Use of fidget and drinking behaviour in combination with facial infrared thermography for diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease in a spontaneous model.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a highly prevalent multi pathogen infectious disease (70-80%) in newly received feedlot cattle, causing significant economic losses and reduced animal welfare. Current BRD diagnosis involves stressful and invasive methods that can increase the incidence and transmission of BRD. An alternative is the use of an automated infrared thermography (IR) platform that can monitor facial temperature and behaviour traits to diagnose BRD in a non-invasive manner. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of fidget and drinking behaviours in conjunction with facial temperature as method of BRD diagnosis in beef calves. Sixty-five weaned calves (N = 65) were monitored over a 21-d period after 6 h transportation to predispose calves to BRD infection. Data collected from an automated IR platform placed at a water station included the number of IR frames during drinking (Fidget), number of drinking visits (Drinking bouts), total drinking duration, average drinking duration, average cheek temperature (AVG temp), and maximum orbital temperature (Max temp). Fidget, drinking behaviours, and IR were compared to a clinical score assessment based on respiratory, digestive, and lethargy signs (visual observation) and haematology analysis using a receiver operating characteristics curve analysis to identify the accuracy of each metric and combinations of metrics for BRD diagnosis. The greater accuracies observed were Fidget, Youden's index (J): 0.25 J), Drinking bout (0.28 J), and Total drinking duration (0.22 J). The average IR temperature accuracy resulted in 0.88 J and Max temp 0.77 J. Thirty-five combinations of drinking behaviour and facial IR metrics were evaluated to identify BRD calves. Optimum accuracy (100%) was achieved when combining Fidget, Drinking bout, Average drinking duration, AVG temp, and Max temp 1.00 J. Similar evaluations were performed at 48 and 24 h before d 0 using the most accurate Fidget, Drinking behaviour, and IR combination, resulting in 0.44 J 48 h prior to d 0 and 0.45 J 24 h prior to d 0. Combining fidget and drinking behaviour metrics increased the sensitivity to detect the onset of BRD infection and the specificity to discriminate true positive BRD calves from true negative BRD calves.

Evaluating automated infrared thermography and vulva exposure tracking as components of an estrus detection platform in a commercial dairy herd.

The primary objective of this study was to develop an automated infrared thermography platform (Estrus BenchMark) capable of measuring skin temperature and tail movements as a means of identifying cows in estrus. The secondary objective was to evaluate the accuracy of Estrus BenchMark to detect estrus compared to in-line milk progesterone (P4) analysis (Herd Navigator System) in a commercial dairy herd managed under a robotic milking system. Data were collected on forty-six cows from 45 to 120 d after calving. Cows were flagged in estrus when milk P4 fell below 5 ng/mL. The Estrus BenchMark true positive estrus alerts (Sensitivity; Se%) were compared to Herd Navigator System estrus alerts at different time-windows (±12 h, ±24 h, ±48 h, and ±72 h) relative to the Estrus BenchMark estrus alerts for all the estrus alerts (AE) and confidence-quality estrus (CQE; >80% quality) alerts identified by Herd Navigator System. The Estrus BenchMark captured skin temperature and tail movements resulting in vulva exposure (left tail movements, LTail; right tail movements, RTail; and pooled tail movements, PTail) for each milking event. Skin temperature tended to increase when the milk P4 concentration (Least-Squares Means ±â€¯SE) dropped for AE (estrus day [d 0]; P4; 3.51 ±â€¯0.05 ng/mL, Skin temperature; 33.31 ±â€¯2.38 °C) compared with d -7 (P4; 20.22 ±â€¯0.73 ng/mL; Skin temperature: 32.05 ±â€¯3.77 °C). The increase in skin temperature, however, was significant in cows with CQE > 80% at d 0 (32.75 ±â€¯0.29 °C) compared to d -7 (31.80 ±â€¯0.28 °C). The prevalence of tail movements to expose vulva was greater (P = 0.01) in AE at d 0 (LTail: 62.50%; PTail; 68.75%; and RTail: 56.25%) compared with d -7 (LTail: 18.75%; PTail: 9.37%: and RTail: 9.37%), and d +4 (LTail: 9.37%; PTail: 9.37%; and RTail: 12.5%). Moreover, the higher prevalence of tail movements at d 0 was observed in cows with CQE > 80% (LTail; 65%, PTail; 80%, and RTail; 70%) compared to those with CQE < 80%. The highest Estrus BenchMark Youden index (YJ; 0.45), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR; 9.04), and Efficiency (0.77) were achieved for AE in a ±48 h window and at ±72 h window for CQE (YJ; 0.66, DOR; 25.29, and Efficiency 0.76) relative to Herd Navigator System estrus alerts. The highest Estrus BenchMark resulted in 58% estrus detection rates for AE and 80% for cows with CQE compared to the Herd Navigator System.

Business analysis of IRT, Visual observation, and Ovsynch as breeding strategies in Alberta dairies.

The dairy industry is searching for new technologies to address low (<50%) estrus detection. However, the lack of information on the potential economic benefits regarding new technology implementation has led some dairy producers to continue using conventional estrus detection methods (e.g. visual observation of standing to be mounted). The objective of this study was to compare the costs of infrared thermography (IRT), visual observation (VO) and ovulation synchronization (Ovsynch: OVS) as breeding strategies at different accuracy levels (Sensitivity [Se], Specificity [Sp]) and pregnancy rates (PR). The costs associated with Breeding, Feeding, Operation Costs, Return to Equity and Culling Risk per estrus detection rate (ER; 30-100%, conception rate for OVS; 30-100%), PR [PR per Parity group; 1-2 (50%), 3-4 (43%), and >4 (41%)], and ER accuracy determined the potential financial benefit of each breeding method for a representative farm. Breeding Cost results (Canadian dollars per cow; CAD/cow) showed a higher cost of OVS (138.99) as compared to VO (115.78) and IRT (127.69). Pregnancy Costs were affected by Breeding Cost; however, ER had a significant effect on PR expense for each method, IRT (ER; 30%: 210.38; 100%: 132.19), VO (ER; 30%: 205.93; 100%: 129.39), and OVS (ER; 30%: 247.21; 100%: 155.33). The minimum Se level with a positive Financial Effect for IRT and VO was 60% with a Sp of 100%, and for the OVS was Se 65% and Sp 100%. However, when the Se was 100% a positive Financial Effect was observed with a minimum Sp of 85% for IRT and 75% for VO. Culling Risk was reduced if ER increases differently depending on the parity group. Implementing of IRT as an estrus detection method yields a competitive breeding cost compared to VO and OVS. Further, breeding methods must accomplish at least ∼60% accuracy to have a positive net return.

Evaluation of infrared thermography combined with behavioral biometrics for estrus detection in naturally cycling dairy cows.

Low estrus detection rates (>50%) are associated to extended calving intervals, low economic profit and reduced longevity in Holstein dairy cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of infrared thermography and behavioral biometrics combined as potential estrus alerts in naturally (not induced) cycling dairy cows housed in a tie-stall barn. Eighteen first lactation cows were subjected to transrectal ultrasonography to determine spontaneous ovulation. The dominant follicle (DF) disappearance was used retrospectively as an indirect indicator of ovulation, and to establish the estrus period (48-24 h prior the DF disappearance). Raw skin temperature (Raw IR) and residual skin temperature (Res IR) were recorded using an infrared camera at the Vulva area with the tail (Vtail), Vulva area without the tail (Vnotail), and Vulva's external lips (Vlips) at AM and PM milking from Day 14 until two days after ovulation was confirmed. Behavioral biometrics were recorded on the same schedule as infrared scan. Behavioral biometrics included large hip movements (L-hip), small hip movements (S-hip), large tail movements and small tail movements to compare behavioral changes between estrus and nonestrus periods. Significant increases in Raw IR skin temperature were observed two days prior to ovulation (Vtail; 35.93 ±â€¯0.27 °C, Vnotail; 35.59 ±â€¯0.27 °C, and Vlips; 35.35 ±â€¯0.27 °C) compared to d -5 (Proestrus; Vtail; 35.29 ±â€¯0.27 °C, Vnotail; 34.93 ±â€¯0.31 °C, and Vlips; 34.68 ±â€¯0.27 °C). No significant changes were found for behavioral parameters with the exception of S-hip movements, which increased at two days before ovulation (d -2; 11.13 ±â€¯1.44 Events/5min) compared to d -5 (7.30 ±â€¯1.02 Events/5min). To evaluate the accuracy of thermal and behavioral biometrics, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed using Youden index (YJ), diagnostic odds ratio, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), Sensitivity, Specificity and Positive predicted value to score the estrus alerts. The greatest accuracy achieved using thermal parameters was for Res IR Vtail PM (YJ = 0.34) and L-hip PM (YJ = 0.27) for behavioral biometrics. Combining thermal and behavioral parameters did not improve the YJ index score but reduced the false-positive occurrence observed by increasing the diagnostic odds ratio (26.62), LR+ (12.47), Specificity (0.97) and positive predicted value (0.90) in a Res IR Vtail PM, S-hip AM, S-hip PM combination. The combination of thermal and behavioral parameters increased the accuracy of estrus detection compared to either thermal or behavioral biometrics, independently in naturally cycling cows during milking.

Third-order nonlinear optical properties of a multi-layer Al2O3/ZnO for nonlinear optical waveguides.

This is a report of a study of the nonlinear optical properties of samples based on multiple Al2O3/ZnO bilayers fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) in silica. The multi-layer configuration for samples consists of alternated layers of constant thickness of Al2O3 (Δx) and ZnO (Δy) nanolaminates with a total thickness of ∼ 500 nm. The physical properties of the samples were characterized by means of TEM, spectrophotometry and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. The absorptive and refractive contributions to the nonlinearity of the samples were studied by means of z-scan technique using a 100 fs at 800 nm. The nonlinear parameters, ß and n2, are studied using different values of the layers thickness, Δx and Δy, in the nanolaminated stack. The possible applications in optical signal processing system are discussed by means of the figures of merit W and T.

Infrared thermography and behavioral biometrics associated with estrus indicators and ovulation in estrus-synchronized dairy cows housed in tiestalls.

Most Canadian dairy herds operate in tiestall housing (61%), where average estrus detection rates may be lower than 54%. The objective of this study was to evaluate infrared thermography and behavioral biometrics as indicators of estrus in dairy cows. Eighteen cyclic multiparous cows (Synch) were subjected to an estrus synchronization protocol, and 18 pregnant cows (control) received a sham protocol on the same schedule and frequency as the cyclic cow treatment. A decline in plasma concentrations of progesterone and the appearance of a dominant follicle using transrectal ultrasonography were used as indirect indicators of estrus, and the disappearance of a dominant follicle was used to confirm ovulation. All cows were monitored via visual cameras to determine the frequency of treading, drinking, neighbor interaction, tail movement, lying, and shifting behaviors. Infrared thermograms were recorded at the eye, muzzle, cheek, neck, front right foot, front left foot, rump, flank, vulva area, tail head, and withers. To evaluate the accuracy of behavioral and thermal parameters, a predefined minimum acceptable value (i.e., threshold) for estrus alerts (>0.30 Youden J index and >0.60 area under the curve) was used. Ovulation was confirmed in 14 (77.7%) out of 18 Synch cows. Eye, cheek, neck, rump, flank, vulva area, and wither thermograms exhibited higher temperatures at 48 h [cycle threshold (Δt) = +0.30 to 1.20°C] and 24 h before ovulation compared with 4 d prior to ovulation (Δt = 0.06 to 0.11°C) and during ovulation day (Δt = 0.03 to 0.32°C) in the Synch group. In addition, control cows exhibited greater treading activity per day compared with Synch cows (20.84 ± 0.39 vs. 16.35 events/5 min ± 0.34), and tail movement frequency was greater in Synch cows compared with control cows (14.84 ± 2.7 vs. 10.11 ± 4.7 events/5 min). However, within Synch cows, tail movement was the only behavior that significantly increased in frequency 2 d before ovulation (11.81 ± 1.71 events/5 min) followed by a decrease in frequency 1 d before ovulation (4.67 ± 1.05 events/5 min) compared with ovulation day (0 d; 6.10 ± 1.25 events/5 min) and during luteolysis (3 d before ovulation; 6.01 ± 1.25 events/5 min). Upon evaluation of all variables (thermograms and behavior frequencies) as estrus indicators at 48 and 24 h before ovulation, treading and tail movements before milking and 9 thermal locations satisfied the predefined minimum acceptable value for estrus alerts. This study demonstrates that fluctuations in radiated temperature measured at specific anatomical locations and the frequency of tail movements and treading behaviors can be used as a noninvasive estrus alerts in multiparous cows housed in a tiestall system.

Effect of perfluorooctane sulfonate on viability, maturation and gap junctional intercellular communication of porcine oocytes in vitro.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a broadly used man-made surfactant whose long half-life has led to bioaccumulation. This perfluorinated compound is ubiquitous in human body fluids. PFOS concentrations as high as 26µM in plasma have been reported in occupationally exposed populations, and high levels of PFOS in human follicular fluid have been associated with subfertility. However, the effect of PFOS on the maturation of oocytes in mammals has not been reported to date. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of PFOS during oocyte maturation. Results indicate that PFOS inhibits oocyte viability (Lethal Concentration50=32µM) and maturation (inhibition of maturation50=22µM) at physiologically relevant concentrations. In order to evaluate the mechanisms of oocyte maturation inhibition by PFOS, gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) between oocytes and granulosa cells was assessed. GJIC between granulosa cells and the oocyte was significantly affected during the first 8h of maturation. However, the inhibitory effect of PFOS on GJIC was not due to an alteration on the expression of connexin genes Cx43, Cx45 and Cx60. These findings suggest that occupationally exposed populations could be at risk, and that PFOS might affect oocyte maturation by interfering the GJIC in the cumulus-oocyte complexes during the first hours of maturation.

Effect of Moxidectin Treatment at Peripartum on Gastrointestinal Parasite Infections in Ewes Raised under Tropical Andes High Altitude Conditions.

This study tested the impact of moxidectin at peripartum on nematode fecal egg count (FEC) and clinical parameters on ewes in the high altitude tropical Andes of Colombia. FEC and clinical evaluations were performed on 9 occasions in 43 naturally infected ewes before and during gestation and after lambing. Moxidectin (Mox, 200 µg kg(-1)) was applied at late pregnancy (T 1, n = 15) or 48 hours after parturition (T 2, n = 14). 14 untreated ewes served as controls (C). Suckling lambs (n = 58) remained untreated and underwent four clinical and parasitological evaluations until 8 weeks after birth. Mox efficacy equaled 99.3% (T 1) and 96.9% (T 2). Highest mean FEC value reflecting periparturient nematode egg rise (PPER) was recorded in C ewes at 4-6 weeks after lambing. Significant FEC reductions were found in T 1 (94.8%) and T 2 (96.7%) ewes (p < 0.05). All lambs showed a significant and ewes-group independent increase in FEC before weaning (p < 0.05). Clinical parameters (anemia and diarrhea) showed time- and treatment-related differences (p < 0.05). Monitoring of FEC and clinical parameters linked to gastrointestinal parasite infections allowed demonstrating that postpartum or preweaning are two critical periods to nematode infection for sheep raised under tropical Andes high altitude conditions. Use of Mox as anthelmintic treatment prevented PPER.

Nanoparticle containing channel waveguides produced by a multi-energy masked ion-implantation process.

We present the fabrication and characterization of channel waveguides based on composites containing silver nanoparticles. The substrate employed is silica and the nanoparticles were produced by a masked ion-implantation technique. Multiple implantation processes were made at different energies in order to produce waveguides with an appropriate width. We also present results for the characterization of the waveguiding properties of the devices produced.

Mouse models for the study of postnatal cardiac hypertrophy.

The main objective of this study was to create a postnatal model for cardiac hypertrophy (CH), in order to explain the mechanisms that are present in childhood cardiac hypertrophy. Five days after implantation, intraperitoneal (IP) isoproterenol (ISO) was injected for 7 days to pregnant female mice. The fetuses were obtained at 15, 17 and 19 dpc from both groups, also newborns (NB), neonates (7-15 days) and young adults (6 weeks of age). Histopathological exams were done on the hearts. Immunohistochemistry and western blot demonstrated GATA4 and PCNA protein expression, qPCR real time the mRNA of adrenergic receptors (α-AR and ß-AR), alpha and beta myosins (α-MHC, ß-MHC) and GATA4. After the administration of ISO, there was no change in the number of offsprings. We observed significant structural changes in the size of the offspring hearts. Morphometric analysis revealed an increase in the size of the left ventricular wall and interventricular septum (IVS). Histopathological analysis demonstrated loss of cellular compaction and presence of left ventricular small fibrous foci after birth. Adrenergic receptors might be responsible for changing a physiological into a pathological hypertrophy. However GATA4 seemed to be the determining factor in the pathology. A new animal model was established for the study of pathologic CH in early postnatal stages.

Identification of capsule, biofilm, lateral flagellum, and type IV pili in Vibrio mimicus strains.

Vibrio mimicus is a bacterium that causes gastroenteritis; it is closely related to Vibrio cholerae, and can cause acute diarrhea like cholera- or dysentery-type diarrhea. It is distributed worldwide. Factors associated with virulence (such as hemolysins, enterotoxins, proteases, phospholipases, aerobactin, and hemagglutinin) have been identified; however, its pathogenicity mechanism is still unknown. In pathogenic Vibrio species such as V. cholerae, Vibrio. parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, capsule, biofilms, lateral flagellum, and type IV pili are structures described as essential for pathogenicity. These structures had not been described in V. mimicus until this work. We used 20 V. mimicus strains isolated from water (6), oyster (9), and fish (5) samples and we were able to identify the capsule, biofilm, lateral flagellum, and type IV pili through phenotypic tests, electron microscopy, PCR, and sequencing. In all tested strains, we observed and identified the presence of capsular exopolysaccharide, biofilm formation in an in vitro model, as well as swarming, multiple flagellation, and pili. In addition, we identified homologous genes to those described in other bacteria of the genus in which these structures have been found. Identification of these structures in V. mimicus is a contribution to the biology of this organism and can help to reveal its pathogenic behavior.

Study of heating capacity of focused IR light soldering systems.

An experimental study about four optical setups used for developing a Focused IR Light Soldering System (FILSS) for Surface Mount Technology (SMT) lead-free electronic devices specifically for Ball Grid Arrays (BGA) is presented. An analysis of irradiance and infrared thermography at BGA surface is presented, as well as heat transfer by radiation and conduction process from the surface of the BGA to the solder balls. The results of this work show that the heating provided by our proposed optical setups, measured at the BGA under soldering process, meets the high temperature and uniform thermal distribution requirements, which are defined by the reflow solder method for SMT devices.

Moderate and severe malnutrition alters proliferation of spleen cells in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have shown alterations in bone marrow cell proliferation in malnourished rats, during lactation. The objective of this study was to determine in vivo effects of moderate and severe malnutrition on spleen cell proliferation in 21-day-old rat pups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Spleen cell proliferation was determined following administration of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) over a time course of 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. Incorporation of BrdUrd was detected using FITC-conjugated anti-BrdUrd monoclonal antibodies and total DNA content was detected and evaluated using propidium iodide using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Proportions of cells in S and G2 /M were reduced in the rats with moderate (MN2(nd) ) and severe (MN3(rd) ) malnutrition. BrdUrd incorporation was lower in both groups of malnourished rat. In cells of MN2nd individuals, length of G1 became shorter, while length of S-phase increased. In contrast, fraction of cells in proliferation was significantly lower in both groups of malnourished rat, with MN3rd group having lowest percentage of cell population growth. In this study, severe malnutrition did not significantly affect duration of phases of the cell cycle, although fractions of proliferating cells were dramatically reduced. CONCLUSION: Moderate malnutrition increased time of cells in DNA synthesis and time of total cell cycle and severe malnutrition reduced growth fraction of spleen cells in malnourished rats during lactation.

Waveguiding properties in Yb:YAG crystals implanted with protons and carbon ions.

We report the fabrication and analysis of optical waveguides in Yb:YAG crystals using either proton or carbon ion implantation. Planar waveguides were obtained by implanting the whole surface of the crystals. Channel waveguides were defined using an electroformed mask with apertures of 10, 15, and 20 micrometers in width. The waveguiding properties of the structures were analyzed, showing good light confinement based on the transversal mode distribution and optical transmission measurements. The spectroscopic properties of the Yb ions in the YAG host are preserved after the implantation process, which demonstrates the potential of this technique for tailoring microcomponents for integrated optics applications. In particular, the Yb:YAG waveguides have the potential to operate as miniature lasers.

Obtención de jarabes de fructosa a partir de hidrolizados enzimáticos de almidón de ñame Dioscorea alata y Dioscorea rotundata / Fructose syrup obtention from enzymatic hydrolysed of yam starch (Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata)

En este trabajo se evaluó el rendimiento de la producción de jarabes de fructosa a partir del almidón extraído de dos especies de ñame (Dioscorea alata var. Diamante y Dioscorea rotundata var. Espino). Se estableció un diseño experimental multifactor categórico completamente al azar con dos factores: concentración de sustrato en cinco niveles: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50% p/v, y la especie de ñame en dos niveles: Dioscorea alata , var. Diamante y Dioscorea rotundata , var. Espino. Para la obtención de fructosa, inicialmente se prepararon jarabes de glucosa por medio de hidrólisis enzimática del almidón de ñame, utilizando las enzimas de Novozymes®, alfa-amilasa Termamyl 120L (etapa de licuefacción) y aminoglucosidasa (AMG) 300L (etapa de sacarificación). En esta etapa los máximos equivalentes de dextrosa (ED) obtenidos son 98,28 y 96,84, para una concentración de sustrato del 30% p/v. Posteriormente se procedió a isomerizar los jarabes de glucosa a jarabes de fructuosa, utilizando la enzima inmovilizada Sweetzyme de Novozymes®. Los mejores resultados se alcanzaron a una concentración de sustrato del 30% p/v para ambas especies de ñame, las cuales presentan concentraciones de 220,57 y 210,36 g de fructosa/L, con conversiones de glucosa a fructosa de 71,46% y 67,28% para ñame Espino y Diamante respectivamente. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las especies de ñame ( D. alata var. Diamante y D. rotundata var. Espino), a un nivel de confianza del 5%, en cuanto a la producción de jarabe fructosado.

This investigation evaluated the yield of fructose syrup production from extracted starch of two yam species (Dioscorea alata, var. Diamond and Dioscorea rotundata, var. Espino). The experiment was conducted using an at random experimental design of multiple categorical factor analysis with two factors: a substrate concentration factor at five levels: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50% p/v and the yam species factor at two levels (Dioscorea alata, var Diamond and Dioscorea rotundata, var Espino). To obtain fructose, initially glucose syrups were prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of yam starch using the enzymes of Novozymes®, alpha-amylase Termamyl 120L (liquefaction stage) and AMG 300L (saccharification stage). At this stage, dextrose maximum equivalents (ED) obtained were 98.28 and 96.84 for a substrate concentration of 30% w/v. In a later stage isomerisation from glucose syrups to fructose syrups using the immobilized enzyme Sweetzyme of Novozymes® was carried out. The best results were achieved with substrate concentrations of 30% p/v for both yam species, which showed fructose concentrations of 220.57 and 210.36 g/L with conversions of 71.46% and 67.28% in Espino and Diamond yams respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the yam species (D. alata var. Diamante and D. rotundata var. Espino) at a confidence level of 5%, regarding the production of fructose syrup.

Effects of heavy metals on the oyster (Crassostrea virginica) at Mandinga Lagoon, Veracruz, Mexico

The Mandinga Lagoon in the Mexican State of Veracruz is an important ecological zone that produces 32% of the oyster output in the state of Veracruz, the main oyster producer in Mexico. Samples of water, sediment, and oysters were collected in 2003 and 2004 to study heavy metal pollution. Metal concentrations were determined in water, soil, and oyster tissues from fresh and detoxified Crassostrea virginica, and histology samples were analyzed. Metal (Cr, Cd, and Pb) concentrations in water were within the Mexican legal limits. The recorded values in sediments corresponded to those not producing biological effects (ERL). In the tissues, the highest concentrations corresponded to Pb, above 5.84 μgg-1 dry weight (d.w.); Cd was of 2.23 μgg-1 d.w., and Cr above 6 μgg-1 d.w. The metal levels detected in oysters exceeded the maximum permissible limits (MPL) for Cd and Pb, and oysters were unable to eliminate the concentrations of the bioaccumulated metals during the detoxification stage. The histopathological analysis revealed lesions in the digestive gland, edema, atrophy of epithelia in the digestive tubules, the presence of brown vesicles, hemocytic reaction, and necrosis. During detoxification, a higher number of epithelia were observed in the tubules, as well as an increase in brown vesicles and hemocytic reaction. Forty seven percent of oysters presented histopathological lesions related to metal concentrations. It is important to monitor metal concentrations, to detect the source of pollution, andto evaluate the effects on organisms to establish culture areas and adequate criteria for the exploitation of such an important fishery resource. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (4): 955-962. Epub 2009 December 01.

Normal development of the muscular region of the interventricular septum. II. The importance of myocardial proliferation.

In a first paper, we concluded that the muscular region of the interventricular septum is developed by the trabecular branches and showed evidence that the developing interventricular septum elongates in a direction opposite to that of atria. Nevertheless, to date the literature is lacking precise information on the importance of myocardial proliferation not only in this process but also in the morphogenesis of the ventricular cavities. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of high-intensity foci of cycling myocytes in the ventricular region of the heart of chicken embryos during cardiac septation. Histological studies, detection of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen by light and confocal microscopy and flow cytometric analysis were carried out. The results corroborate that the developing interventricular septum grows in a direction opposite to that of atria. A remoulding mechanism that results in fenestrated trabecular sheets and trabecular branching is discussed. Our findings allowed us to summarize the normal morphogenesis of the muscular region of the interventricular septum in a way that is different from that suggested by other researchers.

Effects of heavy metals on the oyster (Crassostrea virginica) at Mandinga Lagoon, Veracruz, Mexico.

The Mandinga Lagoon in the Mexican State of Veracruz is an important ecological zone that produces 32% of the oyster output in the state of Veracruz, the main oyster producer in Mexico. Samples of water, sediment, and oysters were collected in 2003 and 2004 to study heavy metal pollution. Metal concentrations were determined in water, soil, and oyster tissues from fresh and detoxified Crassostrea virginica, and histology samples were analyzed. Metal (Cr, Cd, and Pb) concentrations in water were within the Mexican legal limits. The recorded values in sediments corresponded to those not producing biological effects (ERL). In the tissues, the highest concentrations corresponded to Pb, above 5.84 microgg(-1) dry weight (d.w.); Cd was of 2.23 microgg(-1) d.w., and Cr above 6 microgg(-1) d.w. The metal levels detected in oysters exceeded the maximum permissible limits (MPL) for Cd and Pb, and oysters were unable to eliminate the concentrations of the bioaccumulated metals during the detoxification stage. The histopathological analysis revealed lesions in the digestive gland, edema, atrophy of epithelia in the digestive tubules, the presence of brown vesicles, hemocytic reaction, and necrosis. During detoxification, a higher number of epithelia were observed in the tubules, as well as an increase in brown vesicles and hemocytic reaction. Forty seven percent of oysters presented histopathological lesions related to metal concentrations. It is important to monitor metal concentrations, to detect the source of pollution, andto evaluate the effects on organisms to establish culture areas and adequate criteria for the exploitation of such an important fishery resource.

Subgrupos de Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico: influencia de la edad de inicio, la raza, el sexo y el perfil de anticuerpos en las manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad / No presenta

El Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad heterogénea en su presentación clínica y serológica, pero factores raciales, etarios e inmunológicos determinan subgrupos más homogéneos tanto en sus manifestaciones como en su pronóstico. El LES en los hombres cursa con mayor actividad y daño acumulado y mayor frecuencia y gravedad del compromiso renal; los hombres afroamericanos tienen un rápido desarrollo de LES después del primer síntoma y manifestaciones graves renales, neurológicas, hematológicas y compromiso de las serosas desde el inicio de la enfermedad. El grupo de inicio antes de los 18 años cursa con mayor actividad, adenopatías, visceromegalias, citopenias y nefritis mientras que los que inician después de los 50 años tienen menos actividad lúpica y nefritis pero más daño acumulado, comorbilidades y compromiso cardiovascular. Los diferentes autoanticuerpos se asocian a ciertos subgrupos. Los anti-DNA predicen nefropatía y LES activo, los anti-Ro se asocian a fotosensibilidad, lupus neonatal y LES de inicio tardío y los anti-fosfolípidos (AFL) se asocian a daño orgánico trombótico.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneus disease; clinical, serologic and epidemiologic subsets are determinated by age, race and genetic factors. Male lupus patiens have a worst prognosis with more lupus nephritis and disease activity; African-American male have an early severe compromise with lupus nephritis (LN) pleuritis and cytopenias. In children SLE has more lupus nephritis, lymph node enlargement and splenomegaly. In older than 50 years at diagnosis SLE has accrual damage and cardiovascular disease. Antibodies are predictive of clinical subsets; anti-DNA is associated with LN and SLE activity; Anti-Ro is asociated with neonatal lupus syndrome, fotosensitivity and late onset SLE; Antiphospholipid antibodies are predictive of organ damage in SLE.

Effects of moderate and severe malnutrition in rats on splenic T lymphocyte subsets and activation assessed by flow cytometry.

Malnutrition is distributed widely throughout the world and is a particular problem in developing countries. Laboratory animals have been very useful in studying the effects of varying levels of malnutrition because non-nutritional factors that affect humans may be controlled. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of moderate and severe malnutrition on lymphocyte proportions and activation markers of T cells in experimentally malnourished rats during lactation by flow cytometry. Lower absolute (total) and relative (%) numbers of CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocyte subpopulations were observed in moderately (second degree) and severely (third degree) malnourished rats compared with well-nourished rats (P < 0.05). Both groups of malnourished rats showed a significant decrease in the percentage of CD71+ cells at 24 h post-activation with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). After 24 h activation of spleen cells with PHA, a lower percentage of CD25+ cells was observed in malnourished than well-nourished rats (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study indicated an altered expression of CD71 and CD25 during activation of T lymphocytes in malnourished rats and may partially explain increased susceptibility to infection associated with malnutrition. Moreover, these results demonstrated that moderate malnutrition affects the response of T lymphocytes as much as severe malnutrition.