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Protein amyloids are ubiquitous in natural environments. They typically originate from microbial secretions or spillages from mammals infected by prions, currently raising concerns about their infectivity and toxicity in contexts such as gut microbiota or soils. Exploiting the self-assembly potential of amyloids for their scavenging, here, we report the insertion of an amyloidogenic sequence stretch from a bacterial prion-like protein (RepA-WH1) in one of the extracellular loops (L5) of the abundant

13 p,.5 fig.-1 graph. abst., Protein amyloids are ubiquitous in natural environments. They typically originate from microbial secretions or spillages from mammals infected by prions, currently raising concerns about their infectivity and toxicity in contexts such as gut microbiota or soils. Exploiting the self-assembly potential of amyloids for their scavenging, here, we report the insertion of an amyloidogenic sequence stretch from a bacterial prion-like protein (RepA-WH1) in one of the extracellular loops (L5) of the abundant Escherichia coli outer membrane porin OmpF. The expression of this grafted porin enables bacterial cells to trap on their envelopes the same amyloidogenic sequence when provided as an extracellular free peptide. Conversely, when immobilized on a surface as bait, the full-length prion-like protein including the amyloidogenic peptide can catch bacteria displaying the L5-grafted OmpF. Polyphenolic molecules known to inhibit amyloid assembly interfere with peptide recognition by the engineered OmpF, indicating that this is compatible with the kind of homotypic interactions expected for amyloid assembly. Our study suggests that synthetic porins may provide suitable scaffolds for engineering biosensor and clearance devices to tackle the threat posed by pathogenic amyloids., This work has been financed with grant RTI2018-094549-B-I00 from the Spanish MCIN/AEI (10.13039/501100011033 and FEDER “A way to make Europe”) to R.G.

Background: While the bioavailability of cocoa polyphenols, particularly of the monomer (-)-epicatechin, has been investigated after a single-dose intake, the effect of sustained cocoa consumption on the metabolic profile of the structurally related (-)-epicatechin metabolites (SREMs) has not been investigated. Methods: A randomized, controlled crossover clinical trial in healthy young adults (18–40 year) was conducted to evaluate SREMs after consumption of a single-dose and after daily consumption of 1.3 g of polyphenol-rich cocoa powder for 28 days. The circulating SREMs were measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Results: Twenty subjects (eleven males and nine females) were enrolled. The SREMs concentrations increased to 1741 ± 337 nM after a single-dose and to 1445 ± 270 nM after sustained supplementation. Sulfate conjugates showed higher levels in females (p &lt, 0.05). The epicatechin-3′-glucuronide (E3′G) and epicatechin-3′-sulfate (E3′S) were the most abundant metabolites in all subjects. A high intra-individual correlation (r = 0.72, p &lt, 0.001) between SREMs concentrations after single-dose and sustained supplementation was observed. The antioxidant capacity of plasma did not change in response to the intervention and was not correlated with any of the SREMs. Conclusion: The individual SREMs profile and concentrations after a 28-day supplementation are comparable to those after a single dose.

The bacteriocin (pediocin) produced by Pediococcus acidilactici ITV26 is a bioconservative with antilisterial activity that can be inactivated when added in free form into foods. Proteolytic enzymes or interaction/binding with some food components are among the factors that can affect its antimicrobial activity. Hence, there is a need to protect these peptides by encapsulation into liposomes as well as to control their release. The aim of this research was to establish conditions to obtain stable liposomes with pediocin, to keep their activity and to control the release of the encapsulated bacteriocin. Pediocin was purified by adsorption-desorption and liposomes were prepared by using different phosphatidylcholine concentrations (1, 3, and 5% w/v) and different operating conditions in the microfluidizer (500–1000 bar and 1–2 cycles). The liposomes obtained were characterized by using dynamic light scattering, backscattering light, and cryo transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the effect of pH on the kinetics of pediocin release was studied, and its antimicrobial activity was tested by following the growth kinetics of Listeria innocua AST-062 under different treatments with pediocin-encapsulated liposomes.

Aims: The purposes of this research were to study the convergent validity of the Mode and Frequency of Commuting To and From School Questionnaire using objectively assessed steps and time spent in different physical activity intensities and to compare the self-reported versus objective journey time in Spanish youths. Methods: Three hundred and eighty-nine Spanish youth aged 7–19 years were asked to complete the questionnaire and wore an accelerometer for five days. The objective commuting distance and time from home to school were estimated using Google MapsTM. Results: There were significant differences between passive and walking participants on step numbers, sedentary time and physical activity levels (except for vigorous physical activity in children). For children, a mean difference of −4.03 minutes between objective measured and self-reported journey time was found (95% limits of agreement were 13.55 and −21.60 minutes). For adolescents, the mean difference was −1.39 minutes (95% limits of agreement were 15.23 and −18.02 minutes). Conclusions: The findings indicated that the Mode of Commuting To and From School Questionnaire showed a convergent validity to assess this behaviour in Spanish youths. Self-reported journey time for walking is comparable to Google MapsTM in adolescents but not in children.

UP&DOWN Study Group additional members: Coordinator: Ascension Marcos; Principal Investigators: Ascension Marcos, Jose Castro-Piñero, Oscar L. Veiga, and Fernando Bandres; Scientific Coordinators: David Martinez-Gomez (chair), Jonatan R. Ruiz (co-chair), Ana Carbonell-Baeza, Sonia Gomez-Martinez, and Catalina Santiago; Spanish National Research Council: Ascension Marcos, Sonia Gomez-Martinez, Esther Nova, Ligia-Esperanza Diaz, Belen Zapatera, Ana M. Veses, Aurora Hernandez, and Alina Gheorghe; University of Cadiz: José Castro-Piñero, Jesus Mora-Vicente, Jose L. Gonzalez-Montesinos, Julio Conde-Caveda, Jonatan R. Ruiz (University of Granada [UGR]), Francisco B. Ortega (UGR), Carmen Padilla Moledo, Ana Carbonell Baeza, Palma Chillon (UGR), Jorge del Rosario Fernandez, Ana Gonzalez Galo, Gonzalo Bellvis Guerra, Alvaro Delgado Alfonso, Fernando Parrilla, Roque Gomez, and Juan Gavala; Autonomous University of Madrid: Oscar L. Veiga, H. Ariel Villagra, Juan del-Campo, Carlos Cordente (UPM), Mario Diaz, Carlos M. Tejero, Aitor Acha, Jose M. Moya, Alberto Sanz, David Martinez-Gomez, Veronica Cabanas-Sanchez, Gabriel RodriguezRomo (UPM), Rocio Izquierdo, Laura Garcia-Cervantes, and Irene Esteban-Cornejo; Complutense University of Madrid: Fernando Bandres, Alejandro Lucia (European University of Madrid [UEM]), Catalina Santiago (UEM), and Felix Gomez-Gallego (UEM)., [Objectives]: To study the cross-sectional and longitudinal (2-year follow-up) association between muscle fitness and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in youth; whether there are muscle fitness cut points associated with CVD risk (cross-sectional); and whether the health-related muscle fitness cut points identified at baseline are associated with CVD risk 2 years later. [Study design]: In total, 237 children (110 girls) aged 6-10 years and 274 adolescents (131 girls) aged 12-16 years with complete data were included in the study (10.3% drop out). The handgrip strength and the standing long jump tests were used to assess muscle fitness. CVD risk score was computed with sum of 2 skinfolds, systolic blood pressure, insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol. [Results]: Muscle fitness at baseline was associated inversely with single CVD risk factors and CVD risk score at baseline and 2-year follow-up (all P, Supported by the DEP 2010-21662-C04-00 (DEP 2010-21662-C04-01: DEP 2010-21662-C04-02: DEP 2010-21662-C04-03: DEP 2010-21662-C04-04) grant from the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation (R + D + i) MICINN, by the FPU15/05337 grant from the Spanish Ministry of Education, and by Plan Propio de Investigación 2016 of the University of Granada (Spain), Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Scientific Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES).

Table S2. Exploratory analysis. (DOCX 23 kb)

Figure S4. APOE and plasma Aβ ratios. The effects of APOE genotype on plasma Aβ levels using ANOVA between APOE ε4 carriers and noncarriers in a boxplot representation with outlier analysis. (PDF 93 kb)

Table S3. Regression analyses between Aβ plasma ratios and FBB-PET SUVR. (DOCX 18 kb)

Table S5. Interaction between APOE and L_TP42/40. (DOCX 14 kb)

Figure S2. Scatter plots for FBB-PET global SUVR and Aβ plasma ratios in SCD subjects. Correlations between plasma biomarkers and brain Aβ burden. Biomarkers values plotted against SUVR values from FBB-PET imaging: FP42/40 (A), BP42/40 (B), FP42/TP42 (C), and FP40/TP40 (D). (PDF 286 kb)

Figure S3. Linear regression between FBB-PET and Aβ TP42/40 plasma ratio in APOE ε4 stratification SCD population. A) APOE ε4 carriers; B) APOE ε4 noncarriers. (PDF 115 kb)

Figure S1. A) Distribution of FBB-PET and plasma ratios. B) Shapiro-Wilk test for FBB-PET and plasma ratios. C) Log distributions FBB-PET and plasma ratios. D) Shapiro-Wilk test for logarithmic FBB-PET and log-plasma ratios. A, B) Distributions and Shapiro-Wilk test for plasma ratios and FBB-PET to test normality. C, D) Distributions and Shapiro-Wilk test for transformed to logarithmic plasma ratios and FBB-PET to test normality. (PDF 299 kb)

Table S4. ANOVAs comparing APOE ε4 carriers vs noncarriers. (DOCX 14 kb)

The aim of this study was to analyze the time-course of force production of elite middle and long-distance runners throughout an entire season and at the end of the off-season, as well as its relationships with training load and hormonal responses. Training load was recorded daily throughout an entire season by measuring and evaluating the session distance (km), training zone and session-RPE in a group of 15 elite middle and long-distance runners (12 men, 3 women; age = 26.3 ± 5.1yrs, BMI = 19.7 ± 1.1). Also, basal salivary-free cortisol levels were measured weekly, and 50-metre sprints, mean propulsive velocity (MPV), mean propulsive power (MPP), repetition maximum (RM) and peak rate of force development (RFD) of half-squats were measured 4 times during the season, and once more after the off-season break. There were no significant variations in force production during the season or after the off-season break, except for the RFD (-30.2%, p = 0.005) values, which changed significantly from the beginning to the end of the season. Significant correlations were found between session-RPE and MPV (r = -0.650, p = 0.004), MPP (r = -0.602, p = 0.009), RM (r = -0.650, p = 0.004), and the 50-metre sprint (r = 0.560, p = 0.015). Meanwhile, salivary-free cortisol correlated significantly with the 50-metre sprint (r = 0.737, p < 0.001) and the RM ( r = -0.514, p = 0.025). Finally, the training zone correlated with the 50-metre sprint (r = -0.463, p = 0.041). Session-RPE, training zone and salivary-free cortisol levels are related to force production in elite middle and long-distance runners. Monitoring these variables could be a useful tool in controlling the training programs of elite athletes.

Results: Birth weight was related to all academic variables in boys, independent of potential confounders, including BMI; whereas WC, BMI and BF% were related to all academic performance indicators in both boys and girls, independent of potential confounders, including birth weight (all P < 0.05). In addition, the combined adverse effects of low birth weight and current overweight on academic performance were observed in both boys and girls for grade point average (GPA) indicator. Boys in the group with none adverse effect had significantly higher scores in GPA (score +0.535; 95% confidence interval, 0.082–0.989) than boys in the group of both adverse effects (P < 0.007); among girls, GPA score was higher in the group with none adverse effect than in the groups with one or two adverse effects (P for trend = 0.029).

International audience; Ce lexique multilingue a été établi dans le cadre des travaux du Groupement De Recherche Européen « Exploitation des matières osseuses dans l’Europe préhistorique » (GDRE PREHISTOS) du CNRS. Il est conçu comme un outil de travail qui vise à répertorier et à traduire dans les différentes langues parlées au sein du Groupement, les principaux termes - d’ordre technique, typologique ou fonctionnel - utilisés dans l’étude des industries en matières dures animales. Cette version fait suite à celle publiée en 2010 et propose une liste élargie de termes traduits en 12 langues (français, anglais, allemand, danois, espagnol, italien, portugais, roumain, bulgare, polonais, russe et hongrois).

Hydrocolloids and some of their mixtures were used to prepare spray-dried yogurt. Acetaldehyde retention and microbial viability were evaluated. Morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy and the yield stress was evaluated, to assess the damage to the microstructure by the drying process. The yield stress displayed a significant irreversible decrease after spray drying and micrographs indicate that the microstructure of the yogurt was severely damaged by the drying process. Micrographs indicated that κ-carrageenan and κ-carrageenan-locust bean gum gave more protection to the casein matrix, leading to greater acetaldehyde retention (92% and 89%, respectively). Microbial viability was improved when pectin was used as the encapsulating agent.

Resumen Introduccion La canalizacion de vias centrales guiada por ultrasonidos permite una visualizacion directa de las estructuras anatomicas lo cual facilita una determinacion exacta del punto de puncion, disminuyendo las complicaciones mecanicas asociadas. Pacientes y metodo Se incluyeron pacientes candidatos a la colocacion de un cateter central. En todos ellos se exploro ecograficamente el cuello y posteriormente se procedio a canalizar la vena yugular interna derecha por un solo operador bajo control ecografico. Resultados Fueron estudiados 21 hombres y 14 mujeres con una edad promedio de 53 ± 17 anos. El 40% de los pacientes fueron sometidos a trasplante renal y al 57% se les habia canalizado en otras ocasiones la vena yugular interna derecha. A 4 pacientes se les habia puncionado accidentalmente la arteria carotida utilizando la tecnica habitual y posteriormente se canalizo la vena yugular interna por medio de puncion ecodirigida sin incidencias, pudiendose visualizar el hematoma formado. En un total de 34 pacientes se canalizo con exito la vena yugular interna derecha, mientras que en uno tuvo que ser la izquierda al objetivarse durante la exploracion ecografica una trombosis de la derecha. En todos ellos se realizo una unica puncion cutanea y no se observo ninguna complicacion asociada a la venopuncion. Conclusion El uso de ultrasonidos para la canalizacion de las vias centrales ha resultado eficaz en la valoracion prepuncion del estado de la yugular y su puncion ecodirigida ha resultado satisfactoria y sin complicaciones en todos los casos.

The definitive version is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03783774, In the last decade irrigation districts in the Ebro Valley of Spain have started to use database applications to enhance their management operations. Such applications often put more emphasis on administrative issues than on water management issues. A new irrigation district management software called “Ador” is presented in this paper. This database application has been designed to overcome limitations identified in an analysis of the software used in the study area. Ador can be used in irrigation districts independently of the type of irrigation system (surface, sprinkler or trickle) and the type of irrigation distribution network (open channel or pressurised). It can even be used in irrigation districts combining different types of irrigation systems and different types of irrigation distribution networks. The software can be used with minimum district information. The goals are to manage detailed information about district water management and to promote better on-farm irrigation practices. Ador is currently used to enhance management of 62 irrigation districts accounting for some 173,000 hectares in the Ebro Valley., National Plan for Research and Development of the Government of Spain (AGL2000-0151-P4-02). FEDER II of the European Union (2FD97-0547-C02). I3P program of the European Union. Oficina del Regante (Government of Aragón, FEOGA funds of the European Union).

[EN] Channel flow covers long distances and obeys to variable temporal behaviour. It is usually regulated by hydraulic elements as lateral gates to provide a correct of water supply. The dynamics of this kind of flow is governed by a partial differential equations system named shallow water model. They have to be complemented with a simplified formulation for the gates. All the set of equations form a non-linear system that can only be solved numerically. Here, an explicit upwind numerical scheme in finite volumes able to solve all type of flow regimes is used. Hydraulic structures (lateral gates) formulation introduces parameters with some uncertainty. Hence, these parameters will be calibrated with a Monte Carlo algorithm obtaining associated coefficients to each gate. Then, they will be checked, using real cases provided by the monitorizing equipment of the Pina de Ebro channel located in Zaragoza., [ES] El flujo en canales se caracteriza por cubrir largas distancias y obedecer a patrones temporales variables. Suele estar regulado por elementos hidráulicos, como compuertas laterales, para asegurar un correcto abastecimiento de agua. La dinámica de este flujo viene gobernada por un sistema de ecuaciones diferenciales en derivadas parciales llamado de aguas poco profundas. Junto a ellas es necesario establecer una formulación simplificada del funcionamiento de las compuertas. El conjunto forma un sistema no lineal que sólo se puede resolver numéricamente. Aquí se propone un esquema descentrado explícito de volúmenes finitos con el fin de resolver todo tipo de regímenes. La modelización de las estructuras hidráulicas (compuertas laterales) introduce parámetros con incertidumbre. Por ello, serán calibradas mediante el algoritmo de Monte Carlo, obteniendo como resultado unos coeficientes asociados a cada una de ellas. Posteriormente serán verificadas utilizando casos reales proporcionados por el equipo de monitorización del canal de Pina de Ebro (Zaragoza)., Los autores de este trabajo agradecen la financiación del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (BIA2011-30192-C02-01), a D. Angel Usón, gestor la Comunidad de Regantes de Pina de Ebro y a la empresa Riegosalz, S.L

Es habitual trobar en els mitjans de comunicacio de l’Estat espanyol, noticies o articles que subratllen l’auge de les curses populars a Espanya. L’objectiu d’aquesta carta cientifica ha estat comprovar amb rigor sociologic si s’ha incrementat en els ultims anys el nombre de practicants de cursa a peu. Amb aquesta finalitat, han estat analitzades les tres ultimes enquestes sobre habits esportius dels espanyols, les quals van ser dutes a terme pel Centre d’Investigacions Sociologiques, sota el patrocini del Consell Superior d’Esports, durant els anys 2000, 2005 i 2010. Les dades indiquen que si que s’ha produit un increment en la practica de la cursa a peu entre l’acabament del segle xx i la primera decada del segle xxi, passant d’un 3,8 % de corredors l’any 2000 a un 5,1 % l’any 2010. Cal destacar que l’any 2010 residien a Espanya al voltant de dos milions de persones majors de 14 anys que eren practicants de la cursa a peu.

Resumen Objetivos Averiguar la mejoria clinica subjetiva y el grado de satisfaccion de pacientes con incontinencia urinaria (IU) despues de seguir tratamiento rehabilitador, asi como determinar la relacion entre dicha mejoria clinica subjetiva y el cumplimiento posterior en el entrenamiento del suelo pelvico en el domicilio. Pacientes y metodo Estudio descriptivo transversal: 100 mujeres con IU que siguen tratamiento rehabilitador. Las principales variables recogidas fueron: edad, tiempo de evolucion, factores desencadenantes, numero de partos vaginales, tipo de incontinencia, grado de IU, tratamientos previos, mejoria al finalizar la terapia, mejoria clinica actual, cumplimiento del tratamiento en el domicilio y grado de satisfaccion actual. Resultados Cincuenta y ocho mujeres con IU de esfuerzo (IUE) y 42 con IU mixta (IUM). Mas del 85 % de las pacientes estaban satisfechas con el tratamiento independientemente del tipo y del grado de incontinencia. Mas del 75 % de las pacientes con IU grado I manifiestaban mejoria clinica de su sintomatologia (p = 0,035), independientemente de cual fuera el tipo de IU. Las pacientes que continuaron haciendo los ejercicios en el domicilio fueron las que, inicialmente habian presentado mejor respuesta clinica al tratamiento (p = 0,01), en el momento del estudio estaban mejor que antes del tratamiento (p Conclusiones Las pacientes con IUE o IUM que reciben tratamiento rehabilitador manifiestan una mejoria clinica y refieren un alto grado de satisfaccion, especialmente en las IU de grado I. La continuidad del entrenamiento en el domicilio esta relacionado con el grado de mejoria clinica subjetiva y con el grado de satisfaccion.

Resumen Objetivos Determinar de forma objetiva que aspectos de la marcha (velocidad de marcha, cadencia, longitud de zancada y simetria en las caracteristicas del paso) se modifican con el uso de la ortesis antiequino de termoplastico en el paciente hemiplejico. Metodo Se evaluan 19 pacientes afectos de hemiplejia post-accidente vascular (AVC) (tiempo medio post-AVC 46,8 meses DE 23,9) cuya edad media es de 66,94 anos (DE 12,4) y cuyo nivel funcional al alta hospitalaria de Rehabilitacion fue: functional independence mesure (FIM) medio 97,1 (DE 17,4). Diez pacientes presentaban hemiplejia izquierda y en 16 casos la etiologia del AVC fue isquemica. Las caracteristicas de la marcha se miden mediante sistema computarizado “Locometro Satel” que permite el registro del desplazamiento longitudinal en ambos pies durante la marcha, en un trayecto minimo de 7 metros. Resultados Los resultados (media, DE) con y sin ortesis son: velocidad de marcha (m/min): 59,26 (DE 17) y 64,74 (DE 18) (p = 0,021); cadencia de marcha (zancadas/min): 94,6 (DE 20,3) y 91,6 (DE 20,7) (p = 0,004), y longitud zancada (m): 0,68 (DE 0,2) y 0,63 (DE 0,24) (p = 0,027). Cuando analizamos cada pie, consigo mismo, por separado con y sin ortesis, se obtuvieron diferencias significativas en los valores del tiempo de ciclo, tiempo de apoyo total y en la velocidad de balanceo, tanto en el pie del paso normal como en del patologico. Cuando analizamos el indice de simetria no se obtuvieron diferencias significativas en los diferentes valores. Conclusiones En nuestra muestra, el uso de la ortesis antiequino mejora de forma significativa la velocidad de la marcha, la cadencia y la longitud de la zancada, pero no influye en la asimetria de la marcha.

In this work, the Loma de Quinto irrigation district, located in Zaragoza (Spain) was characterised, and water use (WU) was assessed. The study was performed to contribute to the diagnostic analysis phase of an incipient management improvement process in this sprinkler-irrigated district. The objectives of this first paper of the series include: (1) characterising the irrigation systems, soil types and crops; (2) evaluating irrigation performance through the relationship between on-farm WU and net irrigation requirements (NIR); (3) identifying factors affecting on-farm WU. In order to accomplish these objectives, statistical analyses of field data, district records on WU and farmers' interviews were performed. Technical deficiencies were detected in solid-sets, centre-pivots and linear-moves. A seasonal irrigation performance index (SIPI), defined as the percentage of NIR to seasonal water billing, was determined at each plot and for each of the three study years. The average inter-annual SIPI amounted to 127%, indicating that crops in the district were consistently water stressed. An analysis of the SIPI for the main crops in the district revealed that water stress was more intense in drought resistant and/or heavily subsidised crops (SIPI for sunflower was 142%). The average irrigation interval (12.3 days) and irrigation depth (44 mm) were too high for some of the soils in the district. Farmers adjusted the irrigation interval to meet the seasonal change in irrigation requirements. The irrigation depth was reduced in windy days. In two of the three study years, large plots used less water than small plots, at a rate of about -5 mm ha-1. The high cost of irrigation water in relation to crop revenues, the technical deficiencies of the irrigation systems, and the limitations imposed by climate and soils appeared to be major causes of local water management problems. In a companion paper, irrigation evaluations and simulations are presented, and irrigation schedules for optimal crop yield are proposed and evaluated via simulation. Author Keywords: Sprinkler irrigation; Irrigation performance; Water use; Farm management

In the first paper of this series, the Loma de Quinto Irrigation District (LQD) was characterised, and water use was assessed. In this work, the analysis of the LQD is completed with field irrigation evaluations, solid-set sprinkler irrigation simulations and irrigation scheduling for optimal crop yield. The results of the irrigation evaluations indicated that the average Christiansen coefficient of uniformity (CU) for solid-sets, centre-pivots and linear-moves was 68.0, 75.5, and 80.0%, respectively. In solid-sets CU was severely reduced by wind speed. However, in centre-pivots and linear-moves CU was higher in evaluations with wind speeds between 2 and 6 m s-1 than under calm conditions. The evaluation data set was used to validate a ballistic solid-set sprinkler irrigation simulation model. The performance variables used for model validation were CU and the potential application efficiency of the low quarter (PAElq). Both variables were adequately predicted in the range of the observed values. The model was used to extend the evaluation results to all the solid-set plots in the LQD. CU maps were produced for different wind speeds and operating pressures. These maps can be used to identify plots with low irrigation performance. The effect of irrigation scheduling on crop yield and net benefit was analysed using the CropWat simulation model. Simulations of the 1997 irrigation practices performed on a limited number of plots detected a 12% decrease in crop yield due to deficit irrigation and/or large irrigation intervals. The introduction of an optimal irrigation schedule (avoiding yield reductions) would imply increasing the alfalfa seasonal irrigation depth by 101 mm, and applying light, frequent irrigation events. Due to labour scarcity in the LQD, the implementation of the optimal schedule would require a high degree of irrigation automation, which is currently unavailable. Taking into consideration the value of the additional yield and the costs of the extra irrigation water depth and the automation devices, the resulting net benefit would be 50 ha-1. The purpose of this analysis of the LQD is to contribute to the diagnostic analysis phase of an incipient Management Improvement Program at the LQD. In order to complete this phase, an interdisciplinary committee will perform a study not just on irrigation but on a wide scope of irrigated agriculture in the LQD. Author Keywords: Sprinkler irrigation; Irrigation uniformity; Simulation model

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mediates late preconditioning (PC) induced by ischemia and pharmacological agents. Since alpha -adrenoceptor (alpha -AR) stimulation is one of the key triggers of PC, we hypothesized that activation of this receptor may induce delayed cardioprotective effect via iNOS-sensitive mechanisms. Adult male ICR mice were treated i.p. with either vehicle/inhibitors or phenylephrine (10 mg/kg) and subjected to 30 min of global ischemia and 30 min reperfusion in Langendorff mode 24 h later. 5-Methyl-urapidil (3 mg/kg) and chloroethylclonidine (3 mg/kg) were injected 15 min prior to phenylephrine to block alpha -AR(1A) and alpha -AR(1B) receptors respectively. S-Methylisothiourea (3 mg/kg), an iNOS inhibitor, was given 60 min prior to ischemia in phenylephrine-pretreated mice. Preischemic NO(x) was measured using a chemoluminescence reaction. Phenylephrine treatment reduced infarct size from 31.10 +/- 0.79% (vehicle) to 14.24 +/- 0.84% (P

The aim of this study was to analyze the time-course of force production of elite middle and long-distance runners throughout an entire season and at the end of the off-season, as well as its relationships with training load and hormonal responses. Training load was recorded daily throughout an entire season by measuring and evaluating the session distance (km), training zone and session-RPE in a group of 15 elite middle and long-distance runners (12 men, 3 women; age = 26.3 ± 5.1yrs, BMI = 19.7 ± 1.1). Also, basal salivary-free cortisol levels were measured weekly, and 50-metre sprints, mean propulsive velocity (MPV), mean propulsive power (MPP), repetition maximum (RM) and peak rate of force development (RFD) of half-squats were measured 4 times during the season, and once more after the off-season break. There were no significant variations in force production during the season or after the off-season break, except for the RFD (-30.2%, p = 0.005) values, which changed significantly from the beginning to the end of the season. Significant correlations were found between session-RPE and MPV (r = -0.650, p = 0.004), MPP (r = -0.602, p = 0.009), RM (r = -0.650, p = 0.004), and the 50-metre sprint (r = 0.560, p = 0.015). Meanwhile, salivary-free cortisol correlated significantly with the 50-metre sprint (r = 0.737, p0.001) and the RM ( r = -0.514, p = 0.025). Finally, the training zone correlated with the 50-metre sprint (r = -0.463, p = 0.041). Session-RPE, training zone and salivary-free cortisol levels are related to force production in elite middle and long-distance runners. Monitoring these variables could be a useful tool in controlling the training programs of elite athletes. Key pointsSession-RPE, training zone and salivary free cortisol levels correlate significantly with strength-related variables in middle and long-distance elite runners.A month of active rest during the off-season break is enough to prevent decreases in force production of such athletes.Monitoring training loads through session-RPE is a suitable and simple method for controlling the training process in elite middle and long-distance runners.

Despite preoperative anaemia treatment, a risk of postoperative anaemia remains. This randomized, controlled study evaluated the efficacy of i.v. ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) as postoperative anaemia treatment after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).TKA patients with postoperative anaemia [haemoglobin (Hb) 8.5-12.0 g dl(-1)] without prior transfusions were randomly assigned to FCM [700-1000 mg iron (according to calculate iron deficit on postoperative day 2)] or ferrous glycine sulphate (FS; 100 mg iron daily from day 7 onwards) and followed for Hb, iron status, quality-of-life (EQ-5D), and performance (6 min walk test) until day 30.Of 161 preoperatively non-anaemic patients, 122 (75.8%) developed anaemia after operation (within 24 h) and were enrolled in this study (60 FCM, 62 FS). Hb substantially decreased until day 4 in both groups, and partly recovered by day 30. FCM-treated patients achieved Hb ≥12.0 g dl(-1) more frequently (42.3% vs 23.5%; P=0.04) and showed a trend towards higher Hb increase from day 4 to day 30 [+1.7 (1.2) vs +1.3 (1.0); P=0.075] compared with FS-treated patients. Patients with postoperative Hb10 g dl(-1) experienced better Hb increase with FCM [+2.4 (0.3) g dl(-1)] than FS [+1.1 (0.4) g dl(-1); P=0.018]. Patients being iron-deficient at enrolment (56.7%) had a higher Hb increase with FCM [+1.9 (0.3) g dl(-1)] than FS [+1.2 (0.2) g dl(-1); P=0.03]. Total EQ-5D and performance outcomes were comparable between the groups, but FCM was associated with better scores for 'usual activities'. No i.v. iron-related adverse events were reported.Preoperatively non-anaemic TKA patients are at high risk of postoperative anaemia. Postoperative i.v. FCM provided significant benefit over oral FS, particularly in patients with preoperative iron deficiency, severe postoperative anaemia, or both.EudraCT 2010-023038-22; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01913808.

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