Audio recordings dataset of grazing jaw movements in dairy cattle.

This dataset is composed of correlated audio recordings and labels of ingestive jaw movements performed during grazing by dairy cattle. Using a wireless microphone, we recorded sounds of three Holstein dairy cows grazing short and tall alfalfa and short and tall fescue. Two experts in grazing behavior identified and labeled the start, end, and type of each jaw movement: bite, chew, and chew-bite (compound movement). For each segment of raw audio corresponding to a jaw movement we computed four well-known features: amplitude, duration, zero crossings, and envelope symmetry. These features are in the dataset and can be used as inputs to build automated methods for classification of ingestive jaw movements. Cow's grazing behavior can be monitored and characterized by identifying and analyzing these masticatory events

Block copolypeptide nanoparticles for the delivery of ocular therapeutics

Self-assembling block copolypeptides were prepared by sequential ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) derivatives of γ-benzyl-L-glutamic acid and ε-carbobenzyloxy-L-lysine, followed by selective deprotection of the benzyl glutamate block. The synthesized polymers had number average molecular weights close to theoretical values, and had low dispersities (ĐM = 1.15–1.28). Self-assembly of the amphiphilic block copolymers into nanoparticles was achieved using the “solvent-switch” method, whereby the polymer was dissolved in THF and water and the organic solvent removed by rotary evaporation. The type of nanostructures formed varied from spherical micelles to a mixture of spherical and worm-like micelles, depending on copolymer composition. The spherical micelles had an average diameter of 43 nm by dynamic light scattering, while the apparent diameter of the mixed phase system was around 200nm. Reproducibility of nanoparticle preparation was demonstrated to be excellent; almost identical DLS traces were obtained over three repeats. Following qualitative dye-solubilization experiments, the nanoparticles were loaded with the ocular anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. Loading efficiency of the nanoparticles was 90% and the cumulative drug release was 94% over 16 d, with a 20% burst release in the first 24 h.mabi201400471-gra-000

Implementation of the cooperative learning methodology to the Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics subject

La convergencia dentro del marco Europeo de Educación Superior plantea la necesidad de introducir cambios en el sistema educativo universitario. En este sentido, la formación en la universidad debe asegurar el desarrollo integral y continuo de los nuevos profesionales. El modelo tradicional de enseñanza ligado a conocimientos disciplinares ha de sustituirse por una formación en competencias ligadas al desempeño profesional y a un saber hacer cualificado para cada situación concreta. Metodologías activas como el aprendizaje cooperativo (AC) son reconocidas como estrategias idóneas para alcanzar estas competencias. En este entorno se plantea el objetivo de este trabajo como una experiencia de aprendizaje cooperativo que se está llevando a cabo con un grupo de alumnos de la asignatura de Biofarmacia y Farmacocinética en la Licenciatura de Farmacia. Este estudio forma parte del desarrollo de un proyecto de Innovación y Mejora de la Calidad Docente de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM 2009-276). Dentro del programa de la asignatura se han elegido aquellos temas que resultan más adecuados para los objetivos de esta modalidad de aprendizaje. El grupo en el que se ha llevado a cabo esta experiencia, es un grupo piloto (adscripción voluntaria para los alumnos) que cuenta con 63 alumnos. Se han formado 9 grupos de trabajo con la participación de 7 especialistas por grupo. Para la comunicación con los alumnos y la entrega de documentación de trabajo se ha utilizado el Campus Virtual de la UCM que utiliza la plataforma WebCT.The convergence in the European Higher Education Framework presents the need to make changes in the University Educational System. In this sense, the education in the University must ensure the all-round and continuous development of new professionals. The traditional model of education related to the knowledge of subjects must be substituted by the education in competences related to professional performance and qualification know-how for each particular situation. Active methodologies such as cooperative learning are recognized as suitable strategies to get those competences. In this environment, the objective of this work is presented as a cooperative learning experience that is carrying out with a group of students of Biopharmacy and Pharmacokinetic subject of the Pharmacy Grade. This study is part of the development of a Project of Innovation and Improvement of the Educational Quality in the Complutense University of Madrid. The topics that have been chosen from the whole program of the subject are the most suitable to reach the objectives of this learning method. This experience has been tested in a pilot group integrated by 63 voluntary students. Nine work groups have been formed with the participation of seven specialists in each group. The UCM Virtual Campus website (based on WebCT platform) has been used for communication with the students and documentation purposes

Controlled delivery of tauroursodeoxycholic acid from biodegradable microspheres slows retinal degeneration and vision loss in P23H rats

Successful drug therapies for treating ocular diseases require effective concentrations of neuroprotective compounds maintained over time at the site of action. The purpose of this work was to assess the efficacy of intravitreal controlled delivery of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) encapsulated in poly(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres for the treatment of the retina in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa. PLGA microspheres (MSs) containing TUDCA were produced by the O/W emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. Particle size and morphology were assessed by light scattering and scanning electronic microscopy, respectively. Homozygous P23H line 3 rats received a treatment of intravitreal injections of TUDCA-PLGA MSs. Retinal function was assessed by electroretinography at P30, P60, P90 and P120. The density, structure and synaptic contacts of retinal neurons were analyzed using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy at P90 and P120. TUDCA-loaded PLGA MSs were spherical, with a smooth surface. The production yield was 78%, the MSs mean particle size was 23 mu m and the drug loading resulted 12.5 +/- 0.8 mu g TUDCA/mg MSs. MSs were able to deliver the loaded active compound in a gradual and progressive manner over the 28-day in vitro release study. Scotopic electroretinografic responses showed increased ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes in TUDCA-PLGA-MSstreated eyes as compared to those injected with unloaded PLGA particles.TUDCA-PLGAMSs- treated eyes showed more photoreceptor rows than controls. The synaptic contacts of photoreceptors with bipolar and horizontal cells were also preserved in P23H rats treated with TUDCA-PLGA MSs. This work indicates that the slow and continuous delivery of TUDCA from PLGA-MSs has potential neuroprotective effects that could constitute a suitable therapy to prevent neurodegeneration and visual loss in retinitis pigmentosa

Influence of chronic ocular hypertension on emmetropia: Refractive, structural and functional study in two rat models

Chronic ocular hypertension (OHT) influences on refraction in youth and causes glaucoma in adulthood. However, the origin of the responsible mechanism is unclear. This study analyzes the effect of mild-moderate chronic OHT on refraction and neuroretina (structure and function) in young-adult Long-Evans rats using optical coherence tomography and electroretinography over 24 weeks. Data from 260 eyes were retrospectively analyzed in two cohorts: an ocular normotension (ONT) cohort (20 mmHg), in which OHT was induced either by sclerosing the episcleral veins (ES group) or by injecting microspheres into the anterior chamber. A trend toward emmetropia was found in both cohorts over time, though it was more pronounced in the OHT cohort (p < 0.001), especially in the ES group (p = 0.001) and males. IOP and refraction were negatively correlated at week 24 (p = 0.010). The OHT cohort showed early thickening in outer retinal sectors (p < 0.050) and the retinal nerve fiber layer, which later thinned. Electroretinography demonstrated early supranormal amplitudes and faster latencies that later declined. Chronic OHT accelerates emmetropia in Long–Evans rat eyes towards slowly progressive myopia, with an initial increase in structure and function that reversed over time. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

3d acceleration for heat detection in dairy cows

Accurate and reliable detection of heat in dairy cows is essential for a controlled reproduction and therefore, for maintaining milk production. Classical approaches like visual identification are no longer viable on large dairy herds. Several automated techniques of detection have been proposed, but expected results are only achieved by expensive or invasive methods, because practical methods are not reliable. We present a method that aims to be both practical and accurate. It is based on simple attributes extracted from 3D acceleration data and well known classifiers: multilayer perceptrons, support vector machines and decision trees. Results show promising detection ratios, above 90% in several configurations of the detection system. Best results are achieved with multilayer perceptrons. This information could be readily incorporated to the automated system in a dairy farm and help to improve its efficiency.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativa (SADIO

Desarrollo e implementación de un dispositivo de adquisición y almacenamiento de sonidos para ganadería de precisión

El monitoreo preciso de las actividades alimentarias de los rumiantes (rumia y pastoreo) es un importante indicador de su salud y bienestar. Un buen seguimiento en la dieta repercute de manera directa en la calidad y cantidad de la leche y carne producidas por el animal. En este trabajo se describe el desarrollo e implementación de un dispositivo de adquisición y almacenamiento de señales para el monitoreo de actividades alimentarias en ganado bovino. Dicho dispositivo tiene por objetivo captar los sonidos producidos por los animales durante su alimentación, sin interferir en su comportamiento normal y sin intervención del operador. El sistema propuesto consta de tres módulos: i) un módulo de adquisición y limpieza del sonido producido por el animal, ii) un módulo de compresión de la señal resultante, organización y almacenamiento de los datos y iii) un módulo de administración de la energía. El sistema fue diseñado para tener una autonomía de una semana y soportar las condiciones operacionales presentes en el campo de aplicación, como son la presencia de ruidos y condiciones climáticas adversas.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativa (SADIO

Novel use of plga microspheres to create an animal model of glaucoma with progressive neuroretinal degeneration

Progressive degeneration of neuroretinal tissue with maintained elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) to simulate chronic glaucoma was produced by intracameral injections of poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres (Ms) in rat eyes. The right eye of 39 rats received different sizes of PLGA-Ms (2 µL suspension; 10% w/v): 14 with 38–20 µm Ms (Ms38/20 model) and 25 with 20–10 µm particles (Ms20/10 model). This novel glaucoma animal model was compared to the episcleral vein sclerosis (EPI) model (25 eyes). Injections were performed at baseline, two, four and six weeks. Clinical signs, IOP, retina and optic nerve thicknesses (using in vivo optical coherence tomography; OCT), and histological studies were performed. An IOP increment was observed in all three groups, however, the values obtained from the PLGA-Ms injection resulted lower with a better preservation of the ocular surface. In fact, the injection of Ms20/10 created a gentler, more progressive, and more sustained increase in IOP. This IOP alteration was correlated with a significant decrease in most OCT parameters and in histological ganglion-cell count for the three conditions throughout the eight-week follow-up. In all cases, progressive degeneration of the retina, retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve, simulating chronic glaucoma, was detected by OCT and corroborated by histological study. Results showed an alternative glaucoma model to the well-known episcleral vein model, which was simpler to perform, more reproducible and easier to monitor in vivo

Desarrollo e implementación de un dispositivo de adquisición y almacenamiento de sonidos para ganadería de precisión

El monitoreo preciso de las actividades alimentarias de los rumiantes (rumia y pastoreo) es un importante indicador de su salud y bienestar. Un buen seguimiento en la dieta repercute de manera directa en la calidad y cantidad de la leche y carne producidas por el animal. En este trabajo se describe el desarrollo e implementación de un dispositivo de adquisición y almacenamiento de señales para el monitoreo de actividades alimentarias en ganado bovino. Dicho dispositivo tiene por objetivo captar los sonidos producidos por los animales durante su alimentación, sin interferir en su comportamiento normal y sin intervención del operador. El sistema propuesto consta de tres módulos: i) un módulo de adquisición y limpieza del sonido producido por el animal, ii) un módulo de compresión de la señal resultante, organización y almacenamiento de los datos y iii) un módulo de administración de la energía. El sistema fue diseñado para tener una autonomía de una semana y soportar las condiciones operacionales presentes en el campo de aplicación, como son la presencia de ruidos y condiciones climáticas adversas.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativa (SADIO