Excreción de ooquistes de Cryptosporidium en el ganado caprino de la provincia de Almería

Entre los animales de granja, el ganado caprino es uno de los mas afectado por cryptosporidiosis, la que además de la incidencia en la salud humana y animal, causa a los ganaderos perdidas económicas considerables. Teniendo en consideración lo anterior, el objetivo del presente estudio ha estado centrado en determinar la prevalencia de Cryptosporidium parvum, en heces de 582 cabras, de cuatro granjas seleccionadas al azar en la provincia de Almería. La toma de muestras se realizó en los años 2004 y 2005, durante la paridera de primavera y otoño. Las muestras se agruparon según edad, de la siguiente manera: grupo I, animales de 1-15 días, grupo II, > 15 días 2 meses a 9 años. Las muestras fueron tomadas al azar, directamente del recto y marcadas para su identificación. Individualmente, cada muestra fue concentrada, realizada su extensión y sometida a tinción ácida modificada por Ziehl-Neelsen. La superficie total de la extensión fue examinada bajo microscopía y objetivo de inversión. Ooquistes del parásito fueron detectados en todas las granjas. De un total de 582 cabras examinadas, en 111 se encontró el parásito, siendo por tanto la prevalencia del 19.1%. El valor obtenido para la granja nº 1 (10,1%) fue el más bajo y estadísticamente diferente (P 0,05). Al mismo tiempo, en 222 muestras fecales de las total investigadas, se ensayó un test comercial inmunocromatográfico, disponible para humanos. La sensibilidad del mismo, fue del 2,3%, diferente estadísticamente (P < 0,05) del 10,4% detectado por microscopía. En conclusión, los resultados del presente estudio indican una alta prevalencia de la infección por Cryptosporidium en cabras. Esta especie puede considerarse un importante reservorio para el hombre y otros animales de granja. El uso del kit comercial para el diagnostico de cryptosporidiosis en humanos, no es recomendable para el ganado caprino

Methanogenesis at high temperature, high ionic strength and low pH in the volcanic area of Dallol, Ethiopia

The Dallol geothermal area originated as a result of seismic activity and the presence of a shallow underground volcano, both due to the divergence of two tectonic plates. In its ascent, hot water dissolves and drags away the subsurface salts. The temperature of the water that comes out of the chimneys is higher than 100C, with a pH close to zero and high mineral concentration. These factors make Dallol a polyextreme environment. So far, nanohaloarchaeas, present in the salts that form the walls of the chimneys, have been the only living beings reported in this extreme environment. Through the use of complementary techniques: culture in microcosms, methane stable isotope signature and hybridization with specific probes, the methanogenic activity in the Dallol area has been assessed. Methane production in microcosms, positive hybridization with the Methanosarcinales probe and the δC-values measured, show the existence of extensive methanogenic activity in the hydrogeothermic Dallol system. A methylotrophic pathway, carried out by Methanohalobium and Methanosarcina-like genera, could be the dominant pathway for methane production in this environment.Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), grant MDM-2017-0737 (Unidad de Excelencia “María de Maeztu”-Centro de Astrobiología INTA-CSIC) and the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN

Development of Clay Plasters Containing Thermoregulating Microcapsules for Indoor Walls

This work shows the technical feasibility of incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into clay plastering mortars to improve the thermal properties of the building envelopes. Due to the absence of regulated and internationally agreed-upon norms for clay mortars containing thermoregulating microcapsules (MPCMs), two tests following UNE-EN-998-1:2010 and UNE-EN-1015, were designed to provide the greatest similarity to its final application. Three different dosages 5, 10, and 15 wt% of MPCM relative to the dried mortar weight were used. Fresh mortars were physically characterized to determine its consistency, apparent density, period of workability and open time, and occluded air content. Physical and mechanical characteristics were determined for hardened mortar. The thermal characteristics of the specimens were analysed by using a differential scanning calorimetry, obtaining their apparent specific heat capacities and the enthalpy curves. Building simulation software is a fundamental tool for designing buildings with almost zero energy consumption. In this study, three identical architectural models were simulated. The reference building had inner coatings of clay-based mortar, mortar with 15% added material, and a conventional gypsum mortar. These buildings were subjected to the same exposure and radiation conditions, which allowed the result to be compared to evaluate the effect of incorporating the PCM

Infrared-Emitting QDs for Thermal Therapy with Real-Time Subcutaneous Temperature Feedback

Nowadays, one of the most exciting applications of nanotechnology in biomedicine is the development of localized, noninvasive therapies for diverse diseases, such as cancer. Among them, nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy (PTT), which destroys malignant cells by delivering heat upon optical excitation of nanoprobes injected into a living specimen, is emerging with great potential. Two main milestones that must be reached for PTT to become a viable clinical treatment are deep penetration of the triggering optical excitation and real-time accurate temperature monitoring of the ongoing therapy, which constitutes a critical factor to minimize collateral damage. In this work, a yet unexplored capability of near-infrared emitting semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots, QDs) is demonstrated. Temperature self-monitored ­QD-based PTT is presented for the first time using PbS/CdS/ZnS QDs emitting in the second biological window. These QDs are capable of acting, simultaneously, as photothermal agents (heaters) and high-resolution fluorescent thermal sensors, making it possible to achieve full control over the intratumoral temperature increment during PTT. The differences observed between intratumoral and surface temperatures in this comprehensive investigation, through different irradiation conditions, highlight the need for real-time control of the intratumoral temperature that allows for a dynamic adjustment of the treatment conditions in order to maximize the efficacy of the therapyThis project has been supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad under project and MAT2013-47395-C4-1-R. B. del Rosal thanks Universidad Autónoma de Madrid for an FPI grant. F. Ren acknowledges scholarship support from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT) under the Programme de Bourses d’Excellence (Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students

Chemical plasmatic levels in repeat breeder cows after a.i.

Numerous studies report important metabolic imbalances during the transitional period of the cow affecting its reproduction. However, only a few of them concern the early period of gestation, where variations in the plasmatic components related to repeat breeding may take place. In that period there are great hormonal changes, as those happening during the formation of the CL and the subsequent progesterone secretion. With the aim of going into this subject in depth, we carried out a study to determine concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, magnesium, copper and zinc in the blood plasma of 42 Holstein Freisian cows, during 32 days after the AI. A photometer BioSystem BTS 310 was used to determine those metabolic parameters. Variance analyses were performed on animals grouped according to their reproductive state (A=pregnant; B=non pregnant) and number of AIs (A1=pregnant in 1-2 AIs; A2=pregnant in ≥3 AIs; B1=repeat breeder, non pregnant in 1-2 AIs; B2=repeat breeder, non pregnant in ≥3 AIs). The concentrations studied did not vary depending on the reproductive state after the AI. This indicates that in the early pregnancy period a suitable homeostasis is kept, regardless of the hormonal variations occurring and the process of maternal recognition of gestation. However, when comparing results obtained from repeating cows and pregnant cows according the number of AIs received significant variations are shown in calcium, phosphorus, glucose, magnesium, and zinc levels, what makes think about their possible role as etiological agents of the repeating cows syndrome.Numerosos trabajos demuestran que durante el periodo de transición de la vaca aparecen desequilibrios metabólicos importantes que repercuten sobre la reproducción. Sin embargo, pocos hacen referencia al periodo temprano de gestación, donde es posible que, entre otras, las alteraciones o modificaciones en algunos constituyentes plasmáticos estén relacionadas con la repetición de celos. En dicho periodo existen grandes cambios hormonales, como los que suceden durante la formación del CL y subsecuente secreción de progesterona. Con el objetivo de ahondar en estos aspectos se llevó a cabo una experiencia en la que se determinaron las concentraciones de calcio, fósforo inorgánico, glucosa, magnesio, cobre y zinc presentes en el plasma sanguíneo de 42 vacas Holstein Freisian durante 32 días posteriores a la IA. Para determinar dichos parámetros metabólicos se empleó un fotómetro BioSystem BTS 310. Se realizaron análisis de varianza entre los animales agrupados según su estado reproductivo y según el número de IAs recibidas. Las concentraciones químicas determinadas en este estudio no sufrieron variaciones dependientes del estado reproductivo tras la IA, lo que indica que durante este periodo temprano se mantiene una homeostasis adecuada independientemente de los procesos de reconocimiento materno de la gestación que están en marcha o de variaciones hormonales que tienen lugar. Sin embargo, al comparar los resultados obtenidos entre las vacas repetidoras y las gestantes según el número de IAs recibidas se observan variaciones significativas en cuanto a los niveles de calcio, fósforo, glucosa, magnesio y zinc, lo que hace pensar en su posible participación en el denominado síndrome de la vaca repetidora

Origin of the (2)E <->(4)T(2) Fano resonance in Cr(3+)-doped LiCaAlF(6): Pressure-induced excited-state crossover.

This work investigates pressure-induced phase transition (PT) and excited-state-crossover effects on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of LiCaAlF(6):Cr(3+). We report a PL study by means of time-resolved emission, excitation, and lifetime measurements as a function of pressure. We focus on Cr(3+) PL variations around pressure-induced trigonal-to-monoclinic first-order PT in LiCaAlF6 at 7 GPa. Moreover, the structural requirements for changing Cr(3+) PL from a broadband emission at 1.59 eV (781 nm) at ambient conditions, to a rubylike narrow-line emission at 1.87 eV (663 nm) are analyzed in the 0-35 GPa range. We show how pressure progressively transforms Cr(3+) broadband PL into a rubylike emission that becomes the dominant feature of the room-temperature emission spectrum at 28 GPa. This behavior, together with the pressure dependences of the (2)E and (4)T(2) excited-states energy and PL lifetime, are explained on the basis of the electron-phonon coupling associated with the (4)T(2) and (2)E states. We demonstrate that both excited states interact through spin-orbit coupling yielding Fano resonance rather than antiresonance as is frequently assumed

Influence of cavity type and size of composite restorations on cuspal flexure

Objectives: The present study examines the influence of cavity type, and size of composite restorations on cuspal flexure due to polymerization shrinkage. Methods: Thirty healthy premolars were selected and divided into two experimental groups. Group 1: Mesial, mesiodistal, and MOD cavities were successively prepared in each tooth by means of the SONICSYS approx system (KaVo ®) using a nº 2 (small) diamond tip. Group 2: The same cavity preparation sequence was followed but a nº 3 (medium) tip was used. Cavity preparations were performed and afterwards restored using the same adhesive system and resin composite. Cuspal displacement was measured 15 min after completion of each type of restoration. Results: Under the experimental conditions used, polymerization shrinkage of composite restorations resulted in an inward deflection of the cusps in all the situations evaluated. The Friedman global test found significant differences according to the cavity type and size (p0.05). Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that significantly higher cuspal deflection is observed in MOD restorations, showing that the degree of dental removal influences the cuspal flexure from polymerization shrinkage of composite restorations

Ovarian follicular dynamics in repeat breeder cow: ultrasonography and progesterone level

The aim of this study was to examine follicular development patterns in eighteen repeat breeder cows through spontaneous oestrus cycles. Ovarian ultrasonographic examinations over 32 days after artificial insemination revealed that two follicular waves were the predominant patterns in animals with this syndrome (72.2 percent). Cycles with one or four waves rarely appeared. The ovulatory follicular diameter (day 0) was larger (p<0.01) in cycles with a small number of waves; no differences were detected between ovulatory and anovulatory dominant follicles. Progesterone plasmatic concentrations were determined by RIA and differences were not significant when cycles with two or three waves were compared. The number of follicular waves was higher (2 or 3 waves) with longer interovulatory intervals (22.3 ± 1.89 vs 23.0 ± 2.0; n.s.) and older cows (7.0 ± 2.64 vs 4.38 ± 1.66 years; p<0.05). Mean ovulatory follicular diameter was 1.78 ± 0.36 cm. It can be concluded that cows with the repeat breeder cow syndrome more frequently present two follicular wavesEl objetivo de este trabajo era caracterizar los patrones de desarrollo folicular en 18 vacas repetidoras de celos a lo largo de ciclos sexuales espontáneos. Se llevaron a cabo exámenes ecográficos de los ovarios durante 32 días posteriores a la inseminación, observándose que el patrón de dos ondas era el más frecuente en vacas repetidoras alcanzando un 72,2 p.100, mientras que los de 3 ondas estuvieron presentes en el 16,6 p.100 de los ciclos estudiados. Se registraron ciclos con 1 y 4 ondas, aunque esta condición es muy poco frecuente. El diámetro del folículo ovulatorio fue mayor en ciclos con menos número de ondas (p<0,01); no se detectaron diferencias entre folículos dominantes ovulatorios o anovulatorios. Las concentraciones de progesterona no mostraron diferencias entre los distintos patrones de crecimiento folicular. Se apreció que los ciclos con más ondas foliculares estaban acompañados de intervalos interovulatorios más largos y aparecía en vacas más viejas. El diámetro folicular ovulatorio medio alcanzó 1,78 ± 0,36 cm. Los resultados permiten afirmar que la dinámica folicular más frecuente en vacas repetidoras es la de dos ondas

A Practical, One-Pot Synthesis of Highly Substituted Thiophenes and Benzo[b]thiophenes from Bromoenynes and o-Alkynylbromobenzenes

An efficient synthesis of thiophenes and benzo[b]thiophenes has been developed from easily available bromoenynes and o-alkynylbromobenzene derivatives. This novel one-pot procedure involves a Pd-catalyzed C–S bond formation using a hydrogen sulfide surrogate followed by a heterocyclization reaction. Moreover, in situ functionalization with selected electrophiles further expands the potential of this methodology to the preparation of the corresponding highly substituted sulfur heterocycles.Junta de Castilla y Leon (BU021A09 and GR-172) and Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion (MICINN) and FEDER (CTQ2010-15358 and CTQ2009-09949/BQU) for financial support. P.G.-G. and M.A.F.-R. thank MICINN for "Juan de la Cierva" and "Ramon y Cajal" contractsJunta de Castilla y Leon (BU021A09 and GR-172) and Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion (MICINN) and FEDER (CTQ2010-15358 and CTQ2009-09949/BQU) for financial support. P.G.-G. and M.A.F.-R. thank MICINN for "Juan de la Cierva" and "Ramon y Cajal" contractsThis document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Organic Letters, copyright © American Chemical Society after peer review and technical editing by the publisher