Sperm Incubation in Biggers-Whitten-Whittingham Medium Induces Capacitation-Related Changes in the Lizard Sceloporus torquatus.

Sperm capacitation involves biochemical and physiological changes that enable sperm to fertilize the oocyte. It can be induced in vitro under controlled conditions that simulate the environment of the oviduct. While extensively studied in mammals, its approach in lizards remains absent. Understanding the mechanisms that ensure reproduction is essential for advancing the implementation of assisted reproductive technologies in this group. We aimed to perform a sperm analysis to determine if capacitation-related changes were induced after incubation with capacitating media. Fifteen males of Sceloporus torquatus were collected during the early stage of the reproductive season. The sperm were isolated from the seminal plasma and then diluted up to a volume of 150 µL using BWW medium to incubate with 5% CO2 at 30 °C for a maximum duration of 3 h. A fraction was retrieved hourly for ongoing sperm assessment. The sperm analysis included assessments of its motility, viability, the capacitation status using the chlortetracycline (CTC) assay, and the acrosome integrity with the lectin binding assay to detect changes during incubation. We found that total motility was maintained up to 2 h post incubation, after which it decreased. However, sperm viability remained constant. From that moment on, we observed a transition to a deeper and less symmetrical flagellar bending in many spermatozoa. The CTC assay indicated a reduction in the percentage of sperm showing the full (F) pattern and an increase in those exhibiting the capacitated (B) and reactive (RA) patterns, accompanied by an elevation in the percentage of damaged acrosomes as revealed by the lectin binding assay. In mammals, these changes are often associated with sperm capacitation. Our observations support the notion that this process may also occur in saurian. While sperm analysis is a valuable method for assessing certain functional changes, additional approaches are required to validate this process.

Estradiol and estrogen receptor α in the mPOA and MeA in dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli) fathers.

E2 and its alpha receptor (ERα) have an essential role in the regulation of maternal behavior. In dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli), E2 facilitates the display of paternal care, and it is possible that ERα is part of the neuroendocrine mechanisms that regulate this behavior. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of copulation, cohabitation with the pregnant mate and the presence of the pups on paternal behavior, circulating E2 levels and the presence of ERα in the medial preoptic area (mPOA) and medial amygdala (MeA) in dwarf hamsters. Eight males were mated with intact females (IFs), 8 with tubally ligated females (TLFs) and 8 with ovariectomized females (OFs). In males mated with IFs, paternal behavior tests were performed after copulation, halfway through pregnancy and 24 h after the birth of their pups. Males mated with TLFs were subjected to paternal behavior tests at equivalent periods as the males mated with IFs. In males mated with OFs, paternal behavior tests were performed on days 1, 5 and 10 of cohabitation. After the last paternal behavior tests, blood samples were taken for quantification of E2 by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and the brains were dissected to determine ERα immunoreactivity (ir) in the mPOA and MeA. Fathers mated with IFs had higher serum E2 concentrations and more ERα-ir cells in the mPOA than those of males mated with TLFs and OFs. These results suggest that E2 and its ERα may be associated with paternity in the dwarf hamster.

Efecto de inulina en la saciedad en humanos / Inulin Effect in Human Satiety

Resumen Antecedentes: actualmente, existe un creciente interés en investigar los componentes de los alimentos que tengan la característica de la saciedad. Algunos constituyentes de la fibra dietética presentan esta característica, como la inulina, que corresponde a un prebiótico. Objetivo: analizar y discutir el efecto de la inulina en la saciedad en humanos. Materiales y métodos: se hizo una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases Scielo, Science Direct, Pubmed, Oxford Journals, revisando artículos de nutrición y alimentos. Resultados: se revisaron estudios en diversos grupos poblacionales, con diferentes métodos de evaluación de la saciedad y diversas dosis de inulina. Los resultados obtenidos fueron controversiales, en algunos casos se demostró efecto en la saciedad; y en otros, no; por lo tanto, no es posible afirmar que la inulina tenga el efecto de generar saciedad en humanos; se observa un efecto potenciador de la saciedad al ser añadido a algunas preparaciones que producen saciedad individualmente. Conclusiones: no es posible afirmar que la inulina tenga el efecto de generar saciedad en humanos.

Abstract Background: There is currently a growing interest in researching components of foods that have satiety power. Some constituents of dietary fiber have this characteristic, like the inulin that corresponds to a prebiotic. Objective: Analyze and discuss the effect of inulin on satiety in humans. Materials and Methods: A bibliographic search was done using Scielo, Science Direct, Pubmed, and Oxford Journals databases, reviewing nutrition and food items. Results: Studies were reviewed in different population groups, with different methods of evaluation of satiety and various doses of inulin. Controversial results were obtained, some cases showed an effect on satiety and others did not, therefore it is not possible to affirm that inulin has the effect of satiety in humans; an increase in satiety effect is observed when inulin is added to some individual preparations that already produce satiety. Conclusion: It is not possible to affirm that inulin has the effect of generating satiety in humans.

An increase in estradiol facilitates the onset of paternal behavior in the dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli).

In the dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli), activational effects of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) in the regulation of paternal behavior have been repeatedly rejected because peripheral concentrations of E2 do not change across the reproductive cycle of males. Further, castration no affected paternal behavior despite that both T and E2 concentrations decreased significantly. However, the role of these hormones has not been evaluated in models of castration and hormonal replacement in virgin males. Here, we analysed the effects of E2 and T in paternal behavior in virgin male dwarf hamster (Phodopus campbelli). Thirty paternal (PAT) males were bilaterally castrated; of them, 10 were implanted with T, 10 with E2 and 10 males received no treatment. Other 10 PAT males underwent sham-castration. Seventeen aggressive (AGG) males were also bilaterally castrated; of these, 10 AGG received E2 replacement, 7 were not treated. Other 7 AGG males were submitted to sham-castration. Following treatments, paternal behavior tests were conducted again. T and E2 levels in plasma were quantified by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results showed that the treatments did not affect the paternal behavior of males that were initially paternal. Neither castration nor sham-castration surgery affected the behavior of AGG males. However, when these males were treated with E2 and the concentrations of this hormone increase significantly they became paternal. Our data suggest that an increase in E2 levels shifted infanticidal behavior to paternal behavior in dwarf hamster.

Testosterone induces paternal behavior in sexually inexperienced males of Neotomodon alstoni (Rodentia: Muridae) / La testosterona induce conducta paterna en machos sin experiencia sexual del ratón Mexicano de los volcanes Neotomodon alstoni (Rodentia: Muridae)

Abstract The inhibition of infanticide can be considered a prerequisite for the onset of paternal behavior. Thus, hormones such as testosterone (T) would be expected to mediate the inhibition of aggression toward pups and the onset of paternal care. However, the effect of T in onset of this behaviorseems to depend of sexual experience. The aim of this study was to determine whether T induces paternal behavior in sexually inexperienced males of the Mexican volcano mouse (Neotomodon alstoni). For this, 33 non-paternal males were selected based on paternal behavior tests. These non-paternal mice were organized in three groups: 10 males were castrated, 10 subjected to sham procedure, and 13 underwent castration and T replacement. After of these treatments, the males were again evaluated by a second paternal behavior test, and blood samples were obtained to measure plasma T levels by radioimmunoassay. Castrated males with T replacement changed their behavior; 46.2 % of these males displayed paternal behavior despite 92.3 % of these males having previously displayed aggressive behavior in the selection test. An increase in T facilitates the onset of paternal behavior in sexually inexperienced males of Mexican volcano mouse, as occurs in sexual experience males. These results support the hypothesis that an increase in T levels would be involved in the neuroendocrine mechanisms that suppress infanticide and promote the onset of parental behavior in Mexican volcano mice males. Future studies in this mouse will investigate whether T regulates the onset of paternal behavior via conversion to estradiol or whether both T metabolites are involved in its onset.

Resumen La inhibición del infanticidio es necesaria en el inicio de la conducta paterna, así hormonas como la testosterona (T) pueden mediar la transición de machos agresivos a paternales. Sin embargo, el efecto de la T en el inicio de la conducta paterna parece depender de la experiencia sexual. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si T induce la conducta paterna en machos sin experiencia sexual del ratón Neotomodon alstoni. A través de pruebas de conducta paterna fueron seleccionados 33 machos no paternales; 23 fueron castrados bilateralmente, de los cuales a 13 se les colocó implante de T y 10 no recibieron ningún tratamiento. Otros 10 machos fueron sometidos a simulación del procedimiento. Después de los tratamientos, se realizaron nuevamente pruebas de conducta paterna para determinar cambios en la conducta de los machos hacia las crías. Enseguida se extrajeron muestras sanguíneas, para cuantificar los niveles de T en plasma, por radioinmuensayo. El 46.2 % de los machos castrados que recibieron implantes de T exhibieron conducta paterna, a pesar de que antes de la administración de esta hormona, el 92.3 % fueron agresivos con las crías. Los machos que transitaron a paternales tuvieron concentraciones de T significativamente más altas que los machos con castración simulada. Un incremento en T facilita el inicio de la conducta paterna en machos sexualmente inexpertos del ratón Neotomodon alstoni.Estos resultados apoyan la hipótesis que un incremento en T está involucrado en los mecanismos neuroendócrinos que inhiben la agresión hacia las crías y facilitan el inicio de la conducta paterna. Investigaciones futuras deben enfocarse a establecer la función de ambos metabolitos de la T en la regulación de la conducta paterna de este ratón.

Facile Synthesis of SrCO3-Sr(OH)2/PPy Nanocomposite with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity under Visible Light.

Pyrrole monomer was chemically polymerized onto SrCO3-Sr(OH)2 powders to obtain SrCO3-Sr(OH)2/polypyrrole nanocomposite to be used as a candidate for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye (MB). The material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was observed from transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) analysis that the reported synthesis route allows the production of SrCO3-Sr(OH)2 nanoparticles with particle size below 100 nm which were embedded within a semiconducting polypyrrole matrix (PPy). The SrCO3-Sr(OH)2 and SrCO3-Sr(OH)2/PPy nanocomposites were tested in the photodegradation of MB dye under visible light irradiation. Also, the effects of MB dye initial concentration and the catalyst load on photodegradation efficiency were studied and discussed. Under the same conditions, the efficiency of photodegradation of MB employing the SrCO3-Sr(OH)2/PPy nanocomposite increases as compared with that obtained employing the SrCO3-Sr(OH)2 nanocomposite.

Hemipenes in females of the Mexican viviparous lizard Barisia imbricata (Squamata: Anguidae): an example of heterochrony in sexual development.

The sexual development of saurians follows a similar pattern to that described for other amniotes. Changes in the timing or sequence of development events are known as heterochrony. We describe the pattern of sexual development in the viviparous Mexican lizard Barisia imbricata and report heterochrony in the regression of hemipenes in this lizard. We collected gestating females; some lizards were subjected to partial hysterectomy and the embryos were processed using routine histological technique to assess gonadal development; the remaining embryos were used to assess the development of hemipenes. Other pregnant females were kept in captivity in individual terraria until the time of delivery. All neonates were sexed by eversion of hemipenes and some of their body characteristics were recorded. Several neonates were sacrificed and processed to establish gonadal histology and the young of the remaining litters were maintained in captivity to observe the fate of the hemipenes in both sexes. Gonadal development began at embryonic stage 33 and the hemipenes were visible at the same stage. In the neonates, the ovary contained oogonias and ovarian follicles, whereas the testicles showed testicular cords. All neonates had hemipenes and sex could only be established through direct observation of the reproductive ducts and gonadal histology. The hemipenes regression in the females begins after approximately 7 months of postnatal development and concludes at about 15 months of age. We think that the delayed regression of the hemipenes reflects evolutionary differences among reptiles and may be an indication of a stage in the evolutionary process of this species.

Paternal behavior in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus): Estrogenic and androgenic regulation.

Here, we analyzed the effects of testosterone (T) and its metabolites, estradiol (E2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), on the onset of paternal behavior in virgin male Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). We hypothesized that T and E2, but not DHT, would facilitate the onset of paternal behavior. Seventy males displaying aggression toward pups were selected through a paternal behavior screening test. Forty males were bilaterally castrated. Of them, 10 were implanted with T, 10 with E2, and 10 with DHT, and 10 received no treatment. Another 30 males underwent a sham procedure. In these gerbils, T, E2 and DHT were measured to obtain the basal levels of these hormones. After treatment, the paternal behavior test was conducted again. Blood samples were obtained immediately after the administration of the test for the quantification of T, E2 and DHT by radioimmunoassay. Surprisingly, 100% of the males that received T, E2 and DHT implants stopped being aggressive and became paternal. Castrated and sham-operated males displayed no changes in their aggressive behaviors. This is the first report that T and its metabolites are involved in neuroendocrine mechanisms that inhibit aggression toward pups and facilitate paternal behavior in virgin male Mongolian gerbils. In addition, this is the first report of regulation of paternal behavior in a rodent by estrogenic and androgenic pathways.

Causa infrecuente de encefalitis por Staphylococcus aureus, reporte de un caso / Infrequent cause of encephalitis by Staphylococcus aureus

Se presenta un caso de encefalitis por Staphylococcus aureus meticilino sensible. Se trata de una paciente de sexo femenino, de 20 años de edad, quien fue atendida en la Fundación Centro Colombiano de Epilepsia y Enfermedades Neurológicas, de Cartagena, por presentar cefalea, progresivo deterioro del estado cognitivo y focalidad neurológica súbita con limitación a la emisión del lenguaje. Hallazgos en cultivo de LCR revelan crecimiento de Staphylococcus aureus meticilino sensible. La evolución de esta paciente fue satisfactoria. Se hace una revisión del caso, se realiza análisis de infrecuencia de encefalitis por Staphylococcusa ureus meticilino sensible sin foco de infección primario establecido.

A case of encephalitis Staphylococcus aureusmethicillin sensitive is presented. This is a female patient of 20 years old, who was treated at ColombianFoundation Center for Epilepsy and Neurological Diseases, in Cartagena. Her symptoms were headaches, progressive deterioration of cognitive status, and sudden neurological deficit with limitation on the issuance of language. CSF culture findings reveal growth of S. aureusmethicillin sensitive. The evolution of this patient was satisfactory. A review of the case is made, analysis infrequency of encephalitis is carried by Staphylococcus aureus methicillin sensitive in primary, focus of infection established.

Exacerbation of mood symptoms associated to primary and secondary carnitine deficiency: a case report.

Rarely screened in psychiatric patients, primary and/or secondary Carnitine deficiency could be influencing and/or mimicking the mood symptoms of our patient population. The brain and specifically neurons are highly vulnerable to impairments in oxidative metabolism, which can lead to neuronal cell death and disorders of neurotransmitters causing changes in cognition and behavior. For this reason, identification of this disorder is important since its treatment could result in symptom improvement and better quality of life of our patients. We present a case where exacerbation of mood symptoms was associated to primary and secondary Carnitine deficiency.

Menstrual psychosis: presenting symptom of bipolar disorder not otherwise specified in a 13-years-old Hispanic female.

Exacerbation of symptoms in mood disorders such as bipolar disorders, major depressive disorders and premenstrual dysphoric disorders could be influenced by the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycles in female patients. Menarche has been related to onset of mood symptoms, which at times have been described as menstrual psychoses and could represent an early presentation of Pediatric bipolar disorders. Pediatric bipolar disorders appear to be characterized by less clearly defined mood episodes, shorter duration of these episodes, and different hallmark symptoms than in adults. This report describes a pediatric patient who had no previous psychiatric symptoms and for whom menstrual psychosis was the presenting symptom of bipolar disorder not otherwise specified.

Expression analysis of tumor-related genes involved in critical regulatory pathways in schwannomas.

PURPOSE: Gene expression array analysis is providing key data on the potential candidate genes and biological pathways involved in schwannoma origin and development. In this way we performed expression array studies on tumor-related genes in schwannomas. METHODS: The GE Array Q Series HS-006 (SuperArray, Bethesda, MD, USA) was used to determine the expression levels of 96 genes corresponding to 6 primary biological regulatory pathways in a series of 23 schwannomas. RESULTS: We identified 15 genes down-regulated, primarily corresponding to signal transduction functions, and 26 genes up-regulated, most frequently involving cell adhesion functions. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the NF2 inactivation (considered as an early step), variations of other biological regulatory pathways might play a key role in schwannoma.

The molecular biology of vestibular schwannomas and its association with hearing loss: a review.

Hearing loss is the most common symptom in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS). In the past, compressive mechanisms caused by the tumoral mass and its growth have been regarded as the most likely causes of the hearing loss associated with VS. Interestingly, new evidence proposes molecular mechanisms as an explanation for such hearing loss. Among the molecular mechanisms proposed are methylation of TP73, negative expression of cyclin D1, expression of B7-H1, increased expression of the platelet-derived growth factor A, underexpression of PEX5L, RAD54B, and PSMAL, and overexpression of CEA. Many molecular mechanisms are involved in vestibular schwannoma development; we review some of these mechanisms with special emphasis on hearing loss associated with vestibular schwannoma.

Algunos aspectos clínicoepidemiológicos en el preoperatorio de la catarata senil / Some clinical and epidemiological aspects of the preoperative period in the senile cataract surgery

OBJETIVO: Identificar las principales características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes portadores de catarata senil en el periodo preoperatorio. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en pacientes operados de catarata senil, seleccionados de forma aleatoria, entre junio 2006 y junio 2007, en el Hospital Clinicoquirúrgico Docente Dr Salvador Allende. Se analizaron edad, sexo, enfermedades sistémicas y oculares asociadas, agudeza visual preoperatoria y ametropías asociadas. RESULTADOS: El 68,58 por ciento de los casos tenía edades entre 70 y 79 años, sin diferencias de sexo. El 92,94 por ciento presentaba alguna enfermedad sistémica asociada, con predominio de hipertensión arterial (44,9 por ciento) y Diabetes Mellitus. Entre las oculares, fueron más frecuentes la lesión del nervio óptico (25,64 por ciento) y el glaucoma crónico (21,15 por ciento). La visión preoperatoria predominante fue 0,1 (25,64 por ciento), mientras que la miopía (72,41 por ciento) y el astigmatismo (61,64 por ciento) fueron más frecuentes en pacientes con catarata nuclear (72,41 por ciento) y la hipermetropía (66,66 por ciento) en aquellos con catarata subcapsular. CONCLUSIONES: Predominó el grupo etario de 70 a 74 años, sin distinción por sexo. La hipertensión arterial fue la enfermedad sistémica más frecuente y, entre las oculares, las alteraciones del nervio óptico. La agudeza visual preoperatoria que predominó fue de 0,1. La miopía y el astigmatismo se asociaron con la catarata de tipo nuclear y la hipermetropía con la subcapsular

OBJECTIVE: To identify the main clinical and epidemic characteristics of the patient with senile cataract in the preoperative period. METHODS: A descriptive and retrospective study was conducted in patients operated from senile cataract, who were randomly selected in the period of June 2006 to June 2007 at Dr Salvador Allende teaching hospital. Age, sex, related systemic and ocular diseases, preoperative visual acuity and associated refraction errors were analyzed. RESULTS: The 70-79 years age prevailed in 68.58 percent of the cases without sex differences. The associated systemic disease was seen in 92.94 percent of patients, with blood hypertension (44.9 percent) and diabetes mellitus being predominant. Among the ocular disorders, the optic nerve lesion (25.64 percent) and the Chronic Glaucoma (21.15 percent) were the most frequent problems. The predominant preoperative vision was 0,1 (25.64 percent) whereas myopia (72.41 percent) and astigmatism (61,64 percent) were more common in patients with nuclear Cataract (72.41 percent) and hypermetropia (66.66 percent) was mostly found in those affected by subcapsular cataract. CONCLUSIONS: The prevailing age group was 70 to 74 years regardless of sex. The blood hypertension was the most frequent systemic disease, and the optic nerve alterations in the ocular disorders. The preoperative visual acuity was 0.1. Myopia and astigmatism were associated to the nuclear cataract and hypermetropia to subcapsular cataract

Caracterización de los accidentes de tránsito en la región Callao-Perú, 1996-2004 / Characterization of traffic accidents in Callao-Perú, 1996-2004

Objetivo: Describir las características de los accidentes de tránsito en el Callao (de 1996 a 2004). Material y métodos: Estudio ecológico descriptivo de fuentes secundarias. Se tomó en cuenta la información registrada por las instituciones que participan en la cobertura de un accidente de tránsito en el Callao (policía, hospitales y morgue) y que forman parte del Comité Multisectorial para la Vigilancia y Prevención de los Accidentes de Tránsito. Los resultados se presentan en gráficos y tablas. Resultados: En el Callao se registraron 25 426 accidentes de tránsito entre 1996 y 2004. El tipo de accidente más común fue el choque. El exceso de velocidad fue la condición que más accidentes ha causado (29.9%). El 61% de los accidentes de tránsito se produjeron en fin de semana. La Av. Gambetta presentó la mayor cantidad de accidentes (4 414). De los 23 315 accidentes registrados entre 1996 y 2003, 48% concluyeron en daño material, la mayoría de éstos por choques (86.8%), mientras que 667 accidentes (3% del total) fueron fatales. Los atropellos tuvieron consecuencia fatal en 11.9%. Los años con mayor número de muertes fueron 1996 y 1998. Los atendidos son 66% hombres y 64.8% del total de atendidos correspondió al grupo etario de 20 a 64 años. La lesión medular fue el diagnóstico más frecuente (24%) en el Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación con sede en el Callao. Los traumatismos múltiples y encéfalo-craneanos fueron la causa de muerte más común (70.7%). Conclusiones: Los accidentes de tránsito son un grave problema de salud pública en el Callao. Existe una leve disminución en frecuencia después del año 2000.

Objective: To describe the characteristics of traffic accidents in Callao from 1996 to 2004. Methods: Ecological, descriptive study of secondary sources. We took into account data collected by institutions involved in responding to traffic accidents in Callao (police, hospitals and morgue) and data from the ôMultisectorial Committee for the Surveillance and Prevention of Traffic Accidentsõ. The results are presented in graphs and tables. Results: Between 1996 and 2004 there were 25 426 registered traffic accidents in Callao. Collissions with other vehicles cars were the most common type of traffic accident. Speeding is the most common cause of accidents (29.9%). 61% of traffic accidents occur during the weekend. Gambetta Avenue had the highest number of accidents (4 414). Of the 23 315 accidents that occurred between 1996 and 2003, 48% resulted in vehicular damage, mostly from collissions with other vehicles (86.8%), and 667 accidents (3% of total) were fatal. 11.9% of run overs were fatal. 1996 and 1998 were the years with the highest number of fatalities. 66% of the persons treated for injuries due to traffic accidents were male and 64.8% were between teh ages of 20 to 64. Spinal cord injury was the most frequent diagnosis (24%) in the Callao center of the National Rehabilitation Institute. Multiple traumas and encephalo-cranial trauma were the most common cause of death (70.7%). Conclusions: Traffic accidents are a serious public health problem in Callao. There is a slight decrease in frequency after 2000.

Luteal development and progesterone levels during pregnancy of the viviparous temperate lizard Barisia imbricata imbricata (Reptilia: Anguidae).

The relationship between plasma progesterone (P(4)) levels and the formation and degeneration of the corpus luteum (CL) was assessed monthly during gestation of the viviparous lizard Barisia imbricata imbricata. Histochemical activity of the delta(5-4) isomerase 3 beta-hydroxysteroide dehydrogenase (delta(5-4)3beta-HSD) in the luteal tissue and embryonic development were also observed. Females were gravid throughout winter and great part of spring (late November or early December until late May or early June). Corpus luteum development occurred in the first third of gestation (December and January) when the embryo reached developmental stage 27. Four sequential stages were identified during development and three stages during regression of the CL. The follicular and thecal tissue participated in the formation of the luteal cell mass. According to Xavier's classification, the CL of B. i. imbricata is a subtype from Type III. The activity of delta(5-4)3beta-HSD was observed mainly in the luteal cell mass. The first degenerative changes in the CL were observed in the early second third of the gestation and continued gradually until parturition. Progesterone levels increased in early pregnancy and reached its highest level during January (3.07+/-1.04 ng/ml) when mature corpora lutea were present. Gradual diminution in progesterone concentrations occurred in the second and last third of pregnancy and coincided with advanced degenerative changes and diminution in histochemical activity of delta(5-4)3beta-HSD in the luteal tissue. These observations suggest that the CL is the major source of progesterone during pregnancy of B. i. imbricata.

Neurosífilis I: estudio clínico descriptivo de la última década y casos clínicos comentados / Neurosyphilis I: Clinical-descriptive study of the last decade and commented clinical cases

Diversas comunicaciones procedentes de diferentes países, han puesto el acento en las últimas décadas acerca de una mayor incidencia de la Neurosífilis concomitante al aumento global de la incidencia de las enfermedades de transmisión sexual. Asimismo se señalan cambios en la forma de manifestarse clínicamente la enfermedad que no condicen en algunos casos con las formas clásicamente descriptas (neurosífilis atípica o modificada). En este trabajo se realiza una revisión de los casos detectados en la última década en dos instituciones del Uruguay adonde presuntamente convergen este tipo de patologías (Hospital de Clínicas e Instituto de Higiene, Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas) y se exponen con detalle cinco casos observados directamente por nosotros en los dos últimos años que ameritan diversos comentarios de orden clínico y terapéutico. Si bien por las características del trabajo no es posible deducir la real incidencia y prevalencia de la enfermedad en nuestro país, queda claro que la patología existe y se manifiesta de diversas formas, incluso aquéllas denominadas como atípicas o modificadas (AU)