Acute endometritis induced by Escherichia coli in mares evaluated through color doppler ultrasonography / [Endometrite aguda induzida por Escherichia coli em éguas avaliadas por ultrassonografia com Doppler colorido]

The objectives of this study were to characterize the endometritis induced in mares using color Doppler ultrasonography and traditional exams. Experiment 1. Mares (n=20) were submitted to intrauterine inoculation with Escherichia coli. Uterine evaluation was performed at M0 and M1. Experiment 2. Animals were divided into two groups: control group (n=10), and treated group (n=10) using phytotherapeutic solution. In both groups, the uterine evaluation was performed at time T1, T2, and T3. Experiment 3: Uterine evaluation was compared after antibiotic therapy, phytotherapy, and M0. For statistical analysis, the Tukey test, t Student, and Anova test were applied. Experiment 1. The mean values of vascularization at M1 were significantly higher than those obtained at M0 (P<0.05). Bacterial growth was observed in all samples collected. Experiment 2. The mean value of vascularization at time T1 in both groups was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to M2 and M3. Experiment 3. After antibiotic therapy, the vascularization of the body and uterine horns was not equivalent to the vascularization presented at M0. We can conclude that it was not possible to correlate results obtained by color Doppler ultrasonography with the traditional findings for the diagnosis of endometritis.(AU)

Os objetivos deste estudo foram caracterizar a endometrite induzida em éguas utilizando-se a ultrassonografia com Doppler colorido e exames tradicionais. Experimento 1: as éguas (n=20) foram submetidas à inoculação intrauterina com Escherichia coli. A avaliação uterina foi realizada em M0 e M1. Experimento 2: os animais foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo controle (n=10) e grupo tratado (n=10), sendo usada solução fitoterápica. Nos dois grupos, a avaliação uterina ocorreu nos momentos T1, T2 e T3. Experimento 3: a avaliação uterina foi comparada após antibioticoterapia, fitoterapia e M0. Para análise estatística, foram aplicados os testes de Tukey, t de Student e ANOVA. Experimento 1: os valores médios de vascularização em M1 foram significativamente maiores que os obtidos no M0 (P<0,05). Houve crescimento bacteriano em todas as amostras coletadas. Experimento 2: o valor médio da vascularização no tempo T1 nos dois grupos foi significativamente maior (P<0,05) do que o obtido em M2 e M3. Experimento 3: após antibioticoterapia, a vascularização do corpo e dos cornos uterinos não era equivalente à vascularização apresentada em M0. Pode-se concluir que não foi possível correlacionar os resultados obtidos pela ultrassonografia com Doppler colorido com os achados tradicionais para o diagnóstico de endometrite.(AU)

Ultrassonografia testicular no modo color Doppler∕ espectral e avaliação andrológica de garanhões tratados com gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) em diferentes estações do ano / [Testicular ultrasonography in the doppler / spectral color mode and andrological evaluation of stallions treated with human corionic gonadotrofin (hCG) in different seasons of the year]

Utilizaram-se quatro garanhões nos meses de janeiro, abril, julho e outubro de 2016, em dois protocolos, em que: GI (n=4; 5mL de solução salina, i.v.) e GII (n=4; 5000UI de hCG, i.v.) e subdividiram-se esses protocolos em ciclos (C1 e C2), seguindo o esquema crossover, sendo: CI=animais 1 (GI) e 2 (GII), avaliados nos dias D1, D3 e D5, e animais 3 (GI) e 4 (GII), em D2, D4 e D6; CII= animais 1 (GII) e 2 (GI), em D1, D3, D5, e animais 3 (GII) e 4 (GI), em D2, D4 e D6. Realizou-se o tratamento em D1 e D2 de cada ciclo e a ultrassonografia testicular no modo color Doppler e Doppler espectral, uma hora antes de cada coleta de sêmen e imediatamente após. Avaliou-se: número de reflexo de Flehmen, de montas sem ereção, início da monta, tempo de reação à ereção e total da monta e análises de qualidade seminal. Estatisticamente foram utilizados os testes de qui-quadrado e ANOVA. Não houve diferenças estatísticas (P>0,05) entre os parâmetros analisados. Concluiu-se que uma única dose de 5000UI de hCG em garanhões não causou alterações significativas nos parâmetros avaliados em diferentes estações do ano.(AU)

Four stallions were used in January, April, July and October 2016 in two protocols: GI (n=4; 5ml saline, iv) and GII (n=4; 5000 hCG, iv), and these protocols were subdivided into cycles (C1 and C2) following the cross over scheme, as follows: CI=animal 1 (GI) and 2 (GII) evaluated on days D1, D3 and D5 and animal 3 (GI) and 4 (GII) at D 2, D 4 and D 6; CII=animal 1 (GII) and 2 (GI) at D1, D3, D5 and animal 3 (GII) and 4 (GI) at D2, D4 and D6. Treatment was performed on D1 and D2 of each cycle and testicular ultrasound in color Doppler and spectral Doppler mode, one hour before each semen collection and immediately after. We evaluated: Flehmen's reflex number, mounts without erection, start of the mount, reaction time to erection and total mount and seminal quality analyzes. Statistically, the Chi-square and ANOVA tests were used. There were no statistical differences (P>0.05) between the analyzed parameters. It was concluded that a single dose of 5000IU hCG in stallions did not cause significant changes in the parameters evaluated in different seasons of the year.(AU)

Deficiency in proliferative, angiogenic, and LH receptors in the follicle wall: implications of season toward the anovulatory condition.

This study aimed to gain insight on the effect of different seasons of the year on the expression pattern of growth factor and hormone receptors involved in follicle development. A novel follicle wall biopsy technique was used to collect in vivo follicle wall layers (ie, granulosa, theca interna, and theca externa) and follicular fluid samples from growing dominant follicles, simultaneously and repeatedly, using the same mares during the spring anovulatory (SAN), spring ovulatory (SOV), summer (SU), and fall ovulatory (FOV) seasons. The immunofluorescent expression patterns of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and LH receptor (LHR) were evaluated in each follicle wall layer, in addition to intrafollicular estradiol and nitric oxide (NO). Proliferative proteins (EGFR and Ki-67) were highly (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) expressed during the SOV season compared with the SAN and FOV seasons. Lower (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) expression of both proteins was observed during SU compared with the SOV season. The expression of VEGFR was greater (P < 0.05-P < 0.01) in the theca interna of dominant follicles during the SOV season compared with the SAN and SU seasons. Similarly, in the overall quantification, the VEGFR expression was greater (P < 0.001) during the SOV season compared with the SU and FOV seasons. A higher (P < 0.05) LHR expression was detected in the theca interna during the SOV season than the SAN season. Furthermore, a higher (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) expression of LHR was observed in the granulosa, theca interna, and in the overall quantification during the SOV season compared with the SU and FOV seasons. Intrafollicular NO concentration did not differ (P > 0.05) among different seasons of the year. The intrafollicular estradiol concentration was higher (P < 0.05) during the SU compared with the SAN season and higher (P < 0.05) during the FOV season compared with the SAN and SOV seasons. In conclusion, the synergistic effect of lower expression of proliferative protein, angiogenic, and LH receptors in at least some of the layers of the follicle wall seems to trigger dominant follicles toward the anovulation process during the spring and fall transitional seasons.

Seasonal variation in equine follicular fluid proteome.

BACKGROUND: Proteomic studies of follicular fluid (FF) exist for several species, including the horse; however, the seasonal influence on FF proteome has not been explored in livestock. The application of high-throughput proteomics of FF in horse has the potential to identify seasonal variations of proteins involved in follicle and oocyte growth. METHODS: This study (i) profiles the proteomes of equine FF collected from dominant growing follicles during the spring anovulatory season (SAN), and spring (SOV), summer (SUM), and fall (FOV) ovulatory seasons; and (ii) identifies season-dependent regulatory networks and associated key proteins. RESULTS: Regardless of season, a total of 90 proteins were identified in FF, corresponding to 63, 72, 69, and 78 proteins detected in the SAN, SOV, SUM, and FOV seasons, respectively. Fifty-two proteins were common to all seasons, a total of 13 were unique to either season, and 25 were shared between two seasons or more. Protein-to-protein interaction (PPI) analysis indicated the likely critical roles of plasminogen in the SAN season, the prothrombin/plasminogen combination in SUM, and plasminogen/complement C3 in both SOV and FOV seasons. The apolipoprotein A1 appeared crucial in all seasons. The present findings show that FF proteome of SUM differs from other seasons, with FF having high fluidity (low viscosity). CONCLUSIONS: The balance between the FF contents in prothrombin, plasminogen, and coagulation factor XII proteins favoring FF fluidity may be crucial at the peak of the ovulatory season (SUM) and may explain the reported lower incidence of hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles during the SUM season.

In vivo antral follicle wall biopsy: a new research technique to study ovarian function at the cellular and molecular levels.

BACKGROUND: In vivo studies involving molecular markers of the follicle wall associated with follicular fluid (FF) milieu are crucial for a better understanding of follicle dynamics. The inability to obtain in vivo samples of antral follicle wall (granulosa and theca cells) without jeopardizing ovarian function has restricted advancement in knowledge of folliculogenesis in several species. The purpose of this study in mares was to develop and validate a novel, minimally invasive in vivo technique for simultaneous collection of follicle wall biopsy (FWB) and FF samples, and repeated collection from the same individual, during different stages of antral follicle development. We hypothesized that the in vivo FWB technique provides samples that maintain the normal histological tissue structure of the follicle wall layers, offers sufficient material for various cellular and molecular techniques, and allows simultaneous retrieval of FF. METHODS: In Experiment 1 (ex vivo), each follicle was sampled using two techniques: biopsy forceps and scalpel blade (control). In Experiment 2 (in vivo), FWB and FF samples from 10-, 20-, and 30-mm follicles were repeatedly and simultaneously obtained through transvaginal ultrasound-guided technique. RESULTS: In Experiment 1, the thickness of granulosa, theca interna, and theca externa layers was not influenced (P > 0.05) by the harvesting techniques. In Experiment 2, the overall recovery rates of FWB and FF samples were 97 and 100%, respectively. However, the success rate of obtaining samples with all layers of the follicle wall and clear FF varied according to follicle size. The expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) was mostly confined in the theca interna layer, with the estradiol-related receptor alpha (ERRα) in the granulosa and theca interna layers. The 30-mm follicle group had greater (P < 0.05) LHR expression in the theca interna and ERRα in the granulosa layer compared to the other groups. The overall expression of LHR and ERRα, and the intrafollicular estradiol were higher (P < 0.05 - P < 0.0001) in the 30-mm follicle group. CONCLUSION: The in vivo technique developed in this study can be repeatedly and simultaneously used to provide sufficient FWB and FF samples for various cellular and molecular studies without jeopardizing the ovarian function, and has the potential to be translated to other species, including humans.

A new species of Curimatopsis Steindachner (Characiformes: Curimatidae) from the Rio Nhamundá, Amazon basin.

A new species of Curimatopsis is described from the Rio Nhamundá, Amazon basin in northern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from congeners by the presence of a distinctive concentration of dark pigmentation over the entire lower lobe of the caudal fin, reticulate pattern of body pigmentation, lower jaw longer than and overlapping the anterior portion of the upper jaw, crescent-shaped posterior nostril and by morphometric and meristic data. Comments on the phylogenetic position of the new species within Curimatopsis are also provided.

Use of different pressures for transvaginal follicular aspiration in mares / Uso de diferentes pressões para aspiração folicular transvaginal em éguas

The success of transvaginal follicular aspiration in mares can be influenced by several factors, such as vacuum pump pressure levels. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of different negative pressures (150, 280 and 400mmHg) of the vacuum pump on the oocyte recovery in the mares. The mares (n=10) were undergoing follicular aspiration using three different negative pressures for three consecutive estrous cycles as follows: G150 = 150mmHg (n = 10); G280 = 280mmHg (n = 10); G400 = 400mmHg (n = 10). Every estrous cycle, the group that the mare would participate was drawn, and each animal participated once in each group. Only preovulatory follicle was used, about 30 to 36 hours after application of hCG. To compare the results, the chi-square test was used (5% significance) and Fisher exact test, when recommended. Thirty preovulatory follicles (diameter 36.1±1.80mm) were aspirated and ten oocytes were recovered (33.3%). There was no statistical difference between the experimental groups (p=0.59). Thus, accord to the results observed in this study, we could conclude that the negative pressure of the vacuum pump used was not efficient to increase oocyte recovery.(AU)

O sucesso da técnica de aspiração folicular transvaginal em éguas pode ser influenciado de maneira determinante por diversos fatores, tais como níveis de pressão da bomba de vácuo. Diante disso, o presente experimento visou investigar o efeito de diferentes pressões negativas (150, 280 e 400mmHg) da bomba de vácuo sobre a taxa de recuperação de oócitos em éguas. As éguas (n=10) foram submetidas à aspiração folicular utilizando-se três diferentes pressões negativas por três ciclos estrais consecutivos, da seguinte maneira: G150= 150mmHg (n=10); G280= 280mmHg (n=10); G400= 400mmHg (n=10). A cada ciclo estral, sorteava-se o grupo do qual a égua participaria, sendo que cada animal integrou um grupo somente uma vez. Foi puncionado somente folículo pré-ovulatório, em torno de 30 a 36 horas após a aplicação do hCG. Os resultados foram comparados utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado (a 5% de significância) e o Fisher Exato, quando recomendados. Foram aspirados 30 folículos pré-ovulatórios (diâmetro 36,1±1,80mm) e recuperados 10 oócitos (33,3%). Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos experimentais (P=0,59). Dessa forma, mediante os resultados obtidos no presente estudo, foi possível concluir que a pressão negativa da bomba de vácuo utilizada não se mostrou determinante para elevar a recuperação oocitária.(AU)

Association of serum uric acid levels with emotional and affective temperaments.

BACKGROUND: Temperament relates to emotions and the prevailing mood or affective temperament. Uric acid (UA) is the end-product of purine metabolism and has been associated with psychological features such as high energy/drive, positive affect, achievement, good performance, higher social status and leadership. METHODS: 129 subjects (44 males, 85 females) completed with the Combined Emotional and Affective Temperaments Scale, serum UA levels and a general health questionnaire. RESULTS: In the whole sample, serum UA levels were significantly correlated with disinhibition (r=0.36, p<0.001) and drive (r=0.25, p<0.01), but not with control, anger or any of the affective temperament scores. Among males, we found correlations at trend level (p>0.05 and <0.07) for control (r=0.27), irritable (r=0.29) and hyperthymic (r=0.27) affective temperaments. Among females, a significant correlation was found only with disinhibition (r=0.34, p=0.001). The top tertile of males (serum UA>6.0 mg/ml, n=16) had significantly higher drive (29.9+/-5.9x26.0+/-3.6, p=0.01) and higher control at trend level (21.2+/-3.1x19.3+/-2.9, p=0.054) than other males. Among women, the top tertile (serum UA>4.0 mg/ml, n=29) showed higher disinhibition scores (20.7+/-4.9x17.9+/-3.6, p<0.01) and more frequent choices of hyperthymic (8/26x6/59, p=0.023) and irritable temperaments (7/26x5/59, p=0.031) than the rest of the sample. Controlling for daily intake of meat and grains, which could lead to higher UA levels, did not change these results. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size for males. CONCLUSIONS: Externalized traits of temperament are associated with higher serum UA levels both in men and women.

Bagaço de mandioca (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) na dieta de vacas leiteiras: consumo de nutrientes / Cassava bagasse (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) in the diet of lactating cows: intake of nutrients

Avaliou-se o efeito da inclusão de diferentes níveis (0, 5, 10 e 15 por cento) de bagaço de mandioca à dieta de 12 vacas mestiças leiteiras Holandês x Zebu (composição racial com variação de » a ¾ de sangue H x Z) com 478,5kg de peso corporal médio e com 100 a 150 dias de lactação, distribuídas em três Quadrados Latinos 4 x 4. Foi avaliado o consumo de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), carboidratos totais (CHT), carboidratos não-fibrosos (CNF) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Forneceu-se silagem de capim-elefante como fonte de volumoso. As relações volumoso:concentrado utilizadas foram de 65,19:34,81; 61,59:38,41; 59,08:40,92 e 54,76:45,24. Formularam-se as dietas isoprotéicas e isoenergéticas. Houve aumento linear do consumo de MS, MO, PB, CHT, CNF e NDT, efeito quadrático do consumo de EE e redução do consumo de FDA com o aumento do BM, enquanto o consumo de FDN não diferiu entre os tratamentos.O bagaço de mandioca pode ser utilizado até o nível de 15 por cento de inclusão na dieta total de vacas mestiças leiteiras sem trazer transtornos fisiológicos ou nutricionais aos animais.

The effect of different inclusion levels (0, 5, 10, and 15 percent) of cassava bagasse to the diet of 12 Holstein x Zebu crossbred dairy cows (breed composition varying from » to ¾ H x Z blood), averaging 478.5kg body weight and 100 to 150 days in milk was evaluated. Cows were distributed in three 4 x 4 latin squares. The intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), total carbohydrates (TC), non fiber carbohydrates (NFC), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were evaluated. Elephant grass silage was provided as roughage source. The roughage:concentrate ratios were 65.19:34.81; 61.59:38.41; 59.08:40.92; and 54.76:45.24. Isonitogen and isoenergetic diets were formulated. There was a linear increase in DM, OM, CP, TC, NFC, and TDN intakes, quadratic effect of EE intake, and a reduction of ADF intake with the increase of the BM; while no diference among treatments was observed for NDF intake. The cassava bagasse can be used until 15 percent inclusion level in the total diet of crossbred dairy cows without physiological or nutritional damage.

Bagaço de mandioca na ensilagem do capim-elefante: qualidade das silagens e digestibilidade dos nutrientes / Cassava bagasse in elephant grass ensilage: quality of the silage and digestibility of the nutrients

Utilizaram-se 16 novilhas ¾ Holandês-Zebu com idade média de 15 meses e peso médio inicial de 144kg, para avaliar o efeito da adição de diferentes níveis (5; 10; 15 e 20 por cento) de bagaço de mandioca na ensilagem do capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum) sobre a qualidade e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes da dieta. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro dietas contendo, como volumoso, silagem de capim-elefante com quatro diferentes níveis de bagaço de mandioca, mais concentrado balanceado, com quatro repetições por tratamento. Avaliou-se a qualidade das silagens, os consumos de nutrientes das dietas e as digestibilidades dos nutrientes das silagens e das dietas totais. O bagaço de mandioca elevou o teor de matéria seca (MS) da silagem, preservando-a com o pH que variou de 3,85 a 4,07 e a relação N-NH3/NT de 6,2 a 7,85. Os consumos médios diários de MS e proteína bruta (PB) não diferiram entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). Os consumos médios de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) apresentaram comportamento linear decrescente (P<0,05) com o aumento dos níveis de bagaço de mandioca. Não foi detectada diferença entre os tratamentos (P>0,05) na digestibilidade da MS (DMS), da FDN (DFDN) e da FDA (DFDA) das silagens. Os nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) das silagens foram semelhantes em todos os tratamentos. A digestibilidade da PB (DPB), do extrato etéreo (DEE) e dos carboidratos não-fibrosos (DCNF) das silagens decresceu linearmente (P<0,05) com o aumento do nível do bagaço de mandioca nas silagens. Constatou-se que não houve diferença (P>0,05) na DMS, DPB, DFDN, DFDA, DEE, DCNF e NDT entre as dietas experimentais. O nível de adição de 5 por cento de bagaço de mandioca à silagem de capim-elefante é satisfatório para sua preservação, propiciando boa digestibilidade.

Sixteen ¾ Holstein-Zebu heifers aging 15 month-old averaging 144kg were used to evaluate the effect of the additions of different levels of cassava bagasse (5; 10; 15 and 20 percent) to elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum) ensilage on the diet quality and nutrients digestibility. The treatments consisted of four diets containing, as roughage, elephant grass silage with four different levels of cassava bagasse plus balanced concentrate, with four repetitions per treatment. Silages quality, diet nutrients intake and nutrients digestibility of the silages and total diets were evaluated. Cassava bagasse increased the dry matter (DM) content, of the silages preserving them with a pH varying from 3.85 to 4.07 and N-NH3/NT ratio from 6.2 to 7.85. Daily dry matter and crude protein (CP) mean intakes did not differ among the treatments (P>0.05). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) mean intakes showed a decreasing linear behavior (P<0.05) with the increase of cassava bagasse levels. There was no detected difference among the treatments (P>0.05) for DM (DMD), NDF (NDFD) and ADF digestibility (ADFD). The total digestible nutrients (TDN) of the silages were similar in all the treatments. The CP (CPD), ether extract (EED) and non-fiber carbohydrates digestibility (NFCD) of the silages decreased linearly (P<0.05) with the increase of cassava bagasse levels. There was no difference (P>0.05) in DMD, CPD, NDFD, ADFD, EED, NFCD and TDN among the experimental diets. The 5 percent cassava bagasse addition to its elephant grass silage was satisfactory to preservation resulting in good digestibility of the elephant grass silage.

Evaluation of tracheal wash of horses with exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage treated with furosemide

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da furosemida sobre o lavado traqueal de eqüinos portadores de hemorragia pulmonar induzida pelo exercício (HPIE). Nove animais foram distribuídos em três grupos experimentais: grupo-controle, formado por três eqüinos hígidos e não portadores da doença; grupo 1, com três eqüinos portadores e não submetidos a tratamento; e grupo 2, com três eqüinos portadores da doença e tratados com furosemida na dose de 1mg/kg, quatro horas antes da atividade atlética. As amostras do lavado traqueal foram obtidas duas horas após o exercício físico e sua avaliação demonstrou que o uso do medicamento reduziu a severidade da HPIE, refletida pela redução no número relativo de hemossiderófagos (de 7,8 por cento no grupo 1 para 4,2 por cento no grupo 2) e no número de eritrócitos (de 77666 x 10³/ml no grupo 1 para 8000x10³/ml no grupo 2).

Desempenho de novilhas leiteiras alimentadas com silagem de capim-elefante com adição de diferentes níveis de bagaço de mandioca / Performance of dairy heifers fed on elephantgrass silage added with different levels of cassava bagasse

Avaliou-se o efeito da adição de diferentes níveis (5; 10; 15 e 20 por cento) de bagaço de mandioca na ensilagem do capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum) sobre o desempenho de novilhas leiteiras. Utilizaram-se 16 novilhas ¾ Holandês × Zebu, com idade média de 15 meses e peso vivo inicial de 144kg, com quatro repetições por tratamento. O experimento constou de 14 dias de adaptação, quando as novilhas receberam apenas silagem, e 56 dias de período experimental. Realizaram-se pesagens e tomadas as medidas da altura de cernelha e da circunferência torácica, após jejum de 16 horas, no início do experimento e no 28° e 56° dias. Os consumos médios diários de matéria seca (MS) e proteína bruta não diferiram entre tratamentos (P>0,05). Os consumos médios de fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido apresentaram comportamento linear decrescente (P<0,05). O desempenho foi verificado por meio das médias do peso vivo inicial, do peso vivo final, do ganho de peso médio diário, do aumento de perímetro torácico, do aumento de altura de cernelha e da conversão alimentar da MS. Não se observou influência dos tratamentos (P>0,05) sobre as características estudadas.

Helminths infecting the parthenogenetic whiptail lizard Cnemidophorus nativo in a restinga habitat of Bahia State, Brazil.

A sample of 101 specimens of the unisexual whiptail lizard Cnemidophorus nativo (Squamata; Teiidae) from a coastal site in Bahia State, Brazil were examined for the presence of endoparasites. Of these, 35 (34.7%) harboured helminths. Six helminth species were recovered from C. nativo, including five nematodes (Physaloptera retusa, Physalopteroides venancioi, Subulura lacertilia, Skrjabinelazia intermedia and Parapharyngodon sp., and one cestode (Oochoristica ameivae), all representing new host records. Most lizards were infected by a single species of helminth and none by more than three. Infection rates were neither significantly influenced by host body size nor by environmental factors. The results are compared with data from studies on other whiptail species in both South and North America.

The terrestrial reptile fauna of the Abrolhos Archipelago: species list and ecological aspects.

We have studied the terrestrial reptile fauna of the Abrolhos Archipelago (a group of five islands located ca. 70 km off the southern coast of the State of Bahia, Brazil) and analyze here some of its ecological aspects such as diet, thermal ecology, activity, and some reproductive parameters. Three lizards comprise the archipelago's terrestrial reptile fauna: Tropidurus torquatus (Tropiduridae), Mabuya agilis (Scincidae), and Hemidactylus mabouia (Gekkonidae). The first two are diurnal and the latter is crepuscular/nocturnal (initiating activity at ca. 17:30). The activity period of T. torquatus extended from 5:30 to 18:30 h. Mean field body temperatures of active T. torquatus, M. agilis, and H. mabouia were, respectively, 34.0 +/- 3.7 degrees C (range 23.8-38.0 degrees C; N = 75), 34.5 +/- 2.2 degrees C (range 30.8-37.0 degrees C; N = 6), and 26.3 +/- 1.1 degrees C (range 24.8-28.0 degrees C; N = 8). The predominant prey items in the diet of T. torquatus were ants, coleopterans, and hemipterans. In the diet of M. agilis, coleopterans were the most frequent prey items. For H. mabouia, the most important dietary items were orthopterans. Clutch size of T. torquatus averaged 4.1 +/- 1.1 (range 2-6; N = 15) and was significantly related to female size (R2 = 0.618; p = 0.001; N = 15). Clutch size for H. mabouia was fixed (two) and mean litter size of the viviparous M. agilis was 3.3 +/- 0.6 (range 3-4; N = 3). Tropidurus torquatus and H. mabouia deposit their eggs under rocks in the study area, with the former burying them but not the latter; in both species, more than one female often oviposit under the same rock.

The terrestrial reptile fauna of the Abrolhos Archipelago: species list and ecological aspects

We have studied the terrestrial reptile fauna of the Abrolhos Archipelago (a group of five islands located ca. 70 km off the southern coast of the State of Bahia, Brazil) and analyze here some of its ecological aspects such as diet, thermal ecology, activity, and some reproductive parameters. Three lizards comprise the archipelago's terrestrial reptile fauna: Tropidurus torquatus (Tropiduridae), Mabuya agilis (Scincidae), and Hemidactylus mabouia (Gekkonidae). The first two are diurnal and the latter is crepuscular/nocturnal (initiating activity at ca. 17:30). The activity period of T. torquatus extended from 5:30 to 18:30 h. Mean field body temperatures of active T. torquatus, M. agilis, and H. mabouia were, respectively, 34.0 ± 3.7øC (range 23.8-38.0øC; N = 75), 34.5 ± 2.2øC (range 30.8-37.0øC; N = 6), and 26.3 ± 1.1øC (range 24.8-28.0øC; N = 8). The predominant prey items in the diet of T. torquatus were ants, coleopterans, and hemipterans. In the diet of M. agilis, coleopterans were the most frequent prey items. For H. mabouia, the most important dietary items were orthopterans. Clutch size of T. torquatus averaged 4.1 ± 1.1 (range 2-6; N = 15) and was significantly related to female size (Rý = 0.618; p = 0.001; N = 15). Clutch size for H. mabouia was fixed (two) and mean litter size of the viviparous M. agilis was 3.3 ± 0.6 (range 3-4; N = 3). Tropidurus torquatus and H. mabouia deposit their eggs under rocks in the study area, with the former burying them but not the latter; in both species, more than one female often oviposit under the same rock

The terrestrial reptile fauna of the Abrolhos Archipelago: species list and ecological aspects

We have studied the terrestrial reptile fauna of the Abrolhos Archipelago (a group of five islands located ca. 70 km off the southern coast of the State of Bahia, Brazil) and analyze here some of its ecological aspects such as diet, thermal ecology, activity, and some reproductive parameters. Three lizards comprise the archipelago's terrestrial reptile fauna: Tropidurus torquatus (Tropiduridae), Mabuya agilis (Scincidae), and Hemidactylus mabouia (Gekkonidae). The first two are diurnal and the latter is crepuscular/nocturnal (initiating activity at ca. 17:30). The activity period of T. torquatus extended from 5:30 to 18:30 h. Mean field body temperatures of active T. torquatus, M. agilis, and H. mabouia were, respectively, 34.0 ± 3.7ºC (range 23.8-38.0ºC; N = 75), 34.5 ± 2.2ºC (range 30.8-37.0ºC; N = 6), and 26.3 ± 1.1ºC (range 24.8-28.0ºC; N = 8). The predominant prey items in the diet of T. torquatus were ants, coleopterans, and hemipterans. In the diet of M. agilis, coleopterans were the most frequent prey items. For H. mabouia, the most important dietary items were orthopterans. Clutch size of T. torquatus averaged 4.1 ± 1.1 (range 2-6; N = 15) and was significantly related to female size (R² = 0.618; p = 0.001; N = 15). Clutch size for H. mabouia was fixed (two) and mean litter size of the viviparous M. agilis was 3.3 ± 0.6 (range 3-4; N = 3). Tropidurus torquatus and H. mabouia deposit their eggs under rocks in the study area, with the former burying them but not the latter; in both species, more than one female often oviposit under the same rock.

Estudamos a fauna de répteis terrestre do Arquipélago de Abrolhos (um conjunto de cinco ilhas localizadas a 70 km da costa sul do Estado da Bahia, Brasil) e analisamos alguns aspectos da ecologia das espécies, como a dieta, ecologia termal, atividade e alguns parâmetros reprodutivos. A fauna de répteis do arquipélago compreende três lagartos: Tropidurus torquatus (Tropiduridae), Mabuya agilis (Scincidae) e Hemidactylus mabouia (Gekkonidae). Os dois primeiros são diurnos e o último é crepuscular/noturno (iniciando atividade às 17h30). O período de atividade de T. torquatus se estendeu de 5h30 a 18h30. As temperaturas corpóreas médias em atividade de T. torquatus, M. agilis e H. mabouia foram, respectivamente, de 34,0 ± 3.7ºC (amplitude 23,8-38,0ºC; N = 75), 34,5 ± 2,2ºC (amplitude 30,8-37,0ºC; N = 6) e 26,3 ± 1,1ºC (amplitude 24,8-28,0ºC; N = 8). Os itens alimentares predominantes na dieta de T. torquatus foram formigas, coleópteros e hemípteros. Na dieta de M. agilis, coleópteros foram os itens mais freqüentes. Para H. mabouia, os itens alimentares mais importantes na dieta foram ortópteros. O tamanho médio da ninhada de T. torquatus foi de 4,1 ± 1,1 (amplitude 2-6; N = 15) e estava significativamente relacionado com o tamanho da fêmea (R² = 0,618; p = 0,001; N = 15). O número de ovos para H. mabouia foi fixo (dois) e o tamanho médio da ninhada para a espécie vivípara M. agilis foi de 3,3 ± 0,6 (amplitude 3-4; N = 3). Tropidurus torquatus e H. mabouia depositam seus ovos sob rochas na área estudada, sendo que o primeiro enterra seus ovos e o segundo não; em ambas as espécies, mais de uma fêmea freqüentemente utiliza a mesma rocha para oviposição.

Birth defects monitoring in underdeveloped countries: an example from Uruguay.

Medical authorities in developing countries are primarily interested in nutritional and infectious diseases. Therefore, activities directed to the prevention and control of low priority illnesses, such as birth defects, need to be particularly effective, simple, and economical. Monitoring of congenital anomalies is one of the preventive activities which can be efficiently performed at very low cost. Guidelines for this are given, and their application exemplified by the case of Uruguay. Uruguay has recently attained an infant mortality rate of 20/1,000, with the congenital anomalies ranking as its second cause. The government of Uruguay, through the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PARO/WHO) called the Estudio Colaborativo Latino Americano de Malformaciones Congenitas (ECLAMC) for advice in order to plan a program for the prevention of birth defects. The recommendations given were based on conclusions drawn from the analysis of data the ECLAMC program has been accumulating, from Uruguay and other Latin-American countries, since 1967. The case of Uruguay clearly indicates that sensible guidelines for birth defects prevention can be provided, after working with this "low priority and uninteresting" group of illnesses for more than twenty years.

Monthly and seasonal variations in the frequency of congenital anomalies.

Three large and comparable series of births were used to test the working hypothesis that if there is a real seasonal variation in the frequency of a given congenital malformation; it would have to be shown by adequate analysis; to be more overt in non-tropical areas; and to be six months out of phase in northern and southern hemispheres. The data set were hospital births from tropical (287,165 births) and non-tropical (582,585 births) South America, and from Italy (508,536 births). Sixteen well-defined malformation types were tested: anencephaly, spina bifida, cephalocoele, hydrocephaly, microtia, cleft palate, cleft lip, oesophageal atresia, anal atresia, hypospadias, pes equino-varus, pes talovalgus, postaxial polydactylyl, pre-axial polydactylyl, diaphragmatic hernia, and Down's syndrome. No seasonal variation was proven (p less than 0.01) for any malformation type in any of the three series of data by means of Walter and Elwood's test, or Hewitt et al's non-parametric test2 applied to seven instances with sample sizes smaller than 50 cases. Variations of borderline significance (p less than 0.05) included oesophageal atresia in tropical South America, none in non-tropical South America, and anencephaly in Italy. It is concluded that seasonal variation in the occurrence of congenital malformations is a rare phenomenon when tests are strictly used within their recommended limitations.

Epidemiology of ambiguous genitalia in South America.

We present descriptive epidemiologic data on ambiguous genitalia (AG), obtained in the period 1967-1982 by the Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC) through 70 participating hospitals located in 34 cities of 9 South American countries. The observed prevalence rate for isolated AG was about 1/20,000 births, with at least 1/4 and probably as much as 1/2 due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia. When AG cases associated with other congenital anomalies were also considered, the overall frequency of AG was 1/6,900 total births (1/10,000 for live and 1/350 for stillbirths). The prevalence rates were homogeneously distributed among the different countries, and there was a stable secular trend. AG was more frequent in nontropical than in tropical areas of South America, and there was a significant seasonal variation with its acrophase in August (winter). A case-control analysis of 14 risk factors showed an association of AG with a prenatal history of acute maternal illnesses. These data do not support an etiological relationship between AG and hypospadias.