Phenomenological Constraints on the Transport Properties of QCD Matter with Data-Driven Model Averaging.

Using combined data from the Relativistic Heavy Ion and Large Hadron Colliders, we constrain the shear and bulk viscosities of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) at temperatures of ∼150-350 MeV. We use Bayesian inference to translate experimental and theoretical uncertainties into probabilistic constraints for the viscosities. With Bayesian model averaging we propagate an estimate of the model uncertainty generated by the transition from hydrodynamics to hadron transport in the plasma's final evolution stage, providing the most reliable phenomenological constraints to date on the QGP viscosities.

Reply to Comment on "Comparison of the Lateral Retention Forces on Sessile, Pendant, and Inverted Sessile Drops".

We address the issues raised in the Tadmor article (Tadmor, T., et al. Comment on "Comparison of the Lateral Retention Forces on Sessile, Pendant, and Inverted Sessile Drops". Langmuir 2019, 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b02660). In particular, we explain why we did not use Tadmor's theory to explain our results.

Subclinical enthesopathy of extensor digitorum tendon is highly prevalent and associated with clinical and ultrasound alterations of the adjacent fingernails in patients with psoriatic disease.

BACKGROUND: Nail psoriasis disease is associated with an increased probability of psoriatic arthritis, and its clinical signs may have different correlates with the pathogenesis of adjacent bone destruction and have different prognostic value. Recent publications about psoriasis and nail psoriatic disease describe different ultrasonographic findings but the relationship between these ungueal alterations measured by ultrasonography and the presence of enthesopathy of the extensor digitorum has yet to be discovered. OBJECTIVE: To describe which ultrasonographic characteristics of nail psoriasis are associated with the presence of subclinical enthesopathy in patients with PsO and asymptomatic PsA. METHODS: Patients with psoriasis and asymptomatic psoriatic arthritis were included in the prospective study. Demographic, clinical data and PASI and NAPSI indexes were recorded of all the patients in the assessment visit. The US assessment included Achilles tendon, extensor digitorum tendon and US scan of the nail plate, nail matrix, nail bed and adjacent skin over nail matrix of the five nails of each hand. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were included in the study; 33 of them presented ultrasound evidence of extensor digitorum tendon enthesopathy. Nails of the patients with subclinical enthesopathy had a higher NAPSI and skin thickness than the nails of the patients without subclinical enthesopathy (P = 0.047). Patients with asymptomatic enthesopathy had significantly thicker proximal nail folds (1.44 ± 0.312 vs. 1.23 ± 0.27, P = 0.023). Nail beds and matrices were also thicker but the differences were not statistically significant (1.77 ± 0.27 vs. 1.74 ± 0.21, P = 0.66, and 1.79 ± 0.28 vs. 1.67 ± 0.19, P = 0.10, respectively). No statistically significant differences in the trilaminar structure were found between both groups. Patients with and without asymptomatic enthesopathy of extensor digitorum tendons did not statistically differ as regards ultrasonographic alterations of the Achilles tendons (60.6% vs. 46.4%, P 0.368). CONCLUSION: Enthesopathy abnormalities can be detected by US in patients with psoriasis without musculoskeletal complaints frequently. There is a close relationship between subclinical enthesopathy of the extensor digitorum tendon and the presence of nail alterations. Further studies are required to research what implications have the presence of these ungual alterations measured by US, and how it affects later development of a PsA.

Update on the Use of Ultrasound in Vascular Anomalies. / Actualización en ecografía de las anomalías vasculares.

Advances in our understanding of the biology and therapy of vascular anomalies have made this condition a common reason for consulting a dermatologist. In addition, multidisciplinary units have been created to manage patients with complex vascular anomalies. Although most vascular anomalies are diagnosed based on clinical findings, a thorough evaluation often requires additional imaging tests to determine the nature, extension, and prognosis of these lesions. Because it is fast and noninvasive, ultrasound is usually the first imaging test ordered. In the present review, we provide a state-of-the-art synthesis of key concepts in the ultrasound examination of vascular anomalies so that they are more accessible to clinicians and medical imaging specialists involved in the management of these lesions.

[Ultrasound in pediatric dermatology]. / Ecografía en dermatología pediátrica.

Cutaneous ultrasound is particularly useful in pediatric dermatology to diagnose numerous diseases without the need to use invasive tests. The present articles reviews some frequent dermatological entities in children whose study can be simplified through cutaneous ultrasound. This article also provides practical recommendations reported in the literature that may facilitate ultrasound examination, with special mention of benign tumoural disease, both congenital and acquired, and vascular anomalies.

Magnetic resonance based morphometric analysis of the tentorial notch.

BACKGROUND: The study of the tentorial notch can improve the understanding of brain injury mechanisms. Tentorial morphology has been analysed primarily in cadaveric studies. However, the postmortem effect can cause variability in the measurements. The objective was to evaluate the morphometry of the tentorial notch and the third cranial nerve on living subjects using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed. Using consecutive cases, 60 MRI scans were analysed for tentorial notch morphology. Maximum notch width (MNW), notch length (NL), interpedunculoclival (IC) distance, apicotectal (AT) distance, third cranial nerve (CN-III) distance, and inter- CN-III angle, were obtained. For the classification of the tentorial notch quartile distribution technique for MNW, NL, AT distance, and IC distance were used. RESULTS: According to the quartile of the MNW, patients were stratified into narrow, midrange, and wide groups. Using the NL quartile groups, they were also classified as short, midrange, and long. With these, the tentorial notch could be classified into eight types. Statistical differences between genders in the MNW and inter-CN-III angle were found, as well as a strong positive correlation between NL and AT distance, and between right and left CN-III distances. CONCLUSIONS: There were differences between the cadaveric samples and living subjects in the CN-III distances. This difference could be explained by the dehydration of brain volume in the postmortem process which may cause nerve elongation. Morphometry of the tentorial notch and its neurovascular relations allows a better understanding of the mechanisms of brain herniation.

Screws versus plate with screws for osteosynthesis of the posterior malleolus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: fractures involving the posterior malleolus (PM) of the ankle can have significant functional and clinical implications if not properly treated. The optimal treatment approach for these fractures remains uncertain. This review aims to compare the use of cannulated screws versus plate with screw fixation in terms of their impact on the development of postoperative ankle osteoarthritis and functional outcomes in patients with PM fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies directly comparing cannulated screws versus plate with screw fixation for PM fractures and their association with the development of postoperative osteoarthritis and functional outcomes. The quality of the included studies was assessed using appropriate assessment tools. The data on osteoarthritis development and functional outcomes were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: a total of 691 articles were screened, and several studies were included for analysis. The findings revealed no statistically significant difference in the development of postoperative ankle osteoarthritis between the cannulated screws and plate with screw fixation groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference in functional outcomes between the two treatment approaches. CONCLUSION: based on the available evidence, there is no significant difference in the development of postoperative ankle osteoarthritis or functional outcomes between cannulated screws and plate with screw fixation for PM fractures. However, further research is needed to strengthen these findings and provide more conclusive evidence.

INTRODUCCIÓN: las fracturas que involucran el maléolo posterior (MP) del tobillo pueden tener importantes implicaciones funcionales y clínicas si no se tratan adecuadamente. El enfoque de tratamiento óptimo para estas fracturas sigue siendo incierto. El objetivo de esta revisión es comparar el uso de tornillos canulados versus placa con fijación de tornillos en cuanto a su impacto en el desarrollo de la osteoartrosis de tobillo postoperatoria y los resultados funcionales en pacientes con fracturas del MP. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en las bases de datos de PubMed, EMBASE y Cochrane Library para identificar estudios que compararan directamente tornillos canulados versus placa con fijación de tornillos para fracturas de MP y su asociación con el desarrollo de osteoartrosis postoperatoria y los resultados funcionales. La calidad de los estudios incluidos se evaluó utilizando herramientas de evaluación adecuadas. Los datos sobre el desarrollo de osteoartrosis y los resultados funcionales se extrajeron y analizaron. RESULTADOS: se revisaron un total de 691 artículos y se incluyeron varios estudios para su análisis. Los hallazgos revelaron que no hay una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el desarrollo de osteoartrosis de tobillo postoperatoria entre los grupos de tornillos canulados y placa con fijación de tornillos. Del mismo modo, no hubo una diferencia significativa en los resultados funcionales entre los dos enfoques de tratamiento. CONCLUSIÓN: según la evidencia disponible, no hay una diferencia significativa en el desarrollo de osteoartrosis de tobillo postoperatoria o en los resultados funcionales entre los tornillos canulados y la placa con fijación de tornillos para las fracturas del MP. Sin embargo, se necesita más investigación para fortalecer estos hallazgos y proporcionar evidencia más concluyente.

Safety window for the transsphenoidal approach for pituitary tumours: a computed tomographic angiography study.

BACKGROUND: The aims are to evaluate the morphometry of the sellar region and propose a safety window on the floor of the sella turcica for the transsphenoidal approach in a Hispanic population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 150 computed tomographic angiography sellar region images from asymptomatic patients. The images were evaluated intraobservatory by an expert radiologist. We measured: intercarotid distance of cavernous segment; depth of sella turcica; skull base angle; anterior distance, the distance between anterior spinal nasal and floor of the sella turcica; posterior distance, the distance between anterior spinal nasal and posterior wall of the sella turcica; anterior surgical angle, formed between the floor of the nostril and superior limit of the anterior wall of the sella turcica; and posterior angle, formed between the floor of the nostril and the inferior limit of the posterior wall of the sella turcica. RESULTS: Safety window was based on two measures: the intercarotid distance and depth. The mean of the safety window is 151.13 mm² and 147.60 mm² for men and women, respectively. The intercarotid distance was 17.83 mm. The depth of the sella turcica was 8.46 mm. The skull base angle was 112.13 grades. The anterior distance was 76.34 mm. The posterior distance was 87.59 mm. The anterior surgical angle was 32.76 grades. The posterior surgical angle was 87.59 grades. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical approach space is smaller in females. It could significate a more complicated surgery in this population. Anatomical understanding could reduce complications in hospitals without a neuronavigation system.

[Effect of on patient safety of bedside handoff performed in intensive care units. Systematic review].

Intensive care units (ICU) are complex environments for the communication process between professionals. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of bedside handoff among ICU nursing professionals on patient safety. A bibliographic search (2016-2021) was made of health science databases, in line with the PRISMA statement guidelines. The quality of the studies was assessed according to the type of study to be evaluated (STROBE, CASPe and TREND). Fifteen articles were included in the review. They show that the bedside handoff benefits for the safety of nursing professionals (reduces distractions, offers greater precision and prevents loss of information) and for patients (they can check that the information transmitted is true, and be involved in their own recovery process) outweigh any stress or loss of privacy that may arise.

Association between human papilloma virus-type infections with micronuclei frequencies.

To determine the association between Human papillomavirus (HPV)-type infections with the frequency of Micronucleus (MN), a hospital-based, unmatched case-control study was carried out. We evaluated and compared the average number of MN/1,000 cells among three groups of Mexican females. Twenty one women ranging in age from 31-56 years and divided into three groups were studied. Group I comprised seven control women without cervical lesions and with HPV-negative, Group II was composed of seven women with Squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) infected with low-risk HPV low-risk, and Group III was made up of seven women with SIL infected with high-risk HPV infection. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test revealed differences among Groups I (5.14+/-3.02), II (13.43+/-3.41), and III (25.43+/-3.41) (F=67.46; P=0.0001). We demonstrated an association between HPV type infection and higher MN frequencies. However, a larger controlled study with sufficient follow-up will be required to further evaluate the usefulness of this test in the clinical management of women with HPV infection.

[Correction of the pre- and post-surgical rotational component of the first metatarsal secondary to modified Chevron osteotomy]. / Corrección del componente rotacional prequirúrgico y postquirúrgico del primer metatarsiano secundario a osteotomía de Chevron modificado.

INTRODUCTION.: Hallux valgus (HV) is a complex forefoot pathology, in which interest has recently been shown in the distal rotational component (CR) of the first metatarsal due to its relationship with postsurgical relapses of the deformity. The selection of surgical technique is controversial with little current literature on the correction of rotation with common osteotomies. The aim of this study is to evaluate preoperative and postoperative radiological characteristics regarding CR of the first metatarsal using long Chevron osteotomy for moderate to severe HV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, prospective and comparative study was carried out in which the CR of the first metatarsal was evaluated in nine feet belonging to six patients with a mean age of 45 years. The RC was evaluated based on the proximal metaphysis of the first metatarsal in axial fluoroscopies of unloaded metatarsals and standing AP. Measurements were performed by an Orthopedic and Traumatology resident and a Foot and Ankle Surgery subspecialist. RESULTS: Significant differences (p = 0.05) were documented in the preoperative and postoperative pronation angle when using long Chevron osteotomy. The functional result of the evaluated patients was excellent at 11 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Radiologically, the rotational correction is variable and has not previously been reported in the literature with this osteotomy. We establishes the morphological bases for the performance of subsequent studies in the evaluation of head rotation of the 1st metatarsal with different osteotomies.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Hallux valgus (HV) es una patología compleja del antepié, recientemente se ha mostrado interés en el componente rotacional (CR) distal del primer metatarsiano por su relación con recidivas postquirúrgicas de la deformidad. La selección de la técnica quirúrgica es controversial con escasa literatura acerca de la corrección de rotación con osteotomías comunes. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar características radiológicas prequirúrgicas y postquirúrgicas respecto a CR del primer metatarsiano en la cirugía de corrección de HV moderado a severo usando osteotomía de Chevron largo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y comparativo en el que se evaluó el CR del primer metatarsiano en nueve pies pertenecientes a seis pacientes con una edad media de 45 años. El CR fue evaluado con base en la metáfisis proximal del primer metatarsiano en fluoroscopías axiales sin carga y AP de pie. Las mediciones se realizaron por un residente de ortopedia y traumatología y un subespecialista en cirugía de pie y Tobillo. RESULTADOS: Se documentaron diferencias significativas (p = 0.05) en el ángulo de pronación prequirúrgico y postquirúrgico al utilizar osteotomía de Chevron largo. El resultado funcional de los pacientes evaluados fue excelente a 11 meses de seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES: Radiológicamente, la corrección rotacional es variable y previamente no se ha reportado en la literatura con esta osteotomía. Se establecen bases morfológicas para la realización de estudios posteriores en la evaluación de rotación de cabeza del primer metatarsiano con diferentes osteotomías.

"CLUPS": A New Culture Medium for the Axenic Growth of Entamoeba histolytica.

Amebiasis remains a major health problem in Mexico. Therefore, the search for better culture media and low-cost diagnostic and therapeutic tools is fundamental. We present a new culture medium for Entamoeba histolytica which allows the microbe to preserve its virulence factors and ability to induce hepatic abscesses in animal models. The novel CLUPS medium is an improved version of the PEHPS medium, previously designed in our laboratory. The main difference is the substitution of raw beef liver in PEHPS by raw beef lung in the CLUPS medium. To compare the performance of three-culture media (traditional TYI-S-33, PEHPS, and CLUPS), E. histolytica trophozoites were cultured in quintuplicate, followed by the evaluation of phospholipase activity and the induction of liver abscesses in golden hamsters. E. histolytica trophozoites grew significantly better in CLUPS medium than in TYI-S-33. Likewise, CLUPS-cultured trophozoites produced significantly more phospholipases than TYI-S-33-cultured trophozoites. Finally, trophozoites grown in any of the three tested media had similar potential to induce liver abscesses.

Digital image analysis of AgNORs in cervical smears of women with premalignant and malignant lesions of the uterine cervix.

We performed a hospital-based, unmatched case-control study to investigate the association between progressive stages of cervical neoplasia and digital analysis of cell proliferation by silver stained nucleolus organizer region associated proteins (AgNORs). We measured cell proliferation levels in the cervical epithelial cells of 10 women with low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LG-SIL), eight with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HG-SIL), 11 with cervical cancer (CC) and eight with no cervical lesions (controls) using the AgNORs technique. Cell proliferation was measured by digital image analysis (DIA). DIA revealed increased total areas of AgNORs in HG-SIL and CC compared to LG-SIL and control patients. AgNORs with a kidney or cluster shape exhibited greater areas than those with a spherical or long shape. We propose a cut-off of 118 pixels to differentiate benign (control and LG-SIL) from malignant (HG-SIL and CC) lesions. DIA of AgNORs is a simple and inexpensive method for studying proliferation. The increased total area of AgNORs in malignant lesions provides information regarding cell behavior and may be related to cervical carcinogenesis; however, further validation studies are required to establish its usefulness in cytological analysis.

Corrección del componente rotacional prequirúrgico y postquirúrgico del primer metatarsiano secundario a osteotomía de Chevron modificado / Correction of the pre- and post-surgical rotational component of the first metatarsal secondary to modified Chevron osteotomy

Resumen: Introducción: Hallux valgus (HV) es una patología compleja del antepié, recientemente se ha mostrado interés en el componente rotacional (CR) distal del primer metatarsiano por su relación con recidivas postquirúrgicas de la deformidad. La selección de la técnica quirúrgica es controversial con escasa literatura acerca de la corrección de rotación con osteotomías comunes. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar características radiológicas prequirúrgicas y postquirúrgicas respecto a CR del primer metatarsiano en la cirugía de corrección de HV moderado a severo usando osteotomía de Chevron largo. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y comparativo en el que se evaluó el CR del primer metatarsiano en nueve pies pertenecientes a seis pacientes con una edad media de 45 años. El CR fue evaluado con base en la metáfisis proximal del primer metatarsiano en fluoroscopías axiales sin carga y AP de pie. Las mediciones se realizaron por un residente de ortopedia y traumatología y un subespecialista en cirugía de pie y Tobillo. Resultados: Se documentaron diferencias significativas (p = 0.05) en el ángulo de pronación prequirúrgico y postquirúrgico al utilizar osteotomía de Chevron largo. El resultado funcional de los pacientes evaluados fue excelente a 11 meses de seguimiento. Conclusiones: Radiológicamente, la corrección rotacional es variable y previamente no se ha reportado en la literatura con esta osteotomía. Se establecen bases morfológicas para la realización de estudios posteriores en la evaluación de rotación de cabeza del primer metatarsiano con diferentes osteotomías.

Abstract: Introduction. Hallux valgus (HV) is a complex forefoot pathology, in which interest has recently been shown in the distal rotational component (CR) of the first metatarsal due to its relationship with postsurgical relapses of the deformity. The selection of surgical technique is controversial with little current literature on the correction of rotation with common osteotomies. The aim of this study is to evaluate preoperative and postoperative radiological characteristics regarding CR of the first metatarsal using long Chevron osteotomy for moderate to severe HV. Material and methods: An observational, prospective and comparative study was carried out in which the CR of the first metatarsal was evaluated in nine feet belonging to six patients with a mean age of 45 years. The RC was evaluated based on the proximal metaphysis of the first metatarsal in axial fluoroscopies of unloaded metatarsals and standing AP. Measurements were performed by an Orthopedic and Traumatology resident and a Foot and Ankle Surgery subspecialist. Results: Significant differences (p = 0.05) were documented in the preoperative and postoperative pronation angle when using long Chevron osteotomy. The functional result of the evaluated patients was excellent at 11 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Radiologically, the rotational correction is variable and has not previously been reported in the literature with this osteotomy. We establishes the morphological bases for the performance of subsequent studies in the evaluation of head rotation of the 1st metatarsal with different osteotomies.

Octreotide therapy of large-volume refractory AIDS-associated diarrhea: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of octreotide (a long-acting somatostatin analog) to that of antidiarrheal therapy plus placebo on large-volume refractory AIDS-associated diarrhea. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Referral-based clinic and hospital in a tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Twenty male patients with AIDS and refractory diarrhea, with stool volume > 1000 ml/day who failed to improve after initial supportive management. All patients finished the study. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly given either octreotide in doses of 100, 200 and 300 micrograms subcutaneously every 8 h, or high doses of loperamide and diphenoxylate orally plus placebo subcutaneously for 10 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bowel movements and stool volume were registered before and every day after treatment by the patients themselves and the nursing personnel. RESULTS: Patients from both groups were similar for age, time of AIDS diagnosis, duration of diarrhea and etiology. Baseline mean bowel movements per day (9.4 +/- 2.8 in the octreotide group versus 10 +/- 3.1 in controls) and baseline mean stool volume (2753 +/- 840 versus 2630 +/- 630 ml/day, respectively) were similar in both groups before therapy (P < 0.05). Mean bowel movements per day after 10 days of therapy was 2.1 +/- 1.6 in the octreotide group versus 7 +/- 3 in controls (P < 0.05). Mean stool volume after 10 days of therapy was 485 +/- 480 in the octreotide group versus 1080 +/- 420 ml/day in controls (P < 0.05). Complete response (stool volume < 250 ml/day) was observed in two patients from the octreotide group and none from controls; partial response (decrease > 50% in stool volume) in four and two; and no response (decrease < 50% or no change) in four and eight (P < 0.05), respectively. Side-effects occurred in eight out of 10 octreotide patients and three out of 10 controls (P < 0.05), but none were significant to result in discontinuation of medication. CONCLUSION: Octreotide proved to be superior to conventional therapy in this short-term treatment of large-volume refractory AIDS-associated diarrhea.

Luteinizing hormone increases the number of ova shed in the cyclic hamster and guinea-pig.

Osmotic minipumps containing 400 micrograms ovine LH installed subcutaneously on day 1 (oestrus) of the cycle in the hamster induced superovulation of 30.0 +/- 2.1 ova (n = 5) at the next expected oestrus. Controls ovulated 12.0 +/- 0.8 ova (n = 6). Bovine LH, human LH, porcine LH, human chorionic gonadotrophin and pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin were effective in approximately doubling the number of ova spontaneously shed in the hamster. Ovine FSH (200 micrograms/pump) was most effective in increasing the number of ova spontaneously shed (55 +/- 6, n = 5) in the hamster. Infusion of ovine LH on days 1-4 prevented the reduction of the number of antral follicles that occurs normally between days 3 and 4 of the 4-day cycle. Since this reduction in follicular numbers in control cyclic hamsters is due to atresia, the exogenous LH might prevent atresia of the developing follicles. In the hamster, exogenous ovine LH significantly increased the serum concentrations of androstenedione, oestradiol and LH but not of FSH. Hamsters were hypophysectomized on the day of oestrus, given immediate LH (400 micrograms) or FSH (200 micrograms) replacement therapy and autopsied on day 4. Ovarian histology revealed that immediate LH treatment after hypophysectomy sustained development of histologically normal preovulatory follicles but had no effect on the number of smaller sizes of follicles. Immediate FSH treatment after hypophysectomy increased only the number of smaller sized follicles. Since LH did not increase the smaller sized follicles, no 'FSH-like' effect on follicular development was observed. In the hamster, the ability of various preparations of LH to induce superovulation did not correlate with their ability to displace 125I-labelled ovine FSH from its ovarian binding sites. The superovulatory action of LH required the presence of the pituitary gland, indicating that LH might synergize with FSH and/or prolactin (or hamster LH) for spontaneous superovulation and it appears that exogenous LH might induce superovulation by prevention of atresia. Infusion of LH into the guinea-pig beginning on day 12 of the cycle (day 1 is the day of ovulation) doubled the ovulation rate whereas in the cyclic rat and mouse LH treatment throughout the cycle was ineffective in increasing the number of ova shed.

Evaluation of the expression of a male-specific antigen on cells of equine blastocysts.

This experiment was designed (1) to determine if H-Y antigen is expressed on the cell surface of pre-implantation equine blastocyst stage embryos, (2) if so, to identify differences in expression on inner cell mass (ICM) verses trophectoderm cells and (3) to evaluate whether the detection of this glycoprotein would aid in the identification of equine embryonic sex. A total of 33 blastocyst stage horse embryos were collected 6-7 days post-ovulation by trans-cervical flush and were immediately evaluated for the presence of H-Y antigen. Additionally, 17 embryos, collected at similar stages and cultured for 72 h, were similarly evaluated. Embryos were recovered and evaluated by use of a dissecting microscope and then washed for 5 min in phosphate buffered saline supplemented with 1 g/l glucose, 36 mg/l pyruvate, 1% antibiotic-antimycotic and 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) (PBS-2). Embryos were placed in the primary antibody medium and cultured for 60 min. The primary antibody medium consisted of monoclonal antibodies to H-Y antigen (previously determined to have male-specific activity) dilute 1/5 (v/v) with PBS-2 (without FCS, PBS-1). Following an additional wash, embryos were cultured in PBS-1 containing 1/10 (v/v) fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated goat anti-mouse or rabbit antimouse IgM Fc specific antiserum. Embryos were evaluated at 200-400 x to identify cell specific fluorescence of either trophectoderm or ICM cells. Following evaluation, embryonic sex was independently verified with karyotypes to identify sex chromosomes. Of the 50 embryos evaluated, 29 were evaluated as non-fluorescent and 21 fluorescent. Expression of H-Y antigen was detected on both trophectoderm and ICM cell types in those embryos classified as fluorescent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hematological indices as markers of ischemic heart disease in young smokers.

This paper evaluates the hematological indices in young smokers compared to non-smokers of similar age, diet, physical exercise, profession and alcohol consumption.