Comparative electron microscopy study of spermatozoa in snakes (Lepidosauria, Squamata).

The ultrastructure of snake sperm has received substantial attention primarily because snakes exhibit considerable variability in reproductive characteristics between species, with a wide range of mating systems and reproductive behaviors. Variability of sperm morphology among snake species may be associated with the reproductive strategies of each taxon, such as competition or sperm storage. We provide a detailed description of the sperm ultrastructure of nine snake species (Anilius scytale, Tropidophis paucisquamis, Bothrops jararaca, Oxyrhopus guibei, Dipsas mikanii, Micrurus corallinus, Xenopholis scalaris, Acrochordus javanicus, and Cylindrophis ruffus) and compared this with sperm data from the literature for the following taxa: Liotyphlops beui, Amerotyphlops reticulatus, Trilepida koppesi, Anilios waitii, Anilios endoterus, Aspidites melanochephalus, Boa constrictor amarali, Corallus hortulana, Epicrates cenchria, Boa constrictor occidentalis, Eryx jayakari, Micrurus corallinus, Micrurus surinamensis, Micrurus frontalis, Micrurus altirostris, Oxyuranus microlepidotus, Bothrops alternatus, Bothrops diporus, Crotalus durissus, Agkistrodon contortrix, Vipera aspis, Boiga irregularis, Zamenis schrenckii, Zamenis scalaris, Stegonotus cuculatus, Nerodia sipedon, Liodytes pygaea, and Myrrophis chinensis. We found twelve polymorphic characters in the ultrastructure of sperm among the described snakes. Our work supports the importance of ultrastructural analysis of sperm morphology to understand snake reproduction, and provides sperm-derived morphological characters for phylogenetic analysis.

Assessing the trophic ecology and migration on the exposure of cape petrels and Wilson's storm petrels from Antarctica to perfluoroalkylated substances, trace and major elements.

Chemical pollution is a global concern as contaminants are transported and reach even the remote regions of Antarctica. Seabirds serve as important sentinels of pollution due to their high trophic position and wide distribution. This study examines the influence of migration and trophic ecology on the exposure of two Antarctic seabirds, Wilson's storm petrel (Oceanites oceanicus - Ooc), and Cape petrel (Daption capense - Dca), to chemical elements and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Our methodology involved assessing the concentration of these pollutants in feather samples obtained from carcasses, offering a practical means for monitoring contamination. Trace and major element concentrations were comparable in both species, suggesting that migratory patterns have a minimal impact on exposure levels. However, Ooc had higher concentration of PFAS compared to Dca (mean, ng g-1dry weight, PFOA: Ooc:0.710, Dca:0.170; PFTrDA: Ooc:0.550, Dca:0.360, and PFTeDA: Ooc:1.01, Dca:0.190), indicating that migration to the more polluted Northern Hemisphere significantly affects PFAS exposure. Furthermore, while no strong associations were found between either trace elements or PFAS and the three stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S), a negative association was observed between PFUnDA and δ15N, hinting at potential biodilution. The research concludes that the migratory patterns of these seabird species affect their PFAS exposure, underscoring the critical need for further exploration and understanding of these relationships to better inform conservation strategies.

A rotationally-driven dynamic solid phase sodium bisulfite conversion disc for forensic epigenetic sample preparation.

The approaches to forensic human identification (HID) are largely comparative in nature, relying upon the comparison of short tandem repeat profiles to known reference materials and/or database profiles. However, many profiles are generated from evidence materials that either do not have a reference material for comparison or do not produce a database hit. As an alternative to individualizing analysis for HID, researchers of forensic DNA have demonstrated that the human epigenome can provide a wealth of information. However, epigenetic analysis requires sodium b̲is̲ulfite c̲onversion (BSC), a sample preparation method that is time-consuming, labor-intensive, prone to contamination, and characterized by DNA loss and fragmentation. To provide an alternative method for BSC that is more amenable to integration with the forensic DNA workflow, we describe a rotationally-driven, microfluidic method for dynamic solid phase-BSC (dSP-BSC) that streamlines the sample preparation process in an automated format, capable of preparing up to four samples in parallel. The method permitted decreased incubation intervals by ∼36% and was assessed for relative DNA recovery and conversion efficiency and compared to gold-standard and enzymatic approaches.

Mercury exposure in Antarctic seabirds: Assessing the influence of trophic position and migration patterns.

Although naturally present in the environment, mercury (Hg) input is significantly amplified by anthropogenic activities on a global scale, leading to a growing concern about the recent increase in Hg levels observed in Antarctica. This study investigated total mercury (THg) concentrations in feathers and eggs of resident and migratory Antarctic seabirds. Stable isotope data (δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S) were employed to ascertain the key factors influencing the exposure of these species to Hg. We gathered feathers and eggs from three resident species - Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, as well as five migratory species - Snowy Sheathbill, Antarctic Tern, Southern Giant Petrel, Kelp Gull, and South Polar Skua. These samples were collected from Admiralty Bay, King George Island, in the Antarctica Peninsula. For all species, THg concentrations were higher in feathers (mean ± SD: 2267 ± 2480 ng g-1 dw) than in eggs (906 ± 1461 ng g-1 dw). Species occupying higher trophic positions, such as the Southern Giant Petrel (5667 ± 1500 ng g-1 dw) and South Polar Skua (4216 ± 1101 ng. g-1 dw), exhibited higher THg levels in their feathers than those at lower positions, like Antarctic Tern (1254 ± 400 ng g-1 dw) and Chinstrap Penguin (910 ± 364 ng g-1 dw). The δ15N values, which serve as a proxy for the trophic position, significantly correlated with THg concentrations. These findings reveal that trophic position influences THg concentrations in Antarctic seabirds. Migration did not appear to significantly affect the exposure of seabirds to THg, contrary to initial expectations. This research highlights the importance of evaluating the impacts of THg contamination on the Antarctic ecosystem by considering a variety of species. This multi-species approach offers critical insights into the factors that may potentially influence the exposure of these species to contaminants.

Colchicine reduces the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether colchicine treatment was associated with the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We present a post hoc analysis from a double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial (RCT) on the effect of colchicine for the treatment of COVID-19. Serum levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome products-active caspase-1 (Casp1p20), IL-1ß, and IL-18-were assessed at enrollment and after 48-72 h of treatment in patients receiving standard-of-care (SOC) plus placebo vs. those receiving SOC plus colchicine. The colchicine regimen was 0.5 mg tid for 5 days, followed by 0.5 mg bid for another 5 days. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients received SOC plus colchicine, and thirty-six received SOC plus placebo. Colchicine reduced the need for supplemental oxygen and the length of hospitalization. On Days 2-3, colchicine lowered the serum levels of Casp1p20 and IL-18, but not IL-1ß. CONCLUSION: Treatment with colchicine inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, an event triggering the 'cytokine storm' in COVID-19. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: RBR-8jyhxh.

Trace elements in migratory species arriving to Antarctica according to their migration range.

The levels of eighteen trace elements (TEs) were evaluated in association with stable isotopes (δ15N, δ34S, and δ13C) in feathers and eggs of five migratory species breeding on the Antarctic Peninsula to test the factors that influence their exposure to contaminants. The feathers of seabirds migrating to the Northern Hemisphere (South polar skua) have concentrations (mean ± SD, µg. g-1) of Li (1.71 ± 2.08) and Mg (1169.5 ± 366.8) one order of magnitude higher than southern migrants, such as Snowy sheathbill Li (0.01 ± 0.005) and Mg (499.6 ± 111.9). Feathers had significantly higher concentrations for 11 of a total of 18 metals measured compared to eggs. South polar skua have higher concentrations of all TEs in eggs compared to antarctic tern. Therefore, the present study showed that migration and trophic ecology (δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S) influence Fe, Mn, Cu, and Se concentrations in feathers of Antarctic seabirds. The concentrations of Cu, Mn, Rb, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr are higher than previously reported, which may be due to increased local and global human activities.

In vivo evaluation of the potential protective effects of prolactin against damage caused by methylmercury.

Non-biodegradable metals such as mercury accumulate in living organisms during life (bioaccumulation) and also within trophic webs (biomagnification) and may reach high concentrations in humans. The contamination of humans by mercury in drinking water and food may be common, in particular in riverside communities that have a diet rich in fish. In vitro studies of human cell lines exposed to the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of methylmercury have shown that prolactin has potential cytoprotective properties and may act as a co-mitogenic factor and inhibitor of apoptosis. The present in vivo study investigated the protective potential of prolactin against the toxic effects of methylmercury in the mammal Mus musculus. Histological and biochemical analyses, together with biomarker of genotoxicity, were used to verify the protective potential of prolactin in mice exposed to methylmercury. The reduction in kidney and liver tissue damage was not significant. However, results of biochemical and genotoxic analyses were excellent. After prolactin treatment, a significant reduction was observed in biochemical parameters and mutagenic effects of methylmercury. The study results therefore indicated that prolactin has protective effects against the toxicity of methylmercury and allowed us to suggest the continuation of research to propose prolactin in the future, as an alternative to prevent the damage caused by mercury, especially in populations that are more exposed.

Effect of nerve growth factor-ß administered at insemination for lactating Holstein dairy cows bred after timed-artificial insemination protocol.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of nerve growth factor-ß (NGF), purified from bulls' seminal plasma and administered at the time of artificial insemination (AI), on progesterone post-AI, interferon-stimulated genes (ISG), and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) for lactating Holstein dairy cows enrolled in a timed-AI protocol. We hypothesized that administration of NGF at the time of AI would increase plasma progesterone post-AI, upregulate relative abundance of ISG, and improve P/AI in lactating dairy cows. Holstein cows (n = 557) from a single commercial dairy farm were blocked by parity and randomly assigned to receive an intramuscular injection containing 296 µg of bovine purified NGF at the time of AI, diluted in 2 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (NGF: n = 275), or receive only the 2 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (control: n = 282). Plasma progesterone and corpus luteum size were assessed in a subset of cows (NGF: n = 32; control: n = 36) at d 7, 14, and 19 post-AI. Relative mRNA abundance of ISG (ISG15, MX1, MX2, and RTP4) was assessed in peripheral blood leukocytes on d 19 post-AI. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 37 and 65 d post-AI. There was an interaction effect between treatment and parity for plasma progesterone; however, plasma progesterone and ISG did not differ between treatments. There were no effects of NGF for P/AI at 37 d post-AI (NGF = 40.0% vs. control = 41.6%), 65 d post-AI (NGF = 36.0% vs. control = 38.1%), and for pregnancy loss (NGF = 8.4% vs. control = 7.7%). The current study revealed that effects to NGF in lactating Holstein cows were minor and contingent with parity for progesterone, and no improvement in ISG relative abundance and P/AI were observed.

Ventral feathers contained the highest mercury level in brown booby (Sula leucogaster), a pantropical seabird species.

Seabirds are extensively used as environmental biomonitors and feathers are among the most analyzed matrices because they are one of the main excretory pathways to detoxify the bird's body of environmental contaminants. Still, there is a variation in contamination level between the different feathers of seabird species, driven by diet and physiology, such as molt strategy and feather formation sequence. We measured total mercury (THg) concentration in different types of feathers (wing, tail, ventral and dorsal) of the same individual in adults and juveniles of brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) from the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Brown booby had higher mean THg concentration (µg.g-1 d. w.) in ventral (adults: 6.46 ± 1.19, 4.79 to 8.34; juveniles: 4.23 ± 0.60, 3.07 to 5.07) and wing (adults: 5.85 ± 1.10, 4.66 to 8.32; juveniles: 3.86 ± 0.54, 3.23 to 4.63), compared to dorsal (adults: 4.52 ± 1.33, 3.01 to 6.44; juveniles: 3.51 ± 0.19, 3.29 to 3.8) and tail feathers (adults: 2.94 ± 0.45, 2.32 to 3.46; juveniles: 2.8 ± 0.23, 2.45 to 3.08). This difference may be explained because feathers grow in a specific sequence during molts leading to different THg concentrations in each type of feather. Additionally, juveniles had significantly lower concentrations of THg than adults in all feather types, which may be explained by the shorter life span, leading to less time to bioaccumulate Hg in their body. It is essential to choose carefully which feather type is more suitable to be used as a biomonitor of THg contamination in a particular species. For brown boobies, we suggest the use of ventral feathers, which represent the highest Hg concentration, are easy to sample and do not impair the seabird's flight ability, although more studies are needed to replicate these results in other tropical seabirds species.

Allergic sensitization to Storage Dust Mites: a prospective study of patients with respiratory allergy

Summary: Objectives. To describe the prevalence of allergic sensitization to Storage Dust Mites (SDM), access whether the place of living and occupational exposure were determinants for SDM sensitization and study association between Lepidoglyphus destructor and other SDM sensitization. Methods. Prospective analysis of patients evaluated for suspected allergic rhinitis and/or asthma that performed Skin Prick Tests (SPT) to SDM between January and December 2018 in our Department. Results. Two hundred consecutive patients were evaluated for rhinitis and/or asthma in our outpatient consultation: 123 (61.5%) presented positivity for at least one SDM, 68.3% were female and the mean age was 33.1 ± 12.12. Lepidoglyphus destructor (69.9%) was the most prevalent, followed by Tyrophagus putrescentiae (50.4%), Blomia tropicalis and Glycyphagus domesticus (48.8%) and Acarus siro (24.4%). Living in a rural place was not associated with a higher prevalence of sensitization to SDM, except for Acarus siro (p = 0.032), and working in a place with storage areas was not associated with sensitization to any of SDM. Sensitization to Lepidoglyphus destructor was associated with sensitization to Blomia tropicalis, Glycyphagus domesticus and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (p less than 0.005), but not with Acarus siro.Conclusions. Our study suggests that our population, independently of their occupational exposure and place of residency, are sensitized to SDM and that evaluation of sensitization to SDM should be considered as standard practice.

In vivo evaluation of the potential protective effects of prolactin against damage caused by methylmercury

Non-biodegradable metals such as mercury accumulate in living organisms during life (bioaccumulation) and also within trophic webs (biomagnification) and may reach high concentrations in humans. The contamination of humans by mercury in drinking water and food may be common, in particular in riverside communities that have a diet rich in fish. In vitro studies of human cell lines exposed to the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of methylmercury have shown that prolactin has potential cytoprotective properties and may act as a co-mitogenic factor and inhibitor of apoptosis. The present in vivo study investigated the protective potential of prolactin against the toxic effects of methylmercury in the mammal Mus musculus. Histological and biochemical analyses, together with biomarker of genotoxicity, were used to verify the protective potential of prolactin in mice exposed to methylmercury. The reduction in kidney and liver tissue damage was not significant. However, results of biochemical and genotoxic analyses were excellent. After prolactin treatment, a significant reduction was observed in biochemical parameters and mutagenic effects of methylmercury. The study results therefore indicated that prolactin has protective effects against the toxicity of methylmercury and allowed us to suggest the continuation of research to propose prolactin in the future, as an alternative to prevent the damage caused by mercury, especially in populations that are more exposed.

Assays of genotoxic damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of individuals occupationally exposed to different x-ray systems in hospital radiology departments.

We obtained peripheral blood lymphocyte samples from individuals occupationally exposed to X-rays in hospital radiology departments that use different radiology systems: analog film (AF), computerized radiology (CR), or digital radiology (DR). The micronucleus test (MNT) and comet assay were performed on the samples. Micronucleus cell counts (means vs. controls, i.e., individuals not occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation) were as follows: AF, 1.96 ± 0.21 vs 1.2 ± 0.25; CR, 1.89 ± 0.15 vs 1.31 ± 0.36; and DR, 1.75 ± 0.11 vs 1.59 ± 0.32. For the comet assay, damage scores were as follows; AF, 0.84 ± 0.22 vs 0.47 ± 0.04; CR, 0.64 ± 0.26 vs 0.43 ± 0.04; and DR, 0.56 ± 0.19 vs 0.49 ± 0035. These findings were consistent with cytogenetic damage due to radiation exposure.

Monensin associated or not with virginiamycin or functional oil for feedlot beef cattle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate diets containing monensin (MON) associated or not with virginiamycin (VM) or functional oil based on cashew nut shell and castor beans (FOcc) for beef cattle in feedlots on nutritional (intake and digestibility) and productive parameters. A total of 1410 non-castrated Nellore cattle were selected, with an average age of 18 months and with an initial mean body weight (BW) of 305 ± 41.52 kg. The diet showed a roughage to concentrate ratio of 23:77, with the supply of corn silage as a source of roughage. The following additive inclusions in the diet were evaluated: (1) MON: 27 mg MON/kg dry matter (DM); (2) MON + VM: 22 mg MON/kg DM + 19 mg VM/kg DM; and (3) MON + FOcc: 22 mg MON/kg DM + 500 mg FOcc/kg DM. Statistical analyses were obtained through a linear model using initial BW and days of feedlot as covariables and comparisons between treatments using mutually orthogonal linear contrasts with a 5% significance level. The association or not of MON with VM or FOcc does not affect any of the nutritional and productive parameters evaluated. Animals that receive diets with MON + VM have higher average daily gain and feed efficiency (FE) than those that receive MON + FOcc without showing differences in nutritional parameters. The supply of MON associated with VM or FOcc does not increase intake and productive performance and, consequently, efficiency of feedlot beef cattle. However, in the case of use associated with MON, the VM provides greater performance than FOcc without changing food intake.

Bioaccumulation of mercury is equal between sexes but different by age in seabird (Sula leucogaster) population from southeast coast of Brazil.

Since several seabird species have sexual size dimorphism, in which one sex is larger than the other, and may consume bigger prey, this size difference may affect the contamination concentration in the seabird's tissues depending on their sex and age. In this study, mercury contamination was investigated in brown booby (Sula leucogaster) adults and juveniles during their breeding season at the Santana Archipelago, on the southeast coast of Brazil. Two hypotheses were evaluated: 1. As females consume larger prey than males due to the reverse sexual dimorphism, higher total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations are expected in females tissues than in males; 2. Adult seabirds have more time to accumulate mercury than juveniles, so it is expected that adults will show higher THg and MeHg concentrations than juveniles in their feathers, but none in blood since the last indicates the exposure of short time (30-60 days), as it is a constantly synthesized tissue. Feathers and blood were sampled from 20 individuals of each group (males, females and juveniles). Also, 10 eggs of the brown booby and muscle tissue samples of their main prey were collected, from February to October 2018. Females and males had similar THg concentrations in the tissues with no statistical differences between sexes. Thus, the sexual size dimorphism did not influence mercury concentrations among the tissues and both genders can be used as a biomonitor. Brown booby juveniles had low THg and MeHg concentrations compared to adults due to a shorter time of exposure for mercury to bioaccumulate in their tissues. This is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, analyzing methylmercury in feathers, blood and eggs of a tropical seabird, which can be a useful baseline for future studies on the effects of contaminants on this species in tropical regions.

Factors that influence trace element levels in blood and feathers of Pygoscelis penguins from South Shetland Islands, Antarctica.

Contaminant levels are lower in Antarctica than elsewhere in the world because of its low anthropogenic activities. However, the northern region of the Antarctic Peninsula, is close to South America and experiences the greatest anthropogenic pressure in Antarctica. Here, we investigated, in two Antarctic Peninsula islands, intra and interspecific factors that influence the concentrations of 17 trace elements (TEs) in blood and feathers of three penguin species breeding sympatrically in relation to their trophic ecology assessed via a stable isotopic approach (C, N and S). Geographical location, foraging zone (δ13C and δ34S) and diet influences the interspecific difference, and sex and maturity stage diet influence the intraspecific difference of Pygoscelis penguins. Penguins from Livingston showed higher values (mean, ng. g-1, dry weight - dw) of Zn (103), Mn (0.3), and Fe (95) than those from King George Island (Zn: 80, Mn: 1.9, and Fe: 11). Gender-related differences were observed, as males showed significantly higher values (mean, ng. g-1, dw) of Rb (3.4) and δ15N in blood of gentoo, and Ca (1344) in Adélie feathers. Chicks of gentoo and Adélie presented higher Zn, Mg, Ca, and Sr and lower 13C values in blood than adults. The highest concentrations (mean, ng. g-1, dw) of Cd (0.2) and Cu (26), and the lowest δ15N values were found in chinstrap. Geographical, intraspecific (i.e., ontogenetic and gender-related) and interspecific differences in feeding seemed to have influenced TE and stable isotope values in these animals. The TE bioaccumulation by penguins may have also been influenced by natural enrichment in environmental levels of these elements, which seems to be the case for Fe, Zn, and Mn. However, the high level of some of the TEs (Mn, Cd, and Cr) may reflect the increase of local and global human activities.

Anthelmintic resistance in Creole horses in the South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / [Resistência anti-helmíntica em equinos da raça Crioula no sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the antiparasitic resistance against horse nematodes in the South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The results concerning the tests of anthelmintic efficacy on horses, stored in the database of the Parasitic Diseases Study Group (GEEP) - Veterinary Faculty, at the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), were carried out in the laboratory from 2018 to 2019. Stool samples were received from farms with breeding of adult female and male Criollo horses naturally infected, located in municipalities in the country's southern region. The antiparasitic agents tested were Triclorfon + Fenbendazole, Closantel + Albendazole, Ivermectin + Praziquantel, Fenbendazole, Ivermectin, Doramectin, Mebendazole and Moxidectin. Techniques such as Gordon and Whitlock, Coproculture and Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test were performed. Of all the antiparasitic drugs tested, it was observed that only treatments with Ivermectin 2% showed desired values. The observed results indicate that resistance to macrocyclic lactones is usual in equine parasites in this Brazilian region, despite the results with isolated Ivermectin.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a resistência antiparasitária contra nematodeos de equinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os resultados referentes aos testes de eficácia anti-helmíntica em cavalos, armazenados no banco de dados do Grupo de Estudos de Doenças Parasitárias (GEEP) - Faculdade de Veterinária, da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), foram realizados em laboratório, no período de 2018 a 2019. Amostras de fezes foram recebidas de fazendas com criação de cavalos Crioulos adultos fêmeas e machos naturalmente infectados, localizadas em municípios da região Sul do país. Os agentes antiparasitários testados foram triclorfon + fenbendazol, closantel + ivermectina + praziquantel, fenbendazol, ivermectina, doramectina, mebendazol e moxidectina. Técnicas como Gordon e Whitlock, coprocultura e teste de redução da contagem de ovos fecais foram realizadas. De todos os antiparasitários testados, observou-se que apenas os tratamentos com ivermectina 2% apresentaram os valores desejados. Os resultados indicam que a resistência às lactonas macrocíclicas é comum em parasitas equinos nessa região brasileira, apesar dos resultados com ivermectina isolada.(AU)

Episodic angioedema with eosinophilia (Gleich's syndrome) associated with urticarial vasculitis: a coincidence or a novel clinical entity?

Episodic angioedema with eosinophilia (EAE) is a rare condition characterized by recurrent attacks of angioedema and urticaria accompanied by a marked elevation of peripheral eosinophil count. We report the case of a young female patient diagnosed with EAE associated with urticarial vasculitis. A 40-year-old female patient was admitted to our institution due to recurrent episodes of cheek and eyelid angioedema in the previous year. Episodes of facial angioedema lasted for two months with spontaneous remission afterwards. In addition, she presented pruritic and painful skin eruptions of erythematous circles, which persisted for longer than 24 h, that were palpable, somewhat purplish, and more pronounced on the face, arms, and trunk. Laboratory investigation showed a sustained elevation of white cell counts with marked eosinophilia. Serum IgM, IgE, and IgA were normal; IgG was slightly elevated. C1-esterase inhibitor and tryptase test were normal. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed for detection of FIP1L1-PDGFRA and BCR-ABL rearrangements. None of these alterations were found. Skin biopsies were suggestive of urticarial vasculitis. The patient was submitted to esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which showed mild chronic gastritis, with no eosinophilic infiltration. Cardiac dimensions and function were normal. Abdominal ultrasound and total body CT-scan failed to show lymphadenopathy, organomegaly, and tumors. We report the first case of association between episodic angioedema with eosinophilia and urticarial vasculitis. It is possible that both conditions share a physiopathological mechanism, suggesting that it is not just a chance association.

Characterization of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins and progesterone as a predictor of twins and conceptus loss in high-risk-pregnancy Holstein cows.

The objective of this study was to characterize plasma concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) and progesterone (P4) as predictors of twins and pregnancy loss in Holstein cows with high-risk pregnancies. High-risk pregnancy was characterized using transrectal ultrasonography 37 d after artificial insemination (AI) based on the following criteria: small embryo size <15 mm, n = 10), slow heartbeat (<60 beats per minute, n = 11), and extra-amniotic membrane (additional amniotic membrane, n = 3). A cohort of twins (n = 41) diagnosed at d 37 post-AI was also enrolled. Each high-risk and twin pregnancy cow was paired with a cow of the same parity carrying a normal singleton at d 37 post-AI (control, n = 65). Blood samples were collected to measure PAG and P4 at d 37, 44, and 51 post-AI. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, logistic regression, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve with JMP software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Pregnancy loss at d 51 post-AI was greater in high-risk pregnancies than in controls and twins (control = 1.5%; high-risk = 87.5%; twins = 12.2%). Concentration of PAG at d 37 post-AI did not differ among groups (control = 5.3 ± 0.7; high-risk = 4.8 ± 1.2; twins = 4.0 ± 0.9 ng/mL). Concentration of P4 at d 37 post-AI was greater in twins than in high-risk pregnancies and control, and lesser in high-risk pregnancies than in controls (control = 7.0 ± 0.3; high-risk = 5.9 ± 0.4; twins = 8.4 ± 0.3 ng/mL). Regression and ROC analysis for PAG at d 37 post-AI did not find a threshold to predict pregnancy loss or twins. Regression and ROC analysis for P4 at d 37 post-AI found that a threshold of 6.5 ng/mL predicted pregnancy loss with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.64, and a threshold of 7.2 ng/mL predicted twins with AUC of 0.71. In summary, pregnancy loss and twins were predicted with only moderate accuracy by P4 concentration at d 37 post-AI, and the variability in PAG concentrations at d 37 post-AI was not sufficient to generate a threshold to predict pregnancy loss and twins in Holstein lactating cows.

Effect of glucosamine sulphate on the temporomandibular joint of ovariectomised rats.

Glycosamine is an amino-monosaccharide present in connective and cartilage tissues that contribute to the maintenance, resistance, flexibility, and elasticity of these tissues. This study aimed to determine the in vivo effects of glucosamine sulphate (GS) on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of ovariectomised rats (OVX).Thirty-two rats were distributed into four groups as follows: G1, sham-OVX+saline solution; G2, sham-OVX+glucosamine sulphate (80mg/kg) - oral administration; G3, OVX+saline solution; G4, OVX+glucosamine sulphate (80mg/kg) - oral administration. Animals were treated for seven days. The TMJ was removed and stained with toluidine blue. The thickness of the cartilage layers and cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were determined by histomorphometry and immunoassay, respectively. The administration of GS to OVX females did not change the thickness of condylar cartilage when compared with the other groups (p>0.05). There was an increase in the total cartilage thickness in sham-OVX females. IL-1ß and TNF-α levels were significantly lower in sham-OVX females than in OVX females, indicating that ovariectomy acts as potent cytokine inducer. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in sham-OVX females. GS did not affect cytokine production in OVX females (p>0.05). In conclusion, the administration of GS did not affect cytokine levels, but did induce an increase in the total thickness of the TMJ condylar cartilage in sham-OVX rats.