Influencia de factores endógenos (edad y sexo) en los niveles de biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo en alcatraz (Morus bassanus) / Influence of endogenous factors (age and sex) on the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in Northern gannet (Morus bassanus)

Las aves marinas pueden ser utilizadas como bioindicadoras de las alteraciones del ambiente en que residen, identificándose en ellas distintos biomarcadores, que no informen sobre los niveles cuantitativos de contaminantes sino sobre los efectos adversos subclínicos que dichos agentes pueden causar. En el presente trabajo se han analizado los niveles de Malondialdehído (MDA) y de actividad Glutatión-S-Transferasa (GST) en muestras de hígado y riñón de 30 alcatraces (Morus bassanus) procedentes de las costas de Galicia, como posibles indicadores de estrés oxidativo en las aves. Además, se ha determinado la influencia de dos factores endógenos (sexo y edad) sobre los niveles de estos biomarcadores. En hígado los valores medios de MDA obtenidos fueron de 0,508±0,502 nmol/mg proteína, mientras que en riñón fueron de 15,67±12,18 nmol/mg proteína. La actividad GST media en hígado fue de 10,93±7,067 nmol/min/mg proteína, mucho menor que la media de los valores en riñón, que fue 62,30±26,97 nmol/min/mg proteína. En cuanto a las variaciones respecto a la edad, solo se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en riñón en la actividad GST, siendo mayor la actividad de esta enzima en alcatraces adultos que en inmaduros. Por su parte, el factor sexo no influyó en los niveles de ninguno de los biomarcadores considerados. Los resultados obtenidos apuntan a que ambos biomarcadores podrían ser de utilidad en programas de biomonitorización de contaminación ambiental centrados en el alcatraz, aunque serían necesarios estudios que consideren un mayor número de animales, incorporando un abanico más amplio de biomarcadores. (AU)

Seabirds can be used as bioindicators of changes in the environment in which they live, identifying different biomarkers in them, which do not provide information on the quantitative levels of contaminants, but on the subclinical adverse effects that these agents can cause. At the present study, the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in liver and kidney samples of 30 gannets (Morus bassanus) from the coast of Galicia have been determined, as suitable biomarkers of oxidative stress on birds. In addition, the influence of two endogenous factors (sex and age) on the levels of these biomarkers has been determined. In the liver, the mean values of MDA were 0.508 ± 0.502 nmol/mg protein, while in kidney they were 15.67 ± 12.18 nmol/mg protein. On the other hand, mean GST activity in the liver was 10.93 ± 7.067 nmol/min/mg protein, much lower than the mean activity values found in kidney, which were 62.30 ± 26.97 nmol/min/mg protein. Regarding the variations with respect to age, statistically significant differences were only found in the kidney in GST activity, the activity of this enzyme being higher in adult gannets than in immature ones. Secondly, the gender factor did not influence the levels of any of the biomarkers considered. The obtained results indicate that both biomarkers could be useful in biomonitoring programs of environmental contamination focused on the gannet, although studies that consider a larger number of animals, incorporating a broader range of biomarkers, would be necessary. (AU)

Ernst Ferdinand Sauerbruch (1875-1951). El cirujano mas influyente de la primera mitad del siglo XX / Ernst Ferdinand Sauerbruch (1875-1951). The Most Influential Surgeon Of The First Half Of The Twentieth Century

Ernst Ferdinand Sauerbruch, se le considera como uno de los cirujanos más relevantes de la primera mitad del siglo XX. De unapersonalidad carismática, desarrolló su actividad en diferentes hospitales universitarios destacando los de Zúrich, Múnich y especialmente el de la Charité de Berlín. Realizo importantes aportaciones en el campo de la cirugía torácica, del tratamiento de lahidrocefalia, de la cirugía tiroidea, de la cirugía oncológica además de otras aportaciones como fue la cámara de vacío para tenerla posibilidad de abrir el tórax e intervenir sus órganos o el desarrollo de una mano protésica fundamentalmente utilizable por losenfermos amputados en la I Guerra Mundial. Fue maestro de numerosos cirujanos alemanes y también de otros países. Su declivecomienza tras terminar la Segunda Guerra Mundial al intentar seguir operando sufriendo un progresivo deterioro mental. El otroaspecto polémico de su figura, se centra al haber participado de forma activa tanto desde el punto de vista social, académico eincluso político durante el régimen nacionalsocialista en Alemania. (AU)

Ernst Ferdinand Sauerbruch is considered as one of the most relevant surgeons of the first half of the twentieth century. With a charismatic personality, he developed his activity in different university hospitals, highlighting those of Zurich, Munich and especiallythat of the Charité in Berlin. I make important contributions in the field of thoracic surgery, the treatment of hydrocephalus, thyroidsurgery, and oncological surgery as well as other contributions such as the vacuum chamber to have the possibility of opening thethorax and intervening its organs or development of a prosthetic hand fundamentally usable by the amputee patients in World WarI. He was a teacher of numerous German surgeons and of other countries. Its decline begins after the end of World War II when tryingto continue operating suffering a progressive mental deterioration. The other controversial aspect of his figure, focuses on havingactively participated both socially, academically and even politically during the National Socialist regime in Germany. (AU)

Analisis Del Tratamiento Endovascular De Los Aneurismas De Arteria Esplenica / Analysis Of The Endovascular Treatment Of The Aneurisms Of Splinary Artery

Los aneurismas viscerales son entidades raras, siendo el más frecuente de los aneurismas de este grupo el que afecta a la arteria esplénica. Su prevalencia es estimada desde un 0.9 a un 9.7% según los autores. No obstante la introducción de técnicas de imagen para valorar los procesos abdominales han incrementado los hallazgos casuales de estos casos. Una vez diagnosticados se considera su tratamiento cuando los mismos tienen un tamaño superior a 2 cm de diámetro. La cirugía convencional en la mayoría de los casos se plantea con la esplenectomía y resección de la arteria aneurismática. Mediante procedimientos endovasculares es posible realizar un tratamiento menos agresivo y eficaz. Se presenta la experiencia del grupo en el tratamiento de 37 casos de aneurismas esplénicos, analizando el perfil de los pacientes, el tratamiento realizado y los resultados obtenidos. Se valora este tipo de terapéutica con respecto a los datos recogidos en la bibliografía

Visceral aneurysms are rare entities, being the most frequent of the aneurysms of this group that affects the splenic artery. Its preva-lence is estimated from 0.9 to 9.7% according to the authors. However, the introduction of imaging techniques to assess abdominal processes have increased the casual findings of these cases. Once diagnosed, their treatment is considered when they are larger than 2 cm in diameter. Conventional surgery in most cases arises with splenectomy and aneurysmal artery resection. Endovascular procedures suggest a less aggressive and effective treatment. The experience of the group in the treatment of 37 cases of splenic aneurysm is presented, analyzing the profile of the patients, the treatment performed and the results obtained. This type of therapy is analyzed with respects included in the literatura

Tratamiento endovascular de los aneurismas de arteria renal / Endovascular treatment of renal artery aneurisms

El aneurisma de la arteria renal se puede considerar como una entidad poco frecuente, con una incidencia que se cifra en el 0,09% de la población general. En la mayoría de las ocasiones se considera esta patología cuando se presenta, como un hallazgo incidental, tras evaluaciones diagnósticas utilizando resonancia nuclear magnética, tomografía axial computarizada, y estudios arteriográficos, realizados para otros fines diagnósticos. Las características clínicas y el manejo de los aneurismas de la arteria renal en general, han sido aportados en la bibliografía a través de pequeñas series de casos, que presentan un pequeño número de pacientes. Hasta hace poco ha existido controversia sobre el tratamiento de tos aneurismas, específicamente, en lo que respecta al tamaño del que requiere un tratamiento quirúrgico, de cómo realizar la reparación y como hacer el seguimiento de aquellos que se consideran no quirúrgicos. También presenta controversia, la causa etiológica, su relación con la hipertensión y otros factores. Por otro lado, a medida que avanza la terapia endovascular y se aplica preferentemente en otras afecciones vasculares, el resultado a largo plazo y la durabilidad del tratamiento con cirugía abierta o endovascular de los aneurismas de la arteria renal, debe ser documentado para la comparación

Aneurysm of the renal artery can be considered as a rare entity, with an incidence that is estimated at 0.09% of the general population. In most cases this pathology is considered when it is presented, as an incidental finding, after diagnostic evaluations using magnetic nuclear resonance, computed tomography, and arteriographic studies performed for other diagnostic purposes. The clinical characteristics and the management of renal artery aneurysms in general have been contributed in the literature through small series of cases, which present a small number of patients. Until recently there has been controversy about the treatment of aneurysm coughs, specifically, regarding the size of the one that requires surgical treatment, how to perform the repair and how to follow up on those that are considered non-surgical. It also presents controversy, the etiological cause, its relationship with hypertension and other factors. On the other hand, as endovascular therapy progresses and is preferably applied in other vascular conditions, the long-term outcome and durability of treatment with open or endovascular surgery of renal artery aneurysms should be documented for comparison

Biografia de rudolf nissen. Uno de los cirujanos mas relevantes del siglo xx / Biography of rudolph nissen. One of the most relevant surgeons of the XX century

Se le reconoce a Rudolf Nissen como uno de los cirujanos más relevantes del siglo XX. Su principal aportación se considera que fue la técnica denominada de fundoplicatura para el tratamiento de la hernia hiatal, aunque realizó otras que no han tenido tanta relevancia científica. También ha sido recordado como el cirujano que trató quirúrgicamente a Albert Einstein de su aneurisma de aorta abdominal, mediante una técnica que no fue efectiva de recubrimiento con película de celofán. Rudolf Nissen inicio su formación y trabajo en Alemania vinculándose como ayudante al prestigioso cirujano Sauerbruch, para posteriormente trasladarse a Turquía potenciando el desarrollo de la cirugía de este país, emigrar más tarde a Estados Unidos trabajando en inicialmente en Boston y más tarde en New York y retornar a Europa exactamente a Basilea para culminar su carrera profesional. Sus orígenes judíos condicionaron su vida, en especial el haber tenido que emigrar de Alemania y su posterior relación con hospitales relacionado con esta comunidad religiosa

Rudolf Nissen is recognized as one of the most relevant surgeons of the 20th century. His main contribution is considered to be the so-called fundoplication technique for the treatment of hiatal hernia, although he performed others that have not had such scientific relevance. He has also been remembered as the surgeon who surgically treated Albert Einstein of his abdominal aortic aneurysm, using a technique that was not effective in coating with cellophane film. Rudolf Nissen began his training and work in Germany by joining the prestigious surgeon Sauerbruch as an assistant, and later moved to Turkey, promoting the development of surgery in this country, emigrating later to the United States working initially in Boston and later in New York and return to Europe exactly to Basel to complete his professional career. His Jewish origins conditioned his life, especially having had to emigrate from Germany and his subsequent relationship with hospitals related to this religious community

Elena Céspedes. La asombrosa historia de una mujer que ejerció de cirujana como varón / Elena Céspedes. The amazing history of a woman who exercises surgeon as a man

A lo largo de la historia se puede considerar que no han sido muchas las mujeres que han podido ejercer como cirujanas en las diferentes civilizaciones y cuando esto ha sido posible en muchos casos han tenido que hacerlo disfrazadas de nombre. El caso de Elena de Céspedes se puede considerar peculiar en primer lugar por su situación biológica de posible hemafroditismo, a lo que se añade su vida venturera ejerciendo múltiples oficios incluido el de soldado hasta llegar a la de médico cirujana que ejerce como varón. El descubrimiento de esta situación la hace que sea acusada de diferentes delitos y al final juzgada por la Inquisición siendo condenada. Resalta en su personalidad su reconocida inteligencia que la hace progresar desde el punto de vista social desde su inicio como esclava hasta lograr acreditarse como cirujano y cirujano sangrador logrando ejercer el oficio con solvencia y maestría. Se la considera referencia como mujer cirujano en la historia de la medicina

Throughout history it can be considered that there have not been many women who have been able to practice as surgeons in diffe-rent civilizations and when this has been possible in many cases they have had to do it disguised as a name. The case of Elena de Céspedes can be considered peculiar in the first place due to her biological situation of possible hemaphroditism, to which is added her life as a trainee exercising multiple trades, including that of a soldier until she becomes a surgeon practicing as a male. The discovery of this situation causes her to be accused of different crimes and in the end judged by the Inquisition to be condemned. Her personality stands out in her well-known intelligence, which makes her progress from the social point of view from her beginning as a slave to becoming accredited as a bleeding surgeon and surgeon, achieving the job with solvency and mastery. It is considered a reference as a female surgeon in the history of medicine

Concentrations of chlorinated pollutants in adipose tissue of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) from Spain: Role of gender and age.

Concentrations of 7 different polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, and eleven organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and metabolites, including DDTs (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), HCHs (hexachlorocyclohexane isomers), Endosulfan, Endosulfan sulfate, Endrin, Dieldrin and HCB (hexachlorobenzene), were determined in adipose tissue of 57 yellow-legged gulls collected from NW and N Spain. Furthermore, the possible differences due to two endogenous factors, age and gender, were determined. All the analyzed PCBs were detected in over 66% of the samples, with levels of 291.9 (PCB 180), 34.5 (PCB 118), 0.7 (PCB 28), 432.6 (PCB 153), 225.5 (PCB 138), 1.3 (PCB 101) and 0.4 (PCB 52) µg/kg of adipose tissue. With respect to the OCPs and metabolites, only 4,4'-DDE and HCB were detected in more than 50% of the samples, with means of 360.6 and 2.5 µg/kg of adipose tissue, respectively. From all the considered contaminants, only 4,4'-DDE levels presented significant differences depending on the gender, with females showing higher values than males (p < 0.01). Significant differences (p < 0.001) were also found related to age for the levels of PCBs 180, 138, 101, 28 and 153, as well as 4,4'-DDE, with adult levels being higher than those in young birds. The results of the present study constitute a baseline to better assess the environmental impacts of PCB and OCP contamination at other coastal sites for future biomonitoring studies, with particular emphasis on gender- and age-related differences.

The American mink (Neovison vison) is a competent host for native European parasites.

The American mink (Neovison vison) is a mustelid native to North America that was introduced in Europe and the former USSR for fur farming. Throughout the last century, accidental or deliberate escapes of mink from farms caused the establishment of stable feral populations. In fact, the American mink is considered an invasive alien species in 28 European countries. The present study evaluates the gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary helminth fauna of the American mink in Galicia (NW Spain) to understand its role as a potential reservoir for parasites affecting other autochthonous mustelids. In the period 2008-2014, fifty American mink (35 males and 15 females) of different ages (22 immature and 28 adults) from the provinces of Lugo, Ourense and Pontevedra were captured and sacrificed. Eight parasite species were found (6 nematodes and 2 trematodes) with the following prevalences: Molineus patens (68%), Aonchotheca putorii (54%), Crenosoma melesi (10%), Aonchotheca annulosa (8%), Angiostrongylus daskalovi (6%), Aelurostrongylus spp. (2%), Troglotrema acutum (2%) and an unidentified trematode (2%). Eighty-two per cent of the mink harboured helminths, including 15 animals (30%) infected by only one parasite species, 19 (38%) by two species, 5 (10%) by three species and 2 mink (4%) by four species. All helminth species identified are native to European mustelids. Statistical models were used to evaluate if animal characteristics (age, sex and weight), date and capture area influenced the prevalence, intensity or parasite richness. Statistical differences were detected only in models for intensity of M. patens, A. putorii and C. melesi. This is the first report of Angiostrongylus daskalovi, a cardiopulmonary nematode, and A. annulosa, a gastrointestinal nematode specific of rodents, in American mink. Moreover, although the fluke T. acutum has already been cited in American mink, to our knowledge, the present study represents the first report of this trematode in the lung.

Does gender influence the levels of heavy metals in liver of wild boar?

The aim of this study was to determine heavy metal reference levels for risk assessment studies. For this purpose, the levels of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc were determined in liver tissues of wild boars sampled in NW Spain. The mean values were 0.383, 0.326, 23.50 and 56.86mg/kg dried weight, respectively. In general, the levels detected were similar to or lower than the levels reported in literature. This study not only provides a useful baseline for biomonitoring the levels of the analyzed contaminants in wildlife in NW Spain, it also helps to understand the effects of gender on the levels of these elements. Similar to studies performed in other geographical regions, no significant gender-related differences could be detected. Although differences were not significant, the levels of zinc, cadmium and lead were modestly higher in males (55.78, 0.346 and 0.424mg/kg, respectively) compared to females (45.25, 0.305 and 0.341mg/kg). Our results indicate that, although gender did not significantly affect heavy metal uptake and toxicokinetics of contaminants in wild boars, these effects could vary between species, populations, organs, and elements. It is therefore essential to investigate gender-related differences for each species.

Use of computed tomography as a non-invasive method for diagnosing cephenemyiosis in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).

This study was conducted to assess the reliability of computed tomography (CT) for diagnosing bot fly infestations by Cephenemyia stimulator (Clark) (Diptera: Oestridae) in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) (Artiodactyla: Cervidae). For this purpose, the heads of 30 animals were analysed, firstly by CT and then by necropsy, which was used as the reference standard method. The prevalence values obtained by both methods were identical; the prevalence of infestation was 40.0% overall, and was higher in males (45.5%) than in females (25.0%). These results highlight the usefulness of CT as an alternative or non-invasive method for diagnosing cephenemyiosis in live-captured roe deer and in hunting trophies or museum collections that cannot be destroyed or damaged.

Quantification of pericaudal adipocyte diameter in dairy cattle during peripartum: a complementary method to study energetic status using conventional histology.

The energetic status of high-yielding Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle was studied during peripartum under field conditions using body condition score (BCS), glycemia, seric ß-hydroxybutyrate and adipose tissue cellularity. This last method was tested as a complementary tool for energetic status assessment. Biopsies of pericaudal subcutaneous adipose tissue were obtained from 25 multiparous animals at 28 days before and 21 days after parturition. Samples were routinely processed for histological examination and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The mean diameter of adipocytes (MDA) was measured with the aid of a digital image processor. During the same period, blood samples were collected weekly for metabolite determinations. The MDA at 28 days pre-partum and 21 days post-partum were 72.1 vs. 66.2 µm respectively (p = 0.055), and the corresponding BCS at these moments was 3.32 vs. 3.19 (p = 0.068). At -28 days pre-partum, the BCS was positively correlated with MDA (Pearson's r = 0.521, p = 0.016) and with glycemia (Pearson's r = 0.404, p = 0.056). Correlations between BCS and MDA, and between BCS and glycemia, with ß-hydroxybutyrate although not significant, suggest that routine histological preparations of biopsies from subcutaneous adipose tissue could be included as an easy and valuable tool for research purposes to evaluate metabolic adaptation of dairy cows to peripartum, as well as the incidence of metabolic disorders and productive performance.

Calbindin D28k expression and the absence of apoptosis in the cerebellum of Solanum bonariense L-intoxicated bovines.

Solanum bonariense intoxication is characterized by cerebellar neuronal vacuolation, degeneration, and necrosis. Cerebellar Purkinje cells seem especially susceptible, but more research is needed to determine the pathogenesis of neuronal necrosis and the mechanism of Purkinje cell susceptibility. Calbindin D28k (CbD28k) is highly expressed in Purkinje cells and has been used as a marker for normal and degenerative Purkinje cells. The goal of this study was to describe S bonariense-induced disease by ascertaining Purkinje cell-specific degenerative changes using CbD28k expression and to correlate this with apoptosis in Purkinje cells, as determined using TUNEL (transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling) and ultrastructural changes. In all cases, an increase in both dose and duration of S bonariense intoxication resulted in a decrease in the number of Purkinje cells. CbD28k immunohistochemistry was an excellent marker for Purkinje cells because immunoreactivity did not change in normal or degenerative tissues. This finding suggests that excessive calcium excitatory stimulation does not induce rapid neuronal degeneration and death. As found in previous studies, TUNEL tests and electron microscopy suggest that Purkinje cell degeneration and death are not occurring via an apoptotic process. These findings suggest that S bonariense poisoning induces progressive Purkinje cell death that is not mediated by excitotoxicity or apoptotic activation.

Meningoencephalitis associated with Staphylococcus warneri in a dog.

A case of meningoencephalitis in a dog caused by Staphylococcus warneri is reported here. The history and clinical signs were suggestive of possible central nervous system infection. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid documented a neutrophilic pleocytosis (890 cells/mul) and the presence of occasional intracellular cocci. Staphylococcus warneri was isolated from the microbiological culture of the cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment consisted of intravenous antibiotics, supportive care and anticonvulsants for the generalised seizures that developed after admission. Histological assessment confirmed the location and extension of bacterial meningoencephalitis. Thrombotic meningoencephalitis associated with Staphylococcus warneri infection has not, to the authors' knowledge, been previously reported in dogs.

Effects of dietary cation-anion difference on blood cortisol and ACTH levels in reproducing ewes.

Formulation of rations to induce a compensated metabolic acidosis in the post-partum cow has proved a useful strategy for prevention of milk fever. Such acidification improves the ability of the animal to maintain calcium homeostasis by promoting the absorption of calcium from the intestine and mobilization of calcium from the bone. In humans, an acidogenic diet results in mild metabolic acidosis in association with a state of cortisol excess and this increase in plasma cortisol may increase bone catabolism. The objective of our experiment was to induce acidification by anionic salt supplementation and to study the effects of anionic supplementation on plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels in sheep. Twenty-seven twin-bearing sheep were assigned to two experimental groups and a control group, depending on dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) (+272.6, -88.9 and +164.5 mEq/kg DM respectively). Sheep assigned to each dietary treatment received their respective rations beginning 6 weeks pre-partum and continuing until 12 days post-partum. Anionic diet induced a non-respiratory systemic acidosis in association with a mild increase in plasma cortisol concentration without changes in plasma ACTH levels. Our data suggest that the mild hypercortisolism observed in sheep fed the anionic diet may not be an effector for bone resorption induced by anionic salts. A mild hypercortisolism of this magnitude may lead to osteoporosis but this might require many years of adrenal hypersecretion while anionic salts are only used during the last weeks of pregnancy.

Effect of thiadiazine derivatives on intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis

Current therapy for leishmaniasis is not satisfactory. We describe the in vitro antiproliferative effects of new thiadiazine derivatives against Leishmania amazonensis. The compounds were found to be active against the amastigote form of the parasite, inhibiting parasite growing, from 10 to 89 percent, at a concentration of 100 ng/ml. This activity suggests that thiadiazine derivatives could be considered as potential antileishmanial compounds(AU)

Suspected lasalocid poisoning in three dogs.

The ionophore lasalocid has been used as a feed additive for broilers chickens and for improving feed efficiency in ruminants. Although dogs appear to be more sensitive to lasalocid intoxication than other species, there is only 1 report in the veterinary literature about lasalocid poisoning in dogs. We describe the clinical signs, treatment and resolution of 3 hunting dogs that developed acute neurological signs consistent with lasalocid poisoning after the consumption of several broilers that had died on a nearby farm.

Long-term effects of dietary anion-cation balance on acid-base status and bone morphology in reproducing ewes.

The beneficial effects of anionic salts on calcium metabolism have been shown by supplementing rations with such salts during the last 3 weeks of pre-partum. However, there are few reports on the effects of anionic salts supplementation for periods of 4 weeks or longer on acid-base status, mineral metabolism and bone morphology. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the long-term dietary supplementation of anionic salts on the acid-base status, plasma minerals concentrations and bone morphology in sheep. Twenty-seven twin-bearing sheep were assigned to two experimental groups and a control group, depending on dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) (+272.6, -88.9 and + 164.5 mEq/kg DM, respectively). Sheep assigned to each dietary treatment received their respective rations beginning 6 weeks prepartum and continuing until 12 days post-partum. Diets containing anionic salts induced a mild metabolic hyperchloraemic acidosis from 1 week pre-partum to 2 days post-partum that was completely compensated by non-respiratory mechanisms. These changes on acid-base status were accompanied by an increase of plasma ionized calcium levels. Plasma total calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations were not affected by dietary treatment. Parathyroid hormone concentrations were related to the concentration of ionized calcium of plasma and were higher in sheep fed the cationic diet. Plasma osteocalcin levels were increased in sheep fed the anionic diet and cortical bone remodelling occurred in all the animals during late pregnancy in light and electron microscopy observation, but was particularly evident in the sheep fed the anionic diet. Bone turnover might be stimulated because of the role of the bone in buffering systemic acidosis. The data suggest that anionic salts ameliorated calcium metabolism around parturition by increasing bone resorption and the concentration of ionised calcium in plasma, possibly mediated by a mild hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis induced by the salts.

Zinc poisoning associated with separation anxiety in an Argentinean bulldog.

Separation anxiety in dogs is a complex behavioral syndrome produced by many causes. A hunter 4y-old male Argentinean Bulldog had dental disturbances and gastrointestinal and cutaneous symptoms due to high plasma zinc and low copper and calcium plasma concentration. His behavior made him bite galvanized wire fences in his cage and bunk that contained his food, both of a Zn-containing material. Specific treatment resulted in complete recovery.

[Haemophilus influenzae meningitis. Review of 21 cases]. / Meningitis por "Haemophilus influenzae". Revisión de 21 casos.

Twenty-one cases of "Haemophilus influenzae" meningitis occurred over a seven year period. An ampicillin-resistant strain was isolated in three (14,2%), but the percentage of ampicillin-resistant strains rose to 33% over the last two years, in meningitis and to 38% in all patients whose blood or CSF grew "Haemophilus influenzae". One case (4,7%) had severe neurologic damage, and 3 (14%) had minor damage. The estimated duration of symptoms prior to proper treatment correlated with duration of fever conscience depression, and hospital stay. Both of the patients with symptoms prior to treatment lasting over 72 hours had sequellae. Chloramphenicol should be included in the therapy of every patient suspected of having severe "Haemophilus influenzae" infection in our region.