Hydrothermal synthesis of a photocatalyst based on Byrsonima crassifolia and TiO2 for degradation of crystal violet by UV and visible radiation.

This work presents a one-step synthesis methodology for preparing a hydrochar (HC) doped with TiO2 (HC-TiO2) for its application on the degradation of crystal violet (CV) using UV and visible radiation. Byrsonima crassifolia stones were used as precursors along with TiO2 particles. The HC-TiO2 sample was synthesized at 210 °C for 9 h using autogenous pressure. The photocatalyst was characterized to evaluate the TiO2 dispersion, specific surface area, graphitization degree, and band-gap value. Finally, the degradation of CV was investigated by varying the operating conditions of the system, the reuse of the catalyst, and the degradation mechanism. The physicochemical characterization of the HC-TiO2 composite showed good dispersion of TiO2 in the carbonaceous particle. The presence of TiO2 on the hydrochar surface yields a bandgap value of 1.17 eV, enhancing photocatalyst activation with visible radiation. The degradation results evidenced a synergistic effect with both types of radiation due to the hybridized π electrons in the sp2-hybridized structures in the HC surface. The degradation percentages were on average 20% higher using UV radiation than visible radiation under the following conditions: [CV] = 20 mg/L, 1 g/L of photocatalyst load, and pH = 7.0. The reusability experiments demonstrated the feasibility of reusing the HC-TiO2 material up to 5 times with a similar photodegradation percentage. Finally, the results indicated that the HC-TiO2 composite could be considered an efficient material for the photocatalytic treatment of water contaminated with CV.

A decreased expression of interferon stimulated genes in peri-implantation endometrium of embryo transfer recipient sows could contribute to embryo death.

Pig pregnancy succeeds thanks to a well-coordinated system ruling both maternal immune activation and embryonic antigen tolerance. In physiological pregnancies, the maternal immune system should tolerate the presence of hemi-allogeneic conceptuses from the pre-implantation phase to term, while maintaining maternal defence against pathogens. Allogeneic pregnancies, as after embryo transfer (ET), depict high embryo mortality during the attachment phase, calling for studies of the dynamic modifications in immune processes occurring at the maternal-foetal interface, for instance, of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs). These ISGs are generally activated by IFN secreted by the conceptus during the process of maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) and responsible for recruiting immune cells to the site of embryo attachment, thus facilitating cell-antigen presentation and angiogenesis. We performed RNA-Seq analysis in peri-implantation (days 18 and 24) endometrial samples retrieved from artificially inseminated sows (hemi-allogeneic embryos (HAL) group) or sows subjected to ET (allogeneic embryos (AL) group) to monitor alterations of gene expression that could be jeopardising early pregnancy. Our results showed that endometrial gene expression patterns related to immune responses differed between hemi- or allogeneic embryo presence, with allogeneic embryos apparently inducing conspicuous modifications of immune-related genes and pathways. A decreased expression (P < 0.05; FC < -2) of several interferon ISGs, such as CXCL8, CXCL10, IRF1, IRF9, STAT1, and B2M, among others was detected in the endometrium of sows carrying allogeneic embryos on day 24 of pregnancy. This severe downregulation of ISGs in allogeneic pregnancies could represent a failure of ET-embryos to signal IFN to the endometrium to warrant the development of adequate immunotolerance mechanisms to facilitate embryo development, thus contributing to elevated embryo death.

Prognostic importance of DNA from human papillomavirus in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is generally low, with the likelihood of locoregional recurrence or disease progression (LR/DP). Knowledge of prognostic factors for survival is key to achieving an understanding and increased survival. The present study aimed to identify prognostic factors for patients with OSCC, especially the presence of DNA from human papillomavirus (HPV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including 119 patients with OSCC treated at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico City (2009-2013). Clinical information was obtained from patient records including LR/DP. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues were obtained and used for detecting DNA from different types of HPV. Potential prognostic factors for Overall Survival (OS) were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: After model adjustment, factors associated with longer OS were a pre-treatment platelet count above 400,000/mm3 (HR=0.09, p=0.026) and response to primary treatment (HR=0.26, p=0.001). HPV DNA was present in 23 (19.3%) of the patients and importantly, type 16 found in 19 of them. Although survival of HPV-positive patients was longer, difference was not significant. However, among patients with LR/DP, HPV positivity was significantly associated with increased survival (HR=0.23, p=0.034). Importantly, survival was significantly different for HPV-positive patients with LR/DP > 6 months (HR=0.20, p=0.002), had higher absolute lymphocyte count at start of treatment (HR=0.50, p=0.028) or had local rescue treatment (HR=0.24, p=0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Although HPV positivity was not associated with a longer OS of OSCC patients, a better prognosis was significantly associated with HPV positivity and recurring or progressing disease, particularly with HPV type 16.

H2A.Z overexpression suppresses senescence and chemosensitivity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most intractable and devastating malignant tumors. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone modification regulate tumor initiation and progression. However, the contribution of histone variants in PDAC is unknown. Here, we demonstrated that the histone variant H2A.Z is highly expressed in PDAC cell lines and PDAC patients and that its overexpression correlates with poor prognosis. Moreover, all three H2A.Z isoforms (H2A.Z.1, H2A.Z.2.1, and H2A.Z.2.2) are highly expressed in PDAC cell lines and PDAC patients. Knockdown of these H2A.Z isoforms in PDAC cell lines induces a senescent phenotype, cell cycle arrest in phase G2/M, increased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor CDKN2A/p16, SA-ß-galactosidase activity and interleukin 8 production. Transcriptome analysis of H2A.Z-depleted PDAC cells showed altered gene expression in fatty acid biosynthesis pathways and those that regulate cell cycle and DNA damage repair. Importantly, depletion of H2A.Z isoforms reduces the tumor size in a mouse xenograft model in vivo and sensitizes PDAC cells to gemcitabine. Overexpression of H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2.1 more than H2A.Z.2.2 partially restores the oncogenic phenotype. Therefore, our data suggest that overexpression of H2A.Z isoforms enables cells to overcome the oncoprotective barrier associated with senescence, favoring PDAC tumor grow and chemoresistance. These results make H2A.Z a potential candidate as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PDAC.

The role of semen and seminal plasma in inducing large-scale genomic changes in the female porcine peri-ovulatory tract.

Semen modifies the expression of genes related to immune function along the porcine female internal genital tract. Whether other pathways are induced by the deposition of spermatozoa and/or seminal plasma (SP), is yet undocumented. Here, to determine their relative impact on the uterine and tubal transcriptomes, microarray analyses were performed on the endocervix, endometrium and endosalpinx collected from pre-ovulatory sows 24 h after either mating or artificial insemination (AI) with specific ejaculate fractions containing spermatozoa or sperm-free SP. After enrichment analysis, we found an overrepresentation of genes and pathways associated with sperm transport and binding, oxidative stress and cell-to-cell recognition, such as PI3K-Akt, FoxO signaling, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis and cAMP-related transcripts, among others. Although semen (either after mating or AI) seemed to have the highest impact along the entire genital tract, our results demonstrate that the SP itself also modifies the transcriptome. The detected modifications of the molecular profiles of the pre/peri-ovulatory endometrium and endosalpinx suggest an interplay for the survival, transport and binding of spermatozoa through, for instance the up-regulation of the Estrogen signaling pathway associated with attachment and release from the oviductal reservoir.

Significant differences in access to tests and treatments for multiple myeloma between public and private systems in Latin America. Results of a Latin American survey. GELAMM (Grupo de Estudio Latino Americano de Mieloma Múltiple).

The incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) has increased in the last 20 years, particularly in middle and low-middle income countries. Access to diagnostic and prognostic tests and the availability of effective care is highly variable globally. Latin America represents 10% of the world population, distributed in countries of varied size, population, and socio-economic development. In the last decade, great improvements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of MM. Applying these advances in real life is a challenge in our region. Local data regarding MM standards of care and outcomes are limited. A survey was carried out among hematologists from 15 Latin American countries to describe access to MM diagnostic and prognostic tests and the availability of effective care options. This study provides real-world data for MM in our region, highlighting striking differences between public and private access to essential analyses and therapeutic options.

Hematoma esofágico espontáneo: a propósito de un caso / Spontaneous esophagic hematoma: about a case

El dolor torácico es un motivo frecuente de consulta en los servicios de urgencias, sin embargo, el hematoma esofágico es una causa muy poco frecuente. Se manifiesta más frecuentemente en mujeres de edad media y avanzada, con una triada de dolor torácico súbito, disfagia u odinofagia y hematemesis. Presentamos un caso de una mujer de 89 años con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial en tratamiento, usuaria de antihipertensivos y aspirina, con una historia de dos días de evolución de dolor retroesternal, sensación febril, disnea y tos productiva secundario a un hematoma esofágico.

Thoracic pain is a frequent reason for consultation in the emergency department, however, esophageal hematoma is a very rare cause. It manifests more commonly in women of middle and advanced age, with a triad of sudden chest pain, dysphagia or odynophagia and hematemesis. We present a case of a 89 years old female patient, with a history of arterial hypertension in treatment, user of antihypertensive drugs and aspirin with a two day history of retrosternal pain, febrile sensation, dyspnea and productive cough due to a esophageal hematoma.

Fluid intake of children, adolescents and adults in Indonesia: results of the 2016 Liq.In7 national cross-sectional survey.

PURPOSE: To report daily total fluid intake (TFI) and fluid types in Indonesia according to age, sex, socio-economic status (SES) and geographic region, and compare TFI with the Indonesian adequate fluid intake (AI) recommendations. METHODS: Data were collected in 32 cities over nine regions from children (4-9 years, n = 388), adolescents, (10-17 years, n = 478) and adults (18-65 years, n = 2778) using a fluid intake 7-day record (Liq.In7); socio-economic status was also recorded. The 7-day mean TFIs were compared with the AI of water set by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. RESULTS: Total median fluid intakes for all age groups exceeded 2000 mL/day. At population level, TFI was associated with household income (P < 0.001), education (P < 0.001) and Indonesian geographical regions (P < 0.001). More than 67% of participants met the AI of water from fluids. A higher percentage of children and adolescents met the AI (78 and 80%, respectively), compared with adults (72%). Drinking water was the main contributor to TFI in all age groups (76-81%). Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) were consumed by 62% children, 72% adolescents and 61% of adults. An SSB intake ≥ 1 serving per day was observed for 24% children, 41% adolescents and 33% adults. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of the population drank enough to meet the AI of water from fluids. Water was the most frequently consumed drink; however, many participants consumed at least one serving of SSB per day. This study provides data to help direct targeted intervention programs.

Fluid intake in urban China: results of the 2016 Liq.In 7 national cross-sectional surveys.

PURPOSE: To describe total fluid intake (TFI) and types of fluid consumed in urban China by age, gender, regions and city socioeconomic status relative to the adequate intakes (AI) set by the Chinese Nutrition Society. METHODS: In 2016, participants aged 4-9, 10-17 and 18-55 years were recruited via a door-to-door approach in 27 cities in China. In total, 2233 participants were included. The volumes and sources of TFI were collected using the Liq.In 7 record, assisted by a photographic booklet of standard fluid containers. RESULTS: The mean daily TFI among children, adolescents and adults were 966, 1177 and 1387 mL, respectively. In each age group, TFI was significantly higher in male vs female (981 vs 949, 1240 vs 1113, 1442 vs 1332; mL). Approximately 45, 36 and 28% of children, adolescents and adults reached the AI. Although plain water was the highest contributor to TFI, the contribution of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) was ranked in the top three together with water and milk and derivatives. Approximately 27, 48 and 47% of children, adolescents and adults consumed more than one serving of SSB per day, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A relatively large proportion of participants did not drink enough to meet the AI in urban China. Many children, adolescents and adults consumed more than one serving of SSB per day. A majority of children, adolescents and adults in the study population do not meet both quantitative and qualitative fluid intake requirements, and signal socioeconomic disparities.

Fluid intake of Latin American adults: results of four 2016 Liq.In7 national cross-sectional surveys.

PURPOSE: To report total fluid intake (TFI) and the intake of different fluid types in adults (≥ 18 years old) from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. To compare intakes between countries and with recommended adequate intake (AI) of water from fluids. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected using a validated liquid intake 7-day record (Liq.In 7 ) in populations from Argentina (n = 1089), Brazil (n = 477), Mexico (n = 1677) and Uruguay (n = 554). Population characteristics, including age, gender, body mass index and socioeconomic level were recorded. Mean TFI was compared with the AI of water from fluids set by the USA Institute of Medicine. RESULTS: The lowest TFI was recorded in Mexican women (1748 mL/day) and the highest in Argentinean men (2318 mL/day). Median daily TFI was significantly different between countries; Uruguay and Argentina had higher values than Mexico and Brazil. In the former, plain water contributed to only 25% of TFI, the remainder being predominantly from hot beverages. Approximately, a third of adults did not drink enough fluid to meet the recommended AI. High SSB consumption was reported, which was significantly different between countries (p < 0.05), the highest being in Mexico (median 25-75th percentiles): 531 (300-895 mL/day. CONCLUSIONS: This survey highlights the need to increase water consumption and reduce SSB intake in this region to avoid potential associated health risks. These findings may be useful information in monitoring public health policy strategies.

Silica coated iron nanoparticles: synthesis, interface control, magnetic and hyperthermia properties.

This work provides a detailed study on the synthesis and characterization of silica coated iron nanoparticles (NPs) by coupling Transmission Electronic Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and magnetic measurements. Remarkably, iron NPs (of 9 nm of mean diameter) have been embedded in silica without any alteration of the magnetization of the iron cores, thanks to an original protocol of silica coating in non alcoholic medium. Tuning the synthesis parameters (concentration of reactants and choice of solvent), different sizes of Fe@SiO2 composites can be obtained with different thicknesses of silica. The magnetization of these objects is fully preserved after 24 h of water exposure thanks to a thick (14 nm) silica layer, opening thus new perspectives for biomedical applications. Hyperthermia measurements have been compared between Fe and Fe@SiO2 NPs, evidencing the self-organization of the free Fe NPs when a large amplitude magnetic field is applied. This phenomenon induces an increase of heating power which is precluded when the Fe cores are immobilised in silica. High-frequency hysteresis loop measurements allowed us to observe for the first time the increase of the ferrofluid susceptibility and remanence which are the signature of the formation of Fe NPs chains.

Influencia de determinantes de género en la anticoncepción de estudiantes de Enfermería y Obstetricia mexicanas / Influence of gender determinants on anticonception among Mexican Nursing and Obstetrics students / Influência de determinantes de gênero na anticoncepção de estudantes de Enfermagem e Obstetrícia Mexicanas

Objetivo: Analizar la influencia de los determinantes de género en la anticoncepción de estudiantes de Enfermería y Obstetricia de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Método: Estudio observacional analítico con enfoque cuantitativo. Se administró el cuestionario COGANT, anónimo, voluntario y autocumplimentado de forma digital. Muestreo no probabilístico, incidental. Se incluyó a todas las estudiantes mujeres que aceptaron participar en el estudio de forma voluntaria, matriculadas en la asignatura de Obstetricia I de la Escuela Nacional de Enfermería y Obstetricia de la UNAM (n = 121). Análisis descriptivo de la media, desviación típica, rango y mediana de la puntuación total. Análisis factorial y test de normalidad de K-S. Se analizaron las puntuaciones obtenidas en cada ítem mediante porcentajes utilizando SPSS v. 23. Resultados: La puntuación media del cuestionario fue 58.68, DT 8.39, rango 43-87. En este estudio se comprobó que el eje central de la relación de pareja ya no es la maternidad. No se encontró gran influencia de los condicionantes de género en la salud reproductiva de las alumnas, predominó la autonomía y una actitud más igualitaria. Sin embargo, persisten algunos estereotipos de género, como la actitud pasiva o sumisa de las mujeres y un rol de género inseguro. Conclusiones: Desde las universidades los estudiantes de Enfermería deben capacitarse en salud sexual y reproductiva con perspectiva de género para que, al involucrarse después como profesionales de enfermería en la educación sexual integral de adolescentes, promuevan la igualdad de género y normas sociales equitativas e influyan sobre la conducta sexual más segura, ya que aplaza el inicio de las relaciones sexuales y aumenta el uso de los preservativos.

Objective: To analyze the influence which gender determinants have on Nursing and Obstetrics students of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Method: This is an analytic observational study with a quantitative focus. The COGANT questionnaire was digitally offered to be voluntarily and anonymously completed. Sampling was non-probabilistic and incidental. The sample was constituted by n = 121 women students from the Obstetrics I course who voluntarily decided to participate. A descriptive analysis which included mean, typical deviation, range, and median calculation from the total scores was carried out. A factorial analysis and a K-S normality test were performed. SPSS v. 23 was used. Results: The median score in the questionnaire was 58.68, TD =8.39, range =43 to 87. The findings suggested that maternity is no longer the main core of the couple relationship. Gender conditions were not found to be highly influential on the students' reproductive health. An autonomous and equalitarian attitude prevailed among; nevertheless, some gender stereotypes such as passive or submissive attitude and an uncertain gender role still prevailed among some students. Conclusions: Within universities, nursing students should train and strengthen their sexual and reproductive health under a gender perspective so that they can also project, and promote, gender equalitarian social norms which can foster safe health behaviors including the use of preservatives and an older age of sexual relations initiation.

Objetivo: Analisar a influência dos determinantes de género na anticoncepção de estudantes de Enfermagem e Obstetrícia da Universidade Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Método: Estudo observacional analítico com enfoque quantitativo. Administrou-se o questionário COGANT, anónimo, voluntário e auto oferecido de forma digital. Amostragem não probabilística, incidental. Incluíram-se todas as estudantes mulheres que aceitaram participar no estudo de forma voluntaria, matriculadas na disciplina de Obstetrícia I da Escola Nacional de Enfermagem e Obstetrícia da UNAM, corresponderam a uma n = 121. Análise descritiva da média, desvio típico, faixa e media da pontuação total. Análise fatorial e teste de normalidade de K-S. Analisaram-se as pontuações obtidas em cada item mediante porcentagens utilizando SPSS v. 23. Resultados: A pontuação média do questionário foi 58.68, DT 8.39, faixa 43-87. Neste estudo comprovou-se que o eixo central da relação do casal já não é a maternidade. Não se encontrou grande influência das condicionantes de género na saúde reprodutiva das alunas, predominou a autonomia e uma atitude mais igualitária. Porém, persistem alguns estereótipos de género como a atitude passiva ou submissa das mulheres e um rolo de género inseguro. Conclusões: Desde as universidades os estudantes de Enfermagem devem capacitar-se na saúde sexual e reprodutiva com perspectiva de género, para que ao envolver-se depois como profissionais de enfermagem na educação sexual integral de adolescentes, promovam a igualdade de género e normas sociais equitativas e influenciem sobre uma conduta sexual mais segura, já que adia o início das relações sexuais e aumenta o uso dos preservativos.

Stallion spermatozoa surviving freezing and thawing experience membrane depolarization and increased intracellular Na.

In order to gain insight of the modifications that freezing and thawing cause to the surviving population of spermatozoa, changes in the potential of the plasma membrane (Em) and intracellular Na+ content of stallion spermatozoa were investigated using flow cytometry. Moreover, caspase 3 activity was also investigated and the functionality of the Na+ -K+ ATPase pump was investigated before and after freezing and thawing. Cryopreservation caused a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the subpopulation of spermatozoa with depolarized sperm membranes, concomitantly with an increase (p < 0.05) in intracellular Na+ . These changes occurred in relation to activation of caspase 3 (p < 0.001). Cryopreservation reduced the activity of the Na-K+ pump and inhibition of the Na+ -K+ ATPase pump with ouabain-induced caspase 3 activation. It is concluded that inactivation of Na+ -K+ ATPase occurs during cryopreservation, an inhibition that could play a role explaining the accelerated senescence of the surviving population of spermatozoa.

Peroxidized mineral oil increases the oxidant status of culture media and inhibits in vitro porcine embryo development.

The use of oils with undetected alterations is a long-recognized problem for in vitro embryo production systems. Since peroxides in oils have been associated with reduced embryo production outcomes, our goals were (1) to evaluate the effects of a batch of mineral oil (MO) that was suspected to be altered on the in vitro production of pig embryos and (2) to determine oil peroxide values throughout culture and the transfer of oxidant agents from oil to culture media. Sunflower oil, which has a completely different chemical composition than MO but a higher oxidative status, and unaltered MO were used as controls. Oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryo development were affected differently depending on the oil overlay used. While the suspected MO was not able to sustain in vitro maturation and fertilization, the oocytes incubated in the presence of sunflower oil were matured and fertilized similarly to those of the unaltered MO group. Moreover, the cleavage rate of presumed zygotes cultured under the suspected MO was severely reduced compared with those cultured under the other oils, and none of the cleaved embryos developed to the blastocyst stage. Although the cleavage rates in the sunflower oil and unaltered MO groups were similar, embryos cultured under sunflower oil also failed to develop to the blastocyst stage. Our results revealed that the suspected MO and sunflower oil had similar levels of peroxides and that these levels were much higher than those of the unaltered MO. The total oxidant status was higher in media incubated under peroxidized oils than in fresh media or media incubated without an oil overlay or under unaltered MO, indicating that oxidant agents were transferred to the incubation media. However, unlike the sunflower oil group, the culture media incubated under the suspected MO had high levels of total oxidant status and low levels of hydrogen peroxide and reactive oxygen species, suggesting the presence of other unknown oxidant agents in that oil. These results indicate that a peroxidized MO overlay dramatically decreases embryo production outcomes. This decrease could be associated with the higher peroxide values of the oil but cannot be explained by the levels of hydrogen peroxide and reactive oxygen species transferred from the oil to the culture media. It is likely that different oxidant agent(s) and/or other toxic compounds present in the peroxidized MO are responsible for its damaging effects on oocytes and embryos.

Caracterización clínica del loxoscelismo dermonecrótico en equinos de córdoba, colombia / Clinical characterization of dermonecrotic loxoscelism in equine of Córdoba, Colombia / Caracterização clínica da loxoscelismo dermonecrótica em equinos de Córdoba, Colômbia

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las características clínicas del loxoscelismo dermonecrótico (LDN) en equinos del departamento de Córdoba, Colombia. El estudio, fue de tipo descriptivo, no probabilístico, las muestra fueron seleccionadas por conveniencia. Se utilizaron nueve caballos criollos (Equus ferus caballus) y dos burros (Equus asinus africanus) con LDN diagnosticados clínica e histopatológicamente en diferentes producciones del Departamento. Al describir las lesiones cutáneas, éstas se caracterizaron por la presencia de una severa dermatitis necrótica, con edema y un área eritematosa focal, al detallar el área lesionada, se observó un punto necrótico central y dos halos alrededor (un halo blanco medial y un halo violáceo más externo) en la mayoría de los casos estudiados; así como ausencia de signos neurológicos y sistémicos. Las lesiones se ubicaron en la mayoría de los casos a nivel dorsal, seguido de la región rostral, pecho y pene. Histopatológicamente en la coloración de Hematoxilina Eosina (H&E), se observó severa dermatitis piogranulomatosa, con marcada infiltración de polimorfonucleares especialmente neutrófilos, con vacuolización de la capa basal de la epidermis y edema en la unión dermo-epidérmica. El diagnóstico definitivo de LDN en los 11 animales estudiados, se fundamentó en las manifestaciones clínicas observadas, las características anatomopatológicas de las lesiones y los resultados histopatológicos. El presente informe constituye el primer reporte de LDN en el Departamento de Córdoba, ya que no se encontraron reportes en la literatura consultada.

Abstract The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical aspects of dermonecrotic loxoscelism (LDN) in horses department of Cordoba, Colombia. This study was descriptive, not probabilistic, in animals of convenience. Nine horses (Equus ferus caballus) and 2 donkeys (Equus asinus africanus) were used with LDN diagnosed clinically and histopathologically in different productions of the Department. When describing the skin lesions, these were characterized by the presence of severe necrotic dermatitis, with edema and a focal erythematous area, when detailing the injured area, a central necrotic spot and two halos around it (a medial white halo and a halo Violet) in most of the cases studied; As well as absence of neurological and systemic signs. The lesions were located in most cases at the dorsal level, followed by the rostral region, chest and penis. Histopathologically in the staining of Hematoxylin Eosin (H & E), severe piogranulomatous dermatitis was observed, with marked infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells especially neutrophils, with vacuolization of the basal layer of the epidermis and edema in the dermo-epidermal junction. The definitive diagnosis of LDN in the 11 animals studied was based on the clinical manifestations observed, the anatomopathological characteristics of the lesions and the histopathological results. The present report constitutes the first LDN report in the Department of Córdoba, since no reports were found in the consulted literature.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os aspectos clínicos da loxoscelismo dermonecrótica (LDN) em equinos de Córdoba, Colômbia. Este estudo foi descritivo, não probabilístico, em animais de conveniência. Foram usados 9 cavalos (Equus ferus caballus) e 2 jumentos (Equus asinus africanus) com LDN clinicamente e histologicamente diagnosticado no Departamento diferentes produções. Ao descrever as lesões da pele, que foram caracterizados pela presença de dermatite necrotizante grave, edema e focal área eritematosa, detalhando a área lesionada, um ponto necrótico central e dois halos foram observados em torno de (halo branco medial e halo mais exterior) violáceo, na maioria dos casos estudados; e ausência de sinais neurológicos e sistémicas. As lesões foram localizados na maioria dos casos ao nível dorsal, seguida da rostral, peito e do pénis. Foi observada histologicamente em hematoxilina-eosina (H & E), dermatite piogranulomatosa grave, com infiltração acentuada de neutrófilos polimorfonucleares especialmente com vacuolização da camada basal da epiderme e edema na junção dermo-epidérmica. O diagnóstico definitivo da LDN nos 11 animais estudados foi baseado nas manifestações clínicas observadas, características histopatológicas de lesões e os resultados histopatológicos. O presente relatório constitui o primeiro relatório LDN no Departamento de Córdoba, uma vez que não foram encontrados relatórios na literatura consultada.

Statistical analysis of corn consumption for improved mycotoxin exposure estimates for the population of Veracruz City, Mexico.

Corn consumption was evaluated in the population of Veracruz City, Mexico, through two different dietary intake questionnaires. The selection of 300 sampling locations was completely random. The population was segregated into gender and age categories. A daily consumption questionnaire was used to determine the consumption of corn tortillas and a frequency questionnaire to determine the consumption of other corn products. A book of photographs was used to adjust criteria on the size of the portions of corn products and a probability distribution was built of the weight and content of corn for tortillas. Probability density functions (PDFs) were used to describe the consumption of each corn product. Men and those between 14 and 65 years old have the highest consumption of tortillas. Tortillas, antojitos, tacos and chilaquiles are the products that provide the largest amount of corn to the Veracruz people's diet. Even though these products are nixtamalisated, there is evidence that after a thermo-alkaline process some contaminants such as mycotoxins (like aflatoxin, which is a mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic toxin) could be present in high concentrations. These results highlight the need to characterise the consumption of one of the main foods included in dietary staple in Mexico as a first step for a probabilistic risk assessment.

Factors of importance when selecting sows as embryo donors.

The improvement in porcine embryo preservation and non-surgical embryo transfer (ET) procedures achieved in recent years represents essential progress for the practical use of ET in the pig industry. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of parity, weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) and season on reproductive and embryonic parameters at day 6 after insemination of donor sows superovulated after weaning. The selection of donor sows was based on their reproductive history, body condition and parity. The effects of parity at weaning (2 to 3, 4 to 5 or 6 to 7 litters), season (fall, winter and spring), and WEI (estrus within 3 to 4 days), and their interactions on the number of corpus luteum, cysts in sows with cysts, number and quality of viable and transferable embryos, embryo developmental stage and recovery and fertilization rates were evaluated using linear mixed effects models. The analyses showed a lack of significant effects of parity, season, WEI or their interactions on any of the reproductive and embryonic parameters examined. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that fertilization rates and numbers of viable and transferable embryos collected at day 6 of the cycle from superovulated donor sows are not affected by their parity, regardless of the time of the year (from fall to spring) and WEI (3 or 4 days).

Immunolocalization of E-cadherin and ß-catenin in the cyclic and early pregnant canine endometrium.

Putative changes in E-cadherin and ß-catenin during implantation in dogs are of interest to study, as they are relevant proteins for epithelial integrity. E-cadherin and ß-catenin were immunolocalized in the canine endometrium during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, using monoclonal antibodies. Both proteins were detected in all types of endometrial epithelia (surface epithelium [SE], superficial glandular, and deep glandular epithelia) at all stages of the estrous cycle and in early placental structures. E-cadherin depicted a gradient of intensity apparently being lowest in the SE to progressively increase toward the deepness of the endometrial glands, regardless of the stage of estrous cycle. The overall immunostaining was, however, weaker at diestrus. In pregnant samples, the trophoblast was conspicuously immunolabeled compared with the endometrial surface lining epithelium. In the latter, the cytoplasmic pattern predominated over the membrane-bound, as was also seen in the decidual cells of the placental labyrinth. In the early placenta, only trophoblast cells and lacunae retained membrane signals. ß-Catenin membrane labeling appeared relatively constant throughout the cycle, although a tendency toward a decrease in intensity was detected at the secretory stages. In addition, a dislocation of the immunoreaction from membrane to the cytoplasm was observed in both the SE and the glandular epithelia at particular stages of the cycle. In early pregnancy, a loss of the membranous pattern was observed in the SE and labyrinth, but neither on trophoblast nor in lacunae. The results show the existence of a softening of the adherens junctional complex in progestagen-dominated stages favoring embryo-maternal interactions and endometrial invasion during canine implantation.

Genotyping of feline leukemia virus in Mexican housecats.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus with variable rates of infection globally. DNA was obtained from cats' peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and proviral DNA of pol and env genes was detected using PCR. Seventy-six percent of cats scored positive for FeLV using env-PCR; and 54 %, by pol-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of both regions identified sequences that correspond to a group that includes endogenous retroviruses. They form an independent branch and, therefore, a new group of endogenous viruses. Cat gender, age, outdoor access, and cohabitation with other cats were found to be significant risk factors associated with the disease. This strongly suggests that these FeLV genotypes are widely distributed in the studied feline population in Mexico.