Effect of feeding a blackseed meal-sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellet on gastrointestinal nematode and coccidia infection and animal performance in young goats.

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection poses the most significant obstacle to the sustainable development of small ruminant (sheep and goat) farming globally. Resistance of GINs to synthetic anthelmintic drugs has led to rising interest in exploring alternative methods for parasite control, such as the utilization of bioactive plants with anti-parasitic properties. In this investigation, black seed (Nigella sativa), a shrub high in secondary antioxidant compounds, and sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), a perennial legume high in tannins with anti-parasitic properties were combined to determine if two bioactive plants containing different types of secondary compounds can provide a stronger anti-parasitic effect than sericea lespedeza alone. In a 49-day trial, naturally parasitized 6-7-month-old intact male Spanish goats (n = 15/treatment) were fed pelletized feeds encompassing sericea lespedeza leaf meal (SL), a combination of black seed meal (BS) and sericea lespedeza leaf meal (BS-SL - 75 % SL, 25 % BS), or alfalfa (Medicago sativa, control parasitized; CONP), with an additional group of dewormed kids given the alfalfa pellets (Control treated; CONT). Weekly measurements of animal weights and samples of blood and feces were collected to determine the packed cell volume (PCV), GIN fecal egg counts (FEC), and coccidia fecal oocyte counts (FOC), respectively. All animals were processed at the end of the trial (60 total), with adult Haemonchus contortus worms recovered from the abomasum of each goat for counting and sex determination. Carcass weights were recorded after processing. Goats given the SL and BS-SL treatments had lower FEC (P<0.05) than the parasitized alfalfa (CONP) goats. At the end of the study, the SL and BS-SL groups' FOC values were lower (P < 0.05) than the CONT and CONP groups. A rise in PCV values was seen over time for all groups; SL, BS-SL, and CONT animals exhibited higher PCV values (P < 0.05) in comparison to the CONP goats. The parasitized goats fed SL-only pellets showed greater feed intake and animal body weights (P < 0.05) compared to goats fed BS-SL or alfalfa pellets. However, the treatments had no effect on the weight of the goats' carcasses. Although the H. contortus adult worm counts in the CONT goats (alfalfa-dewormed) were lower (P < 0.05) than in the CONP goats (alfalfa-parasitized), they did not differ from the SL or BS-SL animals. This study indicates that sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellet diet, either by itself or in combination with black seed meal, showed promising results as an anthelmintic and may prove to be an effective alternative to exclusive use of conventional deworming drugs. The addition of black seed did not appear to enhance the effectiveness of sericea lespedeza in this study.

Comparison of different PCR amplification targets for molecular diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis.

Molecular techniques are an alternative for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis, produced by Strongyloides stercoralis. However, it is necessary to determine the best amplification target for the populations of this parasite present in a geographical area and standardize a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol for its detection. The objectives of this work were the comparison of different PCR targets for molecular detection of S. stercoralis and the standardization of a PCR protocol for the selected target with the best diagnostic results. DNA extraction was performed from parasite larvae by saline precipitation. Three amplification targets of the genes encoding ribosomal RNA 18S (18S rDNA) and 5.8S (5.8S rDNA) and cytochrome oxidase 1 (COX1) of S. stercoralis were compared, and the PCR reaction conditions for the best target were standardized (concentration of reagents and template DNA, hybridization temperature, and number of cycles). The analytical sensitivity and specificity of the technique were determined. DNA extraction by saline precipitation made it possible to obtain DNA of high purity and integrity. The ideal target was the 5.8S rDNA, since the 18S rDNA yielded non-reproducible results and COX1 never amplified under any condition tested. The optimal conditions for the 5.8S rDNA-PCR were: 1.5 mM MgCl2, 100 µM dNTPs, 0.4 µM primers, and 0.75 U DNA polymerase, using 35 cycles and a hybridization temperature of 60 °C. The analytical sensitivity of the PCR was 1 attogram of DNA, and the specificity was 100%. Consequently, the 5.8S rDNA was shown to be highly sensitive and specific for the detection of S. stercoralis DNA.

Agricultural policies against invasive species generate contrasting outcomes for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.

Direct consequences of biological invasions on biodiversity and the environment have been largely documented. Yet collateral indirect effects mediated by changes in agri-environmental policies aimed at combating invasions remain little explored. Here we assessed the effects of recent changes in water management in rice farming, which are aimed at buffering the impact of the invasive apple snail (Pomacea maculata, Lamarck) on greenhouse gas emissions and diversity of waterbird communities. We used observational data from a 2-year field monitoring (2015-2016) performed at the Ebro Delta regional scale. We found that drying rice fields reduced methane emission rates by 82% (2015) and 51% (2016), thereby reflecting the contribution of rice farming to climate change. However, there was a marked reduction (75% in 2015 and 57% in 2016) in waterbird diversity in dry fields compared with flooded fields, thus suggesting that post-invasion policies might hinder biodiversity conservation. Our results highlight the need for accounting for potential collateral effects during the policy decision-making process to design efficient agricultural management plans that lessen undesirable agri-environmental outcomes.

Propuesta metodológica para la validación de bases de datos aplicada a las ciencias de la salud / Methodological proposal for validation of databases applied to health sciences

La estadística es uno de los pilares de la ciencia, especialmente para describir y analizar los datos, la que ha progresado exponencialmente en los últimos años. Se le debe entender como un apoyo fundamental para la toma de decisiones en las distintas disciplinas. Los análisis exploratorios son descritos como el primer paso en la estadística, buscando organizar, representar y describir los datos, pero muchas veces este proceso se vuelve complejo, siendo importante realizar una revisión exhaustiva de la matriz de datos. Es objetivo de este manuscrito describir una propuesta metodológica para la validación de bases de datos aplicada a las ciencias de la salud. Esta metodología consta de seis etapas: cuatro de ellas obligatorias y sucesivas, y las otras dos opcionales. En la literatura médica, estos procedimientos general-mente son pasados por alto; buscamos, en consecuencia, recalcar la importancia de este proceso como previo a los análisis exploratorios.

Statistics is one of the pillars of science, especially to describe and analyze data, it has progressed exponentially in recent years. Being the fundamental support for decision-making in different disciplines. Exploratory analyzes are described as the first step in statistics, seeking to organize, represent and describe the data, but many times this process becomes complex, and it is important to carry out an exhaustive review of the data matrix. The aim of this manuscript was to describe a methodological proposal for databases validation applied to health sciences. This methodology consists of 6 stages, 4 of them compulsory and successive, and the other two, optional. In the literature these procedures are generally overlooked, our purpose is thus to emphasize the importance of this process prior to exploratory analyzes.

Development of Bioactive Glass-Collagen-Hyaluronic Acid-Polycaprolactone Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications.

In this work, bioactive glass (BG) particles synthesized by a sol-gel method, hyaluronic acid (HYA) and collagen (COL) extracted from chicken eggshell membrane (ESM), and as-purchased polycaprolactone (PCL) were used to obtain a novel bioactive scaffold using the gel-pressing technique. Two composite mixtures in weight percent were obtained and identified as SCF-1 and SCF-2, and were characterized by using FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. Subsequently, the composite materials applied as coatings were evaluated in simulated body fluid solutions using electrochemical techniques. The results of bioactivity and biodegradability evaluations, carried out by immersing in simulated body fluid and phosphate-buffered saline solution, showed that the SCF-1 sample presented the best biocompatibility. In accordance with the potentiodynamic results, the 316L-SS and the SCF-1-coated SS showed a very similar corrosion potential (E corr ), around -228 mV, and current density (i corr ) values in close proximity, while the SCF-2-coated SS showed more positive E corr around -68 mV and lower i corr value in one order of magnitude. These results agree with those obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which show a corrosion mechanism governed by activation and finite diffusion through the porous layer. In addition, results were complemented by dynamic compression testing under oscillating forces to identify the developed scaffolds' response under external forces, where the SCF-1 scaffold presented a maximum compression. The degradation resistance, bioactivity, and mechanically obtained measurements provided interesting results for potential further studies in tissue engineering.

Manufacture of magnesium-fortified Chihuahua cheese.

The aim of this study was to manufacture magnesium-fortified Chihuahua cheese and to evaluate the effect of magnesium fortification on quality parameters. Addition of magnesium chloride to milk during pasteurization (5.44, 10.80, 16.40, 22.00, and 25.20 g of MgCl2·6H2O/L of milk) resulted in cheese with increased magnesium content, proportional to the amount of magnesium added (up to 2,957.13 mg of Mg/kg of cheese). As magnesium content increased, coagulation time and moisture content also increased, whereas calcium content decreased. Higher levels of magnesium fortification (16.40 g of MgCl2·6H2O/L of milk or more) induced the development of bitter-acid flavors and softer texture. Addition of 10.80 g of MgCl2·6H2O/L to milk resulted in Chihuahua cheese that meets regulatory standards and possesses physicochemical and sensory characteristics similar to those of nonfortified Chihuahua cheese. Under this milk fortification level, the manufactured cheese is able to provide 148.4 mg of magnesium per day (35% of the recommended daily intake of magnesium for adult males and 46% for adult females) assuming 3 portions (28 g each) are consumed.

Bottom-up effects of woodland eutrophication: Interacting limiting nutrients determine herbivory frequency in northwestern Patagonia.

Nutrient enrichment disrupts plant-animal interactions and ecosystem functioning globally. In woodland systems, the mechanisms of bottom-up turnover on plant-herbivore interactions remain understudied. Here, we performed a full-factorial field experiment to evaluate the interactive effects of nutrient addition (nitrogen, phosphorus, and/or potassium) on the assemblage of foliar herbivores and the interaction frequency with Berberis microphylla, a dominant shrub species in Patagonian woodlands. Additionally, we assessed whether these effects could be mediated by changes in vegetative traits and microhabitat characteristics (i.e., canopy cover) that may ultimately influence the foraging behavior of herbivores. The addition of nitrogen reduced the herbivory frequency by 41%, yet this effect was diluted in the presence of potassium. We found no effects of phosphorus addition. Our results suggest that the impact of multiple nutrient additions (N and K) on herbivory patterns could be mediated by changes in two important foliar traits, leaf size and leaf density. This study shows how multiple nutrient addition can change the magnitude of antagonistic plant-animal interactions in woodlands. Since herbivory by arthropods has a relevant role in net primary productivity, our results highlight the importance of buffering human-driven woodland eutrophication to maintain important ecological functions (e.g., herbivory) associated with antagonistic plant-animal interactions and avoiding ecosystem dysfunction.

Chemical interactions among caseins during rennet coagulation of milk.

Rennet milk curds were prepared under 4 different temperature and acidity conditions. The development of different types of inter-protein chemical bonds (disulfide, hydrophobic, electrostatic, hydrogen, and calcium bridges) was monitored for 60 min after curd cutting. Hydrophobic inter-protein interactions originally present in casein micelles in milk were substituted by electrostatic, hydrogen, and calcium bonds throughout the curd curing period. Disulfide bonds were not disturbed by the experimental conditions employed in the study, remaining at a constant level in all studied treatments. Acidification of curds increased the availability of soluble ionic calcium, increasing the relative proportion of calcium bridges at the expense of electrostatic-hydrogen bonds. Although pH defined the nature of the interactions established among proteins in curd, temperature modified the rate at which such bonds were formed.

Resultados perinatales tras la suplementación de una cohorte de gestantes con vitamina D / Perinatal results after vitamin D supplementation in a pregnant women cohort

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: La deficiencia de vitamina D es muy prevalente durante la gestación, siendo cada vez más numerosos los estudios que relacionan esta condición con peores resultados perinatales. El objetivo del presente trabajo es describir los resultados perinatales y el curso del embarazo de una cohorte de gestantes deficitarias en vitamina D durante el primer trimestre del embarazo, suplementándolas con colecalciferol, así como establecer una comparación entre los resultados perinatales de aquellas pacientes con déficit o insuficiencia que lograron niveles normales de vitamina D en el tercer trimestre frente a aquellas que no lo lograron. Como objetivo secundario se describe el curso del embarazo de una cohorte de pacientes que durante el mismo periodo de tiempo del estudio presentaban normovitaminosis al inicio de la gestación. MÉTODOS: La cohorte de 190 pacientes analizada procede de casos consecutivos en la primera consulta de embarazo. Se determinaron los niveles de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25-OH-D) en la analítica del primer trimestre de 190 gestantes diferenciando entre valores normales (>30ng/mL), insuficiencia (30-15 ng/mL) y deficiencia (<15 ng/mL). Las pacientes con insuficiencia se suplementaron con 1000 UI/día de colecalciferol y las pacientes con deficiencia con 2000 UI/día. En el tercer trimestre se determinaron de nuevo los niveles de 25-OH-D en las pacientes suplementadas, suspendiendo la prescripción en caso de haberse normalizado los valores. Se comparan estadísticamente los resultados perinatales entre aquellas pacientes que mejoraron con la suplementación frente a aquellas que no lo hicieron. RESULTADOS: De las 190 pacientes analizadas, un 45% presentaban insuficiencia; un 27,5% deficiencia; y un 27,5% valores normales. De forma global, un 61% de las pacientes suplementadas habían normalizado sus niveles de vitamina D en la analítica del tercer trimestre, suspendiéndose la prescripción. De ese 61% normalizado, un 63% pertenecían al grupo de insuficiencia y un 37% al de deficiencia. Dentro del grupo suplementado con colecalciferol, un 1,4% de las pacientes desarrollaron hipertensión arterial, mientras que un 33% desarrollaron diabetes en el embarazo, de las cuales un 87% la controlaron exclusivamente con dieta y un 13% precisaron insulina. Un 3,6% de las gestaciones cursaron con retraso del crecimiento y la tasa de prematuridad fue igualmente del 3,6%. La tasa de cesáreas fue del 23%, de las cuales un 77% fueron indicadas intraparto y un 23% cesáreas programadas. El peso medio al nacimiento fue 3205g. Dentro del grupo con valores normales de 25-OH-D en el primer trimestre de la gestación, ninguna paciente desarrolló hipertensión arterial, mientras que un 15% presentaron diabetes gestacional controlada con dieta. Un 3,8% de dichas gestaciones cursaron con retrasos del crecimiento y la tasa de prematuridad fue del 1,9%. La tasa de cesáreas fue del 23%, de las cuales un 50% fueron indicadas intraparto y el 50% restante programadas. El peso medio al nacimiento fue de 3280g. En el análisis comparativo de los resultados perinatales entre el grupo de pacientes suplementadas que normalizaron sus cifras de vitamina D y aquellas que no lo hicieron, no se hallan diferencias estadísticamente significativas para ninguno de los parámetros analizados. CONCLUSIONES: La elevada tasa de hipovitaminosis D en la muestra analizada apoya la extensión del cribado y suplementación a todas las embarazadas y no solamente a aquellas con factores de riesgo. Dado que no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los niveles de vitamina D en el tercer trimestre y las variables perinatales estudiadas, podemos concluir que en nuestro estudio la suplementación con vitamina D no se ha comportado como factor protector de eventos obstétricos adversos.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent during pregnancy, with an increasing number of studies linking this condition with worse perinatal outcomes. The objective of this present work is to describe the perinatal results and the course of pregnancy in a cohort of pregnant women deficient in vitamin D during the first trimester of pregnancy, supplementing them with cholecalciferol, as well as to establish a comparison between perinatal results of those patients with deficiencnieve or insufficiency who achieved normal levels of vitamin D in the third trimester compared to those who did not. As a secondary objective, the course of pregnancy is described in a cohort of patients who presented normal levels at the beginning of gestation during the same period of time of the study. METHODS: The cohort of 190 patients analyzed comes from consecutive cases in the first pregnancy visit. The levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) were determined in the analysis of the first trimester of 190 pregnant women, differentiating between normal values (> 30ng / mL), insufficiency (30-15 ng / mL) and deficiency (<15 ng / mL). Patients with insufficiency were supplemented with 1000 IU/day of cholecalciferol and patients with deficiency with 2000 IU/day. In the third trimester, the 25-OH-D levels were determined again in the supplemented patients, suspending the prescription if the values had normalized. Perinatal outcomes are statistically compared between those patients who improved with supplementation versus those who did not. RESULTS: Of the 190 patients analyzed, 45% had insufficiency; 27.5% deficiency; and 27.5% normal values. Overall, 61% of the supplemented patients had normalized their vitamin D levels in the third trimester analysis, suspending the prescription. Within that 61% normalized, 63% belonged to the insufficiency group and 37% to the deficiency group. In the group supplemented with cholecalciferol, 1.4% of the patients developed arterial hypertension, while 33% developed diabetes in pregnancy, of which 87% controlled it exclusively with diet and 13% required insulin. 3.6% of pregnancies had intrauterine growth restriction and the prematurity rate was also 3.6%. The caesarean section rate was 23%, of which 77% were indicated intrapartum and 23% scheduled caesarean sections. The mean weight at birth was 3205g. Within the group with normal 25-OH-D values in the first trimester of pregnancy, no patient developed hypertension, while 15% had diet-controlled gestational diabetes. 3.8% of these pregnancies had intrauterine growth restriction and the prematurity rate was 1.9%. The cesarean section rate was 23%, of which 50% were indicated intrapartum and the remaining 50% scheduled. The mean weight at birth was 3280g. In the comparative analysis of the perinatal results between the group of supplemented patients who normalized their vitamin D levels and those who did not, no statistically significant differences were found for any of the parameters analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of hypovitaminosis D in the analyzed sample supports the extension of screening and supplementation to all pregnant women and not only to those with risk factors. Since no statistically significant differences were observed between vitamin D levels in the third trimester and the perinatal outcomes studied, we can conclude that in our study vitamin D supplementation has not behaved as a protective factor against adverse obstetric events.

Impact of Invasive Bees on Plant-Pollinator Interactions and Reproductive Success of Plant Species in Mixed Nothofagus antarctica Forests.

Invasive social bees can alter plant-pollinator interactions with detrimental effects on both partners. However, most studies have focused on one invasive bee species, while the interactions among two or more species remain poorly understood. Also, many study sites had a history of invasive bees, being hard to find sites with historical low abundances. In Patagonia, Bombus ruderatus (F.) invasion begun in 1993 and B. terrestris (L.) in 2006. Though honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) introduction started in 1859, their density is still low in some parts. By experimentally increasing honey bee densities, we evaluated the effect of honey bees and bumblebees floral visitation on native pollinator floral visitation, pollen deposition, and reproductive success of three plant species in mixed Nothofagus antarctica forests of northern Patagonia: Oxalis valdiviensis, Mutisia spinosa and Cirsium vulgare. Our results show that exotic bees became the main floral visitors. No negative association was found between invasive bee and native pollinator visitation rates, but there was evidence of potential competition between honey bees and bumblebees. Floral neighborhood diversity played an important role in pollinator behavior. Conspecific pollen deposition was high for all species, while deposition of heterospecific pollen was very high in M. spinosa and C. vulgare. Not as expected, honey bees visitation rate had a negative effect on heterospecific pollen deposition in C. vulgare. For O. valdiviensis, exotic visitation rates increased conspecific pollen deposition, which was positively related to reproductive success. Although exotic bees became main floral visitors, their contribution to reproductive success was only clear for one species.

Addressing Syndemics and Self-care in Individuals with Uncontrolled HIV: An Open Trial of a Transdiagnostic Treatment.

Interventions addressing syndemics and ART adherence are needed for individuals with uncontrolled HIV and psychosocial problems. Twenty-seven participants with detectable HIV plasma viral load (PVL) or recent STI participated in an open trial of transdiagnostic adherence counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. Outcomes were collected at baseline, 4-, and 8-months. Log PVL improved from baseline to 4-month (γ = - 1.13, 95% CI - 1.72, - 0.55, p < 0.001) and 8-month (γ = - 0.93, 95% CI - 1.57, - 0.30, p = 0.006), with more participants suppressed at 4- (χ2(1) = 9.09, p = 0.001) and 8-month (χ2(1) = 5.14, p = 0.016). Self-reported adherence improved across major assessments (γ = 0.87, 95% CI 0.28, 1.46, p = .005); Wisepill adherence did not. Negative affect declined during treatment (γ = - 0.28, 95% CI - 0.40, - 0.16, p < 0.001), with improvement at 4- (γ = - 4.34, 95% CI - 6.99, - 1.69, p = 0.002) but not 8-month. Positive affect trended positively during treatment and from baseline to 4-month, with significant 8-month improvement (γ = 3.84, 95% CI 0.33, 7.44, p = 0.04). Depressive symptoms did not change. In a complicated sample of participants selected for uncontrolled HIV, the intervention yielded improved PVL and self-reported adherence. Efforts to end HIV should improve upon strategies such as these, addressing syndemics. Registration: clinicaltrial.gov: NCT02696681.

Structure rearrangement during rennet coagulation of milk modifies curd density.

Milk curds are a semisolid structure resulting from the enzymatic coagulation of milk, consisting mainly of paracasein micelles, fat globules, and whey. This gel undergoes a series of changes in its composition and structure during setting and curing, affecting curd density. The present study investigated the composition and density of inoculated and noninoculated milk curds during a 60-min curing period conducted at 30, 35, and 40°C. The purpose of the study was to determine the density changes occurring in the protein phase of curds during curing under different conditions of temperature and pH to understand the nature of the structural changes happening in the paracasein matrix. Noninoculated curd density values oscillated between 1.0247 and 1.0294 g/cm3 after 60 min of curing, whereas inoculated treatments showed values between 1.0222 and 1.0321 g/cm3. This small difference in density between the studied samples was surprising because the whey content of samples differed greatly. Density of the protein phase reached values of 1.8002 and 1.4388 g/cm3 for noninoculated and inoculated curds, respectively, after 60 min of curing. Two independent mechanisms involved in the development of the protein-based structure of curds were identified upon comparison of the development of protein phase density in inoculated and noninoculated curds. Although the larger increase in protein phase density observed in noninoculated curds was probably due to the concurrent action of calcium-mediated electrostatic bonds and temperature-dependent hydrophobic bonds, inoculated curds showed a lower protein phase density caused by calcium solubilization and by a decrease in the net charge of paracasein micelles induced by pH reduction.

Úlceras hipertensivas de Martorell. Una complicación infrecuente de la hipertensión arterial / Martorell hypertensive ischaemic leg ulcer. An uncommon complication of high blood pressure

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Low percentages of regulatory T cells in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients with autoimmune diseases and its association with increased numbers of CD4+CD45RO+ T and CD21low B cells.

BACKGROUND: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous group of primary antibody deficiencies defined by marked reductions in serum IgG, IgA and/or IgM levels and recurrent bacterial infections. Some patients are associated with defects in T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs), resulting in recurrent viral infections and early-onset autoimmune disease. METHODS: We analyzed whether there is an association between Tregs cells (CD4+CD25+CD127low and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+); memory T cells (CD4+CD45RO+); memory B cells (CD19+CD27-IgD-); and CD21low B cells (CD19+CD38lowCD21low); as well as autoimmune manifestations in 36 patients with CVID (25 women and 11 men, mean age 24 years), all by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Fourteen patients presented with autoimmune diseases (AI) (39%), including 11 with autoimmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) (31%); two with vitiligo (6%); one with systemic lupus erythematosus (LES) (3%); and one with multiple sclerosis (MS) (3%). CVID patients with AI had a reduced proportion of Tregs (both CD4+CD25+CD127low and FoxP3+ cells) compared with healthy controls. CVID patients with AI had expanded CD21low B cell populations compared with patients who did not have AI. A correlation between increased CD4+CD45RO T cell populations and reduced Tregs was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that 39% of patients with CVID had AI and reduced Tregs populations. Research in this area might provide noteworthy data to better understand immune dysfunction and dysregulation related to CVID.

[Empathy in medical students in the Republic of El Salvador: Cross-sectional study]. / Empatía en estudiantes de medicina de la República de El Salvador: estudio transversal.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate empathy in medical students of the Evangelical University, Republic of El Salvador. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which empathy levels, as well as the reliability of the data, were measured in 640 students. The mean and standard deviation were estimated in two factors: gender and courses studied. The data were processed using bi-factorial variance analysis (modeliii), calculating the effect size, power of the test, and the possible growth potential of the empathy and of each of its components considering the gender. The level of significance was α≤.05 and ß≥0.80. The SPSS 22.0 statistics program was used. RESULTS: Differences were found between courses and gender. The differences between courses in empathy are due to values by males in specific components. The model of decline in empathy and in the component, compassionate care, is not fulfilled. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of empathy between the genders were higher in males than in females, and similar in the compassionate care component. This is not consistent with the idea that women have higher levels of empathy than the men. There are differences in the behaviour of the means depending on the course and gender, and the empathy decline model is fulfilled only in two of its components. The characteristics indicated constitute the diagnosis of the empathy situation and constitute a guide to construct an intervention.

Gestational chronodisruption leads to persistent changes in the rat fetal and adult adrenal clock and function.

KEY POINTS: Light at night is essential to a 24/7 society, but it has negative consequences on health. Basically, light at night induces an alteration of our biological clocks, known as chronodisruption, with effects even when this occurs during pregnancy. Here we explored the developmental impact of gestational chronodisruption (chronic photoperiod shift, CPS) on adult and fetal adrenal biorhythms and function. We found that gestational chronodisruption altered fetal and adult adrenal function, at the molecular, morphological and physiological levels. The differences between control and CPS offspring suggest desynchronization of the adrenal circadian clock and steroidogenic pathway, leading to abnormal stress responses and metabolic adaptation, potentially increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases. ABSTRACT: Light at night is essential to a 24/7 society, but it has negative consequences on health. Basically, light at night induces an alteration of our biological clocks, known as chronodisruption, with effects even when this occurs during pregnancy. Indeed, an abnormal photoperiod during gestation alters fetal development, inducing long-term effects on the offspring. Accordingly, we carried out a longitudinal study in rats, exploring the impact of gestational chronodisruption on the adrenal biorhythms and function of the offspring. Adult rats (90 days old) gestated under chronic photoperiod shift (CPS) decrease the time spent in the open arm zone of an elevated plus maze to 62% and increase the rearing time to 170%. CPS adults maintained individual daily changes in corticosterone, but their acrophases were distributed from 12.00 h to 06.00 h. CPS offspring maintained clock gene expression and oscillation, nevertheless no daily rhythm was observed in genes involved in the regulation and synthesis of steroids. Consistent with adult adrenal gland being programmed during fetal life, blunted daily rhythms of corticosterone, core clock gene machinery, and steroidogenic genes were observed in CPS fetal adrenal glands. Comparisons of the global transcriptome of CPS versus control fetal adrenal gland revealed that 1078 genes were differentially expressed (641 down-regulated and 437 up-regulated). In silico analysis revealed significant changes in Lipid Metabolism, Small Molecule Biochemistry, Cellular Development and the Inflammatory Response pathway (z score: 48-20). Altogether, the present results demonstrate that gestational chronodisruption changed fetal and adult adrenal function. This could translate to long-term abnormal stress responses and metabolic adaptation, increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Carcass and meat quality characteristics of Churra and Assaf suckling lambs.

Suckling lamb meat is traditionally produced in Mediterranean Europe. Breed can affect the quality of the lamb carcass and meat. This study is aimed at comparing the carcass and meat quality between suckling lambs from a local and a non-native dairy breed, Churra and Assaf. Churra is included in the Spanish Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) 'Lechazo de Castilla y León', whereas Assaf is not. However, Assaf breeders have requested the inclusion of the breed in the PGI. Carcasses and meat from 16 male lambs (eight Churra and eight Assaf) were used in this study. The lambs were all raised under an intensive rearing system and fed on a milk substitute to minimise maternal influence. The carcasses were evaluated for conformation, fatness, joint and leg tissue proportions and the meat was analysed for composition (i.e. proximate composition, iron, haematin, fatty acids and volatiles) and technological quality traits (i.e. texture, water holding capacity, colour and lipid stability). Churra carcasses were larger than Assaf carcasses. However, the proportions of commercial joints and main tissues did not differ between breeds. Cavity and intermuscular leg fat, but not total leg fat, were higher in Churra carcasses. Churra meat showed a higher proportion of n-6 fatty acids, higher redness and better colour stability during aerobic storage. In contrast, Assaf lamb was more resistant to lipid oxidation after cooking. This is a preliminary study to measure the influence of breed on a wide range of quality characteristics in Churra and Assaf suckling lamb carcass and meat. It may be of relevance for breeders, consumers and food policy makers, setting the basis for future studies that include larger commercial populations.

Tromboprofilaxis en pacientes médicos y quirúrgicos: resultados de un estudio multicéntrico realizado en hospitales de la Ciudad de México / Thromboprophylaxis in medical and surgical patients: results of a multicenter study in hospitals of Mexico City

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa es una complicación que puede manifestarse durante o después de la hospitalización. Existen pocos antecedentes en nuestro país que evalúan el comportamiento médico en este tema. OBJETIVO: conocer la prescripción relacionada con el tipo, duración y posibles causas de la omisión de tromboprofilaxis en pacientes hospitalizados. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: estudio descriptivo, transversal y no probabilístico en el que de septiembre a noviembre de 2016 se evaluaron médicos de Medicina Interna, Cirugía General, Terapia Intensiva y Urgencias. Se recolectaron datos por cuestionario y presentación de resultados a través de estadística descriptiva. También se evaluó la duración de la prescripción y la dosis administrada. RESULTADOS: se encuestaron 556 médicos adscritos, 14 jefes de servicio y 234 residentes total: 804 de siete hospitales de la Ciudad de México pertenecientes al sistema de salud. El 30% refirió que su hospital cuenta con un programa de tromboprofilaxis; 97.7% la considera segura y 1.2%, riesgosa. El 96% respondió que prescribe tromboprofilaxis en sus pacientes; 592 74% utilizan alguna escala de previsión clínica de enfermedad tromboembólica venosa. El 71% recomienda heparina de bajo peso molecular para tromboprofilaxis y 0.74% administra anticoagulantes orales de nueva generación. CONCLUSIONES: la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa es potencialmente prevenible; sin embargo, la prescripción muestra oportunidades de mejoría en aspectos de farmacología.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolic disease VTE is a complication that may occur during or after hospitalization. There are few antecedents in our country that evaluate the medical behavior in this subject. OBJECTIVE: To know the prescription related to type, duration and possible causes for omission of thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive, transversal and non-probabilistic study was done, in which from September to November 2016 physicians of Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Intensive Care and Urgency were evaluated through a data collection by questionnaire and presentation of results through descriptive statistics. We also evaluated duration of prescription and dose administered. RESULTS: A total of 556 seconded physicians, 14 service heads, and 234 residents 804 in total were surveyed in seven hospitals in Mexico City belonging to the health system. Thirty percent reported that their hospital has a thromboprophylaxis program; 97.7% consider it safe and 1.2% risky; 96% responded that they prescribe thromboprophylaxis in their patients; 592 73.6% used some clinical prediction scale for VTE; 71% recommended low molecular weight heparin for thrombo prophylaxis and 0.74% administered new generation oral anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: Venous thromboembolic disease is potentially preventable; however, prescription shows opportunities for improvement in aspects of pharmacology.