ABSTRACT Purpose Varicocele is a condition known to cause damage to seminal parameters and sperm function. Furthermore, it has been hypothesized that the varicocele effect on fertility is time-dependent; however, little is known about the consequences of its establishment time on reproductive organs and/or sperm function. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the duration of experimental varicocele on reproductive organs, sperm parameters, and sperm function. Materials and Methods Varicocele induction surgeries were performed in Wistar rats aged 40 or 100 days old. At 160-day-old, analyses were performed, including biometry of reproductive organs (prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymis, and testis), sperm parameters (vitality, morphology, and motility), and sperm function tests (nuclear DNA integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity). Results The analysis of the biometry of reproductive organs showed no differences between distinct ages in which varicocele was induced. The total abnormal sperm morphology was bigger in animals with varicocele induced to 100 days old than in animals with varicocele induced to 40 days old. Regarding nuclear DNA integrity, animals of varicocele induced to 100 days old showed worse results compared to animals of varicocele induced to 40 days old. Other parameters analyzed showed no differences between varicocele groups. Conclusion In this study conducted on rats, we conclude that varicocele adversely affects sperm, particularly its function. However, we did not observe a negative progressive effect on sperm. Furthermore timedependent dependent time-dependent however andor 4 10 160dayold, 160dayold dayold 160 day old, 160-day-old prostate, prostate (prostate vesicles epididymis testis, testis , testis) vitality, vitality (vitality motility, motility motility) integrity activity. activity . activity) groups However 1 16

RESUMEN La aplicación de fitosanitarios debe garantizar un eficiente control de plagas tratando de evitar pérdidas que afecten la salud humana y el ambiente. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de boquillas hidráulicas tipo cono hueco convencional y aire inducido, y el agregado de un adyuvante (aceite vegetal metilado siliconado AMS), sobre la calidad de aplicación de un fungicida (penetración, distribución y homogeneidad) y las pérdidas por endoderivas en canopeos de trigo y soja. En cada cultivo, el diseño experimental fue completamente aleatorizado, con cuatro repeticiones y arreglo factorial boquillas x adyuvante. El espectro de gotas se evaluó con tarjetas sensibles al agua y con azul brillante como trazador dentro del caldo de aplicación. En trigo, el AMS no uniformizó la distribución de las gotas generadas por las boquillas de aire inducido, dado que dependió del estrato considerado dentro del cultivo. Asimismo, si bien el AMS redujo la endoderiva, esta fue independiente del tipo de boquilla. La distribución de las gotas en soja dependió del estrato en el cultivo y no del tipo de boquilla ni del agregado de AMS. Además, el AMS y su combinación con el tipo de boquilla no redujeron la endoderiva en este cultivo.

ABSTRACT Spraying of phytosanitary products must ensure efficient pest control while avoiding losses that could damage human health and environment. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of conventional hollow cone and air-induced hydraulic nozzles, and the addition of an adjuvant (Methylated Seed Oil MSO) upon the application quality of a fungicide (penetration, distribution, and uniformity) and losses due to endodrift on wheat and soybean canopies. In each crop, the experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications and a factorial arrangement of nozzles x adjuvant. Droplet spectrum was evaluated by using water-sensitive cards, and brilliant blue as a tracer in the application mixture. According to the results, the MSO did not homogenize the distribution of droplets generated by air-induced nozzles in the wheat canopy, as it depended on the crop height evaluated. In addition, the MSO reduced endodrift independently of the type of nozzle used. The distribution of droplets on the soybean canopy depended on the height and not on the type of nozzle nor the addition of MSO. The MSO and its combination with the nozzle type did not reduce endodrift in this crop.

ABSTRACT The effect of exposure to water-soluble fractions of used automobile crankcase oils (WSF-AUCO) on haematology parameters, immune system, stability of lysosomal membranes of hemocytes and lipid peroxidation in the digestive gland of the pearl oyster Pinctada imbricata was evaluated in this study. The oysters were exposed to 0, 1, 10 and 20 % v/v of WSF-AUCO during different periods: 3, 5 and 7 d, in static aquaria under controlled conditions (oxygenation 6 mg/L; 25 ± 1°C; pH 8.0 and 36 ‰). During the early period (3d) of exposure, an increase in the total count of hemocytes (TCH) was observed to 10 % of WSF-AUCO. In oyster exposed to 20 % during 7 d significant decreases in immuno-hematological parameters associated with high lysosomal destabilization of hemocytes and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was observed. The oysters showed compensatory cellular responses to the WSF-AUCO low concentrations, but these decreased during acute exposure. Immuno-modulator effects were induced by complex mixtures of compounds of WSF-AUCO. The molecular and immune-cellular responses estimated in P. imbricada offer appropriate information on the change in the normal physiology of organisms that inhabit impacted environments by complex mixtures of xenobiotics.

RESUMEN En este estudio se evaluaron los efectos que ocasiona la exposición a fracciones acuosas de lubricantes usados de motores de automóviles (Faluma) sobre parámetros hematológicos, sistema inmune, estabilidad de la membrana lisosomal de hemocitos y niveles peroxidación lipídica y lisozimas en la glándula digestiva de la ostra perla Pinctada imbricada. Las ostras fueron expuestas a 0, 1, 10 y 20 % v/v de Faluma durante diferentes períodos: 3, 5 y 7 días, en sistema estático de acuarios bajo condiciones controladas (oxigenación 6 mg/L; 25 ± 1°C; pH 8.0 y 36 ‰). Durante el período temprano de exposición fue observado un aumento en el número total de hemocitos (NTH) de ostras expuestas a 10 % de Faluma. En ostras expuestas a 20 % al séptimo día se observó un descenso en los parámetros inmunohematológicos, asociados a una elevada desestabilización de la membrana lisosomal y contenido de malondialdehido (MDA). Las ostras mostraron respuestas celulares compensatorias a bajas concentraciones de Faluma, resultando mermadas durante la exposición aguda. Se evidenciaron efectos immunomodulatorios inducidos por la mezcla de compuestos xenobióticos contentivos en Faluma. Las respuestas moleculares e inmune-celulares estimadas en P. imbricada pueden suministrar información sobre los cambios en la fisiología normal de organismos que habitan ambientes impactados por mezclas complejas de xenobióticos.

Compositing or regularization of drillhole data is common practice in mineral resource estimation and is deemed a necessary step in producing unbiased estimates of mineral resources and reserves. Commonly, data are collected over irregular distances due to the varying relative thicknesses of lithologies drilled or sampling/assaying strategies. This necessitates data transformation to regular lengths of equal size to ensure that all data have the same sample support. However, there have been few detailed publications on the effect of this process on the composited data that are subsequently taken forward for the estimation process. In this paper, three currently available compositing methods are reviewed and the effects of inappropriate compositing methodologies presented. It is shown through a case study that compositing samples to different lengths leads to changes in the average and variance of the grades in the drillcores in the dataset, which will impact the final estimated value. These differences are exacerbated by breaks or gaps in data where, for a variety of reasons, there has been no data collection or data have been lost. The importance of appropriately treating blank and zero data is also presented. Globally, these differences might be minimal, but locally may be substantial, affecting the efficiency of the estimation and subsequent use of the results in, for example, mine planning and reconciliation. Further detailed investigation of compositing practices is required if the full implications of compositing are to be understood and any induced bias effectively defined.

ABSTRACT Mutation breeding offers a simple, fast, and efficient way to rectify major defects without altering their original identity. The current research aimed to study interesting traits in a mutant population generated by gamma rays. Five gamma rays doses (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 Gy) were applied to develop M1 and M2 mutant populations from the Egyptian rice (Oryza sativa L.) ‘Giza177’. Both populations were evaluated in the field during two successive years 2022 (M1) and 2023 (M2). Several traits related to growth and yield were recorded such as plant height, number of branches and panicles, panicle weight, grain yield, and harvest index. Significant differences were found among radiation treatments for most traits. Overall, low radiation doses (100, 200, and 300 Gy) promoted the growth and productivity of plants; however, high doses (400 and 500 Gy) decreased these traits and increased the number of sterile plants. The effect of radiation doses was different on some traits between M1 and M2. The mutant population M2 displayed several promising mutant lines with desirable traits; early flowering (4-7 d earlier), short plant height (< 95 cm), panicle length (> 23 cm), tiller number per plant (> 25), and grain yield per plant (> 43 g). Conclusively, low gamma rays doses (inferior to 300 Gy) are of interest in generating desirable traits and promising lines. The current promising mutant lines should be further evaluated in multi-year trials to validate their behavior across various field conditions.

Abstract Introduction : Chia and flax seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is bioconverted into the active derivatives eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and doco sahexaenoic (DHA) having multiple beneficial effects. However, there is limited knowledge about the anti-inflammatory effects of chia and flax integral flours diets rich in ALA. Objective : The study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of dietary supplementation with integral chia and flax flours in a murine model of LPS-induced systemic inflammation. Methods : Balb/c mice were distributed into three groups: diet A (control), diet B (supplemented with inte gral chia flour), and diet C (supplemented with integral flax flour). Nutritional, hematological, and biochemical determinations were performed. ALA, EPA, and DHA were assessed by GC-MS in the liver, brain, cardiac and skeletal muscles. NF-kB immunoassays were per formed in kidney, liver, and peritoneal macrophages, respectively. The phagocytic capacity was determined in peritoneal macrophages and the expression of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was assessed by RT-qPCR in the kidney, liver, and spleen. Results : Diets B and C exhibited optimal nutritional adequacy and caused increased levels of ALA, EPA, and DHA in critical tissues compared to the control. The phagocytic capacity of murine peritoneal macrophages (p< 0.01) and IL-10 transcription increased, whereas the expression of NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α decreased in animals fed both experimental diets. Conclusions : This work contributes to the current knowledge of the anti-inflammatory effects of chia and flax integral flours rich in ALA and reinforces the health advantages of their consumption.

Resumen Introducción : Las semillas de chía y lino son ricas en ácido alfa-linolénico (ALA), sus derivados activos eico sapentaenoico (EPA) y docosahexaenoico (DHA) ejercen probados efectos beneficiosos. Existe un conocimiento limitado sobre los efectos protectores de ambas semillas bajo la forma de harinas integrales, siendo de particular interés el efecto antiinflamatorio. Objetivo : El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto antiinflamatorio de la suplementación dietaria con harinas integrales de semillas de chía y lino en un modelo murino de inflamación sistémica inducido por LPS. Métodos : Ratones de la cepa Balb/c fueron distribui dos en tres grupos: dieta A (control), dieta B (suplemen tada con harina integral de chía) y dieta C (suplementa da con harina integral de lino). Se efecturaron determi naciones nutricionales, hematológicas y bioquímicas. El contenido de ALA, EPA y DHA en hígado, cerebro, corazón y músculo esquelético se determinó por cromatografía GC-MS. Se realizó la inmunodetección de NF-kB en macrófagos peritoneales, riñón e hígado. Se determinó la capacidad fagocítica de macrófagos peritoneales y se evaluó la expresión de citoquinas pro y antiinflamatorias por RT-qPCR en riñón, hígado y bazo. Resultados : Las dietas B y C mostraron una adecua ción nutricional óptima y generaron niveles elevados de ALA, EPA y DHA en tejidos críticos. La capacidad fagocítica de los macrófagos peritoneales (p< 0.01) y la transcripción de IL-10 aumentó, mientras que la expre sión de NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6 y TNF-α disminuyó en animales de los grupos B y C. Conclusiones : Este trabajo contribuye al conocimien to actual de los efectos antiinflamatorios de ambas hari nas integrales y refuerza los beneficios de su consumo.

Biomarkers for monitoring shrimp health have been proposed but scarcely evaluated at the farm level. We analyzed several indicators of energy status in shrimp under farming conditions concerning stocking densities (100 m−2 with biofloc, 15 and 7 m−2). The influence of the year's season (temperature) was also analyzed, and, finally, an unfortunate event of White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection occurred on the 7 m−2 farms, adding another condition. At shrimp sampling from ponds, the effect of acute handling stress was also analyzed for indicators typically affected by such procedure with a 3- and 10-fold increase in glucose and lactate levels in hemolymph, respectively, regardless of density. This response was partially blunted at lower temperatures and WSSV incidence. Increased levels of protein in the hepatopancreas, adenylic energy charge (AEC) in both hepatopancreas and muscle and phosphagens in muscle were observed in shrimp from the 100 m−2 farms, suggesting a better nutritional and energetic status in shrimp cultured at high density with biofloc technology. Shrimp with WSSV presented lower hemocyanin levels in hemolymph, most likely associated with its role in the immune response. In WSSV-infected shrimp, the stress response regarding glucose increase was blunted, whereas a stress-induced increase in triglycerides (TG) levels in hemolymph was observed only with WSSV. Increased TG levels in those shrimp hepatopancreas could indicate a switch from carbohydrate to lipid-based metabolism associated with the preferential use of carbohydrates (Warburg effect) for virus replication in the early infection state.

ABSTRACT Under controlled conditions, it has been shown that the application of humic substances (HS) favors the growth and development of plants. But, scientific evidence in open field conditions with and without irrigation has been poorly documented. The objective was to characterize the humic acids (HA) extracted from vermicompost of urban solid waste using chemical and spectroscopic techniques, and to evaluate the effect of its root application on the reproductive stage, with continuous irrigation and with induced water deficit, in three selections of maize (Zea mays L.) from three regions of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, grown under field conditions. The regional corn selections used were identified as Cajete (Caj), Zapalote (Zap) and Cuilapam (Cuil). Three concentrations of HA were tested: 140, 150 and 160 mg L-1, a control treatment was included, without application. The product was applied by radical spraying, before, during and after the flowering stage of the corn plants. The HA promoted higher values in plant height, stem diameter, and production of root and shoot biomass, in the presence of irrigation and with induced water deficit. The relative content of water and proline were also stimulated, as well as the content of chlorophylls a, b, and a+b. The negative effects caused by an induced water stress were attenuated by the application of HA. HA from municipal solid waste vermicompost stimulated growth parameters in the reproductive phase and induced stress protection when irrigation use was limited.

RESUMEN En condiciones controladas, la aplicación de sustancias húmicas (SH) favorece el crecimiento y el desarrollo de las plantas. Pero la evidencia científica en condiciones de campo abierto con y sin riego, está escasamente documentada. El objetivo fue caracterizar los ácidos húmicos (AH) extraídos de vermicompost de residuos sólidos urbanos empleando técnicas químicas y espectroscópicas, y evaluar el efecto de su aplicación vía radical en la etapa reproductiva, con riego y déficit hídrico inducido, en tres selecciones de maíz (Zea mays L.) de tres regiones del estado de Oaxaca, México. Las selecciones regionales de maíz empleadas se identificaron como Cajete (Caj), Zapalote (Zap) y Cuilapam (Cuil). Se ensayaron tres concentraciones de AH: 140, 150 y 160 mg L-1, se incluyó un tratamiento control, sin aplicación. El producto se aplicó por aspersión vía radical, antes, durante y después de la etapa de floración de las plantas de maíz. Los AH promovieron mayor altura de la planta, diámetro del tallo, producción de biomasa radical y aérea, en presencia de riego y con déficit hídrico inducido. El contenido relativo de agua y de prolina también fue estimulado, así como el contenido de clorofilas a, b y a+b. Los efectos negativos causados por un estrés hídrico inducido fueron atenuados por la aplicación de los AH. Los AH procedentes de vermicompost de residuos sólidos urbanos estimularon los parámetros de crecimiento en la fase reproductiva e indujeron protección anti estrés cuando se limitó el uso del riego.

Abstract Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the reasons of end-stage kidney disease, and elucidating the pathogenesis and offer new treatment options is important. Oxidative stress might trigger pathogenesis systemically or isolated in the kidneys. Octreotide (OCT) has beneficial antioxidant effects. We aimed to investigate the source of oxidative stress and the effect of OCT on experimental NS model. Methods: Twenty-four non-uremic Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups. Control group, 2 mL saline intramuscular (im); NS group, adriamycin 5 mg/kg intravenous (iv); NS treatment group, adriamycin 5 mg/kg (iv) and OCT 200 mcg/kg (im) were administered at baseline (Day 0). At the end of 21 days, creatinine and protein levels were measured in 24-hour urine samples. Erythrocyte and renal catalase (CAT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were measured. Renal histology was also evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference among the 3 groups in terms of CAT and TBARS in erythrocytes. Renal CAT level was lowest in NS group, and significantly lower than the control group. In treatment group, CAT level significantly increased compared with NS group. In terms of renal histology, tubular and interstitial evaluations were similar in all groups. Glomerular score was significantly higher in NS group compared with control group and it was significantly decreased in treatment group compared to NS group. Conclusions: Oxidative stress in NS might be due to the decrease in antioxidant protection mechanism in kidney. Octreotide improves antioxidant levels and histology in renal tissue and might be a treatment option. Introduction (NS endstage stage disease important kidneys (OCT effects model Methods Twentyfour Twenty four nonuremic non uremic im mgkg mg kg iv (iv 20 mcgkg mcg (im Day 0. 0 . 0) days 24hour hour 24 samples (CAT (TBARS evaluated Results erythrocytes Conclusions option

Resumo Introdução: Síndrome nefrótica (SN) é uma das causas de doença renal em estágio terminal. É importante elucidar a patogênese e oferecer novas opções de tratamento. Estresse oxidativo pode desencadear a patogênese sistemicamente ou isoladamente nos rins. O octreotide (OCT) tem efeitos antioxidantes benéficos. Nosso objetivo foi investigar a fonte de estresse oxidativo e efeito do OCT no modelo experimental de SN. Métodos: Dividimos 24 ratos albinos Wistar não urêmicos em 3 grupos. Grupo controle, 2 mL de solução salina intramuscular (im); grupo SN, adriamicina 5 mg/kg intravenosa (iv); grupo tratamento SN, adriamicina 5 mg/kg (iv) e OCT 200 mcg/kg (im) foram administrados no início do estudo (Dia 0). Aos 21 dias, mediram-se os níveis de creatinina e proteína em amostras de urina de 24 horas. Mediu-se a catalase (CAT) eritrocitária e renal e a substância reativa ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS). Avaliou-se também histologia renal. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre os três grupos em termos de CAT e TBARS em eritrócitos. O nível de CAT renal foi menor no grupo SN e significativamente menor que no grupo controle. No grupo tratamento, o nível de CAT aumentou significativamente em comparação com o grupo SN. Quanto à histologia renal, as avaliações tubular e intersticial foram semelhantes em todos os grupos. O escore glomerular foi significativamente maior no grupo SN em comparação com o grupo controle e diminuiu significativamente no grupo de tratamento em comparação com o grupo SN. Conclusões: Estresse oxidativo na SN pode ser devido à diminuição do mecanismo de proteção antioxidante nos rins. O octreotide melhora níveis de antioxidantes e histologia do tecido renal e pode ser uma opção de tratamento. Introdução (SN terminal rins (OCT benéficos Métodos im mgkg mg kg iv (iv 20 mcgkg mcg (im Dia 0. 0 . 0) dias mediramse mediram se horas Mediuse Mediu (CAT TBARS. (TBARS) Avaliouse Avaliou Resultados eritrócitos Conclusões (TBARS

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how the once-off increase in regional income that will result from investment in roads and the recurring increase in regional income that will stem from the use of economically viable new roads can be estimated. Once-off economic benefits occur because of the multiplier effect triggered by the initial investment expenditure on a road, while recurring economic benefits result from the income accelerator effect that use of the road during its service period will have. To determine the regional income multiplier effect of the investment expenditure on a proposed road during its construction period, it is necessary to estimate (i) the tax amounts included in the investment amount as a ratio of the total project investment amount, (ii) the monetary amount saved by project workers as a ratio of the total project investment amount, and (iii) the expenditure on imported project inputs as a ratio of the total project investment amount. An analysis that incorporates the above-mentioned three fund leakages from the circular flow of regional income will show that the representative income multiplier of South African rural paved road construction projects has a value of 4,58. The gross national income multiplier effect stemming from road construction expenditure can be categorised as follows: In the rating scale above, a gross national income multiplier effect stemming from road construction projects with a value of less than 2,00 is regarded as "poor", because such a multiplier value is usually associated with economically unviable road projects. Gross national road construction multiplier effects with a value of 2,00 or more are associated with economically viable projects. An analysis as referred to above will show that, with a once-off gross income multiplier value of 4,58, the construction of economically viable roads will afford the government a "very good" opportunity to generate income effectively, especially considering that the national economy-wide gross income multiplier in South Africa is 3,27, which shows that the gross income multiplier of road construction is 40% higher than the economy-wide gross income multiplier. The reasons why the once-off gross regional income multiplier stemming from construction expenditure on rural road projects is "very good" are as follows: Multiplier Rating 1 – 1,99 Poor 2 – 2,99 Satisfactory 3 – 3,99 Good 4 – 4,99 Very good < 5 Excellent (1) A substantial proportion of the payroll of road construction workers is subject to zero or low personal income tax rates. (2) The propensity to consume among rural, unskilled and semi-skilled workers (in areas where rural roads are constructed) is generally high, which implies a low savings leakage. (3) Labourers needed for road construction are usually recruited from (or from close by) the areas where a road is to be built. Furthermore, low-income earners tend to buy and consume goods that are produced locally. (4) Generally, there is a relatively small need to import economic resources for road construction projects. Items like timber, sand, stone, gravel, filling material, bitumen, cement, steel and most of the road construction equipment are of regional or, at least, South African origin. The pace at which an economically viable road will stimulate regional income will be reflected by the new traffic it induces and any existing traffic that it diverts from less beneficial roads. In the social cost-benefit analysis of a road, it is estimated by what proportion induced and diverted traffic will increase the road user surplus. This expected proportional increase in road user surplus will accelerate (stimulate) the once-off regional multiplier and is termed the "regional income stimulation factor". Project-driven induced investment activities - i.e. downstream investment activities made possible by the provision of the road - usually (a) involve technically more sophisticated construction projects than the analysed road itself, (b) require the importation of a greater proportion of finished goods and specialised equipment, and (c) involve more skilled and highly skilled workers, whose income is subject to high income tax rates and who exhibit a higher propensity for saving than unskilled workers. Such downstream activities will collectively have a greater leakage effect than that incorporated in the once-off regional multiplier pertaining to construction of the road, which will depress the magnitude of the recurring regional income accelerator. The different formulae used to calculate the recurring income accelerator are detailed in the body of the article.

Hierdie artikel dui aan hoe die eenmalige verhoging in streeksinkome wat uit investeringsbesteding tydens die bou van 'n pad spruit, en die herhalende bykomende streeksinkome wat uit die gebruik van 'n ekonomies geregverdigde nuwe pad spruit, deur onderskeidelik streeksinkomevermenigvuldigerontleding en streeksinkome-versnellerontleding beraam kan word. Om die effek van die streeksinkomevermenigvuldiger van die uitgawe verbonde aan die bou van 'n pad te bepaal, moet (i) die belastings wat by die bou-uitgawe ingesluit is, as 'n verhouding van die totale bou-uitgawe, (ii) die bedrae geld wat deur projekwerkers gespaar word, as 'n verhouding van die totale bou-uitgawe, en (iii) die besteding aan ingevoerde projekinsette, as 'n verhouding van die totale bou-uitgawe, bepaal word. Ontledings wat bogenoemde drie fondslekkasies uit die kringloop van streeksinkome in ag neem, toon dat die verteenwoordigende inkomevermenigvuldiger van Suid-Afrikaanse bouprojekte vir buitestedelike geplaveide paaie 'n waarde van 4,58 het. Op die beoordelingskaal van inkomevermenigvuldigerwaardes vir die bou van buitestedelike paaie bied dit aan die staat 'n "baie goeie" geleentheid om inkome te genereer, veral as in ag geneem word dat die gemiddelde inkomevermenigvuldiger van besteding in die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie 'n waarde van 3,27 het. Die formules waarmee die eenmalige inkomevermenigvuldiger beraam word, word in die liggaam van die artikel uiteengesit. Die herhalende versnelde streeksinkome wat uit die gebruik van 'n ekonomies lewensvat-bare pad spruit, is gelyk aan die produk van (a) die huidige waarde van die herhalende pad-gebruikersvoordele wat uit die gebruik van die pad spruit, en (b) die waarde van die streeks-inkomeversneller van die gebruik van die pad. 'n Streeksinkomeversneller wat as verstekwaarde kan dien in die ekonomiese-impakontleding van 'n ekonomies lewensvatbare geplaveide buitestedelike pad in gevalle waar dit nie haalbaar is om 'n projek-eie versneller te probeer beraam nie, word in die artikel bereken. Die formules waarmee die herhalende-inkomeversneller beraam word, word in die liggaam van die artikel uiteengesit.

This article deals with the nature of social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA) and economic impact analysis (ECIA) of road projects and describes the coherence of and distinctions between the two types of analysis. In the final part of the article, the reasons are given for not including in an SCBA the economic impacts of a road as determined through an ECIA, regardless of how positive they may be. The SCBA of a road project is a systematic procedure to determine the economic viability of the road project by considering the costs and benefits that accrue when the road is constructed and during the service period of the project. The cost component in the SCBA of a road project is the once-off investment or capital cost of taking the road into service or improving it. The benefit component in the SCBA of a road is the difference between recurring costs associated with an improved road and without the road improvement. Recurring costs of a road include (a) road user costs, (b) external costs arising from road use and (c) maintenance costs to protect and preserve the usefulness of the road. The beneficiaries in an SCBA are the road users. The following road user groups can be distinguished: (i) Normal traffic (consisting of existing, normal-growth and non-induced development traffic; (ii) diverted traffic; and (iii) induced traffic (consisting of generated, induced development, and transferred traffic.) To assess the efficiency of resource allocation, an SCBA is based on the consideration of social cost. From the perspective of allocative efficiency, as determined by an SCBA, a road project is regarded as economically viable when the current value of the reduction in recurring costs associated with the road during its service life exceeds the current value of the once-off investment cost of taking the road into service. Road provision and use have economic impacts. Unlike an SCBA, which focuses on the efficiency with which a road project increases accessibility for and the mobility of road users, a regional economic impact analysis (ECIA) focuses on the effectiveness of a project to affect the performance of the economy of a region by enhancing time and place utilities creation by non-road-users. Consequently, an analysis of the effect construction, operation and use of a road will have on regional economic performance should focus on their expected income multiplier and accelerator effects on the number and size of activities in the economy of a region. The following non-road-user groups can be distinguished: (a) The public, (b) landowners, occupants and land users, (c) roadside enterprises, (d) utility enterprises and (e) goods consignors and consignees (in their capacity as non-road-users). An ECIA is based on a consideration of market prices. In an ECIA the following objectives serve as criteria for judging the impact of a road project on the performance of the economy: • Economic growth (including economic development) • Full employment • Price stability • Balance of payments stability • Equitable distribution of income These impacts, regardless of how positive they may be, are not included in an SCBA for the following reasons: • A comprehensive economic assessment consists of two components that are performed in tandem, namely an SCBA and an ECIA. An SCBA relies on allocative efficiency as assessment criterion, while an ECIA relies on output effectiveness as assessment criterion. The inclusion of effectiveness criteria among efficiency criteria in an SCBA will result in a misrepresentation of project viability. • Double counting of benefits will occur when road user cost savings and economic impacts are combined. • Not all the economic benefits obtained through coordinated investment in various sectors, one of which may be a road, can be ascribed to the investment in the road alone. The reason for conducting an ECIA of a road project is to determine to what measure the analysed road is expected to affect the performance of the economy of the region concerned. Although the results of an ECIA do not form part of the outcome of an SCBA, an ECIA can be used as an instrument in the pursuit of the economic policy objectives of a government.

Die hoofdoel van die sosialekoste-voordeel-ontleding (SKVO) van 'n pad is om die inligting oor die koste en voordele te verskaf wat nodig is om die lewensvatbaarheid, al dan nie, van die voorsiening en gebruik van die pad te beraam. Die kostekomponent in die SKVO is die eenmalige investeringskoste om die pad tot stand te bring, en die voordeelkomponent is die daling van die herhalende koste wat uit die gebruik en instandhouding van die pad sal spruit. Die hoofdoel van die ekonomiese-impakontleding (EKIO) van 'n pad behels dat die verwagte gevolge van die voorsiening en gebruik van die pad op die ekonomiese vertoning van 'n bepaalde streek geïdentifiseer en bereken word. Dié ontleding berus hoofsaaklik op die volgende: (a) die beraming van die verwagte eenmalige streeksinkome-vermenigvuldigereffek wat uit die investeringsbesteding aan die pad sal spruit, en (b) die beraming van die herhalende streeksinkome-versnellereffek wat uit die gebruik en instandhouding van die pad sal spruit. Die ekonomiese uitwerking van 'n padprojek word nie by 'n SKVO ingereken nie. Die rede hiervoor is drievoudig: Eerstens berus 'n SKVO op toewysingsdoelmatigheid as beoordelingsnorm, en 'n EKIO op doeltreffendheid as beoordelingsnorm. Die kombinering van doeltreffendheidsnorme en doelmatigheidsnorme sal tot 'n wanvertolking van 'n projek se ekonomiese lewensvatbaarheid lei. Tweedens sal voordele dubbeld getel word indien padgebruikerskostebesparings en ekonomiese impakte saamgevoeg word. Derdens kan ekonomiese voordele wat verkry word deur gekoördineerde investering in verskeie sektore, waarvan een 'n pad is, nie alles aan investering in die pad toegeskryf word nie.

Abstract Introduction: Short-term gametes storage is an inexpensive and simple technique that allows the use of the same batch of eggs or sperm at different times, maximizing the application of research protocols and the use of gametes in production. Arbacia dufresnii is a sea urchin species with proven aquaculture potential and already used in the nutraceutical industry. Aging of its gametes is unknown and is a needed information to scale up the production. Objective: Determine the effect of male and female gamete aging on the fertilization success of Arbacia dufresnii. This will allow optimizing the use of gametes after collection decoupling spawning from fertilization. Methods: A. dufresnii individuals were induced to spawn and gametes were kept at 12 ± 1 °C throughout each bioassay. Sperm was separated into two treatments: activated sperm in seawater (AS), and dry sperm (DS). Two bioassays were made: Bioassay 1 evaluated the effect of time on fertility by performing fertilization tests at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h after spawning. Bioassay 2 evaluated the contribution of each type of aged gamete on fertility, combining aged gametes (96 h) with fresh gametes (0 h). Results: Bioassay 1: the fertilization success obtained by combining eggs (E) with AS or DS presented important differences. While the fertilization success remained acceptable (greater than 50 %) for up to 72 h using ExDS, it only remained acceptable for up to 48 h using ExAS. Bioassay 2: acceptable fertilization success was found by combining aged E (96 h) with fresh sperm, or aged DS (96 h) with fresh E, but not using aged AS with fresh E. Conclusions: The findings of this work show that fertilization success in A. dufresnii gametes remains relatively unchanged for up to 48 h after spawning when combining ExAS, and for up to 72 h when combining ExDS. However, when combining aged E or aged DS with a fresh gamete, post-collection fertilization can be extended up to 96 h. In this work, the first steps have been taken to understand the conservation time of A. dufresnii gametes with minimum intervention.

Resumen Introducción: El almacenamiento de gametos a corto plazo es una técnica económica y sencilla que permite utilizar el mismo lote de óvulos o espermatozoides en diferentes momentos, maximizando la aplicación de protocolos de investigación y el uso de gametos en la producción. Arbacia dufresnii es una especie con probado potencial acuícola como fuente de gametos para la industria nutracéutica. Sin embargo, se desconoce el envejecimiento de sus gametos y es una información necesaria para escalar la producción. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto del envejecimiento de los gametos masculinos y femeninos en el éxito de la fecundación de Arbacia dufresnii con el fin de optimizar el aprovechamiento de los gametos después de la recolecta desincronizando el desove de la fecundación. Métodos: Se indujo el desove de individuos de A. dufresnii y los gametos se mantuvieron a 12 ± 1 °C durante cada bioensayo. El esperma se separó en dos tratamientos: esperma activado en agua de mar (AS) y esperma seco (DS). Se realizaron dos bioensayos: El Bioensayo 1 evaluó el efecto del tiempo sobre la fertilidad realizando pruebas de fecundación a las 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h y 96 h después del desove. El bioensayo 2 evaluó la contribución de cada tipo de gameta envejecida (96 h) sobre la fertilidad, combinando gametos envejecidas (96 h) con gametos frescas (0 h). Resultados: Bioensayo 1: el éxito de fecundación obtenido combinando huevos (E) con AS o DS presentó diferencias importantes. Si bien el éxito de la fecundación se mantuvo aceptable (más del 50 %) durante un máximo de 72 h con ExDS, solo permaneció aceptable hasta 48 h con ExAS. Bioensayo 2: se encontró un éxito de fecundación aceptable combinando E envejecidos (96 h) con esperma fresco, o DS envejecido (96 h) con E fresco (0 h), pero no usando AS envejecido con E fresco (0 h). Conclusiones: Los hallazgos de este trabajo muestran que el éxito de la fecundación en los gametos de A. dufresnii permanece relativamente sin cambios hasta 48 h después del desove cuando se combina ExAS, y hasta 72 h cuando se combina ExDS. Sin embargo, cuando se combina E envejecido o DS envejecido con un gameto fresco, el tiempo entre la recolección y la fecundación puede extenderse hasta 96 h. En este trabajo se han dado los primeros pasos para entender el tiempo de conservación de los gametos de A. dufresnii con mínima intervención.

ABSTRACT Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty, or vetiver grass, is a deep-rooted perennial grass. An examination of allelopathy using a metabolomic approach offers valuable insights into vetiver extract’s mechanism of action and phytotoxicity. This study utilised an untargeted metabolomics approach through the use of choisum (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis (L.) Hanelt var. parachinensis (L.H. Bailey) Hanelt) as target plant because it is easier to cultivate and susceptible to the extract. Vetiver root methanolic extracts at various concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 50, and 100 mg mL-1) were sprayed at 100 mL m-2 on choisum seedlings at the 2 to 3 leaves stage. After 21 d, the Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) and chlorophyll content of exposed choisum were measured, and their metabolites were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS)-based metabolomics analysis. The result demonstrated that the 100 mg mL-1 methanolic extract significantly decreased SPAD reading by 57.29% and reduced chlorophyll content by 66.38% (chl a) and 73.49% (chl b) of choisum compared to the control. Furthermore, considerably reduced stomatal length of exposed choisum, up to 34.31%, was observed when exposed to maximum concentration (100 mg mL-1). In total, nine metabolites with variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1 and P < 0.05 were found and identified as amino acids and carbohydrates. The highest concentration of extract enriched pathways of propanoate, Se-compound, cysteine, and methionine metabolism in choisum, suggesting the extract induced plant stress. The findings confirm the allelopathic potential of vetiver root and provide insight into the response of choisum to the allelopathic activity of vetiver grass root methanolic extract.

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study is to show for the first time how aflibercept affects endometriosis lesions. Material and methods: Surgically induced endometriosis in Wistar albino female rats. Rats with endometriosis were randomly divided into three groups: control (Co), aflibercept (Af), and leuprolide acetate (Le). Then, Af, aflibercept, and Le received leuprolide acetate. The control group was not treated. The weights and changes in intra-abdominal adhesions of the rats before and after treatment were recorded according to the Blauer adhesion score. Blood extracted for sacrifice was analyzed. Endometriotic lesions were evaluated for size, volume, histology, and immunohistochemistry (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and CD31). Significance level was accepted as p < 0.05. Results: Aflibercept significantly reduced endometrial implant volume (p = 0.002). The explant epithelial histological score showed a significant difference between aflibercept and leuprolide acetate (p = 0.006) and between aflibercept and control groups (p = 0.002). Aflibercept decreased VEGF-H and CD31 expression (p = 0.001) more than leuprolide acetate. Aflibercept improved adhesions (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Aflibercept is more successful than leuprolide acetate in the treatment of endometriosis.

Resumen Objetivo: Mostrar por primera vez cómo afecta aflibercept a las lesiones de endometriosis. Material y métodos: Endometriosis inducida quirúrgicamente en ratas hembras albinas Wistar. Las ratas con endometriosis se dividieron aleatoriamente en tres grupos: control (Co), aflibercept (Af) y acetato de leuprolida (Le). Luego, Af, aflibercept y Le recibieron acetato de leuprolida. El grupo de control no fue tratado. Los pesos y cambios en las adherencias intraabdominales de las ratas antes y después del tratamiento se registraron de acuerdo con la puntuación de adherencia de Blauer. La sangre extraída para el sacrificio fue analizada. Las lesiones endometriósicas se evaluaron en tamaño, volumen, histología e inmunohistoquímica (factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular [VEGF] y CD31). El nivel de significación se aceptó como p < 0.05. Resultados: Aflibercept redujo significativamente el volumen del implante endometrial (p = 0.002). La puntuación histológica epitelial (EHS) del explante mostró una diferencia significativa entre aflibercept y acetato de leuprolida (p = 0.006) y entre los grupos de aflibercept y control (p = 0.002). Aflibercept disminuyó la expresión de VEGF-H y CD31 (p = 0.001) más que el acetato de leuprolida. Aflibercept mejoró las adherencias (p = 0.006). Conclusión: Aflibercept tiene más éxito que el acetato de leuprolide en el tratamiento de la endometriosis.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the effect of metformin (MET) treatment on adipogenic predisposition of bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPC), bone marrow adiposity and bone biomechanical properties. Materials and methods. 20 young adult male Wistar rats were sorted into four groups. Each of the groups received the following in drinking water: 100% water (C); 20% fructose (F); metformin 100 mg/kg wt/day (M); or fructose plus metformin (FM). After five weeks the animals were sacrificed. Both humeri were dissected to obtain BMPC, and both femurs were dissected to evaluate medullary adiposity (histomorphometry) and biomechanical properties (3-point bending). BMPC were cultured in vitro in adipogenic medium to evaluate RUNX2, PPAR-γ and RAGE expression by RT-PCR, lipase activity and triglyceride accumulation. Results. The fructose-rich diet (group F) caused an increase in both triglycerides in vitro, and medullary adiposity in vivo; being partially or totally prevented by co-treatment with metformin (group FM). No differences were found in femoral biomechanical tests in vivo, nor in lipase activity and RUNX2/PPAR-γ ratio in vitro. DRF increased RAGE expression in BMPC, being prevented by co-treatment with MET. Conclusions. Metabolic syndrome induced by a fructose-rich diet increases femoral medullary adiposity and, in part, the adipogenic predisposition of BMPC. In turn, this can be totally or partially prevented by oral co-treatment with MET.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de un tratamiento con metformina (MET) sobre la predisposición adipogénica de células progenitoras de médula ósea (CPMO), adiposidad de la médula ósea y propiedades biomecánicas óseas. Materiales y métodos. 20 ratas Wistar machos adultos jóvenes fueron separados en cuatro grupos, recibiendo en agua de bebida: 100% agua (C); 20% de fructosa (F); metformina 100 mg/kg peso/día (M); o fructosa más metformina (FM). Tras cinco semanas se sacrificaron los animales, se diseccionaron ambos húmeros para obtener CPMO, y ambos fémures para evaluar adiposidad medular (histomorfometría) y propiedades biomecánicas (flexión a 3 puntos). Las CPMO se cultivaron in vitro en medio adipogénico para evaluar expresión de RUNX2, PPAR-γ y RAGE por RT-PCR, actividad de lipasa y acumulación de triglicéridos. Resultados. La dieta rica en fructosa (grupo F) produjo un aumento tanto de triglicéridos in vitro, como de la adiposidad medular in vivo; siendo parcial o totalmente prevenido por un co-tratamiento con metformina (grupo FM). No se observaron diferencias en las pruebas biomecánicas femorales in vivo, ni en actividad de lipasa y relación RUNX2/PPAR-γ in vitro. La DRF aumentó la expresión de RAGE en CPMO, siendo prevenido por co-tratamiento con MET. Conclusiones. El síndrome metabólico inducido por una dieta rica en fructosa aumenta la adiposidad medular femoral y, en parte, la predisposición adipogénica de las CPMO. A su vez, esto puede ser prevenido total o parcialmente por un co-tratamiento oral con MET.