Study of sperm parameters in the retuertas horse

Geographical concentration and scarce census of the Retuertas horse force to design a complete conservation plan. One of the used tools as a mean of ex situ conservation was the creation of a germplasm bank. Previously, a study of the se-minal quality and its aptitude for freezing was developed. Results were: volume 23,25±12,72 ml; concentration 335,83±135,60x106 spermatozoa/ml; basal motility 3,83±0,98 (1-5) and progressive motility 60,42±15,42 (0-100%); all of them shown significant differences among stallions.La concentración geográfica y el reducido censo del Caballo de las Retuertas obligaron a diseñar un Plan de Conservación integral. Una de las herramientaspara la conservación ex situ fue la creación de un banco de germoplasma. Previamente, se estudió la calidad seminal y aptitud para congelación. Los resultados obtenidos fueron: volumen 23,25±12,72 ml, concentración 335,83±135,60x106 espermatozoides/ml; motilidad masal 3,83±0,98 (1-5) y motilidad progresiva 60,42±15,42 (0-100%), mostrando todas diferencias significativas en relación al semental

Mechanisms for longitudinal transport on early life stages in benthic-pelagic fishes within a tide-dominated estuary

Mechanisms that control the longitudinal transport of larvae and juveniles in nursery grounds such as estuaries are reported for some species. However, the behaviour and population consequences of these mechanisms are still uncertain. In this study, we tested selective tidal-stream transport from the along-channel (up-and down-stream) and cross-channel (from one margin to the other) perspectives for two kinds of fish: estuarine-resident gobies (Pomatoschistus spp.) and marine estuarine-opportunistic anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus). Three cruises were conducted in the lower Guadalquivir estuary, on the ebb and on the flood of spring tides in summer. Plankton samples were collected across a channel section, at three stations (one in the middle of the channel and two in adjacent shallower areas), near the surface and near the bottom simultaneously. In addition, multiple physico-chemical variables (temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, chlorophyll-a, along with wind and current direction and velocity) were measured to examine the different correlations used by the studied fish in their strategies. The benthic distribution of gobies indicated that they used flood currents near the bottom of lateral (shallow) areas to ingress into and remain in the estuary, temperature and/or dissolved oxygen being their main possible cues. On the contrary, the anchovies were more abundant near the surface, especially on the ebb tide, showing downstream advection, which was mainly influenced by salinity. However, the largest indi-vidual anchovies in the lateral/shallow zones suggested a behavioural ontogeny, which, together with wind induced transport, could contribute to their retention. This comparison also enhanced the knowledge of the habitat distribution of two species common and abundant in estuaries, anchovies and gobies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Improved meteorology and surface fluxes in mesoscale modelling using adjusted initial vertical soil moisture profiles

The Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) is being used for different and diverse purposes, ranging from atmospheric and dispersion of pollutants forecasting to agricultural meteorology and ecological modelling as well as for hydrological purposes, among others. The current paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the RAMS forecasts, comparing the results not only with observed standard surface meteorological variables, measured at FLUXNET stations and other portable and permanent weather stations located over the region of study, but also with non-standard observed variables, such as the surface energy fluxes, with the aim of evaluating the surface energy budget and its relation with a proper representation of standard observations and key physical processes for a wide range of applications. In this regard, RAMS is assessed against in-situ surface observations during a selected period within July 2011 over Eastern Spain. In addition, the simulation results are also compared with different surface remote sensing data derived from the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) (MSG-SEVIRI) as well as the uncoupled Land Surface Models (LSM) Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS). Both datasets complement the available in-situ observations and are used in the current study as the reference or ground truth when no observations are available on a selected location. Several sensitivity tests have been performed involving the initial soil moisture content, by adjusting this parameter in the vertical soil profile ranging from the most superficial soil layers to those located deeper underground. A refined adjustment of this parameter in the initialization of the model has shown to better represent the observed surface energy fluxes. The results obtained also show an improvement in the model forecasts found in previous studies in relation to standard observations, such as the air temperature and the moisture fields. Therefore, the application of a drier or wetter soil in distinct soil layers within the whole vertical soil profile has been found to be crucial in order to produce a better agreement between the simulation and the observations, thus reiterating the determining role of the initial soil moisture field in mesoscale modelling, but in this case considering the variation of this parameter vertically

Effect of Maraviroc Intensification on HIV-1-Specific T Cell Immunity in Recently HIV-1-Infected Individuals

Background The effect of maraviroc on the maintenance and the function of HIV-1-specific T cell responses remains unknown. Methods Subjects recently infected with HIV-1 were randomized to receive anti-retroviral treatment with or without maraviroc intensification for 48 weeks, and were monitored up to week 60. PBMC and in vitro-expanded T cells were tested for responses to the entire HIV proteome by ELISpot analyses. Intracellular cytokine staining assays were conducted to monitor the (poly)-functionality of HIV-1-specific T cells. Analyses were performed at baseline and week 24 after treatment start, and at week 60 (3 months after maraviroc discontinuation). Results Maraviroc intensification was associated with a slower decay of virus-specific T cell responses over time compared to the non-intensified regimen in both direct ex-vivo as well as in in-vitro expanded cells. The effector function profiles of virus-specific CD8+ T cells were indistinguishable between the two arms and did not change over time between the groups. Conclusions Maraviroc did not negatively impact any of the measured parameters, but was rather associated with a prolonged maintenance of HIV-1-specific T cell responses. Maraviroc, in addition to its original effect as viral entry inhibitor, may provide an additional benefit on the maintenance of virus-specific T cells which may be especially important for future viral eradication strategies

Análisis de sensibilidad de la influencia de la energía media y FWHM de la fluencia inicial de electrones en la determinación de un espectro de fotones Bremsstrahlung de un acelerador lineal

[EN] El cálculo de dosis de manera correcta en pacientes sometidos a tratamientos de radioterapia requiere una descripción precisa de la fuente de radiación, ya que las posibles incertidumbres en la descripción del espectro se transmiten al cálculo de la dosis. Sin embargo, el conocimiento detallado de los parámetros del haz de electrones inicial, no es fácilmente alcanzable, por lo que muchas investigaciones ajustan los valores de la fluencia inicial de electrones por métodos de ensayo y error. El objetivo principal del presente trabajo es estudiar los efectos de las características del haz inicial de electrones en la distribución de dosis absorbida calculada mediante Monte Carlo para un haz de fotones de 6 MeV emitido por un acelerador lineal médico. Para ello, se propone una metodología para determinar la fluencia de electrones inicial antes de incidir en el blanco del acelerador lineal médico Elekta Precise. El método utilizado para la descripción de la fuente de radiación de electrones se basa en un Software de Incertidumbre y Análisis de Sensibilidad (SUSA) y utilizando el código de transporte Monte Carlo MCNP5 [1], [2]. Los parámetros derivados de los cálculos de SUSA son la energía promedio y el ancho a media altura (FWHM) de la distribución inicial de electrones. Con este programa se han generado un conjunto de 93 casos con diferentes combinaciones de estos parámetros. Se ha simulado el transporte de estos 93 espectros de electrones iniciales hacia el blanco del acelerador lineal produciendo de esta manera los correspondientes espectros de fotones Bremsstrahlung. Los resultados de los diferentes espectros de fotones generados han sido comparados con el espectro de fotones de 6 MeV real emitido por el linac Elekta Precise, que fue calculado y validado en trabajos anteriores. Esta comparación permite estudiar cómo la energía media y el FWHM de la fluencia inicial de electrones influyen en el espectro de fotones generado. El espectro de fotones de 6 MeV conocido se calculó mediante un método de deconvolución a partir de una matriz respuesta de dosis en profundidad. Este espectro ha sido validado por medio de la comparación de su curva de dosis en profundidad resultante en una cuba de agua con datos experimentales encontrándose la diferencia siempre por debajo al 1%.Juste Vidal, BJ.; Miró Herrero, R.; Verdú Martín, GJ.; Díez, S.; Campayo, J. (2011). Análisis de sensibilidad de la influencia de la energía media y FWHM de la fluencia inicial de electrones en la determinación de un espectro de fotones Bremsstrahlung de un acelerador lineal. Grupo Senda. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/50512

Comparación entre la metodología de reconstrucción de espectros por transmisión y por dispersión, ambas basadas en imágenes tomadas con EPID

Se han publicado numerosos métodos para la reconstrucción de espectros de fotones emitidos por Linac; algunos de ellos se basan en el análisis de datos de transmisión y otros en datos de dispersión. En este trabajo, se comparan los dos enfoques de deconvolución de espectros con el fin de validar experimentalmente su robustez y determinar cuál es la metodología óptima para su aplicación en una rutina de garantía de calidad clínica. Ambos métodos estudiados se basan en imágenes EPID generadas cuando el haz de fotones incide sobre un bloque de plástico. Se midió la distribución de la radiación transmitida/dispersada producida por este objeto centrado en el tamaño de campo del haz. Las mediciones se realizaron utilizando un haz de fotones de 6 MeV producido por el acelerador lineal. Las mismas condiciones de distribución de radiación también se simularon con código Monte Carlo para una serie de haces de fotones monoenergéticos en ambos casos (metodología de transmisión y dispersión). Dos sistemas de ecuaciones lineales fueron generados para combinar las mediciones polienergéticas con el EPID con los resultados de simulación monoenergéticos. Se aplicaron técnicas de regularización para resolver los sistemas y obtener el espectro fotónico incidente. Se presenta una comparación entre la reconstrucción espectral basada en datos de la transmisión y la reconstrucción espectral en base a datos de dispersión, que ambos hemos desarrollado utilizando imágenes EPID. Está demostrado que los resultados de reconstrucción basados en transmisión ofrecen mucho mejor ajuste con las predicciones teóricas.Juste Vidal, BJ.; Miró Herrero, R.; Jambrina Gómez, A.; Campayo, J.; Díez, S.; Santos, A.; Verdú Martín, GJ. (2013). Comparación entre la metodología de reconstrucción de espectros por transmisión y por dispersión, ambas basadas en imágenes tomadas con EPID. Grupo Senda. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/50486

Effects on short term outcome of non-invasive ventilation use in the emergency department to treat patients with acute heart failure: A propensity score-based analysis of the EAHFE Registry

Objective: To assess the effects of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in emergency department (ED) patients with acute heart failure (AHF) on short term outcomes. Methods: Patients from the EAHFE Registry (a multicenter, observational, multipurpose, cohort-designed database including consecutive AHF patients in 41 Spanish EDs) were grouped based on NIV treatment (NIV+ and NIV–groups). Using propensity score (PS) methodology, we identified two subgroups of patients matched by 38 covariates and compared regarding 30-day survival (primary outcome). Interaction was investigated for age, sex, ischemic cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, AHF precipitated by an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), AHF classified as hypertensive or acute pulmonary edema (APE), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission; mechanical ventilation; in-hospital, 3-day and 7-day mortality; and prolonged hospitalization (>7 days). Results: Of 11, 152 patients from the EAHFE (age (SD): 80 (10) years; 55.5% women), 718 (6.4%) were NIV+ and had a higher 30-day mortality (HR = 2.229; 95%CI = 1.861–2.670) (p 85 years, p < 0.001), AHF associated with ACS (p = 0.045), and SBP < 100 mmHg (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the secondary endpoints except for more prolonged hospitalizations in NIV+ patients (OR = 1.445; 95%CI = 1.122–1.862) (p = 0.004). Conclusion: The use of NIV to treat AHF in ED is not associated with improved mortality outcomes and should be cautious in old patients and those with ACS and hypotension

Consenso para la mejora de la atención integral de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda

El último consenso sobre insuficiencia cardíaca aguda de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología, la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna y la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias se elaboró en 2015, por lo que era necesaria una actualización para revisar las diversas novedades relacionadas con la temática de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda que han ido apareciendo los últimos años. Entre ellas están la publicación de las nuevas guías europeas sobre insuficiencia cardíaca en el 2016, nuevos estudios sobre el manejo farmacológico de los pacientes durante la hospitalización y novedades sobre diversos aspectos relacionados con la insuficiencia cardíaca aguda, tales como el abordaje precoz, terapia intermitente, insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada y congestión refractaria. Por ello, este consenso se elaboró con la intención de actualizar todos los aspectos relacionados con la insuficiencia cardíaca aguda y proporcionar un documento que detallase de manera completa el diagnóstico, tratamiento y manejo de esta enfermedad. The latest acute heart failure consensus document from the Spanish Society of Cardiology, Spanish Society of Internal Medicine, and Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine was published in 2015, which made an update covering the main novelties regarding acute heart failure from the last few years necessary. These include publication of updated European guidelines on heart failure in 2016, new studies on the pharmacological treatment of patients during hospitalization, and other recent developments regarding acute heart failure such as early treatment, intermittent treatment, advanced heart failure, and refractory congestion. This consensus document was drafted with the aim of updating all aspects related to acute heart failure and to create a document that comprehensively describes the diagnosis, treatment, and management of this disease

Role of age and comorbidities in mortality of patients with infective endocarditis

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of patients with IE in three groups of age and to assess the ability of age and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to predict mortality. Methods: Prospective cohort study of all patients with IE included in the GAMES Spanish database between 2008 and 2015. Patients were stratified into three age groups:<65 years, 65 to 80 years, and = 80 years.The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of the CCI to predict mortality risk. Results: A total of 3120 patients with IE (1327 < 65 years;1291 65-80 years;502 = 80 years) were enrolled.Fever and heart failure were the most common presentations of IE, with no differences among age groups.Patients =80 years who underwent surgery were significantly lower compared with other age groups (14.3%, 65 years; 20.5%, 65-79 years; 31.3%, =80 years). In-hospital mortality was lower in the <65-year group (20.3%, <65 years;30.1%, 65-79 years;34.7%, =80 years;p < 0.001) as well as 1-year mortality (3.2%, <65 years; 5.5%, 65-80 years;7.6%, =80 years; p = 0.003).Independent predictors of mortality were age = 80 years (hazard ratio [HR]:2.78;95% confidence interval [CI]:2.32–3.34), CCI = 3 (HR:1.62; 95% CI:1.39–1.88), and non-performed surgery (HR:1.64;95% CI:11.16–1.58).When the three age groups were compared, the AUROC curve for CCI was significantly larger for patients aged <65 years(p < 0.001) for both in-hospital and 1-year mortality. Conclusion: There were no differences in the clinical presentation of IE between the groups. Age = 80 years, high comorbidity (measured by CCI), and non-performance of surgery were independent predictors of mortality in patients with IE.CCI could help to identify those patients with IE and surgical indication who present a lower risk of in-hospital and 1-year mortality after surgery, especially in the <65-year group