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Anaerobic co-digestion of four organic waste streams; a thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS) and screen cake (SC) from a fruit-juice/winery wastewater treatment plant along with municipal sludge cake (MC) and landfill leachate (LL) was evaluated. A total of eight semi-continuously-fed single and co-digesters were operated side-by-side at sludge retention times (SRT) of 20 and 10 days. Co-digestion of industrial waste streams (TWAS and SC) with MC and LL resulted in increased operational stability compared to the single digestion of industrial TWAS at the higher organic loading (10 d SRT). Although digester operational temperature had no statistically significant effect on organics removal and biogas production, mesophilic digesters had consistently higher total coliform densities (8838–37,959 most probable number or MPN/g-dry weight) compared to the thermophilic digesters (41–6723 MPN/g-dry weight) at both SRTs. Coliform analysis results also proved that most of the thermophilic digestates could be classified as Class A biosolids according to regulations. Furthermore, addition of industrial TWAS to co-digesters enhanced the dewaterability of the digested streams. A cost-benefit analysis confirmed the benefits and indicated that a full-scale co-digester utilizing all four waste streams can decrease the total capital and operational cost by 22% ($10.52 million). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Techno-economic analysis of co-digesting industrial waste and municipal sludge. [•] Statistically significant effect of substrate on CH4 yield and VS utilization rate. [•] Significantly higher initial degradation rate constant of industrial screen cake. [•] No significant synergetic effect of co-digesting municipal and industrial sludge. [•] Reduction of net cost by 37% using co-digester scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant histone acetylation was physiopathologically associated with the development of acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs). Reversal of histone deacetylation by histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACis) activates a cell death program that allows tumor regression in mouse models of AMLs. We have used several models of PML-RARA-driven acute promyelocytic leukemias (APLs) to analyze the in vivo effects of valproic acid, a well-characterized HDACis. Valproic acid (VPA)-induced rapid tumor regression and sharply prolonged survival. However, discontinuation of treatment was associated to an immediate relapse. In vivo, as well as ex vivo, VPA-induced terminal granulocytic differentiation. Yet, despite full differentiation, leukemia-initiating cell (LIC) activity was actually enhanced by VPA treatment. In contrast to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or arsenic, VPA did not degrade PML-RARA. However, in combination with ATRA, VPA synergized for PML-RARA degradation and LIC eradication in vivo. Our studies indicate that VPA triggers differentiation, but spares LIC activity, further uncouple differentiation from APL clearance and stress the importance of PML-RARA degradation in APL cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article looks into the case of digital television and international policy preferences for technological standard-setting aiming to contribute to literature on international regulatory competition and cooperation. It argues that the initial development of standards can be understood as the result of an international race to the top with states and companies as key drivers. When the US, Japan and the EU decided to "conquer the world" with their ATSC, ISDB and DVB standards, respectively, and many waves of countries embarked on digital television, the race became global. Many states have been therefore forced to raise technical standards because of external pressure but key domestic actors and motivations are also part of the complete picture. More specifically, policy preferences in Latin America can be explained too as the product of a race fostered by firms and states, though regulatory competition gave place to a cooperative turnaround that led to new and unexpected associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The aim of this prospective observational clinical study was to carry out a descriptive ophthalmic investigation in healthy newborn foals for the establishment of normal ocular anomalies found during the whole neonatal period. To date there have been no studies specifically addressing the normal ocular findings and variations of the eye and adnexa in foals during the neonatal period. Knowledge of the ocular characteristics at this early age will help equine practitioners to better identify ocular abnormalities. A detailed ophthalmic examination was performed by boarded ophthalmologists on all admitted healthy newborn foals. There were 52 foals included in the study grouped into those that were 1-day-old, younger than 5 days, aged 6-15 days and 16-21 days. Menace response was found to be absent in foals younger than 15 days. Pupillary light reflexes were present in all foals but were slower and incomplete in 14/14 1-day-old foals (100%) and in 7/21 foals aged 2-5 days (33%). Palpebral reflexes were positive in all foals. Ventromedial strabismus was bilaterally present in 8/14 1-day-old foals (57%) and in 4/21 foals aged 2-5 days (19%). Conjunctival congestion was observed in all groups. Conjunctival haemorrhages, perilimbal vascular ring, lens suture opacities and multifocal tapetal haemorrhages were exclusive findings from 1-day-old foals, with an incidence of 36, 21, 36 and 29%, respectively. The means of IOP readings were similar in all age groups. Hyaloid artery remnant and optic nerve head congestion were present in all 1-day-old foals (100%), decreasing in incidence with age. Ocular findings in new neonates are different from those observed in older neonates and should be considered when examining the foal's eye. Findings described in this study will help equine practitioners to more accurately diagnose discrete or unusual pathological changes in the newborn foal's eye according to their age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Septicemia in humans is described as a leading cause of uveitis, which eventually can induce blindness. Hypothesis/Objectives: Uveal inflammatory findings could be related to sepsis severity in newborn foals and might be used as an indirect indicator for survival. Animals: Seventy-four septic foals, 54 nonseptic foals, and 42 healthy foals. Methods: Prospective observational clinical study. A detailed blinded, ophthalmic examination was performed by boarded ophthalmologists on all admitted newborn foals. Foals were grouped as septic (when blood culture resulted positive or the sepsis score was ≥14), nonseptic, and controls. Based on blood culture results, the septic group was subdivided into bacteremic and nonbacteremic foals. Results: Blood culture was performed in 62/74 septic foals, from which 35 (56%) were bacteremic and 27 (44%) were nonbacteremic. Anterior uveitis was diagnosed in a significantly ( P < .005) higher number of septic/bacteremic foals (14/35, 40%) than in septic/nonbacteremic foals (5/27, 19%), nonseptic foals (4/54, 7%), and control foals (0%). Anterior chamber fibrin was only observed in 4/14 (29%) septic/bacteremic foals with anterior uveitis. Anterior uveitis was also associated with posterior uveitis in 6/35 (19%) septic/bacteremic foals. The diagnosis of uveitis was related to nonsurvival ( P= .001, odds ratio = 6.2, 95% confidence interval = 2.1–18.2). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Anterior uveitis is highly prevalent in septic newborn foals, especially in those with a positive blood culture, and it should be considered as a survival prognostic factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ketolide antibiotic telithromycin (TEL) exerts immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory effects in vitro and in a mouse model of septic shock. We studied the antiinflammatory activity of TEL in in vitro and in vivo models of airway inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods: We measured the effects of TEL on the response of RAW 264.7 macrophages to LPS and of murine lung epithelial (MLE)-12 cells to supernatants of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production, nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation, and apoptosis were determined. Acute airway inflammation was induced in untreated and TEL-treated BALB/c mice by nebulization with LPS. Total number of leukocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils, the protein concentration, and nitrite and cytokine levels were determined in the BAL fluid.Results: TEL inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the production of MIP-2 and TNF-alpha by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and the production of MIP-2 by MLE-12 epithelial cells to supernatants of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. NF-kappaB activation was inhibited and apoptosis was increased in both cell lines by TEL. The LPS-induced influx of neutrophils in BAL fluid was decreased by TEL pretreatment. TEL also reduced protein, nitrite, MIP-2, and TNF-alpha levels in the BAL fluid of LPS-nebulized animals.Conclusions: We have provided evidence that TEL exerts potent antiinflammatory effects in LPS-induced airways injury. We propose that TEL acts in the early phase of inflammation by reducing the release of inflammatory mediators through NF-kappaB inhibition, and in the later phase through enhancement of inflammatory cell apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 4-year-old Andalusian horse was presented for examination following a 3-month history of exophthalmos of the right eye and a soft swelling of the right supraorbital fossa noted after blunt head trauma. Ultrasonographic examination of the swelling showed an anecogenic mass of 5 cm in diameter involving the retrobulbar space. Centesis of the mass through the supraorbital fossa was performed and yielded a serous fluid with 7.2 g/dL of total protein and density of 1040. No cells were seen in the sample. A tentative diagnosis of cyst was made. The cyst was surgically removed and the definitive histologic diagnosis was retrobulbar dermoid cyst. No recurrence has developed 18 months following the complete removal of the cyst capsule. To the authors’ knowledge, there are no previous reports of retrobulbar dermoid cysts in horses. Localization, causes and success of surgical treatment of dermoid cysts are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained by recently introduced rebound tonometer (ICare®) and the well-known applanation tonometer Tonopen XL® in normal canine eyes. Methods In a prospective, randomized, single-center study, IOP measurements by ICare® and Tonopen XL® tonometers were compared in 160 nonpathologic canine eyes (80 dogs). Complete slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy were performed on each dog. Rebound tonometry was performed first and immediately after topical anesthetic drops were instilled in both eyes. One minute after the application of the topical anesthetic, applanation tonometry was performed in both eyes. The intraocular pressures obtained by use of both techniques were compared by statistical analysis. Results The mean IOP readings were 9.158 mmHg (SD 3.471 mmHg) for the ICare® tonometer ( x) and 11.053 mmHg (SD 3.451 mmHg) for the Tonopen XL® readings ( y). The mean difference in intraocular pressures (−1.905 mmHg) was within clinically acceptable limits. The correlation coefficient ( r2) of the relationship within both tonometers was r2 = 0.7477. The corresponding linear regression between the tonometers readings was y = 0.6662 x + 4.942. Conclusions Intraocular pressures obtained with the ICare® rebound tonometer were concordant with the IOP readings obtained by applanation Tonopen XL®, but ICare® values were significantly ( P < 0.0001) lower. Rebound tonometry could be an appropriate tonometry method for routine clinical use after its calibration for canine eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe fetal cardiac and hemodynamic development in the first trimester of pregnancy. Subjects and Methods: Forty-eight pregnancies were prospectively studied with transvaginal ultrasound and color Doppler. Fetal heart rate and size were documented together with the presence of inflow and outflow wave-forms and valve signals. Results: Heart rate and size showed a positive correlation with gestational age. At 6 weeks of gestation, 20% of the cardiac cycle was occupied by the isovolumic contraction time (ICT); the isovolumic relaxation time (IRT) occupied 16% and remained unchanged, while the ICT progressively shortened and was not measurable after 12 weeks. The peak inflow velocities had changed from monophasic to biphasic by 10 weeks of gestation. At 7 weeks of gestation, semilunar valves were detected in 10% of examinations and the atrioventricular valves in 3%. The detection rate for both valves at 12 weeks was > or = 90%. In pregnancies that miscarried, the detection rate for both was < 25%. Conclusions: The Doppler signals that characterize the heart during the first trimester suggest effective heart compliance by 12 weeks. Normal valve development can be inferred from non-invasive Doppler recordings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species composition and diversity were compared among twenty Mediterranean annual grasslands in northern and central California and central and southern Spain, encompassing climatic gradients and local sitevariation in topography and soils. Geographic proximity was more important than environmental factors such as climate, topography and parent material in predicting the species composition of these grasslands, with Californian and Spanish grasslands sharing only 9% of the species and geographically separated regions within each country sharingonly 20--32% of the species. This importance of geographic separation in predicting species composition suggests a strong role of dispersal limitation in determining current community composition. Mean species diversity was lower in Californian than in Spanish grasslands andwas negatively correlated with cover of annual grasses that tended to be greater in California than in Spain. However, there were few differences in species diversity among sites within either country and patterns of species diversity were unrelated to soil fertility or productivity. We suggest that current grazing regimes contribute to the greater abundance of grasses and lower species diversity of Californian than of Spanish grasslands. The apparent importance of dispersal limitation and grazing in explaining differences in species compositionand diversity between Californian and Spanish grasslands and within each country suggest that the structure of these grasslands has been and will continue to be sensitive to human influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrub encroachment is frequent in grazing lands in the Chaco region, Argentina. Fire is used by cattlemen to reduce the dominance of the shrub stands, improve forage standing biomass and quality, and enhance grazing accessibility. In this research, we assessed the combined effect of roller chopping + fire on the plant canopy of three native shrub species, Acacia gilliessi, Celtis ehrenbergiana, and Schinus bumelioides. We used a randomized design, with three factors, year, burn dates, and fine fuel load. Before the burn, the area received a roller-chopping treatment. Canopy volume reduction was assessed using, DifV = −1*(Vi − Va) and DifS = −1*(Si − Sa), respectively, where V = plant volume and S = sprout number. Suffixes i and a represent measurements taken before the roller-chopping treatment and one growth season after the fire, respectively. Fire intensity, headfire residence time, woody residues, and initial plant volume were evaluated as covariates. Results indicate a negative fire effect on canopy volume and sprouting. A. gilliesi was more susceptible to fire than the other two species. High fine fuel load and high fire intensity generated a severe effect on sprout number. The same trend was observed for coarse fuels. The canopy volume reduction was greater in A. gilliesi than the other species, reaffirming its high susceptibility to fire. Head fires were faster in 2009 than in 2008 and in the late than in the early burn dates. These results suggest that mechanical + fire treatments can be useful management tools for controlling shrub encroachment in the western Chaco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the effect of goat grazing on the shrub understory of a pine forest situated in a protected area (Doñana Natural Park). Along three years we have studied the changes in phytovolume, flammability, species richness and diversity in a grazed shrubland and in a control area not grazed by the goats. We studied also food preferences of the goats and the ability of the goats to disperse the seeds of the plants they eat. Goat grazing significantly reduced shrub biomass and flammability, decreasing the risk of forest fire. Goats selected the species they eat, changing the pattern of selection throughout the year. Grazing reduced shrub diversity, but did not affected species richness. The goats can also potentially disperse the seeds of some of the species they eat, since the seeds were able to pass through the goat's gut and germinated afterwards. Goat grazing on scrub vegetation can be used as an effective tool for the control of shrubs in protected forest areas, without losing biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to describe and compare the efficacy and duration of topical anaesthesia induced by 2 per cent lidocaine (L), 0.5 per cent bupivacaine (B) and 1 per cent ropivacaine (R) in the dog using 24 clinically healthy beagles with normal ocular examination. Dogs were randomly divided into three groups: 2 per cent lidocaine (n=8), 0.5 per cent bupivacaine (n=8) and 1 per cent ropivacaine (n=8). The baseline corneal touch threshold (CTT) was measured using a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. Following baseline CTT measurement, a single drop of the assigned anaesthetic was applied to each eye and the CTT was measured bilaterally within one minute after administration and every five minutes until the basal CTT value was restored. Data were analysed with non-parametric analysis of variance models and Dunnet's test for post hoc analysis. One per cent ropivacaine was the most effective drug (LCTTmax=3 cm, BCTTmax=2 cm, RCTTmax=0 cm; P<0.001), and had the shortest latency (LLatency=5 minutes, BLatency=5 minutes, RLatency=1 minute; P<0.001) and the smallest AUC (LAUC=80 cm×minute, BAUC=68.25 cm×minute, RAUC=36.88 cm×minute; P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the duration of corneal anaesthesia between the groups (P=0.09) and all topical anaesthetics tested reduced corneal sensitivity, although 1 per cent ropivacaine had the maximal and quickest anaesthetic effect. This drug could be used for specific diagnostic procedures where quick and short, but effective, corneal anaesthesia is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To analyze the relationships between physical fitness, lifestyle-related factors, and obesity in a large population of children. Methods: A cross-sectional study design including children aged 7-12 years (n = 715) was used. Adiposity measures included subcutaneous fat mass (SFM) and body mass index (BMI). Physical fitness and lifestyle-related factors were also assessed. Results: When SFM was used as the adiposity variable, the odds ratios (OR) for being obese in boys in the highest quartiles of fitness were 0.02 (95% CI 0.02-0.13) for aerobic fitness, 0.04 (95% CI 0.01-0.16) for dynamic force, and 5.32 (95% CI 1.82-15.58) for running speed (in which quartile 1 corresponds to the best performance) compared with boys in the lowest quartile. In girls, the OR for those in the highest quartiles of fitness were 0.04 (95% CI 0.01-0.14), 0.16 (95% CI 0.05-0.51), and 5.24 (95% CI 1.74-15.75), respectively, showing a significant dose-response relationship between fitness and fatness in both sexes (p for trend <0.001). Conclusions: An inverse relationship between physical fitness levels and the risk of being overweight/obese was found inasmuch as children with higher physical fitness seem to be more protected against fat mass accumulation than their counterparts with lower fitness levels. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alluvial fans of the western piedmont of the Western Argentine Precordillera developed during the Early-Middle Pleistocene are excellently preserved markers of Quaternary-active structures, such as the N-S strike-slip El Tigre Fault and minor piedmont faults and folds. A temporal model was obtained to evaluate the Quaternary tectonic and climatic control on the landscape evolution by integrating alluvial fan exposure ages (10Be), topographic scarp measurements, fluvial morphometry data, and slip rates. Geomorphic features and cosmogenic dating (10Be) allowed identification of five alluvial abandonment events: 1) Q5: 926 ± 38 ka; 2) Q4: 767 ± 29 ka; 3) Q3: 592 ± 54 ka; 4) Q2: 352 ± 27 ka; and 5) Q1: 258 ± 23 ka. This chronology suggests that alluvial fan systems typically became inactive at the beginning of or during interglacial periods. Thus, aggradation seems to have occurred during glacial stages and dissection during interglacial ones. Inset alluvial fan surfaces suggest a sustained base-level lowering linked to low-rate regional uplift superimposed onto the climatic control. Topographic scarp measurements and 10Be exposure ages allowed estimation of intermediate-term (105–106 y) slip rates linked to six neotectonic events during the Pliocene and Early-Middle Pleistocene. Longitudinal river profiles and drainage pattern analysis constrained by 10Be exposure ages confirmed that the El Tigre Fault has tectonically controlled the fluvial network since the Middle-Pleistocene. A Holocene tectonic event was recorded by the presence of a current rectangular drainage pattern, numerous knickpoints and highest channel steepness index (K sn), spatially associated and controlled by the minor piedmont scarps. The current drainage pattern and main river profiles show a stable and mature configuration. However, the landscape is still developing, being rejuvenated by piedmont structures and by the Quaternary activity of the Sierra del Tigre backthrust. Uplifts and shortenings for the El Tigre Fault scarp ranged from 0.454 ± 0.088 to 0.661 ± 0.130 and 0.122 ± 0.024 to 0.241 ± 0.047 mm/a, respectively, in agreement with estimates from similar structures of the Precordillera. Uplifts and shortenings for minor piedmont fault and fold scarps ranged from 0.009 ± 0.001 to 0.049 ± 0.005 and from 0.004 to 0.028 ± 0.003 mm/a, respectively. Our results confirm that the alluvial fan surfaces and the current fluvial landscape are driven by both tectonic and climatic controls. Finally, we propose that Quaternary-active structures accommodate part of the crustal shortening in the Pampean flat-slab segment, although the study area represents a backthrust zone of the current deformation front. • Investigation of Quaternary landscape development in the Argentine Precordillera. • Applies 10Be fan surface dating, river morphometry and fault scarp analysis. • Early-Middle Pleistocene fan activity with climate controlled aggradation-incision. • Fault scarps reveal Plio-Quaternary neotectonic events. • Landscape development reveals interplay of low-rate tectonics and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The El Tigre fault provides a significant example of Pliocene-Quaternary tectonic activity at the West of Precordillera, receiving considerable attention in the last years. However, longitudinal thrusts of the nearest Sierra del Tigre and a minor piedmont deformation belt identified in its western piedmont are still poorly understood. The present work comprised a detailed map of the geomorphological features of tectonic origin and Quaternary alluvial fan terraces located between the Sierra del Tigre and the El Tigre fault. Several topographic and geoelectrical profiles across minor fault and fold scarps were surveyed to define the displacement scarps, the geological structure geometries at subsurface and their relationship with main structures. Geoelectrical models allowed us to recognize three geoelectrical levels: A (> 200–300 Ω.m) correlated to Pleistocene alluvial fan terraces Q4 and Q3; B (ranging from 50 to 300/450 Ω.m), under level A and correlated to the Neogene substratum (Rodeo Formation); C (< 30–40 Ω.m) intercalated in level B, conforming aquifers (20 and 40 m deep) within the Neogene substratum. Subvertical conductive zones (10–40 Ω.m) were correlated to high angle (~60°-80°) reverse faults, which are associated with open anticlines and synclines that affect the Quaternary levels and the Neogene substratum. The structural style interpreted here allows us to conclude that the main piedmont thrust is a frontal splay of the backthrust of the Sierra del Tigre with western vergence. A better connection to the compressive deformation component, which uplifts the range, instead of to the strike-slip deformation component of the El Tigre Fault is demonstrated. This tectonic propagation probably happens during Middle-Upper Pleistocene to Holocene. The observations show that minor deformation belt is subjected to piedmont compressive movements while the El Tigre Fault absorbs the strike-slip movements, so a local partition of the deformation in the western margin of Precordillera probably happens during Quaternary. • Quaternary analysis of the western piedmont of Sierra del Tigre is presented. • Topographic and geoelectrical surveys were done across fault and fold scarps. • Three geoelectrical levels and subvertical conductive zones were identified. • A frontal splay of the backthrust of the Sierra del Tigre was inferred. • Quaternay compressive deformation has originated the piedmont deformation belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]