Diversity patterns of vascular and non-vascular epiphytes along tropical dry forest / Patrones de diversidad de epífitas vasculares y no vasculares a lo largo del bosque seco tropical

Abstract Introduction: Epiphytes (vascular and non-vascular) are one of the most diverse groups in the Neotropics, but despite their importance in the functioning of many ecosystems, much of their taxonomy and ecology is still unknown in the dry forest of Colombia. Objective: To compare the diversity patterns and species composition of vascular and non-vascular epiphytes along tropical dry forest remnants of Cauca Valley, Colombia. Methods: Ten permanent plots (50 x 20 m2) were established in tropical dry forest remnants. The epiphytes were sampled in 40-50 trees per plot. Alpha and gamma diversity were calculated using the richness (q0) and Shannon index (q1) (alpha was estimated as the average for phorophytes). Beta diversity was measured using the Whitaker index. To evaluate the relationship between diversities and environmental variables, GLM analysis was used. Results: We found 50 morphospecies of vascular epiphytes, 77 of bryophytes and 290 of lichens. The 𝛼 and 𝛾 diversity of bryophytes from each remnant was significantly explained by temperature. The abundance of lichens per tree was significantly related with the DBH and tree height of each remnant. The 𝛼 diversity of vascular epiphytes shown can be explained by temperature and precipitation. The 𝛾 diversity was strongly influenced by the beta diversity in bryophytes and lichens. This pattern is because the sites with high disturbance present a lower diversity, as a consequence of a homogenizing effect, that is, a low turnover of species between sampling units. Conclusions: Precipitation and temperature affected the diversity of bryophytes and vascular epiphytes, while it did not show a relationship with the lichen's diversity, for which there is not a high congruence between the diversity and composition of these epiphytes.

Resumen Introducción: Los epífitos (vasculares y no vasculares) son uno de los más diversos grupos de plantas en el Neotrópico, pero a pesar de su importancia para el funcionamiento de varios ecosistemas, existen grandes vacíos en su conocimiento taxonómico y ecológico en el bosque seco de Colombia. Objetivo: Comparar los patrones de diversidad y composición de especies de epífitas vasculares y no vasculares a lo largo de remanentes de bosque seco tropical del Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Métodos: Se establecieron diez parcelas permanentes (50 x 20 m2) en remanentes de bosque seco tropical. Las epífitas se muestrearon en 40-50 árboles por parcela. La diversidad alfa y gamma se calculó utilizando la riqueza (q0) y el índice de Shannon (q1) (alfa se estimó como el promedio para los forófitos). La diversidad beta se midió utilizando el índice de Whitaker. Para evaluar la relación entre diversidades y variables ambientales se utilizó el análisis GLM. Resultados: Se encontraron 50 morfoespecies de epífitas vasculares, 77 de briófitas y 290 de líquenes. La diversidad de 𝛼 y 𝛾 de briófitas de cada remanente fue explicada significativamente por la temperatura. La abundancia de líquenes por árbol se relacionó significativamente con el DAP y la altura del árbol de cada remanente. La diversidad 𝛼 de epífitas vasculares que se muestra puede explicarse por la temperatura y la precipitación. La diversidad 𝛾 estuvo fuertemente influenciada por la diversidad beta en briófitas y líquenes. Este patrón se debe a que los sitios con alta perturbación presentan una menor diversidad, como consecuencia de un efecto homogeneizador, es decir, un bajo recambio de especies entre unidades de muestreo. Conclusiones: La precipitación y la temperatura afectaron la diversidad de briófitas y epífitas vasculares, mientras que no mostró relación con la diversidad de líquenes, por lo que no existe una alta congruencia entre la diversidad y composición de estas epífitas.

Parent Training Procedures in Mental Health Field: A Systematic Literature Review / Procedimentos de Treino de Pais no Âmbito da Saúde Mental: Uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura

ABSTRACT We sought to answer which procedures have been used to train parents within the mental health field, how often the behavior skills training (BST), as well as its components, is used, and how effective such procedures are. In order to do so, a systematic literature review, using the Education Collection ProQuest database, was conducted. The search terms used were "behavior skills training", "parents", and its correlates in Portuguese. Papers published between 2010 and 2019 were analyzed, focusing on parent training procedures and their effects. Among the 28 analyzed papers, 4 of them used BST. The remaining studies used some of its components. Twenty-four studies were effective on changing parent behavior. Issues that still require more empirical investigation are discussed.

RESUMO Buscou-se responder quais procedimentos têm sido utilizados para treinar pais no âmbito da saúde mental, qual a frequência do uso do treinamento de habilidades comportamentais e seus componentes, e qual a efetividade de tais procedimentos. Foi conduzida uma revisão sistemática utilizando-se a base Education Collection ProQuest. Termos de busca foram "behavior skills training" (BST) e "parents" e seus correlatos em português. Artigos publicados entre 2010 e 2019 foram analisados, com ênfase nos procedimentos de treino de pais e seus efeitos. Dentre os 28 artigos analisados, 4 usaram o BST. Os outros estudos usaram algum de seus componentes. Vinte e quatro estudos foram efetivos para mudar o comportamento dos pais. Discutem-se questões que ainda necessitam mais investigação empírica.

Injectable Scaffold with Microfracture using the Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) Technique: A Prospective Cohort Study

@#Introduction: Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) is a one-step surgical cartilage repair procedure involving the insertion of a scaffold into the chondral defect after microfracture. BST-CarGel [Smith and Nephew, Watford, England] is an injectable chitosan-based scaffold which can more easily fill defects with irregular shapes and be used to treat vertical or roof chondral lesions. The study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of knee cartilage repair with microfracture surgery and BST-CarGel using the AMIC technique for a minimum of two years. Materials and methods: A prospective study of patients undergoing cartilage repair with microfracture surgery and BST-CarGel at our institution from 2016 to 2019 was performed. Clinical outcomes were determined using the Lysholm Knee Scoring System and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). These questionnaires were administered before the surgery and at a minimum of two years after surgery. Results: A total of 21 patients were identified and recruited into the study. 31 cartilage defects were seen and treated in 21 knees. These included horizontal lesions (e.g., trochlear, lateral tibial plateau), vertical lesions (e.g., medial femoral condyle, lateral femoral condyle) and inverted lesions (e.g., patella). No complications or reoperations were seen in our study population. For the average duration of follow-up of 42.5±8.55 months, there was an average improvement in Lysholm score of 25.8±18.6 and an average improvement in KOOS score of 22.5±15.0. Conclusion: BST-CarGel with microfracture surgery using the AMIC technique is a safe and effective treatment for cartilage defects in the short to medium term.

Gene clone, eukaryotic expression vector and tissue expression profile analysis of porcine BST-2 gene / 中国兽医学报

In order to study the biological function of pig BST-2 gene,the BST-2 gene was amplified with specific primers from porcine kidney tissue,and molecular characterization of BST-2 nuclectide and amino acid sequence were analyzed with bioinformatics tools and online server.Then the prokaryotic expression and tissue expression profile analysis was carried out.The results showed that the full length of pig BST-2 gene was 851 bp and contained 23 bp of 5'-UTR,294 bp of 3'-UTR and 534 bp of CDS and the gene encoded 177 aa.Amino acid sequence analysis of pig BST-2 protein showed 46.1％ identity with gorilla gorilla,41.7％ with cricetulus griseus,39.5％ with mus musculus,35.4％ with equus asinus,42.0％ with felis catus,40.5％ with bos mutus,44.4％ with macaca mulatta,38.7％ with ovis aries and 46.8％ with homo sapiens.BST-2 protein contained 2 transmembrane structure (27-49 aa and 154-176 aa),2 glycosylation sites and 14 potential phosphorylation sites including ATM,CK Ⅱ,PKA,PKC binding sites.The pig BST-2 protein was expressed in Vero cells after translated the recombinant plasmid FLAG-BST-2.Semiquantitative PCR results showed that BST-2 gene was expressed in all the tissues,especially in lymph nodes,thymus,tonsils,spleen,large intestine and small intestine.This study provide a foundation for further understanding the antiviral mechanism of pig BST-2 protein.

Emergence of CTX-M-15 producing E. coli O25b-ST131 clone in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh

Background: Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing uropathogens has become prevalent worldwide. E. coli O25b-ST131 clone, associated with blaCTX-M-15, has been reported from many parts of the world and is frequently associated with multidrug resistance. Thus far, there are no reports about this clone in Bangladesh. The objective of this study was to investigate ESBL producing uropathogens and to survey the prevalence of E. coli O25b-ST131 clone among ESBL positive E. coli isolates. Methods: From symptomatic urinary tract infection cases, a total of 800 urine samples were collected. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using established methods. Screening of ESBL producers was done using the disk diffusion method. Screening positive isolates were phenotypically confirmed by double disk synergy (DDS) test. Genes encoding ESBLs (blaCTX-M-15, blaOXA-1) were identified both by PCR and DNA sequencing. Phenotypic positive ESBL producers were also studied by PCR for existence of class 1 integron. Subsequently, O25b-ST131 clone was identified by allele specific PCR. Results: Of 138 gram-negative uropathogens, 45 (32.6%) were positive for ESBLs. ESBL producers showed high frequency of antimicrobial resistance except imipenem. Among 45 ESBL producers, 36 (80%) produced blaCTX-M-15, 18 (40%) produced blaOXA-1. Fifteen (33.3%) strains simultaneously produced both blaOXA-1 and blaCTX-M-15. Class 1 integron was present in 30 (66.7%) isolates. Of the 31 blaCTX-M-15 positive E. coli, 22 (71%) were positive for E. coli O25b-ST131 clone and all (100%) belonged to B2 phylogenetic group. Conclusion: Rising antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens, and especially the emergence of blaCTX-M-15 positive E. coli O25b-ST131 clone in Bangladesh has provided urgency to the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Influência do Hormônio do Crescimento na concentração de testosterona plasmática e nas características seminais de touros jovens e adultos da raça Nelore / Influence of Growth Hormone on plasma testosterone concentration and seminal characteristics of young and adult Nellore bulls

Estudou-se o efeito do Hormônio do Crescimento bovino (bGH) sobre os parâmetros seminais e a concentração sérica de testosterona de touros da raça Nelore. Dezesseis touros foram distribuídos em um delineamento fatorial 2 x 2 (duas idades e dois níveis de r-bST), com quatro animais em cada tratamento. As aplicações de r-bST foram realizadas a cada 14 dias, totalizando nove aplicações por animal, em um período experimental de 120 dias. As coletas de sêmen foram realizadas a cada 15 dias e, para determinar as concentrações de testosterona, foram realizadas coletas de sangue a cada quatro horas, num total de 24 horas, e a cada 30 dias a partir da primeira aplicação de r-bST. O sêmen dos touros adultos tratados com r-bST apresentaram maior motilidade e vigor (P<0,05) em relação aos animais controles (79,70±11,56% vs 64,06±23,65%) e (3,80±0,88 vs 2,92±1,25), respectivamente; entretanto, as demais características seminais não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pelo tratamento com r-bST. Os aspectos físicos do sêmen dos touros jovens não foram afetados (P>0,05) pelo tratamento com r-bST. Entretanto o tratamento com r-bST diminuiu os defeitos morfológicos menores (delgado, gigante normal, pequeno normal, globoso, cabeça isolada normal, abaxial, cauda dobrada e enrolada levemente e gota distal) em relação aos jovens não tratados (P<0,05). As concentrações séricas de testosterona foram influenciadas (P<0,05) pelo tratamento, aos 120 dias após a primeira aplicação do r-bST, e apresentaram tendência de três picos no período de 24 horas.

The aim of this trial was to study the effect of Growth Hormone (GH) on the seminal parameters and testosterone profile from Nellore bulls. Sixteen bulls were allocated in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (two ages and two r-bST levels), with four animals per treatment. The r-bST was injected every 14 days, with a total of nine injections per animal, during the 120 days of the experimental period. The semen collections were done every 15 days and blood samples were collected in four hour intervals for 24 hours, and in 30 day intervals from the first r-bST injection for testosterone profile. The semen of adult bulls treated with r-bST showed greater MOT and VIG (P<0.05) in relation to the control (79.70±11.56% vs 64.06±23.65%) and (3.80±0.88 vs 2.92±1.25) respectively; however, the other evaluated seminal parameters were not affected (P>0.05) by the r-bST treatment. The physical measurements of the semen of young animals was also unaffected (P>0.05) by r-bST injection. However, the treatment with r-bST decreased the number of minor morphologic defects (narrow head, giant head, small normal head, round head, free normal head, abaxial implantation, simple bent tail and distal droplet) compared to untreated young bulls (P<0.05). The serum testosterone concentration was influenced (P<0.05) by treatment, at 120 days after the first injection of r-bST and they showed a tendency of three picks in a 24 hour period of sampling.

Ethical Challenges of Using bST and Transgenic Animal.

Abstract: This article examines whether using Bovine Somatotrophin (bST) and Transgenic Animal is compatible with the norms of animal welfare, environment, and public health. We cannot oppose its usefulness all on a sudden. Despite the usefulness of animal biotechnology, we cannot ignore the different adverse effects of this technology. All of these bring forth different ethical challenges. What is the environmental impact of this technology? Another ethical challenge is related to animal‘s welfare and human‘s health. In order to assessing the ethical challenges, this article has opted for Mepham‘s ethical matrix, which is a practical approach for addressing broader policy issues. I have focused on the application of this ethical matrix upon some contexts of animal biotechnology, such as bST and transgenic animal. Through the analysis, this article came to the conclusion that there are no short curt ways to reach an agreement on the application of animal biotechnology.

Respuesta estral y porcentaje de concepción en vacas Bos taurus-Bos indicus posparto, tratadas con la hormona bovina del crecimiento en un programa de inducción de la ovulación con progestágenos y eCG / Estrous response and conception rate in postpartum Bos taurus-Bos indicus cows, treated with bovine somatotropin in an ovulation induction program with progestogens and eCG

Bovine somatotropin (bST) injection was administered at the beginning of the ovulation induction with progesterone and eCG, and a second one during insemination to prove if it increased estrous response and conception rate (CR) in postpartum beef cows. A hundred and seventy four cows (Bos taurus-Bos indicus) of 60 to 100 days postpartum, with offspring and body condition of 2 to 2.5 were used. A progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (CIDR) was inserted to all females for 9 days and, while removing it, PGF2a was injected. Cows were randomly assigned to the following treatments: eCG (n = 44), received 400 IU of eCG at the moment CIDR was removed; bST (n = 44), received 500 mg of bST when CIDR was inserted and 500 mg of bST during insemination; bST-eCG (n = 44), received 500 mg of bST when CIDR was inserted and 400 IU of eCG while removing it; and 500 mg of bST during insemination; control (n = 42), only received the CIDR. Progesterone concentrations were assessed before the insertion of CIDR. IGF-I serum concentrations were determined in seven cows of each group. At the beginning of the experiment, 93% of the cows were in anoestrus. The rate of cows that showed estrus was similar (P > 0.05) between treatments [eCG (36.4%; bST (45.4%); eCG-bST (52.2%); control (40.4%)]. The CR was not different (P > 0.05) between treatments [eCG (31.2%); bST (15%); eCG-bST (34.7%); control (40%)]. Cows treated with bST had higher IGF-I concentrations than control cows. It is concluded that the injection of bST at the beginning of the ovulation induction with progesterone and eCG, and a second one during insemination does not improve estrous response or fertility in postpartum beef cows.

Se probó si la inyección de la somatotropina bovina (bST) al inicio de la inducción de la ovulación con progestágenos y eCG, y una segunda inyección en la inseminación, aumentan la respuesta estral y el porcentaje de concepción (PC) en vacas de carne posparto. Se utilizaron 174 vacas (Bos taurus-Bos indicus) de 60 a 100 días posparto, con cría y condición corporal de 2 a 2.5. Todas las hembras tuvieron un dispositivo intravaginal liberador de progesterona (CIDR) durante nueve días y al retirarlo se inyectó PGF2a. Las vacas se asignaron aleatoriamente a los siguientes tratamientos: eCG (n = 44) recibieron 400 UI de eCG al retirar el CIDR; bST (n = 44), recibieron 500 mg de bST al insertar el CIDR y 500 mg de bST en la inseminación; bST-eCG (n = 44), recibieron 500 mg de bST al insertar el CIDR y 400 UI de eCG al retirarlo, y 500 mg de bST en la inseminación; testigo (n = 42), sólo recibieron el CIDR. Se determinaron las concentraciones de progesterona antes de la inserción del CIDR. En siete vacas de cada grupo se determinaron las concentraciones séricas de IGF-I. Al inicio del experimento, 93% de las vacas estaba en anestro. La proporción de vacas que mostraron estro fue similar (P > 0.05) entre los tratamientos [eCG (36.4%); bST (45.4%); eCG-bST (52.2%); testigo (40.4%)]. El PC no difirió (P > 0.05) entre tratamientos [eCG (31.2%); bST (15%); eCG-bST (34.7%); testigo (40%)]. Las vacas tratadas con bST tuvieron mayores concentraciones de IGF-I. Se concluye que la inyección de bST al inicio de la inducción de la ovulación con progestágenos y eCG, y una segunda inyección en la inseminación no mejora la respuesta estral ni el porcentaje de concepción en vacas de carne posparto.

Regresión prematura del cuerpo lúteo en ovejas en anestro tratadas con la hormona bovina del crecimiento / Premature luteal regression in anoestrus ewes treated with bovine somatotropin

In the first luteal phase of the transition period from anoestrus to cyclicity in the ewe, the secretion of prostaglandin F2 α (PGF2α) is bring forward and there is premature luteolysis. This early release of PGF2α is associated with the follicle properties that originate the corpus luteum.Therefore, if the preovulatory follicle produces more estrogens, the premature release of the PGF2α does not occur and the luteal phase is normal. On the other hand, bovine growth hormone (bST) induces follicular development and estradiol production. In this study it was assessed whether the administration of bST seven days before the induction of ovulation with hCG prevents premature luteal regression in anoestrus ewes. Suffolk ewes (n = 57) in seasonal anoestrus, determined through plasmatic progesterone concentrations, were used. Seven days before ovulation induction with 1 000 IU of hCG im, the ewes were randomly assigned to two groups: The bST group (n = 28) received 125mg of bST sc. The control group (n = 29) received physiological saline solution. Blood samples were taken daily from the day of hCG injection (day zero) until day 17 and the progesterone concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Ninety six percent of the ewes from both groups (27/28, bST group and 28/29, control group) ovulated and formed a corpus luteum. The proportion of ewes with premature luteal regression was similar between treatments (bST = 37% vs control = 57%) (P = 0.135). The progesterone concentrations and the length of the luteal phase among the ewes that exhibited a corpus luteum of normal life span were also similar between groups (bST = 11.6 vs control = 11.1 days) (P > 0.05). It is concluded that the treatment with bST before ovulation induction with hCG in anoestrus ewes does not prevent the premature luteal regression.

En la primera fase lútea de la transición del anestro a la ciclicidad en la oveja, se adelanta la secreción de la prostaglandina F2 α (PGF2α) y ocurre la regresión prematura del cuerpo lúteo. La liberación anticipada de la PGF2α se asocia con las características del folículo que da origen al cuerpo lúteo; así, cuando el folículo produce más estrógenos, la liberación de la PGF2α no se adelanta y la fase lútea es normal. En este contexto, la hormona bovina del crecimiento (bST) estimula el desarrollo folicular y la producción de estradiol. En este estudio se probó si la administración de la bST, siete días antes de la inducción de la ovulación con hCG en ovejas en anestro, evita la regresión prematura del cuerpo lúteo. Se utilizaron 57 ovejas de la raza Suffolk en anestro estacional, lo cual se comprobó mediante la medición de las concentraciones plasmáticas de progesterona. Siete días antes de la inducción de la ovulación con 1 000 UI de hCG im, las ovejas se asignaron al azar en dos grupos: el grupo bST (n = 28) recibió 125 mg de bST sc; el grupo testigo (n = 29) recibió solución salina fisiológica. Se obtuvieron muestras de sangre diariamente a partir del día de la aplicación de hCG (día cero) hasta el día 17 y se determinaron las concentraciones de progesterona mediante radioinmunoanálisis. En ambos grupos se registró 96% de ovulación y formación de cuerpo lúteo (27/28, grupo bST y 28/29, grupo testigo). La proporción de ovejas que presentaron regresión prematura del cuerpo lúteo fue similar (P = 0.135) entre los tratamientos (bST = 37% vs testigo = 57%). Las concentraciones de progesterona y la duración de la fase lútea en las ovejas que tuvieron cuerpos lúteos de vida normal (bST = 11.6 días vs testigo = 11.1 días) fueron similares entre los grupos (P > 0.05). No se encontró evidencia que el tratamiento con bST antes de la inducción de la ovulación con hCG en ovejas en anestro evita la regresión prematura del cuerpo lúteo.

Extension model of lactation curves to evaluate the effect of the recombinant bovine somatotropin on milk yield in Holstein cows / Modelo de extensão de curvas de lactação para avaliar o efeito da somatotropina bovina recombinante sobre a produção de leite em vacas Holstein

An extension model of lactation curves was used to determine the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST-r) on milk yield in Holstein dairy cattle. This model use the fitted values obtained by the Wood model, and was tested on the records of 66 cows. The milk yield predicted with the extension model and the observed yield were compared and no significant differences were observed (P>0.05). Once the extension model was validated, the milk yield tests of 199 cows were used. The cows received bST-r 500mg by subcutaneous injections. The injections were applied after 100 days in milk at 14-day intervals (seven injections). The observed milk yield was compared with the yield expected by the extension model. An increase of 5.3 percent was observed in milk yield in response to the bST-r. This increase is lower than that reported in the literature in response to the growth hormone in dairy cattle. It is concluded that extension model used in the present work is reliable for extending the lactation curve in Holstein cows, and the increase in milk yield in response to the application of bST-r, determined in the same animal using the extension model, was lower than that reported by other authors.

Um modelo de extensão de curvas de lactância foi utilizado para determinar o efeito da somatotropina bovina recombinante (bST-r) sobre a produção de leite em vacas Holstein. Este modelo, que utiliza os valores ajustados obtidos pelo modelo de Wood, foi testato nos registros de 66 vacas. A produção de leite predita com o modelo de extensão e a produção observada foram comparadas e não se observaram diferenças significativas (P>0,05). Uma vez validado o modelo de extensão, utilizaram-se os controles de produção de leite (de cada 15 dias) de 199 vacas. As vacas receberam injeções de 500mg de bST-r via subcutânea. As injeções fora aplicadas a partir dos 100 dias de lactação a intervalos de 14 dias (sete injeções). A produção de leite observada foi comparada com a produção esperada com o modelo de extensão. Observou-se um incremento de 5,3 por cento na produção de leite em resposta à bST-r. Este incremento foi menor que o relatado na literatura em resposta ao hormônio do crescimento em vacas leiteiras. O modelo de extensão usado é confiável para estender a curva de lactação na vaca Holstein, e o aumento do rendimento de leite em resposta à aplicação de bST-r, determinado no mesmo animal usando o modelo de extensão, foi inferior ao observado por outros autores.

Porcentaje de concepción al primer servicio en vacas Holstein tratadas con hormona bovina del crecimiento en la inseminación / Conception rate at first service in Holstein cows treated with bovine somatotrophin at the time of insemination

A single dose of bovine somatotrophin (bST) given at the time of insemination improves conception rate (CR) in repeat-breeding cows, but there is no clear evidence that this treatment is useful in first service cows. The effect of bST applied at the time of insemination on conception rate in first service Holstein cows was evaluated. This study was conducted using 435 lactating Holstein cows from 15 dairy herds located in Tizayuca, Hidalgo. Cows were divided in two groups. The bST group (n = 185) received a subcutaneous injection of 500 mg of bST; the control group (n = 250) received 2 mL of saline solution. Insulin growth factor type I (IGF-I) and insulin concentrations were measured daily on seven randomly chosen cows of each group from the day of the bST injection until day 14 post treatment. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by rectal palpation 45 days after insemination. The effects of treatment, herd, synchronized method (spontaneous or synchronized estrus with prostaglandin F2α), parity and days in milk on conception rate were analyzed by logistic regression for binary variables. The concentrations of IGF-I and insulin were compared using ANOVA for repeated measurements. Conception rate did not varied (P > 0.05) between treatment groups [bST (36.2%) vs control (34.8%)]. There were no herd, parity, days in milk or synchronized method effects (P > 0.05) on conception rate. IGF-I and insulin were higher (P < 0.05) in the bST group than in the control group. It is concluded that a 500 mg bST injection at the time of insemination does not improve fertility in first service Holstein cows.

Una inyección de hormona bovina del crecimiento (bST) en la inseminación mejora el porcentaje de concepción (PC) en vacas repetidoras; sin embargo, no hay clara evidencia de su eficacia en vacas de primer servicio. Se evaluó si una inyección de bST en la inseminación mejora el PC al primer servicio en vacas Holstein. El experimento se hizo con 435 vacas de 15 hatos de Tizayuca, Hidalgo, México. Las vacas se dividieron en dos grupos: el grupo bST (n = 185) recibió 500 mg bST sc en el servicio; el grupo testigo (n = 250) recibió 2 mL de solución salina fisiológica (SSF) sc. Se determinaron las concentraciones del factor de crecimiento parecido a la insulina tipo I (IGF-I) e insulina diariamente en siete vacas seleccionadas al azar de cada grupo, a partir del tratamiento con bST hasta el día 14 posinseminación. El diagnóstico de gestación se hizo por palpación rectal 45 días después de la inseminación. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística para variables binarias con el propósito de determinar los efectos del tratamiento, hato, método de sincronización (estro espontáneo o sincronizado con prostaglandina F2α), número de partos y días en leche, sobre el PC. Las concentraciones de IGF-I e insulina se evaluaron mediante un modelo lineal mixto (ANDEVA) para mediciones repetidas. El PC fue similar (P > 0.05) entre grupos [bST (36.2%) y testigo (34.8%)]. No se encontró efecto (P > 0.05) del número de partos, hato, método de sincronización, ni número de días en leche en el PC. Las concentraciones de IGF-I e insulina fueron más altas (P < 0.05) en el grupo bST que en el testigo. Se concluye que una inyección de 500 mg de bST en la inseminación no mejora la fertilidad en vacas Holstein de primer servicio.

Clinical Characteristic of Lacrimal Ductal Cyst

PURPOSE: Through 13 cases of lacrimal ductal cysts which were diagnosed by clinical or histopathological findings, we investigated the clinical characteristic and the effect of cyst excision on lacrimal secretion. METHODS: As a primary treatment, cyst excisions(6 cases), marsupialzations(4 cases), and needle aspirations(3 cases) were performed and their results were compared. Pre-and postoperative lacrimal secretion tests(Schirmer I & BST) were performed on 10 cases which underwent cyst excision either primarily or secondarily(due to recurrences). A biochemical analysis of cyst fluid and serum IgA level was also done on 7 cases. RESULT: There were no recurrences on 6 surgically excised cases, but 1 out of 4 cases with marsupia-lizations and all 3 cases with needle aspirations recurred and underwent cyst excisions secondarily. Two out of 10 surgically excised cases showed reduced value of postoperative lacrimal secretion tests. Cyst fluid IgA levels were higher than that of serum in all 7 cases. CONCLUSION: The higher cyst IgA level may signify the presence of an active secretory precess within cyst walls. A complete cyst excision seems to be the best treatment choice for the prevention of recurren-ces and marsupialization is also considered as an alternative treatment modality. The cyst excision itself does not seem to affect lacrimal secretion.

DISTRIBUTION OF SEROTONIN-IMMUNOREACTIVE FIBERS AND TERMINALS IN THE BED NUCLEI OF STRIA TERMINALIS IN THE RAT / 解剖学报

Based upon Ju and Swanson's studies on the eytoarchitecture of the bed nuclei of stria terminalis (BST) of the rat, the present work studies in detail the distribution of serotonin-immunoreactive fibers and terminals (5-HT-ir fibers) in the BST of the rat with ABC or PAP technique visualized with glucose oxidase-DAB-nickel method. The results are as followsithree types of 5-HT-ir fibers were identified in the BST, viz. thick fibers, thin fibers and varicose fibers. Only varicose fibers were found in the stria extension of the BST, whereas the rest of the BST contained other types as well. In the oval nucleus, juxitacapsular nucleus, fusiform nucleus, posterior dorsal nucleus and principle nucleus,all three types of 5-HT-ir fibers were observed, while the remaining parts of the BST were occupied with thin and varicose fibers. These fibers were distributed unevenly in the BST, with highest density in the ventromedial part of the anterior ventral area and the ventrolateral part of the posterior division; moderate density in the anterior dorsal area, the ventrolateral part of the anterior ventral area and the dorsolateral part of the posterior division; and were scattered in the anterior lateral area and the medial part of the posterior division. The difference in density of 5-HT-ir fibers among various areas of the BST corresponds generally with the sequence of ontogenesis of the BST. Mismatch of the distribution of 5-HT-ir fibers and 5-HT receptors in the BST of the rat is also discussed.