The Role of Transplacental Infection in Leptospira spp. Epidemiology in Cattle in Caatinga Biome, Brazil.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that affects domestic animals, wild animals, and humans. It represents a public health problem and has an important economic impact on livestock. This study aims to investigate the importance of genital and transplacental infection in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in cows maintained in Caatinga biome conditions, Northeastern Brazil, as well as reporting organs colonized by Leptospira spp. in embryos and fetuses. Blood, urinary tract (urine, bladder, and kidney), and reproductive tract (vaginal fluid, uterus, uterine tube, ovary, and placenta) samples were collected from 15 slaughtered pregnant cows. Two embryos and 13 fetuses were sampled. Central nervous system and choroid ovoid samples were collected from embryos. Blood, central nervous system, lung, peritoneal liquid, abomasal content, liver, spleen, urine, bladder, kidney, and reproductive system samples were collected from fetuses. Diagnostic methods included the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using a collection of 24 serovars belonging to 17 different pathogenic serogroups of five species as antigens, as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were found in 9 cows (60%), while 13 cows (86.67%) had at least one organ or urine with leptospiral DNA. No fetus was seroreactive. Among the embryos and fetuses, 13 (86.67%) presented leptospiral DNA, proving a high frequency of transplacental infection (100%). For cows, the most frequent biological materials regarding Leptospira spp. DNA detection were placenta (13 out of 15 samples; 86.7%), uterus (10 out of 15 samples; 66.7%), and vaginal fluid (5 out of 15 samples; 33.3%), while, for fetuses/embryos, the most frequent PCR-positive samples were choroid ovoid (1/2; 50%), spleen (6/13; 46.2%), kidney (5/13; 38.5%), and central nervous system (5/15; 33.3%). Sequenced samples based on the LipL32 gene presented 99% similarity with L. borgpetersenii. The results indicate that transplacental infection is an efficient way of spreading Leptospira spp. in cows maintained in Caatinga biome conditions. Therefore, prevention and control strategies must include actions that interrupt transmission through this alternative route.

The Variation of the Fetal Esophageal Mucosa at the End of Gestation may be a Possible Etiopathogenic Factor for Barrett's Esophagus / La Variación de la Mucosa Esofágica Identificada al Final de la Gestación Puede ser un Posible Factor Etiopatogénico para el Esófago de Barrett

SUMMARY: Barrett's esophagus is a condition where the distal third of the esophagus changes its epithelial lining from non- keratinized stratified squamous to simple columnar. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to characterize the esophageal mucosa in the third trimester of pregnancy and determine possible variants in its development and was carried out in the Morphology Laboratory of the Health Faculty of the Industrial University of Santander, Colombia, with 45 human fetuses in the third trimester of gestation (weeks 25-40). A section of the distal esophagus and the first portion of the cardial region of the stomach were obtained, and the histological sections were subjected to a fixation process with 5 % formaldehyde solution. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and were evaluated for the presence of epithelial change or glands in the esophageal lamina propria. The change from non- keratinized stratified squamous epithelium to simple columnar epithelium was observed in the esophageal mucosa in five fetuses (11.1 %). In 15 cases (33.3 %), the presence of mucous glands underlying the epithelium was determined. In two fetuses, simple columnar epithelium was observed in the esophageal mucosa and underlying submucosal glands (4.4 %). The lack of replacement of the columnar epithelium by squamous epithelium in the distal third of the esophagus and the presence of mucous glands in the last third of gestation may suggest the presentation of Barret's esophagus in adulthood and thus, a predisposition to develop esophageal adenocarcinoma.

El esófago de Barrett es una afección en la que el tercio distal del esófago cambia su revestimiento epitelial de escamoso estratificado no queratinizado a columnar simple. Este estudio descriptivo de corte transversal tiene como objetivo caracterizar la mucosa esofágica en el tercer trimestre del embarazo y determinar posibles variantes en su desarrollo y se realizó en el laboratorio de Morfología de la Facultad de Salud de la Universidad Industrial de Santander-Colombia, con 45 fetos humanos en el tercer trimestre de gestación (semanas 25-40). Se obtuvo una sección del esófago distal y la primera porción de la región cardial del estómago y las secciones histológicas se sometieron a un proceso de fijación con solución de formaldehído al 5 %. Los cortes se tiñeron con hematoxilina y eosina y se evaluaron determinando la presencia de cambio epitelial y glándulas en la lámina propia del esófago. El cambio de epitelio escamoso estratificado no queratinizado a epitelio cilíndrico simple se observó en la mucosa esofágica en cinco fetos (11,1 %). En 15 casos (33,3 %) se determinó la presencia de glándulas mucosas subyacentes al epitelio. En dos fetos se observó epitelio cilíndrico simple en la mucosa esofágica y glándulas submucosas subyacentes (4,4 %). La falta de reemplazo del epitelio cilíndrico por epitelio escamoso en el tercio distal del esófago y la presencia de glándulas mucosas en el último tercio de la gestación pueden sugerir la presentación de esófago de Barrett en la edad adulta y una predisposición a desarrollar adenocarcinoma de esófago.

Urogenital development and sexual differentiation in males of the species Dasyprocta fuliginosa.

Thirteen black agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) male fetuses, acquired in two areas of the Amazon Forest, were used for the purpose of morphologically describing the fetal male urogenital organs with a focus on addressing histological and macroscopic aspects. The organs of interest were dissected and photographed in situ and ex situ. Fragments were collected and subjected to routine histological processing for inclusion in paraffin, which was cut and stained by haematoxylin and eosin and Gomori's Trichrome methods and subsequently analysed in a light microscope. The results showed that the urinary tract is like that of domestic animals and is composed of smooth unilobed kidneys covered by a dense capsule of connective tissue and divided into two well-defined regions, cortical and medullary. Ureters, urethra and urinary bladder also showed macroscopic and microscopic characteristics similar to those of domestic animals. The penis of these animals has fibroelastic characteristics, with numerous keratinized structures at its apex. In the middle third of the penis, a "U" shaped penile flexure was seen; the glans penis is covered by a keratinized epidermis containing horny spicules. The presence of a penile bone in an endochondral ossification process was observed, being more developed in gestational ages greater than 76 days. The annex glands were not observed, probably because they were fetuses; only the ampulla of the ductus deferens was identified.

Variations in sural nerve formation and course in fetuses.

To investigate variations regarding the formation and course of the sural nerve (SN). We dissected 60 formalin-fixed Brazilian fetuses (n = 120 lower limbs) aged from the 16th to 34th weeks of gestational age. Three incisions were made in the leg to expose the SN, and the gastrocnemius muscle was retracted to investigate the SN course. Statistical analyses regarding laterality and sex were performed using the Chi-square test. Eight SN formation patterns were classified after analysis. Type 4 (in which the SN is formed by the union of the MSCN with the LSCN) was the most common SN formation pattern. Although there was no statistical association between the formation patterns and the lower limb laterality (p = 0.9725), there was as to sex (p = 0.03973), indicating an association between anatomical variation and sex. The site of branch joining was in the distal leg most time (53.75%). In all lower limbs, the SN or its branches crossed from the medial aspect of the leg to the lateral margin of the calcaneal tendon (CT). Most often, the SN is formed by joining the MSCN and the LSCN in the distal leg. The SN or its branches ran close to the saphenous vein, crossed the CT from medial to lateral, and distributed around the lateral malleolus.

Benefits of Vitamin D Supplementation on Pregnancy of Rats with Pregestational Diabetes and Their Offspring.

Studies on vitamin D supplementation have been performed in experimental and clinical investigations considering gestational diabetes and/or vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy. However, the results are controversial and few present the effects and mechanisms of this micronutrient on pregestational diabetes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D on the pregnancy of rats with pre-existing diabetes and their fetuses. Pregestational diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats at birth. The adult diabetic and nondiabetic rats were orally administered with vitamin D (cholecalciferol) throughout the pregnancy. The diabetes status was monitored during pregnancy by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). At the end of the pregnancy, pancreas and blood samples were collected for morphological analyses and lipid peroxidation measurements, respectively. The influence of vitamin D treatment on reproductive outcomes, fetal growth, and development were compared to those of untreated diabetic and nondiabetic pregnant rats. P < 0.05 was considered a significant statistical limit. The diabetic rats given vitamin D had a greater number of insulin-positive cells, contributing to reduced blood glucose levels and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations (TBARS-an indicator of membrane lipid peroxidation), and increased reduced thiol group levels, contributing to suitable intrauterine conditions for better fetal development, which was confirmed by higher fetal viability rates. Thus, this study shows the effects and mechanisms of vitamin D supplementation on pre-existing diabetes in pregnant rats, confirming its beneficial effects on maternal redox status and glycemic control, and the decline of adverse maternal-fetal repercussions.

Resveratrol Supplementation in Obese Pregnant Rats Improves Maternal Metabolism and Prevents Increased Placental Oxidative Stress.

Maternal obesity (MO) causes maternal and fetal oxidative stress (OS) and metabolic dysfunction. We investigated whether supplementing obese mothers with resveratrol improves maternal metabolic alterations and reduces OS in the placenta and maternal and fetal liver. From weaning through pregnancy female Wistar rats ate chow (C) or a high-fat diet (MO). One month before mating until 19 days' gestation (dG), half the rats received 20 mg resveratrol/kg/d orally (Cres and MOres). At 19dG, maternal body weight, retroperitoneal fat adipocyte size, metabolic parameters, and OS biomarkers in the placenta and liver were determined. MO mothers showed higher body weight, triglycerides and leptin serum concentrations, insulin resistance (IR), decreased small and increased large adipocytes, liver fat accumulation, and hepatic upregulation of genes related to IR and inflammatory processes. Placenta, maternal and fetal liver OS biomarkers were augmented in MO. MOres mothers showed more small and fewer large adipocytes, lower triglycerides serum concentrations, IR and liver fat accumulation, downregulation of genes related to IR and inflammatory processes, and lowered OS in mothers, placentas, and female fetal liver. Maternal resveratrol supplementation in obese rats improves maternal metabolism and reduces placental and liver OS of mothers and fetuses in a sex-dependent manner.

Vaginal development during 2nd gestational trimester: translational study in human female fetuses with disorders of the neural tube.

PURPOSE: One of the most common malformations of the central nervous system is related to embryonic neural tube alterations. We hypothesized that anencephaly affects the development of the vagina during the human second trimester of pregnancy. Our study compared the biometric parameters of the vagina in human female fetuses with neural tube defects. METHODS: In our study, 34 female fetuses were analyzed, 22 normal and 12 anencephalic, aged between 12 and 22 weeks post conception (WPC). After dissection of the pelvis and individualization of the genital tract, we evaluated the length and width of the vagina using the Image J software. We compared the means statistically using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and performed linear regression. RESULTS: We do not identify statistical significance between the groups for the measurements of vaginal length (Control 3.12-18.33 mm/mean = 9.08 mm/SD +  - 3.77 vs. Anencephalic 2.91-13.10 mm/mean = 7.24 mm/SD +  - 2.28, p = 0.3469) and vaginal width (Control 1.04-4.86 mm/mean = 2.71 mm/SD + - 0.94 vs. Anencephalic 1.35-3.17 mm/mean = 2.13 mm/SD + - 0.65; p = 0.2503). The linear regression analysis indicated that 78.57% significance was found in the correlations in normocephalic fetuses and 57.14% significance in anencephalic fetuses (12.3-18.6 WPC). CONCLUSIONS: We do not find differences in the length and width of the vagina in anencephalic fetuses but the vaginal length and width shows a lesser tendency of growth in the anencephalic fetuses during the second trimester suggesting that anencephaly can impact the development of the vagina.

Effect of Nanoalumina on Sex Hormones and Fetuses in Pregnant Rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at investigating the effect of nanoalumina on sex hormones, and fetuses in pregnant rats. METHODS: In this study, sixty-four pregnant rats were divided into eight groups. The control and the injection-control group received normal food and water, and 0.5 ml of distilled water, respectively. Treatment groups were treated with 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000µg/ml concentrations of Nanoalumina from the 7th day until the 18th day of pregnancy. On the 18th day, the rats were investigated in terms of their hormone levels. We evaluated the number of healthy and aborted offspring, as well as fetus size. RESULTS: Nanoalumina caused an increase in progesterone hormones at the concentrations of 250, and 500µg/ml, and a significant reduction in estrogen hormone and aborted fetuses at the concentrations of 250 and 500µg/ml (p<0.05). The largest and smallest size of fetuses were observed in 500µg/ml and 1000µg/ml, respectively. The highest number of aborted fetuses was observed in the group treated with the 500µg/ml concentration. There was no aborted fetuses with 25, 50,100, control, and injection-control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Due to nanoalumina toxicity, it must be used with caution.

Bovine Fetal Mesenchymal Stem Cells Obtained From Omental Adipose Tissue and Placenta Are More Resistant to Cryoprotectant Exposure Than Those From Bone Marrow.

Recent studies have shown promise for the development of cellular therapies with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in livestock species, specifically bovines, and cryopreservation is highly relevant for the advancement of these applications. The use of permeable and/or non-permeable cryoprotectant solutions is necessary to reduce cell damage during freezing and thawing, but these same compounds can also cause negative effects on MSCs and their therapeutic properties. Another important factor to consider is the tissue source of MSCs, since it is now known that MSCs from different tissues of the same individual do not behave the same way, so optimizing the type and concentration of cryoprotectants for each cell type is essential to achieve a large and healthy population of MSCs after cryopreservation. Furthermore, sources of MSCs that could provide great quantities, non-invasively and without ethical concerns, such as placental tissue, have great potential for the development of regenerative medicine in livestock species, and have not been thoroughly evaluated. The objective of this study was to compare the viability of bovine fetal MSCs extracted from bone marrow (BM), adipose tissue (AT), and placenta (PT), following their exposure (15 and 30 min) to several solutions of permeable (dimethyl sulfoxide and ethylene glycol) and non-permeable (trehalose) cryoprotectants. Viability assays were performed with Trypan Blue to assess post-exposure plasma membrane integrity. The apoptotic potential was estimated analyzing the mRNA abundance of BAX and BCL-2 genes using quantitative rt-PCR. Based on the results of the study, BM-MSC exhibited significantly lower viability compared to AT-MSC and PT-MSC, at both 15 and 30 min of exposure to cryoprotectant solutions. Nevertheless, viability did not differ among treatments for any of the cell types or timepoints studied. BCL-2 expression was higher in BM-MSC compared to AT-MSC, however, BAX/BCL-2 ratio did not differ. In conclusion, AT-MSC and PT-MSC were more resistant that BM-MSC, which showed higher sensitivity to experimental conditions, regardless of the exposure times, and cryoprotectant solutions used in the study.

Morphometric study of encephalic lesions in aborted bovine fetuses naturally infected by two subpopulations of Neospora caninum.

Neospora caninum is a major reproductive disease in cattle worldwide. In the Argentinian Humid Pampa, the seroprevalence, incidence of abortions, and economic losses due to neosporosis are considerably higher in dairy than in beef cattle. Despite this, we recently demonstrated that N. caninum subpopulations are indistinctly distributed in both dairy and beef production systems. The association between genotypic characteristics defined by microsatellite analysis and the virulence of the different strains-particularly with regard to the severity and extension of histological lesions-is largely unknown. Herein, we used a morphometric approach to analyze encephalic lesions in 62 bovine fetuses spontaneously infected by N. caninum. Morphometric parameters (average size of focal lesions, number of foci/cm2 and the percentage of the section affected by lesions) were compared according to the N. caninum subpopulations found in our previous microsatellite genotyping analysis, animal biotype (beef versus dairy), and fetal age (second stage of gestation versus third stage). The average size of the lesions differed significantly among fetuses with different gestational ages; however, no significant differences among animal biotypes or genotypic patterns were found. Further research into the genetic, molecular, and husbandry factors that could account for this greater impact in Argentinian dairy herds is needed.

Influence of Swimming Program on the Blood Pressure of Pregnant Hypertensive Rats and Their Fetuses.

The hypertension incidence and its complication on pregnant women are growing and can lead to adverse consequences on their fetuses. However, it is known that regular exercise practice can be healthful to hypertensive pregnant women but harmful to fetal growth. So, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of exercise beginning before pregnancy or during pregnancy on the maternal blood pressure and reproductive outcome and on the fetal development of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Pregnant SHR were randomly distributed into three experimental groups: (1) SHR-Control, non-exercised; (2) SHR-Ex0, rats submitted to physical exercise (swimming program) from day zero to 20 of pregnancy; (3) and SHR-ExPr, rats submitted to swimming program before and during pregnancy. At end of pregnancy (day 21), the rats were anesthetized, and reproductive parameters and fetal development were assessed. Blood pressure was reduced at the end of pregnancy in all the groups. Regardless of swimming exposure time, there was reduced maternal weight gain. The exercise decreased fetal weight at term pregnancy, with a higher percentage of small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses and lower number ossification sites, indicating intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In conclusion, our findings provide insight to support that swimming exercise in pregnant SHR impairs fetal development, causing IUGR and visceral malformations. Therefore, the indication of physical exercise must be defined very carefully, as it can compromise fetal development.

The anterolateral ligament of the knee is not a solid structure in human fetuses.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate if the anterolateral ligament of the knee (ALL) is present in the human fetus and describe its topography along with other structures of the region. METHODS: Forty human fetuses knee joints, at mean age 34 weeks (± 2.57 weeks), fixed in 10% formalin, were submitted to cross-sectional dissection and mesoscopic analysis. RESULTS: The ALL was not identified, although the usual topography of the region was identified in all specimens: skin, subcutaneous tissue, iliotibial tract (ITT), fibular collateral ligament, popliteal muscle tendon, lateral meniscus, patellar ligament, infrapatellar fat pad, lateral patellar retinaculum, knee joint capsule, lateral inferior genicular vessels, and the biceps femoris tendon. The ITT reveals anterior (n = 12) and lateral thickening (n = 17) in some specimens. This thickening was found in both knees of the same subject in 6/20 specimens. CONCLUSION: The anterolateral ligament of the knee is not a congenital or solid structure. Our results suggest that the ALL may be a deep layer of the ITT or part of the knee joint capsule, or its identification is evaluator dependent.

Prostate and testicular growth analysis in human fetuses during the second gestational trimester.

BACKGROUND: The second gestational trimester is a very important period for male genital development. We analyzed the testicular and prostatic volume growth and compared them to the biometric parameters in human fetuses. METHODS: We studied 64 testes and 32 prostates from 32 fetuses, aged 10-22 weeks postconception. Fetuses were evaluated regarding total length, crown-rump length, and bodyweight. The same observer performed all the measurements. After testicular and prostatic dissection, the prostate and testicular length, width and thickness were recorded with the aid of computer programs (Image Pro and ImageJ software, version 1.46r). Testicular volume (TV) and prostatic volume (PV) were calculated using the ellipsoid formula. Statistical analysis was performed with the GraphPad Prism program (version 6.01). RESULTS: The fetuses presented PV between 6.1 and 297.18 mm2  (mean = 77.98 mm3 ). Linear regression analysis indicated that the PV in these fetuses increased significantly and positively with fetal age (r2 = .3120; p < .0001). We did not observe significant differences between the TV (right testis: 0.39-63.94 mm3 ; mean = 19.84 mm3 ; left testis: ​​​​​​0.52-55.37 mm3 , mean = 17.25 mm3 ). Linear regression analysis also indicated that the right and left TV (right: r2 = .6649; p < .0001 and left: r2 = .6792; p < .001) increased significantly and positively with fetal age. CONCLUSION: The prostatic growth was slower during the second gestational trimester, with significant correlations with fetal biometric parameters. The testicular growth was moderate and showed a significant correlation with fetal parameters during the studied period in human fetuses.

Urethral and bladder development during the 2nd gestational trimester applied to the urinary continence mechanism: translational study in human female fetuses with neural tube defects.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that anencephaly impacts female lower urinary tract development during the human fetal period. The aim of the present study is to compare the biometric parameters of the bladder and urethra in female human fetuses with and without neural tube defects. METHODS: We studied 34 female fetuses (22 normal and 12 anencephalic), aged 12 to 22 weeks post-conception (WPC). After pelvic dissection and individualization of the urinary tract structures, we evaluated the bladder and urethra length and width using Image J software. Means were statistically compared using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, and linear regression was performed. RESULTS: We identified statistical significance between the groups regarding bladder length [normal: 6.58-19.98 mm (mean = 12.13 ± 3.21 SD) vs. anencephalic: 4.59-15.27 mm (mean = 8.79 ± 3.31 SD, p = 0.0048] and urethral length [normal: 2.22-7.04 mm (mean = 4.24 ± 1.45 SD) vs. anencephalic: 0.81-6.36 mm (mean = 3.25 ± 1.71 SD, p = 0.05]. We did not observe significant differences in bladder and urethra width between the two groups. The linear regression analysis indicated that the bladder length in anencephalic fetuses increased faster than in normal fetuses. CONCLUSIONS: We observed significant differences in the development of the bladder and urethra in fetuses with anencephaly during the fetal period studied, proving that anencephaly can affect the development of the female fetal lower urinary tract.

Improvement of Leptospira spp. diagnosis in aborted bovine fetuses by qPCR.

Leptospirosis is a disease with major economic impact on livestock industry. The objective of this work was to determine the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA by qPCR in bovine fetuses with presumptive diagnosis of leptospirosis as the cause of abortion. Leptospira spp. DNA was detected by qPCR in 11 out of 34 fetuses. These specimens (10/11) had histopathological findings in hepatic and/or renal tissues compatible with leptospirosis. qPCR detection rate (32.4 %) was higher compared with direct immuno-fluorescence antibody test (DFAT) (11.8 %). The concordance coefficient between both techniques was 0.44. qPCR is a rapid and sensitive technique for the diagnosis of leptospirosis and improved the detection rate in fetal tissues compared with DFAT. Implementation of molecular techniques may increase the accurate detection of leptospirosis as a cause of bovine abortion allowing the application of rapid therapeutic and prophylactics measures in order to reduce the impact of this zoonotic disease.

Leptospira sp. vertical transmission in ewes maintained in semiarid conditions.

Leptospirosis is a globally distributed disease associated with reproductive failures in livestock; however, its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Results from the present study indicate there is a presence of Leptospira sp. in organs and fluids of fetuses from ewes slaughtered in the semiarid region of Brazil. Twenty-nine fetuses from 23 ewes determined to be Leptospira sp.-positive using PCR were sampled (14 and 15 in dry and rainy seasons, respectively). Fetal samples of blood, central nervous system (CNS), lung, liver, spleen, stomach contents, peritoneal fluid, kidney, bladder, urine and reproductive system were collected. Diagnostic methods included the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation. Of the 29 fetuses, 24 (82.8 %) had at least one Leptospira sp.-positive organ or fluid, as determined using PCR, and of a total of 209 samples, 62 (29.7 %) contained leptospiral DNA. Of the 99 samples collected during the dry season, 42 (42.4 %) were positive, and of 110 samples collected during the rainy season, 20 (18.2 %) were positive (P = 0.0001). There was deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing of three samples of kidney, CNS and liver, and in all of these, there was 99.3 % similarity with Leptospira interrogans. Leptospires were present in cultures of pooled samples from fetuses with deformities. Results indicate there is vertical (maternal-to-fetus) transmission which would represent an alternative transmission route for the spread of Leptospira sp. in ewes, suggesting molecular detection is essential in the investigation of leptospirosis in fetuses to identify animals that have been infected with this bacterium.

Are anogenital distance and external female genitalia development changed in neural tube defects? Study in human fetuses.

BACKGROUND: Anogenital distance (AGD), the distance from the anus to the genitals, is a marker of normal genital development. AGD and other biometric parameters of external female genitalia are important as ultrasonographic markers that can determine fetal gender in the first trimester. Neural tube defects are one of the commonest congenital malformations of the central nervous system, with anencephaly being the most severe defect. Female genitalia development and their association with anencephaly have not been previously described. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the biometric parameters of external female genitalia in fetuses with anencephaly and compare it to the parameters of normocephalic fetuses at different gestational ages. STUDY DESIGN: We studied 34 female fetuses, 22 normocephalic and 12 anencephalic, aged between 12 and 22 weeks post-conception. The fetuses were placed in the classic lithotomy position and before the fetal dissection, the external female genitalia were photographed with a digital camera. Biometric parameters were recorded and measurements were performed using the Image J software, version 1.46r. Clitoral length and width, clitoris to anus distance, vaginal opening length and width, vaginal opening to labia majora distance, and AGD were measured (Figure). For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used (p < 0.05). RESULTS: We observed a significant difference between some measurements of the groups: the vaginal opening width was significantly greater in anencephalic fetuses and the vaginal opening length, clitoris to anus distance and vaginal opening to labia majora distance were significantly greater in normocephalic fetuses. For the clitoris length and width, we did not find statistical differences. We also did not find statistical significance in AGD between groups (normocephalic 2.32 mm [2.46-6.42/SD = 2.17] vs. anencephalic 3.93 mm [1.15-6.65/SD = 1.93]; p = 0.499). The linear regression analysis indicated that AGD increased more with age in anencephalic than in the normocephalic group, but without significant differences (r2 = 0.01677; p < 0.318). DISCUSSION: This article is the first to report the female external genitalia parameters in fetuses with anencephaly. In our study we observed some alterations in biometry of the external genitalia in anencephalic fetuses, with a pattern of morphological reduction in this group. The vaginal opening length, clitoris to anus distance and vaginal opening to labia majora distance were significantly lower in anencephalic fetuses but we did not find statistical significance in clitoris measurements and AGD. CONCLUSIONS: Anencephalic fetuses had some alterations in external genitalia development, but the anogenital distances did vary significantly between the groups.

Inguinoscrotal stage of testicular descent: analysis in 217 human fetuses.

BACKGROUND: Testicular descent is a complex process of relevant importance for the comprehension of cryptorchidism. Studies about the inguinoscrotal stage of testicular migration correlating the testicular position with fetal parameters are rare in the literature. Our hypothesis is that the transition of the testis by the inguinal canal is a very fast process and occurs at the end of the third gestational trimester. AIM: To analyze the inguinoscrotal stage of testicular descent during the human fetal period. STUDY DESIGN: This is an observational study in human fetuses. We studied 217 human male fetuses ranging from 10 to 35 weeks postconception (WPC). The fetuses were well preserved and evaluated regarding crown-rump length (CRL) and body weight before dissection. Testicular position was classified as: a) abdominal, when the testis was proximal to the internal ring; b) inguinal, when it was found between the internal and external inguinal rings; and c) scrotal, when being inside the scrotum. Means were statistically compared using the unpaired t-test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Of the 434 testes, 329 (75.8%) were abdominal, 48 (11.05%) were inguinal, and 57 (13.13%) were scrotal. The first case of inguinal testis was observed in a fetus with 17 WPC, 203 g, and 15 cm CRL. The 48 inguinal testes were observed in 29 fetuses (13.36%), aged between 17 and 29 WPC, weighing between 203 and 1220 g, and with CRL between 15 and 27.5 cm. Of the 29 fetuses with inguinal testes, 23 (79.32%) were aged between 20 and 26 WPC; 3 (10.34%) had 17 WPC; and 3 (10.34%) had more than 26 WPC. All the fetuses with more than 30 WPC had testes in the scrotum. We did not observe fetuses less than 17 WPC with the testes in the canal. DISCUSSION: We found that all fetuses with more than 30 WPC had the testes located in the scrotum and that in fetuses between 17 WPC and 25 WPC, 38 testes (8.7% of the sample) were situated in the canal and only 1 testis in a fetus with 25 WPC was located in the scrotum, showing that the second stage of testicular migration through the inguinal canal rarely occurs before the 20th WPC. CONCLUSION: The inguinoscrotal stage of testicular descent is a fast process, observed only in 13% of the fetuses and occurring with more intensity between 20 and 26 WPC.

Ultrassonografia gestacional no diagnóstico de anormalidades fetais em pequenos animais / Gestational ultrasonography in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities in small animals

A ultrassonografia gestacional em pequenos animais permite, além da confirmação e do monitoramento da prenhez, a detecção precoce de malformações e anormalidades fetais, representando uma importante ferramenta de acompanhamento pré-natal. Médicos veterinários, tutores e criadores podem beneficiar-se deste diagnóstico, uma vez que o conhecimento prévio de anormalidades fetais que exigem cirurgia ou intervenções neonatais permite o planejamento adequado por parte destes indivíduos. Na medicina humana, a detecção precoce de anormalidades fetais já é amplamente empregada no planejamento da conduta em relação à gestante e ao feto antes e após o nascimento. Em medicina veterinária, apesar de escassos, há relatos de malformações fetais diagnosticadas ao exame ultrassonográfico gestacional em pequenos animais. Entretanto, limitações inerentes ao aparelho, ao operador e à anatomia animal podem limitar o diagnóstico na totalidade dos exames, levando à ocorrência de diagnósticos falso-positivos e falso-negativos.

Gestational ultrasonography in small animals allows, in addition to the confirmation and monitoring of pregnancy, the early detection of malformations and fetal abnormalities, representing an important prenatal monitoring tool. Veterinarians, owners and breeders may benefit from this diagnosis, since prior knowledge of fetal abnormalities that require surgery or neonatal interventions allows adequate planning for these individuals. In human medicine, the early detection of fetal abnormalities is already widely used in planning the conduct in relation to the pregnant woman and the fetus before and after birth. In veterinary medicine, although there are few, there are reports of fetal malformations diagnosed at the ultrasound gestational examination in small animals. However, limitations inherent in the device, the operator and the animal anatomy may limit the diagnosis in all the exams, leading to the occurrence of false positive and false-negative diagnoses.

Ultrassonografia gestacional no diagnóstico de anormalidades fetais em pequenos animais / Gestational ultrasonography in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities in small animals

A ultrassonografia gestacional em pequenos animais permite, além da confirmação e do monitoramento da prenhez, a detecção precoce de malformações e anormalidades fetais, representando uma importante ferramenta de acompanhamento pré-natal. Médicos veterinários, tutores e criadores podem beneficiar-se deste diagnóstico, uma vez que o conhecimento prévio de anormalidades fetais que exigem cirurgia ou intervenções neonatais permite o planejamento adequado por parte destes indivíduos. Na medicina humana, a detecção precoce de anormalidades fetais já é amplamente empregada no planejamento da conduta em relação à gestante e ao feto antes e após o nascimento. Em medicina veterinária, apesar de escassos, há relatos de malformações fetais diagnosticadas ao exame ultrassonográfico gestacional em pequenos animais. Entretanto, limitações inerentes ao aparelho, ao operador e à anatomia animal podem limitar o diagnóstico na totalidade dos exames, levando à ocorrência de diagnósticos falso-positivos e falso-negativos.(AU)

Gestational ultrasonography in small animals allows, in addition to the confirmation and monitoring of pregnancy, the early detection of malformations and fetal abnormalities, representing an important prenatal monitoring tool. Veterinarians, owners and breeders may benefit from this diagnosis, since prior knowledge of fetal abnormalities that require surgery or neonatal interventions allows adequate planning for these individuals. In human medicine, the early detection of fetal abnormalities is already widely used in planning the conduct in relation to the pregnant woman and the fetus before and after birth. In veterinary medicine, although there are few, there are reports of fetal malformations diagnosed at the ultrasound gestational examination in small animals. However, limitations inherent in the device, the operator and the animal anatomy may limit the diagnosis in all the exams, leading to the occurrence of false positive and false-negative diagnoses.(AU)