Morphometric changes in the dog trochlear nerve with growth.

The objective of this work was to analyse changes in morphometric characteristics related to growth in the trochlear nerve in dogs. Twenty beagles, split into four dog age groups (A, 7 days; B, 21 days; C, 35 days; D, 49 days and E, 4 years), were used. The right intracranial portion of the nerve was analysed by light and electron microscopy. The nerve cross-sectional area was calculated. Number, diameter and cross-sectional area of unmyelinated and myelinated fibres were also calculated. In myelinated fibres, the corresponding axon area and diameter and myelin sheath thickness were also calculated. The number of myelinated and unmyelinated fibres was 1070.25±112.07 and 592.25±467.53 in group A, 1367±57.98 and 143.67±54.37 in group B, 1574.20±299.50 and 151.67±51.73 in group C, 1340.33±151 and 127±48.75 in group D and 1476±260.71 and 284±101.82 in group E. The mean diameter for myelinated and unmyelinated fibres was 4.37±0.17 µm and 0.41±0.08 µm for group A; 6.21±0.12 µm and 0.30±0.03 µm for B; 6.90±0.91 µm and 0.32±0.03 µm for C; 7.86±1.19 µm and 0.32±0.02 µm for D; 10.63±0.50 µm and 0.30±0.01 µm for E, respectively. This nerve possesses similar structural and ultrastructural features to the same nerve in other species and modifies its morphometry with growth. Results could enhance the understanding of pathological disorders.

Traumatismo abdominal como causa de muerte en el maltrato infantil: descripción de un caso / Abdominal traumatism as cause of death in child abuse: report of a case

Presentamos un caso de muerte en un niño de de 11 meses de edad, que ingresó cadáver en el servicio de urgencias de su hospital de referencia, con lesiones traumáticas en cabeza y abdomen, poniéndose el caso en conocimiento del juzgado de guardia. Durante la autopsia médico-legal, se apreció la existencia de excoriaciones lineales en mejilla izquierda, equimosis periorbitaria izquierda, así como en zona mandibular derecha; llamando especialmente la atención la presencia de múltiples equimosis redondeadas y ovaladas de entre 0.3 y 2 cm de diámetro ubicadas en el tronco, fundamentalmente en la zona abdominal. El examen interno evidenció un hemoperitoneo con desgarros en diferentes serosas y mesos, con importante infiltrado hemorrágico a nivel de retroperitoneo y zona mesentérica. Se concluyó que se trataba de una muerte violenta de etiología médico-legal homicida, siendo su causa inmediata una hemorragia intraabdominal y su causa fundamental el traumatismo abdominal múltiple por compresión. Existe plena coincidencia entre el cuadro descrito y el referenciado en la bibliografía revisada, relativo a lesiones abdominales por maltrato infantil (AU)

We present the case of the death of an 11 months old child, who was dead on arrival at the Accident and Emergency Service of his local hospital. He had traumatic wounds to the head and abdomen. The case was brought to the attention of the judge on duty. During the medico-legal autopsy, lineal excoriations were noted on the left cheek, and left periorbital ecchymosis, as well as ecchymosis of the right mandibular area. The presence of multiple round and oval ecchymoses of between 0.3 and 2 cm on the trunk, principally in the abdominal area, was particularly noticeable. The internal examination found a hemoperitoneum with tears in different serous and mesothelial membranes, with significant haemorrhagic infiltration at a retroperitoneal level and in the mesenteric area. It was concluded that it was a case of violent death caused, in medico-legal aetiology, by homicide. The immediate cause of death was an intra-abdominal haemorrhage and its fundamental cause was multiple abdominal traumas through compression. The situation described fully matches that found in the bibliography reviewed concerning abdominal wounds caused by child abuse (AU)

2D versus 3D in the kinematic analysis of the horse at the trot.

The handled trot of three Lusitano Purebred stallions was analyzed by using 2D and 3D kinematical analysis methods. Using the same capture and analysis system, 2D and 3D data of some linear (stride length, maximal height of the hoof trajectories) and angular (angular range of motion, inclination of bone segments) variables were obtained. A paired Student T-test was performed in order to detect statistically significant differences between data resulting from the two methodologies With respect to the angular variables, there were significant differences in scapula inclination, shoulder angle, cannon inclination and protraction-retraction angle in the forelimb variables, but none of them were statistically different in the hind limb. Differences between the two methods were found in most of the linear variables analyzed.

Genetic parameters of biokinematic variables of the trot in Spanish Purebred horses under experimental treadmill conditions.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of biokinematic variables in Spanish Purebred (SPB) horses in order to select those of sufficient interest to be measured in the pre-selection of the animals for possible inclusion in the breeding programme. Kinematic analysis of 130 SPB horses 4.6+/-1.5 years old were recorded at the trot (4m/s) on a treadmill. Genetic parameters were estimated using VCE software and a bivariate mixed animal model including age and stud as fixed effects and animal additive genetic effect and residual error as random effects. In general, heritabilities were high (0.33-0.88). The angular variables presented the lowest heritabilities, whereas the maximum height of the fore-hoof and the duration of swing phase in the hindlimb gave the highest scores. Genetic correlations were also very high, so it was possible to reduce the number of breeding programme characteristics to stride duration, hindlimb swing phase duration, range of stifle and elbow angles, minimal angle of carpus, and minimal retraction-protraction angle of the hindlimb.

Structural and ultrastructural study of the intracranial portion of the oculomotor, trochlear and abducent nerves in dog.

The right intracranial portion of the oculomotor, trochlear and abducent nerves were removed from six adult German shepherd dogs and analysed by light and electron microscopy. In all cases the nerve sectional area was calculated. Unmyelinated and myelinated fibres were analysed and number, diameter and cross-sectional area were calculated. In myelinated fibres, also calculated were the corresponding axon area and diameter, and myelin sheath thickness. The mean number of myelinated fibres was 8543.50 +/- 1231.85 being the unmyelinated 1402 +/- 241.58 in the oculomotor nerve; 1509 +/- 223.17 and 287.67 +/- 72.28 in the trochlear nerve and 2473.00 +/- 211.41 and 231.25 +/- 92.67 respectively in the abducent. The mean diameter was 10.23 +/- 0.68 microm in myelinated and 0.43 +/- 0.21 for unmyelinated in oculomotor nerve, 10.53 +/- 0.55 microm and 0.33 +/- 0.04 for the trochlear, and 10.45 +/- 1.27 microm and 0.47 +/- 0.09 in the abducent nerve respectively. This study reveals that oculomotor, trochlear and abducent nerves of the dog show structural and ultra-structural features similar to the same nerves in other species.

Dynamics of urinary levels of hCG during early pregnancy and accuracy of the home pregnancy test.

The paper 'Dynamics of urinary levels of hCG during early pregnancy and accuracy of the home pregnancy test' has been retracted at the request of the authors. Since initiating the work 3 years ago improvements have been made to home pregnancy tests, and the device used in the study is no longer commercially available. The authors are conducting a similar study with a new pregnancy test device which suggests that some of the conclusions drawn in the retracted paper could now be misleading to health professionals and consumers.

Structure determination of homoleptic AuI, AgI, and CuI aryl/alkylethynyl coordination polymers by X-ray powder diffraction.

This article describes the structure determination of five homoleptic d(10) metal-aryl/alkylacetylides [RC triple bond CM] (M=Cu, R=tBu 1, nPr 2, Ph 3; R=Ph, M=Ag 4; Au 5) by using X-ray single-crystal and powder diffraction. Complex 1.C6H6 reveals an unusual Cu20 catenane cluster structure that has various types of tBuC triple bond C-->Cu coordination modes. By using this single-crystal structure as a starting model for subsequent Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder diffraction data, the structure of the powder synthesized from CuI and tBuC triple bond CH was found to have the same structure as 1. Complex 2 has an extended sheet structure consisting of discrete zig-zag Cu4 subunits connected through bridging nPrC triple bond C groups. Complex 3 forms an infinite chain structure with extended Cu-Cu ladders (Cu-Cu=2.49(4)-2.83(2) A). The silver(I) congener 4 is iso-structural to 3 (average Ag-Ag distance 3.11 A), whereas the gold(I) analogue 5 forms a Au...Au honeycomb network with PhC triple bond C pillars (Au-Au=2.98(1)-3.26(1) A). Solid-state properties including photoluminescence, nu(C triple bond C) stretching frequencies and thermal stability of these polymeric systems are discussed in the context of the determined structures.

The onset of the initial rise in follicle-stimulating hormone during the human menstrual cycle.

BACKGROUND: The rise in FSH (FSHr) that leads to the recruitment of a cohort of follicles during the menstrual cycle occurs during the luteal-follicular transition, however, it is unclear whether it consistently occurs on one particular day, or is subjected to reproductive ageing. METHODS: We determined the FSHr in 836 complete menstrual cycles from 102 women with regular menses using an algorithm, and additionally compared the relative variation in FSH during the last 14 days of the cycle. Possible effects of reproductive ageing on the onset of FSHr were also investigated. RESULTS: The day of FSHr follows a normal distribution with a median value of -4 (relative to first day of menses), mean -4.1 and SD 2.1. Analysis of the relative changes in FSH during the last 14 days of the cycle revealed the first significant rise on day -4 (P=0.0033), coinciding with the first significant drop in estrogens (P=0.0002). No effect of chronological age, or initial FSH levels, on FSHr was found, however, there was an inverse relationship between total follicular phase length (from day of FSHr to LH peak) and initial FSH levels (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The initial FSH rise in the cycle occurs consistently 4 days before menses, is related to a drop in estrogen levels, and is not affected by reproductive ageing.

Análisis morfométrico de las fibras nerviosas del nervio abducente del perro / Morphometric analysis of the nerve fibers of the abducent nerve in dog

Para nuestro estudio hemos analizado la porción intracraneal de los nervios abducentes derechos extraídosde seis perros adultos, de raza pastor alemán. Los nervios fueron analizados con microscopia óptica y microscopiaelectrónica. En todos los nervios hemos calculado su área y analizado las fi bras mielínicas y amielínicas.En ambos tipos de fibras hemos determinado su número, diámetro y área, así como el área y el diámetro delaxón correspondiente y el grosor de la vaina de mielina en las fibras mielínicas. El número medio de fibras esde 2473,00 ± 211,41 mielínicas y 231,25 ± 92,67 amielínicas. El diámetro medio fibrilar fue de 10,45 ± 1,27 mm para las fibras mielínicas y 0,47 ± 0,09 mm para las amielínicas. Nuestro estudio sobre el nervio abducentemuestra que este nervio, en el perro, presenta características estructurales y ultraestructurales semejantes a la de otros nervios y otras especies

The intracranial portion of the abducent nerve was studied in dogs. The nerves were dissected from sixadult German shepherd dogs. The nerves were analysed by both light and electron microscopy. In all nerveswe calculated their area and analysed both myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. In both we determined theirnumber, diameter and area; also the area and diameter of the correspondent axon, and the thickness of the myelinsheath. The mean number of fibers was 2473.00±211.41 for myelinated and 231.25±92.67 for unmyelinatedones. The average fiber diameter was 10.45±1.27 mm for myelinated and 0.47±0.09 mm for unmyelinated. Thisstudy on the abducent nerve demonstrated that dogs shows structural and ultrastructural characteristics similartothose of another nerves and other species

Estudio estructural y ultraestructural de la porción intracraneal del nervio troclear del perro / Structural and ultrastructural study the intracranial portion of the trochlear nerve in the dog

En el presente trabajo se han extraído, de seis perros adultos, de 40-50 kilogramos de peso, los nervios trocleares derechos en su porción intracraneal. Los nervios fueron analizados con microscopia óptica y microscopia electrónica. Hay que destacar la presencia de fibras no mielinizadas en todos los nervios analizados. De las fibras mielinizadas hemos determinado su número, diámetro, área y densidad , así como el área y el diámetro del axón correspondiente y el grosor de la vaina de mielina. El número medio de fibras mielínicas contabilizadas fue de 1482,25. El histograma de frecuencias relativo al grosor de la vaina de mielina y al tamaño fibrilar muestran una distribución bimodal, siendo 10,8 μm el valor medio de discriminación de las dos poblaciones fibrilares. Se aprecia una proporción similar de fibras grandes (47,45%) y pequeñas (52,55%). La población de fibras pequeñas presentan un tamaño medio de 6,44 μm y ocupan un 12,10% de la superficie total del nervio, por el contrario las fibras grandes, con un tamaño medio de 15,34 μm ocupan el 60,20% del nervio (AU)

In the present investigation, the right intracranial portion of the trochlear nerves was removed from six adult dogs weighing 40-50 kg and analyzed by light and electron microscopy. A significant number of unmyelinated fibers were observed in the analyzed nerves. Number, diameter, area and density of myelinated fibers were determined as were corresponding axon area and diameter and myelin sheath thickness. Myelinated fibers count produced a mean of 1482,25. Frequency histograms of myelin sheath thickness and fiber size show a bimodal distribution being 10,8 μm the mean value of discrimination of the two populations. A similar proportion of large (47,45%) and small fibers (52,55%) is appraised. The small fibers population was present in a size mean of 6,44 μm and occupies a 12,10% of the total surface of the nerve, on the contrary the large fibers, with size mean of 15,34 μm ocupy a 60,20% of the nerve (AU)

Origins and consequences of the elongation of the human menstrual cycle during the menopausal transition: the FREEDOM Study.

The menopausal transition is characterized by the appearance of elongated cycles, which become longer and more frequent as menopause approaches. Several endocrine abnormalities have been attributed to these cycles; however, no quantitative studies of their causes and consequences exist to date. This study is based on sequential daily urinary concentrations of FSH, LH, estrone 3-glucuronide (E1G), and pregnanediol 3-glucuronide (PdG) from 34 women with perimenopausal menstrual irregularity (total of 289 cycles). The timing of ovarian response was determined as the day of E1G take-off (ETO). Other parameters measured were the mean FSH concentration before ETO (FSH(ETO)) and the midluteal levels of PdG, E1G, and LH. There was a strong parallelism between ETO and cycle length variability. FSH(ETO) levels increased gradually with ETO. Both ETO and FSH(ETO) were inversely related to luteal PdG and directly related to E1G. PdG and LH levels were inversely related. All comparisons were highly significant (P < 0.0001). We conclude that delayed ovarian response underlies the elongation of the menstrual cycle in the menopausal transition, which is likely to be caused by a temporary lack of ovarian responsiveness to FSH. A progressive decline in luteal PdG with increased E1G occurs in association with these trends.

Relationship between follicle-stimulating hormone levels at the beginning of the human menstrual cycle, length of the follicular phase and excreted estrogens: the FREEDOM study.

Although reproductive aging has been separately related to elevated FSH and shorter follicular phase (FP), the direct association between both parameters has not been investigated. Also, the exact effects of increased FSH on estrogen production are yet to be established.A large database of daily urinary concentrations of FSH, LH, and estrone 3-glucuronide (E1G) from 37 regularly menstruating women (median 11 cycles per patient) was used. Initial FSH levels (iFSH) were estimated as the mean value of d 1-5. The day of E1G take-off (ETO) was determined by an algorithm, and accordingly, the FP was divided into early (d 1 to ETO) and late (ETO+1 to LH peak). FP maximum and integrated E1G were calculated. Subjects were distributed according to their mean iFSH into three categories (5 to 10, and >10 IU/liter). There was a gradual decrease in FP length with increasing category (15.2 +/- 3.8, 14.1 +/- 3.6, and 13 +/- 2.6 d, respectively; P < 0.0001). A similar effect occurred in early FP (7.5 +/- 4, 6.4 +/- 3.7, and 5.4 +/- 2.7; P < 0.0001); in contrast, late FP was unaffected (7.7 +/- 2.1, 7.7 +/- 2.1, and 7.6 +/- 2.4; P = 0.86). No consistent increase in E1G was found with advancing iFSH category; however, women with mean initial LH higher than 6 IU/liter had significantly elevated maximum (P < 0.0001) and integrated (P = 0.002) E1G.FP length decreases in parallel with increasing iFSH, with a selective effect on the early FP. Increased FSH does not affect E1G; however, elevated initial LH level was related to higher E1G.

Reahorcamiento suicida / Suicidal Rehanging

La investigación detallada del lugar de los hechos, el examen de la cuerda y de los nudos, así como de los puntos de suspensión, aportan una información complementaria de gran interés en casos de ahorcamiento de etiología dudosa. Presentamos la imagen de un "reahorcamiento suicida" en el que dicha información fue relevante para la resolución del caso (AU)

The thorough investigation of the scene, the examination of the noose and Knots as well as the suspension points contribute important information concerning hangings of doubtful etiology. We are displaying the picture of a “suicidal rehanging” in which the mentioned information was important in theresolution of the case (AU)

Changes due to age in the kinematics of trotting Andalusian foals.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of growth on biokinematic characteristics at the trot in a group of 9 Andalusian foals from age 12 to 36 months in order to identify which stride variables change or remain invariable. Biokinematic analysis was performed by using a computer-assisted videography system (25 Hz frame rate). An increase in stride length as well as the fore- and hindlimb stride duration was found. A tendency to increase flexion of the shoulder, elbow and carpal joints was observed while the forelimb fetlock increased its maximal extension. In the hindlimb, most of the differences were exhibited by the hip and stifle joints, which showed a tendency to a lesser flexion with age. However, at landing the extension was bigger. The hindlimb fetlock extended more in older foals, whereas flexion decreased. Significant differences in the maximal extension and flexion instants in the forelimb joints were not detected (except in the elbow joint). The same was found in the angular range of motion (ARM) of the scapula inclination and the shoulder and forelimb fetlock joints. Differences in retraction-protraction angles in both the fore- and hindlimbs were very slight, and ARM values for these parameters were similar in all age groups. It can be concluded that Andalusian horses modified their locomotor pattern at the trot between age 12 and 36 months, particularly up to 24 months, by increasing stride length as well as shoulder, elbow and carpus flexion, while hip and stifle flexion decreased and hindlimb joints were more extended during the stance phase. One of the most striking features was that maximal retraction and protraction angles did not change in foals age 12-36 months in either fore- or hindlimbs. These results could be useful for the prediction of some kinematic parameters of mature horses from data obtained at younger ages.

The carboxy-terminal domain of Grp94 binds to protein kinase CK2 alpha but not to CK2 holoenzyme.

Surface plasmon resonance analysis shows that the carboxy-terminal domain of Grp94 (Grp94-CT, residues 518-803) physically interacts with the catalytic subunit of protein kinase CK2 (CK2 alpha) under non-stressed conditions. A K(D) of 4 x 10(-7) was determined for this binding. Heparin competed with Grp94-CT for binding to CK2 alpha. CK2 beta also inhibited the binding of Grp94-CT to CK2 alpha, and CK2 holoenzyme reconstituted in vitro was unable to bind Grp94-CT. The use of CK2 alpha mutants made it possible to map the Grp94-CT binding site to the four lysine stretch (residues 74-77) present in helix C of CK2 alpha. Grp94-CT stimulated the activity of CK2 alpha wild-type but was ineffective on the CK2 alpha K74-77A mutant.

Multiple idiopathic small bowel strictures: report of three cases.

Multiple strictures of the small bowel are relatively rare. In many cases, a distinct cause can be defined, but some strictures are unexplainable by any specific mechanism and have been termed 'idiopathic' small bowel strictures. We present 3 cases of multiple small bowel strictures in which the affected segments were studied with perioperative photoplethysmography, in vivo specimen angiography and pathology. Neither photoplethysmographic alterations nor structural vascular lesions were found.

Inter-breed differences in equine forelimb kinematics at the walk.

Linear, temporal and angular biokinematic characteristics of the forelimb at the walk in different breeds were determined, highlighting inter-breed differences. Twenty-three healthy stallions were used: ten Andalusians (AN), seven Arabs (AR) and six Anglo-Arabs (AA). Height at the withers was significantly different between groups (P < 0.001). Six trials per horse were recorded using a levelled video camera (sampling frame rate 25 frames/s), digitized and analysed using a semi-automatic movement analysis system. No statistically significant differences in speeds were recorded between breeds (P > 0.05). The only temporal parameter which was similar in the three breeds was the moment at which the hoof reached the highest point in its trajectory. The variables presenting the most significant differences were the percentages of deceleration and propulsion within the stance phase. ANOVA for angular variables showed that the greatest difference was in the range of angular movement of the carpal joint, being higher in AN, due to a lower minimum value. In the fetlock joint, the greatest difference was observed in minimum values, which differed in all three breeds. Significant inter-breed differences were also observed for maximum limb retraction, being lowest in the AN group, followed by the AA and AR groups. This finding was reflected in the angular range of motion, despite smaller differences in the degree of limb protraction; very similar values were reported in all three breeds. As regards the elbow joint, no inter-breed differences were observed in terms of minimum values, whereas differences were recorded for maximum and angular range of motion, higher values being displayed by the AR and AN groups than by AA animals. In conclusion, inter-breed differences may be determined in equine forelimb biokinematics at the walk. This study distinguished between AN, AR and AA horses.

The C-terminal domain of human grp94 protects the catalytic subunit of protein kinase CK2 (CK2alpha) against thermal aggregation. Role of disulfide bonds.

The C-terminal domain (residues 518-803) of the 94 kDa glucose regulated protein (grp94) was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with a His6-N-terminal tag (grp94-CT). This truncated form of grp94 formed dimers and oligomers that could be dissociated into monomers by treatment with dithiothreitol. Grp94-CT conferred protection against aggregation on the catalytic subunit of protein kinase CK2 (CK2alpha), although it did not protect against thermal inactivation. This anti-aggregation effect of grp94-CT was concentration dependent, with full protection achieved at grp94-CT/CK2alpha molar ratios of 4 : 1. The presence of dithiothreitol markedly reduced the anti-aggregation effects of grp94-CT on CK2alpha without altering the solubility of the chaperone. It is concluded that the chaperone activity of the C-terminal domain of human grp94 requires the maintenance of its quaternary structure (dimers and oligomers), which seems to be stabilised by disulphide bonds.

Kinematic characteristics of Andalusian, Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses: a comparative study.

The aim of this study was to compare the kinematic trot characteristics of three different breeds of horse: Andalusian (AN, n = 15), Arabian (AR, n = 7) and Anglo-Arabian (AA, n = 5) using standard computer-assisted videography (25 Hz). Linear, temporal and angular parameters in fore- and hind limbs were analysed in six randomly selected strides per horse. Normalised angle-time diagrams along the complete stride were obtained for all joints angles in each breed and specific kinematic characteristics were detected graphically. AA horses displayed longer swing durations in both limbs ans a shorter angular range of motion (ARM) in scapula and pelvis inclination and in shoulder, hip and forelimb retraction-protraction angles. At lift off, stifle and tarsal joint angles were more flexed. In general, only small differences were observed in AR horse kinematics when compared with the other 2 breeds. AN horses presented negative overtracking length, which was positive in AR and AA. In AN horses the elbow and carpal joints were more flexed at the moment of maximal elevation, elbow and fore-fetlock joints also exhibited a larger ARM due to a smaller angle at maximal flexion. In the hind limbs, tarsal, hind fetlock and retraction-protraction angles presented a larger ARM in AN horses due to greater maximal flexion in the tarsal and hind fetlock joints. Fore- and hind fetlocks were also more flexed in horses from this breed. In conclusion, differences between kinematic variables at the trot were observed in the three breeds studied here, mainly in forelimb joints. The most outstanding feature was the greater forelimb flexion recorded in AN horses than in the other breeds which is consistent with the elevated movements in this breed. In AA horses, the ARM of proximal joints involved in retraction protraction in both fore- and hind limbs was smaller. All the differences observed highlighted the idiosyncratic nature of the trot in each breed; this may influence the functional capacity of each breed.