Triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins interact with human vascular cells in a lipid-dependent fashion.

Plasma triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins (TRL) are being considered as a key lipid fraction in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Here we compared the influence of two monounsaturated oils [virgin olive oil (VOO) and high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO)] on the capability of postprandial TRL to interact with two human vascular cell lines [umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) and aorta smooth muscle (HASMC) cells]. A fluorescent probe was used for labeling TRL and to determine receptor activity of HUVEC and HASMC. The values for total cell-associated, bound, and internalized TRL were higher in HUVEC, and TRL from VOO was the better ligand recognized but at lower affinity than TRL from HOSO. There was a competitive effect of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) for the uptake of TRL by cells, which was found to be dependent on the origin/lipid composition of the ligands and cell-type specific. We also conclude that the VLDL receptor (VLDLr) may contribute significantly to the HASMC binding capacity for postprandial TRL mediated by lipoprotein lipase (LPL) or LPL-binding molecules. Our findings are compatible with a selective role of the clustered O-linked sugar domain of the VLDLr in the catabolism of TRL by human vascular cells.     

Analysis of water application costs with a centre pivot system for irrigation of crops in Spain

The aim of this study was to present a methodology to analyse the main factors that influence annual water application costs in centre pivot irrigation systems and to determine the most cost-effective centre pivot design, given the variables of machine length, lateral pipe diameter, sprinkler type (LEPA and fixed and rotating spray plate sprinklers (FSPS and RSPS)), system capacity, application efficiency, and water and energy costs for the irrigation of crops such as maize under conditions in Spain. Annual water application costs were calculated as the sum of the investment (Ca), energy (Ce), water (Cw), and equipment maintenance costs (Cm). Parameters used to assess the influences on pivot design were system capacity S _c = 1.25 L s^?1 ha^?1; application efficiency Ea = 80% for FSPS, Ea = 85% for RSPS, and Ea = 90% for LEPA; water price P _w = 0.06 € m^?3 (0.081 US dollars); energy price En_e = 0.10 € kWh^?1 (0.135 US dollars); net annual crop irrigation water requirement N _n = 7,000 m³ ha^?1 year^?1; and net daily peak crop water requirement N _nmax = 7.63 mm d^?1 for maize. Results indicate that for plots smaller than 30 ha, the recommended pipeline diameter is 127.0 mm (5 in); for 30–40 ha, 168.3 mm (6 5/8 in); for 40–75 ha, 219.1 mm (8 5/8 in); and for 75–100 ha, 254.0 mm (10 in). A multidiameter pipe solution only slightly reduced water application costs in most cases studied. It was also determined that water costs and irrigation efficiency have a major influence on the total annual cost of water application; however, system capacity and energy price did not strongly affect total cost. For this reason, water application uniformity is very important and can be accomplished using a proper nozzle package and regular maintenance. The paper helps farmers determine the most cost-effective centre pivot design and management.     

Financial feasibility of implementing regulated and sustained deficit irrigation in almond orchards

This study aims to assess the long-term economic viability of deficit irrigation (DI) strategies in almond trees (cv. Marta) grown in a semiarid area (southeast Spain). A discounted cash flow analysis (DCFA) was performed to determine the profitability of the different irrigation regimes. Four irrigation treatments were evaluated over the first 6 years of an almond plantation: (1) full irrigation (FI); (2) regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) receiving 40 % ETc during kernel-filling and 100 % ETc during the remainder of the growing season; (3) mild-to-moderate sustained deficit irrigation (SDI_mm), irrigated at 75 % ETc (first half of the experiment) and 60 % ETc (second half of the experiment) over the entire growing season; and (4) moderate-to-severe SDI (SDI_ms), irrigated at 60 % ETc (first half of the experiment) and 30 % ETc (second half of the experiment) over the whole growing season. Irrigation water profit was mainly determined by the annual volume of irrigation water applied (water costs are around 50 % of variable costs). DCFA indicates that RDI and SDI_mm are the most economically feasible treatments, whereas FI and SDI_ms presented a similar degree of profitability over the 6-year period. Simulation outputs derived for the whole useful life of the investment indicate that SDI_mm would be the most suitable irrigation treatment to be adopted by almond farmers in the study area. We conclude that in a context of water scarcity, DI is a financially feasible alternative to FI.     

Antioxidant activity of Rhizophora mangle bark

The antioxidant activity of Rhizophora mangle bark aqueous extract and its majoritary component and high molecular weight polyphenols' fraction were studied using deoxyribose assay. The total extract and its fraction showed scavenging activity of hydroxyl radicals and hability to chelate iron ions.     

Sectional anatomic and magnetic resonance imaging features of the head of juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)

Objective-To compare anatomic features of cross-sectional specimens with those of MRI images of the heads of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Animals-5 cadavers of juvenile female loggerhead sea turtles. Procedures-Spin-echo T1-weighted and T2-weighted MRI scans were obtained in sagittal, transverse, and dorsal planes with a 0.2-T magnet and head coil. Head specimens were grossly dissected and photographed. Anatomic features of the MRI images were compared with those of gross anatomic sections of the heads from 4 of these turtles. Results-In the MRI images, anatomic details of the turtles' heads were identified by the characteristics of signal intensity of various tissues. Relevant anatomic structures were identified and labeled on the MRI images and corresponding anatomic sections. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-The MRI images obtained through this study provided valid information on anatomic characteristics of the head in juvenile loggerhead sea turtles and should be useful for guiding clinical evaluation of this anatomic region in this species.     

Anti-Inflammatory,Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Effects of Underutilized Fish Protein Hydrolysate

Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of protein hydrolysates from Argentine croaker (Umbrina canosai) protein isolate (CPI) or Argentine croaker myofibrillar protein with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH: 10–20%) prepared using Alcalase or Protamex were determined. Results showed that an increase in the DH resulted in higher content of hydrophobic and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) and in a decrease in molecular weight (MW) distribution for all hydrolysates obtained. Furthermore, the enzyme and raw material used influenced the amino acid content and MW determined. Hydrolysates from CPI with a 20% DH by Alcalase had higher 2,2?-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging activity, metal chelation, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (p < 0.05). All hydrolysate samples decreased the pro-inflammatory capacity. In all the evaluated microorganisms, only seven were inhibited, most being Gram-positive. Alcalase was found to exert a considerable influence on antibacterial activity. These hydrolysates are an alternative as natural antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant compounds.     

Epidemiological study of border disease virus infection in Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) after an outbreak of disease in the Pyrenees (NE Spain)

In 2001 and 2002, an outbreak of a previously unreported disease, associated with a border disease virus (BDV), caused high mortality in the Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) population in the Alt Pallars-Aran National Hunting Reserve in the Catalan Pyrenees (NE Spain). Between 2002 and 2006, sera and/or tissue samples taken from 116 healthy chamois shot during the hunting season, plus 42 from chamois affected by different diseases, were studied. A blocking enzyme-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to study pestivirus seroprevalence in 114 healthy hunted and 31 diseased chamois, yielding positive results in 73.7 and 22.6% of the chamois, respectively. Comparative virus neutralization tests (VNT) performed on 42 seropositive samples with 6 pestivirus strains yielded statistically higher titres to BDV Spain 97, followed by BDV chamois, BDV 137/4, BDV Moredun, Bovine Diarrhoea virus-1 (BVDV-1) NADL and BVDV-2 atypical. Virological investigations for pestivirus detection were performed using an antigen ELISA test in 82 healthy and 18 diseased chamois, RT-PCR in 16 healthy and in all diseased chamois, and virus isolation in 14 diseased chamois. No viral antigen was detected in any of the healthy animals. A pestivirus, characterized as BDV by monoclonal antibodies, was detected in the 10 chamois showing clinical signs consistent with BDV infection. Sequence analysis in the 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR) revealed that they were grouped into the BDV-4 genotype. In the remaining chamois, infectious keratoconjunctivitis, pneumonia, trauma and contagious ecthyma were diagnosed. The cause of death was unknown in five chamois. The results suggest that the infection has become endemic in the population and that it could have a significant impact on chamois population dynamics.     

Chemical restraint of African mole‐rats (Fukomys sp.) with a combination of ketamine and xylazine

ObjectiveTo establish an accurate anaesthetic dose for chemical restraint of African mole-rats using ketamine and xylazine.Study designProspective nonrandomized laboratory study.AnimalsSixteen adult Ansell’s mole-rats (Fukomys anselli) and eight giant mole-rats (F. mechowii).MethodsFukomys anselli of different ages, sexes and reproductive status were systematically anaesthetized starting with an intramuscular injection of ketamine (2.5 mg kg⁻¹) and increasing the doses in steps of 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ until loss of the righting reflex (LRR) was observed. Xylazine was added to a constant dose of ketamine, starting at 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ that was increased by 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ in further trials. Once an effective combination was established and evaluated in F. anselli, it was also tested in F. mechowii. Heart and respiratory rates and rectal temperatures were measured during anaesthesia. anova for repeated measures and Student’s t-test were used to compare means.ResultsChemical restraint was accomplished at a dose of 6 mg kg⁻¹ ketamine combined with 2.5 mg kg⁻¹ xylazine. LRR lasted on average mean 56 ± SD 19 minutes (F. anselli) and 140 ± 41 minutes (F. mechowii). Loss of pedal withdrawal reflex (LPR) lasted for 20 ± 15 minutes (F. anselli) and for 29 ± 2 minutes (F. mechowii), respectively. All animals recovered satisfactorily. Heart and respiratory rates were stable during anaesthesia, but rectal temperature fell significantly in F. mechowii after losing the righting reflex (LRR) from T1 (32.6 ± 0.6 °C) to T3 (30.4 ± 0.9 °C).Conclusions and Clinical relevanceAfrican mole-rats (Bathyergidae) live in closed burrow systems under particular conditions (hypercapnia, hypoxia, stable temperature, humidity, darkness) and show several physiological adaptations. Injectable anaesthetics in the dose rates used in other rodents are not appropriate for use in these subterranean species. Here, a reliable protocol for chemical restraint is provided.     

Light distribution in scattered-trees open woodlands in Western Spain

We have studied the percentage of radiation transmitted through the tree canopy to the underlying pasture and crops in dehesas of Southwest Spain by means of fish-eye photographs taken at different distances from the tree. Thirty-six trees were studied covering all the diametric classes (0.1–14 m canopy width) of two stands, with mean density of 19 mature trees ha⁻¹. Intercepted light decreased with distance following an logistic curve, indicating a rapid increase in the light availability with distance from the tree. For mature trees, radiation was constant beyond 20 m. Applying a multivariable regression light equation, distance, stem diameter and canopy width explained more than 88% of the light variability for each orientation studied. A simple model was built up from light equations, tree growth curves and allometric relationships. From this model, we have estimated that radiation available for crops and pasture decreased up to 21% due to the presence of trees in a standard dehesa with 24 mature trees ha⁻¹ and 13% of canopy cover. In addition, we have generated different radiation maps of virtual dehesas differing in tree age, density and arrangement, which could be useful to determine optimal tree planting schemes and consequent pruning and thinning regimes.     

Association of a lordosis-scoliosis-kyphosis deformity in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) with family structure

Skeletal deformities constitute a major problem for aquaculture industry by decreasing the final value of the fish. An analysis of skeletal malformations in 11,640 fish was performed considering families and triplicates per family. Thirtynine different skeletal abnormalities were detected, such as lordosis, vertebral fusion, absence of one or both operculum, bent-jaw, etc. Moreover, a new unusual complex spinal column deformity consisting of a consecutive repetition of lordosis, scoliosis and kyphosis (LSK) from the head to the caudal fin was described. This syndrome was statistically associated with the family structure (Z_{2H–family,LSK}=3.49; p<0.05). The incidence of this deformity was 0.2% in the whole population, and 6.5% within the affected family (2H). The environmental and genetic causes are discussed.