Melatonin expression in periodontitis and obesity: An experimental in-vivo investigation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Melatonin deficiency has been associated with obesity and systemic inflammation. This study aims to evaluate whether melatonin could interfere with the mechanisms of co-morbidity linking obesity and periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided in 4 groups: control group (Con) (fed with standard diet); high-fat diet group (HFD) (fed with a diet containing 35.2% fat); Con group with induced periodontitis (Con-Perio) and HFD group with induced periodontitis (HFD-Perio). To induce periodontitis, the method of oral gavages with Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC W83K1 and Fusobacterium nucleatum DMSZ 20482 was used. Circulating melatonin levels were analyzed by multiplex immunoassays. Periodontitis was assessed by alveolar bone loss (micro-computed tomography and histology) and by surrogate inflammatory outcomes (periodontal pocket depth, modified gingival index and plaque dental index). RESULTS: Plasma melatonin levels were significantly decreased (P < .05) in the obese rats with periodontitis when compared with controls or with either obese or periodontitis rats. Alveolar bone loss increased 27.71% (2.28 µm) in HFD-Perio group compared with the Con group. The histological analysis showed marked periodontal tissue destruction with osteoclast activity, particularly in the HFD-Perio group. A significant negative correlation (P < .05) was found between periodontal pocket depth, modified gingival index and circulating melatonin levels. CONCLUSION: Obese and periodontitis demonstrated significantly lower melatonin concentrations when compared with controls, but in obese rats with periodontitis these concentrations were even significantly lower when compared with either periodontitis or obese rats. These results may indicate that melatonin deficiency could be a key mechanism explaining the co-morbidity effect in the association between obesity and periodontitis.

Results of uncemented hemiarthroplasty as primary treatment of severe proximal humerus fractures in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze functional and radiologic results of a consecutive series of elderly patients who underwent uncemented hemiarthroplasty as primary treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with severe proximal humerus fracture (three or four fragments and three- or four-fragment fracture dislocations) were treated with uncemented proximal humerus hemiarthroplasty. Patients were evaluated using the Constant-Murley Score, the Quick scale Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) Score, range of motion, residual pain, radiographic parameters, and complications including clinical and radiologic data of mobilization. RESULTS: After a mean postoperative period of 20.57 months (range 12-42 months), the mean Constant-Murley Score was 44 points (20-57), the mean Quick-DASH score was 24 points (16-39), postoperative pain according to a mean visual analogue scale was 1 (0-8), active abduction was 50° (30-135), and active flexion 70° (20-120). There were no cases of infection, deep vein thrombosis, dislocation, blood transfusions, or reoperation because of prosthetic loosening. Bivariate analysis of demographic data, radiologic findings, and other variables showed associations between duration of surgery and a higher Quick-DASH score (0.606; p = 0.037), and the number of sessions of rehabilitation with a higher Quick-DASH score (0.708; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The results of treatment of severe proximal humerus fractures in the elderly with an uncemented hemiarthroplasty are safe and promising; however, a comparative cohort study (cemented vs. uncemented) and long-term follow-up are still needed.

Comparative study of biomodels manufactured using 3D printing techniques for surgical planning and medical training.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain 3D printed bone models with a haptic sensation similar to that of the real bone, which will help the surgeon to learn and improve based on practice. METHODS: From computed tomography, 3 digital anatomical models of the human proximal femur were created and, by modifying the printing parameters, both cortical and trabecular tissues were simulated, which were combined in a different cortico-cancellous interface depending on the bone segment. The 3 equivalent models obtained were compared with a commercial Sawbone synthetic model and subjected to a series of blind surgical practice trials performed by 5 TOC specialists from a hospital, each of them with different degrees of expertise. A statistical analysis of the qualitative data collected based on the Wilcoxon test, the Spearman correlation matrix, and the Validity Ratio Coefficient was performed. RESULTS: The deviations observed in the dimensional study are less than 0.2 millimeter, which confirms the validity of the 3DP-FFF technology to geometrically recreate personalized biomodels with high anatomical precision. CONCLUSIONS: The reproductions obtained have given rise to a reliable method that professionals can refine to plan operations with the consequent reduction of time and risks for the patient, as well as for medical training.

Common and well-documented HLA alleles: 2012 update to the CWD catalogue.

We have updated the catalogue of common and well-documented (CWD) human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles to reflect current understanding of the prevalence of specific allele sequences. The original CWD catalogue designated 721 alleles at the HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQA1, -DQB1, and -DPB1 loci in IMGT (IMmunoGeneTics)/HLA Database release 2.15.0 as being CWD. The updated CWD catalogue designates 1122 alleles at the HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DPA1 and -DPB1 loci as being CWD, and represents 14.3% of the HLA alleles in IMGT/HLA Database release 3.9.0. In particular, we identified 415 of these alleles as being 'common' (having known frequencies) and 707 as being 'well-documented' on the basis of ~140,000 sequence-based typing observations and available HLA haplotype data. Using these allele prevalence data, we have also assigned CWD status to specific G and P designations. We identified 147/151 G groups and 290/415 P groups as being CWD. The CWD catalogue will be updated on a regular basis moving forward, and will incorporate changes to the IMGT/HLA Database as well as empirical data from the histocompatibility and immunogenetics community. This version 2.0.0 of the CWD catalogue is available online at cwd.immunogenomics.org, and will be integrated into the Allele Frequencies Net Database, the IMGT/HLA Database and National Marrow Donor Program's bioinformatics web pages.

Minimally invasive surgery for pediatric dumbbell neuroblastoma: systematic literature review and report of a single-stage neurosurgical and thoracoscopic approach.

INTRODUCTION: Traditional surgical strategies for dumbbell neuroblastoma entail, among others, high risk of spinal deformity. Less invasive procedures might reduce these sequelae, however, there is small evidence comparing different strategies. Indications of minimally invasive surgery in neuroblastoma are still developing. Our aim is to identify and analyze different surgical approaches described in the recent literature and to suggest a minimally invasive option. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted in PubMed (Jan 2000-Dec 2021) to identify reports describing surgical resection of dumbbell neuroblastoma in children, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Only full-text articles were included. RESULTS: 7 articles met the inclusion criteria which, added to the present case, represent a total of 43 patients. All were retrospective studies, most of them small series. Tumor location was mostly thoracic. Most of combined approaches were performed in two stages. Spinal deformity after surgery was reported in 3 patients. Minimally invasive approach was described in only one paper, with no reported cases of its use in a single-stage combined surgery. We also report, to our knowledge, the first single-stage posterior neurosurgical approach combined with thoracoscopy for resection of a dumbbell neuroblastoma in an infant. CONCLUSION: Surgical resection of dumbbell neuroblastomas is challenging. There is no consensus on best surgical approach. Dumbbell tumors should not be considered a contraindication for minimally invasive surgery. A single stage and minimally invasive strategy is proposed.

[Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in the preterm infant: current evidence in diagnosis and treatment]. / Hidrocefalia poshemorrágica asociada a la prematuridad: evidencia disponible diagnóstica y terapéutica.

Intraventricular haemorrhage and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus are the most important neurological complications in preterm infants during the neonatal period. The prevalence of germinal matrix intraventricular haemorrhage widely varies depending on the population of study, but it is in any case increasing due both to the higher incidence of multiple and preterm deliveries as well as the longer survival of preterm infants favoured by recent advances in perinatal care. It is therefore of the utmost convenience to be familiar with the most important clinical evidence regarding this entity. However, the available evidence is often incomplete and piecemeal. The objective of the present review is to summarise the main diagnostic and therapeutic points regarding preterm related posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. The participants of the working-group in Pediatric Neurosurgery of the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery were asked to write these recommendations down. This hopefully represents the first step towards the definition of a clinical guide in the treatment of complications related to periventricular hemorrhage of the preterm infants.

Role of the orthopaedic surgeon in 3D printing: current applications and legal issues for a personalized medicine. / Papel del cirujano ortopédico y traumatólogo en la impresión 3D: aplicaciones actuales y aspectos legales para una medicina personalizada.

3D printing (I3D) is an additive manufacturing technology with a growing interest in medicine and especially in the specialty of orthopaedic surgery and traumatology. There are numerous applications that add value to the personalised treatment of patients: advanced preoperative planning, surgeries with specific tools for each patient, customised orthotic treatments, personalised implants or prostheses and innovative development in the field of bone and cartilage tissue engineering. This paper provides an update on the role that the orthopaedic surgeon and traumatologist plays as a user and prescriber of this technology and a review of the stages required for the correct integration of I3D into the hospital care flow, from the necessary resources to the current legal recommendations.

Analysis of mortality after surgical treatment of periprosthetic distal femur fractures. / Análisis de la mortalidad tras el tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas periprotésicas de fémur distal.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of periprosthetic fractures of the knee is increasing due to the increase in the number of total knee arthroplasties performed, together with population aging. We found few studies that analyze mortality in our setting after surgery. Our objective was to evaluate mortality and survival after surgical treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur in our environment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We conducted a retrospective observational study of a consecutive series of 97 patients surgically treated in our centre for periprosthetic knee fracture between 2007-2015, with a minimum follow-up of 12months. Diverse sociodemographic, clinical and surgical variables were analyzed. A consultation was made to the National Death Index of the Ministry of Health for the analysis of mortality and survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: We reviewed a total of 97 patients with an average age of 75years, of which 86 were women and 11 were men. Of the patients, 50.5% of patients had some comorbidity. The average delay until the intervention was 3.1days. With respect to the treatment, 45 patients were operated by osteosynthesis with plate (49.5%), 40 with intramedullary nail (41.2%) and 9 with revision of the arthroplasty (9.3%). A total of 30 deaths were recorded during the follow-up, with cumulative mortality in the first year, at 3 and at 10 years of 7.2%, 17.5% and 30.9%, respectively, progressively increasing in people over 75years. There was no significant difference in mortality rates with the osteosynthesis method. The main complication was pseudoarthrosis (6.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Periprosthetic knee fractures are associated with high rates of complications and mortality. The patient's age and the lesion itself are non-modifiable factors that can influence mortality after surgery, while other variables such as the type of intervention or surgical delay did not show differences in mortality rates in our study.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 improves biomarkers of metabolic syndrome in mice fed a high-fat diet supplemented with wheat bran.

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of oral administration of probiotic Lactobacillus (L.) fermentum CRL1446, with feruloyl esterase (FE) activity, on metabolic biomarkers and intestinal microbiota of mice with high fat diet-induced Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and supplemented with wheat bran as a source of esterified ferulic acid. Six-week-old male Swiss albino mice developed the components of MS when fed with high fat diet supplemented with wheat bran (HFD + WB) for 14 weeks. Positive impact of L. fermentum CRL1446 administration on these animals was reflected in a decrease in body weight gain and adiposity index compared to the animals that did not receive the probiotic strain. In addition, a decrease in plasma leptin levels, improvement of inflammatory profile, reduction of fatty infiltration in hepatocytes and modification of lipid profile (increased HDL-cholesterol and decreased LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels) were observed. On the other hand, L. fermentum CRL1446 reduced fasting glucose and insulin levels, improving the HOMA index in mice with MS. Postprandial glucose levels were also reduced in the oral glucose tolerance test. Consumption of L. fermentum CRL1446 with HFD + WB (HFD + WB-Lf mice group) had a great impact on host metabolism, modulating intestinal microbiota, with an increase in Bacteroidetes and a decrease in Firmicutes abundance being observed. Increased intestinal FE activity, improved oxidative status and increased abundance of 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid and butyric acid concentration in colonic content, were also demonstrated in HFD + WB-Lf mice. Results obtained suggest that supplementation with L. fermentum CRL1446 enhances beneficial effects of a bran diet, attenuating the risk factors associated with MS.

Surgical treatment of periprosthetic humerus fractures and algorithm. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas periprotésicas de húmero y algoritmo de actuación.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic humerus fractures are infrequent and sometimes difficult to treat. There is limited literature and no consensus on the handling of these fractures. The objective of this study was to compare our results with those published in the literature, in order to improve our care and propose a management algorithm. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational study of 10cases of periprosthetic humerus fractures with a mean follow-up of the patients of 23months. An analysis of sociodemographic, radiological and surgical variables was performed. They were reviewed clinically and by telephone using the UCLA Shoulder Score and Quick-DASH scales. A systematic search was made in Pubmed for periprosthetic humerus fractures, for a literature review with which to compare our series. RESULTS: We analysed 10patients with an average age of 69.4years (37-91). Of the patients, 90% underwent surgery through open reduction and internal fixation. Nine of the ten patients consolidated in a mean time of 6.2months (range 5-12), the remaining suffered a new fracture 5months after the intervention, who were reoperated and a new osteosynthesis performed with bone allograft. In the UCLA scale there was a decrease of 10.66points, and an increase of 27.3points in the Quick-DASH, at the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In our series of cases we found similarities in the literature, in relation to demographic aspects and obtaining good radiographic results, which do not correspond to the functional outcome of patients.

Characterization of cytokine gene expression in uterine cytobrush samples of non-endometritic versus endometritic postpartum dairy cows.

To better understand uterine inflammation in postpartum dairy cows we collected sequential cytobrush samples at 29-35 and at 49-55 d in milk (DIM). Based on the uterine cytology, cows were classified as Non-endometritic (n = 23; <18% neutrophils) or Endometritic (n = 12; ≥18% neutrophils) at 29-35 DIM and Non-endometritic (n = 17; <10% neutrophils) or Endometritic (n = 9; ≥10% neutrophils) at 49-55 DIM. Cows defined as Sham Controls (n = 6) were examined by vaginoscopy at 29-35 DIM and identified as Non-endometritic (<10% neutrophils) at 49-55 DIM. Cytokine gene expression in cytobrush samples was assessed using qRT-PCR. Sham Controls did not differ significantly (P > 0.17) from Non-endometritic cows at 49-55 DIM and these data were combined (n = 23). Uterine cytology-based classification using the aforementioned thresholds effectively separated cows into groups with Endometritic cows having significantly higher expression of pro-inflammatory (interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A CSF-1; P < 0.01) and regulatory (IL-1RA and IL-10; P < 0.03) cytokines, relative to Non-endometritic cows. Furthermore, Non-endometritic cows showed a significant decline (P < 0.03) in the expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8) and regulatory (IL-10) cytokine genes as the postpartum period progressed; whereas Endometritic cows exhibited a sustained elevation in transcript abundance throughout the sample period for both pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokine genes. Expression of transforming growth factor (TGF) genes was more complex with TGF-ß3 expression significantly (P < 0.01) lower at 29-35 DIM and TGF-ß1 gene expression significantly (P < 0.03) increased at 49-55 DIM in Endometritic versus Non-endometritic cows. Expression of TGF-ß2 gene was 2.7-fold higher (P < 0.01) at 29-35 DIM in cows that remained Endometritic when compared to cows recovering by 49-55 DIM. Some Non-endometritic cows (n = 4) at 29-35 DIM were reclassified as Endometritic at 49-55 DIM. The sampling procedures at 29-35 DIM did not alter either the cellular response (P > 0.43) or cytokine gene expression (P > 0.17) at 49-55 DIM. In conclusion, normal uterine involution is characterized by a progressive decline in pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokine gene expression, while cows with endometritis show a dysregulated inflammatory process characterized by a sustained elevation in pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokine gene expression. This analysis also shows that decreased TGF-ß2 gene expression at 29-35 DIM may be an indicator of recovery from endometritis.

Talus fractures. Functional results for polytraumatized patients. / Fracturas de astrágalo. Resultados funcionales en pacientes politraumatizados.

Talar fractures are uncommon lesions (0.1-0.9%) and have a high rate of complications. One of the situations in which a fracture of the talus can occur is in the context of polytrauma which may further compromise the functional prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the functional results in patients with talar fractures whether or not they occurred in the context of polytrauma. Observational study on a retrospective cohort of 24 patients operated in our centre (2008-2016). They were grouped according to whether they were polytraumatized (ISS>16) or not (ISS≤16). Review of sociodemographic, radiographic, functional variables (VAS pain scale and FADI -Foot and Ankle Disability Index-) and the onset of complications such as arthrosis, arthrodesis or avascular necrosis. Review of 25 talar fractures in 24 patients with a mean age of 38 years (19-75) and a mean follow-up of 4.2 years (0.5-9). According to the ISS, 44% of patients (11) were polytraumatized and 56% (14) were not. The average score according to the FADI scale was 62 points for the polytraumatized patients and 76.9 for the non-polytraumatized patients. The pain according to the VAS scale was 5.8 points in the group of polytraumatized patients and 4.3 in the non-polytraumatized patient group. Regarding complications, 64% of the polytraumatized patients and 43% of the non-traumatized patients had a complication. 36% of the polytraumatized patients had clinical and radiological signs of subtalar arthrosis compared to 35% of the non-traumatized patients, of whom 27% underwent arthrodesis compared to 28% of the non-traumatized patients. 27% of the polytraumatized patients were diagnosed with avascular necrosis as opposed to 0% of the non-polytraumatized patients.

Microencapsulated feruloyl esterase-producing lactobacilli ameliorate lipid profile and glycaemia in high fat diet-induced obese mice.

The effect of oral administration of spray-dried microcapsules of feruloyl esterase (FE) producing Lactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 (Lf) and Lactobacillus johnsonii CRL1231 (Lj) on high fat diet-induced obese mice was investigated to evaluate whether these strains could be used as a biotherapeutic for obesity. Swiss albino mice were divided into a normal diet fed group receiving empty microcapsules (control), a high fat diet plus empty microcapsules (HFD group), HFD plus microcapsules with Lf (HFD-Lf group) and HDF plus microcapsules with Lj (HFD-Lj group). Microcapsules containing Lf or Lj at a dose of ~107 cells/day/mouse were given orally for 7 weeks. Body weight gain, adiposity index, plasma leptin, lipid profiles, glycaemia, insulinemia, oral glucose tolerance, intestinal FE, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were determined. Administration of lactobacilli (HFD-Lf and HFD-Lj groups) improved metabolic parameters (triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels) and cardiovascular risk indicators (37-46% decrease of atherogenic index), and reduced body weight gain (29-38%), adiposity index (42-62%), plasma leptin levels, liver weight and fat deposition in liver. Intestinal FE activities significantly increased in HFD-Lf (62%) and HFD-Lj group (48%), thus improving hepatic GR activity (42% increment) compared to HFD group. Moreover, L. johnsonii increased HDL-cholesterol and L. fermentum reduced blood glucose to levels similar to the control. These FE-producing lactobacilli have the potential to improve biomarkers involved in obesity by increasing intestinal FE activity.

Community structures and role detection in music networks.

We analyze the existence of community structures in two different social networks using data obtained from similarity and collaborative features between musical artists. Our analysis reveals some characteristic organizational patterns and provides information about the driving forces behind the growth of the networks. In the similarity network, we find a strong correlation between clusters of artists and musical genres. On the other hand, the collaboration network shows two different kinds of communities: rather small structures related to music bands and geographic zones, and much bigger communities built upon collaborative clusters with a high number of participants related through the period the artists were active. Finally, we detect the leading artists inside their corresponding communities and analyze their roles in the network by looking at a few topological properties of the nodes.

Disorder and decision cost in spatial networks.

We introduce the concept of decision cost of a spatial graph, which measures the disorder of a given network taking into account not only the connections between nodes but their position in a two-dimensional map. The influence of the network size is evaluated and we show that normalization of the decision cost allows us to compare the degree of disorder of networks of different sizes. Under this framework, we measure the disorder of the connections between airports of two different countries and obtain some conclusions about which of them is more disordered. The introduced concepts (decision cost and disorder of spatial networks) can easily be extended to Euclidean networks of higher dimensions, and also to networks whose nodes have a certain fitness property (i.e., one-dimensional).

Treatment of posttraumatic bone defects of the forearm with vascularized fibular grafts. Follow up after fourteen years.

BACKGROUND: Among several techniques proposed for the reconstruction of posttraumatic bone defects of the forearm, that of free vascularised fibular graft (FVFG) is one of the most widely used. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We study the long-term outcomes of 14 patients who underwent FVFG between 1994 and 2009, with a minimum follow up of 8 years and a maximum of 23 years (mean: 13.9 years). Demographic, clinical and radiological variables were collected retrospectively. The DASH scale was used for clinical assessment. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were operated on by the same surgeon, applying FVFG for the reconstruction of posttraumatic bone defects of the forearm (three septic non-union of the ulna or radius, five radius fractures, two ulna fractures and four fractures of both bones). The maximum length of the defect was 11 cm and the minimum length was 6 cm. In four cases, reconstruction of the two bones was achieved using the double barrel technique, and in another four cases, an osteoseptocutaneous flap was used. Fixation was performed with 3.5 mm reconstruction plates in thirteen cases and with 3.5 mm screws in one case. Consolidation was obtained in 12 cases (85.7%) after an average time of 4.2 months (range: 2-6.5 months). In one case, consolidation of the proximal ulnar fracture site was not achieved, and in another, following the failure of reconstruction attempts, an arthrodesis was performed. At the end of the follow-up period, the patients had an average DASH score of 17.1 points (range 1.8-68.1). CONCLUSIONS: FVFG is a valid option for the reconstruction of posttraumatic bone defects of the forearm. Its use via the double barrel method or as an osteocutaneous composite graft enables the simultaneous reconstruction of both forearm bones and associated soft tissue injuries. Long-term follow-up of patients who have undergone this technique confirms its satisfactory functional and radiological results.

Minimally invasive surgery for pediatric dumbbell neuroblastoma: systematic literature review and report of a single-stage neurosurgical and thoracoscopic approach

IntroductionTraditional surgical strategies for dumbbell neuroblastoma entail, among others, high risk of spinal deformity. Less invasive procedures might reduce these sequelae, however, there is small evidence comparing different strategies. Indications of minimally invasive surgery in neuroblastoma are still developing. Our aim is to identify and analyze different surgical approaches described in the recent literature and to suggest a minimally invasive option.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was conducted in PubMed (Jan 2000–Dec 2021) to identify reports describing surgical resection of dumbbell neuroblastoma in children, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Only full-text articles were included.Results7 articles met the inclusion criteria which, added to the present case, represent a total of 43 patients. All were retrospective studies, most of them small series. Tumor location was mostly thoracic. Most of combined approaches were performed in two stages. Spinal deformity after surgery was reported in 3 patients. Minimally invasive approach was described in only one paper, with no reported cases of its use in a single-stage combined surgery. We also report, to our knowledge, the first single-stage posterior neurosurgical approach combined with thoracoscopy for resection of a dumbbell neuroblastoma in an infant.ConclusionSurgical resection of dumbbell neuroblastomas is challenging. There is no consensus on best surgical approach. Dumbbell tumors should not be considered a contraindication for minimally invasive surgery. A single stage and minimally invasive strategy is proposed.

Oestrus synchronisation of rabbit does at early post-partum by doe-litter separation or ECG injection: Reproductive parameters and endocrine profiles.

Inseminating rabbit does at early post-partum, in combination with early weaning, can increase prolificacy (total kits born and still born per parturition) and decrease parturition intervals. Oestrus synchronisation increases fertility and prolificacy, while decreasing the number of inseminations required for gestation. However, little is known about the effectiveness of different oestrus synchronisation methods at early post-partum. In this study, does (n = 138) were artificially inseminated nine times (over a period of 1 year, kits weaned at 25 days), on day 4 post-partum after separation from the litter (for 48 or 24 h) or 48 h after 25 UI eCG injection. Plasma levels of prolactin and estradiol were also evaluated in a subsample of 12 multiparous lactating does per treatment, on days 2, 3 and 4 post-partum. The three treatments increased overall fertility of multiparous females compared to controls (which were not synchronised), but there were no differences among treatments in total kits born or stillborn. Does treated with eCG had a higher culling rate. The interval between parturitions and the number of inseminations required for gestation tended to decrease with increasing number of inseminations. In lactating does, there was an interaction between treatment and insemination order. Fertility decreased with increasing inseminations in eCG does but tended to increase above control values in the separated does until the fourth insemination. Control lactating does had significantly less kits per parturition compared to treatments, but eCG lactating does had more stillborn kits. Oestradiol levels increased on day 4 post-partum in all synchronised lactating does (and immediately before artificial insemination in 48 h doe-litter separation), so ovarian activity could be stimulated at early post-partum using all treatments. However, the increase could not be explained by prolactin levels, since there were no effects of suckling absence on plasma prolactin in separated does. In conclusion, separating does from the litter before insemination can be just as effective as eCG treatment, especially during for the first four inseminations.

[Viper bite treatment in Spain]. / Tratamiento de la mordedura por víbora en España.

Viper snake bite is, by far, the most common ophidian accident in Spain. It is responsible for between 100 and 150 hospitalizations per year in this country, although it is difficult to determine the frequency of emergency admissions due to this cause. The cornerstone to their approach rests on the correct evaluation of the possible effects derived from envenomation and the use of anti-venoms. In spite of all the controversies surrounding the use of anti-venoms, they have become a powerful therapeutic weapon ever since the serum has been highly purified and the great decrease of related anaphylactic reactions. The aim of this article is to update the emergency room procedures when viper bites are suspected, and to clarify the main therapeutic recommendations.

Destino ambiental y efectos ecológicos de los tres herbicidas más utilizados en Colombia / Environmental fate and ecological effects of the three most commonly used herbicides in Colombia / Destino ambiental e efeitos ecológicos dos três herbicidas mais comumente usados na Colômbia

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Abstract Knowledge of the environmental and transport fate of pesticides is integral to characterizing environmental exposures. Agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 27 integrate the characterization of an exposure with ecological effects to determine the risks of pesticide use. The three most widely used herbicides in Colombia are glyphosate, propanil, and glufosinate ammonium. Although glyphosate had, since the early 1970's, been considered an environmentally friendly herbicide, the weight of the evidence of studies beginning in the 1990s show that inadvertent applications in wetlands can be fatal to the larvae of amphibians. Although glyphosate formulations are typically considered moderately toxic (LC50 = 1-10 ppm) for most aquatic organisms, for many amphibian species they are highly toxic (LC50 ˂ 1 ppm). This concern is compounded by the fact that Colombia has an incredibly high diversity of amphibians (746 species). In addition, chronic exposures of some amphibian species to sublethal concentrations, which are more likely found in the environment, have been shown to cause decreased survival, intersex gonads, tail damage, prolongation of time to metamorphosis, and liver lipidosis. In Colombia, aerial applications of Glyphos-Cosmo-Flux have been used since 1997 to fumigate illicit coca crops. As of 2019, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List had 285 species of amphibians in Colombia considered threatened. We found that 132 of the endangered (EN) and critically endangered (CR) amphibian species were present in 11 of the 32 Colombian departments with illegal coca plantations. Therefore, studies are needed to evaluate the impact of the coca eradication program on the amphibian population of the country. Propanil is the main herbicide used in rice fields. Despite its rapid environmental degradation ((1 day in aerobic conditions), studies on the impact of propanil have found that at projected application rates (4.5 kg/ha), within 48 hours after application, it reduces dissolved oxygen to levels critically important for survival of fish. At very low concentrations of 50 ppb or less of propanil, this effect correlates with lower phytoplankton production rather than higher community respiration. Despite being mild to moderately toxic at acute exposures, chronic exposure data also show that concentrations greater than 9 ppb affect the growth, reproduction, and development of fish and invertebrates. With respect to glufosinate ammonium, although it is highly likely to contaminate surface (runoff) and groundwater due to its physicochemical properties, data suggest that it is practically non-toxic to aquatic and terrestrial species. The acute hazard ratios were well below the level of concern, and therefore the EPA determined that the acute risk to non-target terrestrial and aquatic organisms is very low.

Resumo O conhecimento do destino ambiental e de transporte dos pesticidas é parte integrante da caracterização das exposições ambientais. Agências como a Agência de Proteção Ambiental (EPA) 27 integram a caracterização de uma exposição com efeitos ecológicos para determinar os riscos do uso de pesticidas. Os três herbicidas mais usados na Colômbia são glifosato, propanil e glufosinato de amônio. Embora o glifosato tenha sido considerado um herbicida ambientalmente correto desde o início da década de 1970, foi evidenciado por estudos iniciados na década de 1990 que aplicações inadvertidas em pântanos podem ser fatais para larvas de anfíbios. Embora as formulações de glifosato sejam tipicamente consideradas moderadamente tóxicas (CL50 = 1-10 ppm) para a maioria dos organismos aquáticos, para muitas espécies de anfíbios elas são altamente tóxicas (CL50 ˂ 1 ppm). Essa preocupação é agravada pelo fato de que a Colômbia tem uma diversidade incrivelmente alta de anfíbios (791 espécies). Além disso, foi demonstrado que exposições crônicas de algumas espécies de anfíbios a concentrações subletais, que são mais prováveis no ambiente, causam diminuição da sobrevivência, gônadas intersex, dano na cauda, prolongamento do tempo até a metamorfose e lipidose hepática. Na Colômbia, aplicações aéreas de Glyphos-Cosmo-Flux têm sido usadas desde 1997 para fumigar plantações ilícitas de coca. Em 2019, a Lista Vermelha da União Internacional para a Conservação da Natureza (IUCN) tinha 285 espécies de anfíbios na Colômbia consideradas ameaçadas. Descobrimos que 132 das espécies de anfíbios em perigo (EN) e criticamente em perigo (CR) estavam presentes em 11 dos 32 departamentos colombianos onde há mais plantações ilegais de coca. Portanto, são necessários estudos para avaliar o impacto do programa de erradicação da coca na população de anfíbios do país. O propanil é o principal herbicida usado nos campos de arroz. Apesar de sua rápida degradação ambiental ((1 dia em condições aeróbicas), estudos sobre o impacto do propanil descobriram que nas taxas de aplicação projetadas (4,5 kg / ha), ele reduz o oxigênio dissolvido a níveis criticamente importantes para a sobrevivência dos peixes em 48 horas. após a aplicação. Este efeito se correlaciona com a produção de fitoplâncton mais baixa, em vez de maior respiração da comunidade em concentrações muito baixas de 50 ppb ou menos de propanil. Apesar de ser leve a moderadamente tóxico em exposições agudas, os dados de exposição crônica também mostram que concentrações maiores que 9 ppb afetam o crescimento, a reprodução e o desenvolvimento de peixes e invertebrados. Com relação ao glufosinato de amônio, embora tenha grande probabilidade de contaminar a superfície (escoamento) e as águas subterrâneas devido às suas propriedades físico-químicas, os dados sugerem que é praticamente atóxico para as espécies aquáticas e terrestres. As razões de risco agudo estavam bem abaixo do nível de preocupação e, portanto, a EPA determinou que o risco agudo para organismos terrestres e aquáticos não visados é muito baixo.