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Montero N, Belzunce-Segarra MJ, Gonzalez JL, Menchaca I, Garmendia JM, Etxebarria N, Nieto O, Franco J. Application of Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) procedures for the characterization and management of dredged harbor sediments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 71:259-268. [PMID: 23465571 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study refers to the performance of Phase I Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) procedures to identify the contaminants (i.e. organic compounds, metals and ammonia) exerting toxicity in marine sediments from the Pasaia harbor (Oiartzun estuary, northern Spain). The effectiveness of the manipulations to reduce toxicity was proved with the marine amphipod survival test (whole-sediment) and the sea urchin embryo-larval assay (elutriates). By means of TIEs it was concluded that organic compounds were the major contaminants exerting toxicity, although toxic effects by metals was also demonstrated. Additionally, the combination of Phase I treatments allowed to investigate the toxicity changes associated to the mobility of contaminants during dredging activities. Therefore, the performance of TIE procedures as another line of evidence in the decision-making process is recommended. They show a great potential to be implemented at different steps of the characterization and management of dredged harbor sediments.
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Montero N, Belzunce-Segarra MJ, Menchaca I, Garmendia JM, Franco J, Nieto O, Etxebarria N. Integrative sediment assessment at Atlantic Spanish harbours by means of chemical and ecotoxicological tools. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2013; 185:1305-1318. [PMID: 22544172 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-012-2633-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study refers to the integrative assessment of sediment quality in three harbour areas at the Spanish Atlantic Coast: Vigo (Northwestern Spain), Bilbao and Pasajes (Northern Spain). At each site, two lines of evidence have been considered: chemical analyses (metal, PAH and PCB concentrations in sediments and ammonia concentration in bioassays) and toxicity tests (Microtox®, Corophium sp. marine amphipod and Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin larvae). Chemical and ecotoxicological results have been integrated by means of a tabular matrix and a multivariate factorial analysis (FA). Highly toxic samples have been characterised in Vigo and Pasajes harbours while Bilbao samples present toxicity levels ranging from non-toxic to moderately toxic. High toxicity is associated with high levels of contaminants whereas confounding factors (ammonia, organic matter and mud) have been identified to be the main cause of low to moderate toxicity. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that deriving potential toxicity of sediments based on comparison with Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) is in agreement to toxicity results in areas presenting high levels of contaminants. However, at lower levels of toxicity (low to moderate), the mismatch between the potential toxicity (SQG approach) and the toxicity measured by bioassays is greater, as the former only accounts for chemical concentrations, without considering the interaction between contaminants and the effect of confounding factors. Contrarily, the multivariate analysis seems to be a robust tool for the integration and interpretation of different lines of evidence in areas affected by different sources of contamination.
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Badu-Apraku B, Akinwale RO, Fakorede MAB, Oyekunle M, Franco J. Relative changes in genetic variability and correlations in an early-maturing maize population during recurrent selection. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2012; 125:1289-301. [PMID: 22722392 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-012-1913-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2009] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Four cycles of S(1) family recurrent selection to improve grain yield and resistance to Striga hermonthica have been completed in TZE-Y Pop STR C(0.) In order to determine whether or not to continue with the recurrent scheme, it was desirable to evaluate the amount of residual genetic variance and associated parameters in the population. The objective of this study was to characterize the relative changes in the levels of the genetic variances, heritability estimates and genetic correlation coefficients, and to predict future gains from selection for grain yield, Striga resistance and other agronomic traits. Fifty S(1) families, derived from each cycle, were evaluated under Striga-infested and Striga-free conditions at Mokwa, Ikenne and Abuja, Nigeria, in 2005 and 2007. Under Striga infestation, genetic variances for grain yield, days to anthesis, plant height and Striga damage generally increased in the advanced cycles of selection. In contrast, the genetic variances for days to silk, anthesis-silking interval, ears per plant, ear aspect and number of emerged Striga plants decreased with selection. The advanced cycles of selection significantly out-yielded the original cycle in both research environments. Heritabilities for grain yield, Striga damage and number of emerged Striga plants were significantly greater than zero. The realized gains from selection for grain yield under Striga infestation (52 kg ha(-1) cycle(-1)) and Striga-free conditions (130 kg ha(-1) cycle(-1)) were remarkably lower than the predicted gains (350 and 250 kg ha(-1 )cycle(-1), respectively). Adequate genetic variability exists in cycle 4 of the scheme to ensure future gains from selection.
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Cuevas N, Franco J, Larreta J, Zorita I. Biological effects of contaminants in the Nervión estuary (N. Spain) using gobies (Pomatoschistus spp.) and the common sole (Solea solea) as sentinel organisms. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2012.05.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Frayre AS, Torres P, Gaona E, Rivera T, Franco J, Molina N. Radiation dose reduction in a neonatal intensive care unit in computed radiography. Appl Radiat Isot 2012; 71 Suppl:57-60. [PMID: 22608982 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dose received by chest x-rays in neonatal care with thermoluminescent dosimetry and to determine the level of exposure where the quantum noise level does not affect the diagnostic image quality in order to reduce the dose to neonates. In pediatric radiology, especially the prematurely born children are highly sensitive to the radiation because of the highly mitotic state of their cells; in general, the sensitivity of a tissue to radiation is directly proportional to its rate of proliferation. The sample consisted of 208 neonatal chest x-rays of 12 neonates admitted and treated in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). All the neonates were preterm in the range of 28-34 weeks, with a mean of 30.8 weeks. Entrance Surface Doses (ESD) values for chest x-rays are higher than the DRL of 50 μGy proposed by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB). In order to reduce the dose to neonates, the optimum image quality was achieved by determining the level of ESD where level noise does not affect the diagnostic image quality. The optimum ESD was estimated for additional 20 chest x-rays increasing kVp and reducing mAs until quantum noise affects image quality.
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Novoa S, Chust G, Sagarminaga Y, Revilla M, Borja A, Franco J. Water quality assessment using satellite-derived chlorophyll-a within the European directives, in the southeastern Bay of Biscay. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 64:739-750. [PMID: 22317791 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 12/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of water quality European Directives requires an intensification of water quality monitoring, within the limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone. Remote sensing technologies can provide a valuable tool for frequent, synoptic, water-quality observations, over large areas. The aim of this study is to assess the ecological status of Basque coastal water bodies using satellite imagery from MODIS sensor, together with optical and chlorophyll-ain situ measurements. Thus, sea surface satellite-derived chl-a algorithms, the OC3 M, OC5 and a Local empirical algorithm, were compared against in situ measurements using satellite in situ match-ups, 90th Percentile (P90) monthly values for the 2005-2010 period. The OC5 algorithm corresponded most accurately with in situ measurements performed in the area, hence, it was selected. A P90 chlorophyll-a map was created with this algorithm to apply the classification scheme required by the directives. The classification of water bodies, based upon satellite-derived chlorophyll-a, could improve considerably the assessment of water quality.
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McCann J, Larkin A, Moore L, Johnson M, Sze D, Kwofie J, Saad N, Parikh P, Murthy R, Erwin W, Kolbeck K, Franco J, Brown D. Abstract No. 164: Multi-center correlation of external exposure rates from 90Y radioembolization patients: contact precautions are unnecessary based on nuclear regulatory commission regulations. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2011.12.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Pascual M, Borja A, Franco J, Burdon D, Atkins JP, Elliott M. What are the costs and benefits of biodiversity recovery in a highly polluted estuary? WATER RESEARCH 2012; 46:205-217. [PMID: 22088272 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2011.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Revised: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity recovery measures have often been ignored when dealing with the restoration of degraded aquatic systems. Furthermore, biological valuation methods have been applied only spatially in previous studies, and not jointly on a temporal and spatial scale. The intense monitoring efforts carried out in a highly polluted estuary, in northern Spain (Nervión estuary), allowed for the economic valuation of the costs and the biological valuation of the benefits associated with a 21 years sewage scheme application. The analysis show that the total amount of money invested into the sewage scheme has contributed to the estuary's improvement of both environmental and biological features, as well as to an increase in the uses and services provided by the estuary. However, the inner and outer parts of the estuary showed different responses. An understanding of the costs and trajectories of the environmental recovery of degraded aquatic systems is increasingly necessary to allow policy makers and regulators to formulate robust, cost-efficient and feasible management decisions.
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Montero N, Belzunce-Segarra MJ, Gonzalez JL, Larreta J, Franco J. Evaluation of diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGTs) as a monitoring tool for the assessment of the chemical status of transitional waters within the Water Framework Directive. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 64:31-39. [PMID: 22099960 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Revised: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In this contribution, the potential use of diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGTs) for the chemical evaluation of transitional water bodies within the Water Framework Directive (WFD) has been studied. The water metal concentration has been evaluated in 13 estuaries in the southeastern Bay of Biscay. The DGTs were deployed in triplicate at two stations in each estuary, delimiting the tidal influence. The DGT results were in the ranges of 2-1570 ng L(-1) for cadmium, 66-515 ng L(-1) for copper, 30-3650 ng L(-1) for nickel and 0.8-95.5 μg L(-1) for zinc. The DGTs provided reliable average labile metal concentrations in highly dynamic systems that were comparable with DGT measurements in coastal and estuarine waters worldwide. In addition, it was possible to discriminate those estuaries more susceptible to environmental impacts, being consistent with the historical contamination of each estuary. Based on the obtained results, a sampling strategy for the monitoring of transitional water bodies using DGTs is proposed.
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Moncada-Vélez M, Vélez-Ortega A, Orrego J, Santisteban I, Jagadeesh J, Olivares M, Olaya N, Hershfield M, Candotti F, Franco J. Somatic mosaicism caused by monoallelic reversion of a mutation in T cells of a patient with ADA-SCID and the effects of enzyme replacement therapy on the revertant phenotype. Scand J Immunol 2011; 74:471-81. [PMID: 21671975 PMCID: PMC3188688 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2011.02593.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Patients with adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency exhibit spontaneous and partial clinical remission associated with somatic reversion of inherited mutations. We report a child with severe combined immunodeficiency (T-B- SCID) due to ADA deficiency diagnosed at the age of 1 month, whose lymphocyte counts including CD4+ and CD8+ T and NK cells began to improve after several months with normalization of ADA activity in Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), as a result of somatic mosaicism caused by monoallelic reversion of the causative mutation in the ADA gene. He was not eligible for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or gene therapy (GT); therefore he was placed on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with bovine PEG-ADA. The follow-up of metabolic and immunologic responses to ERT included gradual improvement in ADA activity in erythrocytes and transient expansion of most lymphocyte subsets, followed by gradual stabilization of CD4+ and CD8+ T (with naïve phenotype) and NK cells, and sustained expansion of TCRγδ+ T cells. This was accompanied by the disappearance of the revertant T cells as shown by DNA sequencing from PBL. Although the patient's clinical condition improved marginally, he later developed a germinal cell tumour and eventually died at the age of 67 months from sepsis. This case adds to our current knowledge of spontaneous reversion of mutations in ADA deficiency and shows that the effects of the ERT may vary among these patients, suggesting that it could depend on the cell and type in which the somatic mosaicism is established upon reversion.
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MESH Headings
- Adenosine Deaminase/administration & dosage
- Adenosine Deaminase/genetics
- Adenosine Deaminase/immunology
- Adenosine Deaminase/metabolism
- Animals
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/pathology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Cattle
- Cell Count
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- DNA Mutational Analysis
- Enzyme Replacement Therapy
- Fatal Outcome
- Humans
- Immunophenotyping
- Infant
- Killer Cells, Natural/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/complications
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/physiopathology
- Lung Neoplasms/secondary
- Lung Neoplasms/therapy
- Male
- Mosaicism/drug effects
- Mutation/genetics
- Neoplasms, Unknown Primary/complications
- Neoplasms, Unknown Primary/genetics
- Neoplasms, Unknown Primary/pathology
- Neoplasms, Unknown Primary/physiopathology
- Neoplasms, Unknown Primary/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Severe Combined Immunodeficiency/complications
- Severe Combined Immunodeficiency/genetics
- Severe Combined Immunodeficiency/pathology
- Severe Combined Immunodeficiency/physiopathology
- Severe Combined Immunodeficiency/therapy
- Shock, Septic
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Dacuña-Mariño B, García-Tuñón E, Franco J, Zaragoza G, Guitián F. Chlorapatite to hydroxiapatite ion-exchanging, single-crystal point of view. Acta Crystallogr A 2011. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767311085424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Bajaj JS, Saeian K, Schubert CM, Franco R, Franco J, Heuman DM. Disruption of sleep architecture in minimal hepatic encephalopathy and ghrelin secretion. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34:103-5. [PMID: 21631553 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2011.04681.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Rocha C, Montoya R, Zevallos K, Curatola A, Ynga W, Franco J, Fernandez F, Becerra N, Sabaduche M, Tovar MA, Ramos E, Tapley A, Allen NR, Onifade DA, Acosta CD, Maritz M, Concha DF, Schumacher SG, Evans CA. The Innovative Socio-economic Interventions Against Tuberculosis (ISIAT) project: an operational assessment. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2011; 15 Suppl 2:50-57. [PMID: 21740659 PMCID: PMC3160483 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.10.0447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
SETTING Tuberculosis (TB) affected households in impoverished shantytowns, Lima, Peru. OBJECTIVE To evaluate socio-economic interventions for strengthening TB control by improving uptake of TB care and prevention services. DESIGN Barriers to TB control were characterised by interviews with TB-affected families. To reduce these barriers, a multidisciplinary team offered integrated community and household socio-economic interventions aiming to: 1) enhance uptake of TB care by education, community mobilisation and psychosocial support; and 2) reduce poverty through food and cash transfers, microcredit, microenterprise and vocational training. An interim analysis was performed after the socio-economic interventions had been provided for 2078 people in 311 households of newly diagnosed TB patients for up to 34 months. RESULTS Poverty (46% earned CONCLUSIONS Socio-economic interventions can strengthen TB control activities. KEYWORDS tuberculosis; control; microcredit; poverty;social determinants.
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Franco J. L13 LH IN OVARIAN STIMULATION: EFFECTS ON ENDOMETRIUM AND CORPUS LUTEUM. Reprod Biomed Online 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)62649-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Martinez A, Franco J, Saiz E, Guitian F. Maxillary sinus floor augmentation on humans: Packing simulations and 8 months histomorphometric comparative study of anorganic bone matrix and β-tricalcium phosphate particles as grafting materials. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2010; 30:763-769. [PMID: 21625341 PMCID: PMC3103085 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2010.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study compares the behaviour of an anorganic bone matrix material and a synthetic β-Tricalcium phosphate employed as grafting materials in a sinus floor augmentation two step protocol in humans. In order to estimate the initial occupation level for the two materials, an 'in vitro' simulation has been performed to analyse macroporosity created due to particle packing in terms of porosity and interparticle distances. Grafting in the sinus floor augmentation was performed by filling the defects only with pure grafting materials without autogenous bone addition. The new-bone generated is 100% based on the osteoconductive properties of the grafted materials in contact with physiological fluids. The implants were placed 8 months after the grafting procedure. All the implanted positions were biopsied and embedded in methacrylate resin. Histomorphometric analyses were done over thin film undecalcified sections. Packing simulations allow establishing a comparison of the resorbed volumes related to the initial occupancy of the grafting materials inside the defect. The nature of this interconnected pore network is very alike for either material so new-bone generated was similar (~35 vol.%).
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Beretta V, Simeone A, Elizalde JC, Franco J, Bentancur O, Ferrés A, Ayçaguer S, Iriñiz J, Martínez V. Alternative fibre sources for steers and calves fed high-grain feedlot diets. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2010. [DOI: 10.1071/an09173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fibre source (FS) in high-grain feedlot diets on liveweight gain (LWG) of steers and calves and carcass traits of steers at slaughter. Eighteen steers (330 ± 27.3 kg) and 18 calves (153 ± 11.9 kg) were randomly allotted within animal category to one of three high-grain diets varying in the FS, including either grass hay (H, 66% neutral detergent fibre (NDF)), rice hulls (RH, 85% NDF) or wood chips (W, 90% NDF), and a total mixed ration formulated for equal levels of digestible DM, crude protein and NDF, within category. Animals were individually fed (3 kg DM/100 kg LW, distributed in four meals) during 56 days. The LW increased linearly with time in all treatments (P < 0.01). FS did not affect calves’ LWG (P > 0.05), but it resulted in differences in steers LWG (H: 1.77b; RH: 1.51c; W: 2.02a kg/day, P < 0.05). However, no differences were observed in hot carcass weight (P > 0.05), which resulted in higher carcass yield (P < 0.05) for steers fed RH (55.0%) compared with H (53.5%) and W (53.3%). There was a significant interaction (P < 0.05) for feed : gain ratio, with an improvement of this value observed only for steers fed the W diet. Although varying the FS affected rumination of calves and steers (P < 0.01) and the time spent eating of steers (P < 0.05), it did not represent any constraint for animal production. This study suggests by-products high in fibre content, such as RH and W, could be used in substitution to H in high-grain feedlot diets when fed at equal NDF concentration in the ration, both for calves and steers. Because calves are sometimes grown on a high-concentrate diet during winter before spring grazing, further research is needed to quantify potential residual effects on LWG after they return to pasture.
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Franco J, Hunger P, Launey ME, Tomsia AP, Saiz E. Direct write assembly of calcium phosphate scaffolds using a water-based hydrogel. Acta Biomater 2010; 6:218-28. [PMID: 19563923 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2009.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2009] [Revised: 06/10/2009] [Accepted: 06/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The development of materials to support bone regeneration requires flexible fabrication technologies able to tailor chemistry and architecture for specific applications. In this work we describe the preparation of ceramic-based inks for robotic-assisted deposition (robocasting) using Pluronic F-127 solutions. This approach allows the preparation of pseudoplastic inks with solid contents ranging between 30 and 50 vol.%, enabling them to flow through a narrow printing nozzle while supporting the weight of the printed structure. Ink formulation does not require manipulation of the pH or the use of highly volatile organic components. Therefore, the approach can be used to prepare materials with a wide range of compositions, and here we use it to build hydroxyapatite (HA), beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and biphasic (HA/beta-TCP) structures. The flow of the inks is controlled by the Pluronic content and the particle size distribution of the ceramic powders. The use of wide size distributions favors flow through the narrow printing nozzles and we have been able to use printing nozzles as narrow as 100 microm in diameter, applying relatively low printing pressures. The microporosity of the printed lines increases with increasing Pluronic content and lower sintering temperatures. Microporosity can play a key role in determining the biological response to the materials, but it also affects the strength of the structure.
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Antelo J, Arce F, Fernandez J, Franco J, Rodriguez P, Varela A. Studies on the stability of n‐chloro‐aminoacids. Decomposition of N‐chloro‐L‐serine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/09593338809384609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Broges E, Braga D, Bonetti T, Iaconelli A, Franco J. Artificial oocyte activation with calcium ionophore A23187 in ICSI cycles with sperm from different origins. Fertil Steril 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.07.674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Franco J. Sperm DNA fragmentation in assisted reproduction. Reprod Biomed Online 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(11)60622-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Borges E, Braga D, Bonetti T, Iaconelli A, Franco J. Artificial oocyte activation with calcium ionophore A23187 in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles using surgically retrieved spermatozoa. Fertil Steril 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.07.673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Rodríguez JG, Tueros I, Borja A, Belzunce MJ, Franco J, Solaun O, Valencia V, Zuazo A. Maximum likelihood mixture estimation to determine metal background values in estuarine and coastal sediments within the European Water Framework Directive. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2006; 370:278-93. [PMID: 17011610 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2006.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2006] [Revised: 08/21/2006] [Accepted: 08/21/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Some of the recently derived European Directives, such as the Water Framework and Marine Strategy, have, as ultimate aims, to achieve concentrations of hazardous substances in the marine environment near background values. Hence, the determination of natural background levels, in marine sediments, is highly relevant. The present study proposes the use of the maximum likelihood mixture estimation (MLME) to determine regional background levels and upper threshold of metal concentration, with the Basque Country as a case study (with a data set of 575 samples, from estuarine and littoral areas, including both intertidal and subtidal sediments). The heuristic procedure is applied with unimodal data distributions (Cd, Cr, Fe and Ni) and the mixture density estimations, based upon maximum likelihood, are carried out with polypopulational data distributions (As, Cu, Mn, Hg, Pb and Zn). The upper limits of the distribution are proposed, as the limits between 'High Status' and 'Good Status' (according to the Water Framework Directive terminology). The regional upper limits were 0.45 microg g(-1) for Cd, 71 microg g(-1) for Cr, 53,542 microg g(-1) for Fe, 57 microg g(-1) for Ni, 24 microg g(-1) for As, 64 microg g(-1) for Cu, 447 microg g(-1) for Mn, 0.27 microg g(-1) for Hg, 66 microg g(-1) for Pb, and 248 microg g(-1) for Zn. The results from this study can assist further in the determination of sediment reference conditions, to assess chemical status, within the above-mentioned directives; likewise, it will be studied as a useful methodology in determining regional metal backgrounds in other European countries.
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Honegger J, Beuschlein F, Kaufmann S, Gallwitz B, Psaras T, Franco J, Reincke M. Results of transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease in a contemporary series. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2006. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-954705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Franco J. DNA sperm fragmentation and assisted reproduction. Reprod Biomed Online 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(11)60562-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Franco J. GnRH agonists versus GnRH antagonists in poor ovarian responders: a meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(11)60576-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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