bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Impact of Oxidative Stress on Frozen Seminal Plasma in Fertile and Infertile Men by Examining the Total Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Rilcheva Violeta S. , Ayvazova Nina P. , Martinov Danail I. , Ivanov Cvetomir I. , Konova Emiliana I.
Published: January 2016

The aim of the study was to explore the impact of oxidative stress on frozen seminal plasma in fertile and infertile men by examining the total antioxidant capacity. Patients: Infertile patients from male infertility clinic with various diagnoses and fertile men. Design: Seminal plasma from proven fertile men [n=50] and infertile patients [n=50] were examined for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level, semen parameters such as morphology, motility and concentration, and DNA integrity test. Interventions: Seminal plasma TAC measurement by luminometric assay using the TAC assay kit, semen analysis parameters, DNA integrity test. Fertile men showed higher TAC values (median and SD): 1201µM (SD±548), as compared with the infertile patients: 831μM (SD±343). The result from sperm morphology of fertile patients showed a mean percentage of 4.8 % (SD±1.68) whereas the percentage in the infertile group was 2.68% (SD ±1.68). The same group of samples, analyzed for DNA damage showed a mean of DFI 10.38% (SD±5.17%) in fertile men and a mean of DFI 17.22% (SD±7.22%) in infertile men. Total antioxidant capacity of the seminal plasma as measured by the luminоmetric assay is a reliable and simple test for diagnosing and management of male infertility.
Uterine Angiomyolipoma: A Case Report, Differential Diagnosis with Pecoma and Review of the Literature
Authors: Totev Tihomir P. , Mateva Svetlana A. , Nikolova Margarita R. , Gorchev Grigor A.
Published: January 2016

Angiomyolipomas are benign mesenchymal neoplasms, presenting with a variable mixture of adipose tissue, smooth muscle and vascular component. Although they are typically found in the kidneys, many cases of extrarenal angiomyolipomas have been reported. They are extremely rarely present in the uterus. We describe a case of a 56-year-old woman, operated on for leiomyoma. Total laparohysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy was performed. After histological and immunohistochemical examination, the final diagnosis of uterine angiomyolipoma was made. Renal and extrarenal angiomyolipomas are compared in regard to clinical and morphological aspect and their difference from PEComas is dicussed. PEComas have been defined during the last decade and there are still issues regarding terminological clarity and overlapping.
A Case of “Rayism”- Tropical Stingray Intoxication with a Favorable Outcome
Authors: Iliev Yanko T. , Bozhilov Vladimir V.
Published: January 2016

Tropical fresh water stingrays have become quite popular among amateur and professional aquarists due to their attractive appearance. However, the species may have a high life-threatening potential. Stingray intoxication is rare in Eastern Europe and there is no specific antivenin available. We present the first case of “rayism” - envenomation caused by sp. Reticulatus in Eastern Europe. The patient was a 63-year-old amateur aquarist, with a history of ischaemic heart disease and allergy to NSAIDs. He got stung while cleaning a stingray fish tank and was admitted to the department of clinical toxicology 40min following the incident, with symptoms of moderate intoxication: accentuated local toxic syndrome - mild bleeding at the sting site, worsening and excruciating (8- 9/10) pain in his left hand and forearm, feeling of “burning” in the arm, accompanying toxic symptoms - vertigo, malaise, fatigue, sweating and tightness in the chest. No antitoxin was available and the treatment plan included local aseptic treatment of the wound, anti- tetanus prophylaxis, fluoroquinolone-type antibiotic prophylaxis, antihistamine, a corticosteroid and i.v. infusions. Thermal therapy (immersing the arm in hot, 45℃ tap water) completely reduced the pain within 5 hours. Full recovery was achieved on the 3rd day after the exposure. A toxicologist should react adequately in the setting of a rare intoxication even when a specific antidote is not available. Thermal therapy proved to be effective in the case of stingray envenomation.
Extra-Abdominal Musculo-Aponeurotic Fibromatosis: A Case with Metachronous Multicentric Lesions of the Right Thigh
Authors: Popovska Savelina L. , Betova Tatyana M. , Petrov Кrasimir T.
Published: January 2016

Fibromatoses are a group of benign proliferations of fibrous tissue with clinical behaviour ranging from that of truly malignant tumours to that of benign reactive fibrous proliferations. Some of the superficial fibromatoses are fairly common but deep ones, also known as desmoid tumours or musculoaponeurotic fibromatoses, are rare. We describe a case of extra-abdominal musculo- aponeurotic fibromatosis in a 22-years old male. He underwent 14 operations for a period of 9 years for fibromatosis of the posterior surface of the right lower limb. The histological findings of the lesions were similar consistent across surgeries and consistent with a diagnosis of aggressive extra-abdominal fibromatosis.
Human iPS Cell-Derived Neurons Uncover the Impact of Increased Ras Signaling in Costello Syndrome
Authors: Rooney Gemma E. , Goodwin Alice F. , Depeille Philippe , Sharir Amnon , Schofield Claude M. , Yeh Erika , Roose Jeroen P. , Klein Ophir D. , Rauen Katherine A. , Weiss Lauren A. , Ullian Erik M.
Published: January 2016

Increasing evidence implicates abnormal Ras signaling as a major contributor in neurodevelopmental disorders, yet how such signaling causes cortical pathogenesis is unknown. We examined the consequences of aberrant Ras signaling in the developing mouse brain and uncovered several critical phenotypes, including increased production of cortical neurons and morphological deficits. To determine whether these phenotypes are recapitulated in humans, we generated induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines from patients with Costello syndrome (CS), a developmental disorder caused by abnormal Ras signaling and characterized by neurodevelopmental abnormalities, such as cognitive impairment and autism. Directed differentiation toward a neuroectodermal fate revealed an extended progenitor phase and subsequent increased production of cortical neurons. Morphological analysis of mature neurons revealed significantly altered neurite length and soma size in CS patients. This study demonstrates the synergy between mouse and human models and validates the use of iPS cells as a platform to study the underlying cellular pathologies resulting from signaling deficits.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIncreasing evidence implicates Ras signaling dysfunction as a major contributor in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as cognitive impairment and autism, but the underlying cortical cellular pathogenesis remains unclear. This study is the first to reveal human neuronal pathogenesis resulting from abnormal Ras signaling and provides insights into how these phenotypic abnormalities likely contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. We also demonstrate the synergy between mouse and human models, thereby validating the use of iPS cells as a platform to study underlying cellular pathologies resulting from signaling deficits. Recapitulating human cellular pathologiesin vitrofacilitates the future high throughput screening of potential therapeutic agents that may reverse phenotypic and behavioral deficits.
Sustained Suppression of Hyperalgesia during Latent Sensitization by μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors and α2AAdrenergic Receptors: Role of Constitutive Activity
Authors: Walwyn Wendy M. , Chen Wenling , Kim Hyeyoung , Minasyan Ani , Ennes Helena S. , McRoberts James A. , Marvizón Juan Carlos G.
Published: January 2016

Many chronic pain disorders alternate between bouts of pain and periods of remission. The latent sensitization model reproduces this in rodents by showing that the apparent recovery (“remission”) from inflammatory or neuropathic pain can be reversed by opioid antagonists. Therefore, this remission represents an opioid receptor-mediated suppression of a sustained hyperalgesic state. To identify the receptors involved, we induced latent sensitization in mice and rats by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in the hindpaw. In WT mice, responses to mechanical stimulation returned to baseline 3 weeks after CFA. In μ-opioid receptor (MOR) knock-out (KO) mice, responses did not return to baseline but partially recovered from peak hyperalgesia. Antagonists of α2A-adrenergic and δ-opioid receptors reinstated hyperalgesia in WT mice and abolished the partial recovery from hyperalgesia in MOR KO mice. In rats, antagonists of α2Aadrenergic and μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors reinstated hyperalgesia during remission from CFA-induced hyperalgesia. Therefore, these four receptors suppress hyperalgesia in latent sensitization. We further demonstrated that suppression of hyperalgesia by MORs was due to their constitutive activity because of the following: (1) CFA-induced hyperalgesia was reinstated by the MOR inverse agonist naltrexone (NTX), but not by its neutral antagonist 6β-naltrexol; (2) pro-enkephalin, pro-opiomelanocortin, and pro-dynorphin KO mice showed recovery from hyperalgesia and reinstatement by NTX; (3) there was no MOR internalization during remission; (4) MORs immunoprecipitated from the spinal cord during remission had increased Ser375phosphorylation; and (5) electrophysiology recordings from dorsal root ganglion neurons collected during remission showed constitutive MOR inhibition of calcium channels.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTChronic pain causes extreme suffering to millions of people, but its mechanisms remain to be unraveled. Latent sensitization is a phenomenon studied in rodents that has many key features of chronic pain: it is initiated by a variety of noxious stimuli, has indefinite duration, and pain appears in episodes that can be triggered by stress. Here, we show that, during latent sensitization, there is a sustained state of pain hypersensitivity that is continuously suppressed by the activation of μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors and by adrenergic α2Areceptors in the spinal cord. Furthermore, we show that the activation of μ-opioid receptors is not due to the release of endogenous opioids, but rather to its ligand-independent constitutive activity.
Saccadic Corollary Discharge Underlies Stable Visual Perception
Authors: Cavanaugh James , Berman Rebecca A. , Joiner Wilsaan M. , Wurtz Robert H.
Published: January 2016

Saccadic eye movements direct the high-resolution foveae of our retinas toward objects of interest. With each saccade, the image jumps on the retina, causing a discontinuity in visual input. Our visual perception, however, remains stable. Philosophers and scientists over centuries have proposed that visual stability depends upon an internal neuronal signal that is a copy of the neuronal signal driving the eye movement, now referred to as a corollary discharge (CD) or efference copy. In the old world monkey, such a CD circuit for saccades has been identified extending from superior colliculus through MD thalamus to frontal cortex, but there is little evidence that this circuit actually contributes to visual perception. We tested the influence of this CD circuit on visual perception by first training macaque monkeys to report their perceived eye direction, and then reversibly inactivating the CD as it passes through the thalamus. We found that the monkey's perception changed; during CD inactivation, there was a difference between where the monkey perceived its eyes to be directed and where they were actually directed. Perception and saccade were decoupled. We established that the perceived eye direction at the end of the saccade was not derived from proprioceptive input from eye muscles, and was not altered by contextual visual information. We conclude that the CD provides internal information contributing to the brain's creation of perceived visual stability. More specifically, the CD might provide the internal saccade vector used to unite separate retinal images into a stable visual scene.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTVisual stability is one of the most remarkable aspects of human vision. The eyes move rapidly several times per second, displacing the retinal image each time. The brain compensates for this disruption, keeping our visual perception stable. A major hypothesis explaining this stability invokes a signal within the brain, a corollary discharge, that informs visual regions of the brain when and where the eyes are about to move. Such a corollary discharge circuit for eye movements has been identified in macaque monkey. We now show that selectively inactivating this brain circuit alters the monkey's visual perception. We conclude that this corollary discharge provides a critical signal that can be used to unite jumping retinal images into a consistent visual scene.
Mild Perceptual Categorization Deficits Follow Bilateral Removal of Anterior Inferior Temporal Cortex in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Matsumoto Narihisa , Eldridge Mark A.G. , Saunders Richard C. , Reoli Rachel , Richmond Barry J.
Published: January 2016

In primates, visual recognition of complex objects depends on the inferior temporal lobe. By extension, categorizing visual stimuli based on similarity ought to depend on the integrity of the same area. We tested three monkeys before and after bilateral anterior inferior temporal cortex (area TE) removal. Although mildly impaired after the removals, they retained the ability to assign stimuli to previously learned categories, e.g., cats versus dogs, and human versus monkey faces, even with trial-unique exemplars. After the TE removals, they learned in one session to classify members from a new pair of categories, cars versus trucks, as quickly as they had learned the cats versus dogs before the removals. As with the dogs and cats, they generalized across trial-unique exemplars of cars and trucks. However, as seen in earlier studies, these monkeys with TE removals had difficulty learning to discriminate between two simple black and white stimuli. These results raise the possibility that TE is needed for memory of simple conjunctions of basic features, but that it plays only a small role in generalizing overall configural similarity across a large set of stimuli, such as would be needed for perceptual categorical assignment.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe process of seeing and recognizing objects is attributed to a set of sequentially connected brain regions stretching forward from the primary visual cortex through the temporal lobe to the anterior inferior temporal cortex, a region designated area TE. Area TE is considered the final stage for recognizing complex visual objects, e.g., faces. It has been assumed, but not tested directly, that this area would be critical for visual generalization, i.e., the ability to place objects such as cats and dogs into their correct categories. Here, we demonstrate that monkeys rapidly and seemingly effortlessly categorize large sets of complex images (cats vs dogs, cars vs trucks), surprisingly, even after removal of area TE, leaving a puzzle about how this generalization is done.
Neuroimaging Evidence of a Bilateral Representation for Visually Presented Numbers
Authors: Grotheer Mareike , Herrmann Karl-Heinz , Kovács Gyula
Published: January 2016

The clustered architecture of the brain for different visual stimulus categories is one of the most fascinating topics in the cognitive neurosciences. Interestingly, recent research suggests the existence of additional regions for newly acquired stimuli such as letters (letter form area; LFA; Thesen et al., 2012) and numbers (visual number form area; NFA; Shum et al., 2013). However, neuroimaging methods thus far have failed to visualize the NFA in healthy participants, likely due to fMRI signal dropout caused by the air/bone interface of the petrous bone (Shum et al., 2013). In the current study, we combined a 64-channel head coil with high spatial resolution, localized shimming, and liberal smoothing, thereby decreasing the signal dropout and increasing the temporal signal-to-noise ratio in the neighborhood of the NFA. We presented subjects with numbers, letters, false numbers, false letters, objects and their Fourier randomized versions. A group analysis showed significant activations in the inferior temporal gyrus at the previously proposed location of the NFA. Crucially, we found the NFA to be present in both hemispheres. Further, we could identify the NFA on the single-subject level in most of our participants. A detailed analysis of the response profile of the NFA in two separate experiments confirmed the whole-brain results since responses to numbers were significantly higher than to any other presented stimulus in both hemispheres. Our results show for the first time the existence and stimulus selectivity of the NFA in the healthy human brain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis fMRI study shows for the first time a cluster of neurons selective for visually presented numbers in healthy human adults. This visual number form area (NFA) was found in both hemispheres. Crucially, numbers have gained importance for humans too recently for neuronal specialization to be established by evolution. Therefore, investigations of this region will greatly advance our understanding of learning and plasticity in the brain. In addition, these results will aid our knowledge regarding related neurological illnesses (e.g., dyscalculia). To overcome the fMRI signal dropout in the neighborhood of the NFA, we combined high spatial resolution with liberal smoothing. We believe that this approach will be useful to the broad neuroimaging community.
Functionally Distinct Dopamine Signals in Nucleus Accumbens Core and Shell in the Freely Moving Rat
Authors: Dreyer Jakob K. , Vander Weele Caitlin M. , Lovic Vedran , Aragona Brandon J.
Published: January 2016

Dynamic signaling of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons has been implicated in reward learning, drug abuse, and motivation. However, this system is complex because firing patterns of these neurons are heterogeneous; subpopulations receive distinct synaptic inputs, and project to anatomically and functionally distinct downstream targets, including the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and core. The functional roles of these cell populations and their real-time signaling properties in freely moving animals are unknown. Resolving the real-time DA signal requires simultaneous knowledge of the synchronized activity of DA cell subpopulations and assessment of the down-stream functional effect of DA release. Because this is not yet possible solely by experimentationin vivo, we combine computational modeling and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry data to reconstruct the functionally relevant DA signal in DA neuron subpopulations projecting to the NAc core and shell in freely moving rats. The approach provides a novel perspective on real-time DA neuron firing and concurrent activation of presynaptic autoreceptors and postsynaptic targets. We first show that individual differences in DA release arise from differences in autoreceptor feedback. The model predicts that extracellular DA concentrations in NAc core result from constant baseline DA firing, whereas DA concentrations in NAc shell reflect highly dynamic firing patters, including synchronized burst firing and pauses. Our models also predict that this anatomical difference in DA signaling is exaggerated by intravenous infusion of cocaine.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOrchestrated signaling from mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons is important for initiating appropriate behavior in response to salient stimuli. Thus, subpopulations of mesolimbic DA neurons show differentin vitroproperties and synaptic inputs depending on their specific projections to the core and shell subterritories of the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, the functional consequence of these differences is unknown. Here we analyze and model DA dynamics in different areas of the NAc to establish the real-time DA signal. In freely behaving animals, we find that the DA signal from mesencephalic neurons projecting to the NAc shell is dominated by synchronized bursts and pauses, whereas signaling is uniform for core-projecting neurons; this difference is amplified by cocaine.
Dual Modulation of Nociception and Cardiovascular Reflexes during Peripheral Ischemia through P2Y1 Receptor-Dependent Sensitization of Muscle Afferents
Authors: Queme Luis F. , Ross Jessica L. , Lu Peilin , Hudgins Renita C. , Jankowski Michael P.
Published: January 2016

Numerous musculoskeletal pain disorders are based in dysfunction of peripheral perfusion and are often comorbid with altered cardiovascular responses to muscle contraction/exercise. We have recently found in mice that 24 h peripheral ischemia induced by a surgical occlusion of the brachial artery (BAO) induces increased paw-guarding behaviors, mechanical hypersensitivity, and decreased grip strength. These behavioral changes corresponded to increased heat sensitivity as well as an increase in the numbers of chemosensitive group III/IV muscle afferents as assessed by anex vivoforepaw muscles/median and ulnar nerves/dorsal root ganglion (DRG)/spinal cord (SC) recording preparation. Behaviors also corresponded to specific upregulation of the ADP-responsive P2Y1 receptor in the DRGs. Since group III/IV muscle afferents have separately been associated with regulating muscle nociception and exercise pressor reflexes (EPRs), and P2Y1 has been linked to heat responsiveness and phenotypic switching in cutaneous afferents, we sought to determine whether upregulation of P2Y1 was responsible for the observed alterations in muscle afferent function, leading to modulation of muscle pain-related behaviors and EPRs after BAO. Using an afferent-specific siRNA knockdown strategy, we found that inhibition of P2Y1 during BAO not only prevented the increased mean blood pressure after forced exercise, but also significantly reduced alterations in pain-related behaviors. Selective P2Y1 knockdown also prevented the increased firing to heat stimuli and the BAO-induced phenotypic switch in chemosensitive muscle afferents, potentially through regulating membrane expression of acid sensing ion channel 3. These results suggest that enhanced P2Y1 in muscle afferents during ischemic-like conditions may dually regulate muscle nociception and cardiovascular reflexes.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOur current results suggest that P2Y1 modulates heat responsiveness and chemosensation in muscle afferents to play a key role in the development of pain-related behaviors during ischemia. At the same time, under these pathological conditions, the changes in muscle sensory neurons appear to modulate an increase in mean systemic blood pressure after exercise. This is the first report of the potential peripheral mechanisms by which group III/IV muscle afferents can dually regulate muscle nociception and the exercise pressor reflex. These data provide evidence related to the potential underlying reasons for the comorbidity of muscle pain and altered sympathetic reflexes in disease states that are based in problems with peripheral perfusion and may indicate a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
“Touching Triton”:
Authors: Loftin Madelene , East Kelly , Hott Adam , Lamb Neil
Published: January 2016

Life science classrooms often emphasize the exception to the rule when it comes to teaching genetics, focusing heavily on rare single-gene and Mendelian traits. By contrast, the vast majority of human traits and diseases are caused by more complicated interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Research indicates that students have a deterministic view of genetics, generalize Mendelian inheritance patterns to all traits, and have unrealistic expectations of genetic technologies. The challenge lies in how to help students analyze complex disease risk with a lack of curriculum materials. Providing open access to both content resources and an engaging storyline can be achieved using a “serious game” model. “Touching Triton” was developed as a serious game in which students are asked to analyze data from a medical record, family history, and genomic report in order to develop an overall lifetime risk estimate of six common, complex diseases. Evaluation of student performance shows significant learning gains in key content areas along with a high level of engagement.
Nonmajors' Shifts in Attitudes & Perceptions of Biology & Biologists Following an Active-Learning Course:
Authors: Gardner Grant E. , Bonner Jeff , Landin Jennifer , Ferzli Miriam , Shea Damian
Published: January 2016

This exploratory study examined the impacts of a student-centered, active-learning course on nonmajors' attitudes and perceptions of biology and biologists. Results revealed changes along various measured attitude variables. Most notably, participants saw significant positive shifts in their perceptions of biology as a scientific field that contrasted with their relatively stable perceptions of biologists as scientists. Implications are discussed in the context of the impacts of nonmajors biology courses on future K–12 science instructors and potential influxes of students into the science pipeline.
Inquiry-driven Teaching & Learning Using the Archaeal Microorganism Halobacterium NRC-1
Authors: Dassarma Priya , Tuel Kelley , Nierenberg Susan Dean , Phillips Tony , Pecher Wolf Thomas , Dassarma Shiladitya
Published: January 2016

Access to microorganisms in the classroom is essential for teaching fundamental concepts of life sciences, yet most are neither safe nor accessible for classroom instruction. Halobacterium NRC-1, a member of the Domain Archaea, is ideal for engaging students through inquiry-based teaching and learning in the classroom. We introduce this colorful model microbe and provide many ways in which it can be used for experiential learning, including life in extreme environments, basic microbiology skills, action of antibiotics, genotype–phenotype connection, genomics and bioinformatics, and applications in biotechnology.
Seroprevalencia de Diarrea Viral Bovina y Neosporosis en Vacas de de la Región Junín, Perú
Authors: Arauco V. Fernando , Rosadio A. Raúl
Published: January 2016

Se determinó la seroprevalencia del virus de la diarrea viral bovina (VDVB) y neosporosis en 92 muestras de suero de vacas de 12 establos de la región Junín. Las vacas no tenían antecedentes de vacunación contra el VDVB. Las muestras de sangre se colectaron entre octubre a diciembre de 2013 y los anticuerpos contra VDVB yN. caninum se determinaron mediante pruebas comerciales de ELISA de bloqueo. El 16.3 ± 7.5% (15/ 92) y el 3.3 ± 3.6% (3/92) de las muestras tuvieron anticuerpos contra VDVB y N. caninum, respectivamente. Ningún animal fue positivo para ambas infecciones.
Comparación de Modelos No Lineales para Describir Curvas de Crecimiento según Sexo en el Borrego Chiapas
Authors: Parés-Casanova Pere Miquel , Caballero Marta , Perezgrovas Raúl
Published: January 2016

El presente trabajo tuvo por objetivo estudiar las curvas de crecimiento de machos y hembras del Borrego Chiapas. Se evaluó la capacidad de ajuste de tres modelos de crecimiento: logístico, von Bertalanffy y Gompertz, a los datos de peso de 66 machos y 79 hembras de diversa edad. Los tres modelos presentaron valores muy próximos en cuanto a los criterios de bondad de ajuste, donde el modelo logístico es el que mejor describe las curvas de crecimiento en el Borrego Chiapas, y puede ser utilizado para estudiar la cinética del crecimiento en esta raza en los dos sexos. Aun así, el modelo logístico tiende a sobrestimar el peso inicial de los animales.
Identificación de Células Enteroendocrinas Productoras de Péptido Similar al Glucagón Tipo 1 (GLP-1) en el Intestino de la Alpaca
Authors: Hidalgo P. César , Vásquez C. María , Lira M. Boris , Rodríguez G. José
Published: January 2016

El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo inmunolocalizar la distribución de las células enteroendocrinas L, productoras del péptido similar al glucagón (GLP-1), en el intestino de alpacas. Se utilizaron 36 crías de alpaca de 0-45 días de edad y adultas, distribuidas en siete grupos etarios. Se tomaron muestras de intestino delgado y grueso que fueron procesados mediante inmunohistoquímica, empleando el anticuerpo monoclonal antiGLP-1. Se contó el número de células positivas por eje cripta-vellosidad de cada porción intestinal en cada animal. En el grupo de recién nacidos, el yeyuno fue la porción que contenía más células L, mientras que en los demás grupos fue en el yeyuno e íleon. Respecto a la ubicación, en el duodeno se aprecia un aumento sostenido de células L a partir de los 8 días. El mayor número de células L en el yeyuno y el íleon se presentó en los grupos etarios de 0 y 8-45 días de edad, respectivamente, mientras que en el ciego y en el colon se observó en el grupo de animales adultos. Se concluye que las células L en alpacas se encuentran presentes desde el nacimiento, mayoritariamente en yeyuno e íleon.
Presencia de Cotylophoron sp en Bovinos de la Provincia de Moyobamba, Perú
Authors: Rojas H. Kelwin , Serrano-Martínez Enrique , Tantaleán V. Manuel , Casas V. Gina C. , Quispe H. Marco
Published: January 2016

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la presencia de Cotylophorum sp en ganado bovino lechero en seis distritos de la provincia de Moyobamba, Perú. Se recolectaron 411 muestras de heces de bovinos con edades de 1.5 a 8 años, entre octubre y noviembre de 2011, y se procesaron mediante el método de Sedimentación Rápida. Los resultados determinaron la presencia de huevos de Cotylophoron sp con una prevalencia de 55%. No se evidenció diferencia estadística significativa entre las variables edad, sexo y lugar de procedencia y la presencia de Cotylophoron sp.
Descripción Anatómica de los Senos Paranasales de la Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: Zárate L. Rosse , Navarrete Z. Miluska , Sato S. Alberto , Díaz C. Diego , Huanca L. Wilfredo
Published: January 2016

El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo la descripción anatómica macroscópica de los senos paranasales de la alpaca. Se utilizaron 10 cabezas de alpacas adultas, donde la capa muscular se removió mediante la técnica de maceración. La descripción de los senos paranasales se hizo a través de cortes longitudinales empleándose la terminología recomendada por la Nómina Anatómica Veterinaria. Asimismo, se tomaron placas radiográficas con un medio de contraste a cuatro alpacas adultas vivas para determinar las relaciones con otras estructuras anatómicas. Los resultados demostraron que los senos frontal y maxilar se encuentran desarrollados y se comunican por el agujero frontomaxilar; el seno frontal se divide en medial y lateral, similar a los rumiantes menores; el seno maxilar es indiviso, similar a los rumiantes, pero se comunica con la cavidad nasal a través de la abertura nasomaxilar, similar al equino. No se evidenciaron los senos esfenoideos y etmoideos.
Efecto de Cuatro Métodos de Separación Seminal sobre la Calidad y la Capacidad Fertilizante in vitro de Espermatozoides Equinos Criopreservados
Authors: Varela G. Elizabeth , Duque C. Juan Esteban , Ramírez H. Mónica , Ocampo V. Daniel , Montoya P. Juan David , Restrepo B. Giovanni
Published: January 2016

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de cuatro métodos de separación seminal sobre la calidad y la capacidad fertilizante in vitro de espermatozoides equinos criopreservados. Se utilizaron pajillas de semen equino criopreservado para la separación espermática a través de los métodos Androcoll, CushionFluid, EquiPure y Percoll. Mediante un sistema analizador de clase (SCA®) se evaluó la motilidad total, motilidad progresiva, velocidad curvilínea, velocidad lineal y velocidad media, y por microscopía de fluorescencia se determinaron los acrosomas intactos y la vitalidad espermática. La evaluación de la capacidad fertilizante in vitro se realizó mediante la fertilización in vitro de oocitos bovinos con espermatozoides obtenidos en cada método de separación. El clivaje se determinó después de tres días de cultivo in vitro. Los resultados se analizaron mediante modelos lineales generalizados (GLM) y las medias para los diferentes métodos se compararon usando la prueba de Tukey. El CushionFluid fue superior para la mayoría de parámetros de movilidad espermática, así como para acrosomas intactos (p<0.05). Se encontraron medias superiores de vitalidad espermática para EquiPure y Percoll (p<0.05), pero no se encontró diferencia entre las medias de clivaje entre tratamientos. Se concluye que el semen equino criopreservado y seleccionado por el método CushionFluid presenta mejores parámetros de calidad espermática respecto a los otros tres métodos; sin embargo, no se evidencia diferencia entre ellos para la capacidad fertilizante in vitro de los espermatozoides.
Piometra y Tumor de Sertoli en un Canino con Conducto de Müller Persistente
Authors: Cahua U. Jacqueline , Sandoval C. Nieves , Fernández A. Víctor , Puicón N. Víctor
Published: January 2016

La persistencia del conducto de Müller (PMDS) es un tipo de seudohermafroditismo masculino hereditario que se ha registrado en varias razas de canes, donde los machos presentan testículos, cromosomas XY, además de oviducto, útero y vagina craneal como derivados de los ductos müllerianos. Se describe el caso de un canino Schnauzer fenotípicamente macho de 8 años de edad, con antecedentes de inapetencia, letargia y tenesmo desde los dos últimos días. La mascota presentaba órganos genitales masculinos pero evidenciaba criptorquidia lateral derecha. El examen ecográfico reveló esbozos del conducto de Muller (cuernos uterinos y cuerpo del útero) con un proceso infeccioso compatible con piometra. En el frotis sanguíneo se observaron células polimorfonucleares sin corpúsculos de Barr. Por otro lado, se encontró una masa tumoral craneal al cuerno uterino derecho correspondiendo a una neoplasia testicular de las células de Sertoli. El testículo izquierdo, ubicado en el saco escrotal estaba hipoplásico.
Cuantificación de Micotoxinas en Ingredientes Alimenticios Utilizados en la Dieta de Aves Comerciales
Authors: Castro Johnatan , Alvarado Arnaldo , Koga Ysabel , Tinoco Robert
Published: January 2016

El estudio tuvo como objetivo cuantificar la presencia de las micotoxinas ocratoxina A y toxina T-2 en dos ingredientes alimenticios comunes en las dietas avícolas de procedencia diversa. Se analizaron 139 muestras de maíz y 64 de torta de soya para el contenido de ocratoxina A y 193 muestras de maíz y 144 de torta de soya para el contenido de toxina T-2, las mismas que fueron recibidas para análisis entre 2007 y 2011. Los resultados indicaron 66.2 y 67.4% de muestras positivas de maíz para ocratoxina A y toxina T-2, respectivamente. Asimismo, 71.9 y 88.9% muestras positivas de torta de soya para ocratoxina A y toxina T-2, respectivamente. Ninguna muestra llegó a sobrepasar los límites de ocratoxina A y T-2 permitidos, según las recomendaciones de la Comisión Europea (2006/576/EC).
Respuesta del Tumor Venéreo Transmisible Canino a Presentaciones de Vincristina de Patente y Genérica
Authors: Miguel De la Cruz Susana , Quijano-Hernández Israel A. , Del Ángel-Caraza Javier , Martínez Castañeda José S. , Victoria-Mora José M. , Barbosa-Mireles Marco A.
Published: January 2016

El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar la respuesta de perros infectados naturalmente con el Tumor Venéreo Transmisible (TVTc) al tratamiento con vincristina comercial de patente y genérica. Se trabajó con 12 perros infectados naturalmente y con diagnóstico por citología y PCR. Los perros fueron asignados aleatoriamente a un tratamiento semanal con 0.025 mg/kg de vincristina de patente comercial o de tipo genérico hasta que dos citologías consecutivas resultaran negativas. Se hicieron pruebas de citología y hemograma previo a cada aplicación para determinar reacciones adversas al tratamiento. En ambos grupos se aplicó un máximo de cinco dosis para dar por concluido el tratamiento. El mínimo de aplicaciones en el grupo Patente fue de cuatro, mientras que en el grupo Genérico fue de tres aplicaciones, aunque sin diferencia significativa en el número de dosis aplicadas ni en el tiempo de remisión. Los perros de ambos grupos presentaron algún tipo de reacción adversa ligera sin mostrar diferencia estadística entre grupos. En ningún caso hubo que descontinuar el tratamiento por este tipo de reacciones. Se concluye que las presentaciones de patente y genérica son igualmente eficaces para el tratamiento de TVTc.
Seroprevalencia del Virus de la Artritis-Encefalitis en Caprinos del Departamento de Lima, Perú
Authors: Gomes M. Angel , Rivera G. Hermelinda , Ramírez V. Mercy , Cardozo Z. Imelda , Manchego S. Alberto
Published: January 2016

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la seroprevalencia del virus de la artritis-encefalitis viral caprina (AEVC) en cabras de cuatro provincias del departamento de Lima, Perú. Se recolectaron 381 muestras de sangre de cabras mayores a 12 meses de edad (325 hembras y 56 machos) de 89 rebaños criados en forma intensiva (n=3), semiextensiva (n=40) y transhumante (n=46). La detección de anticuerpos en suero contra el AEVC se realizó mediante la prueba de ELISA de competición. El 0.26 ± 0.09% (1/381) de las cabras tuvieron anticuerpos contra el AEVC. El animal seropositivo perteneció a un rebaño de crianza semiextensiva del distrito de Huaral. Al evaluar todos los animales mayores de 12 meses (n=103) de ese rebaño se encontraron otros nueve animales seropositivos. Las 10 cabras seropositivas fueron hembras de 2 a 5 años de edad, clínicamente normales, representando 9.7% (10/103) de seropositividad al AEVC dentro del rebaño. Todos los machos resultaron negativos. Se concluye que la CAEV está presente en baja prevalencia en rebaños caprinos del departamento de Lima.
Efecto del Método de Colección y Tensión de Oxígeno sobre el Desarrollo de Ovocitos Bovinos Fecundados y Cultivados in vitro
Authors: Benavides I. Lenin , Huanca L. Wilfredo , Quintanilla M. Lisbeth
Published: January 2016

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la influencia del método de colección y la tensión de oxígeno sobre los parámetros de la producción in vitro (PIV) de embriones. En el Experimento 1 se comparó el efecto de dos métodos de colección, aspiración y disección sobre la tasa de división y desarrollo embrionario. La tasa de división a las 72 horas posinseminación fue de 71.4 y 61.0% con el método de aspiración y de disección, respectivamente (p<0.05), y sin diferencias significativas en la tasa de blastocistos al día 7 y 9 posfecundación. En el Experimento 2 se compararon dos tensiones de oxígeno en la etapa de cultivo, 5 y 20% de oxígeno, obteniéndose una tasa de división de 69.7 y 59.7% para el cultivo con 5 y 20% de O2, respectivamente (p<0.05) y un 29.8 y 19.3% de blastocistos al día 7 posfecundación bajo 5 y 20% de O2, respectivamente (p<0.05), pero sin diferencia estadística en la tasa de blastocistos al día 9 posfecundación. Los resultados sugieren que el método de aspiración y el cultivo con una tensión de oxígeno del 5% pueden ser considerados como factores adecuados para lograr las condiciones óptimas en el proceso de producción in vitro de embriones bovinos.
Efecto de la Manipulación de la Temperatura Escrotal sobre las Características Clínicas, Seminales y Endocrinas en Carneros
Authors: Huanca L. Wilfredo , Coronado S. Luis , Galloway David B.
Published: January 2016

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar los cambios en características clínicas, seminales y endocrinas en carneros con aislamiento escrotal térmico. Doce carneros Merino adultos fueron distribuidos al azar en un grupo Control (n=4) y uno sometido a aislamiento escrotal (n=8). A este grupo se le cubrió el escroto con una bolsa de algodón cubierta con plástico para elevar la temperatura a 39.0 °C por 48 h. Se registró por cinco semanas el volumen del eyaculado, consistencia testicular, circunferencia escrotal, concentración espermática, motilidad masal e individual y tasa de anormalidades. El semen fue colectado tres veces por semana por electroeyaculación. La vena yugular fue canulada para colectar muestras por 6 h a intervalos de 10 min para la determinación de testosterona y LH plasmática mediante radioinmunoanálisis. Los resultados señalan cambios en circunferencia escrotal (de 30.43±1.1 cm al inicio a 25.00±0.5 cm en la semana 5); reducción de la concentración espermática (semana 2); motilidad masal: 0 (semana 2); motilidad individual: 2.45±3.1% (semana 2); y 82.3±29.3% de espermatozoides anormales (semana 3). A partir de la semana 2 disminuyen los niveles de testosterona (280±83 pg/ml) y se incrementan los de LH (0.96±0.72 ng/ml), incluyendo un mayor número de pulsos. Se concluye que el incremento de temperatura escrotal produce cambios en las características clínicas, seminales y endocrinas en el carnero.
Estudio Serológico y Molecular de Ehrlichia canis en Perros de una Comunidad del Estado Aragua, Venezuela
Authors: Martínez A. María del Carmen , Arraga-Alvarado Cruz María , Triana-Alonso Francisco Javier , Ruiz C. Johanny Alejandra , Gutiérrez G. Clara Nancy
Published: January 2016

Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron determinar la prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-E. canis y la detección molecular de E. canis, así como determinar el nivel de infestación y especies de garrapatas en perros de una comunidad rural del estado Aragua, Venezuela. Se recolectaron muestras sanguíneas de 110 perros domésticos y fueron evaluadas por inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) y por la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa anidada (PCR). La seroprevalencia resultó en 77.3% y la detección molecular fue de 45.2%. El porcentaje de perros infestados por garrapatas fue de 69%, identificándose mayormente a Riphicephalus sanguineus. Se determinó que 80% (68/85) de los perros seropositivos y el 32% (8/25) de los seronegativos estaban infestados por garrapatas (OR=8.5, IC 95%: 3.19-22.6; p<0.00001).
Nivel de Conocimiento de los Estudiantes de Quinto Año de Medicina Veterinaria de una Universidad Privada en Concepción, Chile, acerca de las Principales Enfermedades Zoonóticas Transmitidas por Perros y Gatos
Authors: Luzio Q. Luzio Q. , González G. Gonzalo , Troncoso T. Ignacio
Published: January 2016

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar el nivel de conocimiento de los alumnos de quinto año de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad Santo Tomás, sede Concepción, Chile, respecto a las zoonosis más comunes en el país. Se aplicó un cuestionario que recoge información sobre conocimiento general, etiología, epidemiologia, transmisión y prevención-control de zoonosis transmitidas por perros y gatos. El cuestionario constó de 90 preguntas de selección múltiple con cuatro distractores, de respuesta única, y los resultados se agruparon en cinco niveles: muy bueno, bueno, regular, malo y muy malo. El 85% de los estudiantes obtuvo entre 55 y 72 puntos de un máximo de 90. El mejor rendimiento se obtuvo en la categoría de etiología (55% en el nivel de muy bueno) y el menor nivel se encontró en la categoría de transmisión (50% en el nivel de regular). Se concluye que los alumnos poseen un adecuado conocimiento de las enfermedades zoonóticas prevalecientes en el país, especialmente en lo concerniente a su etiología.
Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica en Pequeños Animales
Authors: Gómez-Ortiz Edna , Zuccolotto-Crivellenti Leandro , Borin-Crivellenti Sofia , Lamarca de Carvalho Leonardo , Laudares Costa Marina , Cintra Cristiane A. , Evangelista-Santana Aureo
Published: January 2016

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es una enfermedad de las vías aéreas inferiores, la cual resulta en el remodelado de las vías aéreas y culmina con su estrechamiento provocando obstrucción progresiva. Esta enfermedad afecta principalmente a animales de mediana edad y de edad avanzada y en la mayoría de los casos se desconoce su causa. El presente trabajo de revisión tiene como objetivo mostrar la importancia clínica, las herramientas diagnósticas, las principales diferencias entre el diagnóstico de asma y bronquitis, y las alternativas terapéuticas que ofrecen mejores resultados y menores efectos secundarios para los pacientes.
Tough Decisions for Premature Triplets
Authors: Hurst Ashley ,   Scott and Emily (parents), Vergales Brooke D. , Paget-Brown Alix , Mercurio Mark , Lantos John D.
Published: January 2016

When infants are born at the borderline of viability, doctors and parents have to make tough decisions about whether to institute intensive care or provide only palliative care. Often, these decisions are made in moments of profound emotional turmoil, and parents receive different information from different health professionals. Communication can become garbled. It may be difficult to tell when and whether the patient’s clinical condition has changed enough so that certain choices that had once been permissible become impermissible. In this “Ethics Rounds,” we present a case of triplets born at the borderline of viability. We sought comments from the triplets’ parents, the doctors and ethicist who were caring for the infants, and a bioethicist/neonatologist from another hospital.
Introduction to the first issue
Authors: Dzițac Ioan
Published: January 2016

In this inaugural issue we present:
- an editorial article, with a general presentation of IJCCC and this  introduction with short description of the
papers published in this first issue;
- one anniversary article dedicated to centenary of Kurt Gödel (1906-1978) and two anniversary articles dedicated
to centenary of Grigore C. Moisil (1906-1973);
-  some selected papers from the International Conference on Computers, Communications & Control, June 1-3, 2006, Băile Felix - Oradea, Romania, ICCCC 2006;
-  two regular papers.
Visualising Infinity on a Mobile Device
Authors: Doolan Daniel C. , Tabirca Sabin
Published: January 2016

This paper discusses how a Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) application may be developed to visualise a wide variety of differing fractal types on a mobile phone. A limited number of J2ME applications are available that are capable of generating the Mandelbrot Set. At present there are no J2ME applications capable of generating a multitude of fractal image types.
Novel Features for Off-line Signature Verification
Authors: Majhi Banshider , Reddy Y Santhosh , Babu D Prasanna
Published: January 2016

In this paper a novel feature extraction scheme has been suggested for offline signature verification. The proposed method used geometric center for feature extraction. Euclidean distance model was used for classification. This classifier is well suitable for features extracted and fast in computation. Method proposed in this paper leads to better results than existing offline signature verification methods. Threshold selection is based on statistical parameters like average and standard deviation (sigma).
Symbolic Computations based on Grid Services
Authors: Petcu Dana , Bonchiș Cosmin , Izbașa Cornel
Published: January 2016

The widespread adoption of the current Grid technologies is still impeded by a number of problems, one of which is difficulty of developing and implementing Grid-enabled applications. In another dimension, symbolic computation, aiming to automatize the steps of mathematical problem solving, has become in the last years a basis for advanced applications in many areas of computer science.
 In this context we have recently analyzed and developed grid-extensions of known tools for symbolic computations. We further present in this paper a case study of a Web service-based Grid application for symbolic computations.
An Exact Algorithm for Steiner Tree Problem on Graphs
Authors: Stanojevic Milan , Vujoševic Mirko
Published: January 2016

The paper presents a new original algorithm for solving Steiner tree problem on graph. The algorithm is simple and intended for solving problems with relatively low dimensions. It is based on use of existing open source software for solving integer linear programming problems. The algorithm is tested and shown very efficient for different randomly generated problems on graphs of up to 50 nodes, up to 10 terminals and average node degree 7.