Coupling far and near tectonic signals in syn-orogenic sediments: The Olvena growth strata (Sierras Marginales, southern Pyrenees)

The Olvena area (Sierras Marginales, southern Pyrenees) provides an outstanding example for studying the relationships between tectonics and sedimentation related to fold-and-thrust systems having shallow décollements. Stratigraphic and sedimentological features allow infer i) the relationship between Oligocene-Miocene locallysourced alluvial fans and a far-sourced wider fluvial system, and ii) the control exerted by tectonics on the stratigraphic architecture. Initially, uplift resulting from folding and thrusting in the Sierras Marginales precluded the entrance through this area into the Ebro basin of a wide fluvial system sourced in internal zones of the Pyrenean chain (including the Axial Zone). A subsiding area was created in the southern front of the Sierras where west-flowing alluvial fans generated, having their source areas in the rejuvenated reliefs. The subsequent cessation of movement of the tectonic structures permitted these reliefs to be subdued and the overpassing of the north-coming fluvial system that progressively covered a wider area. Sequential evolution and stratigraphic architecture evidence thrust emplacement geometry and chronology, including out-of-sequence reactivation of structures and the influence of evaporite flow along the décollement. Although these syn-tectonic deposits belong to the Ebro basin succession, its megasequential evolution differs from the general sequence established for the basin fill, highlighting the importance of differentiating the influence of near-coming sedimentary systems when interpreting basin-scale sequence stratigraphy

Coupling far and near tectonic signals in syn-orogenic sediments: the Olvena growth strata (Sierras Marginales, southern Pyrenees)

The Olvena area (Sierras Marginales, southern Pyrenees) provides an outstanding example for studying the relationships between tectonics and sedimentation related to fold-and-thrust systems having shallow décollements. Stratigraphic and sedimentological features allow infer i) the relationship between Oligocene-Miocene locallysourced alluvial fans and a far-sourced wider fluvial system, and ii) the control exerted by tectonics on the stratigraphic architecture. Initially, uplift resulting from folding and thrusting in the Sierras Marginales precluded the entrance through this area into the Ebro basin of a wide fluvial system sourced in internal zones of the Pyrenean chain (including the Axial Zone). A subsiding area was created in the southern front of the Sierras where west-flowing alluvial fans generated, having their source areas in the rejuvenated reliefs. The subsequent cessation of movement of the tectonic structures permitted these reliefs to be subdued and the overpassing of the north-coming fluvial system that progressively covered a wider area. Sequential evolution and stratigraphic architecture evidence thrust emplacement geometry and chronology, including out-of-sequence reactivation of structures and the influence of evaporite flow along the décollement. Although these syn-tectonic deposits belong to the Ebro basin succession, its megasequential evolution differs from the general sequence established for the basin fill, highlighting the importance of differentiating the influence of near-coming sedimentary systems when interpreting basin-scale sequence stratigraphy

Human metapneumovirus: Mechanisms and molecular targets used by the virus to avoid the immune system

Indexación: Scopus.This work was supported by Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnolígica (CONICYT) N◦21151028 and FONDECYT (N◦1070352 and N◦1170964) and the Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy (P09/016-F).Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory virus, first reported the year 2001. Since then, it has been described as one of the main etiological agents that causes acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs), which is characterized by symptoms such as bronchiolitis, wheezing and coughing. Susceptible population to hMPV-infection includes newborn, children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals. This viral agent is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA enveloped virus, that belongs to the Pneumoviridae family and Metapneumovirus genus. Early reports-previous to 2001-state several cases of respiratory illness without clear identification of the responsible pathogen, which could be related to hMPV. Despite the similarities of hMPV with several other viruses, such as the human respiratory syncytial virus or influenza virus, mechanisms used by hMPV to avoid the host immune system are still unclear. In fact, evidence indicates that hMPV induces a poor innate immune response, thereby affecting the adaptive immunity. Among these mechanisms, is the promotion of an anergic state in T cells, instead of an effective polarization or activation, which could be induced by low levels of cytokine secretion. Further, the evidences support the notion that hMPV interferes with several pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and cell signaling pathways triggered by interferon-associated genes. However, these mechanisms reported in hMPV are not like the ones reported for hRSV, as the latter has two non-structural proteins that are able to inhibit these pathways. Several reports suggest that viral glycoproteins, such as G and SH, could play immune-modulator roles during infection. In this work, we discuss the state of the art regarding the mechanisms that underlie the poor immunity elicited by hMPV. Importantly, these mechanisms will be compared with those elicited by other common respiratory viruses. © 2018 Frontiers Media S.A. All rights reserved.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2018.02466/ful

Análisis de estrías en pliegues N-S del Pirineo central meridional

Este trabajo muestra el análisis de indicadores cinemáticos (estrías) tomados sobre planos de estratificación de varios pliegues N-S con inmersión N de la vertiente meridional del Pirineo Central. Para explicar la orientación no perpendicular al eje del pliegue de varias estrías encontradas se han propuesto dos modelos geométricos relacionados con pliegues cilíndricos formados por mecanismo de flexural-slip: (1) dos etapas de plegamiento e inmersión sucesivas, y (2) plegamiento e inmersión simultáneos. This work studies the use of slickenfibres measured on bedding surfaces as kinematic indicators in N-S trending, N-plunging folds located in the Southern Pyrenees. To explain oblique to fold axis slickenfibres, two geometrical models are derived from flexural-slip mechanism of cylindrical folding: (1) two sequential stages of folding and plunging, and (2) simultaneous folding and plunging

Performance, carcass characteristics, economic margin and meat quality in young Tudanca bulls fed on two levels of grass silage and concentrate

This study investigates the effect on performance, carcass and meat characteristics of increasing the forage level in the diet of fattening Tudanca young bulls using silage as the forage source as compared with a conventional ad libitum straw plus concentrate diet. Twenty two Tudanca young bulls were assigned to three different finishing diets: ad libitum grass silage plus ad libitum concentrate (GS-AC), ad libitum grass silage plus concentrate limited to a half of the intake of the ad libitum group (GS-LC), ad libitum barley straw plus ad libitum concentrate (Str-AC) and then slaughtered at around 11 months of age. GS-LC diet resulted in relation to GS-AC and Str-AC diets in lower (p <= 0.05) average daily weight gain (750 vs 1, 059 and 991 g/animal/day, respectively), lower (p <= 0.05) carcass weight (133 vs 159 and 152 kg, respectively) and carcasses with slightly lower conformation scores. Although GS-LC diet allowed for a lower dependence on concentrate (372 vs 657 and 729 kg/animal, respectively), economic margin was similar for the two GS groups (-63.1 and -64.1 vs -91.8 (sic)/head). The polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio was the lowest (p <= 0.05) in GS-AC meat (the group showing the highest IMF levels) and the ratio n-6/n-3 was the highest (p <= 0.05) in Str-AC meat. GS-LC meat showed higher collagen content and Str-AC meat presented higher cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness values. Results suggested that the substitution of straw by grass silage and the restriction of the concentrate level could be recommended for finishing young Tudanca bulls in indoors systems

In vitro antiatherogenicity of extracts from Halimeda incrassata seaweed: antioxidant activity and smooth muscle cell migration studies

Aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro atheroprotective potential of the seaweed Halimeda incrassata in smooth muscle cell migration and lipoprotein oxidation in relation to its antioxidant activity. Material and methods: Antioxidant activity was determinate by DPPH• radical scavenging assay and ORAC method. The inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract on LDL oxidation mediated by Cu2+ ions was determinate by TBARS and conjugated diene quantification. The effect of the seaweed aqueous extract on smooth muscle cell migration was evaluated in MOVAS-1 mouse aortic smooth muscle cell. Results: The inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract on lipoprotein oxidation mediated by Cu2+ was demonstrated. Seaweed extract caused dose-dependent inhibition of TBARS (IC50 = 0.8 mg/mL) and conjugated dienes formation. The seaweed had a high antioxidant activity in the assays performed. The activity could be related to the phenolic content of Halimeda incrassata. Conclusions: In summary, the results of this study represent a further step in the characterization of the atheroprotective action of Halimeda incrassata and indicate the seaweed could be used for a nutraceutical and/or phytoterapeutic application.Objetivos: El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el potencial ateroprotector in vitro del alga Halimeda incrassata en la migración de células de músculo liso de ratón y la oxidación de lipoproteínas en relación con su actividad antioxidante. Material y métodos: La actividad antioxidante fue determinada mediante los métodos de inhibición de radicales DPPH y la Capacidad antioxidante total (ORAC). La actividad inhibitoria de la oxidación de LDL mediada por iones Cu2+ se determinó por la cuantificación de TBARS y dienos conjugados. El efecto del extracto acuoso sobre la migración de las células de músculo liso se evaluó en la línea de células de músculo liso aórtica de ratón MOVAS-1. Resultados: Se demostró el efecto inhibidor del extracto sobre la oxidación de LDL mediada por Cu2+. El extracto del alga causa inhibición dosis-dependiente de la formación de TBARS (IC50 = 0,8 mg/mL) y dienos conjugados. Las algas tuvieron una alta actividad antioxidante en los ensayos realizados y podría estar relacionada con el contenido de compuestos fenólicos. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este trabajo representan un paso más en la caracterización de la acción ateroprotectora de Halimeda incrassata y evidencian sus posibles aplicaciones como nutracéutico y/o fitofármaco.The research was funded by IFS grant F/4897-1. Partial funding was also provided by CIHR grant MOP24447, the Canadian Research Chair award (D.B.) and a personal grant from GSEP, offered by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (A.C) and CNPq- (Brasil)

Nuevas aportaciones sobre la estructura de la terminación occidental del anticlinal Barbastro-Balaguer

En este trabajo se presenta el estudio estructural de la terminación occidental del anticlinal de Barbastro-Balaguer. Con base en una síntesis cartográfica, nuevos datos estructurales, la interpretación de perfiles de sísmica de reflexión y la reinterpretación parcial de varios sondeos profundos de la zona, se han elaborado dos cortes geológicos. Éstos, más un tercer corte de autores previos, permiten describir la estructura de la terminación occidental del anticlinal en tres sectores distintos. En el sector oriental, o de Calasanz, el anticlinal se desdobla en dos ramas, individualizando un sinclinal laxo entre ambas. En el sector central, o del Cinca, el flanco sur del anticlinal lo componen los materiales autóctonos de la Cuenca del Ebro y el flanco norte, la lámina basal de las Sierras Marginales se dispone sobre los yesos de la Fm. Barbastro y sus equivalentes terrígenos laterales. En el sector occidental, o de Bierge, un retrocabalgamiento enraizado en la Fm. Barbastro caracteriza la estructura. A pesar del control estructural, ciertas interpretaciones de la geología en profundidad tendrán que precisarse mediante la aplicación futura de técnicas geofísicas. In this work we present a structural study of the western end of the Barbastro-Balaguer anticline. We elaborated two new cross sections based on a geological map synthesis, new structural data, seismic reflection profiles interpretation and the reinterpretation of well log data. These two cross sections together with an already published one allow to describe the subsurface structure in three different sectors. In the eastern or Calasanz sector, the anticline splays into two branches that individualize a gentle syncline in between. In the central or Cinca sector, the southern flank is composed by Ebro Basin deposits whereas in the northern flank the basal Sierras Marginales thrust sheet lies onto the equivalent terrigenous facies of the Barbastro Fm. In the western or Bierge sector a backthrust rooted on the Barbastro Fm. characterizes the structure. Despite the proper structural control, several interpretations of the subsurface geology can be further constrained by means of the application of different techniques

Role of the 4Kscore test as a predictor of reclassification in prostate cancer active surveillance

Background: Management of active surveillance (AS) in low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients could be improved with new biomarkers, such as the 4Kscore test. We analyze its ability to predict tumor reclassification by upgrading at the confirmatory biopsy at 6 months. Methods: Observational, prospective, blinded, and non-randomized study, within the Spanish National Registry on AS (AEU/PIEM/2014/0001; NCT02865330) with 181 patients included after initial Bx and inclusion criteria: PSA =10 ng/mL, cT1c-T2a, Grade group 1, =2 cores, and =5 mm/50% length core involved. Central pathological review of initial and confirmatory Bx was performed on all biopsy specimens. Plasma was collected 6 months after initial Bx and just before confirmatory Bx to determine 4Kscore result. In order to predict reclassification defined as Grade group =2, we analyzed 4Kscore, percent free to total (%f/t) PSA ratio, prostate volume, PSA density, family history, body mass index, initial Bx, total cores, initial Bx positive cores, initial Bx % of positive cores, initial Bx maximum cancer core length and initial Bx cancer % involvement. Wilcoxon rank-sum test, non-parametric trend test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate established differences between groups of reclassification. Results: A total of 137 patients met inclusion criteria. Eighteen patients (13.1%) were reclassified at confirmatory Bx. The %f/t PSA ratio and 4Kscore showed differences between the groups of reclassification (Yes/No). Using 7.5% as cutoff for the 4Kscore, we found a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 29%, with no reclassifications to Grade group 3 for patients with 4Kscore below 7.5% and 2 (6%) missed Grade group 2 reclassified patients. Using this threshold value there is a biopsy reduction of 27%. Additionally, 4Kscore was also associated with changes in tumor volume. Conclusions: Our preliminary findings suggest that the 4Kscore may be a useful tool in the decision-making process to perform a confirmatory Bx in active surveillance management

Electronic correlation in the infrared optical properties of the quasi two dimensional κ\kappa-type BEDT-TTF dimer system

The polarized optical reflectance spectra of the quasi two dimensional organic correlated electron system $\kappa$-(BEDT-TTF)$_{2}$Cu[N(CN)$_{2}$]$Y$, $Y =$ Br and Cl are measured in the infrared region. The former shows the superconductivity at $T_{\rm c} \simeq$ 11.6 K and the latter does the antiferromagnetic insulator transition at $T_{\rm N} \simeq$ 28 K. Both the specific molecular vibration mode $\nu_{3}(a_{g})$ of the BEDT-TTF molecule and the optical conductivity hump in the mid-infrared region change correlatively at $T^{*} \simeq$ 38 K of $\kappa$-(BEDT-TTF)$_{2}$Cu[N(CN)$_{2}$]Br, although no indication of $T^{*}$ but the insulating behaviour below $T_{\rm ins} \simeq$ 50-60 K are found in $\kappa$-(BEDT-TTF)$_{2}$Cu[N(CN)$_{2}$]Cl. The results suggest that the electron-molecular vibration coupling on the $\nu_{3}(a_{g})$ mode becomes weak due to the enhancement of the itinerant nature of the carriers on the dimer of the BEDT-TTF molecules below $T^{*}$, while it does strong below $T_{\rm ins}$ because of the localized carriers on the dimer. These changes are in agreement with the reduction and the enhancement of the mid-infrared conductivity hump below $T^{*}$ and $T_{\rm ins}$, respectively, which originates from the transitions between the upper and lower Mott-Hubbard bands. The present observations demonstrate that two different metallic states of $\kappa$-(BEDT-TTF)$_{2}$Cu[N(CN)$_{2}$]Br are regarded as {\it a correlated good metal} below $T^{*}$ including the superconducting state and {\it a half filling bad metal} above $T^{*}$. In contrast the insulating state of $\kappa$-(BEDT-TTF)$_{2}$Cu[N(CN)$_{2}$]Cl below $T_{\rm ins}$ is the Mott insulator.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figure