The Developmental Chronnecto-Genomics (Dev-CoG) study: A multimodal study on the developing brain.

Brain development has largely been studied through unimodal analysis of neuroimaging data, providing independent results for structural and functional data. However, structure clearly impacts function and vice versa, pointing to the need for performing multimodal data collection and analysis to improve our understanding of brain development, and to further inform models of typical and atypical brain development across the lifespan. Ultimately, such models should also incorporate genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying brain structure and function, although currently this area is poorly specified. To this end, we are reporting here a multi-site, multi-modal dataset that captures cognitive function, brain structure and function, and genetic and epigenetic measures to better quantify the factors that influence brain development in children originally aged 9-14 years. Data collection for the Developmental Chronnecto-Genomics (Dev-CoG) study (http://devcog.mrn.org/) includes cognitive, emotional, and social performance scales, structural and functional MRI, diffusion MRI, magnetoencephalography (MEG), and saliva collection for DNA analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and DNA methylation patterns. Across two sites (The Mind Research Network and the University of Nebraska Medical Center), data from over 200 participants were collected and these children were re-tested annually for at least 3 years. The data collection protocol, sample demographics, and data quality measures for the dataset are presented here. The sample will be made freely available through the collaborative informatics and neuroimaging suite (COINS) database at the conclusion of the study.

Effect of follicle size on hormonal status of follicular fluid, oocyte ATP content, and in vitro embryo production in prepubertal sheep.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of follicular size on estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels in intrafollicular fluid, ATP content in oocytes, and the embryo development rate in prepubertal sheep. Slaughterhouse ovaries were dissected to recover the follicles, which were classified according to the follicle diameter as <3 mm (n = 20) and ≥3 mm (n = 17). Then, follicular fluid was obtained and analyzed by radioimmunoassay to determine the E2 and P4 concentrations. Another group of ovaries was used to recover cumulus-oocyte complexes according to follicle size. In vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and embryo culture were performed using standard procedures, and ATP level was assessed at 0 and 24 h of IVM. Intrafollicular concentrations of E2 and P4 and E2:P4 ratio were higher in ≥3 mm (18.7 ± 5.9 ng/mL, 7.8 ± 1.2 ng/mL, and 3.6 ± 1.3, respectively) than <3 mm (1.8 ± 0.4 ng/mL, 2.6 ± 0.3 ng/mL and 0.9 ± 0.3, respectively) follicles. The rate of ATP increased during IVM and was higher in oocytes from ≥3 mm than <3 mm (22.4 ± 0.7 and 8.6 ± 2.2-fold change; respectively) follicles. After IVF, the blastocyst development was higher in oocytes recovered from ≥3 mm (11.1 ± 0.9%) than from <3 mm (6.5 ± 0.7%) follicles. These results indicate an improvement in the competence and development of oocytes from ≥3 mm follicles with a higher E2:P4 ratio. Thus, this ratio could be used as reference to design IVM medium and to enhance the in vitro embryo production in lambs.

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Perianal Fistula in Crohn's Disease.

AIM: To assess clinical healing in patients with perianal Crohn's disease with local intrafistular injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma. METHOD: The pilot study was conducted at a single centre between January 2013 and December 2015. Autologous platelet-rich plasma was prepared in platelet-rich and platelet-poor fractions for local intrafistular injection in patients with proven, established perianal Crohn's disease. Patients were permitted biological therapies, and the Perianal Crohn's Disease Activity Index was recorded. Patients were followed for 48 weeks for clinical signs of healing (complete, partial or non-healing), monitoring fistula drainage, closure and epithelialization. RESULTS: The study included 29 patients (19 males; mean age 38 ± 12.8 years) with four exclusions in the operating room because surgery was not indicated and four lost to follow-up. Five adverse events were recorded, with two requiring the drainage of abscess collections. Of the 21 patients assessable at 24 weeks, there was complete healing, partial healing and non-healing in 7 (33.3%), 8 (38.1%) and 6 (28.6%) patients, respectively. By 48 weeks, there was complete healing, partial healing and non-healing in 6 (40%), 6 (40%) and 3 (20%) patients, respectively, with a reduction in the number of visible external fistula openings at both time points (P = 0.021). By the end of the study, there was a higher trend of healing if biological therapies were continued (85.7% with biologics vs. 75% without, P = 0.527), but there were no statistically significant differences and no differences in the Perianal Crohn's Disease Activity Index. CONCLUSION: Autologous platelet-rich plasma is safe in patients with perianal Crohn's disease, with an acceptable healing rate over a medium-term follow-up, particularly if biological therapies are used concomitantly.

Analysis of the First 1000 Liver Transplants in Virgen del Rocío Hospital.

The goal of this work has been to analyze the first 1000 liver transplantations (LTs) performed in the Virgen del Rocío Hospital of Seville and to evaluate the changes in that time. We included 916 patients who had 1000 LTs. We distinguish 2 stages in the follow-up: the first stage, between 1990 and 2002, and the second, from 2003 to 2013 (Model for End-stage Liver Disease [MELD] stage). We analyzed recipient features, LT indications, donation criteria, surgical technique, complications, and survival both for patients and grafts. The median age of recipients was 53.50 ± 46.49 years old, with a noticeable increase after 2000. There were 3 times as many men as women. The most frequent indications for LT were hepatocellular disease (48.8%), followed by hepatocarcinoma (17.8%), retransplantation (8.1%), and cholestatic diseases (3.6%). Donors of Andalusian centers accounted for 88.2% of LTs, and 8.3% of LTs presented some arterial or venous complication. Biliary complications occurred in 15.6%. Patient survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 77%, 63.5%, and 51.3%, respectively. In conclusion, some of the factors that negatively influenced survival of the patient were stage of the LT, hepatitis C virus-positive recipient, emergency cases, hepatocarcinoma, high consumption of blood products, and second transplantations.

Periconceptional undernutrition modifies endocrine profiles and hepatic gene expression in sheep.

This study investigated whether a 22-day period of undernutrition (half maintenance) could affect maternal endocrine responses and liver gene expression during early pregnancy (day 7). Thirty-five ewes were fed 1.5 (n = 15) or 0.5 (n = 20) their maintenance requirements and slaughtered on day 7 of the oestrus cycle or pregnancy (oestrus = day 0). Insulin, IGF, leptin and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were determined on days -14, 0 and 7. Transcripts of the IGF family and adipokines receptors were determined in the liver by real-time RT-PCR. Underfed animals presented lower body weight and body condition, greater plasma concentration of NEFA, and lower plasma concentrations of leptin, insulin and IGF1 compared to adequately fed animals. Underfed ewes presented greater hepatic expression of IGFBP2 than well-fed ewes, but tended to have lesser expression of IGFBP5. While no effect of undernutrition on IGFBP4 and ADIPOR2 mRNA expressions was observed, they were increased by pregnancy in underfed animals. This study shows that undernutrition modifies endocrine profiles and hepatic gene expression of IGFBP2 and 5. The pregnancy status increased hepatic gene expression of IGFBP4 and ADIPOR2 mRNA in undernourished ewes.

Glucogenic supply increases oocyte developmental competence in sheep.

The present study aimed to determine the influence of a glucogenic supply on oocyte developmental competence. Oestrous cycles were synchronised in 22 Sarda ewes by the insertion (Day 0) of one intravaginal progestagen-impregnated sponge that was removed after 6 days. After removal, the ewes were randomly allocated into two experimental groups (treated and control ewes) and, from Day 7 to Day 11, treated ewes received oral administration of a glucogenic mixture, whereas control animals received water. Follicular development was stimulated by FSH administration from Days 8 to 10. Glucose metabolism was assessed from Days 7 to 11, whilst follicle and corpus luteum growth dynamics and functionality were evaluated between Days 6 and 11. At Day 11 ovaries were collected and processed for in vitro embryo production. Glucogenic treatment increased both the plasma levels of glucose, progesterone, oestradiol and the number of 2-3-mm follicles (P < 0.05). Higher fertilisation and blastocyst rates (P < 0.05) were obtained after IVM of oocytes recovered from treated ewes compared with control ones. In conclusion, glucogenic treatment modifies follicle and corpus luteum functionality and improves oocyte quality, as evaluated by in vitro developmental kinetics and blastocyst output.

Ovarian response to oestrous synchronization protocol based on use of reduced doses of cloprostenol in cyclic goats.

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of two reduced doses vs a high/luteolytic dose of cloprostenol on luteolytic activity and synchronization of oestrus in cyclic goats. Experiment 1, included 24 goats randomly allocated to three groups: control group (group H) received a single high dose of cloprostenol (87.5 µg; 1.0 ml; i.m.) and M and L groups, which received half (43.75 µg; 0.5 ml) and a third (26.25 µg; 0.3 ml) of the highest dose, respectively. Experiment 2, included 24 goats randomly assigned to the same experimental groups. Each group was treated using two injections of cloprostenol administered 10 days apart to synchronize oestrus. Transrectal ultrasonographic scanning (US) was performed to detect the presence, size and development of corpora lutea and ovarian follicles. Furthermore, detection of oestrus was performed every 12 h between 24 and 72 h after the second injection of cloprostenol, and the luteolytic effect was verified by US. In Experiment 1, all goats that had corpora lutea at timing of treatment regressed their corpora lutea. In Experiment 2, the occurrence of oestrus and the interval between treatment to onset of oestrus were: 100%, 49.5 ± 3.0 h; 100%, 51.0 ± 3.0 h; and 75%, 56.0 ± 3.5 h for H, M and L groups, respectively. The development of preovulatory follicles and occurrence of subsequent corpora lutea were similar among groups. In summary, the use of 26.25 µg of cloprostenol is effective for the synchronization of oestrus in cyclic goats.

Effects of oestrus induction with progestagens or prostaglandin analogues on ovarian and pituitary function in sheep.

The aim of the current study was to determine possible differences in ovarian and pituitary features explaining lower fertility rates in sheep with oestrus induced with intravaginal progestagens or prostaglandin analogues (group FGA and PGF, n=8 in both) when compared to a control group (group C, n=8). The growth profiles and the mean individual sizes of preovulatory follicles were similar between groups; however, the number of preovulatory follicles per ewe and, consequently, the number of ovulations were higher in groups FGA and PGF (2.3±0.3 and 2.0±0.1, respectively) than in group C (1.4±0.1, P<0.05). However, plasma oestradiol concentrations were similar between groups suggesting a defective function in some preovulatory follicles of groups FGA and PGF. In group FGA, the basal LH levels during the follicular phase were lower (0.21±0.0 ng/mL, P<0.005) than in groups C (0.41±0.1 ng/mL) and PGF (0.55±0.1 ng/mL); the onset of preovulatory discharge being later (21.0±2.3h vs. 12.8±1.5 in C and 14.5±1.5 in PGF; P<0.05 for both). Finally, luteal activity was also found to be affected in group FGA; the rate of progesterone secretion per total luteal tissue was lower (range: 0.46-0.65 ng/mL/cm(2)) than in ewes treated with cloprostenol (2.1-3.3 ng/mL/cm(2)) and control sheep (2.0-3.4 ng/mL/cm(2)).

Modulation of cytokine and cytokine receptor/antagonist by treatment with doxycycline and tetracycline in patients with dengue fever.

Dengue virus infection can lead to dengue fever (DF) or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Disease severity has been linked to an increase in various cytokine levels. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of doxycycline and tetracycline to modulate serum levels of IL-6, IL-1B, and TNF and cytokine receptor/receptor antagonist TNF-R1 and IL-1RA in patients with DF or DHF. Hospitalized patients were randomized to receive standard supportive care or supportive care combined with doxycycline or tetracycline therapy. Serum cytokine and cytokine receptor/antagonist levels were determined at the onset of therapy and after 3 and 7 days. Cytokine and cytokine receptor/antagonist levels were substantially elevated at day 0. IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF remained at or above day 0 levels throughout the study period in untreated patients. Treatment with tetracycline or doxycycline resulted in a significant decline in cytokine levels. Similarly, IL-1RA and TNF-R1 serum concentrations were elevated at baseline and showed a moderate increase among untreated patients. Both drugs resulted in a significant rise in IL-1Ra levels by day 3 in patients. In contrast, treatment did not affect a similar result for TNF-R1. When compared to the control group, however, a significant rise post-treatment was seen upon intragroup analysis. Further analysis demonstrated that doxycycline was significantly more effective at modulating cytokine and cytokine receptor/antagonist levels than tetracycline.

Protocolo de actuación ante la demanda del antidepresivo fitoterápico hipérico (Hypericum perforatum L) / Protocol for dispensing before the demand of the antidepressant St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

La depresión constituye una amplia gama de problemas de salud mental caracterizados por la ausencia de un afecto positivo (una pérdida de interés y placer en cosas ordinarias y experiencias). Su alta prevalencia hace que se convierta en un grave problema de salud. Para su tratamiento, además del amplio arsenal de medicamentos alopáticos, también contamos con la fitoterapia y, entre sus posibilidades, se encuentra el hipérico (Hypericum perforatum L.). El hipérico posee nivel A de evidencia científica en el tratamiento de la depresión, por lo que su indicación está justificada. El diagrama de flujo construido tiene en consideración los problemas que conlleva la utilización de esta planta medicinal. Al ser un potente inductor del citocromo P450 hace difícil su utilización conjunta con otros fármacos. El manejo de esta droga por parte de los profesionales es complejo, principalmente por las múltiples interacciones y contraindicaciones. El protocolo propuesto puede ser de gran ayuda para la correcta utilización de Hypericum perforatum L (AU)

Depression covers a wide range of mental health problems characterized by the absence of positive feelings and a loss of interest or pleasure in everyday things and experiences. Depression is so widespread that it has become a serious health problem. It can be treated with a broad array of prescribed medicines, as well as herbal medicine -and among the latter treatments we find the extract of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum). St John’s wort is accepted as a treatment for depression with level- A scientific evidence and so its prescription is justified. The proposed flow diagram takes into consideration the problems associated with the use of this drug. Because it is a potent inducer of cytochrome P450, St John’s wort is difficult to use together with other medications. The professional management of its use is complicated, mainly because of the multiple interactions and contraindications. The proposed protocol may be helpful for the correct dispensation of St. John’s wort (AU)

[Prevention of osseous defaults in the craneosinostosis surgery using calvarian cranial particulate bone]. / Utilización de hueso craneal particulado de calota para prevención de defectos óseos en la cirugía de las craneosinostosis.

It is considered that up to 20% of the craniosinostosis patients require secondary surgeries. Different techniques have been used in craneofacial surgery for the reconstruction of great osseous defects in pediatric patients for many years. This paper is about a new technique to obtain osseous graft for covering osseous cranial defects, using particulate bone, harvested from the patient calvarian using a hand-driven brace and covered with a fibrin adhesive. This is a very simple technique, which provides a great amount of bone from the patient himself, therefore producing a small morbidity. Since 2007 the authors have been using autologous particulate bone harvested from de patient calvarian for the reconstruction of different size osseous defects found in craneofacial surgery, especially in pediatrics patients. Although alloplastic materials and bone substitutes have been used for cranial reconstruction, the best option is the autogenous bone. In contrast to synthetic materials autologous grafts have a faster osteointegration, due to their osteogenic, osteoinductive and osteconductive properties. Harvesting the bone from the calvarian patient produces a minimal morbidity compared to the extraction of grafts from other donor sites such as rips or hip. The use of autologous particulate bone in craniosinostosis surgery reduces the risk of second interventions due to secondary ossifications defects. On the other hand, the harvest is easy and the supply of bone it is enough in pediatric patients.

Implementación de un aula de la Farmacia en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad CEU - Cardenal Herrera / Implementation of Classroom of Pharmacy at the Faculty of Health Sciences

El Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES) supone un cambio en nuestras metodologíasdocentes, que deben orientarse hacia una mayor participación del alumno en el proceso de enseñanzaaprendizaje,así como a satisfacer la necesidad de formación del mundo laboral. Por ello, y en base a lanecesidad de nuestra Universidad de adaptar la docencia de Farmacia al Espacio Europeo deEducación Superior, la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, hadesarrollado un proyecto para implantar un aula que simule una Oficina de Farmacia.Entre los perfiles laborales del farmacéutico, el de Oficina de Farmacia es el más frecuente, por seresta la ocupación laboral mayoritaria. La labor en las farmacias comunitarias consiste básicamente enla conservación, dispensación, asesoramiento y elaboración de medicamentos. Todo ello, unido alejercicio de la atención farmacéutica, conlleva una gran carga de responsabilidad, un conocimiento yvigilancia de la legislación establecida al respecto y una base científica y técnica importante. Lafarmacia es, a su vez, un centro de educación y prevención sanitaria, dietética y cosmética.Con el objetivo de que nuestros alumnos desarrollen todas las competencias necesarias para elfarmacéutico en la Facultad de Salud se implantó el Aula de la Farmacia(AU)

The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) represents a shift in our teaching methodology, whichshould now be steered towards a greater participation of students in the teaching-learning process andshould satisfy the employment market’s need for trained professionals. In this context, our universityhas sought to adapt its pharmacy teaching programme to the EHEA, and so the Faculty of HealthSciences of the CEU Cardenal Herrera University has developed a project to create a space thatsimulates a working pharmacy.Among the different professional profiles within the discipline of pharmacy, a position in achemist’s/drugstore is the most common, as the majority of pharmacists are employed as such. Thework of community pharmacies basically consists of the storing, dispensing and preparation ofmedication. These tasks, combined with the pharmaceutical care provided to patients and customers,involve a great deal of responsibility that depends on knowledge and safeguarding of the currentlegislation and a solid scientific and technical training. A pharmacy is, at the same time, a centre ofeducation and prevention in health, diet and cosmetics(AU)

Utilización de hueso craneal particulado de calota para prevención de defectosóseos en la cirugía de las craneosinostosis / Prevention of osseous defaults in the craneosinostosis surgery using calvarian cranial particulate bone

considera que hasta un 20% de intervenidos decraneosinostosis requieren cirugías secundarias. Sonvarias las técnicas que se han venido utilizando dentrode la cirugía craneofacial para la reconstrucción degrandes defectos óseos en pacientes pediátricos a lolargo de los años. Presentamos una nueva técnica deobtención de injerto de hueso para el recubrimientode defectos óseos craneales, en la que se utiliza huesoparticulado, obtenido de la calota del paciente medianteun berbiquí y unificado con un adhesivo de fibrina.Está técnica es sencilla y provoca poca morbilidad enel paciente. Además, permite obtener una importantecantidad de hueso.Desde el año 2007 utilizamos el hueso particuladoautólogo obtenido de la calota del paciente para lacorrección de defectos óseos grandes o pequeños que senos presentaban en la cirugía craneofacial practicadasobre todo en pacientes pediátricos.Aunque los materiales aloplásticos y sustitutos dehueso han sido utilizados para la reconstrucción de cráneos,el hueso autógeno es la mejor opción. A diferenciade los materiales sintéticos, los injertos autógenos tienenuna más rápida osteointegración ya que son osteogénicos,osteoinductivos y osteoconductivos, siendo ademásel injerto de la misma naturaleza que el hueso donante.La morbilidad producida al paciente por la obtencióndel hueso de la calota con esta técnica es mínima, encomparación con otras zonas donantes como costilla ocadera.La utilización del hueso particulado autólogodurante la cirugía de las craneosinostosis reduce lanecesidad de segundas intervenciones por defectos deosificación secundarios. Por otro lado, su obtención esfácil y la cantidad de hueso extraído es suficiente paralos pacientes pediátricos (AU)

It is considered that up to 20% of the craniosinostosispatients require secondary surgeries. Differenttechniques have been used in craneofacial surgery forthe reconstruction of great osseous defects in pediatricpatients for many years. This paper is about a newtechnique to obtain osseous graft for covering osseouscranial defects, using particulate bone, harvested fromthe patient calvarian using a hand-driven brace andcovered with a fibrin adhesive. This is a very simpletechnique, which provides a great amount of bone fromthe patient himself, therefore producing a small morbidity.Since 2007 the authors have been using autologousparticulate bone harvested from de patient calvarianfor the reconstruction of different size osseous defectsfound in craneofacial surgery, especially in pediatricspatients.Although alloplastic materials and bone substituteshave been used for cranial reconstruction, the bestoption is the autogenous bone. In contrast to syntheticmaterials autologous grafts have a faster osteointegration,due to their osteogenic, osteoinductive andosteconductive properties. Harvesting the bone fromthe calvarian patient produces a minimal morbiditycompared to the extraction of grafts from other donorsites such as rips or hip.The use of autologous particulate bone in craniosinostosissurgery reduces the risk of second interventionsdue to secondary ossifications defects. On theother hand, the harvest is easy and the supply of bone itis enough in pediatric patients (AU)

Pregnancy-associated changes in plasma concentration of the endocrine disruptor di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in a sheep model.

The plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), used for producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acts as an endocrine disruptor with toxic effects on reproductive and developmental processes. Exposure to DEHP in humans is mainly by environment and food. Thus, our aim was to determine plasma levels in livestock animals using the ewe (Ovis aries) as a model. In a first trial, 150 samples from ewes of different ages (2 to 7 yr) and reproductive status (pregnant and nonpregnant) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). DEHP was detected in 34.7% of the samples, with a mean level of 0.45+/-0.01mug/mL (range, 0.05 to 2.81mug/mL). The percentage of nonpregnant animals with DEHP traces was higher in animals older than 4 yr (n=66, 37.9%) than in younger animals (n=69, 17.4%; P<0.05), although the mean levels in ewes with residues were similar (0.16+/-0.01 vs. 0.16+/-0.02mug/mL). All the pregnant ewes (n=15) showed presence of DEHP, with higher plasma levels than that in nonpregnant females (1.42+/-0.18 vs. 0.16+/-0.01mug/mL; P<0.0001). For confirming the effect of pregnancy on mobilization of DEHP from body fat, 101 ewes of the same age were sampled in a second trial at a different farm. The percentage of animals with DEHP traces was higher in pregnant ewes (n=32, 71.9%; P<0.005) than in nonpregnant ewes (n=37, 35.1%) or in ewes that recently gave birth (n=32, 21.9%), although mean levels were similar (0.42+/-0.02, 0.33+/-0.02, and 0.34+/-0.05mug/mL, respectively). In conclusion, current results indicate a high incidence of ewes reared in the field showing accumulation of phthalates; percentage of animals with presence of DEHP increases with age, due to an extended period of exposure, but mainly during pregnancy, due to the mobilization of body reserves.

Efficiency of estrous synchronization in tropical sheep by combining short-interval cloprostenol-based protocols and "male effect".

This study assessed the efficacy of a protocol combining short-interval cloprostenol-based protocols and "male effect" for estrous synchronization in hair sheep. In Experiment 1, 24 ewes were randomly assigned to three groups (n=8) and treated with cloprostenol on Days 3, 5 and 7 after ovulation, respectively. Estradiol secretion during the follicular phase was similar among groups. Onset of estrus (P<0.001) and the timing of maximum LH concentration (P<0.01) were earlier in group D3 than in D5 and D7 groups. During the subsequent cycle, the number and size of corpora lutea were higher (P<0.05) in ewes of the groups D3 (1.9+/-0.3 and 115.1+/-14.3mm(2)) and D5 (1.8+/-0.2 and 100.2+/-11.2mm(2)) than in group D7 (1.3+/-0.2 and 75.6+/-6.4mm(2)) group. In Experiment 2, 24 ewes were treated with two cloprostenol injections (7 days apart). Twelve ewes were exposed to "male effect" previous to an isolation period (ME group), whereas the remaining ewes were controls without male exposure (CTR group). Male effect induced earlier preovulatory LH surge (P<0.05) and ovulation (P<0.001) than CTR group. In Experiment 3, the estrus was synchronized in 68 ewes. Nineteen of them (group FGA) were treated using intravaginal sponges impregnated with fluorogestone acetate for 12 days and inseminated at 55h. Forty-nine females (group ME) were treated like ME group. Twenty-four (ME48 group) and 25 ewes (ME55 group) were inseminated at 48 and 55h after treatment, respectively. The fertility rate was numerically higher in ME48 than ME55 and FGA groups (62.5, 44.0 and 47.4%, respectively). In conclusions, the combined use of short-interval cloprostenol treatment and "male effect" may be an adequate alternative for synchronizing estrus and applying artificial insemination in hair sheep throughout the entire year.

Serological survey of Ehrlichia canis in stray dogs from Yucatan, Mexico, using two different diagnostic tests.

Canine ehrlichiosis is a disease produced by the rickettsial organism Ehrlichia canis. Reported prevalence may vary greatly depending on the test and sampling method used. For the serological detection of antibodies against E. canis, the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFA) is considered the gold standard. However, other available serological techniques such as the indirect immunoperoxidase technique (IPT) have not yet been tested and may be efficient in detecting specific antibodies. Prevalence found (8.7% and 8.1% for IFA and IPT, respectively) was lower than previously reported in the studied area despite the well-established technique used for the determination of antigens. A kappa value of 0.958 (95% CI 0.9-1.0) was found with a sensitivity and specificity for IPT of 92.59% (95% CI 80.8-99.9) and 99.9% (95% CI 99.8 -100), respectively. The positive predictive value was 99.9% and the negative predictive value was 99.29%. The IPT technique can be used safely for serological determination of E. canis antibodies.