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Our aim is to provide a look into the typical clinical caseload from odontology primary care, based on dogs and cats treated at a veterinary teaching hospital. From 2013 to 2019, 468 dogs and 139 cats were treated. Data come from primary care practice; no referral cases were considered. The most frequently detected conditions in dogs were periodontal disease (59.6%), oral tumors (11.3%), dental fractures (7.7%), class 1 malocclusion (7.1%), dental fistulas (5.8%), class 3 malocclusion (3.4%), gingivitis (1.7%), periodontal disease with tooth resorption (0.4%), class 2 malocclusion (0.2%) and others (2.8%). Different distributions of main conditions were found when considering age and weight/breed (p 0.05). No significant temporal trends were detected. These prevalence estimations can be useful in the diagnosis and establishment of preventive measures. Attention could be focused on different oral conditions depending on breed (dogs) and on age (both dogs and cats).

The practice of aggregated retention is becoming increasingly common in forests managed for multiple objectives (e.g., timber production and maintenance of biodiversity). Undisturbed patches of forest (aggregates) can serve as refugia for disturbance-sensitive species and as dispersal sources for recolonization of adjacent harvested areas. However, few studies have characterized the contributions of aggregates to the natural recruitment or height growth of regenerating trees. In this study, we modeled the density and height of early- and late-seral conifers, including post-harvest recruitment and advanced regeneration (survivors), two decades after aggregated-retention harvest at four sites in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington. Predictors included distance from edge (0–70 m), edge type (1-ha aggregate vs. intact forest/harvest-unit boundary), and edge exposure (a proxy for heat/moisture stress). For both early- and late-seral species, we observed similar declines in density with distance from aggregate and intact-forest edges. Trends in height growth showed greater variation among sites and seral groups. Height tended to increase with distance from edge, peaking sooner for late-seral advanced regeneration than for early-seral recruitment. In contrast, heights of late-seral recruitment were distinctly shorter and unaffected by distance from edge. Edge exposure did not have a consistent effect on recruitment density or height growth of either seral group. Our results indicate that 1-ha aggregates are functionally equivalent to larger blocks of intact forests in their influences on conifer recruitment and growth. By distributing aggregates across harvest units, managers can accelerate rates of recruitment and promote heterogeneity in the density and height structure of the regenerating forest. Additional research is needed on the sensitivity of regeneration processes to aggregate size, shape, and spatial distribution.

Extensive development of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing enhanced energy production but raised concerns about drinking-water quality in areas of shale-gas development. One particularly controversial case that has received significant public and scientific attention involves possible contamination of groundwater in the Trinity Aquifer in Parker County, Texas. Despite extensive work, the origin of natural gas in the Trinity Aquifer within this study area is an ongoing debate. Here, we present a comprehensive geochemical dataset collected across three sampling campaigns along with integration of previously published data. Data include major and trace ions, molecular gas compositions, compound-specific stable isotopes of hydrocarbons (δ13C-CH4, δ13C-C2H6, δ2H-CH4), dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13C-DIC), nitrogen (δ15N-N2), water (δ18O, δ2H, 3H), and noble gases (He, Ne, Ar), boron (δ11B) and strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotopic compositions of water samples from 20 drinking-water wells from the Trinity Aquifer. The compendium of data confirms mixing between a deep, naturally occurring salt- (Cl >250 mg/L) and hydrocarbon-rich groundwater with a low-salinity, shallower, and younger groundwater. Hydrocarbon gases display strong evidence for sulfate reduction-paired oxidation, in some cases followed by secondary methanogenesis. A subset of drinking-water wells contains elevated levels of hydrocarbons and depleted atmospherically-derived gas tracers, which is consistent with the introduction of fugitive thermogenic gas. We suggest that gas originating from the intermediate-depth Strawn Group (“Strawn”) is flowing along the annulus of a Barnett Shale gas well, and is subsequently entering the shallow aquifer system. This interpretation is supported by the expansion in the number of affected drinking-water wells during our study period and the persistence of hydrocarbon levels over time. Our data suggest post-genetic secondary water quality changes occur following fugitive gas contamination, including sulfate reduction paired with hydrocarbon oxidation and secondary methanogenesis. Importantly, no evidence for upward migration of brine or natural gas associated with the Barnett Shale was identified.

Organic powders are polymers with organic origin in a powdered form. They are biocompatible, biodegradable, and possess positive biological attributes, and can form constructs with high mechanical properties due to their powder form. However, there are various constraints that limit organic powders to be solely used with current 3D printers. Many organic powders cannot be fused by heat and light exposure and not easy to dissolve by the printing ink. Moreover, binding solutions for silk and other organic powders are mostly acidic in nature which cause damage to current 3D powder printers as they use neutral or slight low pH inks. This work aims to address this problem by developing a 3D printer that enables the printing of an organic powder, silk. This paper presents the design and implementation of the first prototype of a novel organic powder printer. The printer incorporates a novel compression mechanism that enables the compression of the powder during the printing process. It also includes a non-corrosive binder supply system consisting of silicone peroxide tubing, a custom-built peristaltic pump, and a nozzle built from a 33-gauge needle. The powder management system consists of a powder canister apparatus, depositing mechanism, and a powder bed designed to be compatible with low flowability powders, such as silk powder. The implementation of each component and the whole printer is presented. Evaluating the functionality of the organic powder printer found that several silk powder scaffolds were able to be printed with a varying magnitude of control over architecture. Future work is required to further advance the printable constructs up to a standard found in commercial 3D printers. This work demonstrated that a 3D printer system can be developed to fabricate constructs solely out of an organic powder. The paper highlights the limitations of the current design and suggests future improvements.

The extraction of oil and natural gas from unconventional shale formations has prompted a series of investigations to examine the quality of the groundwater in the overlying aquifers. Here we present a reconnaissance analysis of groundwater quality in the Eagle Ford region of southern Texas. These data reveal two distinct sample populations that are differentiable by bromide/chloride ratios. Elevated levels of fluoride, nitrate, sulfate, various metal ions, and the detection of exotic volatile organic compounds highlight a high bromide group of samples, which is geographically clustered, while encompassing multiple hydrogeological strata. Samples with bromide/chloride ratios representative of connate water displayed elevated levels of total organic carbon, while revealing the detection of alcohols and chlorinated compounds. These findings suggest that groundwater quality in the Western Gulf Basin is, for the most part, controlled by a series of natural processes; however, there is also evidence of episodic contamination events potentially attributed to unconventional oil and gas development or other anthropogenic activities. Collectively, this characterization of natural groundwater constituents and exogenous compounds will guide targeted remediation efforts and provides insight for agricultural entities, industrial operators, and rural communities that rely on groundwater in southern Texas.

Objectives To analyse the ontogeny of the superior semicircular canal and tegmen tympani and determine if there are common embryological factors explaining both associated dehiscence. Methods We analysed 77 human embryological series aged between 6 weeks and newborn. Preparations were serially cut and stained with Masson's trichrome technique. Results The tegmental prolongation of tegmen tympani and superior semicircular canal originate from the same structure, the otic capsule, and have the same type of endochondral ossification; while the extension of the squamous prolongation of tegmen tympani runs from the temporal squama and ossification is directly of intramembranous type. The nuclei of ossification of the superior and external semicircular canals and accessory of tegmen collaborate in the ossification of the tegmental extension and by growth extend to the tegmental prolongation. This fact plus the fact that both structures share a common layer of external periosteum could explain the coexistence of lack of bone coverage in tegmen and superior semicircular canal. Conclusion The development of the semicircular canal and tegmen tympani could explain the causes of the association of both dehiscences.

Resumen Objetivos Analizar la ontogenia del canal semicircular superior y del tegmen tympani y determinar si hay factores embriologicos comunes que expliquen la dehiscencia asociada de ambos. Metodos Se han analizado 77 series embriologicas humanas de edades comprendidas entre las 6 semanas y recien nacidos. Las preparaciones estaban cortadas en serie y tenidas con la tecnica de tricromico de Martins. Resultados La prolongacion tegmentaria del tegmen tympani y el canal semicircular superior se originan de la misma estructura, la capsula otica, y poseen el mismo tipo de osificacion endocondral; mientras que la prolongacion escamosa del tegmen tympani se desarrolla desde la escama del temporal y su osificacion es de tipo directa o intramembranosa. En la osificacion de la prolongacion tegmentaria colaboran los nucleos de osificacion de los canales semicirculares superior, externo y accesorio del tegmen, los cuales por crecimiento se extienden hasta la prolongacion tegmentaria, este hecho sumado a que ambas estructuras comparten una capa comun de periostio externo podria explicar la coexistencia de falta de cobertura osea en el tegmen y en el canal. Conclusion El desarrollo del canal semicircular y tegmen tympani podrian explicar las causas de la asociacion de ambas dehiscencias.

The last decade has seen a dramatic increase in domestic energy production from unconventional reservoirs. This energy boom has generated marked economic benefits, but simultaneously evoked significant concerns regarding the potential for drinking-water contamination in shallow aquifers. Presently, efforts to evaluate the environmental impacts of shale gas development in the northern Appalachian Basin (NAB), located in the northeastern US, are limited by: (1) a lack of comprehensive “pre-drill” data for groundwater composition (water and gas); (2) uncertainty in the hydrogeological factors that control the occurrence of naturally present CH4 and brines in shallow Upper Devonian (UD) aquifers; and (3) limited geochemical techniques to quantify the sources and migration of crustal fluids (specifically methane) at various time scales. To address these questions, we analyzed the noble gas, dissolved ion, and hydrocarbon gas geochemistry of 72 drinking-water wells and one natural methane seep all located ≫1 km from shale gas drill sites in the NAB. In the present study, we consciously avoided groundwater wells from areas near active or recent drilling to ensure shale gas development would not bias the results. We also intentionally targeted areas with naturally occurring CH4 to characterize the geochemical signature and geological context of gas-phase hydrocarbons in shallow aquifers of the NAB. Our data display a positive relationship between elevated [CH4], [C2H6], [Cl], and [Ba] that co-occur with high [4He]. Although four groundwater samples show mantle contributions ranging from 1.2% to 11.6%, the majority of samples have [He] ranging from solubility levels (∼45 × 10−6 cm3 STP/L) with below-detectable [CH4] and minor amounts of tritiogenic 3He in low [Cl] and [Ba] waters, up to high [4He] = 0.4 cm3 STP/L with a purely crustal helium isotopic end-member (3He/4He = ∼0.02 times the atmospheric ratio (R/Ra)) in samples with CH4 near saturation for shallow groundwater (P(CH4) = ∼1 atmosphere) and elevated [Cl] and [Ba]. These data suggest that 4He is dominated by an exogenous (i.e., migrated) crustal source for these hydrocarbon gas- and salt-rich fluids. In combination with published inorganic geochemistry (e.g., 87Sr/86Sr, Sr/Ba, Br−/Cl−), new noble gas and hydrocarbon isotopic data (e.g., 20Ne/36Ar, C2+/C1, δ13C-CH4) suggest that a hydrocarbon-rich brine likely migrated from the Marcellus Formation (via primary hydrocarbon migration) as a dual-phase fluid (gas + liquid) and was fractionated by solubility partitioning during fluid migration and emplacement into conventional UD traps (via secondary hydrocarbon migration). Based on the highly fractionated 4He/CH4 data relative to Marcellus and UD production gases, we propose an additional phase of hydrocarbon gas migration where natural gas previously emplaced in UD hydrocarbon traps actively diffuses out into and equilibrates with modern shallow groundwater (via tertiary hydrocarbon migration) following uplift, denudation, and neotectonic fracturing. These data suggest that by integrating noble gas geochemistry with hydrocarbon and dissolved ion chemistry, one can better determine the source and migration processes of natural gas in the Earth’s crust, which are two critical factors for understanding the presence of hydrocarbon gases in shallow aquifers.

3D printing technologies have enabled advances in biomedical research and development, including rapid fabrication of complex, customised constructs for personalised treatment of patients. However, there are still limitations with the 3D printing technologies in relation to the diversity of biomaterials, and the versatility of the printing methods to print such diverse materials. While many materials have been used for biomedical applications involving high load bearing forces, e.g. ceramics and metals, they struggle in areas of biodegradability, and supporting tissue adhesion. An alternative are natural polymers, which are currently being investigated in the biomedical industry and are generally biocompatible, biodegradable and bioactive. However, they lack optimal mechanical properties necessary for high load bearing applications. Natural polymers in a powdered form, also referred to as organic powders, can allow for much denser and higher integrity constructs compared to their more common bioink counterparts, whilst maintaining many of the desired biological attributes. However, many organic powders are either do not respond to light and degrade in heat, preventing their use in many light and thermal based 3D printing processes. Powder inkjet printing is a 3D printing technology that utilizes an alternative means of solidifying the powdered material. These include physical or chemical bonding, instead of photopolymerisation, melting or sintering via the exposure of heat or light. Nevertheless, the binders or solutions that are commonly used with organic powders are high in acidity which can damage the printer components, further limiting this materials printability. This paper investigates the current 3D printing technologies that can print with biomaterials. Several elements are investigated, including current biomedical applications, fusion technology, material limitations and useable biomaterials. In addition to the printing processes, a study on available biomaterials, in particular organic powders, is elaborately discussed. The origins of the biomaterials are explored, in addition to the acceptable 3D printers, current applications, and printable forms. The limitations found with the current available printing processes is also discussed, in relation to their compatibility with organic powders, and their required binder solutions.

Objective Our objective was to study the ontogeny of the superior semicircular canal in order to describe its peculiarities. Methods We analysed 76 series of human embryos aged between 32 days (6 mm) and newborns. The samples were cut serially and stained using Martin's trichrome technique. Results In semicircular canal development there were a number of peculiarities, such as: a defined chronological sequence of osteogenesis with a variable rate of ossification; the fact that each nucleus of ossification was involved in the formation of one of its covers (the upper in the superficial and the lower in the deep); the appearance of transitory dehiscence; and canal closure by means of bone with laminar pattern, with a minimum thickness of 0.1 mm. Conclusion The peculiarities in canal development could explain the origin of pathological dehiscence in the canal, whether congenital or acquired.

Resumen Objetivos Realizar un estudio sobre la ontogenesis del canal semicircular superior con el fin de describir sus peculiaridades. Metodos Para ello se han analizado 76 series embriologicas humanas de edades comprendidas entre los 32 dias (6 mm) y recien nacidos. Las preparaciones estaban cortadas en serie y tenidas con la tecnica de tricromico de Martins. Resultados En el desarrollo del canal semicircular hemos observado una serie de peculiaridades, como: secuencia cronologica definida de su osteogenesis con un ritmo de osificacion variable, cada nucleo de osificacion interviene en la formacion de una de sus cubiertas, el superior de la superficial y el inferior de la profunda; la aparicion de una dehiscencia transitoria, y el cierre del canal por hueso de tipo laminar con un grosor minimo de 0,1 mm. Conclusion Las peculiaridades en el desarrollo del canal podrian explicar las causas del origen de la dehiscencia patologica del mismo, ya sean congenitas o adquiridas.

Objectives Our objective was to determine if the existence of dehiscence in the superior or posterior semicircular canal was associated with the thinning of the bone roof in the rest of the vertical canals (superior or posterior). Methods The thickness of the superior and posterior semicircular canals contralateral to a dehiscence was studied using computerized tomography and compared statistically. Results When a superior semicircular canal had a dehiscence, the contralateral canal showed a significant mean decrease in its thickness of 0.5 mm (SD: 0.3 mm). This was not the case if the dehiscence was in the posterior semicircular canal, where the thickness of 2.1 mm remained unchanged (SD: 1.2 mm; P=.49). When a posterior semicircular canal showed dehiscence, no significant thinning was shown in the superior semicircular (1 mm; SD: 0.4) or in the posterior contralateral (1.3 mm; SD: 0.3) canals. Conclusion The existence of a dehiscence in the superior semicircular canal is associated with bone thinning in the canal on the opposite side, but not with the posterior semicircular canal. In contrast, if the dehiscence is in the posterior semicircular canal, contralateral and superior canal thickness is not modified.

Resumen Objetivos Determinar si la existencia de un canal semicircular superior o posterior dehiscente se asocia con el adelgazamiento de la cubierta osea en el resto de los canales verticales (superior o posterior). Metodos Se estudia mediante tomografia computarizada y se compara estadisticamente el espesor de los canales semicirculares superiores y posteriores contralaterales a una dehiscencia. Resultados Cuando un canal semicircular superior presentaba una dehiscencia, el canal contralateral mostraba un adelgazamiento significativo de su espesor con una media de 0,5 mm (DE: 0,3 mm). No sucede lo mismo con los posteriores que no modifican su grosor de 2,1 mm (DE: 1,2 mm; p = 0,49). Cuando un canal semicircular posterior presentaba dehiscencia no se observo adelgazamiento significativo en los canales semicirculares superiores 1 mm (DE: 0,4), ni en el posterior contralateral 1,3 mm (DE: 0,3). Conclusion La existencia de una dehiscencia del canal semicircular superior se asocia al adelgazamiento del hueso del canal del lado contrario, pero no de los canales semicirculares posteriores. No ocurre lo mismo si la dehiscencia es del canal semicircular posterior, que no altera de manera significativa el espesor del canal del lado contralateral ni en los superiores.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single session of sprint interval training (SIT) and a single extended sprint (ES), matched for total work, on metabolic health biomarkers.Ten overweight/obese men aged 26.9±6.2years participated. Following a pre-trial incremental exercise test and SIT familiarization, each participant undertook three 2-day trials in randomized order. On Day 1 participants either undertook no exercise (CON), four maximal 30-s sprints, with 4.5min recovery between each (SIT), or a single maximal extended sprint (ES) matched with SIT for work done. On Day 2, participants had a fasting blood sample taken, undertook an oral glucose tolerance test to determine insulin sensitivity index (ISI), and had blood pressure measured.Total work done during exercise did not differ between SIT and ES (61.7±2.9 vs. 61.3±2.8kJ; p=0.741). Mean power was higher in SIT than ES (518±21 vs. 306±16W, p0.0005), resulting in a shorter high-intensity exercise duration in SIT (120±0 vs. 198±10s, p0.0005). ISI was 44.6% higher following ES than CON (9.4±2.1 vs. 6.5±1.3; p=0.022), but did not differ significantly between SIT and CON (6.6±0.9 vs. 6.5±1.3; p=0.208). However, on the day following exercise fat oxidation in the fasted state was increased by 63% and 38%, compared to CON, in SIT and ES, respectively (p0.05 for both), with a concomitant reduction in carbohydrate oxidation (p0.05).A single ES, which may represent a more time-efficient alternative to SIT, can increase insulin sensitivity and increase fat oxidation in overweight overweight/obese sedentary men.

Introduction The main purpose of this study is to determine the radiological incidence of Superior (SSCD) and Posterior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (PSCD) and to compare radiologic SSCD to the incidence of this condition on cadaver specimen. We have also analysed the relation between the ossification state of the semicircular canals and the degree of mastoid pneumatization and integrity of Tegmen Tympani . Material and methods Temporal bones have been investigated by means of CT scan on patients and direct observation on cadaver specimen, respectively. Results 604 ears and 160 cadaver temporal bones have been investigated by means of CT scan and direct observation, respectively. 3.6% and 0.3% of the studied ears had SSCD and PSCD, respectively, on CT scan. Only 0.6% of the cadaver specimen ears did have anatomical SSCD. Degree of pneumatization of the mastoid bone is related to the mean thickness of bone overlying the Superior and Posterior Semicircular Canal. Radiological absence of Tegmen Tympani is more frequent in ears that also have radiologic SSCD. Conclusion CT scanning gives higher incidence figures of SSCD than anatomical studies, 3.6% vs. 0.6%. We also found a 0.6% incidence of radiological PSCD in the studied ears. There is a direct relation between the degree of ossification of Superior and Posterior Semicircular Canal and certain temporal bone anatomic features: temporal bone pneumatization and absence/presence of Tegmen Tympani or Antri .

For the first time, differential inclusive-jet cross sections have been measured in neutral current deep inelastic ep scattering using the anti-k(T) and SIScone algorithms. The measurements were made for boson virtualities Q(2) > 125 GeV2 with the ZEUS detector at HERA using an integrated luminosity of 82 pb(-1) and the jets were identified in the Breit frame. The performance and suitability of the jet algorithms for their use in hadron-like reactions were investigated by comparing the measurements to those performed with the k(T) algorithm. Next-to-leading-order QCD calculations give a good description of the measurements. Measurements of the ratios of cross sections using different jet algorithms are also presented; the measured ratios are well described by calculations including up to O(alpha(3)(s)) terms. Values of alpha(s)(M-z) were extracted from the data; the results are compatible with and have similar precision to the value extracted from the kT analysis. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Persistence of the Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a rare form of pseudohermaphroditism characterized by the presence of uterus and oviducts in otherwise normally differentiated SRY-positive 78 XY canine males. Undescended testicles are also common. We report a case of a male PMDS dog with a uterus and bilateral cryptorchidism. The dog had an incomplete regression of the mesonephric tubules. As a consequence of this an abnormally enlarged head of the epididymis was observed. In addition, an extreme reduction in size of both the body and the tail was found. Microscopic examination of both testicles revealed bilateral hyperplasia of Leydig cells. The progesterone blood level was measured by ELISA and was found to be abnormally high (3.18 ng/ml) compared to that of normal male dogs (lower than 1 ng/ml). Three months after surgical removal of the internal genitalia, the serum progesterone, testosterone and oestradiol levels were normal for a castrated male dog.

Deep inelastic scattering and its diffractive component, ep {yields} e{prime} {gamma}* p {yields} e{prime} XN, have been studied at HERA with the ZEUS detector using an integrated luminosity of 52.4 pb{sup -1}. The M{sub X} method has been used to extract the diffractive contribution. A wide range in the center-of-mass energy W(37-245 GeV), photon virtuality Q{sup 2} (20-450 GeV{sup 2}) and mass M{sub X} (0.28-35 GeV) is covered. The diffractive cross section for 2 < M{sub X} < 15 GeV rises strongly with W, the rise becoming steeper as Q{sup 2} increases. The data are also presented in terms of the diffractive structure function, F{sub 2}{sup D(3)}, of the proton. For fixed Q{sup 2} and fixed M{sub X}, xpF{sub 2}{sup D(3)} shows a strong rise as xP {yields} 0, where xp is the fraction of the proton momentum carried by the pomeron. For Bjorken-x < 1 x 10{sup -3}, xpF{sub 2}{sup D(3)} shows positive logQ{sup 2} scaling violations, while for X {ge} 5 x 10{sup -3} negative scaling violations are observed. The diffractive structure function is compatible with being leading twist. The data show that Regge factorization is broken.

The production of D-*+/-: (2010) mesons in e(+/-) p scattering in the range of exchanged photon virtuality 0.05 D-0 pi(+) with D-0 -> K-pi(+) and corresponding antiparticle decay were used to identify D* mesons and the ZEUS beampipe calorimeter was used to identify the scattered electron. Differential D* cross sections as functions of Q(2), inelasticity, y, transverse momentum of the D* meson, p(T)(D*), and pseudorapidity of the D* meson, eta(D*), have been measured in the kinematic region 0.02 < y < 0.85, 1.5 < p(T)(D*) < 9.0 GeV and \eta(D*)\< 1.5. The measured differential cross sections are in agreement with two different NLO QCD calculations. The cross sections are also compared to previous ZEUS measurements in the photoproduction and DIS regimes. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In mice, the relative numbers of male and female pups per litter not only can vary but can probably change over the course of pregnancy in response to numerous environmental and physiological factors. As such, a technique is required to determine gender at several developmental stages. Here we describe a robust and accurate fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) procedure for determining chromosomal sex that can be applied with minimal modification to sperm, pre-and post-implantation conceptuses and recovered dead post-natal pups. Sperm was prepared for FISH analysis y using a modified microwave decondensation–denaturation technique. Preimplantation conceptuses (0.5 dpc) were cultured to the morula stage before sexing. They were then acid-treated to remove the zona pellucida. Tissue homogenates from postimplantational conceptuses (8.5 dpc) and stillborn pups were fixed to pre-etched slides. Specimens were hybridized with identical, commercially available DNA probes for the X (FITC) and Y (Cy3) chromosomes. Sperm ratios met the expected value of 0.5 when determined by using XY FISH. Preimplantation conceptuses pre-treated with pepsin yielded distinct fluorescence of X and Y chromosomes in morulae, whereas microwave decondensation resulted in loss of conceptuses from the slide. Both 4.0 and 8.5 dpc conceptuses displayed mean sex ratios of 0.5. Post-natal FISH analysis allowed gender identification of pups that could not be sexed due to developmental abnormalities or partial cannibalism. FISH analysis of sperm and of multiple conceptuses or post-natal tissue provided a cost-effective, accurate alternative to PCR-based sex determination.

The cross sections for charged and neutral current deep inelastic scattering in e + p collisions with a longitudinally polarised positron beam have been measured using the ZEUS detector at HERA. The results, based on data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 23.8 pb−1 at s = 318 GeV , are given for both e + p charged current and neutral current deep inelastic scattering for both positive and negative values of the longitudinal polarisation of the positron beam. Single differential cross sections are presented for the kinematic region Q 2 > 200 GeV 2 . The measured cross sections are compared to the predictions of the Standard Model. A fit to the data yields σ CC ( P e = − 1 ) = 7.4 ± 3.9 ( stat. ) ± 1.2 ( syst. ) pb , which is consistent within two standard deviations with the absence of right-handed charged currents in the Standard Model.

Resumen Presentar el primer caso de sindrome de dehiscencia del canal semicular superior publicado en lengua espanola y establecer, con estudios embriologicos, el periodo embriologico implicado en la genesis del sindrome Material y metodos Se estudian 52 series embriologicas fetales, desde 6 mm hasta recien nacidos. Se presenta el caso de un paciente que presentaba un sindrome de dehiscencia de canal semicurcular superior Resultados Existe una relacion de continuidad, a traves de lagunas oseas, entre el canal semicircular superior y el espacio intracraneal en el feto de 24 a 28 semanas pero esta relacion se pierde en la semana 30. Se exponen los resultados del cierre quirurgico de la fistula, en el paciente estudiado, con un abordaje por la fosa media y con abordaje transmastoideo Conclusiones El sindrome podria ser secundario a una alteracion del desarrollo embriologico y, por tanto, su genesis seria prenatal. La reparacion quirurgica por via transmastoidea es una alternativa razonable a la via de la fosa media

Resumen Hemos estudiado el desarrollo de los osiculos timpanicos en 40 series embrio-fetales humanas de edades comprendidas entre los 32 dias (6 mm) y el nacimiento. Una vez realizadas las mediciones para datar cronologicamente los embriones y fetos, se llevo a cabo una minuciosa y cuidada diseccion de los temporales en bloque; posteriormente fueron fijados en formol al 10%, descalcificados con acido nitrico al 2%, deshidratados en alcoholes a concentraciones progresivamente crecientes, incluidos en parafina, cortados en serie a 7 mm, y tenidos en serie con la tecnica del Tricromico de Martins. Los osiculos timpanicos se desarrollan en el mesenquima de los dos primeros arcos faringeos. La cabeza del martillo, el cuerpo y la apofisis corta del yunque se originan del primer arco mientras que el mango del martillo, la apofisis larga del yunque y la masa del estribo lo hacen del segundo. La lamina vestibular de la platina se desarrolla en la capsula otica. Los osiculos timpanicos se desarrollan por osificacion endocondral con excepcion de la apofisis anterior del martillo que lo hace por osificacion membranosa. En su ontogenia se observan seis estadios. En el primero se produce la formacion de sus esbozos por condensacion del mesenquima, en el segundo "precartilaginoso" las celulas de los primordios se diferencian a condroblastos, en el tercero "cartilaginoso" los osiculos presentan una estructura cartilaginosa, en el cuarto se forman los centros de osificacion primarios, en el quinto aparecen en los osiculos el collar periostico y en su interior hueso endocondral, y en el ultimo estadio el tejido oseo se va extendiendo progresivamente hasta adquirir una estructura osea compacta.

Resumen Se ha estudiado el desarrollo de la union entre el mango del martillo y la membrana del timpano en embriones y fetos humanos. Para ello se han utilizado 25 huesos temporales de fetos humanos, cuyas edades cronologicas van desde los 36 dias (14 mm) hasta las 29 semanas (270 mm). Las muestras fueron fijadas en formol al 10%, descalcificadas con acido nitrico al 2%, incluidas en parafina, cortadas en serie a 7 ?m, y tenidas con el metodo Tricromico de Martins. Se han identificado varias etapas en el desarrollo de la pseudoarticulacion entre el martillo y la membrana del timpano. En la primera el mango se adhiere intimamente al mesenquima de la membrana del timpano primitiva, en la segunda dicho mesenquima se hace laxo y en el aparecen capilares, en la tercera aparecen fibras de colageno de disposicion radial, y en la cuarta el ahuecamiento del tapon meatal da independencia a la membrana del timpano del conducto auditivo externo. La porcion distal del mango, incluida en la membrana del timpano, ha permanecido con una estructura cartilaginosa durante todo el tiempo estudiado. Las fibras de colageno a nivel del umbo rodean al extremo terminal del mango mientras que en el resto de el lo hacen solamente en su arista anterior.

Several immune parameters were evaluated in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) after they had been exposed for 28 days in microcosms dosed initially with liquid creosote concentrations of 0, 5, 9, 17, 31, 56 and 100 μl/l. The most noticeable changes were concentration-dependent reductions in pronephros leukocyte oxidative burst and the number of sIg+ peripheral blood leukocytes. Plasma lysozyme levels were reduced, while pronephros leukocyte phagocytic activity was enhanced marginally across creosote concentrations. Blastogenesis in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was slightly impaired in head kidney leukocyte cultures prepared from creosote-exposed fish, whereas blastogenesis in response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin-A (ConA) was unaffected. Overall the results suggest that creosote has the potential to alter some innate immune functions in rainbow trout. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a major constituent of liquid creosote, are the suspected immune altering agents. The LOEC of the immune responses measured in this study was 17 μl/l using nominal creosote concentrations, representing a total PAH concentration of 611.63 ng/l in the water.

The frequency and functional properties of anti-topoisomerase-1 antibodies (ATA) have been studied in 58 systemic sclerosis (SSc) probands, 218 first degree relatives and 22 spouses. The dependence of ATA on the presence of certain HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 alleles was examined. ATA were detected by immunodiffusion, by absorption or inhibition of topoisomerase-1 enzymic activity, by immunoblotting of a K562 cell extract and by immunoprecipitation of 35S radiolabelled cell lines. HLA class II typing for HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 was performed by oligonucleotide typing in 49 families. Six probands and two relatives had ATA. The relatives with ATA had SSc. All eight individuals with ATA directly inhibited topoisomerase-1 function. Four of the eight had limited skin disease and four had diffuse skin involvement. The seven who were genotyped had at least one HLA-DQB1 allele encoding for tyrosine at position 30 of the first domain. Therefore, ATA are not widely dispersed within families, but rather are only present in those with SSc, and certain genetic requirements appear necessary for their generation.

The photo-oxidation intermediates/end products of ethanal and propanal in oxygen and O 2 -doped low temperature matrices have been monitored by FTIR detection methods. The results for ethanal showed that the photoprocesses observed in the gas phase are mimicked at 12 K. Furthermore, the involvement of novel compounds such as methyl peroxyformate, which has not previously been identified, can be established and therefore may be of limited importance in the atmosphere. The results obtained in the propanal study were less relevant to atmospheric chemistry mechanisms than those found with ethanal for two reasons: (i) because the matrix “cage-effect” becomes of over-riding importance at 4.2 K, perhaps because of the relative bulk of the ethyl radical compared to the methyl radical; and (ii) because of the u.v. induced photomerization of parent propanal.

Elastosis perforans is a distinctive dermatologie entity, presenting patches of small, keratotie, pale to deep red papnles, arranged in ares and lines, appearing most commonly on the necks of pre-adoleseent boys. First described in 1953 by Lntz (1), as keratosis follicularis serpiginosa, and retitled "elastoma intrapapillare perforans verruciforme" by Mieseher (2), the condition has received considerable attention in the recent dermatologie literature (3—5). Dammert and Putkonen (6) suggested the term, "elastosis perforans serpiginosa," as being more appropriate and less cumbersome than Mieseher's term (2), a view with which Hitch and associates (5) concurred. We consider even this term to be somewhat unwieldy, and prefer simply "elastosis perforans," or "perforating elastosis." In January 1959, Woederman and Scott (3) listed 15 eases that had appeared in the literature up to that time, and they presented reports and discussions of two new eases from Holland. Two months later, from England, Haber (4) listed nine eases not included by Woederman and Scott and described five additional eases, while Hitch and associates (5) published the first five American eases the next month. The number of eases reported in the world literature (including those reported here) at the time of our report thus totaled 39. We wish to present two additional patients with this condition, one of whom is of particular interest since he exhibited a number of congenital ectodermal and mesodermal anomalies, the association of which may be of significance in this condition. In addition as a consequence of an unrelated farm accident, we are able to present neeropsy findings concerning this patient. The histologic aspects of elastosis perforans have been