Consumer acceptance of eggs from Hy-Line Brown layers fed soybean or soybean-free diets using cage or free-range rearing systems.

Consumers have begun to awaken to the food on their plates with respect to human health and the environment, as well as animal welfare. They have become more demanding about what they buy or prefer in their food, such as soy-free, gluten-free, or organic products. The objective of this study was to evaluate consumer acceptance of eggs from hens fed soybean meal or soybean-free diets utilizing cottonseed meal and distillers' dried grains, using cage or free-range rearing systems. All eggs were stored at the sensory lab at Texas A&M University (TAMU) for a d prior to each test at 4°C. A panel of consumers (n = 60) made up of TAMU students, faculty, and staff, ages 18 to 50, were recruited to evaluate consumer acceptance based on 2 tests using scrambled and hard cooked eggs. Samples were placed in separate weigh boats labeled with 3-digit codes to avoid visual bias. Sensory ballots were based on overall like or dislike of flavor, texture, odor, and color using the 9-point hedonic scales. For scrambled eggs, flavor did not differ (P > 0.05), but texture liking was higher (P = 0.064) for scrambled eggs from the soybean-free diet (7.08) vs. scrambled eggs from the soybean meal diet (6.65). With respect to the hard cooked eggs, the consumer panel preferred the flavor of the eggs from the caged rearing system (7.11) vs. eggs from the free-range system (6.60; P = 0.014). Consumers liked the texture (P = 0.018) for eggs collected from hens fed soybean meal (6.91) vs. eggs from hens fed the soybean-free diet (6.30).

Differential Tissue Accumulation of Copper, Iron, and Zinc in Bycatch Fish from the Mexican Pacific.

In order to ascertain if Cu, Fe, and Zn are differentially accumulated in fish tissues, metal concentrations were measured in the muscle and liver of bycatch fish from the states of Sinaloa (189 specimens, 7 species) and Guerrero (152 individuals, 8 species) in the Mexican Pacific Coast during March and November 2011. Additionally, metal levels were compared with the maximum allowable limits set by international legislation and contrasted with similar ichthyofauna from other regions. Liver had more elevated concentrations of Cu (Sinaloa 28.3, Guerrero 16.3 µg g-1), Fe (Sinaloa 1098, Guerrero 636 µg g-1), and Zn (Sinaloa 226, Guerrero 186 µg g-1) than the muscle in fish from both studied areas. The relative abundances of analyzed metals in both tissues was Fe > Zn > Cu. As far as limits set by international legislation (Australia, India, New Zealand, Zambia), measured concentrations of Cu in the edible portion of fish were not found to be above the set values. In the case of Zn, the maximum allowable limits set by international legislation were exceeded by the Peruvian mojarra Diapterus peruvianus from Guerrero state (Mexican Pacific). No limits exist for Fe in the edible portion of fishery products in the national and international legislations.

Heavy metals in waters and suspended sediments affected by a mine tailing spill in the upper San Lorenzo River, Northwestern México.

Concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), silver (Ag) and zinc (Zn) were evaluated in water and suspended sediments of the upper waters of San Lorenzo River in NW Mexico following a mine tailing spill. Except As (6.64-35.9 µg L(-1)), dissolved metal concentrations were low (Ag <0.06-0.22; Cd 0.01-0.34; Cu 4.71-10.2; Hg 0.02-0.24; Pb <0.15-0.65; Zn 86-1,080 µg L(-1)) and were less than the upper limits established by UNEP (Water quality for ecosystem and human health, 2nd edn. United Nations Environment Programme Global Environment Monitoring System/Water Programme, Burlington, 2008), EPA (2014) and the Mexican regulation (NOM 1994). In contrast, the suspended metal concentrations were high (As 91.4-130; Ag 22.1-531; Cd 3.14-6.30; Cu 65-123; Hg 0.47-1.09; Pb 260-818; Zn 742-1,810 mg kg(-1)) and most of samples exceeded the probable effect level of the Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life.

Nutrient cycling at the sediment-water interface and in sediments at Chiricahueto marsh: a subtropical ecosystem associated with agricultural land uses.

A study was conducted to examine the potential role to accumulate and transform nitrogen and phosphorus of a common wetland type marsh; the site is located in a subtropical environment that receives agricultural pollutants. Chiricahueto marsh effectively removes N and P from surface waters. It is clear that the diagenetic processes are mainly controlled by the exponential decomposition of organic matter that takes place at the sediment-water interface and in the sedimentary column, under oxic and suboxic-anoxic conditions, respectively. Mass balances indicated a net sedimentation of 11.3 g Nm(-2)x yr (-1) and 3.9 g Pm(-2) x yr (-1), which results in an annual regeneration of 1.7 g Nm(-2) and 0.8 g Pm(-2) at the sediment-water interface under oxic conditions. A major remineralization rate was estimated in 6.4 g Nm(-2) x yr (-1) and 1.1g Pm(-2) x yr (-1) into the sedimentary column where suboxic to anoxic conditions occur by the utilization of nitrate, Fe and Mn as electron acceptors. The estimated burial fluxes in the deeper sediments (>50 cm) were 1.5 g Nm(-2) x yr (-1) and 0.4 g Pm(-2) x yr (-1).

Frecuencia de retinopatia diabética en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2

Antecedentes y objetivos. La retinopatía diabética (RD) se sitúa entre las principales causas de afectación visual, junto al glaucoma y la degeneración macular relacionada con la edad. Es también frecuente observarla en los diabéticos tipo 2. Se realizó un estudio transversal y descriptivo en 500 diabéticos tipo 2, reclutarlos consecutivamente, con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia y tipo de retinopatía diabética (RD) y su relación con el sexo, hábito de fumar, edad de debut, tiempo de evolución, tratamientos de la DM, presión arterial; nefropatía diabética y grado de control metabólico.Métodos. Se realizó una historia clínica completa y un examen oftalmológico detallado y se determinó en todos glucemia en ayunas y 2 horas después del desayuno y el almuerzo, HbAlc y excreción urinaria de albúmina.Resultados. Comprobamos RDNP en el 26 por ciento de los pacientes y RDP sólo en el 3 por ciento. La frecuencia de RD aumentó proporcionalmente con el mayor tiempo de evolución de la DM. La hipertensión mina (EUA) se asoció significativamente con la presencia y severidad de la RD. Los valores elevados de hemoglobina glucosilada (HbAlc) y de glucemas elevadas postpandriales (desayuno y almuerzo) se asociaron significativamente con la RDNP. La afectación maculai en particular las formas exudativas y edematosas fueron comunes en nuestra serie. De los 102 pacientes con debut reciente de la DM, 8 presentaban RD; 7, RDNP y uno, RDP.Conclusiones. La RD es una complicación frecuente en la DM tipo 2, puede estar presente, incluso, en el momento del diagnóstico clínico de la DM. El tiempo de evolución de la DM, la edad, el mal control metabólico, la presencia de HTA y los niveles elevados de EUA fueron las variables que guardaron mayor asociación con la RD. La afectación macular es común en la DM tipo 2 (AU)

[Pulp tissue response to a glass and silver filings ionomer used as a permanent capping material]. / Respuesta del tejido pulpar ante un cemento a base de ionómero de vidrio y limadura de plata usado como obturación permanente.

A study was undertaken to ascertain the effect of [glass-and-silver fillings ionomer] on the pulp tissue at different times (15, 30 and 60 days). For that purpose, 34 premolars were evaluated, on which a basic coating of calcium hydroxide was applied previous to their obturation with an ionomer cement (Ketac Silver). Dental organs were divided in four groups, namely: untreated control, and three groups of 10 premolars which were extracted after 15, 30 and 60 days. Results yielded by this research suggest that applying a calcium hydroxide coating is not enough to prevent the toxic effect of the glass ionomer on the pulp.

Respuesta del tejido pulpar ante un cemento a base de ionómero de vidrio y limadura de plata usado como obturación permanente / Pulp tissue response to a glass and silver filling ionomer used as a permanent capping material

Se llevó a cabo un estudio con el propósito de conocer el efecto que causa el ionómero de vidrio con limadura de plata sobre el tejido pulpar a diferentes tiempos (15, 30 y 60 días); para esto se valoraron 34 premolares a los que se les realizaron cavidades de V clase y se les aplicó una base de hidróxido de calcio para después obturarlos con un cemento a base de ionómero (Ketac Silver). Los órganos dentarios se dividieron en cuatro grupos: control sin tratamiento, y tres grupos de 10 premolares que se extrajeron a los 15, 30 y 60 días. Los resultados que arrojó esta investigación sugieren que colocar una capa de hidróxido de calcio no es suficiente para impedir el efecto tóxico del ionómero de vidrio sobre la pulpa

[Comparative light microscopy study of periapical and pulpal response to different stimuli (2)]. / Estudio comparativo en microscopia óptica de la respuesta periapical y pulpar ante dos estímulos diferentes (segunda parte).

In this communication, the second of three we report the periapical and pulpal response against electric stimulation and pulpal exposure, after 20 weeks. We analyzed the quantitative cellular findings encountered in the periapical areas are presented.

[Comparative light microscopy study of periapical and pulpal response to different stimuli (1)]. / Estudio comparativo en microscopia optica de la respuesta periapical y pulpar ante dos estimulos diferentes (Primera parte).

A comparative study of pulpal and periapical responses to pulpal exposure and electric stimulus. In this report we communicate the changes found in the pulp and supporting tissues.

Effect of light manipulation on ovarian activity and melatonin and prolactin secretion in the domestic cat.

Ovarian activity was assessed by the determination of oestradiol-17 beta concentrations in plasma and indirectly by sexual interaction with a male. In one experiment, cats (N = 10) were studied initially for 50 days in a 14-h light (14L) regimen, then for 90 days in 24L (N = 6) or 8L (N = 4). At approximately 45 days after the onset of 24L, all animals had increased oestradiol-17 beta concentrations during waves of folliculogenesis compared to previous values obtained under 14L. The incidence of oestrous cycles decreased under 24L to 1 per month compared to 2 per month under 14L. In the 8L animals, oestrous cycle activity ceased immediately with the change from 14L to 8L. Oestradiol-17 beta concentrations were significantly lower during 8L than in interoestrus in the same animals under 14L. In a second experiment, ovaries and uteri were removed in the 3rd day of oestrus from animals in 24L and 14L photo-periods (N = 3 in each). The increased oestrogen production was associated with a 2-fold increase in the number of large, preovulatory follicles. Prolactin concentrations were significantly lower in animals in 24L than 14L during both oestrus and interoestrus as well as during oestrus compared to interoestrus during both 24L and 14L. Melatonin concentrations were significantly lower in animals in 24L than 14L during interoestrus. Prolactin values were significantly higher in 8L than in 14L and 24L. These results indicate that exposure of the cat to continuous light (24L) stimulated folliculogenesis while an 8L regimen inhibited folliculogenesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of melatonin on photoperiod responses, ovarian secretion of oestrogen, and coital responses in the domestic cat.

Ovarian activity was studied in cats treated with melatonin under different photoperiods and during folliculogenesis. The effect of melatonin on coital responses of LH release and sexual refractoriness was also studied. Some cats were treated with melatonin (5 mg every other day) while under a photoperiod stimulatory (24L:0D) or inhibitory (8L:16D) for ovarian activity. Ovarian activity was determined by oestrogen analysis of plasma and sexual receptivity by interaction with a male. Melatonin suppressed ovarian follicle development in animals exposed to 24L:0D during a 60-day photoperiod regimen. However, melatonin did not block perception of the 24L:0D regimen since there was increased oestrogen synthesis during ovarian follicular cycles immediately after the end of treatment (compared with the 45 days normally required for a response to 24L:0D). The administration of melatonin to animals kept in 8L:16D resulted in 3/4 animals becoming sexually receptive with normal follicular growth patterns beginning about 70 days into the treatment period. In a second experiment, the administration of 5 mg melatonin on the 2nd day of follicle growth resulted in suppression of oestrogen synthesis. In a third experiment, melatonin administration tended to decrease the amount of LH released in response to coitus on the 3rd day of oestrus although the difference was not significant. Melatonin administration increased the duration of sexual refractoriness after coitus.

The effect of different photoperiods on plasma concentrations of melatonin, prolactin, and cortisol in the domestic cat.

These studies investigated the effects of photoperiod on plasma melatonin, PRL, and cortisol concentrations in cats. Animals were placed in one of three different photoperiod regimens [short (SP), 8 h of light, 16 h of darkness (8L:16D); normal (NP), 14L:10D; long (LP), 24L:OD] 140 days before experimentation (n = 4/group). In the first experiment, melatonin, PRL, and cortisol concentrations were measured in plasma obtained at 2-h intervals for 24 h. Peak melatonin concentrations were significantly different (P less than 0.05) in the groups with SP greater than NP greater than LP (9226 +/- 1052 vs. 3890 +/- 556 vs. 590 +/- 198 pg/ml, respectively). Melatonin concentrations declined significantly (P less than 0.01) during the last 2 h of dark in the SP animals, but not in NP animals. Acrophases for melatonin biorhythms occurred at 0030, 0430, and 0215 h for SP, NP, and LP, respectively. Significant regression coefficients were found for 8-, 12-, and 24-h cycles in the SP and for 8- and 24-h cycles in the NP (none in the LP). PRL concentrations were significantly higher during darkness in cats under a longer duration of dark with SP greater than NP greater than LP (164 +/- 5 vs. 57 +/- 3 vs. 26 +/- 7 ng/ml, respectively; P less than 0.05). Acrophases for SP and NP PRL biorhythms were similar (0145 vs. 0200 h, respectively), while exposure to a LP resulted in a major change in the acrophase (1200 h). Cortisol secretion was not affected by photoperiod. In the second experiment, animals entrained to SP for about 160 days were exposed to light at 2000 h for 12 h (6 h after lights off). Significant decreases (P less than 0.05) in PRL concentrations were noted within 2 h and in melatonin concentrations by 4 h (first sample analyzed). In a third experiment, animals entrained to a LP released significantly more PRL in response to TRH administration (P less than 0.001) than did those in NP and SP. The data indicate that melatonin and PRL secretion, but not cortisol secretion, are very responsive to changes in photoperiod in the cat.