Patterns of proliferation and cell differentiation during hepatic ontogeny in the alpaca.

The liver has multiple functions that change throughout ontogeny. South American camelids (SAC) have unique characteristics related to adaptation to extreme environments and metabolism. However, the process of hepatic cell differentiation has not been studied in any SAC. We study the patterns of cell differentiation and proliferation in the liver of the alpaca at different times of the ontogeny, excluding the hematopoietic components. Immunohistochemical techniques were performed in 66 specimens, including embryos, fetuses, neonates and adults. Supplementary analyses were performed by lectinhistochemistry. The hepatocytic differentiation was performed by the identification of Hepatocyte (Clone: ​​OCH1ES Dako®). It began in the specimens of 1.8-2.5 cm of crown to rump length (CRL), from Days 25-29 (ovulation = Day 0), continued during gestation and intensified towards its end. The cholangiocytic differentiation was performed by the identification of cytokeratin 7 (CK7, Dako®). It was manifested at the final of gestation (specimens of 28.4 cm CRL, from Day 223 onwards). Parenchymal cells underwent a process of gradual differentiation (differentiation of hepatocytes preceded that of cholangiocytes). Cell proliferation was observed along gestation using the nuclear proliferation antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67. Hepatic organogenesis in the alpacas shares similar differentiation and proliferation mechanisms with other altricial, but phylogenetically distant, species.

Polymeric micelles in drug delivery: An insight of the techniques for their characterization and assessment in biorelevant conditions.

Polymeric micelles, i.e. aggregation colloids formed in solution by self-assembling of amphiphilic polymers, represent an innovative tool to overcome several issues related to drug administration, from the low water-solubility to the poor drug permeability across biological barriers. With respect to other nanocarriers, polymeric micelles generally display smaller size, easier preparation and sterilization processes, and good solubilization properties, unfortunately associated with a lower stability in biological fluids and a more complicated characterization. Particularly challenging is the study of their interaction with the biological environment, essential to predict the real in vivo behavior after administration. In this review, after a general presentation on micelles features and properties, different characterization techniques are discussed, from the ones used for the determination of micelles basic characteristics (critical micellar concentration, size, surface charge, morphology) to the more complex approaches used to figure out micelles kinetic stability, drug release and behavior in the presence of biological substrates (fluids, cells and tissues). The techniques presented (such as dynamic light scattering, AFM, cryo-TEM, X-ray scattering, FRET, symmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) and density ultracentrifugation), each one with their own advantages and limitations, can be combined to achieve a deeper comprehension of polymeric micelles in vivo behavior. The set-up and validation of adequate methods for micelles description represent the essential starting point for their development and clinical success.

Treatment of BRONJ with ozone/oxygen therapy and debridement with piezoelectric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is progressive bone destruction in the maxillofacial region of patients under current or previous treatment with Bisphosphonates. The present case series study aimed to evaluate if ozone/oxygen therapy and debridement with piezoelectric surgery may improve the treatment of BRONJ. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The treatment modality of the patients included ozone/oxygen mixture from medical oxygen. The protocol for ozone/oxygen mixture therapy appointments was set as twice a week for 10 weeks, for a total of 20 applications for each patient. The evaluation of the lesions was based on the clinical and radiologic parameters. The primary outcome was the necrotic lesion reduction during ozone/oxygen therapy sessions and up to the end of follow up periods. The healing of the lesion was taken as a positive result. The level of significance was taken as p <0.05. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients affected by osteonecrosis were included. The mean follow-up of the patients was 14.3 months. The overall success rate after treatment was 64.2%. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, ozone/oxygen therapy and debridement with Piezoelectric surgery for BRONJ treatment is a safe procedure with successful outcomes.

E2F1 copy number variations contribute to spermatogenic impairment and cryptorchidism by increasing susceptibility to heat stress.

BACKGROUND: Copy number variations (CNVs) play an important role in the onset of several diseases, and recently research focused on the relationship between these structural variants and diseases of the reproductive tract, including male infertility and cryptorchidism. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the contribution of copy number variations of E2F1 gene to idiopathic male infertility and the factors influencing expression of this gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on 540 subjects recruited from September 2014 to February 2015. TaqMan CNV assay was used to analyze E2F1 CNV. Real-time PCR was used to assess E2F1 and HSP70 expression level in heat stressed and transfected cells with three E2F1 copies. RESULTS: We found a significant difference in the frequency of altered E2F1 copies in patients (12/343, 3.5%) compared with controls (0/197) (p = 0.005). Six patients with E2F1 CNV had history of cryptorchidism, but the prevalence between men with idiopathic infertility (6/243, 2.5%) and infertile men with history of cryptorchidism (6/100, 6.0%) was not statistically different (p = 0.1). E2F1 expression increased under heat stress conditions, especially in cells carrying more copies of gene and this was associated with increased expression of HSP70. DISCUSSION: Our data suggest that an abnormal E2F1 expression caused by multiple copies of E2F1 gene predisposes to the onset of infertility and that the risk further increases if subjects with altered E2F1 copies have stressful conditions, such as heat stress or history of cryptorchidism. CONCLUSION: This study shows a link between E2F1 CNV and male infertility, suggesting that the increased risk of spermatogenic impairment associated with higher E2F1 copies might be due to higher susceptibility to stressful conditions.

Morphology of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) embryos in the first third of pregnancy.

The breeding of South American camelids is the main economic activity of the high Andean region of South America and it, is potentially, the most profitable resource in of the Puna environmental conditions of the Puna. The duration of the gestation in alpaca is 339.7 ± 12 days. The objective of the present work was to macroscopically and microscopically describe the ontogenic development of the splanchnic cavities of the alpaca and to determine the gestational time in which the post-cranial ossification centers are observed in the embryos/fetuses of this species, from day 21 to 107 of gestation. The documentation of normal ontogenic development, which is vacant for this period, is of the utmost importance to understand the consequences of the alterations at the different gestational times, as well as for the estimation of the gestational age in the case of abortions. Forty-seven alpaca specimens of both sexes, at different times of their gestational development, collected during slaughter at local slaughterhouses of the Department of Huancavelica, Peru, were evaluated. Specimens were assigned to seven groups according to their morphological characteristics. The embryogenesis in the alpaca was characterized by a series of changes comparable to those occurring in other mammals with similar gestational periods. Despite these similarities, species differences were found in some organs as stomach, which are observed too in adult individuals.

Prednisone treatment in infertile patients with oligozoospermia and accessory gland inflammatory alterations.

The association between inflammation of the male reproductive system and oligozoospermia has been frequently reported in the clinical work-up of male infertility. To improve sperm parameters in infertile patients with genital inflammation, many phytochemical and nutraceutical drugs are currently being used. However, their use is still empirical and no conclusive data have been provided about their efficacy. The treatment with steroid anti-inflammatory drugs might be useful in reducing inflammation and improving sperm parameters, thus increasing the fertility outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate if glucocorticoid treatment improves seminal parameters in infertile oligozoospermic patients presenting signs of accessory gland inflammation at genital ultrasound. A total of 90 infertile patients were enrolled in the study. They presented normal testicular volume, normal FSH plasma levels, the presence of various degrees of oligozoospermia, associated with scrotal and trans-rectal ultrasound signs indicative of accessory gland inflammation, but negative microbiological analysis on semen and/or prostatic secretions. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups of treatment, receiving, respectively, 5, 12.5, and 25 mg daily oral Prednisone for one month. Seminal parameters were evaluated at admission and after treatment. In patients undergoing Prednisone treatment at a daily dose of 5 mg we observed a significant increase in total sperm count. At a daily dose of 12.5 mg, Prednisone treatment improved sperm concentration, total sperm count, and the percentage of sperm motility. Twenty-five mg of Prednisone led to significant improvement in all the sperm parameters, except for semen volume. These results clearly demonstrate that Prednisone treatment can significantly improve sperm parameters in a selected population of oligozoospermic patients. These findings suggest that Prednisone treatment should be considered in idiopathic oligozoospermic patients with supposed normal spermatogenesis and accessory gland inflammatory alterations, in order to improve sperm parameters and fertility outcome.

Development of the Liver in Alpaca (Vicugna pacos): A Microscopic and Macroscopic Description.

South American camelids have several biological, morphological and behavioural adaptations that allow them to live in geographical areas dominated by high altitudes. The liver has hematopoietic functions during the prenatal life, which could be modified in response to the unfavorable habitat. However, there are no previous data on the prenatal development of the liver in these species. In the present work, a study on the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the liver of the alpaca during ontogeny was performed. Forty-one animals ranging in age from 20 days of embryonic development to adults were studied. Macroscopic and microscopic observations were performed on samples subjected to different techniques. Less than 7-g specimens were studied with stereoscopic magnifying glass. The general characteristics of the prenatal liver are similar to those of other mammals, and the structures related to hematopoietic function follow an ontogenic pattern similar to that of previously studied precocial species. However, there are differences in morphology when compared to descriptions for the Old World camelids, including the absence of relation between the caudate lobe and the right kidney and the lack of interlobular connective tissue.

Role of vitamin D levels and vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density in Klinefelter syndrome.

UNLABELLED: This manuscript describes the role of low vitamin D in bone metabolism of Klinefelter subjects. Low vitamin D is frequent in this condition and seems to be more important than testosterone in inducing low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis. Supplementation with vitamin D restores BMD after 2 years of treatment, whereas testosterone alone seems to be ineffective. INTRODUCTION: Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is frequent, and it has been traditionally related to low testosterone (T) levels. However, low BMD can be observed also in patients with normal T levels and T replacement therapy does not necessarily increase bone mass in these patients. Nothing is known about vitamin D levels and supplementation in KS. In this study, we determine vitamin D status and bone mass in KS subjects and compare the efficacy of T therapy and vitamin D supplementation on BMD. METHODS: A total of 127 non-mosaic KS patients and 60 age-matched male controls were evaluated with reproductive hormones, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, PTH, and bone densitometry by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Patients with hypogonadism and/or 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency were treated with T-gel 2% and/or calcifediol and re-evaluated after 24 months of treatment. RESULTS: 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly lower in KS patients with respect to controls, and they had significantly lower lumbar and femoral BMD. The percentage of osteopenia/osteoporosis in subjects with 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was higher with respect to subjects with normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D and was not related to the presence/absence of low T levels. Subjects treated with calcifediol or T + calcifediol had a significant increase in lumbar BMD after treatment. No difference was found in T-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight that low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels seem to have a more critical role than low T levels in inducing low BMD in KS subjects. Furthermore, vitamin D supplementation seems to be more effective than T replacement therapy alone in increasing BMD.

Risk factors and clinical outcomes of candidaemia in patients treated for Clostridium difficile infection.

The alterations occurring in the intestinal flora during Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) may promote the translocation of Candida to the blood and the development of candidaemia. The aim of our study was to analyse clinical findings of these patients to determine the risk factors associated with the development of candidaemia subsequent to CDI. We compared 35 patients with candidaemia subsequent to CDI with 105 patients with CDI. Patients with candidaemia showed more severe infections and higher mortality. The ribotype 027 strain and vancomycin treatment at ≥ 1000 mg/day were prevalent in patients developing candidaemia. CDI may predispose to the translocation of Candida.

Growth factors and metabolic markers in cord blood: relationship to birth weight and length.

Low birth weight and length for gestational age are associated with a high risk of short stature and metabolic syndrome in adulthood. The mechanisms that link prenatal growth to adult stature and metabolic syndrome have not yet been entirely clarified. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between standardized anthropometric measures at birth and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF-II, insulin, adiponectin, and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) cord blood levels in the general population. One hundred fifty-eight random newborn subjects (77F, 81M) from Genoa, Italy, were analyzed. Anthropometric parameters were measured and standardized according to standard Italian tables. Insulin values were treated as categorical, since in several cases the results fell below detection cut-off. Mean birth weight was 3,214.23∓488.99 gr and mean length was 49.82∓2.17 cm. Females had higher mean IGF-I (p=0.04), and were more likely to have insulin values either <2 μU/ml or >4.5μU/ml (p= 0.04) compared to males. Weight and length SD scores (SDS) were higher in subjects with elevated insulin levels (p=0.002). A moderate correlation was found between weight and IGF-II (r=0.354). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that standardized birth weight was associated with IGFII and insulin values. Our data highlight the importance of IGF-II in fetal growth and suggest that gender differences should be taken into consideration when evaluating prenatal growth.

Controle de infecção hospitalar em unidade de terapia intensiva: estudo retrospectivo / Hospital infection control in intensive care unit: retrospective study

Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência de microorganismos isolados de pacientes hospitalizados durante as etapas de implantação da Comissão de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar (CCIH) em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital privado na cidade de Toledo, Paraná. Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, durante o período de fevereiro de 2007 a março de 2008. Do total de internamentos, 37 pacientes apresentaram infecção, 73% do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 71 anos. Na primeira fase de coleta de dados, antes da implantação da CCIH, 12 pacientes apresentaram culturas positivas e Pseudomonas aeruginosa foi o microorganismo mais isolado, com incidência de 30,77%, seguido de Staphylococcus epidermidis, 23,08%, seguidos por outros sete microorganismos com incidências inferiores. Na segunda fase, durante o início das atividades, 10 pacientes apresentaram infecção, com crescimento de Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 30%, Klebsiella sp., 15%, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter cloacae, 10%, e Streptococcus Gama Hemolíticos, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., 5%. Com as normas da CCIH sendo ativamente empregadas na terceira fase da coleta de dados, percebe-se que essa relação se distancia, resultando em cinco pacientes com infecção, sendo Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 75% e Staphylococcus epidermidis e Streptococcus Beta Hemolíticos, 12,5%. Aproximadamente um ano após o início das atividades da CCIH, observa-se que na quarta fase, seis pacientes apresentaram infecção, com Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 54,5% e Enterobacter aerogenes, 45,5%. A informação, o treinamento, o comprometimento e conscientização da equipe médica e colaboradores, associados ao uso diário das normas preconizadas pela Comissão de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar são ferramentas imprescindíveis para tornar possível a obtenção de resultados significativos e satisfatórios na diminuição dos casos de infecção hospitalar, melhorando a qualidade...

This study aimed at verifying the occurrence of isolated microorganisms of hospitalized patients during the stages of implantation of the Hospital Infection Control Commission (HICC) in an Intensive Care Unit at a private hospital in the city of Toledo, Paraná. It is about a retrospective study, during the period of February/ 2007 to March/ 2008. Of the total internments, 37 patients presented positive cultures and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most isolated microorganism, with 30.77% incidence, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis, 23.08%, followed by other seven microorganisms with inferior incidences. In the second phase, during the beginning of the activities, 10 patients presented infection, with the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 30%, Klebsiella sp., 15%, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter cloacae, 10%, and Streptococcus hemolytic gamma, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter sp., 5%. With the CCIH norms being actively used in the third phase of the data collection, it is possible to realize that this relation distances itself, resulting in five patients with infection, being Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 75% and Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus hemolytic beta, 12.5%. About one year after the beginning of the activities of the HICC, it is observed that in he fourth phase, six patients presented infection, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa,54.5% and Enterobacter aerogenes, 45.5%. The formation, the training, the commitment and collaborating awareness of the medical staff, associated with the daily use of the norms praised by the hospital Infection Control Commission, are essential tools to enable the satisfactory and meaningful result in the reduction of the cases of hospital infection, improving the quality of health assistance.

Quantitative ultrasound detects bone changes following bone marrow transplantation in pediatric subjects with hematological diseases: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is associated with bone morbidity. We investigated bone status with quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in pediatric patients with hematological diseases prior to and up to 3 yr following BMT. METHODS: Phalangeal QUS measures for amplitude- dependent speed of sound (Ad-SoS) and bone transmission time (BTT) were obtained in 40 hematological patients (25 with malignant, 15 with non-malignant disease; 9.7+/-4.9 yr) before BMT and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after BMT. Bone parameters were expressed as Z-scores based on age-sex-matched normal controls. RESULTS: Mean Ad-SoS and BTT Z-scores were normal before BMT and reduced at 36 months (analysis of variance: p=0.0542 and p=0.0233). Ad-SoS and BTT Z-scores remained relatively stable in the first 6 months after BMT and then progressively decreased reaching a plateau at 12-36 months. In non-malignant patients, BTT Z-score decreased at 6-12 months (p=0.029) and subsequently increased, while in malignant patients BTT Z-score showed a decrease at 12-24 months. Pre-pubertal subjects displayed a drop of BTT Z-Score values at both 12 (p=0.023) and 36 months after BMT (p=0.049), while BTT Z-score remained relatively unchanged in pubertal subjects. Early impairment of BTT Z-score was found in patients who suffered acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) compared to patients without this clinical condition; BTT Z-score was lower at 36 months (p=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal assessment by QUS of pediatric BMT survivors evidenced that bone status is mildly affected up to 36 months after BMT, mainly in malignant patients, in pre-pubertal subjects at BMT and in patients who suffered acute GVHD.

Clinical experience of anidulafungin for the treatment of patients with documented candidemia.

Candida species are the most common causes of invasive fungal infections in humans, producing infections that range from mucocutaneous disorders to invasive disease that can involve any organ. Here we present our clinical experience with anidulafungin for the treatment of documented nosocomial candidaemia. From february 2009 through January 2010 all patients with documented candidemia treated with anidulafungin in three medical centers in italy were reviewed. Demographics, clinical and microbiological data, and outcome were collected for each patient. Twenty-four patients were included in the study. most patients had a central venous catheter (CVC) or a port-a-cath (100%), had a history of recent surgery (87.5%), or were receiving total parenteral nutrition (79%), broad spectrum antibiotics (83%), steroids or chemotherapy (45.8%). C. albicans (54%) was the most commonly isolated pathogen. CVC was the source of candidemia in 79% of cases. Six patients (25%) developed severe sepsis or septic shock, and five patients had unfavorable outcomes, with an overall mortality rate of 20%. No patients experienced side effects related to anidulafungin therapy. Anidulafungin was effective in the treatment of patients with documented candidemia arising from different sites, and no significant side effects were observed.

Conformation and anatomical relations of the liver of llama (Lama glama).

Morphological studies of the liver of the llama are structural supportive to the clinical practice, surgery and specific diagnostic techniques. The aims of this study were first to determine the location of the organ and the direction of its major axis to project it to the abdominal wall, identifying visible and palpable bony references. Secondly, to characterize and determine anatomical relations of the surfaces, borders and angles of the llama liver, as well as, of its lobulation. Twenty adult llamas of both sexes and two foetuses of 6.5- and 7-month-old were used. Llama liver is a post-diaphragmatic organ located in the cranial abdominal region, in the right hypochondrium, in relationship with the last six ribs. Dorsally, it can exceeds the last (twelfth) rib. Its major axis presents a cranio-ventral bent. Its shape is irregularly triangular. It presents two surfaces (parietal and visceral), three borders (cranial, caudal and ventral) and three angles (dorsal, cranial and caudal).

Antimicrobial susceptibility, biochemical and genetic profiles of Staphylococcus haemolyticus strains isolated from the bloodstream of patients hospitalized in critical care units.

Staphylococcus haemolyticus strains (n=20), responsible of blood stream infections, were consecutively isolated from patients hospitalized in two different wards at high risk of infection. Strains displayed high rate of resistance to oxacillin (90%). All strains but two with decreased susceptibility (MIC = 4 microg/mL), were sensitive to vancomycin. Ten strains were resistant to teicoplanin. Among the strains susceptible to glycopeptides, three displayed heteroresistance to vancomycin and seven to teicoplanin, when tested by Etest technique with 2 x McFarland inoculum. Biochemical reactions allowed to assign strains to eight biotypes, with 11 strains clustering under two main biotype A and biotype B. Pulsed-field-gel-electrophoresis (PFGE) identified 11 different PFGE-types. Seven strains grouping under the major PFGE-type 1 and three strains clustering in PFGE-type 2, closely correlated to biotype A and biotype B respectively. Seven teicoplanin-resistant isolates clustered in the PFGE-type 1, two in the PFGE-type 2 and one in PFGE-type 5. Therefore, teicoplanin-resistant strains were biochemically and genetically related and clonally distributed, despite different clones of S. haemolyticus circulated in the units during the study period.

Protective features of monoclonal antibodies to Escherichia coli during experimental infection of mice with homologous and heterologous serotypes of E. coli.

Murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) MT1F and ARM1-4, recognising proteins on the surface of untreated Escherichia coli O6:K-, protected 100% of mice challenged intraperitoneally with 2 x LD50 of the same strain. MAb MT1F protected 70% of animals challenged with 2 x LD50 of E. coli O111:B4, whereas ARM1-4 gave complete protection. Lower survival was observed in mice given either MAb and challenged with E. coli O128:K-, with values ranging from 30 to 42%. However, the protection afforded against E. coli O111:B4 and E. coli O128:K- was significantly improved when the mice were pre-treated with a mixture of the two MAbs. Control mice, pre-treated with unrelated ascitic fluid and challenged with any of the E. coli serotypes, showed 100% mortality and organ histological lesions resembling those of the early stages of septic shock. The mice had high levels of circulating endotoxin and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) at 90 min after challenge. In contrast, mice treated with MAbs and surviving the infection displayed moderate histological lesions, enhanced bacterial clearance and lower serum levels of TNF-alpha, despite circulating endotoxin levels that were higher than in the control group. Protection by the MAbs was probably due to the prevention of the bacterial spread to organs and of the cascade of events leading to septic shock. This occurred in spite of the presence of high levels of circulating endotoxin.

Desarrollo morfológico del estómago en terneros alimentados con dos sustitutos lácteos / Morphologic development of the stomach of calves feed with milk substitute

Los terneros comienzan a rumiar a las 2 ó 3 semanas de edad, pasando de lactante a rumiante de acuerdo a la influencia de estímulos que recibe de la dieta. (Brody, 1945; Swanson, 1960 y National Research Council, 1989). El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar los cambios en el desarrollo morfohistológico del estómago de terneros lactantes, alimentados con dos sustitutos (tratamientos) que difieren en su composición. Tratamiento A consistió en: derivados de la leche (dl) 65 por ciento, fibra detergente neutro (FDN) 1,75 por ciento y almidón (al) 24,6 por ciento. Tratamiento B: dl 50 por ciento, FDN 6,5 por ciento y al 19,2 por ciento. Se trabajó con un total de 18 terneros machos (9 en cada tratamiento), de raza Holando Argentino a los que se les suministró una dieta consistente en 240 g de sustituto en cada una de las 2 tomas diarias durante 45 días, concentrado ad libitum, disponibilidad de forraje fresco y agua, durante 50 días. Para la evaluación anatómica, se muestrearon 6 terneros, seleccionados para cada fecha y tratamiento, a los días 18-41 y 50, tomando en cada una de ellas un ternero de cada tratamiento. La evaluación consistió en efectuar mediciones de capacidad, longitud, peso vacío, peso relativo de la digesta de los distintos compartimentos del estómago. Utilizando el test de análisis de varianza (ANDEVA), no se observaron diferencias (P > igual 0,05) en peso vivo (PV) entre dietas para las tres fechas, observándose una tendencia de mayor PV en la dieta A. En cambio, en la capacidad del contenido del retículo, como en el espesor del epitelio del mismo, se evidenciaron diferencias significativas (P < 0,05) con R²0,75 y 0,8 respectivamente. Debido a la falta de repeticiones del ensayo y al efecto tiempo, los resultados sólo tienen valor descriptivo. Si bien a temprana edad (18 días) se evaluó mayor capacidad del rumen en terneros alimentados con el sustituto de menor calidad B, a los 50 días, se observa un incremento en el desarrollo del estómago en los alimentados con sustituto de mayor calidad A. Al incorporar al sustituto lácteo mayor por ciento de derivados de la leche, se favorece la capacidad anatómica del estómago, lo cual permitía a los terneros convertirse en rumiantes más tempranamente. Para la evaluación histológica se muestrearon seis terneros seleccionados para cada fecha y tratamiento a los días 18, 41 y 50 días. Las muestras fueron fijadas en formol bufferado al 10 por ciento, luego procesadas por técnicas histológicas

Conducto hepatopancreático de la llama / Hepatopancreatic duct of llama

La estructura de las vísceras y glándulas anexas del aparato digestivo de los camélidos sudamericanos, muestran diferencias morfológicas con relación a otros rumiantes. Los estudios macroscópicos realizados, nos permitieron observar que en los camélidos sudamericanos la ampolla duodenal y el conducto hepatopancreático (CHP) presentan características particulares que le confieren una marcada diferencia con los bovinos domésticos, al presentar una desembocadura común de ambos conductos. Los estudios se realizaron mediante técnicas histológicas de rutina y por medio de histoquímica de lectinas. El conducto biliar se une al pancreático a unos 3 cm del duodeno, formando el CHP que desemboca sobre el duodeno en el pliegue duodenal, bien visible, con dirección caudal a favor del tránsito intestinal, recorriendo 2 cm por dentro de la mucosa intestinal. Presenta un orificio terminal en forma de bisel, ubicado a unos 40 cm del píloro. No se observa conducto pancreático accesorio. El CHP se halla tapizado por epitelio cilíndroco simple, sin células caliciformes. Sobre el pliegue duodenal se observa mayor desarrollo glandular, aumentando su espesor. El epitelio cilíndrico es más alto, más acidófilo y se invagina formando glándulas rodeadas de tejido conectivo. Las glándulas son tubulares con células acidófilas y basófilas, ricas en mucopolisacáridos. Para caracterizar los glicoconjugados, se utilizó una batería de siete lectinas (con A, UEA-1, SBA, DBA, PNA, RCA-1, WGA). En las células epiteliales de la mucosa, los glucoconjugados más destacados presentes son la N-acetilglucosamina y N-acetilgalactosamina dado que dieron marcada reactividad con las lectinas WGA y SBA. La N-acetilglucosamina y N-acetilgalactosamina son aminoazúcares que suelen encontrarse como carbohidratos estructurales. En las glándulas de la mucosa del CHP se observó que las células presentan N-acetilgalactosamina y en menor proporción N-glucosamina

Extracorporeal circulation does not induce intra-alveolar release of Endothelin 1, but only a modest overproduction in pulmonary circulation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether ECC may produce regional liberation of inflammatory mediators capable of inducing vascular effects and organ damage. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Comparative study [corrected]. SETTING: Cardiac surgery department in a University hospital. PATIENTS: Fifteen patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, group A) and ten patients operated for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (controls, group B) have been studied. MEASURES: Levels of Interleukin 1beta (IL1), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF), Interleukin 6 (IL6), and Endothelin 1 (ET1) were measured in pulmonary capillary, arterial, and venous blood and in bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) before, during and after extracorporeal circulation (ECC) or surgical intervention. RESULTS: TNF-alpha (never >35 pg/ml) and IL1beta (range 20-300 pg/ml) values did not change over time for both groups. IL6 concentrations in all samples of group A increased between five and twenty fold, during and after ECC (from 3-5 pg/ml up to 240 pg/ml, p<0.001). This trend was similar in controls after surgical stress. Endothelin 1 was always undetectable in the BAL fluid, with a modest, but significant increase in pulmonary capillary blood of group A, after ECC, (from 11+/-4 pg/ml to 18+/-5 pg/ml, p<0.001). This increment correlated well with the PVR increase, but was transient and after 24 hours, ET1 values returned to baseline levels. Mean values of ET1 increased also in controls, but not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: ECC may induce ET1 liberation in pulmonary circulation with transient pulmonary vasoconstriction, but wihout intra-alveolar release, or lung damage. Augmented concentrations of IL6 probably express a response to surgical procedure rather than an effect exclusively related to ECC.