Full-fat corn germ in diets for dairy cows as an alternative to ground corn.

The experiments reported in this research paper address the effects of replacing ground corn (GC) with full-fat corn germ (FFCG) on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen utilization efficiency, performance, and predicted methane production in dairy cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane. We hypothesized that the inclusion of FFCG in the diet would not alter the performance of lactating cows but would reduce the predicted methane production in vivo. Ten multiparous Holstein cows at 90 ± 10 d of lactation and yielding 24.2 ± 3.5 kg milk/d were assigned to dietary treatments consisting of different levels of replacement of GC by FFCG (0; 25; 50; 75 and 100% of diet dry matter) in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Methane production was predicted using an automated gas in vitro production system. Except for ether extract intake, which increased, the intake of all nutrients decreased linearly with the replacement of GC by FFCG. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fiber reduced, whereas the digestibility of ether extract increased linearly with FFCG. There were no changes in the digestibility of crude protein. The nitrogen intake and daily excretion in urine and feces decreased, while nitrogen use efficiency increased linearly. There was no significant effect of diets on nitrogen balance or microbial protein synthesis and efficiency. The yield of protein, lactose and total solids in milk showed a quadratic behavior. On the other hand, milk fat yield and energy-corrected milk yield decreased linearly with the replacement of GC by FFCG. No effect on pH or ammonia nitrogen was observed. The production of methane (CH4, g/kg DM) and total CH4 (g/d), and CH4 intensity decreased linearly with the replacement of GC by FFCG. In conclusion, FFCG has been shown to be an effective source of fat to reduce methane production in dairy cows, partially supporting our initial hypothesis. However, as it decreases milk fat production, it is not recommended to replace more than 50% of GC by FFCG for lactating cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane.

Utilization of a cell-penetrating peptide-adaptor for delivery of human papillomavirus protein E2 into cervical cancer cells to arrest cell growth and promote cell death.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent of nearly all forms of cervical cancer, which can arise upon viral integration into the host genome and concurrent loss of viral regulatory gene E2. Gene-based delivery approaches show that E2 reintroduction reduces proliferative capacity and promotes apoptosis in vitro. AIMS: This work explored if our calcium-dependent protein-based delivery system, TAT-CaM, could deliver functional E2 protein directly into cervical cancer cells to limit proliferative capacity and induce cell death. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: TAT-CaM and the HPV16 E2 protein containing a CaM-binding sequence (CBS-E2) were expressed and purified from Escherichia coli. Calcium-dependent binding kinetics were verified by biolayer interferometry. Equimolar TAT-CaM:CBS-E2 constructs were delivered into the HPV16+ SiHa cell line and uptake verified by confocal microscopy. Proliferative capacity was measured by MTS assay and cell death was measured by release of lactate dehydrogenase. As a control, human microvascular cells (HMECs) were used. As expected, TAT-CaM bound CBS-E2 with high affinity in the presence of calcium and rapidly disassociated upon its removal. After introduction by TAT-CaM, fluorescently labeled CBS-E2 was detected in cellular interiors by orthogonal projections taken at the depth of the nucleus. In dividing cells, E2 relocalized to regions associated with the mitotic spindle. Cells receiving a daily dose of CBS-E2 for 4 days showed a significant reduction in metabolic activity at low doses and increased cell death at high doses compared to controls. This phenotype was retained for 7 days with no further treatments. When subcultured on day 12, treated cells regained their proliferative capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Using the TAT-CaM platform, bioactive E2 protein was delivered into living cervical cancer cells, inducing senescence and cell death in a time- and dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that this nucleic acid and virus-free delivery method could be harnessed to develop novel, effective protein therapeutics.

Cactus Cladodes Opuntia or Nopalea and By-Product of Low Nutritional Value as Solutions to Forage Shortages in Semiarid Areas.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of the cactus cladodes Nopalea cochenillifera (L). Salm-Dyck. (NUB) and cactus cladodes Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. (OUB), both combined with sugarcane bagasse (SB) plus urea, Tifton hay (TH), corn silage (CS), and sorghum silage (SS) plus urea on nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal dynamics, and parameters. Five male sheep, fistulated in the rumen, were assigned in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The NUB provided a higher intake of dry matter (DM) and any nutrients than SS. TH provided larger pools of DM and iNDF. The OUB and CS provided a higher DM degradation. CS provided a higher NDF degradation rate. OUB provided a lower ruminal pH. Depending on the collection time, the lowest pH value was estimated at 3.79 h after the morning feeding. There was an interaction between treatments and collection time on VFA concentrations. Due to the high degradation rate, greater energy intake, less change in rumen pH, greater volatile fatty acid production, and feasibility, we recommend using cactus associated with sugarcane bagasse plus urea in sheep diets.

Sugarcane bagasse or elephant grass hay in diets for goats: Performance, feeding behavior and carcass characteristics

Background: Novel feeding strategies should be developed to produce high-quality meat in current goat production systems. Objective: To evaluate the effects of castration and the association of spineless cactus with sugarcane bagasse or elephant grass hay on nutrient intake, digestibility, performance, feeding behavior and carcass traits of feedlot kids. Methods: A total of 24 male kids (12 castrated and 12 intact), with an average initial weight of 18.5 ± 3.8 kg were allotted to a completely randomized 2 x 2 factorial design (sugar cane bagasse or elephant grass hay; intact or castrated), and confined for 70 days. Results: Nutrient intake and animal performance were similar between treatments. Sugarcane bagasse increased, when compared to elephant grass hay, the digestibility of dry matter (66.12 vs 62.88; p=0.005), crude protein (74.26 vs 70.95; p=0.029) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (91.94 vs 83.07; p<0.001). The forage source affected the time spent resting, ruminating and total chewing time, but there was no effect of diet on feeding and rumination efficiencies. Elephant grass hay increased, when compared to sugarcane bagasse, hot carcass weight (9.87 vs 10.79; p=0.025) and hot carcass yield (43.81 vs 46.87; p=0.013). Intact kids produced heavier hot carcasses when compared with castrated kids (10.80 vs 9.86; p=0.014). Conclusion: Feeding intact or castrated kids with sugar cane bagasse or elephant grass hay do not affect nutrient intake and performance. Feedlot goats have improved carcass traits if kept intact and fed elephant grass hay.

Antecedentes: Se requiere desarrollar nuevas estrategias de alimentación para producir carne de alta calidad en los sistemas actuales de producción de cabras. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la castración y asociación de palma forrajera con bagazo de caña de azúcar o heno de pasto elefante sobre la ingesta de nutrientes, digestibilidad, rendimiento, comportamiento de alimentación y caracteristicas de la canal de cabritos de engorde. Métodos: Un total de 24 cabritos (12 castrados y 12 intactos) con peso inicial promedio de 18,5 ± 3,8 kg fueron asignados a un diseño factorial 2 x 2 completamente al azar (bagazo de caña de azucar o heno de pasto elefante; castrados o intactos) y confinados durante 70 días. Resultados: La ingesta de nutrientes y el rendimiento animal fueron similares entre tratamientos. El bagazo de caña de azúcar aumentó, en comparación con el heno de pasto elefante, la digestibilidad de la materia seca (66,12 vs 62,88; p=0,005), de la proteína cruda (74,26 vs 70,95; p=0,029) y de los carbohidratos no fibrosos (91,94 vs 83,07; p<0,001). La fuente de forraje afectó el tiempo de descanso, de rumia, y el tiempo total de masticación, pero no hubo efecto de la dieta sobre la eficiencia alimentacia y de la rumia. El heno de pasto elefante aumentó, en comparación con el bagazo, el peso de la canal caliente (9,87 vs 10,79; p=0,025) y el rendimiento de la canal caliente (43,81 vs 46,87; p=0,013). Los animales intactos produjeron canales calientes más pesadas en comparación con los castrados (10,80 vs 9,86; p=0,014). Conclusión: La alimentación de cabritos enteros o castrados con bagazo de caña de azúcar o heno de pasto elefante no afecta la ingesta de nutrientes y el rendimiento. Los cabritos tienen mejores características de canal si se alimentan con heno de pasto elefante y se dejan enteros.

Antecedentes: Novas estratégias de alimentação devem ser desenvolvidas para produção de carne de qualidade nos atuais sistemas de produção de caprinos. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da castração e da associação da palma forrageira com o bagaço de cana de açúcar ou feno de capim elefante no consumo de nutrientes, digestibilidade, desempenho, comportamento ingestivo e características de carcaça de cabritos confinados. Métodos: Um total de 24 caprinos (12 castrados e 12 não castrados), com peso inicial médio de 18,5 ± 3,8 kg, distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2 x 2 (bagaço de cana de açúcar ou feno de capim elefante; inteiros ou castrados), confinados durante 70 dias. Resultados: O consumo de nutrientes e o desempenho dos animais foram semelhante entre os tratamentos. O bagaço de cana elevou, quando comparado com o feno, a digestibilidade da matéria seca (66,12 vs 62,88; p=0,005), proteína (74,26 vs 70,95; p=0,029) e carboidratos não fibrosos (91,94 vs 83,07; p<0,001). As fontes de fibra afetaram os tempos de ócio, ruminação e mastigação total, mas não houve efeito para as eficiências de alimentação e ruminação. O feno de capim elefante aumentou, quando comparado com o bagaço, o peso de caracaça quente (9,87 vs 10,79; p=0,025) e o rendimento de carcaça quente (43,81 vs 46,87; p=0,013). Os animais inteiros produziram carcaças quentes mais pesadas em comparação aos castrados (10,80 vs 9,86; p=0,014). Conclusão: Alimentar caprinos inteiros ou castrados com bagaço de cana ou feno de capim-elefante não interfere no consumo de nutrientes e desempenho. Caprinos confinados terão as características de carcaça melhoradas se mantidos intactos e alimentados com feno de capim elefante.

Spineless Cactus plus Urea and Tifton-85 Hay: Maximizing the Digestible Organic Matter Intake, Ruminal Fermentation and Nitrogen Utilization of Wethers in Semi-Arid Regions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing Tifton-85 hay (Cynodon spp. cv. Tifton 85) with 0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 g/kg dry matter (DM) of spineless cactus (SC, Nopalea cochenilifera Salm-Dyck) plus urea and ammonium sulfate (UAS; 9:1) on DM, digestible organic matter (DOM) and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) intakes, as well as ruminal fermentation, N-balance, and microbial protein supply (MPS). Five rumen-fistulated and cannulated crossbred wethers, weighing 43.8 ± 5.80 kg, were randomized in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Isonitrogenous diets (14% crude protein) were supplied with a roughage/concentrate ratio of 70:30. The DOM intake, N-retained, and MPS showed quadratic responses (p < 0.05), with maximum values estimated at the levels of SC+UAS of 414, 438 and 418 g/kg DM, respectively. Rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen, iNDF intake, N-urinary excretion, and serum urea and plasma ammonia reduced linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing SC+UAS inclusion. Ruminal acetate and propionate concentrations increased linearly with increasing SC+UAS inclusion. In wethers fed diets with a roughage/concentrate ratio of 70:30, roughage constituted of a SC+UAS/hay (Tifton-85) ratio of 41:29 is recommended in order to maximize the DOM intake, N-retention, and MPS.

Effect of a Low-Methane Diet on Performance and Microbiome in Lactating Dairy Cows Accounting for Individual Pre-Trial Methane Emissions.

This study examined the effects of partly replacing grass silage (GS) with maize silage (MS), with or without rapeseed oil (RSO) supplementation, on methane (CH4) emissions, production performance, and rumen microbiome in the diets of lactating dairy cows. The effect of individual pre-trial CH4-emitting characteristics on dietary emissions mitigation was also examined. Twenty Nordic Red cows at 71 ± 37.2 (mean ± SD) days in milk were assigned to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four dietary treatments (GS, GS supplemented with RSO, GS plus MS, GS plus MS supplemented with RSO) applied in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Partial replacement of GS with MS decreased the intake of dry matter (DM) and nutrients, milk production, yield of milk components, and general nutrient digestibility. Supplementation with RSO decreased the intake of DM and nutrients, energy-corrected milk yield, composition and yield of milk fat and protein, and general digestibility of nutrients, except for crude protein. Individual cow pre-trial measurements of CH4-emitting characteristics had a significant influence on gas emissions but did not alter the magnitude of CH4 emissions. Dietary RSO decreased daily CH4, yield, and intensity. It also increased the relative abundance of rumen Methanosphaera and Succinivibrionaceae and decreased that of Bifidobacteriaceae. There were no effects of dietary MS on CH4 emissions in this study, but supplementation with 41 g RSO/kg of DM reduced daily CH4 emissions from lactating dairy cows by 22.5%.

Miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck)-The Best Forage Cactus Genotype for Feeding Lactating Dairy Cows in Semiarid Regions.

This study aimed to investigate the effects on nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield (MY) and composition, milk fatty acids profile, and microbial protein synthesis caused by feeding lactating dairy cows four different forage cactus genotypes. Eight Girolando cows (5/8 Holstein × 3/8 Gyr), weighing 490 ± 69.0 kg (means ± standard deviation), and producing 15.5 ± 1.0 kg/d of milk during pretrial were distributed to two contemporaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares. The cows were fed a total mixed ration composed of sorghum silage (385 g/kg of dry matter (DM)), concentrated mix (175 g/kg DM), and forage cactus (440 g/kg DM). The experimental treatments consisted of different cactus genotypes, such as Gigante cactus (GC), Miúda cactus (MC), IPA Sertânia cactus (SC), and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana cactus (OEMC). The feeding of MC provided a higher intake of DM, organic matter (OM), and total digestible nutrients, as well as higher MY, energy-corrected milk, and microbial protein synthesis in comparison with those resulting from the other genotypes tested. The GC promoted lower DM and OM, and the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber. The cows fed with OEMC showed lower MY and milk protein yield and content, and higher unsaturated over saturated fatty acid ratio in milk. Miúda forage cactus increased nutrient intake, digestibility of DM and OM, and microbial synthesis without impairing the milk fatty acid profile.

Enteric and Fecal Methane Emissions from Dairy Cows Fed Grass or Corn Silage Diets Supplemented with Rapeseed Oil.

This study evaluated potential trade-offs between enteric methane (CH4) emissions and CH4 emissions from feces of dairy cows fed grass silage or partial replacement of grass silage with corn silage, both with and without supplementation of rapeseed oil. Measured data for eight dairy cows (two blocks) included in a production trial were analyzed. Dietary treatments were grass silage (GS), GS supplemented with rapeseed oil (GS-RSO), GS plus corn silage (GSCS), and GSCS supplemented with rapeseed oil (GSCS-RSO). Feces samples were collected after each period and incubated for nine weeks to estimate fecal CH4 emissions. Including RSO (0.5 kg/d) in the diet decreased dry matter intake (DMI) by 1.75 kg/d. Enteric CH4 emissions were reduced by inclusion of RSO in the diet (on average 473 vs. 607 L/d). In 9-week incubations, there was a trend for lower CH4 emissions from feces of cows fed diets supplemented with RSO (on average 3.45 L/kg DM) than cows with diets not supplemented with RSO (3.84 L/kg DM). Total CH4 emissions (enteric + feces, L/d) were significantly lower for the cows fed diets supplemented with RSO. Total fecal CH4 emissions were similar between treatments, indicating no trade-offs between enteric and fecal CH4 emissions.

In Vitro Evaluation of Different Dietary Methane Mitigation Strategies.

We assessed and ranked different dietary strategies for mitigating methane (CH4) emissions and other fermentation parameters, using an automated gas system in two in vitro experiments. In experiment 1, a wide range of dietary CH4 mitigation strategies was tested. In experiment 2, the two most promising CH4 inhibitory compounds from experiment 1 were tested in a dose-response study. In experiment 1, the chemical compounds 2-nitroethanol, nitrate, propynoic acid, p-coumaric acid, bromoform, and Asparagopsis taxiformis (AT) decreased predicted in vivo CH4 production (1.30, 21.3, 13.9, 24.2, 2.00, and 0.20 mL/g DM, respectively) compared with the control diet (38.7 mL/g DM). The 2-nitroethanol and AT treatments had lower molar proportions of acetate and higher molar proportions of propionate and butyrate compared with the control diet. In experiment 2, predicted in vivo CH4 production decreased curvilinearly, molar proportions of acetate decreased, and propionate and butyrate proportions increased curvilinearly with increased levels of AT and 2-nitroethanol. Thus 2-nitroethanol and AT were the most efficient strategies to reduce CH4 emissions in vitro, and AT inclusion additionally showed a strong dose-dependent CH4 mitigating effect, with the least impact on rumen fermentation parameters.

Synthesis of Ag@Silica Nanoparticles by Assisted Laser Ablation.

This paper reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles coated with porous silica (Ag@Silica NPs) using an assisted laser ablation method. This method is a chemical synthesis where one of the reagents (the reducer agent) is introduced in nanometer form by laser ablation of a solid target submerged in an aqueous solution. In a first step, a silicon wafer immersed in water solution was laser ablated for several minutes. Subsequently, an AgNO3 aliquot was added to the aqueous solution. The redox reaction between the silver ions and ablation products leads to a colloidal suspension of core-shell Ag@Silica NPs. The influence of the laser pulse energy, laser wavelength, ablation time, and Ag(+) concentration on the size and optical properties of the Ag@Silica NPs was investigated. Furthermore, the colloidal suspensions were studied by UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM).

Initial use of a novel noninvasive vagus nerve stimulator for cluster headache treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To report our initial experience with a novel device, designed to provide portable, noninvasive, transcutaneous stimulation of the vagus nerve, both acutely and preventively, as a treatment for cluster headache. METHODS: Patients with cluster headache (11 chronic, 8 episodic), from 2 centers, including 7 who were refractory to drug treatment, had sufficient data available for analysis in this open-label observational cohort study. The device, known as the gammaCore, was used acutely to treat individual attacks as well as to provide prevention. Patient-estimated efficacy data were collected by systematic inquiry during follow-up appointments up to a period of 52 weeks of continuous use. RESULTS: Fifteen patients reported an overall improvement in their condition, with 4 reporting no change, providing a mean overall estimated improvement of 48%. Of all attacks treated, 47% were aborted within an average of 11 ± 1 minutes of commencing stimulation. Ten patients reduced their acute use of high-flow oxygen by 55% with 9 reducing triptan use by 48%. Prophylactic use of the device resulted in a substantial reduction in estimated mean attack frequency from 4.5/24 hours to 2.6/24 hours (p < 0.0005) posttreatment. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation may be practical and effective as an acute and preventive treatment in chronic cluster headache. Further evaluation of this treatment using randomized sham-controlled trials is thus warranted. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with cluster headache, transcutaneous stimulation of the vagus nerve aborts acute attacks and reduces the frequency of attacks.

Digestive flexibility in females of the subterranean rodent ctenomys talarum in their natural habitat.

We studied the occurrence of digestive strategies at different levels in females of the subterranean herbivorous rodent Ctenomys talarum living in their natural habitat. We determined the dimensions of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract and organs along as the activity of key digestive enzymes(sucrase, maltase and N-aminopeptidase) in small intestine in females seasonally caught. Females of C. talarum did not show seasonal variations in the mass of the different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. In nonreproductive females large intestine was longer in autumn, whereas reproductive females did not show seasonal variations in the length of the different parts of the gut. Females of C. talarum exhibited a high sucrose, maltase and N-aminopeptidase activity in small intestine, although these activities were higher in small intestine of females caught in autumn (nonreproductive) than in females caught in winter (reproductive). The results show that C. talarum females exhibit characteristics in the gut at the morphological and biochemical level, which could represent digestive strategies to face the constraints imposed by their costly particular way of life.

Glutamatergic fine tuning with ADX-10059: a novel therapeutic approach for migraine?

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: Migraine is an episodic, substantially inherited brain disorder affecting 15% of adults in Western Europe and North America, and is one of the commonest reasons for patients to see their physicians. While the World Health Organization considers that severe migraine can be as disabling as quadriplegia, unfortunately the condition remains undertreated. Until the 1990s, specific migraine therapies were limited to ergot derivatives. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: The triptans, serotonin 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor agonists, revolutionized the acute management of migraine patients. However, although the triptans are generally effective and safe, not all patients can take them and many do not respond especially to oral therapies. Recently, progress has been made on the therapeutic front, particularly with new acute treatments. This review will focus on the therapeutic potential of ADX10059, a metabotropic glutamate receptor 5, negative allosteric modulator (mGluR5 NAM), in migraine. Data from a proof-of-concept study in episodic migraineurs demonstrated a significant improvement following acute treatment. A large European multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-ranging study is currently investigating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the compound for migraine prevention. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: The reader will have the basic principles of migraine management and the potential for glutamate-targeted approaches. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Targeting glutamatergic transmission in migraine may provide a novel preventive therapy that is effective and well-tolerated.

Digestive strategies in the South American subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum.

Ctenomys talarum is a subterranean herbivorous rodent which due to its particular life style is frequently exposed to variations in surface environmental conditions (i.e. food quality and availability, temperature). Thus, unlike other subterranean rodents, C. talarum has to buffer both the surface and burrow challenging environmental conditions. We studied the occurrence of digestive strategies at different levels of C. talarum living in their natural habitat. We determined the dimensions of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract and organs along as the activity of key digestive enzymes (disaccharidase, N-aminopeptidase) in different parts of the gut in individuals seasonally caught. The results show that C. talarum exhibits characteristics in the gut at the biochemical level (high disaccharidase activities in small intestine, high N-aminopeptidase activity in the caecum and large intestine, and a seasonal differential modulation of N-aminopeptidase activity in small and large intestines), which could represent adaptive strategies to face seasonal variations in key environmental factors.

Síndrome de Morris en dos hermanos, hijos de única madre y padres diferentes / Morris Syndrome in two Sons Bron to the Same Mother an From Different Fthers

Se presenta la experiencia en la Consulta de Ginecología Infanto Juvenil, radicada en el Policlínico Docente Chiqui Gómez Lubián del municipio de Santa Clara, con dos hermanas ambas con intersexualidad. La principal causa de la consulta fue preocupación del medico de la familia y la madre de ambos pacientes por las características de los genitales externos, así como la no correspondencia del sexo psicológico con el biológico. Se realizo un estudio retrospectivo en base a la historia clínica aportada. La exploración genital revela falta de útero y vagina corta, con ausencia del vello pubiano y axilar, y genitales externos intersexuales. Alcanzamos hallazgos ecográficos y laparoscopicos componentes y en el marco de análisis cromosómicos han dado como resultado presencia de cromomosomas x y en ambas hijas de única madre y padres diferentes. Valores hormonales a descartar acorde a las diferencias de edad y transición de la mayor por etapa de adolescencia, en la que pueden aparecer reales cambios, tantos psíquicos como físicos, y enfrentar la realidad con problemas de sexualidad y sus consecuencias desfavorables(AU)

Phenotypic plasticity in response to low quality diet in the South American omnivorous rodent Akodon azarae (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae).

We studied the responses in the omnivorous rodent A. azarae submitted to a low quality diet at morphological, physiological and biochemical levels. At short term, a decrease in body mass occurred. A later increase in food consumption constituted a strategy that allowed a temporal recovery of physical condition. However, hyperphagia appeared not to be enough to maintain physical condition after 30 days of low quality diet consumption. At the morphological level, an increase in length (9%) of the anterior portion of the gut occurred, the part of the gut where digestion and absorption take place. A decrease in small intestine weight could be related with the long-term impairment of body condition. Inhibition of sucrase specific activity in small intestine would indicate a down-regulation of sucrase-isomaltase complex. Total maltase specific activity in small intestine was not affected suggesting an up-regulation of sucrase-independent maltase specific activity. A down-regulation of protease specific activity in small intestine occurred in response to low quality diet. The specific activity of disaccharidases in caecum and large intestine was down-regulated. The strategies and constraints at different levels of A. azarae upon low quality diet are discussed.

Seasonal changes in body composition of Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia: Octodontidae): an herbivore subterranean rodent.

Ctenomys talarum is a subterranean herbivorous rodent whose burrow systems exhibit particular characteristics, distinct from other subterranean environments. We studied seasonal variation in body composition of C. talarum in relation to energetic requirements. Body lipid content seasonally changed in C. talarum, related to reproductive cycle and thermorregulatory mechanisms. A decrease in protein body content was found only in spring. Ash content of females was lowest when most of them are in post partum estro. Observed variations in water body content could be associated with plant water content and/or metabolic regulation. Our results show the occurrence of seasonal variations in body composition in C. talarum, which could be related to the high cost of reproduction and the subterranean life style of this species.

Phenotypic flexibility of digestive morphology and physiology of the South American omnivorous rodent Akodon azarae (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae).

We have determined the occurrence of responses at different levels (morphological, physiological and biochemical) in the omnivorous rodent Akodon azarae upon cold acclimation (15 degrees C). A short-term enhancement in food consumption appeared to account for the maintenance of both mass and body composition. At the morphological level, the main response was an increase in the dimensions of small intestine, which constitutes the section of the gut where absorption and secretion take place. An increase in sucrase specific activity was only found in small intestine. Sucrose independent maltase activity was very low since 99.8% of total maltase activity was due to sucrase-isomaltase (SI) complex. Protease specific activities were not affected. The fact that resting metabolic rates determined at 15 and 23 degrees C were similar in cold acclimated animals suggests a change in lower critical temperature. In conclusion, our results show that A. azarae exhibits different strategies to support cold environment that could lead to an enhancement in digestion and absorption efficiency. Furthermore, this work suggests that low temperature is an independent cue of other environmental factors to trigger the strategies allowing the maintenance of body condition in A. azarae.

Epitelio escamoso original y resultado histológico posconización cervicouterina / Original squamous epithelium and histological results after cervicouterine conization

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo-retrospectivo de 66 pacientes procedentes de la consulta de Patología de Cuello del Policlínico Docente "Chiqui Gómez Lubián", a las cuales se les realizó una conización cervical en el período comprendido entre 1990-2000, con el objetivo de caracterizar la población de pacientes que tuvieron una prueba citológica sospechosa con resultado negativo a la observación clínica mediante exámenes colposcópicos; posteriormente se confirmó la presencia de una displasia. Por medio de la revisión de tarjetas citológicas, modelo 68-09, se obtuvieron los datos relacionados con sus antecedentes clinicoginecológicos y resultados citohistológicos y colposcópicos. En nuestro estudio prevaleció el inicio temprano de las relaciones sexuales; el mayor grupo de operadas tenía pacientes entre 25-39 años de edad, y el más elevado por ciento de diagnósticos histológicos postoperatorios correspondió a la displasia severa del cuello uterino y al carcinoma in situ, por lo que ante un citodiagnóstico alterado, con un examen colposcópico de una mucosa original, debemos pensar siempre en la posibilidad de una "enfermedad oculta(AU)