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Labor is regarded as increased myometrial activity with a regular contractility pattern. At this final stage of pregnancy, myometrial quiescence is lost, accompanied by altered immune homeostasis. It is well known that the interleukin (IL)-10 family of cytokines modulates immunological responses mainly in epithelial cells, including the endometrium. To investigate their inflammatory profile during labor, we performed a longitudinal study in a group of healthy pregnant women (n = 20) with uncomplicated pregnancies in the third trimester of pregnancy and during active labor. Blood was sampled from pregnant women in the third trimester (gestational age 32-38 weeks, mean 36 ± 2 weeks) and during active labor (39-41 weeks of gestation, mean 40 ± 1 weeks). Serum levels of several cytokines were measured using multiplex immunoassays for both stages, indicating that the concentrations of IL-10, IL-20, IL-22, IL-28A, and interferon (IFN)-γ were significantly decreased during active labor in comparison with third-trimester levels (p < 0.05). Our analysis did not find significant correlations between IL-10, IL-20, IL-22, IL-28A, and IFN-γ levels and gestational age. However, our data suggest that the systemic downregulation of several members of the IL-10 family of cytokines plays an important role in the activation of myometrial smooth cells associated with uterine contractions during active labor. Downregulation of this IL-10 family of cytokines seems to coincide with the well-reported functional progesterone withdrawal during labor. Likewise, lower plasma IFN-γ concentrations may indicate a role for IFN-γ in active labor.

The optimization of the synthesis of Fe/N/G catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has been investigated. The synthesis of Fe/N/G comprises a solid state reaction of the precursors in a planetary ballmilling followed by a thermal treatment in ammonia/nitrogen atmosphere. First, the influence of the concentration of NH 3 during the pyrolysis step was studied. The results obtained show that the influence of the NH 3 concentration during the pyrolysis step on ORR activity is more critical in acid medium. Next, the effect of the nature of the iron precursor in the structure and catalytic performance of the catalysts obtained was evaluated. Representative iron precursors containing Fe atoms in different oxidation states and containing or not heteroatoms (N or S) into their structure have been studied. The catalyst displaying the highest activity for the ORR in alkaline and acid electrolyte is the one obtained when iron phthalocyanine was used as iron precursor.

Maternal cardio-electrohysterographic coupling (MCEC), which is defined as the interaction of uterine electrical activity and maternal heart rate, is a physiological phenomenon poorly explored in the obstetric field. In this work, we evaluated the mechanism of MCEC before and during labor based on the Bivariate Phase-Rectified Signal Averaging Analysis (BPRSA).

Perovskites (ABO

In this work, we report a facile method of synthesis of carbon supported Pd, PdRu, and PdNi nanoparticles, and a comparative study of their catalytic behavior for the electrooxidation of ethanol in alkaline media. The addition of metals such as Ru or Ni increases the oxophilicity of the Pd surface, as observed from the shifting of the Pd oxide reduction peaks. As a consequence, the onset potential for the electrooxidation of ethanol shifts to less positive values on the bimetallic catalysts. The nature and evolution of the species formed during the electrooxidation of ethanol over the catalysts under study has been monitored using in situ infrared spectroscopy. In order to assess properly the evolution of the species formed during the electrooxidation of ethanol, infrared spectra have been recorded in both H2O and D2O electrolytes. The results presented in this work demonstrate that the scission of the C–C bond of ethanol takes place at the surface of Pd/C and PdM/C (M = Ni and Ru) at potentials as low as 30 mV. However, at potentials above E ≥ 400 mV, acetates are the main species formed during the electrooxidation of ethanol., Projects ENE2016-77055-C3-1-R and ENE2016-77055-C3-3-R from the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad from Spain and Project PIE 201480E122 from CSIC are acknowledged for support.

El presente estudio trata en líneas generales de la llegada a Cádiz y a otros lugares de la provincia y de Andalucía, en el siglo XVIII, de esculturas de madera policromada de procedencia genovesa. Pero también, y a lo largo de esa centuria, llegan a Cádiz escultores genoveses que se asientan en la ciudad instalando sus talleres y realizando esculturas. Las obras de estos adquieren enseguida una gran fama y difusión, y tienen como destino no solo la ciudad de Cádiz, sino también diversos puntos de Andalucía. The present study deals in general terms with the arrival in Cádiz and other places of the province and Andalusia of polychrome wooden sculptures of Genoese origin in the 18th century. But also, and throughout that century, Genoese sculptors arrive in Cádiz installing their workshops and making sculptures. The works of these acquire immediately a great fame and diffusion, and they have like destiny not only the city of Cádiz, but also diverse points of Andalusia.

Resumen En el presente artículo se comparan las estrategias didácticas que maestros y maestras de tres contextos colombianos han desarrollado para favorecer las inteligencias múltiples de los niños y las niñas de cuatro a cinco años de edad. El estudio se llevó a cabo en tres Centros de Desarrollo Infantil ubicados en ámbitos variados: uno rural, uno indígena y otro urbano. Se empleó un método cualitativo con diseño fenomenológico basado en la aplicación de entrevistas semiestructuradas, técnicas de observación y análisis de la planeación pedagógica, con el propósito de comprender cómo se conciben las inteligencias en cada entorno, las estrategias didácticas que aplican los maestros, las inteligencias que se favorecen de acuerdo con las características socio-culturales y los objetivos de formación. Los resultados indican que las inteligencias están asociadas directamente con las condiciones sociales y culturales de las comunidades, de tal modo que desde los primeros años se fomentan en las aulas ciertos aprendizajes y se restringen otros. Esta perspectiva permite reflexionar y plantear estrategias y procesos de formación más integrales, que consideren no solo las necesidades y expectativas locales, sino que también preparen para un mundo en constante transformación y doten a la educación inicial de mayor diversidad. Abstract In this article we compare the teaching strategies that teachers from three Colombian contexts have developed to promote multiple intelligences in four to five years old children. The study was conducted in three child development centers located in three areas: one peasant, one indigenous and one urban. A qualitative method with phenomenological design based on the application of semi-structured interviews, observation techniques and analysis of educational planning was applied to understand how the intelligences in each environment are conceived, and also to understand the teaching strategies applied by teachers, the intelligences that are favored according to the socio-cultural characteristics and training objectives. The results indicate that intelligences are associated directly with the social and cultural conditions of communities, so that from the earliest years some of them are fostered in classrooms and others are restricted. This perspective allows us to reflect, strategize and pose more comprehensive training processes that consider not only local needs and expectations but also prepare for a world in constant transformation and equip early childhood education with more diversity. Resumo Neste artigo comparamos as estratégias didáticas que professores e professoras de três contextos colombianos desenvolveram para favorecer as inteligências múltiplas de crianças entre quatro e cinco anos de idade. O estudo foi realizado em três Centros de Desenvolvimento Infantil localizados em diferentes áreas: uma rural, uma indígena e uma urbana. Utilizamos um método qualitativo com configuração fenomenológica baseado na aplicação de entrevistas semiestruturadas, técnicas de observação e análise do planejamento educacional, a fim de entender como as inteligências em cada ambiente são concebidas, as estratégias didáticas aplicadas pelos professores, as inteligências favorecidas de acordo com as características socioculturais e objetivos de formação. Os resultados indicam que as inteligências estão diretamente associadas às condições sociais e culturais das comunidades, de forma que desde os primeiros anos algumas aprendizagens são fomentadas nas salas de aula e outras são restritas. Essa perspectiva nos permite refletir e propor estratégias e processos de formação mais abrangentes que considerem não apenas as necessidades e expectativas locais, mas também preparem as crianças para um mundo em constante transformação e proporcionem uma educação inicial com maior diversidade.

The synthesis of methanol from biomass-derived syngas can be challenging because of the high CO2 content in the bio-syngas, resulting in lower kinetics and higher catalyst deactivation. This work explores the in situ pre-treatment of a CO2-rich syngas with a CO2/CO ratio equal to 1.9 through the reverse-water gas shift reaction with the aim of adjusting this ratio to a more favorable one for the synthesis of methanol with Cu-based catalysts. Both reactions take place in two catalytic beds placed in the same reactor, thus intensifying the methanol process. The water produced during syngas conditioning is removed by means of a sorbent zeolite to prevent the methanol catalyst deactivation and to shift the equilibrium towards the methanol formation. The combination of the CO2 shifting and the water sorption strategies lead to higher productivities of the catalytic bed and, under certain reaction conditions, to higher methanol productions.

The nature and evolution of FeNxCy moieties in Fe/C/N catalysts has been studied by analysing Fe and N environments. TEM and Fe-XAS reveal the presence of FeNx moieties and Fe3C particles in the fresh catalyst. NEXAFS reveals the presence of two groups of (Fe)NxCy ensembles, namely (Fe)Nx-pyridinic and (Fe)Nx-pyrrolic. The architecture of the FeNxCy ensembles and their evolution during the ORR has been analysed by XAS, NEXAFS, and identical locations TEM. NxCy, FeNxCy and Fe3C species are partially removed during the ORR, resulting in the formation of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 particles with different morphologies. The process is more severe in acid electrolyte than in alkaline one. (Fe)Nx-pyrrolic moieties are the main ones in the fresh catalysts, but (Fe)Nx-pyridinic groups are more stable after the ORR. The correlation between the evolution of the ORR activity and that of the FeNxCy ensembles indicates that FeNx-pyridinic ensembles are responsible for the ORR activity.

Besides the well-known roles of oxytocin on birth, maternal bonding, and lactation, recent evidence shows that this hypothalamic hormone possesses cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and parasympathetic neuromodulation properties. In this study, we explore the heart rate fluctuations (HRF) in an endotoxemic rodent model that was accompanied by the administration of exogenous oxytocin. The assessment of HRF has been widely used as an indirect measure of the cardiac autonomic function. In this context, adult male Dark Agouti rats were equipped with a telemetric transmitter to continuously and remotely measure the electrocardiogram, temperature, and locomotion. In a between-subjects experimental design, rats received the following peripheral treatment: saline solution as a vehicle (V); lipopolysaccharide (LPS); oxytocin (Ox); lipopolysaccharide + oxytocin (LPS+Ox). Linear and non-linear parameters of HRF were estimated starting 3h before to 24h after treatments. Our results showed that exogenous oxytocin does not modify by itself the HRF of oxytocin-treated rats in comparison to vehicle-treated rats. However, in animals undergoing endotoxemia it: a) provokes a less anticorrelated pattern in HRF, b) decreased mean heart rate, c) moderated the magnitude and duration of the LPS-induced hyperthermia, and d) increased locomotion, up to 6h after the LPS injection. The less anticorrelated pattern in the HRF and decreased mean heart rate may reflect a cardiac pacemaker coupling with cholinergic influences mediated by oxytocin during LPS-induced endotoxemia. Finally, the anti-lethargic and long-term temperature moderating effects of the administration of oxytocin during endotoxemia could be a consequence of the systemic anti-inflammatory properties of oxytocin.

Fe/N/C catalysts are very active for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR); however, the nature of the active site(s) is not fully understood. In this work, we study the performance of different types of N/C and Fe/N/C catalysts for the ORR, and the effect of the addition of NaCN. Phthalocyanine and graphene have been studied as model metal-free catalysts for the ORR. Fe-phthalocyanine (FePhcy), Fe-phthalocyanine dispersed in graphene (FePhcy/G) and Fe/N/G, have been used as model Fe-containing catalysts. FePhcy and FePhcy/G only contain Fe atoms coordinated to 4 nitrogen atoms. On the other hand, different species such as Fe-Nx and Fe3C coexist in Fe/N/G. In addition, C C ensembles are present in the graphene present in FePhcy/G and Fe/N/G. The ORR activity is characteristic of each catalyst, being the highest for the catalysts containing FeN4 ensembles. The addition of CN− results in the selective poisoning of the Fe-containing sites but it does not suppress the ORR activity of the Graphene containing samples. In-situ infrared spectroscopy studies during the ORR reveal that CN− poisoning of the Fe sites is reversible, desorbing at potentials less positive than ca. 600 mV. As a consequence, the ORR activity of the Fe-containing sites is recovered gradually.

The reasons for the strong rise in the securitization phenomenon up until the start of the “subprime crisis” need to be analysed. According to many authors, they mainly stem from its offering the possibility of generating fixed yield securities with the highest rating and a low risk premium, thanks to the issues being structured in differentiated bond series, so that certain series absorb most of the risk, thus facilitating the safer or “senior” tranches having a higher rating. Accordingly, this paper reviews the literature on the factors underlying the generation of differentiated tranches in this type of issues and regarding the determining factors ofthe yield offered by securitization issues. It concludes thatthe search for more complete markets, along with the reducing of problems associated to the moral hazard, are the main reasons for the multi-tranche structuring. And given the strong influence of the number of tranches on the yield offered by the issues, the paper likewise concludes that the multitranche structures has been an efficient tool to place securitization issues with more competitive yields. El fuerte desarrollo experimentado por la titulización hasta la “crisis subprime” y su empleo en la actualidad, requiere analizar sus causas. Y estas residen en la posibilidad de generar títulos de renta fija con la máxima calificación y una baja prima de riesgo, gracias a la estructuración de las emisiones en series diferenciadas de bonos, de forma que ciertas series absorben la mayoría del riesgo, facilitando que los tramos más seguros tengan una alta calificación. Se realiza una revisión de la literatura sobre los factores subyacentes a la generación de tramos y sobre los factores explicativos de la rentabilidad ofrecida por los bonos de titulización. Se concluye que la búsqueda de mercados más completos y la reducción de problemas asociados al riesgo moral, son los motivos principales para la estructuración multitramo. Dada la fuerte influencia del número de tramos sobre la rentabilidad ofrecida por las emisiones, se concluye que las estructuras multitramo han sido una herramienta eficaz para la colocación de bonos con rentabilidades muy competitivas.

The objectives of this study were (a) to evaluate parental stress in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD group) and compare it with the stress in parents of children with typical development (comparison group); (b) to study the relationship between parental stress, autism severity, and both verbal and performance IQ; and (c) to study the relationship between parental stress and resilience. Parental stress in the ASD group was clinically significant and higher than in the comparison group. The child’s autism severity was a significant predictor of parental stress related to the child’s distractibility and hyperactivity. The child’s verbal IQ was a significant predictor of parental stress in the child domain. Only for the ASD group, the child’s performance IQ was a significant predictor of parental stress, and parental resilience was a significant predictor of parental stress related to depression and competence variables. These results and implications for intervention are discussed.

The oxygen electrode plays a crucial role in performance and lifetime of water electrolyzers and regenerative fuel cells due to its slow electrochemical processes under rigorously oxidizing or reducing environments. Herein, we report the use of titanium carbonitride as an efficient and stable support in acidic media. Pt3M (M = Ru, Ir, Ta) nanoparticles supported on titanium carbonitride were synthesized by the ethylene glycol method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The electrochemical activity toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), as well as the stability of the catalysts, was tested employing a rotating ring-disk electrode. The activity of the three catalysts is similar for the ORR. However, for the OER, Pt3Ru/TiCN appears to be the best catalyst by far. Pt3Ru/TiCN was also compared with a commercial RuO2 catalyst, obtaining a better performance for the supported catalyst even though the low amount of Ru/RuO2 present in the supported sample. The high activity and stability of the Pt3Ru/TiCN catalyst for the ORR and OER is due to an interesting promotion effect of the titanium carbonitride support, so that this electrocatalyst has a great potential for the application in unitized regenerative fuel cells.

Graphene-like (G), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and active carbon (AC) have been used as carbon matrix for the synthesis of Fe/N/C catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. A thorough physicochemical characterization of the electrocatalysts, including X-ray photoelectronic and X-ray absorption spectroscopies, reveal that the formation of Fe/Nx ensembles is favored when the graphene-like or the CNTs are used as the carbon matrix. As a result, the catalyst prepared with the graphene matrix (Fe/N/G) records the highest activity for the ORR in the series of 3.1 A g −1 at 0.9 V. This very high ORR activity positions these catalysts as a realistic alternative to replace Pt/C cathodes in alkaline fuel cells. Moreover, using graphene as the carbon matrix endows the catalyst with very high stability during the ORR showing stable catalytic performance for the ORR even after being subjected to severe treatments of 3000 cycles up to 1.4 V. In situ IRRA spectra demonstrate that such a high stability for the ORR relates to the excellent resistance against corrosion of the graphene-based catalyst.

Fetal heart rate variability (fHRV) is an essential source of information to monitor fetal well-being during pregnancy. This study aimed to apply a nonlinear approach, known as symbolic dynamics (SD), for comparing human fHRV in the third trimester of pregnancy during active fetal state (TT) and active labor at term (P). We performed a longitudinal, prospective, descriptive, and comparative study composed of 42 longitudinal recordings of 5-minutes of fetal heartbeat interval series. Recordings were collected from 21 low-risk, healthy, pregnant women attending the Maternal and Child Research Center (CIMIGen), Mexico City. We calculated relevant linear parameters of fHRV between TT and P stages, such as the percentage of differences between adjacent RR intervals >5 ms (PRR5, related to vagal modulations) and other SD parameters such as the percentage of no variations between three successive symbols (%0V, reflects sympathetic modulations) and the probability of low variability with a threshold of 4 ms (POLVAR4, associated with a low variability). We identified statistical differences for PRR5 between TT and P (37.13% [28.47–47.60%] vs. 28.84% [19.36–36.76%], p = 0.03), respectively. Also, for 0V% (65.66% [59.01–71.80%] vs. 71.14% [65.94–75.87%], p = 0.03) and for POLVAR4 values (0.06 [0.04–0.11] vs. 0.15 [0.09–0.24], p = 0.002), respectively. Our results indicate that during parturition, the short-term fetal fHRV is decreased, showing a decreased vagal modulations and higher adrenergic response of the heart. These autonomic modifications may result from the fetal response to the stressful inflammatory challenge of labor. We thus confirmed that the analysis of the SD applied to fHRV time series could be a potential clinical biomarker to differentiate the fetal autonomic cardiac condition at different stages of pregnancy., Heliyon, 6 (3)

Parturition in mammals demands a precise coordination of several neuro-immune-endocrine interactions including: a sterile inflammatory response that involves secretion of inflammation mediators like cytokines/chemokines; changes in the secretion of hormones such as progestogen, estrogens, cortisol, and oxytocin; as well as adjustments of the neuroautonomic function. Specifically, the so-called cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway seems to play a key role in the homeostasis of the neuro-immune-endocrine axis by adjusting the vagus nerve activity during parturition. Here, we provide insights into the importance of the vagus during parturition from an autonomic, endocrine, and immune interplay perspective, and describe the potential role of heart rate variability analysis to explore these interactions noninvasively, economically, and accessibly.

Heart rate variability (HRV) has been recognised as a non-invasive method for assessing cardiac autonomic regulation. Aiming to characterize HRV changes at labour in women, we studied 10 minute ECG recordings from young mothers ( n = 30) at the third trimester of pregnancy (P) or during augmentation of labour (L) ( n = 30). Data of the L group were collected when no-contractions (L-NC) or the contractile activity (L-C) was manifested. Accordingly, the inter-beat interval (IBI) time series were processed to estimate relevant parameters of HRV such as the mean IBI ( IBI ¯ ), the mean heart rate HR ¯ , the root mean square of successive differences ( RMSSD ) in IBIs, the natural logarithm of high-frequency component ( LnHF ), the short-term scaling parameters from detrended fluctuation and magnitude and sign analyses such as ( α 1 , α 1(MAG) , α 1(SIGN) ), and the sample entropy ( SampEn ). We found statistical differences ( p RMSSD among P and L-NC/L-C groups (25 ± 13 vs. 36 ± 14/34 ± 16 ms) and for LnHF between P and L-NC (5.37 ± 1.15 vs. 6.05 ± 0.86 ms 2 ). Likewise, we identified statistical differences ( p α 1(SIGN ) among P and L-NC/L-C groups (0.19 ± 0.20 vs. 0.32 ± 0.17/0.39 ± 0.13). By contrast, L-NC and L-C groups showed statistical differences ( p α 1(MAG) (0.67 ± 0.12 vs. 0.79 ± 0.12), and SampEn (1.62 ± 0.26 vs. 1.20 ± 0.44). These results suggest that during labour, despite preserving a concomitant non-linear influence, the maternal short-term cardiac autonomic regulation becomes weakly anticorrelated (as indicated by α 1(SIGN) ); furthermore, an increased vagally mediated activity is observed (as indicated by RMSSD and LnHF ), which may reflect a cholinergic pathway activation owing to the use of oxytocin or the anti-inflammatory cholinergic response triggered during labour.

Bimetallic catalysts of Co–Cr and Co–Fe supported on CeO2 are examined with respect to their behaviour towards CO oxidation. The decomposition of the precursors of the samples under air was examined by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) in order to determine adequate calcination temperature to apply during preparation of the catalysts. Samples calcined at 800 °C are characterized by measurement of specific surface area (SBET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques in comparison with selected monometallic references. The characterization results are employed as a basis to explain catalytic activity results for CO oxidation. While the Co–Cr system does not enhance the activity of the corresponding monometallic Co reference catalyst, Fe is shown to promote low temperature activity, affected to some extent by a deactivation mechanism. Details of the iron promoting effect as well as the deactivation process are examined by operando-DRIFTS experiments which show that the presence of trace water in the feeding gases appreciably affects the catalytic performance of the systems., Financial support by MICINN or MINECO Plan Nacional projects (CTQ2009-14527 and CTQ2012-32928) and EU COST CM1104 action is acknowledged.

We prove residual formulas for vector fields defined on compact complex orbifolds with isolated singularities and give some applications of these on weighted projective spaces., Comment: To appear in International Mathematics Research Notices. To J. Seade on the occasion of his 60th birthday

Snakes introduced to islands can be devastating to naive native fauna. However, introduced populations must establish before range expansion (invasion) can occur. The factors that can determine successful invasion are those associated with the introduction event (e.g., characteristics of the founding population), the location (e.g., suitable environment and prey availability) and the species (e.g. life history characteristics). Here, we collected morphometric, ecological and genetic data on the recently introduced California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) in Gran Canaria. We found that snakes occurring at two locations a few 10 s of km apart do not represent the same population. Genetic analyses confirmed significant genetic difference (FST = 0.184; Dest = 0.341), and that despite being inbred (Fis = 0.245–0.257) the populations had high levels of diversity (Ho = 0.485–0.490; allelic richness = 4.875–6.364). Snakes at the different Gran Canaria locations were significantly different in morphology (colouration, mass, length and age), fitness (egg production) and diet (rodents, skinks, lizards and geckos), supporting a hypothesis of separate founding groups in combination with local environmental heterogeneity leading to variation between these populations. We concluded that one population was more successful than the other in reproduction and recruitment, and may be having a greater impact on endemic reptiles. We recommend greater eradication effort for this population, as well as monitoring of local fauna at all locations to access the impact of predation.

The importance of the guava lies in the economical contribution for some regions in Mexico. The fruits are harvested in areas which have a certain type of conditions in Mexico, similar to those of Zacatecas, Aguascalientes and Michoacan. Several problems related to mechanical damage, such as those that happen during harvesting, transporting and storage appear during the commercialization. The objective of this paper was to determinate the relation between the mechanical damage and the guava fruits physiological activity. Fruits of the Calvillo (Cv1) and Criolla (Cv2) varieties were exposed to compression at horizontal (p1) and vertically (p2) positions. Three axial compression distances were valuated: elastic limit (d1), bioyield point (d2) and rupture point (d3). The production of ethylene and CO2 were measured and they were was found to be significant due to the fact that the production of these gases increased as the compression load increased, which was more noticeable by the second day of applied force of compression. The Cv2d1p2 treatment supported the highest compression load. The percentage of deformity was also measured, finding a higher rate of eformation in the Cv2p2 treatment with values of up to 43%. In the case of Young module, values of 0.37 MPa for the Cv2 fruits and 0.32 MPa for the Cv1 fruits were reported. Variables were measured during the four days, finding weight loss of up to 13 %.

Labor is regarded as increased myometrial activity with a regular contractility pattern. At this final stage of pregnancy, myometrial quiescence is lost, accompanied by altered immune homeostasis. It is well known that the interleukin (IL)-10 family of cytokines modulates immunological responses mainly in epithelial cells, including the endometrium. To investigate their inflammatory profile during labor, we performed a longitudinal study in a group of healthy pregnant women (n = 20) with uncomplicated pregnancies in the third trimester of pregnancy and during active labor. Blood was sampled from pregnant women in the third trimester (gestational age 32-38 weeks, mean 36 ± 2 weeks) and during active labor (39-41 weeks of gestation, mean 40 ± 1 weeks). Serum levels of several cytokines were measured using multiplex immunoassays for both stages, indicating that the concentrations of IL-10, IL-20, IL-22, IL-28A, and interferon (IFN)-γ were significantly decreased during active labor in comparison with third-trimester levels (p0.05). Our analysis did not find significant correlations between IL-10, IL-20, IL-22, IL-28A, and IFN-γ levels and gestational age. However, our data suggest that the systemic downregulation of several members of the IL-10 family of cytokines plays an important role in the activation of myometrial smooth cells associated with uterine contractions during active labor. Downregulation of this IL-10 family of cytokines seems to coincide with the well-reported functional progesterone withdrawal during labor. Likewise, lower plasma IFN-γ concentrations may indicate a role for IFN-γ in active labor.

LaNiO perovskite is a promising electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this work we study the effects of several key structural and morphological features on the performance of LaNiO perovskites for the ORR. We have prepared a series of LaNiO oxides via soft chemistry and calcined the final materials at different temperatures from 500 to 1000 °C. With the aim of obtaining morphological and structural information relevant to their performance the prepared oxides have been thoroughly characterized by BET, Power Neutron Diffraction (PND), XRD, HRTEM, STEM-HAADF and XPS. We have analysed the effect of extrinsic (surface area and particle size) and intrinsic factors (formation of oxygen vacancies, Ni oxidation states and occupancy of the e levels) on the current densities and specific activity, respectively, of several samples of LaNiO. The catalysts with higher catalytic activity are those in which the perovskite structure is properly formed, but display high surface areas., María Retuerto acknowledges the Juan de la Cierva program of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for a grant (FPDI-2013-17582). Economic support from projects ENE2013-42322-R from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, and project 201480E122 from the CSIC are also acknowledged. Project S2013/MAE-2882 is also acknowledged. J. A. Alonso and M. Teresa Fernández-Diaz thank the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation to the project MAT2013-41099-R. Amaru González acknowledges the SECAT for a grant.

This article provides a comparative analysis of the performance of the credit growth variable compared to the credit-to-GDP ratio as an early warning indicator of banking crises. We find that both variables correctly detect expansive credit growth leading to financial stability problems. However, the timing of the early warning indicators is closer in keeping with cycle changes when the credit growth variable is used. The results obtained are important to design prudential policies aimed at preventively monitoring and fostering banking sector stability and, particularly to manage the countercyclical capital buffer envisaged in the Basel III package.

Monodispersed Pt3Sn nanoparticles were prepared through a mild thermal synthesis in the presence of surfactants. The performance of Pt3Sn for the electrooxidation of ethanol and adsorbed carbon monoxide (COad) in acid medium was studied by a combination of electrochemical and in situ spectroscopic methods, namely, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), and the results were compared to those obtained with the use of Pt black. The formation of the Pt3Sn solid solution promoted the oxidation of COad at less‐positive potentials than those required for Pt black. Also, the electrooxidation of ethanol, especially at lower potentials, was more favorable with Pt3Sn, as deduced from the higher faradaic currents recorded during the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). However, the distribution of products as deduced by DEMS analysis suggested that the formation of C1 products, CO2 inclusive, is less significant on Pt3Sn than on Pt. In fact, the higher faradaic current recorded with the former catalyst can be attributed to the greater amounts of acetaldehyde and acetic acid formed. After the EOR, the surface of both Pt and Pt3Sn remained covered by ethanol adsorbates. Whereas C2 fragments were the main adsorbates at the surface of Pt3Sn after the EOR, both C1 and C2 species remained adsorbed at Pt black., The Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Project ENE2010–15381) and the CSIC (Project 201080E116) are acknowledged for financial support

Los mecanismos precisos para el inicio del trabajo de parto a termino siguen siendo desconocidos, sin embargo, varios estudios en humanos revelan el papel de las citocinas en el inicio y el mantenimiento del trabajo de parto, mostrando muchas de las caracteristicas de la inflamacion. Los hallazgos recientes sugieren una posible relacion entre la actividad del sistema nervioso autonomo (SNA) y la respuesta antiinflamatoria vagal durante el trabajo de parto. Ademas, el papel de la microbiota vaginal es particularmente importante durante el embarazo porque el dismicrobismo vaginal es uno de los mecanismos mas importantes asociados con el parto prematuro. En esta revision, presentamos evidencia que sugiere que se manifiesta una respuesta antiinflamatoria esteril para atenuar la inflamacion excesiva introducida por el parto de bajo riesgo a termino, que involucra la accion de una via colinergica, mioquinas uterinas o el microbioma vaginal.

Este artículo analiza los determinantes de la rentabilidad primaria de los bonos de titulización hipotecaria (conocidos en la literatura como mortgage backed securities, o MBS) emitidos en España durante el periodo 1993-2011, periodo en el que el mercado español llegó a convertirse en el más importante de Europa continental. Los resultados obtenidos sobre el análisis de la población completa de MBS emitidos (262 tramos configurados sobre 94 fondos de titulización) indican que la estructuración multitramo de los MBS ha ayudado a reducir el riesgo percibido global de las emisiones de MBS, mediante la generación de mercados más completos y la reducción de los problemas derivados de la existencia de asimetrías informativas implícitas en el proceso de selección de los activos transmitidos por parte de la entidad cedente. Esta reducción del riesgo percibido ha tenido un efecto directo sobre la rentabilidad ofrecida por los bonos de titulización emitidos. Además, no se encuentran evidencias de que la emisión de MBS persiga la transmisión efectiva de riesgos, más bien al contrario. Las entidades de crédito, por lo general, han retenido los tramos de primeras pérdidas, lo que ha contribuido a mantener en niveles muy bajos (por debajo de la rentabilidad de la deuda soberana) la rentabilidad ofrecida por los MBS. Precisamente, el escaso diferencial ofrecido por los bonos de titulización se debe a que los tramos retenidos no han ofrecido primas de rentabilidad ajustadas al riesgo inherente.

The present study aimed to compare linear and symbolic dynamics (SD) indices for detecting the autonomic cardiac changes produced by endotoxemia in freely-moving rats. In this context, we analyzed ECG-derived R-R time series in freely moving Dark Agouti rats, which received lipopolysaccharide (LPS, n = 9), or vehicle (V, n = 7). Five minutes R-R time series were assessed every hour up to +12 h and + 24 h post-LPS injection. We found that SD indices showed significant differences at +7 h between V vs. LPS groups and at +9 h between basal levels of LPS (−3 h) and post-LPS injection (pre-LPS vs. post-LPS). In general, SD seems more appropriate than linear indices to evaluate the autonomic changes of endotoxemic rats. Overall, the symbolic parameters detected decreased R-R variability and complexity, which indicate a modification of the autonomic regulation during LPS-induced endotoxemia. This modification is probably related to a reduced activity of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway at the long term.

The review article discusses the current status and recent findings of our investigations on the synthesis and characterization of carbon-supported PtRuMo electrocatalysts for direct alcohol fuel cells. In particular, the effect of the carbon support and the composition on the structure, stability and the activity of the PtRuMo nanoparticles for the electrooxidation of CO, methanol and ethanol have been studied. Different physicochemical techniques have been employed for the analysis of the catalysts structures: X-ray analytical methods (XRD, XPS, TXRF), thermogravimetry (TGA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as a number of electrochemical techniques like CO adsorption studies, current-time curves and cyclic voltammetry measurements. Furthermore, spectroscopic methods adapted to the electrochemical systems for in situ studies, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS) and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), have been used to evaluate the oxidation process of CO, methanol and ethanol over the carbon-supported PtRuMo electrocatalysts., This work has been supported by the Spanish Science and Innovation Ministry under projects ENE2010-15381 and CTQ2011-28913-CO2-O2.

This study is based on 1%Ir/ZrO2 catalyst which was studied in the hydrogenation of aromatic meta-substituted nitrobenzene in liquid phase. The catalyst was prepared by traditional impregnation method using IrCl3 and it has been characterized in terms of temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), ICP-MS, BET area, X-ray diffraction, HR-TEM and XPS measurements. The hydrogenation was evaluated in a batch type reactor at 298 K using ethanol like a solvent. The catalyst showed the formation of zero valent and partially oxidized Iridium (Irδ+) is established post-TPR and XPS characterization. The metal particle size exhibited a wide distribution with mean size 1.8 nm. Ir/ZrO2 was active in all the hydrogenation reactions with elevated conversion and promoted exclusive NO2 group reduction, resulting in the sole formation of the corresponding amino-compound except for CHO and CH CH2 meta-substituted nitrobenzene. We associate this response to a reducible group competition between NO2 and CHO or CH CH2. Reactant activation on the catalyst generates a negatively charged intermediate, consistent with a nucleophilic mechanism. The presence of electron-donating substituents is shown to decrease NO2 reduction rate. This effect is quantified in terms of the Hammett relationship where a linear correlation between the substituent constant (σi) and rate is established and a reaction constant (ρ) 0.639. The data generated provide the first report of the catalytic action of supported Ir in the hydrogenation of meta-substituted nitroarenes and establish the nature of the hydrogenation en liquid phase.

In this study, we aimed to identify the main factors that affect the dynamics and rates of aboveground biomass (AGB) accumulation in secondary forests located in the interandean valleys of Colombia. We used two censuses performed on trees with a diameter at breast height of ⩾10 cm in 10 1-ha plots to answer the following questions: (1) Does prior use of the land for raising crops (instead of pastureland for cattle ranching) promote an increase in the rate of AGB accumulation? (2) To what extent did climate, soil characteristics, the functional traits of resident species, and/or stand age affect the stocks and dynamics of the AGB in these secondary forests? We did not find any evidence that prior land use for cattle ranching had a negative effect on the tree AGB-accumulation rate, when compared with land previously used for raising crops. Greater AGB stocks at an intermediate fertility point may be associated with a higher abundance of tall, short-lived, fast-growth pioneer species. Tree mortality rates in secondary forests were primarily determined by the forest’s composition and the variation in the amount of rainfall between sites. Soil fertility, which is known to accelerate the growth rate of plant species, was significantly and positively associated with the rate of AGB recruitment. We did not find any evidence for a negative correlation between wood density and growth, as has been reported for primary tropical forests. The net AGB change (%) was primarily associated with the low soil-fertility characteristics of sandy well-drained soils that could, in the presence of steep slopes, increase forest dynamics. Land restoration that restores the natural cycle of secondary forests could assist in the mitigation of global warming by promoting key environmental functions, such as carbon sequestration.

Resumen Introduccion El objetivo ha sido describir y evaluar un nuevo protocolo de comunicacion de resultados criticos en un Area Sanitaria de Andalucia. Material y metodos Se analiza el tamano y tipo de los valores criticos del Area Sanitaria para pacientes de Atencion Primaria. Se evaluo un nuevo sistema de notificacion informatizado, a tiempo real, a traves de la Historia Digital de Salud Diraya, que integra el modulo de pruebas analiticas (MPA). Dicho protocolo se complementa en colaboracion con la tecnologia de la informacion (TI), con el servicio de mensajes cortos (SMS) «WebMovil» de la Junta de Andalucia. Resultados Los valores criticos para los pacientes de Atencion Primaria representan el 26,33% del total. El numero total de valores criticos para Atencion Primaria fue de 138 desde noviembre 2010 a septiembre 2011. El aviso mas frecuente fue por hemoglobina baja (52,17%). El tiempo promedio de notificaciones fue de 13 min. La tasa de exito de las notificaciones ha sido del 95,7% y se obtuvo un 0% de abandonos. En el 99,93% de los casos se constato el contacto con el enfermo y en el 98,55% la actuacion medica. Conclusiones La comunicacion por un sistema informatizado unida a la tecnologia SMS demostro una reduccion en el tiempo de notificacion y produjo beneficios adicionales, como eliminar el riesgo de errores cuando por parte del receptor no hay una repeticion de la informacion recibida por el laboratorio. Ademas, el uso de mensajes SMS asegura que a los medicos de guardia siempre les llegue la informacion de una forma inmediata.

Background: cryopreservation decreases sperm viability by approximately 50%. Objective: the objective of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of seminal plasma proteins on post-thawing sperm viability in Sanmartinero and Zebu semen. Methods: semen samples from 10 bulls of each breed were used, and seminal plasma was subjected to two-dimensional electrophoresis to establish the relationship between the relative amount of each protein spot and sperm viability. Then, seminal plasma was subjected to exclusion chromatography to separate the fraction containing these proteins. This fraction was added in doses of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg, to 1 x 10(6). Sperm was thawed and incubated at 37 °C for 1 h to determine its effect on postthaw viability. Sperm were frozen using two media (citrate-fructose-yolk and Bioxcell®). Results: we found one protein spot (16.20 kDa, PI 5.5) in Sanmartinero seminal plasma that correlated (r = 0.64 p

An insight into the interaction of collagen type I with apatite in bone tissue was performed by using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and molecular modeling. Scanning electron microscopy shows that bone organic content incinerate gradually through the different temperatures studied. We suggest that the amide regions of the type I collagen molecule (mainly C=O groups of the peptide bonds) will be important in the control of the interactions with the apatite from bone. The amide I infrared bands of the collagen type I change when interacting to apatite, what might confirm our assumption. Bone tissue results in a loss of thermal stability compared to the collagen studied apart, as a consequence of the degradation and further combustion of the collagen in contact with the apatite microcrystals in bone. The thermal behavior of bone is very distinctive. Its main typical combustion temperature is at 360°C with a shoulder at 550°C compared to the thermal behavior of collagen, with the mean combustion peak at ca. 500°C. Our studies with molecular mechanics (MM+ force field) showed different interaction energies of the collagen-like molecule and different models of the apatite crystal planes. We used models of the apatite (100) and (001) planes; additional two planes (001) were explored with phosphate-rich and calcium-rich faces; an energetic preference was found in the latter case. We preliminary conclude that the peptide bond of collagen type I is modified when the molecule interacts with the apatite, producing a decrease in the main peak from ca. 500°C in collagen, up to 350°C in bone. The combustion might be related to collagen type I, as the ΔH energies present only small variations between mineralized and non-mineralized samples. The data obtained here give a molecular perspective into the structural properties of bone and the change in collagen properties caused by the interaction with the apatite. Our study can be useful to understand the biological synthesis of minerals as well as the organic-inorganic interaction and the synthesis of apatite implant materials.

El presente estudio analizó la magnitud a la cual la variación ambiental y las variables espaciales influencian la distribución de las especies arbóreas de dosel (DAP ≥ 10 cm), a escala local en un bosque de tierra firme de la Amazonia colombiana. El muestreo se llevó a cabo en una parcela de cinco ha, dividida en 125 cuadrantes de 20 x 20 m, ubicada en el PNN Amacayacu. Se seleccionaron las especies con una frecuencia igual o mayor a diez (10) en los 125 cuadrantes. Para cuantificar el efecto del ambiente y el espacio geográfico, se empleó la regresión logística con base en los datos de presencia ausencia de las especies en cada uno de los cuadrantes. La distribución de las especies presentó mayor relación con las variables espaciales que con las ambientales, permaneciendo generalmente en promedio el 50,7 ± 23,8% de desviación sin explicar. Las variables ambientales fueron significativas en 33 modelos, presentando capacidad explicativa entre 0,21 y 23,71%. Las variables espaciales fueron incluidas en todos los modelos explicativos de la distribución de las especies, con una importancia relativa de hasta el 97,3%. El presente estudio, resalta la importancia del análisis de las respuestas de especies arbóreas individuales a los cambios ambientales y espaciales, encontrando diferencias en los factores que determinan la distribución de especies dentro de familias e incluso dentro de un mismo género, lo cual tiene gran influencia en la estructuración de la diversidad alpha. Lo que esto demuestra es que la especialización de hábitat y los procesos espacialmente estructurados como la limitación en dispersión, más que ser mecanismos excluyentes, actúan de forma complementaria a diferentes niveles promoviendo la coexistencia de especies. Los resultados obtenidos difieren de estudios anteriores en cuanto que este estudio muestra menor importancia relativa de los factores edáficos sobre la distribución de especies a escala local. En este caso particular, se sugiere que a escala local existe un alto componente aleatorio asociado con la variación no explicada. Sin embargo, no se descarta que esta condición emerja como producto del submuestreo en estos bosques de diversidad muy alta.

espanolPedro Rellins (h. 1676-1728) fue un escultor y retablista, nacido en la actual Holanda, que desarrollo su actividad en Sanlucar de Barrameda (Cadiz), ciudad a la que se traslado siendo aun nino. En este articulo se hace un repaso por la historiografia que ha tratado al artista, se profundiza en los nuevos datos biograficos emanados de su expediente matrimonial y se aportan novedades sobre su obra. EnglishPedro Rellins (c. 1676-1728) was a sculptor and architect of altarpieces, born in the current Netherlands, who worked in Sanlucar de Barrameda (Cadiz), city to which moved still a child. In this article we review the historiography that has studied the artist, we delve into the new biographical details of your marriage certificate and we bring news about his work.

Danilza, es una empresa dedicada a la importación de productos gourmet con una vasta experiencia de más de 21 años en el mercado, cuyas fortalezas residen en la exclusividad de la marca de pastas que distribuye, el crecimiento con capital propio y posicionamiento en el canal supermercados. Ante la necesidad de expansión y crecimiento de la empresa, se ha elaborado el Plan Estratégico 2015 – 2019, el cual le dará los lineamientos a seguir para mantenerse en el tiempo. Actualmente existen factores externos que favorecen al desarrollo de la empresa, principalmente la estabilidad del PBI e inflación, proyección de crecimiento de la importaciones, cultura consumo de pastas en el país y tendencia de crecimiento de la clase media. Este Plan propone una estrategia de penetración de mercado y desarrollo de mercado y productos, implementando 27 iniciativas las cuales cubren los principales problemas que presenta la empresa como el bajo clima laboral, falta de institucionalización, poca tecnología, desarrollo de nuevos canales y el proceso en sí de planificación estratégica. Tesis

The role of two intermetallic phases of PtSn, namely Pt 3 Sn (fcc phase) and PtSn (hcp phase) for the electrooxidation of CO and methanol has been evaluated. Carbon supported Pt 3 Sn and PtSn nanosized particles have been prepared by controlled surface reactions. The actual structure of the PtSn alloys has been evaluated and confirmed by means of XRD and HR-TEM studies which reveal the predominance of either the hcp or the fcc phase in each catalyst. The catalysts have been further characterized to identify the actual metal loading and Pt/Sn atomic ratio in order to eliminate particle size or metal loading effects on their electrocatalytic performance. The performance of the catalysts for the electrooxidation of CO and methanol has been evaluated by electrochemical techniques along with in situ techniques such as electrochemical coupled Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (EC-IRAS) and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). Altogether, the results presented in this work reveal that Pt 3 Sn fcc is more active than PtSn hcp for the electrooxidation of CO and methanol and that the contribution of the hcp phase in those electrocatalytic processes is negligible.

The electrooxidation of ethanol on carbon supported PtRuMo nanoparticles of different Mo compositions has been studied in the temperature range of 30–70 °C. Current–time curves have shown an increase of the current density with the Mo introduction during the ethanol oxidation at 0.5 V in a whole temperature range. The incorporation of different amount of MoOx (∼Mo5+) like species over PtRu systems produces ternary catalyst with similar structural characteristics as particle size or crystal phases, but the catalytic behavior depended on both the surface amount of Mo and on the applied potential. In situ spectroelectrochemical studies have been used to identity adsorbed reaction intermediates and products (in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR) and volatile reaction products (differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, DEMS). For all catalysts, incomplete ethanol oxidation to C2 products (acetaldehyde and acetic acid) prevails under the conditions selected in this study. The higher CO tolerance of PtRuMo/C catalysts at very low potentials (

The study presented the preparation of the perovskite oxide LaNiO3 by the complex citrate method,paying particular attention to evolution of its formation from the amorphous precursor with varied calcination temperatures.The products obtained after heat treatment under air between 200 and 800 ℃ were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD),thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),SBET measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).The results showed the formation of a single phase with perovskite structure from ca.550 ℃.Tests on the two catalytic oxidation reactions of C3H6 and CO over the system calcined between mentioned temperatures were examined on the basis of characterization results and showed that optimum catalytic properties for such reactions were achieved for the perovskite calcined at 600 ℃.In turn,correlations between redox and catalytic properties were established on the basis of thermogravimetric temperature programmed reduction (TPR) analysis.

Due to the fact that an increased number of patients have experienced bloodstream infections caused by Candida species and the high mortality of this infection, there is a need for a strategy to reduce this scenery. One possible strategy is the use of new drugs, such as fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), which is a high-energy glycolytic metabolite and has shown to have therapeutic effects in several pathological conditions such as ischemia, shock, toxic injuries, and bacterial sepsis. The aim of this manuscript was to determine the role of FBP in experimental Candida albicans bloodstream infection. We used mice that were divided into three experimental groups: sham (not induced), bloodstream infection (induced with intratracheal instillation of C. albicans) and FBP (bloodstream infection plus FBP 500 mg/kg i.p.). Blood was taken for assessment of complete hematological profile and cytokine assay (IL-6 and MCP-1). Results of the study demonstrated that mortality decreased significantly in groups that received FBP. All cytokine and hematological indexes of FBP group were similar to bloodstream infection group with exception of platelets count. FBP significantly prevented the decrease in platelets. Taken together, our results demonstrate that FBP prevented the mortality in C. albicans bloodstream infection.

It has been previously showed that fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on several experimental inflammation models. However, the effects and mechanism of FBP on Zymosan-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice had not been tested. In this study, our aim was to assess the anti-inflammatory activities of FBP on Zymosan-induced ALI. We found that in vivo treatment with FBP (500 mg/kg i.p.) markedly decreased the nitric oxide (NO) levels in the lungs and significantly reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid total cell and neutrophil counts and protein exudation after Zymosan challenge. Furthermore, FBP inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activities in RAW macrophages. Meanwhile, FBP did not inhibit the cyclooxigenase 2, interleukin-6, and nuclear factor kappa B transcription. Taken together, these results suggest that FBP shows anti-inflammatory effects through inhibiting lung edema, NO, and iNOS activities.

La investigación se realizó con el objetivo de aprovechar los espacios extraescolares para vincular la teoría con la práctica durante el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje de la asignatura Botánica II en la Carrera Biología-Geografía mediante una Excursión Integradora a través del Itinerario Pedagógico. El análisis empírico y teórico reveló limitaciones en cuanto a propuestas prácticas para favorecer la asimilación de los contenidos de la referida asignatura, por lo que se propone una metodología, que luego de ser sometida al criterio de especialistas y la experimentación en el terreno reveló su pertinencia. Esta forma de organización se desarrolla en el Medio Ambiente Escolar y se concreta en los Puntos de Integración con valor pedagógico para la salida a los contenidos de Botánica II. La propuesta tiene enfoque integrador, intradisciplinario e interdisciplinario.

La investigación acerca de la excursión integradora en el proceso formativo del profesional de la carrera Biología-Geografía tuvo como objetivo encontrar una metodología para la concreción de la misma como forma de organización del proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje con enfoque integrado e interdisciplinario. La consulta de referentes teóricos y la revisión de documentos normativos revelan limitaciones en relación con propuestas teóricas que permitan una mayor objetividad en el aprendizaje por parte de los estudiantes en formación a partir de la vinculación de la teoría con la práctica, teniendo como sustento las potencialidades del Medio Ambiente Escolar, a partir del itinerario pedagógico. Luego de concretada la propuesta se validó en diferentes grupos y años de la carrera, donde su pertinencia quedo demostrada a partir de la comparación entre los resultados iniciales y finales, tanto en lo cuantitativo como en lo cualitativo.

The most important infectious diseases that affect fertility of the bull, and their transmission via semen are reviewed in this article. Additionally, a retrospective analysis of the diseases reported in Colombia was also addressed. In general, there is high seropositivity for IBR and BVD, two diseases that can be transmitted by semen due to viral latency and persistence, and lack official control programs in Colombia. It is necessary to move forward with the support of livestock associations and animal health institutions in order to establish true artificial Insemination centers that allow a permanent surveillance of donor´s health status, and the production of pathogen-free semen as a way to control transmission of diseases via semen.Se revisa en este artículo las principales enfermedades infecciosas que afectan la fertilidad del toro y su trasmisión por semen. Se analiza a la vez, en forma retrospectiva, el estado sanitario de los reproductores a partir de algunos estudios realizados en Colombia. En general, existe una alta seropositividad para IBR y DVB, dos enfermedades que pueden ser trasmitidas por el semen en razón de la latencia y persistencia viral y para las cuales no existe un programa de control oficial. Se plantea la necesidad de avanzar con el apoyo de las asociaciones ganaderas y las instituciones encargadas de la sanidad Animal en el establecimiento de verdaderas centrales de inseminación artificial que permitan un monitoreo permanente del estado de salud de los donantes y la obtención de semen libre de enfermedades como una forma de controlar la trasmisión por esta vía.Foi feita uma revisão das principais doenças infecciosas que afetam a fertilidade de touros e sua transmissão pelo sêmen. Também foi analisado retrospectivamente o estado sanitário de reprodutores a parir de alguns estudos realizados na Colômbia. Em geral, há uma alta soropositividade para IBR e BVD, duas doenças que podem ser transmitidas pelo sêmen por causa da latência e persistência viral e para os quais não há um programa de controle oficial. Isso indica a necessidade de avançar com o apoio de associações de animais e instituições responsáveis pela saúde animal no desenvolvimento de verdadeiras estações de inseminação artificial que permitem a monitorização contínua da saúde dos doadores e obtenção de sêmen livre de doença como uma forma de controlar a transmissão por esta via.