Development and carotenoid synthesis in dark-grown carrot taproots require PHYTOCHROME RAPIDLY REGULATED1.

Light stimulates carotenoid synthesis in plants during photomorphogenesis through the expression of PHYTOENE SYNTHASE (PSY), a key gene in carotenoid biosynthesis. The orange carrot (Daucus carota) synthesizes and accumulates high amounts of carotenoids in the taproot that grows underground. Contrary to other organs, light impairs carrot taproot development and represses the expression of carotenogenic genes, such as DcPSY1 and DcPSY2, reducing carotenoid accumulation. By means of RNA sequencing, in a previous analysis, we observed that carrot PHYTOCHROME RAPIDLY REGULATED1 (DcPAR1) is more highly expressed in the underground grown taproot compared with those grown in light. PAR1 is a transcriptional cofactor with a negative role in shade avoidance syndrome regulation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) through the dimerization with PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTORs (PIFs), allowing a moderate synthesis of carotenoids. Here, we show that overexpressing AtPAR1 in carrot increases carotenoid production in taproots grown underground as well as DcPSY1 expression. The high expression of AtPAR1 and DcPAR1 led us to hypothesize a functional role of DcPAR1 that was verified through in vivo binding to AtPIF7 and overexpression in Arabidopsis, where AtPSY expression and carotenoid accumulation increased together with a photomorphogenic phenotype. Finally, DcPAR1 antisense carrot lines presented a dramatic decrease in carotenoid levels and in relative expression of key carotenogenic genes as well as impaired taproot development. These results suggest that DcPAR1 is a key factor for secondary root development and carotenoid synthesis in carrot taproot grown underground.

Mitochondrial E3 ubiquitin ligase 1 (MUL1) as a novel therapeutic target for diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

Mitochondrial E3 ubiquitin ligase 1 (MUL1) is a mitochondrial outer membrane-anchored protein-containing transmembrane domain in its N- and C-terminal regions, where both are exposed to the cytosol. Interestingly the C-terminal region has a RING finger domain responsible for its E3 ligase activity, as ubiquitin or in SUMOylation, interacting with proteins related to mitochondrial fusion and fission, cell survival, and tumor suppressor process, such as Akt. Therefore, MUL1 is involved in various cellular processes, such as mitochondrial dynamics, inter-organelle communication, proliferation, mitophagy, immune response, inflammation and cell apoptosis. MUL1 is expressed at a higher basal level in the heart, immune system organs, and blood. Here, we discuss the role of MUL1 in mitochondrial dynamics and its function in various pathological models, both in vitro and in vivo. In this context, we describe the role of MUL1 in: (1) the inflammatory response, by regulating NF-κB activity; (2) cancer, by promoting cell death and regulating exonuclear function of proteins, such as p53; (3) neurological diseases, by maintaining communication with other organelles and interacting with proteins to eliminate damaged organelles and; (4) cardiovascular diseases, by maintaining mitochondrial fusion/fission homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in the physiological and pathological functions of MUL1. We also describe the different substrates of MUL1, acting as a positive or negative regulator in various pathologies associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. In conclusion, MUL1 could be a potential key target for the development of therapies that focus on ensuring the functionality of the mitochondrial network and, furthermore, the quality control of intracellular components by synchronously modulating the activity of different cellular mechanisms involved in the aforementioned pathologies. This, in turn, will guide the development of targeted therapies.

Understanding consumers' perception and consumption motives towards amaranth in Mexico using the Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical concept of Habitus.

The aim of this work was to study, from a sociological approach, the perception and consumption motives of amaranth in Mexico using Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical concept of Habitus. A survey was conducted in Mexico City with 610 consumers. Socioeconomic information of gender, age, cultural and economic capitals as internal dispositions that generate social differentiation processes were collected. Consumers' perception was identified using an open question through which participants mentioned why they consider the consumption of amaranth to be good. Words, phrases or comments mentioned were grouped into categories through the lemmatization process, and analysed with Global, Per-Cell Chi Square tests and Correspondence Analysis. A Food Choice Questionnaire was used to identify consumption motives of amaranth through Exploratory Factor Analysis and Cluster analysis to identify groups of consumers according to their consumption motives. Results indicated eight categories that reflect consumers' perception towards amaranth (Health and well-being, Functionality, Mitigate hunger, Nutritional components, Nutrition, Feeding, Traditional food and Energy), which converge upon traditionality and functionality. Consumption motives were differentiated into "food as form" and "food as function". Cluster analysis showed distinction in the perception and taste for amaranth. Gender, age, cultural capital and willingness to buy novel food products with added amaranth are markers that reflect internal dispositions of consumers according to their class adscription, and therefore represent their Habitus.

Implementation of a Computerized Decision Support System for Computed Tomography Scan Requests for Nontraumatic Headache in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Nontraumatic headache is a frequent complaint in the emergency department (ED). Cranial computed tomography (CT) is a widely available test for the diagnostic work-up, despite the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation. OBJECTIVES: We sought to develop and evaluate a cranial CT request computerized decision support system (CDSS) for adults with their first presentation of unusual severe nontraumatic headache in the ED. METHODS: Electronic database searches identified clinical decision and prediction rules and studies delineating risk factors in nontraumatic headache. A long list of risk factors extracted from these articles was reduced by a 30-member multidisciplinary expert panel (radiologists, emergency physicians, methodologists), using a 90% agreement threshold. This shortlist was used to develop the algorithm for the cranial CT request CDSS, which was implemented in March 2016. Impact evaluation compared CT scan frequency and diagnostic yield of pathologic findings before (March-August 2015) and after (March-August 2016) implementation. RESULTS: From the 10 selected studies, 10 risk factors were shortlisted to activate a request for cranial CT. Before implementation, 377 cranial CTs were ordered (15.3% of 2469 CT scans) compared with 244 after (9.5% of 2561 CT scans; pre-post difference 5.74%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.92-7.56%; p < 0.001), corresponding to a 37.6% relative reduction in the test ordering rate (95% CI 25.7-49.5%; p < 0.001). Despite the reduction in cranial CT scans, we did not observe an increase in pathological findings after introducing the decision support system (70 cases before [18.5%] vs. 35 cases after [14.3%]; pre-post difference -4.0% [95% CI -10.0 to 1.6%]; p = 0.170). CONCLUSION: In nontraumatic headache among adults seen in the ED, CDSS decreased the cranial CT request rate but the diagnostic yield did not improve.

Performance of small-scale dairy farms in the highlands of central Mexico during the dry season under traditional feeding strategies.

In Mexico, small-scale dairy systems (SSDS) represent over 78 % of dairy farms and contribute with 37 % of national milk production; however, they face high feeding costs. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of SSDS during the dry season in terms of milk yields, milk composition and feeding costs under traditional feeding strategies, to identify areas of opportunity for improving their profitability. The information was collected from 22 SSDS every month during dry season. Feeds were classified in quality forages (QF), supplements (SU) and straws (ST). Two factors were identified: factor 1-a positive relationship among QF, SU, milk yield and ration cost and factor 2-represented straw usage. Four feeding strategies were identified: (1) low-cost feeding strategy; (2) home-grown feeding strategy; (3) high-cost feeding strategy; and (4) straw-based feeding strategy. There were differences (P < 0.001) among feeding strategies for QF, SU, ST, total dry matter offered (TDMO), ration cost (RC), external inputs, home-grown inputs and milk yield. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences among feeding strategies for fat and protein contents in milk. It is concluded that to improve performance and profitability and enhance sustainability in SSDS, farmers should base feeding strategies on home-grown quality forages, as it was the case in group 2 which showed lower feeding cost and better milk yield. It is also recommended to increase the inclusion of quality forages like grazing pastures and maize silages during the dry season and to avoid the inclusion of straws.

From Lab Bench to Hope: Emerging Gene Therapies in Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory and cognitive abilities, affecting millions of people around the world. Current treatments focus on the management of symptoms, as no effective therapy has been approved to modify the underlying disease process. Gene therapy is a promising approach that can offer disease-modifying treatment for AD, targeting various aspects of the pathophysiology of the disease. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of gene therapy research for AD, with a specific focus on clinical trials and preclinical studies that have used nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), apolipoprotein E2 (APOE2), and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as therapeutic gene therapy approaches. These gene targets have shown potential to alleviate the neuropathology of AD in animal studies and have demonstrated feasibility and safety in non-human primates. Despite the failure of the NGF gene therapy approach in clinical trials, we have reviewed and highlighted the reported findings and evaluations from the trials. Furthermore, the review included the conclusions of postmortem brain tissue analysis of AD patients who received NGF gene therapy. The goal is to learn from the failed trials and improve the approach in the future. Although gene therapy shows promise, it faces several challenges and limitations, including optimizing gene delivery methods, enhancing safety and efficacy profiles, and determining long-term results. This review contributes to the growing body of literature on innovative treatments for AD and highlights the need for more research and development to advance gene therapy as a viable treatment option for AD.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment During Post-operative Recovery: A Scoping Review.

Surgery is a common and often necessary treatment option for a wide range of medical conditions, with an estimated 40 to 50 million surgeries performed in the US alone each year. While the various types of surgeries performed may be effective in treating or managing different conditions, the post-operative period can be challenging for patients. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a hands-on approach to medical care that seeks to restore balance and harmony to the body from the lens of an interconnected mind, body, and spirit. Given the potential for adverse events in patients following surgical treatments, OMT may be a viable adjunct post-operatively to enhance patient care and recovery. The purpose of this scoping review is to evaluate the state of current research examining the effectiveness of OMT in improving outcomes in post-operative patients. Three hundred articles were collected; 53 duplicates were removed. Eleven independent reviewers evaluated all 247 articles. Thirty articles were identified, including nine in general surgery, six in cardiothoracic surgery, five in orthopedic surgery, four in spinal surgery, three in neurosurgery, and three others (otolaryngology, oral/maxillofacial, and gynecologic surgery). Post-operative patients were treated with various OMT techniques with myofascial release and muscle energy being some of the most common treatments utilized in all surgical fields. Many studies demonstrated the benefits of OMT usage including significant pain relief, improved and earlier bowel function, and decreased lengths of hospital stay. This study demonstrates how OMT can be effective in reducing post-operative pain, reducing the incidence of post-operative ileus, and shortening the length of stay. Further research into the utilization of OMT in post-operative patients should be considered a potential adjunct to surgical intervention, especially in vulnerable patient populations.

Effects of Lake Erie dredged material on microbiomes in a farm soil of northwestern Ohio.

Dredged materials are often considered as candidates for replenishing lost topsoils in the watersheds of rivers and lakes. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of Lake Erie dredged material on the microbial community in a farm soil of northwestern Ohio. Dredged material from the Toledo Harbor, OH was mixed with a local farm soil at ratios of 0:100, 10:90, 20:80, and 100:0 for soybean growth in a greenhouse for 123 days and was subject to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. α-Diversity analysis revealed that although the original dredged material hosted a highly diverse microbiome, soils blended with the dredged material had similar levels of bacterial diversity to 100% farm soil throughout the experiment. ß-Diversity analysis demonstrated that, given the same plant status, that is, with or without soybean, blended soils had similar bacterial communities to 100% farm soil during the experiment. Furthermore, by the end of the experiment, all soils with soybeans merged into one cluster distinctive from those without the plants, indicating that the growth of plants played a dominating role in defining the structure of soil microbiomes. The majority (73.8%) of the operational taxonomy units that were unique to the original dredged material were not detected by the end of the experiment. This study demonstrates that up to 20% of the dredged material can be safely blended into the farm soil without distorting the microbial communities of the latter, implying a potential beneficial use of the dredged material for topsoil restoration.

Role of NPR1 in Systemic Acquired Stomatal Immunity.

Stomatal immunity is the primary gate of the plant pathogen defense system. Non-expressor of Pathogenesis Related 1 (NPR1) is the salicylic acid (SA) receptor, which is critical for stomatal defense. SA induces stomatal closure, but the specific role of NPR1 in guard cells and its contribution to systemic acquired resistance (SAR) remain largely unknown. In this study, we compared the response to pathogen attack in wild-type Arabidopsis and the npr1-1 knockout mutant in terms of stomatal movement and proteomic changes. We found that NPR1 does not regulate stomatal density, but the npr1-1 mutant failed to close stomata when under pathogen attack, resulting in more pathogens entering the leaves. Moreover, the ROS levels in the npr1-1 mutant were higher than in the wild type, and several proteins involved in carbon fixation, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, and glutathione metabolism were differentially changed in abundance. Our findings suggest that mobile SAR signals alter stomatal immune response possibly by initiating ROS burst, and the npr1-1 mutant has an alternative priming effect through translational regulation.

Local feeding strategies and milk composition in small-scale dairy production systems during the rainy season in the highlands of Mexico.

The objective of the work was to identify local feeding strategies in small-scale dairy production systems during the rainy season in the highlands of Mexico, and to determine their effects on milk yields (MY), milk composition and economic viability. Twenty-two dairy farms were monitored by monthly visits, recording and sampling milk from between two and six cows in each farm, live-weight was also recorded. Samples from feeds used in that month were taken and feeds given to the dairy herd were weighed. Economic data was also recorded. Milk composition and milk urea nitrogen were determined, as well as chemical composition of feeds. Eighteen feedstuffs were identified, grouped in: HNH feeds-high in neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and in DM matter; HNL feeds-high in NDF but low in DM; HCh feeds-high in non-fibrous carbohydrates; and HCP feeds-high in crude protein. Four feeding strategies were identified: strategy 1 uses HND, HNL and HCP; strategy 2-HND, HNL, HCh and HCP; strategy 3 HNH and HCP; and strategy 4 HNL and HCP. Of participating farms, 73.4% followed strategy 1, 11.3% strategy 2, 11.3% strategy 4 and 3.8% strategy 3. There were no statistical differences (P > 0.05) between strategies for MY and milk composition, but there were differences (P < 0.05) for ration costs. Multiple regression analysis showed no significative (P > 0.05) model relating intake of feed groups and milk fat content, but milk protein and SNF contents were significantly explained by intake of HCP. When expressed as MY and milk components yield, milk fat yield was significantly explained by intake of all four feed groups, but milk protein and SNF yields were explained only by intake of HCP and LW. MUN excretion was explained also by HCP intake. All feeding strategies produced positive economic returns, on average generating the equivalent of 3.45 minimum wages of the area.

A Preliminary Study on the Validity and Stability of Projective Methods: An Application of the Structural Approach of Social Representations with Traditional Mexican Cheeses.

Projective methods are qualitative tools used to study food consumer behavior. In recent years, there has been an increase in studies that use these tools to analyze consumer behavior, particularly with the word association (WA) technique. However, one of the challenges in using these methods is the stability and validity of the data. This research aimed to obtain preliminary information on the stability and validity of the associations generated by consumers with the WA technique, using the structural approach of social representations. For this, two studies were carried out; for the first study, a face-to-face survey was carried out in which 89 consumers participated, who wrote the first words that came to mind with the stimulus "Aculco" on a ballot paper. For the second study, 122 consumers completed the same task as in the first study; however, the participants were recruited from an online survey. A random sample (n = 50) of both studies was selected to explore the stability and validity of the results. In the three study samples, the words were grouped into categories and analyzed through the structural approach of social representations. The frequency of mention of the identified categories was compared with the chi-square test and the average position (AP) and the Cognitive Salience Index (CSI) were calculated. Prototype maps were built to study the structure of the categories according to the central core and peripheral areas. Cluster analysis was performed to corroborate the structure of the representations. Finally, multiple factor analysis (MFA) was performed to determine the similarity of the results obtained from the three samples using the RV coefficient. No statistical differences (p > 0.05) were identified in most of the representations (n = 11) generated from the WA task. Furthermore, the representation "Cheese and dairy products" was positioned in the central core of the three maps. The APs and the CSIs of each representation were similar in the three study samples. The RV coefficient (≥0.80) indicated similarity in the representations obtained. Results of this research can be useful for future studies that attempt to compare the stability and validity of the information based on qualitative and more flexible methodologies. Some methodological implications related to the validity and stability of projective methods are discussed.

More than words! A narrative review of the use of the projective technique of word association in the studies of food consumer behavior: Methodological and theoretical implications.

Word association (WA) is a projective and powerful technique that consists of the spontaneous generation of words from specific stimuli. This technique is used in sociology and psychology studies; however, in the Consumer and Food Science area has gained importance since it allows to explore beliefs, expectations, or attitudes in the context of food consumption behavior. The aim of this work is to present a current status on the use of this technique in the studies of food consumption behavior. A narrative review of the literature was carried out with articles published in four databases: ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, Emerald Insight, and Taylor & Francis. Seventy-four articles that show the use of the WA technique in different cultures were selected. WA technique has been applied in different countries, however, it has been primarily used in Latin America. WA has been applied mainly to decipher consumers' perceptions towards different aspects of food, although some works show that WA serves to understand beliefs, expectations, impressions, attitudes, and even to conceptualize different categories of food from the language of consumers. Some theoretical and methodological implications are discussed regarding the use and application of this projective technique.

Effects of flow on uranium speciation in soils impacted by acidic waste fluids.

Radioactive acidic liquid waste is a common byproduct of uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu) enrichment and recycling processes whose accidental and planned release has led to a significant input of U into soils and sediments across the world, including at the U.S. DOE's Hanford site (WA, USA). Because of the particularly hazardous nature of U, it is important to predict its speciation when introduced into soils and sediments by acidic waste fluids. Of fundamental importance are the coupled effects of acid-driven mineral transformation and reactive transport on U speciation. To evaluate the effect of waste-fluid residence time and co-associated dissolved phosphate concentrations on U speciation in impacted soils and sediments, uncontaminated surface materials (from the Hanford Site) were reacted with U-containing synthetic acidic waste fluids (pH 2) amended with dissolved phosphate concentrations in both batch (no flow) and flow-through column systems for 7-365 days. By comparing dissolved U behavior and solid phase speciation as a function of flow regimen, we found that the availability of proton-promoted dissolution products (such as Si) to sequester U into uranyl silicates was dependent on waste fluid-sediment contact time as uranyl silicates were not detected in short contact time flow-through systems but were detected in no-flow, long contact time, reactors. Moreover, the dominance of uranyl phosphate as neoprecipitate U scavenger (principally in the form of meta-ankoleite) in phosphate amended systems confirmed the importance of phosphate amendments for an efficient sequestration of U in the soils and sediments. Overall, our experiments suggest that the formation of uranyl silicates in soils impacted by acidic waste fluids is likely to be limited unless reaction products are allowed to accumulate in soil pores, highlighting the importance of investigating soil U speciation in flow-through, transport-driven systems as opposed to no-flow, batch systems. This study provides insights into uranium speciation and its potential changes under acidic conditions for better prediction of risks and subsequent development of efficient remediation strategies.

Effect of silage from ryegrass intercropped with winter or common vetch for grazing dairy cows in small-scale dairy systems in Mexico.

The objective was to determine the effect of including silages of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) intercropped with winter vetch (Vicia villosa) (ARG-VV) or with common vetch (Vicia sativa) (ARG-VS) compared with maize silage (MS) on milk yield and milk composition of dairy cows grazing cultivated perennial ryegrass-white clover pastures with supplemented concentrate during the dry season. Six Holstein dairy cows with a mean yield of 19.0 kg/cow/day at the beginning of the experiment were randomly assigned to a 3 × 3 repeated Latin square. Treatments were: 8 h/day intensive grazing, 3.6 kg of dry matter (DM) per cow per day of concentrate plus MS, and ARG-VV or ARG-VS ad libitum at a stocking rate of 3.0 cows/ha for three experimental periods of 3 weeks each. Milk yield (MY) and milk composition, live weight and body condition score as well as silage and concentrate intakes were recorded during the third week of each experimental period, and pasture intake was estimated indirectly from utilised metabolisable energy. Economic analysis was obtained by preparing partial budgets. There were no statistical differences (P > 0.10) in MY, milk fat or protein content nor for live weight, but there was significant difference (P < 0.10) in body condition score. There were non-statistical differences in silage DM intake (P < 0.11); however, significant differences (P < 0.10) were obtained for estimated grazed herbage intake whilst no differences for total DM intake. Slightly higher economic returns (10%) were obtained with ARG-VS over MS, and this was 7% higher than ARG-VV. It is concluded that ARG-VS could be an option for complementing grazing for small-scale dairy production systems in the dry season as it is comparable to MS in animal performance and slightly better in economic terms.

Assessing the effects of lake-dredged sediments on soil health: Agricultural and environmental implications for northwestern Ohio.

Dredging operations produce large amounts of sediments, and when open lake disposal is used, it can pose a threat to water quality. This study examined the potential to use dredged sediment as a farm soil amendment. We conducted greenhouse experiments to determine (a) the physico-chemical health of a farm soil amended with various dredged sediment ratios, (b) nutrient dynamics when the soil blends were subjected to simulated storm events, and (c) the effect of dredged sediment on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] belowground biomass and yield. The soil blends consisted of 100% farm soil, 90% farm soil to 10% dredged sediment, 80% farm soil to 20% dredged sediment, or 100% dredged sediment. After 123 d, the soybean plants were harvested, and physico-chemical analyses were conducted on the soil, soybeans, and percolated stormwater. We found that dredged sediment amendment improved soil health by increasing soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and Ca content and by decreasing bulk density and P concentration in a farm soil with P concentration above the agronomic recommended value. Crop biomass and yield averages increased with increasing dredged sediment ratios. Nutrient loss (P and N) in the percolated solutions from the soil blends showed no significant changes when compared to the percolated solutions in the 100% farm soil treatment, indicating no significant contribution to the export of nutrients in percolated water.

Phosphate controls uranium release from acidic waste-weathered Hanford sediments.

Mineral dissolution and secondary phase precipitation may control the fate of inorganic contaminants introduced to soils and sediments during liquid waste discharges. When the solutions are aggressive enough to induce transformation of native minerals, incorporated contaminants may be released during dissolution due to percolation of meteoric waters. This study evaluated the release of uranium (U) from Hanford sediments that had been previously reacted for 180 or 365 days with liquid waste solutions containing U with and without 3 mM dissolved phosphate at pH 2 and 3. Flow-through column experiments were conducted under continuous saturated flow with a simulated background porewater (BPW; pH ~7) for 22 d. Up to 5% of the total U was released from the sediments reacted under PO4-free conditions, attributable to the dissolution of becquerelite and boltwoodite formed during weathering. Contrastingly, negligible U was released from PO4-reacted sediments, where meta-ankoleite was identified as the main U-mineral phase. Linear combination fits of U LIII-edge EXAFS spectra of sediments before and after BPW leaching and thermodynamic calculations suggest that the formed becquerelite and meta-ankoleite transformed into schoepite and a phosphuranylite-type phase, respectively. These results demonstrate the stabilization of U as recalcitrant uranyl minerals formed in sediments and highlight the key role of PO4 in U release at contaminated sites.

Consumer and food changes in Mexican households during maximal contingency in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rapidly expanded throughout the world affecting human life in the health, social, cultural, economic and environmental aspects. On an international scale, some works have addressed the importance of the agri-food topic during the pandemic, especially about food consumption. The Mexican case is particularly relevant since it is the country with the highest proportion of overweight people. The objective of this work was to know the choices and consumption of foods in Mexican households during the period of maximal contingency. An on-line questionnaire was responded by 867 volunteers who answered about the aspects taken in consideration in their food consumption, the changes in the consumption of certain foods and the socioeconomic and health aspects of the family. Four groups were identified: "Budget consumers", "Hedonics", "Price conscious" and "Conscious". Changes in the attitudes to food are not related to the health state, overweight, or family size; but are related to income level of households and above all, to the education level. Results show an opportunity to change for healthier food habits in Mexico, mainly in the most vulnerable sectors.

Urea treated maize straw for small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of Central Mexico.

Maize straw is the main roughage for dairy herds in campesino farms in central Mexico. The objective was to evaluate feeding milking cows on maize straw treated with 40 g/kg DM of urea (A) or untreated straw (B), and 3.0 kg/d of 18% CP concentrate. Twenty-four Holsteins in late lactation from 8 farmers were sorted in two groups: sequence A-B-A or B-A-B; periods were 28 days. Mean daily milk yield for the last two weeks per period, and live-weight and body-condition score every 14 days were used for analysis. Maize straw was ad libitum. Chemical analysis and in vitro digestibility were analysed by Student's t test, animal variables by a switch-back design. 'A' had 44.3 g/kg DM more CP and 106.5 g/kg DM higher in vitro digestibility than 'B' (710 g/kg DM +/- 0.75 'A' vs. 603.5 g/kg DM +/- 1.44 'B'). Despite higher digestibility and intake, there were no differences (P > 0.05) for milk yield, live-weight or body-condition score, although there were in straw intake (P < 0.05). Cows on 'A' ate 1.7 kg/cow/day more straw DM than on 'B'. Lack of response did not offset higher feeding costs although margins were high. Lack of response is attributed to short length of periods and late lactation of cows.

Effects of Detritivores on Nutrient Dynamics and Corn Biomass in Mesocosms.

(1) Background: Strategies aimed at managing freshwater eutrophication should be based on practices that consider cropland invertebrates, climatic change, and soil nutrient cycling. Specifically, detritivores play a crucial role in the biogeochemical processes of soil through their consumptive and burrowing activities. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of increasing detritivore abundance as a strategy for nutrient management under varied rainfall. (2) Methods: We manipulated soil macroinvertebrate abundance and rainfall amount in an agricultural mesocosms. We then measured the phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon levels within the soil, corn, invertebrates, and soil solution. (3) Results: Increasing detritivore abundance in our soil significantly increased corn biomass by 2.49 g (p < 0.001), reduced weed growth by 18.2% (p < 0.001), and decreased soil solution nitrogen and total organic carbon (p < 0.05) and volume by 31.03 mL (p < 0.001). Detritivore abundance also displayed a significant interaction effect with rainfall treatment to influence soil total P (p = 0.0019), total N (p < 0.001), and total C (p = 0.0146). (4) Conclusions: Soil detritivores play an important role in soil nutrient cycling and soil health. Incorporating soil macroinvertebrate abundance into management strategies for agricultural soil may increase soil health of agroecosystems, preserve freshwater ecosystems, and protect the valuable services they both provide for humans.

Intervención educativa para el fomento del autocuidado emocional del estudiante de enfermería / Educative intervention for the promotion of emotional selfcare of nursing student

Introducción: el inicio de la práctica clínica es un suceso que puede desencadenar sentimientos negativos en el estudiante de enfermería. Las personas conscientes de sus emociones enfrentan de mejor manera las situaciones estresantes. Con esto en mente se diseñó una intervención educativa bajo la perspectiva del modelo pedagógico constructivista en una universidad pública del norte de México, con el objetivo de promover el autocuidado emocional del estudiante de licenciatura en enfermería, próximo a iniciar la práctica clínica. Desarrollo: participaron 28 estudiantes del cuarto semestre en una sesión de tres horas, con cuatro fases en las que se abordaron medidas autoaplicadas de cuidado para el estudiante como ser holístico, antes de su ingreso al contexto hospitalario desde diferentes perspectivas de riesgo. Se enfatizó la necesidad del bienestar espiritual y emocional como elementos esenciales del prestador de cuidados. Mediante pensamiento crítico y análisis reflexivo, los estudiantes identificaron las principales medidas de autocuidado. Conclusión: la efectividad de la intervención fue subjetiva por la naturaleza de los contenidos abordados. Se deduce el cumplimiento del objetivo a través del contraste de expresiones verbales y no verbales de los estudiantes antes y después de la intervención.

Introduction: The beginning of clinical practice may trigger negative feelings on nursing students. People aware of their own emotions, face stressful situations in a better way. Based on this fact, an educational intervention was designed, according to the constructivist pedagogical model, in a Public University of Northern Mexico. The aim of this intervention is to promote emotional self-care of Nursing Students, who are about to start clinical practice. Development: Twenty-eight nursing students in fourth semester participated in a three-hour session of four phases in which, self-applied instruments were used prior initiating clinical practice. These instruments measured self-care and evaluated one- self from a holistic perspective from different risk perspectives, prior to their admission to the hospital context. The need for spiritual and emotional well-being was emphasized as essential elements of the caregiver. Through critical thinking and reflective analysis, students identified the main measures of self-care. Conclusion: The effectiveness of the intervention was subjective due to the nature of its content. The achievement of the objective is deduced through the contrast of verbal and non-verbal expressions of the students, before and after the intervention.