Faecal nutrient deposition of domestic and wild herbivores in an alpine grassland.

The contribution of herbivores to ecosystem nutrient fluxes through dung deposition has the potential to, directly and indirectly, influence ecosystem functioning. This process can be particularly important in nutrient-limited ecosystems such as alpine systems. However, herbivore dung content (carbon, C; nitrogen, N; phosphorus, P; potassium, K) and stoichiometry (C/N) may differ among species due to differences in diet, seasonality, body type, feeding strategy, and/or digestive system with consequences for soil biogeochemistry. Here we explore how species, body size, and seasonality may result in differences in dung stoichiometry for four alpine herbivores (chamois, sheep, horse, and cattle). We found that herbivore dung nutrient content often varies among species as well as with body size, with the dung of small herbivores having larger C, N, and P faecal content. Seasonality also showed marked effects on faecal nutrient content, with a general pattern of decreasing levels of faecal P, N and an increase of C/N as the summer progresses following the loss of nutrient value of the vegetation. Moreover, we showed how herbivores play an important role as natural fertilizers of C, N, and P in our study area, especially cattle. Our study highlights the importance of considering the relative contribution of different herbivores to ecosystem nutrient fluxes in management practices, especially with ongoing changes in wild and domestic herbivore populations in alpine ecosystems.

Influence of Cold Pre-Fermentation Maceration on the Volatilomic Pattern and Aroma of White Wines.

Aroma compounds play a key role in wine quality due to their importance in wine aroma. The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of cold pre-fermentative maceration (CPM) treatment on aromatic and sensory properties of white wines from four grape varieties (Tempranillo Blanco, Maturana Blanca, Viura and Garnacha Blanca) during two consecutive years (2019 and 2020). A total of 62 aroma compounds belonging to different chemical families were identified using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). CPM treatment enhanced the total relative concentration of alcohols, esters and acids compared to control wines. Regarding sensorial properties, esters made the greatest contribution to the studied white wines, mainly through the development of floral and fruity notes. On the other hand, CPM treatment did not significantly influence the total relative concentration of terpenoids, and different trends were observed according to grape variety and vintage. The obtained results showed differences in the wine's aromatic complexity according to the grape variety, the vintage and the treatment applied and suggested that CPM treatment could represent a suitable approach to manipulate the aromatic profile and enhance the aromatic quality and complexity of wine.

Gender Equity in Initial Teacher Training: Descriptive and Factorial Study of Students' Conceptions in a Spanish Educational Context.

In recent years, progress has been made to integrate the gender perspective into university curricula. Despite this, the lack in university degrees for initial teacher training is especially remarkable. This is because, together with families, teachers have the co-responsibility of educating new generations for the future. Issues such as the low presence of concepts related to gender in teaching guides or the lack of interest of teachers regarding their inclusion in classes lead to defining research to know and understand the conceptions of a sample of 162 teachers in the initial teacher training of a Bachelor's degree on Early Childhood and Primary Education and a Master degree of Secondary Education on the incorporation of feminist thought in education. This research is a part of a broader doctoral dissertation and a research and development project. In general terms, from a quantitative, non-experimental approach, a questionnaire is designed and sent. The analysis includes a descriptive phase and a factorial phase that allows researchers to discover latent relationships between variables. Among the main conclusions, despite showing a relatively high knowledge of feminist theory, they confuse equity and equality. Students recognize the importance of having female references with whom to identify and they consider that feminist thought is a transversal content in education.

Snail1 expression in endothelial cells controls growth, angiogenesis and differentiation of breast tumors.

Snail1 is a transcriptional factor required for epithelial to mesenchymal transition and activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Apart from that, tumor endothelial cells also express Snail1. Here, we have unraveled the role of Snail1 in this tissue in a tumorigenic context. Methods: We generated transgenic mice with an endothelial-specific and inducible Snail1 depletion. This murine line was crossed with MMTV-PyMT mice that develop mammary gland tumors and the consequence of Snail1 depletion in the endothelium were investigated. We also interfere Snail1 expression in cultured endothelial cells. Results: Specific Snail1 depletion in the endothelium of adult mice does not promote an overt phenotype; however, it delays the formation of mammary gland tumors in MMTV-PyMT mice. These effects are associated to the inability of Snail1-deficient endothelial cells to undergo angiogenesis and to enhance CAF activation in a paracrine manner. Moreover, tumors generated in mice with endothelium-specific Snail1 depletion are less advanced and show a papillary phenotype. Similar changes on onset and tumor morphology are observed by pretreatment of MMTV-PyMT mice with the angiogenic inhibitor Bevacizumab. Human breast papillary carcinomas exhibit a lower angiogenesis and present lower staining of Snail1, both in endothelial and stromal cells, compared with other breast neoplasms. Furthermore, human breast tumors datasets show a strong correlation between Snail1 expression and high angiogenesis. Conclusion: These findings show a novel role for Snail1 in endothelial cell activation and demonstrate that these cells impact not only on angiogenesis, but also on tumor onset and phenotype.

Chemical characteristics and colorimetric properties of non-centrifugal cane sugar ("panela") obtained via different processing technologies.

Non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCS) samples obtained by traditional moulding and granulation, and also via a novel spray-drying powdering process without additives, were assessed to characterise their sugar and phenolic profiles, flavonoid content, as well as colour parameters. As expected, sucrose was the predominant sugar (91.9-95.5%), followed by glucose (2.9-4.6%), and fructose (1.6-3.7%). Total phenolic content was between 0.4 and 0.6% and total flavonoid content into the range of 0.2-0.4%. Six phenolic acids were found in all NCS samples: protocatechuic acid (0.36-0.94 µg/100 g), vanillic acid (0.70-1.45 µg/100 g), chlorogenic acid (2.08-3.82 µg/100 g), syringic acid (1.08-2.80 µg/100 g), p-coumaric acid (0.69-1.35 µg/100 g), and ferulic acid (0.50-0.95 µg/100 g). The thermal treatment under high temperatures required in the production of granulated products was related with darker colours and changes in phenol and flavonoid contents. In contrast, spray drying generates clearer products, but with slightly less phenol and flavonoid contents.

Cutaneous and Mucosal Manifestations Associated with Celiac Disease.

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated, gluten-induced enteropathy that affects predisposed individuals of all ages. Many patients with CD do not report gastrointestinal symptoms making it difficult to reach an early diagnosis. On the other hand, CD is related to a wide spectrum of extra-intestinal manifestations, with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) being the best characterized. These associated conditions may be the clue to reaching the diagnosis of CD. Over the last few years, there have been multiple reports of the association between CD and several cutaneous manifestations that may improve with a gluten-free diet (GFD). The presence of some of these skin diseases, even in the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms, should give rise to an appropriate screening method for CD. The aim of this paper is to describe the different cutaneous manifestations that have been associated with CD and the possible mechanisms involved.

Development and assessment of an active strategy for the implementation of a collaborative care approach for depression in primary care (the INDI·i project).

BACKGROUND: Primary care is the principal clinical setting for the management of depression. However, significant shortcomings have been detected in its diagnosis and clinical management, as well as in patient outcomes. We developed the INDI collaborative care model to improve the management of depression in primary care. This intervention has been favorably evaluated in terms of clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness in a clinical trial. Our aim is to bring this intervention from the scientific context into clinical practice. METHODS: Objective: To test for the feasibility and impact of a strategy for implementing the INDI model for depression in primary care. DESIGN: A quasi-experiment conducted in primary care. Several areas will be established to implement the new program and other, comparable areas will serve as control group. The study constitutes the preliminary phase preceding generalization of the model in the Catalan public healthcare system. PARTICIPANTS: The target population of the intervention are patients with major depression. The implementation strategy will also involve healthcare professionals, primary care centers, as well as management departments and the healthcare organization itself in the geographical areas where the study will be conducted: Camp de Tarragona and Vallès Occidental (Catalonia). INTERVENTION: The INDI model is a program for improving the management of depression involving clinical, instructional, and organizational interventions including the participation of nurses as care managers, the efficacy and efficiency of which has been proven in a clinical trial. We will design an active implementation strategy for this model based on the PARIHS (Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services) framework. MEASURES: Qualitative and quantitative measures will be used to evaluate variables related to the successful implementation of the model: acceptability, utility, penetration, sustainability, and clinical impact. DISCUSSION: This project tests the transferability of a healthcare intervention supported by scientific research to clinical practice. If implementation is successful in this experimental phase, we will use the information and experience obtained to propose and plan the generalization of the INDI model for depression in the Catalan healthcare system. We expect the program to benefit patients, the healthcare system, and society. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03285659 ; Registered 12th September, 2017.

Edema agudo hemorrágico de la infancia / Acute hemorrhagic childhood edema

Resumen El edema agudo hemorrágico de la infancia es una vasculitis leucocito-clástica aguda que afecta a niños hasta los dos años y está caracterizado por la aparición de lesiones purpúricas tipo pápulas y placas en forma de diana, edema en miembros inferiores y fiebre de bajo grado. Se trata de un cuadro benigno y autolimitado, por lo cual su manejo es sintomático. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir un caso de edema agudo hemorrágico y discutir su presentación con la literatura actual. Presentamos un caso clínico de una niña de dos años quien es llevada a la consulta por un cuadro de edema y lesiones equimóticas en maléolos, asociado a síntomas respiratorios de dos meses de evolución. Posteriormente, aparecieron lesiones cutáneas, purpúricas, simétricas, de predominio en miembros inferiores, tipo rosetas, sobreelevados y confluyentes, asociadas a prurito y lesiones similares en brazos, sin compromiso del estado general. Los exámenes de laboratorio mostraron una velocidad de sedimentación glomerular y proteína C reactiva elevadas e IgM positiva para Mycoplasma, así como vas-culitis leucocitoclástica en una biopsia de piel. Se realizó tratamiento para el cuadro respiratorio y el prurito. El cuadro remitió en forma espontánea sin recurrencias posteriores. El diagnóstico correcto del edema agudo hemorrágico de la infancia es fundamental para disminuir el subdiagnóstico, evitar gastos médicos y antibioticoterapia innecesaria.

Abstract Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy is an acute leukocytoclastic vasculi-tis, that affects children up to 2 years old, characterized by the appearance of purpura papules and plaques in the form of a bulls-eye, lower limb edema and low-grade fever; It is a benign and self-limiting disease so its management is symptomatic. The aim of this report is to describe a case acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy and to discuss their presentation with the current scientific literature. We report the clinical case of a 2 years-old girl, who consulted for edema and ecchymotic lesions on the malleolus, with a 2-month history of respiratory symptoms associated. Thereafter, coalesced and symmetrical purpuric skin lesions predominantly in lower limbs, rosettes type and raised associated with itching and similar injuries in arms, without effecting general wellbeing. Laboratory tests showed an elevated sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, IgM positive for Mycoplasma, and leukocytoclastic vasculitis in the skin biopsy. Differential diagnoses were discarded. Treatment for respiratory symptoms and pruritus was performed. The clinical manifestation disappeared spontaneously without further recurrences. The correct diagnosis of the disease is essential to reduce sub-diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary medical expenses and antibiotic therapy.

Pyridine versus acetonitrile coordination in rhodium-N-heterocyclic carbene square-planar complexes.

Experimental and theoretical studies on the factors that control the coordination chemistry of N-donor ligands in square-planar complexes of the type RhCl(NHC)L(1)L(2) (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) are presented. The dinuclear complexes [Rh(µ-Cl)(IPr)(η(2)-olefin)]2 {IPr = 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-carbene} have been reacted with different combinations of ligands including pyridine, acetonitrile, 2-pyridylacetonitrile, triphenylphosphine, tricyclohexylphosphine, carbon monoxide or molecular oxygen. In addition, the reactivity of RhCl(IPr)(PPh3)2 has also been studied. Pyridine preferentially coordinates trans to the carbene ligand whereas π-acceptor ligands (olefin, CO or PPh3) are prone to bind cis to IPr and trans to chlorido, unless steric bulk hinders the coordination of the ligand (PCy3). In contrast, acetonitrile is more labile than pyridine but is able to form complexes coordinated cis-to-IPr. Molecular dioxygen also displaces the labile cyclooctene ligand in RhCl(IPr)(η(2)-coe)(py) to give a square-planar dioxygen adduct which can be transformed into a peroxo derivative by additional coordination of pyridine. Charge decomposition analysis (CDA) shows that σ-donation values are similar for coordination at cis- or trans-IPr positions, whereas efficient π-backbonding is significantly observed at cis position being the favoured coordination site for π-acceptor ligands. The Rh-IPr rotational barrier in a series of square-planar complexes has been analysed. It has been found that the main contribution is the steric hindrance of the ancillary ligand. The presence of a π-donor ligand such as chlorido slows down the dynamic process.

Effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination in older adults with chronic respiratory diseases: results of the EVAN-65 study.

A prospective cohort study evaluating the clinical effectiveness of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine was conducted among 1298 Spanish older adults with chronic respiratory diseases (bronchitis, emphysema or asthma) who were followed between 2002 and 2005. Main outcomes were all-cause community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and 30 days mortality from CAP. The association between vaccination and the risk of each outcome was evaluated by multivariable Cox proportional-hazard models adjusted for age and comorbidity pneumococcal vaccination did not alter significantly the risk of overall CAP (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-1.07) and 30 days mortality from CAP (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.33-2.28). However, a borderline significant reduction of 30% in the risk of all-cause hospitalisation for CAP was observed among vaccinated subjects (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.48-1.00; p=0.052). The effectiveness of the vaccine on the combined endpoint of pneumococcal and unknown organism infections reached 34% (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.43-1.01; p=0.059). Although our findings suggest moderate benefits from the vaccination, the evidence of clinical effectiveness appears limited.

Rhabdomyolysis connected with the use of bupropion.

OBJECTIVE: To report an observation dealing with a possible side effect of a smoking cessation drug. DESIGN: A case report. STUDY PERSON: A 34-year old man who had been treated with slow-release bupropion for smoking cessation. OBSERVATION: After 5 days of treatment the patient suffered severe muscular pain and the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare complication when treating with slow-release bupropion for smoking cessation.