RESUMEN
Obtaining endocrinological profiles using non-invasive methodologies by the measurement of hormone fecal metabolites is a widely used method to monitor ovarian activity and pregnancy in wild species. These tools allow the obtention of physiological information without causing capture-related stress on the individuals. In this research, we aimed to 1) biologically validate a non-invasive method to assess fecal progestagens and estrogens fluctuations during gestation in guanacos (Lama guanicoe) and 2) apply this technique to assess pregnancy in a wild free-ranging population. Fecal samples were collected through the gestation period (~12 months) of female guanacos in a 6.5-ha paddock. An increase in fecal metabolites of both hormones was detected. Progestagens increased gradually, in contrast to estrogens, which remained at basal values for most of the gestation period and peaked only a few days before calving. To assess pregnancy in wild free-ranging animals, fecal samples were collected from a population of La Payunia provincial reserve (Mendoza, Argentina) during the beginning of gestation and at the end of gestation. Through the first months of possible gestation, pregnant females represented between 40 and 80% of the population; at the end of gestation, only 20-40% of the females had confirmed pregnancies. Our results demonstrated that the polyclonal antisera and sexual hormone metabolite assays used here detect variations in the metabolites excreted through feces in guanacos and provide the possibility of non-invasive hormone monitoring of female reproductive status. Also, the findings in wild conditions suggest that natural abortions could have occurred during the first months of gestation. Although some abortions may be natural, the harsh environmental conditions that challenge the support of such a long gestational process may be another relevant factor to consider. The results obtained here enhance our understanding of the reproductive physiology of one of the most emblematic ungulates in South America.
RESUMEN
Introducción. Se han observado alteraciones espirométricas en pacientes con rinitis, sin asma, proporcionales al grado clínico de la rinitis establecido por la guía Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA). Recientemente se ha validado una nueva clasificación de la rinitis como ARIA modificada (ARIAm), que disocia la forma moderada de la grave. Se desconoce el impacto de la rinitis sobre la función pulmonar considerando su frecuencia y gravedad por separado. Objetivos. Determinar las posibles alteraciones de la función pulmonar y su potencial reversibilidad al broncodilatador en niños y adolescentes con rinitis alérgica y no alérgica sin asma, de acuerdo a su frecuencia (intermitente y persistente) y gravedad (leve, moderada y grave) establecida según ARIAm. Población y métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico de corte transversal, que incluyó pacientes de ambos sexos, entre 5 y 18 años, con rinitis alérgica y no alérgica, sin asma. Se realizó espirometría por curva flujo-volumen y se analizó la existencia de anormalidades en la función pulmonar y la respuesta broncodilatadora en relación con el grado de rinitis por ARIAm ajustando un modelo logístico. Se consideró un valor de p<0,05 para establecer significación estadística. Resultados. Se incluyeron 189 pacientes. En 42 (22,2%) se observó al menos un parámetro alterado en la función pulmonar. Los pacientes con rinitis persistente exhibieron mayor afectación de la función pulmonar que los de grado intermitente (p=0,0257). El defecto funcional fue más frecuente en las formas grave y moderada que en el grado leve (p=0,0052) y fue independiente de la condición de atopia (p=0,1574 para frecuencia y p =0,5378 para gravedad). No se encontró diferencia en la reversibilidad al broncodilatador entre los grupos (p=0,1859 y p=0,0575, respectivamente). Conclusiones. La alteración de la función pulmonar se asoció con rinitis persistente. Fue más prevalente en las formas moderada y grave pero no existieron diferencias significativas entre ambas. El defecto funcional se demostró tanto en rinitis alérgica como no alérgica. (AU)
Background: Subclinical spirometric abnormalities have been observed in patients with rhinitis without asthma, proportional to the clinical grade established by Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guideline. Recently has been validated a new criteria of rhinitis classification designed as ARIA modified (ARIAm), which allow to discrimination moderate to severe grades. Rhinitis impact on lung function according to frequency and severity considering separately is unknown. Objectives: To investigate possible subclinical alterations in lung function and bronchodilator reversibility in children and adolescents with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis without asthma, according to the frequency and severity criteria of rhinitis classified by ARIAm. Methods: In an observational cross sectional study we included children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years with symptoms of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis without asthma. Spirometry was performed by flow-volume curve and we analyzed the abnormalities in respiratory function and bronchodilator response in relation to clinical grade of rhinitis by ARIAm using an adjusted logistic model. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We studied 189 patients; 42 (22.2%) had some spirometric abnormalities. Patients with persistent rhinitis had greater impairment of lung function compared to intermittently grade (p = 0.0257). The functional defect was more frequent in rhinitis severe and moderate than mild grade (p = 0.0052) and was independent of atopy status both frequency (p = 0.1574) and severity (p=0.5378). There was no difference in bronchodilator reversibility between groups (p = 0.1859 and p = 0.0575 respectively). Conclusion: Impaired lung function was associated with persistent rhinitis. It was more prevalent in moderate and severe rhinitis, but there wasn't a significant difference between them. The functional defect was demonstrated in both allergic and nonallergic rhinitis.(AU)