Usage of substances and their dosage regimes in pharmacological animal models of schizophrenia

Background: Contrary to what is generally thought schizophrenia is a very common mental health issue. For this, several animal models are used to assess the illness in order to develop a definitive. The most widely spread paradigm is the use of pharmacological models. Aim: The aim of this review is to display which are the most used insults for the assessment of social behaviour related negative symptoms in animal models as well as to ascertain which is the most adequate regime. Design: Literature review. Methods: PubMed database was used for this article by the search of the indexed “schizophrenia”, “animal models”, “social behaviour” and “negative symptoms” descriptors. With the exception of a single article due to it value this review is based on articles from 10 years onwards. Besides, only clinical trials and reviews written in English or Spanish and that had laboratory rodents as target population were accepted. Results: The studies assessed agree that pharmacological models (specially those regarding the NMDA receptor antagonists) are a valuable means for the experimental investigation of negative symptoms in schizophrenia with the necessity to emphasise that only some negative symptoms (anhedonia and social interaction, mainly) can be experimentally assessed. Conclusions: There is not enough evidence regarding the fours aspects of this review. PCP, Ketamine or MK-801 in sub-acute dosage regimes are currently the most indicated insults to mimic schizophrenic symptoms in rodents, although further research in needed, albeit other substances are valuable as well. (In English language exclusively)

Molde de inyección para producción en serie de una pieza de plástico

El objeto del proyecto es el diseño de un molde para la fabricación en serie de una pieza de plástico, concretamente, el componente exterior de la rejilla del radiador de un nuevo modelo de vehículo automóvil de próximo lanzamiento perteneciente al modelo de la compañía “Toyota”.

Desarrollo de sistemas constructivos de aplicación al edificio industrial del futuro: su adaptabilidad a los sistemas de producción.

[EN]In this project are going to be defined some needs of the industry, now and in the future, and, then, an analysis of the solutions is going to be done, creating a small guide of design. Firstly, is going to be defined what the modern industry is and then, and using that definition, the needs of the new industry are going to be defined. Secondly, different examples of modern industrial buildings will be analyzed taking into account the needs of the industry previously defined. This project could help anyone to understand better the importance of the buildings in the new industry and how are them changing because the evolution of the containers is, at least, the evolution of the industry.

Optimización del proceso de producción del tubo vástago de un amortiguador Mcpherson: Caracterización del proceso de producción, metalográfica y propiedades mecánicas.

[ES]En este proyecto se va analizar metalúrgicamente todo el proceso de un tubo vástago para amortiguadores. El tubo a analizar es un tubo fabricado en Hijos de Juan Garay SA (HJG). Para analizar cada fase de fabricación del tubo, se cortan probetas en cada fase y se mandan a analizar a IK4-Azterlan. Con ello se obtiene la caracterización metalográfica y mecánica en cada momento, por lo tanto, analizando como conjunto todo los análisis de cada etapa de fabricación se podrá observar los cambios producidos en el tubo y obtener conclusiones para mejor sus proceso de producción.

Direct detection of Yersinia pestis from the infected animal specimens by a fiber optic biosensor

The FOB-3, anew type fiber optic biosensor, is designed to rapidly detect a variety of biological agents or analytes with better stability, sensitivity and specificity. In order to detect Y. Pestis, a sandwich immunoassay was developed by using the purified antibody against antigen FI immobilized on polystyrene probes as the capture antibody and the monoclonal antibody-Cy5 conjugate as the detector. After a series of optimization for the stability, sensitivity and specificity of the FOB-3, 50-1000 ng/ml of antigen FI and 6 x 10(1)-6 x 10(7) CFU/ml Y. pestis could be detected constantly in about 20 min, and Y pestis could be detected specifically from Y. pseudotuberculosis, Y. enterocolitica, B. anthracis and E. coli. Then, 39 blind samples, including 27 tissues of mice infected with Y pestis and 12 tissues of healthy mice as negative control, were detected with the FOB-3. 92.6% infected tissues were identified from the tissues of healthy mice and the tissues containing more than 100 CFU/ml bacteria could be detected by the biosensor. The results demonstrated the feasibility of the FOB-3 as an effective method to detect Y. pestis rapidly and directly from the infected animal specimens with the advantage of portability, simple-operation as well as high sensitivity and specificity. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Colaboración entre fabricante y distribuidor para la reducción del desperdicio alimentario en la cadena de suministro: situación actual y perspectivas

RESUMEN TFG CASTELLANO Este estudio trata de analizar el desperdicio alimentario que se da actualmente en cada una de las fases de la cadena de suministro alimentario. Inicialmente, se exponen los factores y hechos que han influido en los hábitos de consumo así como en la conciencia de los consumidores finales alterando así la producción y distribución de alimentos en general. Más tarde, se analiza la situación actual de los tres sectores sobre los que se lleva a cabo el estudio, que son el sector de la agricultura, concretamente el hortofrutícola, el sector ganadero y el sector pesquero. Posteriormente, se lleva a cabo un análisis para saber exactamente dónde, cómo y cuánta cantidad de alimento se desperdicia en cada uno de estos tres sectores. Por último, se expondrán diferentes conclusiones y propuestas con el fin de poner remedio a los diferentes problemas analizados anteriormente.

Dobutamine in Paediatric Population: A Systematic Review in Juvenile Animal Models

Objective: Although dobutamine is widely used in neonatal clinical practice, the evidence for its use in this specific population is not clear. We conducted a systematic review of the use of dobutamine in juvenile animals to determine whether the evidence from juvenile animal experiments with dobutamine supported the design of clinical trials in neonatal/ paediatric population. Methods: Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE (1946-2012) and EMBASE (1974-2012). Articles retrieved were independently reviewed by three authors and only those concerning efficacy and safety of the drug in juvenile animals were included. Only original articles published in English and Spanish were included. Results: Following our literature search, 265 articles were retrieved and 24 studies were included in the review: 17 focused on neonatal models and 7 on young animal models. Although the aims and design of these studies, as well as the doses and ages analysed, were quite heterogeneous, the majority of authors agree that dobutamine infusion improves cardiac output in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, the cardiovascular effects of dobutamine are influenced by postnatal age, as well as by the dose used and the duration of the therapy. There is inadequate information about the effects of dobutamine on cerebral perfusion to draw conclusions. Conclusion: There is enough preclinical evidence to ensure that dobutamine improves cardiac output, however to better understand its effects in peripheral organs, such as the brain, more specific and well designed studies are required to provide additional data to support the design of clinical trials in a paediatric population.

Proceso de pirólisis y reformado en línea para la producción de H2 a partir de residuos plásticos

266 p.

Paper Art. Fibras papeleras en la Creación Artística. Producción y Edición

Nivel educativo: Grado. Duración (en horas): De 21 a 30 horas

Brca1 is expressed in human microglia and is dysregulated in human and animal model of ALS

Background: There is growing evidence that microglia are key players in the pathological process of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is suggested that microglia have a dual role in motoneurone degeneration through the release of both neuroprotective and neurotoxic factors. Results: To identify candidate genes that may be involved in ALS pathology we have analysed at early symptomatic age (P90), the molecular signature of microglia from the lumbar region of the spinal cord of hSOD1(G93A) mice, the most widely used animal model of ALS. We first identified unique hSOD1(G93A) microglia transcriptomic profile that, in addition to more classical processes such as chemotaxis and immune response, pointed toward the potential involvement of the tumour suppressor gene breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (Brca1). Secondly, comparison with our previous data on hSOD1(G93A) motoneurone gene profile substantiated the putative contribution of Brca1 in ALS. Finally, we established that Brca1 protein is specifically expressed in human spinal microglia and is up-regulated in ALS patients. Conclusions: Overall, our data provide new insights into the pathogenic concept of a non-cell-autonomous disease and the involvement of microglia in ALS. Importantly, the identification of Brca1 as a novel microglial marker and as possible contributor in both human and animal model of ALS may represent a valid therapeutic target. Moreover, our data points toward novel research strategies such as investigating the role of oncogenic proteins in neurodegenerative diseases.

Estudio de la desactivación en el proceso de pirólisis de plásticos (HDPE) y reformado en línea para la producción de hidrógeno

La producción de hidrógeno a partir de residuos plásticos es un proceso interesante y viable, teniendo en cuenta el aumento significativo del actual consumo de hidrógeno. Sustituyendo así, la producción a partir de fuentes fósiles las cuales emiten grandes cantidades de CO2. El interés principal de este proyecto es avanzar en la valorización del plástico, HDPE, a través de la pirólisis y posterior reformado con vapor en línea para la obtención de hidrógeno, producto de alto valor añadido. Para ello se ha propuesto una primera etapa de pirólisis en un reactor spouted bed cónico y una segunda etapa catalítica de reformado con vapor en un lecho fluidizado en línea. Partiendo de unas condiciones de operación óptimas para el proceso, se pretende conocer cómo afecta la desactivación del catalizador al proceso a medida que la reacción avanza.

Cellular and molecular responses of zebrafish to legacy and emerging pollutants: the specific cases of PAHs and metal oxide nanoparticles

270 p.

Producción de hidrógeno por oxidación parcial de metano sobre espinelas de aluminato de níquel

[ES] Durante las últimas décadas, el hidrógeno ha atraído la atención tanto de gobiernos como de empresas debido al rápido desarrollo que las pilas de combustible han mostrado, principalmente por sus posibles aplicaciones en el sector automovilístico, periodo durante el cual prácticamente todos los fabricantes de vehículos han mostrado sus prototipos empleando pilas de combustible. No obstante, la obtención de hidrógeno puro para la alimentación de las pilas de combustible presenta un problema ya que las fuentes existentes no están fácilmente disponibles o son difícilmente almacenables. Esto requiere que, al menos a corto plazo, el hidrógeno sea mayoritariamente adquirido mediante el reformado de hidrocarburos ligeros o hasta fracción gasolina. Las variantes subestequiométricas del catalizador NiAl2O4 son una opción interesante como alternativa para reducir costes de operación en el reformado catalítico, debido a que presentan estabilidad a baja temperatura y elevada dispersión del NiO en la estructura, lo cual regula la formación de partículas más grandes que reduzcan su actividad.

Dietary animal and plant protein intakes and their associations with obesity and cardio-metabolic indicators in European adolescents: the HELENA cross-sectional study

Background: Previous studies suggest that dietary protein might play a beneficial role in combating obesity and its related chronic diseases. Total, animal and plant protein intakes and their associations with anthropometry and serum biomarkers in European adolescents using one standardised methodology across European countries are not well documented. Objectives: To evaluate total, animal and plant protein intakes in European adolescents stratified by gender and age, and to investigate their associations with cardio-metabolic indicators (anthropometry and biomarkers). Methods: The current analysis included 1804 randomly selected adolescents participating in the HELENA study (conducted in 2006-2007) aged 12.5-17.5 y (47% males) who completed two non-consecutive computerised 24-h dietary recalls. Associations between animal and plant protein intakes, and anthropometry and serum biomarkers were examined with General linear Model multivariate analysis. Results: Average total protein intake exceeded the recommendations of World Health Organization and European Food Safety Authority. Mean total protein intake was 96 g/d (59% derived from animal protein). Total, animal and plant protein intakes (g/d) were significantly lower in females than in males and total and plant protein intakes were lower in younger participants (12.5-14.9 y). Protein intake was significantly lower in underweight subjects and higher in obese ones; the direction of the relationship was reversed after adjustments for body weight (g/(kg.d)). The inverse association of plant protein intakes was stronger with BMI z-score and body fat percentage (BF%) compared to animal protein intakes. Additionally, BMI and BF% were positively associated with energy percentage of animal protein. Conclusions: This sample of European adolescents appeared to have adequate total protein intake. Our findings suggest that plant protein intakes may play a role in preventing obesity among European adolescents. Further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the potential beneficial effects observed in this study in the prevention of obesity and related chronic diseases.

Effect of substituting animal protein sources with soybean meal in diets of Oreochromis karongae (Trewavas 1941)

Three diets were formulated using locally available feed ingredients in Malawi to test the effect of replacing animal protein (fish meal, meat and bone meal) with soybean meal (10:0, 5:5, 0:10% of diet) as the protein source on growth and feed conversion of Oreochromis karongae. There were no significant differences in growth rate (GR), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratios (FCR) among the three diets. It can be concluded that more expensive and limited animal protein sources can totally be replaced by cheaper soybean in order to get similar growth rates in O. karongae.