ABSTRACT In the present work a method for the detection of the cardiac pathology known as atrial fibrillation is proposed by calculating different information, statistics and other nonlinear measures over ECG signals. The original database contains records corresponding to patients who are diagnosed with this disease as well as healthy subjects. To formulate the dataset the Rényi permutation entropy, Fisher information measure, statistical complexity, Lyapunov exponent and fractal dimension were calculated, in order to determine how to combine this features to optimize the identification of the signals coming from ECG with the above mentioned cardiac pathology. With the aim to improve the results obtained in previous studies, a classification method based upon decision trees algorithms is implemented. Later a Montecarlo simulation of one thousand trials is performed with a seventy percent randomly selected from the dataset dedicated to train the classifier and the remaining thirty percent reserved to test in every trial. The quality of the classification is assessed through the computation of the area under the receiver operation characteristic curve (ROC), the F1-score and other classical performance metrics, such as the balanced accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted values. The results show that the incorporation of all these features to the dataset when are employed to train the classifier in the training task produces the best classification, in such a way that the largest quality parameter is achieved.

Findings from an urban community optometry clinic in a poor area of Johannesburg, South Africa (SA), highlighted a high level of undiagnosed need, raising questions concerning access to and availability of eye-care services in SA. It is imperative that we understand vision as a requisite for poverty alleviation, and the need for a public health approach to service delivery.

Objective: To describe the epidemiology, clinical features and visual prognosis in uveitis associated with demyelinating disease (DD) of the CNS. Methods A clinical, retrospective, and descriptive study was performed. Data regarding age at presentation, gender, time from onset was recorded, as well as, type of uveitis, complications, treatment and initial and final visual acuity (BCVA) on all patients with DD-associated uveitis diagnosed in our Unit between January 2009 and June 2011. Results: Five women and 4 men were finally included (1.3% of 697 with uveitis). There was associated multiple sclerosis in 78% of cases. Mean age at presentation was 36.6 years for uveitis and 40 years for DD. The uveitis preceded the DD in 3 cases (33%). Typically, uveitis was bilateral (89%), chronic (89%), intermediate (89%), and associated with previous inflammation (29%), with synechiae (65%), and granulomatous (44%). The most frequent complications were cataract (71%) and macular oedema (53%). Besides local treatment, uveitis was managed with systemic steroids (78%), immunosuppressants (44%), and surgery (41% of eyes). After a mean follow up of 5 years, 47% of the eyes had a worse BCVA, among which, 12% lost > 3 Snellen lines. The only patient treated with interferon (IFN), remained stable without treatment for the last 7 years. Conclusions: DD-associated uveitis typically affected young adult women with intermediate-anterior uveitis of chronic, bilateral and synechiae type. Complications are common and there is a risk of visual loss, despite treatment. IFN therapy may be an effective alternative to be investigated.

Objetivo: Describir la epidemiología, características clínicas y pronóstico visual de las uveítis asociadas a enfermedad desmielinizante (ED) del SNC. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo de serie clínica. Se recogieron la edad de presentación y el sexo, el tiempo de evolución, el tipo de uveítis, las complicaciones, el tratamiento instaurado y la agudeza visual (AVmc), basal y final, de todos los pacientes con uveítis asociada a ED diagnosticada en nuestro Servicio entre enero de 2009 y junio de 2011. Resultados: Se incluyó a cinco mujeres y cuatro hombres (1,3% de 697 uveítis atendidas). Asociaron esclerosis múltiple un 78%. La edad media de presentación de la uveítis fue de 36,6 años y de la ED, 40 años. La uveítis antecedió a la ED en 3 casos (33%). La uveítis fue, típicamente, bilateral (89%), crónica (89%) e intermedia (89%) y asociada a inflamación anterior (29%), sinequiante (65%) y granulomatosa (44%). Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron: catarata (71%) y edema macular (53%). Además del tratamiento local, la uveítis se manejó con esteroides sistémicos (78%), inmunosupresores (44%) y cirugía (41% de ojos). Tras un seguimiento medio de 5 años, un 47% de los ojos empeoró su AVmc, perdiendo > 3 líneas de Snellen en un 12%. La única paciente tratada con interferón (IFN), permaneció estable sin tratamiento durante los últimos 7 años. Conclusiones: La uveítis asociada a ED afecta típicamente a mujeres adultas jóvenes con uveítis intermedias-anteriores, crónicas, bilaterales y sinequiantes. Las complicaciones son frecuentes y existe riesgo de pérdida visual, a pesar del tratamiento. La terapia con IFN podría ser una alternativa eficaz a investigar.

Se evaluó el uso de larvas de Lucilia sericata en el tratamiento de heridas infectadas en cuatro casos de animales. Se emplearon dos bovinos, un caballo y un canino tratados con terapia larval en la clínica veterinaria de la Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá-Colombia. Se desarrolló el protocolo de desinfección de huevos embrionados de L. sericata. Al eclosionar las larvas asépticas de primer estadio se colocaron sobre las úlceras de los animales, cubriéndolas con vendajes. La evaluación macroscópica de las heridas, con base en una prueba estandarizada, permitió asignar para las variables de olor, presencia de exudado e inflamación, los puntajes óptimos a los nueve y 12 días del tratamiento en tanto que para el nuevo tejido de granulación la mejor calificación se estableció el día nueve. La acción de las larvas sobre las heridas produjo la remoción del tejido necrótico, el control de la infección y la aparición de un renovado tejido de granulación, todo condujo a la cicatrización de las lesiones de los animales en un tiempo máximo de 15 días. Se demostró la eficacia de las larvas de L. sericata en el tratamiento de heridas infectadas de los animales. Sobre esta base, se presenta la terapia larval como una alternativa efectiva para el tratamiento de heridas en diversas especies de animales.

The use of Lucilia sericata larvae in the treatment of infected wounds in four animal cases was evaluated. We used two bovines, one horse and one canine treated with maggot therapy in the veterinary clinic of the University of La Salle, Bogotá-Colombia. We developed the protocol for disinfection of the embrionic eggs of L. sericata. After eclosion, aseptic first instars were placed on the animal wounds, and these were covered with bandages. The macroscopic evaluation of the wounds, based on a standardized test, allowed us to assign for the variables of odor, presence of exudate and inflammation, the optimal scores at nine and 12 days treatment, while for the new granulation tissue the best rating was established on day nine. The action of the larvae on the wounds produced the removal of the necrotic tissue, control of infection and the formation of renewed granulation tissue, all leading to the healing of the lesions in the animals in a maximum of 15 days. The effectiveness of L. sericata larvae in the treatment of infected animal wounds was demonstrated. Based on this, maggot therapy is presented as an effective alternative for the treatment of wounds in diverse animal species.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pars plana vitrectomy in the management of patients with pars planitis. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical course, post-operative complications and recurrent uveal inflamation following pars plana vitrectomy in patients with pars planitis. Results: The study included 22 eyes of 19 patients. The mean follow-up was 55.7 (±39.6) months (range 7 - 144 months). The surgical indications were, persistent vitreous opacities in 10 eyes, vitreous haemorrhage in 9 eyes, and epiretinal membrane in 3 eyes. There was an improvement in the clinical course of the uveitis in 19 of the 22 eyes (86.4%), allowing the suspension of the systemic treatment in 16 patients. An improvement of the visual acuity was observed in 20 eyes (90.9%). The most common post-operative complications were, lens opacities in 9 eyes (40.9%), and glaucoma in 4 eyes (18.2%). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that pars plana vitrectomy has a beneficial effect on the course and visual function of patients with vitreo-retinal complications associated with pars planitis.

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la vitrectomía pars plana en pacientes diagnosticados de pars planitis. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo del curso clínico, las complicaciones postoperatorias y recurrencia de la uveítis tras la realización de vitrectomía pars plana en pacientes con pars planitis. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio 22 ojos de 19 pacientes con pars planitis. El tiempo medio de seguimiento postoperatorio fue de 55,7 meses (rango 7 - 144 meses). Las indicaciones quirúrgicas fueron opacidades vítreas persistentes en 10 ojos, hemorragia vítrea en 9 ojos, y membrana epirretiniana en 3 ojos. En 19 de los 22 ojos (86,4%) hubo una mejoría en el curso de la uveítis que permitió la suspensión del tratamiento sistémico en 16 pacientes. Veinte ojos (90,9%) mejoraron la agudeza visual postoperatoriamente. Las complicaciones postoperatorias más frecuentes fueron opacidad de cristalino en 9 ojos (40,9%) y glaucoma en 4 ojos (18,2%). Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que la vitrectomía vía pars plana tiene un efecto beneficioso en el curso y en la función visual de los pacientes con complicaciones vitreo-retinianas asociadas a pars planitis.

Purpose: To report the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic features of ocular toxoplasmosis in an immigrant population in the Barcelona area. Methods: A retrospective non-comparative observational study was conducted on a case series of 22 immigrant patients diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis by ophthalmoscopic and serological findings. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were analysed under baseline conditions. The minimum follow-up was 6 months. Results: Bilateral involvement was observed in five of the 22 patients (22.7%), a total of 27 eyes being affected by active lesions and old scars. Atypical presentations, including multiple or large necrotizing lesions, were observed in 5 eyes (25%). In 15 eyes (75%) the retinal lesions were associated with intraocular inflammation. Vitreoretinal complications were observed in eight eyes (29.6%), with 22.7% of them requiring vitreous surgery. Conclusions: In immigrant patients from our area in Barcelona, ocular toxoplasmosis has specific clinical and prognostic features, including high rates of atypical presentations, frequent intraocular inflammation, and vitreoretinal complications, requiring surgery in most of the cases.

Propósito: Describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y pronósticas de la toxoplasmosis ocular en un grupo de población inmigrante de nuestra área. Método: Para ello se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo no-comparativo de 22 pacientes inmigrantes diagnosticados de toxoplasmosis ocular mediante oftalmoscopía y serología. Se evaluaron datos demográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio basalmente. Los pacientes fueron seguidos por un período mínimo de 6 meses. Resultados: Cinco de los 22 pacientes (22,7%) tenían afectación bilateral, presentando lesiones activas y/o cicatriciales un total de 27 ojos. En cinco ojos (25%) se evidenciaron lesiones atípicas retinianas en forma de múltiples focos de retinitis o áreas extensas de necrosis. En quince ojos (75%) las lesiones retinianas se acompañaron de signos inflamatorios intraoculares. En ocho ojos (29,6%) aparecieron complicaciones vítreo-retinianas precisando de cirugía de vitrectomía cinco de ellos (22,7%). Conclusiones: La toxoplasmosis ocular en pacientes inmigrantes de nuestra área tiene unas características clínicas y pronósticas específicas que incluyen el presentar unas tasas elevadas de formas atípicas, acompañarse frecuentemente de inflamación intraocular y tener asociadas complicaciones vítreo-retinianas que requieren en la mayoría de los casos cirugía de vitrectomía.

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar las habilidades de comunicación interpersonal, la comunicación afectiva de pareja, la empatía, los rasgos de personalidad considerados machistas y sumisos, y la aceptación del uso de la violencia hacia la mujer. Se contó con un grupo de 106 adolescentes (55 varones y 51 mujeres), entre 14 y 18 años de edad, que habían presenciado violencia del padre hacia la madre, mediante su comparación grupal y por género con una muestra de 105 adolescentes (46 varones y 59 mujeres) con rasgos sociodemográficos similares, que no habían sido testigos de ese tipo de violencia. Se encontró que los y las adolescentes espectadores de violencia se adjudicaban más rasgos de personalidad considerados machistas y sumisos, respectivamente, que sus pares masculinos y femeninos. Los y las adolescentes del primer grupo también se mostraron más de acuerdo con una de las catorce afirmaciones que se utilizaron para evaluar la aceptación del uso de la violencia hacia la mujer. Las adolescentes de dicho grupo, en particular, se manifestaron más a favor de dos de dichas frases que sus pares femeninas.

The aim of this research project was to assess interpersonal communication skills, affective communication with the partner, empathy, chauvinist and submissive personality traits, and acceptance of violence toward women in a group of 106 adolescents (55 males and 51 females) between the ages of 14 and 18, who had witnessed violence of their father toward their mother, as compared to another group of 105 adolescents (46 males and 59 females) with similar socio-demographic characteristics, who had not witnessed this type of violence. It was found that the adolescents who had witnessed violence showed more personality traits regarded as chauvinist and submissive than their respective male and female counterparts. In addition, the adolescents of the first group showed more agreement with one of the fourteen statements that were used to assess acceptance of violence toward women. In particular, the female adolescents in this group showed more agreement with two of those statements than their female counterparts in the second group.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar as habilidades de comunicação interpessoal, comunicação afetiva de casal, empatia, traços de personalidade considerados machistas e submissos, e aceitação da violência contra a mulher. Foi conformado um grupo de 106 adolescentes (55 varões e 51 mulheres) entre 14 e 18 anos, que haviam presenciado a violência do pai contra a mãe, e foi comparado como grupo e por gênero com uma amostra de 105 adolescentes (46 varões e 59 mulheres) com traços socio-demográficos semelhantes, que não haviam sido testigos dessa classe de violência. As e os adolescentes espectadores de violência ajudicavam-se mais traços de personalidade considerados machistas e submissos que os seus pares masculinos e femininos. As e os adolescentes do primeiro grupo também estiveram mais de acordo com uma das 14 afirmaçõs utilizadas para avaliar a aceitação do uso da violência contra a mulher. As adolescentes deste grupo, sobretudo, manifestaram-se mais em favor de dois dessas frases do que os seus pares femininas.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar retrospectivamente por 3 anos a partir de dados salivares, as terapias com carbamacepina (CBZ) e ácido valproico (VPA) em pacientes pediátricos. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas amostras de saliva estimuladas com ácido cítrico por método FPIA em 103 pacientes (idades 1-14 anos) em monoterapia com CBZ ou VPA ou terapia combinada CBZ-VPA. RESULTADOS: Níveis salivares de VPA se relacionaram linearmente com a dose diária, e a relação não linear foi encontrada em pacientes com CBZ. VPA não alterou as concentrações salivares de CBZ, porém a CBZ reduziu os níveis salivares de VPA em pacientes com terapia combinada. Pacientes refratários apresentaram altas concentrações de VPA. Os níveis de CBZ em pacientes não controlados não apresentaram diferenças significativas em relação aos pacientes controlados quando as doses diárias foram mais elevadas. CONCLUSÃO: Saliva estimulada com ácido cítrico é adequada para o monitoramento terapêutico. Níveis da droga na saliva em pacientes que não responderam ao tratamento pode ser explicado pelo transporte de efluxo generalizado.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze retrospectively carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproic acid (VPA) salivary data collected from epileptic children during a 3-year period. METHODS: Saliva samples stimulated by citric acid were assayed by FPIA method. One hundred and three patients (aged 1-14 years) were in CBZ or VPA monotherapy or in CBZ-VPA combined therapy. RESULTS: VPA salivary levels were linearly related with daily dose, but a non-linear relationship was found for CBZ, in patients under monotherapy. VPA did not alter saliva CBZ concentration. Conversely, CBZ reduced VPA salivary levels. Non-responsive children displayed higher VPA concentrations. CBZ levels in uncontrolled patients showed non-significant difference in relation with controlled subjects even though their daily doses were higher. CONCLUSION: Citric acid stimulated saliva is reliable enough to perform therapeutic drug monitoring. Saliva drug levels in non-responsive patients would be explained according to the generalized efflux transporter overexpression hypothesis.

Objective: Corneal topography and thickness has clinical importance in contact lens fitting and refractive surgery, however repeated measurement of corneal thickness and curvature is complicated by the natural phenomenon of diurnal variation. Our aim was determine diurnal variations of central and paracentral corneal thickness and curvature over a period of ten hours. Materials and methods: Corneal thickness and curvature of 10 right eyes of 10 young healthy men were determined by Orbscan Topography System and EyeSys videokeratoscope respectively. Both parameters were determined for central and paracentral regions 1 mm and 2 mm from the centre of the cornea at 2-hour internals for ten hours. Results: The cornea was thickest and flattest on awakening. There was a difference in corneal thickness (ANOVA, Schfféc method p< 0.05) and curvature (ANOVA, Tamhane method p< 0.05) over time for all the corneal locations studied, with greater changes observed in the peripheral corneal data. The minimum value was 10 and 8 hours after eye opening for central and paracentral zones, respectively. Change in central and paracentral corneal thickness was strongly correlated with corneal curvature, except for the 2 mm nasal and superior semi-meridians. Conclusions: These data indicate a shift in corneal thickness and curvature that can be of clinical relevance as individual changes vary greatly.

Objetivo: La topografía y espesor de la córnea tienen una gran importancia clínica en la adaptación de lentes de contacto y en cirugía refractiva. Sin embargo, la repetibilidad en las medidas de estos parámetros se ve comprometida por el fenómeno natural de las variaciones diurnas. Nuestro objetivo es determinar las variaciones diurnas de espesor y curvatura corneal central y paracentral durante un periodo de 10 horas. Material y método: Se determinó la curvatura y espesor corneal en los ojos derechos de 10 varones jóvenes mediante Orbscan y videoqueratoscopio respectivamente. Ambos parámetros fueron determinados para la zona central y paracentral a 1 y 2 mm del centro de la córnea, cada dos horas durante un periodo de 10 horas. Resultados: La córnea presentaba su espesor máximo y curvatura mínima al abrir el ojo. Se observó una variación estadísticamente significativa de espesor (ANOVA, método de Schefféc p< 0,05) y de curvatura (ANOVA, método de Tamhane p < 0,05) a lo largo del día en todas las localizaciones estudiadas, si bien la variación y los rangos de valores en la zona paracentral eran mayores. Los valores mínimos para ambos parámetros se observaron a las 10 y 8 horas después de abrir los ojos para las zonas central y paracentral respectivamente. Las variaciones de espesor y curvatura estaban altamente correlacionadas excepto para la localización nasal y superior a 2 mm del centro. Conclusiones: Estos datos evidencian un cambio en espesor y curvatura que pueden ser de relevancia clínica atendiendo a la variación individual encontrada.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue realizar un análisis bibliométrico de las tesis de pregrado y de postgrado que se habían realizado desde el enfoque de terapia y modificación del comportamiento, en las instituciones de educación superior de Bogotá (capital de Colombia), hasta el año 2003 (incluido). Para ello se analizaron las siguientes variables: a) número de tesis por década, b) número de tesis por director, c) número de tesis por cada una de las técnicas y programas de terapia y modificación del comportamiento implementados, d) número de tesis por cada una de las problemáticas que se abordó en las mismas, e) número de tesis por década correspondiente a cada una de las técnicas implementadas y f) número de tesis por década perteneciente a cada una de las problemáticas que se abordó en dichas tesis. En total se analizaron 119 tesis correspondientes a ocho instituciones de educación superior de la ciudad, entre las cuales se pudieron identificar 30 técnicas o programas terapéuticos pertenecientes al enfoque en cuestión y 50 problemáticas abordadas a través de dichas técnicas o programas. Los resultados se discutieron en términos de la evolución que ha exhibido el enfoque a lo largo del período estudiado.

The objective of this investigation was to carry out a bibliometric analysis of the pre graduate and post graduate theses about behavior therapy and behavior modification, which had been concluded until the year 2003 (included) in the universities of the city of Bogotá (capital of Colombia) that offered the career of Psychology. With this purpose they were analyzed on the basis of the following variables: to) number of theses found per decade, b) theses number for director, c) number of theses for each one of the implemented behavior therapy and modification techniques and programs, d) number of theses for each one of the problems that was approached by these theses, e) theses number per decade corresponding to each one of the implemented techniques and programs and f) theses number per decade belonging to each one of the problems that was approached. In total 119 theses corresponding to eight universities of the city were analyzed, which involved 30 therapeutic techniques or programs and 50 problems approached through this techniques or programs. The results were discussed in terms of the evolution that has exhibited the behavior therapy and behavior modification approach during the studied period.

The Sister Joseph's nodule represents an umbilical cutaneous metastasis. It is related to one intraabdominal neoplasia habitually. We presents a 71-year-old male, with the Sister Joseph's nodule, detected in the context of unknown origin carcinoma. The fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the Sister Joseph's nodule showed carcinoma. We comments the usefulness diagnosis of this clinical sign and the poor prognosis that it represents.

El nódulo de la hermana María José representa una metástasis cutánea umbilical, relacionada habitualmente con una neoplasia intraabdominal. Se presenta un paciente de 71 años, con el nódulo de la hermana María José, detectado en el contexto de un carcinoma de origen desconocido, que fue diagnosticado por punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) de dicho nódulo. Se comenta la utilidad diagnóstica de dicho signo clínico, y el pobre pronóstico que representa.

A maturação ovocitária final (FOM) é um processo complexo que envolve mecanismos genéticos, bioquímicos e morfológicos que conduzem à transformação de um ovócito pós-vitelogênico em um ovócito apto a ser fertilizado. Esse processo está regulado pelo hormônio esteróide indutor da maturação ovocitária final (MIS), o qual é sintetizado no folículo. Em outras espécies de Sciaenidae, o MIS foi identificado como um derivado hidroxilado da progesterona 17, 20beta, 21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20beta-S). Micropogonias furnieri é um recurso superexplorado na costa uruguaia, contudo, seus processos endócrinos são pouco conhecidos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi pesquisar quais esteróides são sintetizados in vitro pelos folículos em maturação de M. furnieri. Fragmentos de ovários (1 g) foram incubados em três estágios diferentes: pós-vitelogênese (PV), em maturação (Mtg) e maduros (M) com 1 mig/g de progesterona tritriada (P) durante 30, 60 e 180 min. Depois da extração dos esteróides com etanol e diclorometano, esses foram purificados e identificados utilizando-se TLC, rpHPLC e oxidação enzimática. Foram identificados dois derivados de progesterona com idênticas propriedades cromatográficas ao 20beta-S e 17,20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20beta-P), os quais, em outras espécies de peixes, apresentam atividade biológica como o MIS. A 17,20beta-P foi observada claramente nos estágios Mtg e M e confirmada pela oxidação com a enzima 20beta-HSD. A 20beta-S foi claramente observada nos ovários em maturação (Mtg). Os resultados não permitiram confirmar que 20beta-S é o hormônio mais sintetizado nos estágios estudados, como ocorre em outras espécies de ciaenídeos, mas a presença de uma síntese diferencial no estágio de maturação sugere que 20beta-S esteja atuando como o MIS em M. furnieri.

Final oocyte maturation (FOM) is a process involving a complex set of genetical, biochemical, and morphological mechanisms. FOM involves the shift of a post-vitellogenic follicle to a pre-ovulated oocyte, which is necessary for fertilization by spermatozoan to occur. This process is regulated by a maturation-inducing steroid (MIS) at the follicular level. In other species of scienids fish the MIS, a hydroxilated derivatives of progestagen 17, 20beta, 21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20beta-S), was identified. Although Micropogonias furnieri is the second fishery resource of Uruguay, basic knowledge about its endocrine process is very scarce. The aim of this work was to investigate what steroids are synthesized in vitro by the oocyte follicle of M. furnieri during the maturation process. Fragments of ovary (1 g) in three stages: post-vitellogenic (PV), maturing (Mtg), and mature (M) were incubated with 1 mug.g-1 of tritiated progesterone (P) at 30, 60, and 180 min. After extraction with ethanol and dichloromethane, steroid metabolites were purified by TLC and rpHPLC. Two progesterone derivatives with identical chromatographic properties of 20beta-S and 17,20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20beta-P) were purified. In other Teleost fish these steroids are biologically activ as MIS. The 17,20beta-P was clearly detected in Mtg and M stages and confirmed by enzymatic oxidation with enzyme 20beta-HSD. The 20beta-S was strongly detected in all Mtg oocytes. The results do not corroborate 20beta-S as a major hormone synthesized in the ovary in FOM as occurs in other scienid fish. A differential steroid synthesis in the advanced oocyte stages suggests that the 20beta-S is acting as a MIS in M. furnieri.