. Además, los valores del potasio sérico y de los parámetros electrocardiográficos fueron similares a los valores de otras especies

Precision Betacarotene Supplementation Enhanced Ovarian Function and the LH Release Pattern in Yearling Crossbred Anestrous Goats

The possible out-of-season effect of beta-carotene supplementation on ovulation rate (OR), antral follicles (AFN), and total ovarian activity (TOA = OR + AFN) as related to the LH release pattern in yearling anestrous goats was evaluated. In late April, Alpine-Saanen-Nubian x Criollo goats (n = 22, 26 N) were randomly allotted to: (1) Beta-carotene (BETA; n = 10, orally supplemented with 50 mg/goat/d; 36.4 ± 1.07 kg live weight (LW), 3.5 ± 0.20 units, body condition score (BCS) or (2) Non-supplemented (CONT; n = 12, 35.2 ± 1.07 kg LW, 3.4 ± 0.2 units BCS). Upon estrus synchronization, an intensive blood sampling (6 h × 15 min) was accomplished in May for LH quantifications; response variables included (pulsatility-PULSE, time to first pulse-TTFP, amplitude-AMPL, nadir-NAD and area under the curve-AUC). Thereafter, an ultrasonography scanning was completed to assess OR and AFN. The Munro algorithm was used to quantify LH pulsatility; if significant effects of time, treatment or interaction were identified, data were compared across time. Neither LW nor BCS (p > 0.05) or even the LH (p > 0.05); PULSE (4.1 ± 0.9 pulses/6 h), NAD (0.47 ± 0.13 ng) and AUC (51.7 ± 18.6 units) differed between treatments. Nonetheless, OR (1.57 vs. 0.87 ± 0.18 units) and TOA (3.44 vs. 1.87 ± 0.45 units) escorted by a reduced TTFP (33 vs. 126 ± 31.9 min) and an increased AMPL (0.55 vs. 0.24 ± 0.9 ng), favored to the BETA supplemented group (p < 0.05), possibly through a GnRH-LH enhanced pathway and(or) a direct effect at ovarian level. Results are relevant to speed-up the out-of-season reproductive outcomes in goats while may embrace translational applications

The effects of age, organized physical activity and sedentarism on fitness in older adults: An 8-year longitudinal study

The aims of the present study were (1) to describe the changes in physical fitness during an 8 year follow-up in a large sample of Spanish adults aged 65 or over that are initially engaged in organized physical activity (OPA), (2) to compare fitness changes according to different age groups (65 to 69 vs. 70 to 74 vs. =75 years-old), (3) to evaluate the independent and combined effects of changes in OPA engagement and sitting time (ST) on physical fitness. A total of 642 (147 males) non-institutionalized over 65 years-old participants completed the EXERNET battery fitness tests and completed a validated questionnaire from which information regarding OPA and ST were collected. All participants completed evaluations in 2008-2009 and in 2016-2017. An impairment of fitness-related variables happens after 65 years of age in both males and females, with the older participants (=75), showing the largest decreases. Males who continued performing OPA demonstrated lower decreases in balance, leg flexibility and agility when compared to those who stopped performing OPA during the follow-up. Females who continued performing OPA demonstrated lower decreases of all variables except for balance when compared to those who stopped performing OPA during the follow-up

Comparative study on the clinical-nutritional status of obese postmenopausal women on a weight loss programme based on prepared dishes

Comparative Study; English Abstract; Journal Article;INTRODUCTION Few studies have evaluated the efficacy and reliability of weight loss-focussed prepared food dishes in obese post-menopausal women. OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of a weight loss programme based on a balanced hypocaloric diet using prepared dishes* with that of a similar programme based on standard commercially available foods and with a non-intervened control group. A further aim was to evaluate the subjectivity of participants in the preparation of the diet-adjusted dishes based on usually consumed products. SUBJECTS Obese post-menopausal women aged between 55 and 65 years. DESIGN Controlled longitudinal interventional study. METHOD The sample of 75 female volunteers were divided into three groups of 25 women: a control group, who continued to consume their usual non-dietary adjusted meals (CG), an intervened group, treated with a diet adjusted to their individual requirements and based on standard commercially available food (SG), and another intervened group, treated with a similarly adjusted diet but based on prepared dishes (PG). Data were gathered on anthropometric variables, consumption habits and physical activity levels, and clinical-nutritional controls were conducted at the start and every two weeks to the end of the 8-week study in order to evaluate biochemical changes. RESULTS The weight loss was slightly higher in the prepared-dishes group (PG) than in the standard food diet group (SG), but the difference was not statistically significant, whereas it was considerably higher in both groups than in the non-dietary adjusted control group (CG) and this difference was highly significant (losses of 7.60 kg in PG and 7.01 kg in SG versus 2.10 kg in CG (p < 0.01). However, the PG showed a significantly higher (p < 0.01) loss of fatty mass and abdominal circumference versus the SG women. CONCLUSION More weight was lost by the two groups treated with a diet based on prepared dishes or usual food items in comparison to untreated controls, but the diet based on prepared dishes obtained more reliable and higher quality outcomes, achieving a positive change at fatty compartment level and in the abdominal circumference.El presente proyecto ha sido financiado por la empresa Deliline® S. A.YesIntroducción: Son escasos los estudios que hayan evaluado la eficacia y la fiabilidad de los platos de comidas preparadas* enfocadas a la pérdida de peso en la mujer posmenopáusica obesa. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficiencia de un programa de pérdida de peso basado en una ingesta hipocalórica equilibrada, a partir de platos preparados* comparando con otra basada en alimentos de consumo habitual en el mercado y con un grupo control no intervenido. En el presente estudio se pretende, además, valorar la subjetividad de la participante a la hora de preparar los platos ajustados a la dieta de restricción basada en productos de consumo habitual. Sujetos de estudio: mujeres posmenopáusicas obesas, con edad comprendida entre 55-65 años. Diseño del estudio: Estudio longitudinal de intervención y controlado. Metodología: La muestra de 75 mujeres voluntarias se divide en tres grupos de 25 mujeres; uno con alimentación habitual, sin dieta ajustada (GC), otro intervenido mediante tratamiento con una dieta ajustada a los requerimientos individuales, pero con productos de consumo habitual en mercado (GE) y un tercero intervenido con dieta ajustada del mismo modo al anterior, pero con platos preparados (GD). Se registraron datos antropométricos, hábitos de consumo y nivel de actividad física. También se realizaron controles clínico-nutricionales para evaluar cambios bioquímicos al inicio del estudio, cada 2 semanas y al final del estudio, durante 8 semanas. Resultados: El grupo basado en platos preparados GD muestra resultados de pérdida de peso ligeramente mayores, aunque no estadísticamente significativos, al grupo de dieta estándar GE, mostrando, sin embargo, ambos, descensos muy significativos respecto al grupo no ajustado GC (con una pérdida de 7,60 kg en GD, 7,01 kg en el grupo GE y 2,10 kg en GC). Sin embargo, éste grupo de mujeres alimentadas con dieta hipocalórica basada en platos preparados GD, presenta (p < 0,01) una mayor pérdida significativa, tanto de masa grasa como de perímetro abdominal. Conclusión: Las mujeres tratadas con dieta basada en platos preparados GD y las tratadas con dieta ajustada habitual GE presentan una mayor pérdida de peso, pero el grupo GD mostró unos resultados más fiables y de calidad, dado el cambio positivo encontrado a nivel de compartimento graso y en el perímetro abdominal de las participantes del grupo objeto del estudio