Insect Vector and Reservoir Plant of 'Fragaria × ananassa' Phyllody Phytoplasma (16SrXIII-F) in Central Region of Chile.

Strawberry phyllody has emerged as a prevalent disease affecting Chilean strawberry in recent years. The causal pathogen, 'Fragaria × ananassa' phyllody phytoplasma (StrPh), is categorized within the 16S ribosomal group XIII that is exclusively found in the Americas. In the context of economically significant crops, hemipteran insect vectors and alternative host plants play a pivotal role in their natural dissemination. This study comprehensively examined the key epidemiological facets of StrPh in the central region of Chile: the insect vector and alternative hosts. Through field surveys, we identified an abundance of an insect species, Cixiosoma sp., in an StrPh-infected strawberry field and confirmed its role as a vector of this phytoplasma through subsequent transmission assays. Moreover, we found a spontaneous weed species, Galega officinalis, to be infected with StrPh, raising the possibility of it being a potential alternative host plant for this phytoplasma. StrPh was also detected in cold-stored strawberry runners purchased from a nursery that supplies the local strawberry cultivation, suggesting a potential source of this phytoplasma in Chile. Collectively, these findings provide a significant epidemiological source of StrPh dissemination in central Chile.

Does Small-Scale Livestock Production Use a High Technological Level to Survive? Evidence from Dairy Production in Northeast-ern Michoacán, Mexico.

The objective of this study was to identify the technological level used by dairy farmers in the northeastern region of Michoacán, Mexico, through a characterisation of small-scale dairy production units, as well as to learn about the socioeconomic conditions that have enabled them to survive in the current context. A semi-structured interview was applied to 114 production units, chosen by stratified random sampling. The interview included technological, production and socioeconomic aspects. Twenty-eight variables were initially explored and 12 were used for multivariate analysis, which included Principal Component Analysis, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and K-means Cluster. The characterisation carried out showed that the production units that predominate in northeastern Michoacán have survived with a low technological level, having as strengths the diversification of their activities and the use of family labour. On the contrary, production units with a high technological level and high productivity are few and less diversified. This shows the need to generate differentiated public policies for each cluster, aimed at strengthening the aspects that have allowed them to survive and guaranteeing a market for their production, before promoting the use of technologies.

Meat quality traits of European quails reared under different conditions of temperature and air velocity.

This study's objective was to evaluate the influence of thermal environment and air velocity during the rearing phase on European quail meat quality traits. A total of 1,152 one-day-old European quail chicks were placed inside floor pens within environmental chambers. Each experimental period was approximately 5 wks, with birds slaughtered at 37 d of age. The experimental design consisted of a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments in completely randomized design with 2 air velocities (0 and 2 m/s) × 4 air temperatures (severe cold [SC], moderate cold, thermal comfort, and moderate heat [MH]). ANOVA, with air velocity and thermal environment as fixed effects, was performed to evaluate the effect of main factors and their interaction on meat quality traits, using the GLM procedure (SAS 9.4). Least square means of treatments effects were compared using Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Lightness (L∗), redness (a∗), and yellowness (b∗), of quail meat were affected by thermal environment and air velocity (P < 0.05). Initial and final L∗ values were greater for MH (P < 0.05). Meat from birds subjected to 2 m/s air velocity had lower final L∗, but no velocity effect was noted for initial L∗. Quail meat from SC presented higher initial and final a∗ values compared with the other thermal environment groups (P ≤ 0.001). Final a∗ was affected by air velocity (P < 0.05). Initial and final b∗ values for meat from MH were greater, 13.8 and 15.2, respectively, differing from the other treatment environments (P < 0.05). However, air velocity did not influence b∗ values (P > 0.05). Interactions were not significant for pHu (P = 0.993). Thawing loss and shear force were affected by treatments (P < 0.05) but not ultimate pH, drip loss, or sarcomere length. This study demonstrates that thermal environments and air velocity affect quail meat quality traits. Further investigation is recommended to explore effects of air velocity and thermal environment on muscle proteolysis of quail meat quality.

Efficacy of high-intensity, low-volume interval training compared to continuous aerobic training on insulin resistance, skeletal muscle structure and function in adults with metabolic syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial (Intraining-MET).

BACKGROUND: Evidence of the efficacy of high-intensity, low-volume interval training (HIIT-low volume) in treating insulin resistance (IR) in patients with metabolic disorders is contradictory. In addition, it is unknown whether this effect is mediated through muscle endocrine function, which in turn depends on muscle mass and fiber type composition. Our aims were to assess the efficacy of HIIT-low volume compared to continuous aerobic exercise (CAE) in treating IR in adults with metabolic syndrome (MS) and to establish whether musclin, apelin, muscle mass and muscle composition are mediators of the effect. METHODS: This is a controlled, randomized, clinical trial using the minimization method, with blinding of those who will evaluate the outcomes and two parallel groups for the purpose of showing superiority. Sixty patients with MS and IR with ages between 40 and 60 years will be included. A clinical evaluation will be carried out, along with laboratory tests to evaluate IR (homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)), muscle endocrine function (serum levels of musclin and apelin), thigh muscle mass (by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and thigh muscle composition (by carnosine measurement with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS)), before and after 12 weeks of a treadmill exercise program three times a week. Participants assigned to the intervention (n = 30) will receive HIIT-low volume in 22-min sessions that will include six intervals at a load of 90% of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) for 1 min followed by 2 min at 50% of VO2 max. The control group (n = 30) will receive CAE at an intensity of 60% of VO2 max for 36 min. A theoretical model based on structural equations will be proposed to estimate the total, direct and indirect effects of training on IR and the proportion explained by the mediators. DISCUSSION: Compared with CAE, HIIT-low volume can be effective and efficient at improving physical capacity and decreasing cardiovascular risk factors, such as IR, in patients with metabolic disorders. Studies that evaluate mediating variables of the effect of HIIT-low volume on IR, such as endocrine function and skeletal muscle structure, are necessary to understand the role of skeletal muscle in the pathophysiology of MS and their regulation by exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03087721 . High-intensity Interval, Low Volume Training in Metabolic Syndrome (Intraining-MET). Registered on 22 March 2017, retrospectively registered.

Effect of post-weaning growth rate on carcass traits and meat quality of Nellore cattle.

This study evaluated the effects of growth rate during post-weaning growing phase on carcass traits and beef quality. Thirty-four Nellore young bulls were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: LOW, MEDIUM or HIGH growth rate during post-weaning growing phase followed by high growth rate in the finishing phase. The growth rate affected (P<0.05) all carcass traits evaluated at the end of post-weaning growing phase, except ultimate pH. Carcass dressing was greatest (P<0.05) for the HIGH growth rate group in both phases. Beef from the HIGH group exhibited the greatest (P<0.05) sarcomere length and a* and b* colour values at the end of post-weaning growing phase. However, post-weaning growth rate did not affected (P>0.05) collagen content and solubility, myofibrillar fragmentation index and Warner-Bratzler shear force. Our data suggest that a low post-weaning growth rate produces lighter and leaner carcasses, but it does not affect meat quality traits in Nellore young bulls.

Beef quality of Nellore steers fed dried or rehydrated and ensiled corn or sorghum grains / Calidad de la carne de Ganado Nelore alimentado con grano de maíz o sorgo seco o rehidratado y ensilado / Qualidade de carne de bovinos Nelore alimentados com grãos de milho ou sorgo seco ou reidratado e ensilado

Abstract Background: Rehydration of grains, such as corn and sorghum, is used to increase nutrient absorption. However, the effect of this practice on meat quality is poorly understood. Objective: To evaluate the effects of type of grain and processing on the meat quality of Nellore steers in a feedlot. Methods: Twenty-four non-castrated Nellore steers (270 ± 53 kg initial body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized 2×2 factorial design, with six replicates. The first factor was cereal type (corn or sorghum), and the second was the grain processing (dry or rehydrated and ensiled). The diets were composed of 30% corn silage and 70% concentrate. Sixty days before the beginning of the experiment, corn and sorghum grains were rehydrated and ensiled. The animals were slaughtered after 140 days of confinement. Meat quality analyses were determined in samples of fresh and aged meat (7 days) from the Longissimus lumborum muscle. Results: no difference between treatments was observed for carcass pH and L* (lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) values, shear force, thawing and cooking losses, and chemical composition of meat (p>0.05). The b* (yellowness) value of subcutaneous fat was higher in steers fed corn, regardless of grain processing (p=0.03). Sarcomere length was higher in aged meat of steers fed sorghum, regardless of processing method (p=0.01). Conclusions: the grain processing method does not affect beef quality; however, grain type can affect subcutaneous fat color and sarcomere length of aged beef.

Resumen Antecedentes: La rehidratación de granos, tales como maíz y sorgo, se usa para aprovechar mejor sus nutrientes. Sin embargo, es poco conocido el efecto de esta práctica sobre la calidad de la carne. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos del tipo de cereal y su procesamiento sobre la calidad de carne de toretes Nelore en confinamiento. Métodos: Veinticuatro novillos Nelore enteros con un peso promedio inicial de 270 ± 53 kg, se distribuyeron en un diseño factorial 2×2 completamente aleatorizado (n=6). El primer factor fue el tipo de cereal (maíz o sorgo) y el segundo fue su procesamiento (seco o rehidratado y ensilado). Las dietas estuvieron compuestas por 28,44% de ensilaje de maíz y 71,56% de concentrado. Sesenta días antes de iniciar el experimento, los granos de maíz y sorgo se rehidrataron y ensilaron. Los animales se sacrificaron después de 140 días de confinamiento. La calidad de la carne se determinó en muestras de carne fresca y madurada (7 días) obtenidas del músculo Longissimus lumborum. Resultados: No hubo diferencias entre tratamientos para el pH de las canales, ni para los valores de color (L* "luminosidad", a* "intensidad de rojo" y b* "intensidad de amarillo"), fuerza de corte, composición química, o pérdidas de agua por descongelamiento o cocción (p>0,05). El valor de b* de la grasa subcutánea fue mayor en los novillos alimentados con maíz, independientemente del tipo de procesamiento (p=0,03). La longitud de sarcómero fue más alto en la carne madurada de novillos alimentados con sorgo, sin importar el método de procesamiento (p=0,01). Conclusiones: El método de procesamiento del grano no afecta la calidad de la carne; sin embargo, el tipo de cereal afecta el color de la grasa subcutánea y la longitud del sarcómero de la carne madurada.

Resumo Antecedentes: A reidratação de grãos, como milho e sorgo, tem sido usada para aumentar a utilização de seus nutrientes. Contudo, o efeito dessa prática na qualidade da carne é pouco compreendido. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do tipo de grão de cereais e seu processamento sobre a qualidade da carne de bovinos confinados. Métodos: Vinte e quatro bovinos Nelore não castrados, com peso corporal médio inicial de 270 ± 53 kg foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, fatorial 2×2, com seis repetições. O primeiro fator foi o tipo de grão de cereal no concentrado (milho ou sorgo), e o segundo foi o processamento destes grãos (seco ou reidratado e ensilado). As dietas foram compostas por 28,44% de silagem de milho e 71,56% de concentrado. Sessenta dias antes do início do experimento, os grãos de milho e sorgo foram reidratados e ensilados. Os animais foram abatidos após 140 dias de confinamento. As análises de qualidade da carne foram determinadas em amostras não maturadas e maturadas (7 dias) obtidas do músculo Longissimus lumborum. Resultados: Não houve diferenças significativas (p>0,05) entre os tratamentos para pH da carcaça e L* (luminosidade), a* (intensidade de vermelho), b* (intensidade de amarelo), força de cisalhamento, perdas por descongelamento, perdas por cocção, perdas totais e composição química da carne. O valor de b* da gordura subcutânea foi maior (p=0,03) em bovinos alimentados com dietas contendo grãos de milho, independentemente do tipo de processamento. O comprimento de sarcômero foi maior na carne maturada de novilhos alimentados com sorgo, independente do método de processamento (p=0,01). Conclusões: O método de processamento dos grãos não afetou a qualidade da carne bovina, no entanto, a cor da gordura subcutânea e o comprimento de sarcômero da carne maturada foram afetados pelo tipo de grão.

[Disability by cervical sprain I and II and the use of neck collar]. / Incapacidad por esguince cervical I y II y el uso del collarín.

BACKGROUND: cervical sprain or whiplash incidence has high costs in medical care, disabilities and work absences. The aim was to demonstrate that disability days caused by cervical sprain I and II are reduced without the use of neck immobilizer collar (NIC). METHODS: a transverse study in 100 patients with cervical sprain I and II at the emergency room was evaluated. The use of the collar and disability days was measured. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: patients treated with NIC and anti-inflammatory medications (AI) were 68 % of patients and 32 % of patients were treated without NIC and only with AI. The mean work absence was 11.75 days in 86 % of patients, 74.4 % used NIC. Within the patients (14 %) that had no work absence, only 28.6 % used NIC with a χ(2) = 11.63 and a p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: the days of disability and recovery were lower in patients who did not use the collar.

Introducción: la incidencia del esguince cervical ocasiona altos costos en atención médica, incapacidades y ausencias laborales. El objetivo fue demostrar que los días de incapacidad por esguince cervical grados I y II son menores sin el uso de collarín. Métodos: estudio transversal en 100 pacientes que acudieron a la consulta de urgencias por esguince cervical grados I y II. Se evaluó el uso de collarín y los días de incapacidad laboral. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para el análisis estadístico. Resultados: fueron tratados con collarín más antiinflamatorio 68 % de los pacientes y 32 %, solamente con antiinflamatorio; 86 % requirió incapacidad laboral, con 11.75 días en promedio. De los pacientes incapacitados, 74.4 % utilizó collarín; de los 14 pacientes que no requirieron incapacidad, 28.6 % utilizó collarín (χ2 = 11.63, p < 0.001). Conclusiones: los días de incapacidad y recuperación fueron menores en los pacientes que no utilizaron collarín.

Densidad poblacional y distribución espacial de erizos de mar (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) en la Isla Socorro, Archipiélago de Revillagigedo, México / Population density and spatial distribution of sea urchins (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) at Socorro island, Revillagigedo archipelago, Mexico

Resumen Los estudios sobre los equinodermos de la costa del Pacifico de México se han enfocado en la taxonomía y biogeografía y hay escasos datos sobre ecología comunitaria o poblacional del grupo. En el presente trabajo analizamos los cambios estacionales de la densidad poblacional y la distribución espacial de cuatro especies de erizos regulares (Diadema mexicanum, Echinometra mathaei oblonga. Eucidaris thouarsii y Tripneustes depressus) en tres bahías de la Isla Socorro, Archipiélago de Revillagigedo, México. Las especie más abundante en la isla fue E. mathaei oblonga (3.96 + 0.83 ind m-2; promedio y error típico), seguida de D. mexicanum (2.13 + 0.59 ind m-2), T. depressus y E. thouarsii (entre 0.50 y 0.11 ind m-2, respectivamente). La Bahía Binners tuvo la mayor densidad con 15.98 + 0.43 ind m-2, en gran medida debido a la alta incidencia de E. mathaei oblonga en el sitio. Estacionalmente, T. depressus y E. thouarsii no variaron significativamente su abundancia durante el año, pero D. mexicanum fue más abundante en invierno-primavera, y E. mathaei oblonga en el otoño. En relación al patrón de distribución espacial, dos de las especies (D. mexicanum y E. mathaei oblonga) presentaron una distribución agregada a lo largo del año y en las tres localidades de estudio, pero los otros dos equinoideos se dispusieron de forma azarosa. Hay varias razones para explicar el comportamiento de agregación en erizos de mar, pero para el caso de Isla Socorro aquí se argumenta a favor de que es un modo de defensa contra los abundantes peces depredadores que habitan los arrecifes. En contraste, las especies que no muestran agrupaciones residen en refugios durante el día (E. thouarsii) o bien su morfología y tamaño dificultan su captura por los peces (T. depressus).

Abstract The studies on echinoderms of the Mexican Pacific have focused on taxonomy and biogeography, and there are limited data on their ecology. We used transect to study Diadema mexicanum, Echinometra mathaei oblonga, Eucidaris thouarsii and Tripneustes depressus at three bays in Socorro Island, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico (1989 and 1990). The most abundant species in the island was E. mathaei oblonga (3.96 + 0.83 ind m-2; average and standard error), followed by D. mexicanum (2.13 + 0.59 ind m-2), T. depressus and E. thouarsii (between 0.50 and 0.11 ind m-2, respectively). Binners Bay had the highest density with 15.98 + 0.43 ind m-2, mostly due to the high incidence of E. mathaei oblonga at the site. Seasonally, T. depressus and E. thouarsii did not significantly varied its abundance during the year, while D. mexicanum was more abundant in winter-spring, and E. mathaei oblonga in the fall. Two species (D. mexicanum and E. mathaei oblonga) had an aggregated distribution along the year and in the three study locations, but the other two echinoids followed a random distribution. This may be a defense against the abundant predatory fishes. In contrast, the species that do not aggregate inhabit in refuges during the day (E. thouarsii), or their shape and size makes them difficult to capture by fishes (T. depressus). Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 221-232. Epub 2015 June 01.

Resonancia magnética de rodilla: más allá de las simples rupturas de ligamentos o meniscos / Magnetic Resonance of the Knee: Beyond Simple Ligament or Meniscus Ruptures

Las lesiones, tanto agudas como crónicas, de rodilla son una causa frecuente de consulta en la población general y en los deportistas. Además de las lesiones de ligamentos y meniscos, existe un gran número de patologías que produce rodilla dolorosa o limitación funcional, que tienen un tratamiento diferente o pueden modificar el tratamiento inicial. De ahí que la resonancia magnética sea un método eficaz para el estudio y diagnóstico de estas patologías. En este artículo se describen algunas de estas patologías, cuyos estudios fueron realizados en el Instituto de Alta Tecnología Médica de Antioquia (IATM).

Atresia traqueal y síndrome de Charge. Reporte de caso / Tracheal atresia and Charge syndrome. A case report

La atresia traqueal es una condición poco frecuente en el recién nacido y su asociación con otras malformaciones ha sido reportada en la literatura en no mas de 100 casos, entre estas asociaciones las malformaciones cardiacas complejas se registran con frecuencia. Se reporta un recién nacido de sexo femenino con diagnóstico de atresia traqueal acompañada de anomalías que sugieren Síndrome de CHARGE y una sobrevida de 13 días...