Welfare assessment based on metabolic and endocrine aspects in primiparous cows milked in a parlor or with an automatic milking system.

An automatic milking system (AMS) was compared with a traditional milking parlor (MP) to evaluate metabolic and psycho-physiological aspects of animal welfare. Twenty Italian Friesian heifers were allocated to 2 groups of 10 cows each after calving and maintained in the same free-stall barn. The first group was milked twice daily in a MP; the second group was milked in a single box AMS. Feed and diet characteristics were analyzed. Health status and body condition score (BCS) were evaluated in each cow. Blood samples were obtained from -14 to 154 d in milk (DIM) to determine metabolic profile and basal concentrations of cortisol in plasma. Data collected from 10 cows per group were processed. No significant difference was detected in milk yield, BCS, and energy-related metabolites (glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and triglycerides) from cows in MP or in AMS during the first 22 wk of lactation. These results, jointly with the absence of significant differences in plasma metabolites related to protein metabolism, mineral metabolism, and liver function during the first 22 wk of lactation, indicates that cows in AMS did not suffer metabolically. Greater basal concentrations of plasma cortisol in AMS cows, even if absolute values were considered to be in an acceptable range, might indicate chronic stress in these primiparous cows. Further research is necessary to confirm this hypothesis

Efectos de la genisteína en los niveles del Ca2+ citosólico en células musculares de arteria umbilical humana

Isoflavones are a group of natural phytoestrogens including the compound genistein. Health beneficial effects have been attributed to the consumption of this compound, but the fact that it has estrogen-like activity has raised doubts regarding its potential risk in infants, newborns, or in the fetus and placenta during pregnancy. This work is aimed at studying genistein effects on Ca2+ handling by smooth muscle cells of the human umbilical artery (HUA). Using fluorometric techniques, we found that in these cells genistein reduces the intracellular Ca2+ peak produced by serotonin. The same result could be demonstrated in absence of extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that the isoflavone reduces Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Force measurement experiments strengthen these results, since genistein reduced the peak force attained by intact HUA rings stimulated by serotonin in a Ca2+-free solution. Moreover, genistein induced the relaxation of HUA rings precontracted either with serotonin or a depolarizing high-extracellular K+ solution, hinting at a reduction of extracellular Ca2+ entry to the cell. This was confirmed by whole-cell patch-clamp experiments where it was shown that the isoflavone inhibits ionic currents through voltage-operated Ca2+ channels. In summary, we show that genistein inhibits two mechanisms that could increase intracellular Ca2+ in human umbilical smooth muscle cells, behaving in this way as a potential vasorelaxing substance of fetal vessels. Taking into account that genistein is able to cross the placental barrier, these data show that isoflavones may have important implications in the regulation of feto-maternal blood flow in pregnant women who consume soy-derived products as part of their meals.Facultad de Ciencias Exacta

Parental Perceptions of the Rural School’s Role in Addressing Childhood Obesity

This study employed cross-sectional, descriptive design with convenience sampling to explore rural parent perceptions of child obesity, use of Body Mass Index (BMI) in schools, preferences for receipt of BMI information and, the rural school’s role in obesity prevention/treatment. The survey “Parental Perceptions of BMI and Obesity in the School-Age Child” was used. Of the 183 surveys distributed, 65 were returned (35.5%). Fifty-five percentage of parents were in agreement of school-based BMI screening. Fifty-four percentage of parents selected a combination of ways to receive BMI information (letter from school nurse, face-to-face conference with nurse, or via report card). Few parents (6.2%) were reluctant to schools addressing obesity. Significant relationships were identified between non-White, overweight parents who had overweight children (n = 3). They were more likely to disagree with removal of junk food, increasing physical activity, and recommending weight loss. Recommendations to involve parents in BMI screening are presented

Observatorio de cambio climático de la provincia de Salta

Mientras las políticas de reducción en la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero vienen definidas a nivel internacional, las políticas de adaptación a las consecuencias del cambio climático deben definirse a nivel regional. La importancia que está adquiriendo el cambio climático, como objeto de investigación y de interés por parte de instituciones y administraciones, genera multitud de proyectos y de actividades que necesitan ser coordinados para convertir todo este conocimiento en punto de partida de evaluaciones concretas sobre cada sector de actividad y tipo de ecosistema de la región con la participación de los interesados. Para ello se creó el Observatorio de Cambio Climático de la Provincia de Salta, cuyo objetivo general es el de tener en funcionamiento un observatorio que posibilite crear una base de datos con la información necesaria para determinar los efectos a corto y largo plazo del cambio climático en el territorio provincial y actuar en consecuencia. Este observatorio basa su funcionamiento en cuatro pilares: Toma de datos, Análisis de la información y reportes, Difusión y Cooperación Nacional e Internacional.Eje: Cambio climático y políticas públicas.Universidad Nacional de La Plat

Observatorio de cambio climático de la provincia de Salta

Mientras las políticas de reducción en la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero vienen definidas a nivel internacional, las políticas de adaptación a las consecuencias del cambio climático deben definirse a nivel regional. La importancia que está adquiriendo el cambio climático, como objeto de investigación y de interés por parte de instituciones y administraciones, genera multitud de proyectos y de actividades que necesitan ser coordinados para convertir todo este conocimiento en punto de partida de evaluaciones concretas sobre cada sector de actividad y tipo de ecosistema de la región con la participación de los interesados. Para ello se creó el Observatorio de Cambio Climático de la Provincia de Salta, cuyo objetivo general es el de tener en funcionamiento un observatorio que posibilite crear una base de datos con la información necesaria para determinar los efectos a corto y largo plazo del cambio climático en el territorio provincial y actuar en consecuencia. Este observatorio basa su funcionamiento en cuatro pilares: Toma de datos, Análisis de la información y reportes, Difusión y Cooperación Nacional e Internacional.Eje: Cambio climático y políticas públicas.Universidad Nacional de La Plat

Observatorio de cambio climático de la provincia de Salta

Mientras las políticas de reducción en la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero vienen definidas a nivel internacional, las políticas de adaptación a las consecuencias del cambio climático deben definirse a nivel regional. La importancia que está adquiriendo el cambio climático, como objeto de investigación y de interés por parte de instituciones y administraciones, genera multitud de proyectos y de actividades que necesitan ser coordinados para convertir todo este conocimiento en punto de partida de evaluaciones concretas sobre cada sector de actividad y tipo de ecosistema de la región con la participación de los interesados. Para ello se creó el Observatorio de Cambio Climático de la Provincia de Salta, cuyo objetivo general es el de tener en funcionamiento un observatorio que posibilite crear una base de datos con la información necesaria para determinar los efectos a corto y largo plazo del cambio climático en el territorio provincial y actuar en consecuencia. Este observatorio basa su funcionamiento en cuatro pilares: Toma de datos, Análisis de la información y reportes, Difusión y Cooperación Nacional e Internacional.Eje: Cambio climático y políticas públicas.Universidad Nacional de La Plat

Sistemi zootecnici delle aree alpine

Viene presentato il panorama italiano sulla zootecnia alpina, evidenziandone i punti di forza e le criticit\ue0 attraverso le varie aree dell'arco alpino

Advanced colorectal polyps with the molecular and morphological features of serrated polyps and adenomas: concept of a ‘fusion’ pathway to colorectal cancer

Jass J R, Baker K, Zlobec I, Higuchi T, Barker M, Buchanan D & Young J (2006) Histopathology 49, 121–131 Advanced colorectal polyps with the molecular and morphological features of serrated polyps and adenomas: concept of a ‘fusion’ pathway to colorectal cancer AIM: To establish and explain the pattern of molecular signatures across colorectal polyps. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-two sessile serrated adenomas (SSA), 10 mixed polyps (MP), 15 traditional serrated adenomas (SA), 49 hyperplastic polyps (HP) and 84 adenomas were assessed for mutation of KRAS and BRAF and aberrant expression of p53. The findings were correlated with loss of expression of O-6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). KRAS mutation occurred more frequently (26.5%) than BRAF mutation (4.8%) in adenomas (P < 0.001) and particularly in adenomas with villous architecture (50%). Loss of expression of MGMT correlated with KRAS mutation in small tubular adenomas (P < 0.04). BRAF mutation was frequent in HPs (67%) and SSAs (81%), while KRAS mutation was infrequent (4% and 3%, respectively). Of MPs and SAs, 72% had either BRAF or KRAS mutation. Aberrant expression of p53 was uncommon overall, but occurred more frequently in MPs and SAs (12%) than adenomas (1%) (P < 0.04) and there was concordant loss of expression of MGMT. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular alterations that are characteristic of the serrated pathway and adenoma–carcinoma sequence can co-occur in a minority of advanced colorectal polyps that then show morphological features of both pathways. These lesions account for only 2% of colorectal polyps, but may be relatively aggressive