Diversidad genética de ovinos criollos colombianos

RESUMEN Objetivo. Caracterizar genéticamente los ovinos criollos colombianos y sus relaciones con razas de origen europeo. Materiales y métodos. 261 muestras de sangre de las siguientes poblaciones, fueron colectadas: Criollos de Lana (CL), Mora Colombiana (MC), Criollo de Pelo (CP), mestizos (Mes), Hampshire (Hamp), Corriedale (Corr), Katahdin (Kath), Pelibuey (Pel), En 40 fincas de ocho departamentos (Córdoba, Magdalena, Cesar, Atlántico, Valle del Cauca, Nariño, Boyacá y Tolima) y 30 muestras de Merino Español (ME), Merino Precoz (MP), Merinofleischschaf (MF), Segureño (Seg) y Uda (UD) de Nigeria. Un total de 15 marcadores microsatélites fueron incluidos en este estudio. Resultados. En ovinos criollos, el número promedio de alelos encontrado fue 6.20±1.48 (CL), 7.27±1.39 (CP) y 3.60±1.55 (MC); hallándose también alta diversidad genética en ellos (heterocigosidades superiores al 75%), valores negativos en el FIS revelaron alto grado de introgresión; además el FST reveló estructura genética tanto en los grupos criollos (FST=0.02**), como en los departamentos muestreados (FST=0.039**). Según la distancia genética, los ovinos criollos colombianos presentan diferencias con los ovinos foráneos. Conclusiones. Los resultados obtenidos recomiendan proteger la ovinocultura criolla puesto que se encuentra amenazada por los constantes cruzamientos con razas foráneas, lo que conllevaría a pérdida de la identidad genética y de los rasgos de adaptación propios de los animales criollos.

ABSTRACT Ojective. genetical characterization the creole Colombian sheep and their relationships with breeds of European origins. Materials and methods. Blood samples of 261 sheeps from the following populations were collected: Criollos de Lana (CL), Mora Colombiana (MC), Criollo de Pelo (CP), criollos mestizos (Mes), Hampshire (Hamp), Corriedale (Corr), Katahdin (Kath), Pelibuey (Pel), in 40 farms of 8 departments (Córdoba, Magdalena, Cesar, Atlántico, Valle del Cauca, Nariño, Boyacá, Tolima) and 30 samples of Merino Spanish, Merino Precoz (MP), Merinofleischschaf (MF), Segureño (Seg) and Uda (UD) de Nigeria. A total of 15 microsatellites markers were included inthis study. Results. In creole sheep, the average number of alleles was found 6.20±1.48 (CL), 7.27±1.39 (CP) y 3.60±1.55 (MC); high genetic diversity found (high heterozygosities 75%), negative values in the FIS revealed high degree of introgression; furthermore the FST revealed genetic structure in both: Creole sheep (FST=0.02**) and departments (FST=0.039**).According to genetic distance, the creole Colombian sheep differs with outsider sheep. Conclusions. The results recommend protecting the Creole sheep production because it has been threatened by constant cross with foreign breeds, which would lead to the loss of genetic identity and adapting traits of creole sheep themselves.

Vena cava inferior como factor predictor del shock en trauma: medición ecográfica / Inferior vena cava as a predictor of shock in trauma patients: sonographic measurement

Resumen Objetivo Establecer la medición ecográfica del diámetro de la vena cava inferior como factor predictor del shock en pacientes politraumatizados. Materiales y Método Estudio de corte transversal donde se determinó la medición ecográfica de la vena cava inferior a 40 pacientes que ingresaron a la Unidad de Politraumatizados (UPT) del Hospital General del Este "Dr. Domingo Luciani", en el período entre enero y abril de 2018. Se seleccionaron 2 grupos; el grupo 1: pacientes en shock , aquellos con tensión arterial sistólica menor a 90 mm Hg al ingreso, y el grupo 2: pacientes controles que mantuvieron cifras tensionales normales. El estudio de imagen de la vena cava inferior se realizó con el equipo de ecografía ALOKA prosound SSD-a5 y con el ultrasonido portátil MicroMaxx SonoSite , en el cual se midió el índice de colapsabilidad. Los hallazgos se registraron en la hoja de recolección de datos. El análisis estadístico se hizo con la prueba de t de student para muestras independientes y la valoración de puntos de corte diagnóstico se hizo con la prueba de ROC. Resultados La media del Índice de colapsabilidad (IC) de la VCI para el grupo control y de shock fue de 26 ± 12,7% y de 58,5 ± 5,9%, respectivamente; El índice de colapsabilidad fue > 50% en todos los pacientes del grupo de shock . Conclusiones La medición del diámetro de la VCI es un predictor de shock , siendo el IC el parámetro más sensible y específico.

Aim To establish the sonographic measurement of the diameter of the inferior vena cava as a predictor of shock in trauma patients. Materials and Method A cross-sectional study to determined the sonographic measurement of the inferior vena cava to 40 patients attended at Hospital Domingo Luciani trauma unit, in the period between January and April of 2018. Two groups were selected; group 1: shock patients, those with systolic blood pressure lower than 90 mm Hg, and the group 2: control patients that kept normal blood pressure. The image study of the inferior vena cava was carried out with the ALOKA prosound ultrasound equipment SSD a5 and with the portable ultrasound MicroMaxx SonoSite, in which the collapsibility index was measured. The findings were recorded in the data collection sheet. The statistical analysis proposed for the comparison of averages was made with the student's t-test for independent samples and the assessment of diagnostic cut-off points was made with a ROC curve. Results the mean of collapsability index of de IVC for control and shock group were 26 ± 12,7% and 58,5 ± 5,9%, respectively; The collapsability index (CI) was > 50% in all patients of shock group. Conclusions The measurement of the ICV diameter is a predictor of shock, being the IC the most sensitive and specific parameter.

Propiedades morfológicas en la parte media de la díafisis del hueso metacarpiano III de equino mestizo criollo / Morphological properties in the mid part of the metacarpal III bone diaphysis of equine criollo crossbreed

El desarrollo del esqueleto es de máxima importancia en caballos de trabajo y alta competencia. Los miembros torácicos sostienen el 60% del peso corporal y están sometidos a esfuerzos biomecánicos que los predisponen a lesiones, estando obligados a especializarse en el apoyo. El metacarpiano III soporta la mayor carga entre los huesos del cuerpo y la sustancia compacta tiene gran espesor dorsal y medial. Es un material complejo que posee plasticidad y fuerza considerable, con capacidad para soportar la deformación y recuperar su forma. El objetivo de este estudio es aportar conocimientos morfológicos, aplicables a la clínica animal, del hueso metacarpiano III de equino mestizo criollo. Se estudiaron los huesos metacarpiano III de 30 equinos hembras y machos, entre 18 meses y 5 años de edad, divididos en dos grupos etarios, provenientes del frigorífico General Pico, Las Higueras. Se determinó: peso y longitud total; diámetro latero-medial y dorso-palmar en la parte media de la diáfisis. Al metacarpiano III izquierdo se le practicó una osteotomía transversal en la parte media de la diáfisis para determinar: espesor de la cortical, área cortical, área medular y área total. Los datos fueron analizados mediante técnicas de correlación y regresión lineal simple, análisis de la varianza y comparaciones múltiples de Tukey usando el paquete estadístico InfoStat, con un nivel de significación de 0,05. Los resultados muestran que existe asociación entre el peso versus área cortical (r= 0,76, p= 0,0001) y longitud del hueso versus área cortical (r= 0,74 p= 0,0001), el área depende linealmente del peso y longitud del hueso (R2= 0,97, p<0,0001 y R2= 0,96, p<0,0001 respectivamente). Se comprobó que existen diferencias significativas entre los diámetros de las áreas y espesor de los cuadrantes (p<0,0001), al contrastar los cuadrantes entre sí se observaron diferencias a excepción del cuadrante dorsal y lateral. Existe diferencias entre las áreas de los distintos grupos etários (p= 0,0034). La morfología tiene influencia sobre las propiedades biomecánicas del hueso.

The development of high skeleton is important in working horses and associated high competition. Thoracic members hold 60% of body weight and are subjected to biomechanical efforts that predispose the animal to injury, being forced to rely on the support. The large metacarpal III supports load between bones of the body and the compact substance is large dorsal and medial thickness. It is composed of complex material and possesses plasticity and considerable force, with the ability to sustain deformation and subsequently recover its form. The objective of this study is to provide morphometric knowledge applied to animal clinic of the metacarpal III bone of equine criollo crossbreed. Thirty (30) metacarpal III bones of male and female horses, between 18 months and 5 years old, divided into two age groups, from the Frigorifico General Pico, Las Higueras groups were studied. We determined: weight, total length, diameter latero-medial and dorsal-palmar in the middle of the diaphysis. A transverse osteotomy was performed left to metacarpal III in the middle diaphysis to determine: cortical thickness, cortical area, medullary area and total area. The data was analyzed by correlation and simple linear regression techniques, analysis of variance and Tukey multiple comparisons using the statistical InfoStat (2009) package, with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed an association between weight vs. cortical area (r= 0.76, p= 0.0001) and bone length vs. cortical area (r= 0.74, p= 0.0001), the area depends linearly on the weight and length bone (R2= 0.97, p<0.0001 and R2= 0.96, p<0.0001 respectively). It was found that there are significant differences between the diameters of the area and thickness of the quadrants (p<0.0001), contrasting quadrants were observed in the dorsal and lateral exception quadrant. There are differences between areas of different age groups (p= 0.0034). The morphology influences the biomechanical properties of the bone.

Effect of Sildenafil on Pre-Eclampsia-Like Mouse Model Induced By L-Name.

N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) decreases the vasodilator effect of nitric oxide (NO) and induces pre-eclampsia in mouse. Sildenafil inhibits the degradation of nitric oxide and increases vasodilation. This study aimed to determine the effects of sildenafil citrate on angiogenesis and oxidative stress at the maternal foetal interface on pre-eclampsia-like mouse model induced by L-NAME. Twenty pregnant mice were divided into four groups: (i) vehicle control; (ii) L-NAME; (iii) sildenafil; (4) L-NAME+sildenafil. L-NAME was administered from day 7 of pregnancy and sildenafil from day 8 until day 16; animals were euthanized on day 17. Placental and foetal sizes and weights were measured; lipid peroxide levels and catalase activity in placental homogenates were determined, and placental vascular endothelia were identified by lectin-histochemistry using BSA-I lectin. Western blot analysis was used to determine VEGF expression in placental homogenates. No changes were seen in placental and foetal development in mice with normal pregnancies treated with sildenafil. Treatments with L-NAME reduced significantly the placental weight and average height and decreased the percentage of the endothelial surface. These alterations may be mediated by the reduction of NO levels in trophoblastic cells, due to the inhibitory effect of L-NAME on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) synthesis. This effect was offset by the treatment with sildenafil, with an increase in the percentage of the endothelial surface. In conclusion, our results indicate that treatment with sildenafil on pre-eclampsia mouse model can be used without adverse effects on the concept and its use in the treatment of pre-eclampsia is promising.

Adrenal response of male rats exposed to prenatal stress and early postnatal stimulation.

Stress in pregnant rats caused by chronic immobilization alters the pattern of secretion of corticosterone and modifies the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) of the fetus. Early postnatal handling, however, may reverse the effects of increased secretion of corticosterone. We investigated the effects of prenatal stress and postnatal handling on the activity of the HPA axis of male offspring of stressed female rats. Male 90-day-old rats from four groups were investigated: prenatally stressed animals without postnatal handling, prenatally stressed animals with postnatal handling, unstressed control animals with postnatal handling, and unstressed control animals without postnatal handling. After sacrifice, the adrenal glands were weighed to determine the adrenal-somatic index. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL assay and active caspase-3 expression. We found that the adrenal gland cortex:medulla ratio increased in animals with prenatal stress and that eventually the stress caused apoptosis. Handling newborns to simulate maternal activity ameliorated some of the negative effects of prenatal stress.

Immunohistochemical distribution of early pregnancy factor in ovary, oviduct and placenta of pregnant gilts.

Early pregnancy factor (EPF) is an immunosuppressant that promotes maternal immune system tolerance of the allogenic fetus. Little is known about localization of this factor in different tissues and nothing has been reported about localization in swine reproductive and placental tissues. We determined the concentration of EPF in serum of gilts and porcine placenta conditioned medium (PPCM). We also analyzed the expression of EPF in different reproductive tissues of pregnant gilts at 10, 30, 60 and 90 days of pregnancy. EPF concentration in serum and PPCM was determined by western blot and densitometry. EPF expression in reproductive tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The highest concentration of EPF was observed at 30 days in serum and PPCM; the concentration was higher in PPCM than in serum at the stages we evaluated. All reproductive tissues from the gestational stages analyzed showed specific labeling of EPF, but this labeling did not appear in non-pregnant gilts. At 30 days pregnancy, the EPF expression in the ovary was predominantly in follicular lutein cells, probably owing to its function as a luteotrophic factor. In the oviduct, EPF was expressed in unciliated secretory epithelial cells and in the cilia of ciliated cells. In the placenta, EPF was expressed in the fetal portion (mesoderm chorioallantois and epithelium of endoderm). EPF acts as an autocrine and paracrine growth factor for the trophoblast during the peri-implantation period.

Oral granulomatosis-like lesions in liver-transplanted pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated oral mucosal lesions in liver-transplanted children. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation between 2002 and 2009, at A.C. Camargo Hospital, Sao Paulo-SP. Alterations, such as polypoid lesions over the dorsum of the tongue, lip swelling, angular cheilitis, fissures of the lips, mucosal tags, cobblestone appearance, and fissures of the tongue, were considered as orofacial granulomatosis (OFG)-like lesions. All clinical data were collected from medical records. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression were used to characterize and identify OFG-like lesion predictors. RESULTS: Of the 265 transplanted children, 56.6% were female, and 64.1% had biliary atresia. Fourteen patients died as a consequence of the transplantation surgery and were therefore excluded from the analysis related to oral lesions. Hence, among 251 patients, 64 showed OFG-like lesions. The lesions occurred around 26 months after transplantation, and the only therapy that all the patients were receiving in common was tacrolimus. Furthermore, patients aged 12 months old or less at transplantation presented higher risk to present oral lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This study described specific oral mucosal lesions in liver-transplanted children. Such lesions have recently been described as a novel entity. Although young age at transplantation has been associated to its development, the etiology of this condition is uncertain.

Reproductive response in offspring male rats exposed to prenatal stress and to early postnatal stimulation / Respuestas reproductivas en ratas estresadas prenatalmente, expuestas a estimulación postnatal

Stress in pregnant rats alters the pattern of secretion of corticosterone (COR) and modifies transplacentally hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) fetus. Prenatal stress during the critical hypothalamic differentiation is related to decreased fertility of male offspring by an increase in the basal level of COR. This modification could induce long-term changes in the process of apoptosis in the testis. However, early postnatal handling increases maternal behavior and could reverse the effects caused by increased secretion of COR. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of early postnatal stimulation of male rats prenatal stressed by chronic immobilization during the last two weeks of pregnancy, on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and their relationship with the activity of the HPA. Male Wistar rats 3 month olds, were separated in four groups: (a) prenatally stressed animals by immobilization (IMO), without postnatal stimulation; (b) prenatally stressed animals with postnatal stimulation; (c) control animals without prenatal stress, without postnatal stimulation and (d) control animals without prenatal stress, with postnatal stimulation. In different animals groups plasmatic levels of COR, Testosterone (T) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) were analyzed. Gonadosomatic index and testicular apoptosis was determined. In conclusion that prenatal stress by IMO increased levels of COR and inhibits the HHG axis obtaining low values of plasmatic LH and T, testicular weight, and induction of apoptosis in testes. On other hand, early postnatal stimulation results in an increase in maternal care to the offspring reversing the effects of prenatal stress on the HPG axis. This effect could be mediated by a mechanism independent of the HPA axis.

El estrés en ratas preñadas altera el patrón de secreción de corticosterona (COR) materna la cual, por vía transplacentaria, produce una alteración del eje Hipotálamo-Hipófiso-Adrenal (HHA) fetal. El estrés prenatal producido durante la etapa crítica de diferenciación hipotalámica, está relacionado con la disminución de la fertilidad en las crías macho, por un aumento en el nivel de COR basal. Esta modificación podría inducir cambios a largo plazo en el proceso de apoptosis testicular. Sin embargo, la estimulación postnatal temprana mejora el comportamiento materno, revirtiendo las alteraciones producidas por el aumento de COR en las crías adultas. El objetivo fue investigar el efecto de la estimulación postnatal temprana sobre el eje Hipotálamo-Hipófiso-Gonadal (HHG) en ratas macho estresadas prenatalmente (EP), por inmovilización crónica durante las dos últimas semanas de la preñez. Se utilizaron crías de 3 meses de edad, que fueron divididas en 4 grupos: (a) individuos EP y sin estimulación postnatal; (b) individuos EP con estimulación postnatal; (c) individuos controles no estresados prenatalmente (CP) y sin estimulación postnatal; y (d) individuos CP con estimulación postnatal. En todos los grupos se midió COR, Testosterona (T) y Hormona Luteinizante (LH). Se determinaron la apoptosis y la Caspasa 3 testicular y el índice gonadosomático. Se concluye que el estrés prenatal por inmovilización aumenta los niveles de COR del eje HHA e inhibe el eje HHG obteniendo valores bajos de LH y T plasmáticas. Se observa disminución del tamaño testicular y aumento de la apoptosis de las células testiculares. Por otro lado, la estimulación postnatal temprana se traduce en un aumento del cuidado materno hacia la cría, lo que revierte los efectos producidos por el estrés prenatal sobre el eje HHG. Este efecto podría estar mediado por algún mecanismo independiente del eje HHA.

[Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for treatment of patients with DM type 2 and BMI of 30 to 35 Kg/m²]. / Bypass gástrico en Y de Roux para el tratamiento de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo II con IMC de 30 a 35 kg/m²

BACKGROUND: The incidence of obesity and its most feared comorbidity, diabetes mellitus type 2, is increasing and there would not seem to be any medical treatment to help control these pandemics. However, there is a bariatric surgery technique, the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), which is safe and not only helps control excess weight, but produces encouraging results in the control and remission of diabetes. METHODS: We present 15 selected patients with a BMI between 30 and 35 kg/mt² and diabetes type 2 who underwent a laparoscopic RYGB with of one-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 14 women and one man were operated with the following average values: age: 37 years, weight: 88.3 kg, BMI: 32.8 kg/mt², blood glucose: 120 ± 38.8 mg%, HbA1c: 7.6 ± 0.73. Forty percent (40%) suffered from high blood pressure and 33.3% were dyslipidemic. Average surgical time was 75 minutes, hospital length of stay was two days, and there was a low rate of complications and no mortality. Diabetes remission was achieved in 93% of cases with significant drops in blood glucose and HbA1c (p ≤ 0.05 and p ≤ 0.001 respectively), dyslipidemia was 100% controlled and hypertension was 83.3% controlled. CONCLUSIONS: RYGB in selected patients with obesity type 1 and diabetes mellitus type 2 is a safe and effective technique for metabolic control and obesity control.

[Immune-testicular regulation and cytokines]. / Regulación inmuno-testicular y citocinas.

The pathogenesis of male infertility can be reflected in alterations of spermatogenesis caused by testicular cancer, aplasia of the germinal cells, varicocele, environmental factors or defect in the transport of the sperms, among others. In general, 48% of men suffer unexplained infertility. During a long time, the masculine reproductive tract and the immune system have been studied as different and independent systems. However, in the last two decades a particular interest has arisen in the interaction of both systems on masculine infertility, in particular in the evaluation of antisperm antibodies as a common cause of infertility. Also, the inflammation due to genital or systemic infections can cause alterations in the testicular function. The recognition of intratesticular antigens provokes the production of antibodies by B lymphocytes. Then, the immune system induces a cellular response, by cytokines secretion, activation of complement and T lymphocytes activation. In this review the components and the immune system response mechanism, the organization of the testicle as a reproductive organ and the mediators of the immunologic response will be examined: interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, leukaemia Inhibitory factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, the molecule FasL (CD95L) and Fas (CD95), macrophage migration-inhibitory factor, mononuclear phagocyte colony stimulating factor, Granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor, as well as stem cell factor, interferon, transforming growth factor B and activins.

Regulación inmuno-testicular y citocinas / Immune-testicular regulation and cytokines

La patogénesis de la infertilidad masculina se puede reflejar en una alteración de la espermatogénesis, causada por cáncer testicular, aplasia de las células germinales, varicocele, factores ambientales o defecto en el transporte de los espermatozoides, entre otros. En general, un 48 por ciento de hombres cursa con esterilidad sin causa aparente. Durante mucho tiempo, el tracto reproductor masculino y el sistema inmunológico han sido estudiados como sistemas diferentes e independientes. Sin embargo, en las dos últimas décadas se ha despertado un particular interés por la interacción de ambos sistemas en la infertilidad masculina, con énfasis en la evaluación de anticuerpos antiespermáticos como causa común de infertilidad. Además, la inflamación debida a infecciones genitales o sistémicas puede causar alteraciones en la función testicular. El reconocimiento de los antígenos intratesticulares, provoca la producción de anticuerpos por parte de los linfocitos B. Luego, el sistema inmunológico induce una respuesta celular, mediante la secreción de citoquinas, activación del complemento y activación de los linfocitos T. En la presente revisión se examinar n los componentes y el mecanismo de respuesta del sistema inmunológico, la organización del testículo como órgano reproductor, los mediadores de la respuesta inmunológica: interleucina-1 (IL-1), IL-6 Factor Inhibidor de la Leucemia, Factor de necrosis tumoral a, Molécula FasL (CD95L) y Fas (CD95), Factor inhibitorio de la migración de macrófagos, Factor Estimulador de las Colonias de Fagocitos Mononucleares y Factor Estimulador de las Colonias de Granulocitos/macrófagos, así como Factor de Células Madres, Interferón, Factor de Transformación y Crecimiento ß y activinas.

Hernioplastia inguinal con cono protésico bajo anestesia local en pacientes ambulatorios / Inguinal hernioplasty with mesh-pulg under local anesthesia in ambulatory patients

Determinar la tolerancia de la hernioplastia inguinal colocando cono protésico, con anestesia local en condición ambulatoria. Durante 2 años 73 pacientes portadores de hernias inguinales reunieron los criterios de inclusión y se les practicó hernioplastia inguinal con cono protésico según la técnica de Rutkow y Robbins bajo anestesia local y de forma ambulatoria. En éstos pacientes se midió la tolerancia basándose en los requerimientos de anestésico local y en la valoración subjetiva del paciente por el equipo quirúrgico, durante el procedimiento. El seguimiento se realizó por un año. Del total de 73 pacientes evaluados cuyas edades estuvieron comprendidas entre 13 y 76 años con una media de 38,62, se realizaron 63 herniorráfias en hombres y 10 en mujeres. El 97 por ciento (71) de las hernias eran primarias y solo 3 por ciento (2) recidivadas. El tipo de hernia más frecuente fue la directa con 37 pacientes lo que representó un 50,7 por ciento de todos los casos que conformaron la serie. La media de unidades de anestesia requerida durante el procedimiento fue de 6,7 unidades, la tolerancia según este criterio fue excelente en 35 por ciento (26) de los pacientes, buena en 21,9 por ciento (16) de los pacientes, regular en 32,9 por ciento (24) y mala en 9,6 por ciento (7). La tolerancia basada en la observación dl equipo quirúrgico fue excelente en 33 por ciento (24), buena en 52 por ciento (38), regular en 14 por ciento (10) y mala en 1 por ciento. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 16 por ciento y se presentó una sola recidiva lo que presentó el 1 por ciento. La hernioplastia por técnica de libre tensión con cono protésico según la técnica de Rutkow y Robbins es un procedimiento bien tolerado con anestesia local y en condición ambulatoria. En nuestro estudio obtuvimos niveles bajos de complicaciones y recidiva.

The CIDA-QUEST large-scale survey of Orion OB1: evidence for rapid disk dissipation in a dispersed stellar population.

We are conducting a large-scale, multiepoch, optical photometric survey [Centro de Investigaciones de Astronomia-Quasar Equatorial Survey Team (CIDA-QUEST)] covering about 120 square degrees to identify the young low-mass stars in the Orion OB1 association. We present results for an area of 34 square degrees. Using photometric variability as our main selection criterion, as well as follow-up spectroscopy, we confirmed 168 previously unidentified pre-main sequence stars that are about 0.6 to 0.9 times the mass of the sun (Mo), with ages of about 1 million to 3 million years (Ori OB1b) and about 3 million to 10 million years (Ori OB1a). The low-mass stars are spatially coincident with the high-mass (at least 3 Mo) members of the associations. Indicators of disk accretion such as Halpha emission and near-infrared emission from dusty disks fall sharply from Ori OB1b to Ori OB1a, indicating that the time scale for disk dissipation and possibly the onset of planet formation is a few million years.

Descripción histológica de la substancia cortical dorsal en la parte media de la diáfisis del metacarpiano III en yegua mestiza / Histological description of the dorsal cortical bone in the midle diaphysis of the metacarpial III in the mixed mare

El hueso es el unicó tejido capaz de adaptarse estructural y geométricamente ante presiones impuestas sobre él. Durante la vida, el hueso es afectado por procesos externos e internos. Los externos producen cambios en sus medidas y forma. Los internos remodelan su arquitectura interna. Además, los huesos son afectados por factores que incluyen edad, sexo, especie, origen y contenido de minerales. Las variaciones estructurales en la organización microscópica del tejido óseo ocurren de manera constante y consistente mediante el crecimiento y la remodelación por parte de cada especie animal. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar la estructura microscópica inorgánica del cuadrante dorsal del metacarpiano III en la parte media de la diáfisis en distintos grupos etarios. Se estudió la substancia cortical dorsal de los huesos metarcapianos III izquierdos provenientes de 30 yeguas mestizas, con edades entre 2 y 5 años. Extraídos los huesos se los liberó de los tejidos blandos. El cuadrante dorsal fue muestreado, en la parte media de la diáfisis. Posteriormente, se realizó el pulido en forma manual. Las muestras fueron observadas al microscopio de luz polarizada. Se observaron diferencias histológica en los diferentes grupos etarios. Se concluyó que se producen variaciones microscópicas de la subtancia cortical dorsal del metarcapiano III en la parte media de la diáfisis, en el transcurso de 4 años

[Peripartum myocardiopathy. A case report, diagnostic and therapeutic considerations]. / Miocardiopatía periparto. Informe de un caso, consideraciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas.

A case of periobstetric cardiomyopathy is presented, it was identified at 32 weeks, because of congestive cardiac failure, the obstetric event was resolved by cesarean section due to low fetal reserve, clinical and hemodynamical criteria for diagnosis are reviewed and also therapeutic alternatives are discussed.

[Seasonal changes in the female reproductive apparatus of Lepus europaeus (P) in a population from the rural area of Rio Cuarto (Cordoba-Argentina)]. / Variaciones estacionales del aparato reproductor hembra de Lepus europaeus (P) en una poblacion del area rural de Rio Cuarto (Cordoba-Argentina).

In this paper, the reproductive cycle of the European hare, Lepus europaeus, was studied during a complete annual period in females of a population from the southern region of the province of Cordoba. The animals were captured monthly. Age, corporal and ovarian weights were determined, and the ovaries were fixed in Bouin and processed by current histological techniques. During the period from July to February, the mean corporal weight was 3.70 kg +/- 0.15. The ovaries showed follicles in different developmental stages, corpora lutea and interstitial gland. Embryos were frequently found in the uterus. From March to June, on the other hand, mean corporal weigth was 3.16 kg +/- 0.11. The ovaries presented developing follicles, interstitial gland and corpora albicans, and no corpora lutea were found. From these results, it can be seen that the reproductive cycle is composed of two well-defined periods: I) Reproductive period, extending from July to February, and II) Non-reproductive period, form March to June. The results are compared with those obtained by other authors on other hare populations, specially on populations from the southern region of Argentina (Bariloche), taking into account regional environmental characteristics.

Human placenta conditioned medium as a source of lymphocyte blastogenesis in vitro.

The purpose of this work was to obtain placental extracts with the capacity of producing lymphocyte blastogenesis. Placental homogenates were incubated at 37 degrees C in McCoy's 5A supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum and 25 mM Hepes. After a 6-day incubation period, the cultures were harvested and the sterility and cellular viability were controlled. The supernatant was centrifuged at 22,000g at 4 degrees C for 30 minutes. Sterilization was achieved by filtration (0.22 microns). This medium was denominated human placenta conditioned medium (HPCM-1). The other half of the original placenta was processed by the Burgess method and the extracts thus obtained were denominated HPCM-2. The activity of the extracts thus obtained was tested in peripheral lymphocyte cultures from women after the third pregnancy; 5, 10 and 20% HPCM-1 or HPCM-2 was added to these cultures and the index of lymphocyte blast transformation (ILBT) was determined. The highest stimulation occurred at 10% HPCM. The ILBT obtained with HPCM-1 at 10% was more constant than that obtained with HPCM-2 at the same concentration. In conclusion, it can be assumed that this methodology is appropriate to obtain conditioned media from human placenta with good blastogenic activity on peripheral lymphocytes in vitro.

[Serum and hypophyseal profiles of alpha-melanotropin and prolactin during the reproductive cycle of Leptodactylus ocellatus]. / Perfiles séricos e hipofisarios de alpha-melanotrofina y prolactina durante el ciclo reproductor de Leptodactylus Ocellatus.

In this work, the seric and hypophysial concentrations of the hormones alpha-melantopin and prolactin of male specimens of Leptodactylus ocellatus from the province of Cordoba are studied during a complete annual period. This amphibian presents a continuous reproductive cycle with a wave of greater spermatogenic activity in early summer months (December-January). The results corresponding to hormones show a very similar pattern: both present their maximal seric value in the December-January period, coincidently with the greatest spermatogenic wave. Maximal hypophysial values precede seric concentration maximum by two months. Although the influence of these hormones on amphibian spermatogenesis is not well understood, the observations here described would indicate that alpha-melanotropin as well as prolactin could play a role in the spermatogenic process in Leptodactylus ocellatus.

Perfiles séricos e hipofisarios de alpha-melanotrofina y prolactina durante el ciclo reproductor de Leptodactylus Ocellatus. / [Serum and hypophyseal profiles of alpha-melanotropin and prolactin during the reproductive cycle of Leptodactylus ocellatus]

In this work, the seric and hypophysial concentrations of the hormones alpha-melantopin and prolactin of male specimens of Leptodactylus ocellatus from the province of Cordoba are studied during a complete annual period. This amphibian presents a continuous reproductive cycle with a wave of greater spermatogenic activity in early summer months (December-January). The results corresponding to hormones show a very similar pattern: both present their maximal seric value in the December-January period, coincidently with the greatest spermatogenic wave. Maximal hypophysial values precede seric concentration maximum by two months. Although the influence of these hormones on amphibian spermatogenesis is not well understood, the observations here described would indicate that alpha-melanotropin as well as prolactin could play a role in the spermatogenic process in Leptodactylus ocellatus.