Orofacial neuralgia associated with a middle cerebral artery aneurysm.

Chronic orofacial pain of neuropathic origin can present diagnostic and management dilemmas to dental practitioners and also affects the patient's quality of life. Intracranial aneurysms are a potential cause of stroke (e.g. sub-arachnoid haemorrhage) that is usually associated with, high rates of mortality and morbidity. A patient who had been previously managed for symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) presented with sharp, shooting pain of moderate intensity. It was precipitated by swallowing, and radiated to the right throat, posterior border of the mandible, ear and temporomandibular joint. Clinical and radiological investigations ruled out odontogenic pain, TMD and other more common types of facial pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 7 × 6 mm aneurysm in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) which was subsequently surgically clipped. Interestingly, the facial pain resolved after this procedure. Compression of the insular region of the brain innervated by the trigeminal, glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves provides a plausible explanation for the pain reported. To our knowledge, this is the first case of facial neuralgia associated with an aneurysm in the MCA which emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and management of unusual cases of chronic orofacial pain.

Atherosclerosis: analysis of the eNOS (T786C) gene polymorphism.

The coronary arteriosclerotic disease is the most common cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis affects large- and medium-sized arteries leading to severe thrombosis or artery stenosis that could evolve to myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, ischemic injury of kidneys and intestines, and several other life-threatening clinical manifestations. Nitric oxide has been shown to be a promising therapeutic agent against cardiovascular diseases. The eNOS gene assumes several important functions, including regulation of vascular tone and regional blood flow, the suppression of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and modulation of leukocyte-endothelium interactions. The T786C polymorphism is an important point mutation, where thymine is changed to cytosine. T786C significantly reduces the activity of the eNOS promoter gene. Two hundred and ninety-seven peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with the previous diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease based on clinical examination and confirmed by imaging methods. Results were compared using the chi-square test and the G-test. In the present study, the TC genotype was more frequent in both case and control groups with no statistically significant difference. Comparing the relation TC/TT and CC genotypes in the case and control groups, there was no statistically significant difference. No significant difference was found when genotypes were analyzed regarding gender and smoking. Our results suggest a strong tendency of the T allele, in single or double dose, to be associated with atherosclerosis that was not confirmed by the scientific data.

Analysis of the prevalence of polymorphisms in the glutathione S transferase gene (GST) in cataract patients from Goiânia.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of polymorphisms in the glutathione S-transferase genes GSTM1 and GSTT1 in patients with lens opacity (cataract). Peripheral blood samples were obtained from male and female patients (N = 23) with cataract. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphic regions were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and the amplification products were electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel. The obtained bands were by staining with ethidium bromide. The results were compared by a chi-square test using the BioEstat software (v.5.0). The frequencies of the GSTM1- and GSTT1-null genotypes were higher than those of the GSTM1- and GSTT1-present genotypes. The frequency of GSTT1-null genotypes was approximately 1.7 times higher than that of GSTM1, which was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0019). Although a consensus remains to be reached on the correlation between genetic polymorphisms in GSTs and cataract susceptibility, the observations from most scientific studies are similar to those reported in this study. Thus, we conclude that the absence of these genes, particularly GSTT1, is correlated with the development of lens opacity.

Laser guided automated calibrating system for accurate bracket placement.

BACKGROUND: The basic premise of preadjusted bracket system is accurate bracket positioning. It is widely recognized that accurate bracket placement is of critical importance in the efficient application of biomechanics and in realizing the full potential of a preadjusted edgewise appliance. AIM: The purpose of this study was to design a calibrating system to accurately detect a point on a plane as well as to determine the accuracy of the Laser Guided Automated Calibrating (LGAC) System. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To the lowest order of approximation a plane having two parallel lines is used to verify the accuracy of the system. On prescribing the distance of a point from the line, images of the plane are analyzed from controlled angles, calibrated and the point is identified with a laser marker. RESULTS: The image was captured and analyzed using MATLAB ver. 7 software (The MathWorks Inc.). Each pixel in the image corresponded to a distance of 1cm/413 (10 mm/413) = 0.0242 mm (L/P). This implies any variations in distance above 0.024 mm can be measured and acted upon, and sets the highest possible accuracy for this system. CONCLUSION: A new automated system is introduced having an accuracy of 0.024 mm for accurate bracket placement.

Patterns and inferred processes associated with sea turtle strandings in Paraíba State, Northeast Brazil.

This study analysed sea turtle strandings on the coast of Paraíba State, Northeastern Brazil, from August 2009 to July 2010. A total of 124 strandings were recorded in this period: green turtle Chelonia mydas (n = 106), hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata (n = 15), olive ridley Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 2) and loggerhead Caretta caretta (n = 1). Of all turtles for which the Curved Carapace Length (CCL) was measured (n = 122), only 12 individuals (9.7%) were adults. Twenty individuals had synthetic anthropogenic debris in the gastrointestinal tract. Other traces of human interactions were observed in 43 individuals, such as injuries caused by entanglement in fishing lines or nets, collisions with vessels, direct contact with oil spills and lesions caused by sharp or spiked objects. Moreover, in 28.5% of the stranded turtles, the presence of external tumors was noticed, suggestive of fibropapillomatosis and in 9.7%, shark bite marks were observed. Of the 107 individuals that were sexed, 76 were females and 31 were males. Most turtles (72.6%) became stranded during the spring/summer (between October and March). We found evidence of human interactions (injuries) in half of the strandings, but in most cases it was not possible to determine if such interactions were the cause of death. A logistic regression found a significant relationship between CCL, ingestion of debris and lesions caused by sharks or spiked objects. Systematic data collection from stranded sea turtles can provide useful biological information, such as seasonal and spatial patterns in their occurrence and mortality, age structure, sex ratio and diet, as well as possible mortality causes.

Patterns and inferred processes associated with sea turtle strandings in Paraíba State, Northeast Brazil / Padrões e inferências associadas com encalhes de tartarugas marinhas no Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

This study analysed sea turtle strandings on the coast of Paraíba State, Northeastern Brazil, from August 2009 to July 2010. A total of 124 strandings were recorded in this period: green turtle Chelonia mydas (n = 106), hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata (n = 15), olive ridley Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 2) and loggerhead Caretta caretta (n = 1). Of all turtles for which the Curved Carapace Length (CCL) was measured (n = 122), only 12 individuals (9.7%) were adults. Twenty individuals had synthetic anthropogenic debris in the gastrointestinal tract. Other traces of human interactions were observed in 43 individuals, such as injuries caused by entanglement in fishing lines or nets, collisions with vessels, direct contact with oil spills and lesions caused by sharp or spiked objects. Moreover, in 28.5% of the stranded turtles, the presence of external tumors was noticed, suggestive of fibropapillomatosis and in 9.7%, shark bite marks were observed. Of the 107 individuals that were sexed, 76 were females and 31 were males. Most turtles (72.6%) became stranded during the spring/summer (between October and March). We found evidence of human interactions (injuries) in half of the strandings, but in most cases it was not possible to determine if such interactions were the cause of death. A logistic regression found a significant relationship between CCL, ingestion of debris and lesions caused by sharks or spiked objects. Systematic data collection from stranded sea turtles can provide useful biological information, such as seasonal and spatial patterns in their occurrence and mortality, age structure, sex ratio and diet, as well as possible mortality causes.

Este estudo analisou encalhes de tartarugas marinhas na costa do Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil, de agosto de 2009 a julho de 2010. Neste período, 124 encalhes foram registrados: tartaruga-verde Chelonia mydas (n = 106), tartaruga-de-pente Eretmochelys imbricata (n = 15), tartaruga-oliva Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 2) e cabeçuda Caretta caretta (n = 1). Dentre todas as tartarugas que tiveram o Comprimento Curvilíneo da Carapaça (CCC) medido (n = 122), apenas 12 indivíduos (9,7%) foram considerados adultos. Vinte indivíduos tinham detritos antropogênicos sintéticos no trato gastrointestinal. Em 43 indivíduos, outros vestígios de interações humanas foram observados, tais como lesões causadas por emaranhamento em linhas ou redes de pesca, colisões com embarcações, contato direto com derramamentos de óleo e lesões causadas por objetos perfurocortantes. Além disso, em 28,5% das tartarugas encalhadas, foi observada a presença de tumores externos sugestivos de fibropapilomatose e em 9,7%, foram observadas marcas de mordidas de tubarão. Dos 107 indivíduos sexados, 76 eram fêmeas e 31 eram machos. A maioria das tartarugas (72,6%) encalhou durante a primavera/verão (entre outubro e março). Foram encontrados sinais de interações humanas (lesões) em metade dos encalhes, mas na maioria dos casos, não foi possível determinar se tais interações foram a causa da morte. A regressão logística encontrou uma relação significativa entre CCC e ingestão de detritos, lesões causadas por objetos perfuro-cortantes e ataques de tubarões. A coleta sistemática de dados de tartarugas marinhas encalhadas pode fornecer informações biológicas úteis, tais como padrões sazonais e espaciais na sua ocorrência e mortalidade, estrutura etária, razão sexual, dieta, bem como possíveis causas de mortalidade.

Ejaculados individuais e pools de sêmen: diferenças em condições experimentais / Individual ejaculates and pooled semen: differences under experimental conditions

Avaliaram-se ejaculados caninos individuais e pools de sêmen submetidos a dois tratamentos de renovação do meio diluidor. Sêmen de seis cães foi coletado, na forma de ejaculados individuais e pools de sêmen, diluído na proporção de 1:1 em meio Tris-Gema, centrifugado a 500g/10min, e o pellet ressuspendido até concentração final de 50x10(6) espermatozoides/mL. O sêmen foi resfriado a 0,26ºC/min, entre 37 e 16ºC, e 0,08ºC/min, entre 16 a 8ºC, e mantido em geladeira a 5ºC por 14 dias. No Tratamento 1, o meio diluidor foi renovado a cada seis dias, e no Tratamento 2 aos 12 dias. O sêmen foi avaliado, a cada 48 horas, quanto à motilidade espermática, utilizando-se o Sperm Class Analyser® (SCA), e quanto à integridade de membranas pelo teste hiposmótico e coloração com PI/CFDA. A formação de pools de sêmen simplificou sua manipulação, principalmente com relação ao aumento do volume da amostra disponível; no entanto, resultados obtidos a partir de ejaculados individuais mostraram diferenças entre tratamentos, não identificadas nos pools de sêmen.

Individual ejaculates and pooled dog semen submitted to two treatments of medium exchange were evaluated. Semen was collected from six dogs, as individual ejaculates and pooled semen, diluted in a 1:1 ratio in Tris-Yolk medium, centrifuged at 500g/10min and ressuspended to the final concentration of 50x10(6) sptz/mL. The samples were cooled at rates of 0.26 o C/min between 37 and 16 o C, and 0.08ºC/min from 16 to 8ºC, and then kept in a refrigerator for 14 days. In Treatement 1 medium was exchanged every six days and in Treatment 2 after twelve days. The cooled samples were evaluated every 48 hours for sperm motility using the Sperm Calss Analyser® (SCA), and membrane integrity with hiposmotic swelling test and PI/CFDA stain. Pooled semen was easier to handle, mainly considering the decreased work due to volume. When submitted to medium exchange, pooled semen behaved similarly to individual ejaculates; however, results obtained from individual ejaculates showed differences between treatments, which were not apparent in pooled semen results.

The relationship of various arch forms and cortical bone thickness.

OBJECTIVE: Implants are being used in orthodontics as a reliable mode of anchorage. Among other factors, the cortical bone thickness plays a major role in determining the stability of these implants. The objective of this study was to study the relationship of various arch forms and the cortical bone thickness and to determine if the cortical bone thickness varies between various arch forms. This would help to determine the ideal length of an implant for a particular arch form. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional tomograph was obtained from 30 patients. Based on arch forms the patients' tomographs were equally divided into three basic square, tapered and ovoid categories, each consisting of 10 patients. Consequently, their buccal and lingual cortical plate thicknesses were measured. RESULTS: The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the three arch forms, in which the square arch form had the greatest cortical bone thickness among the three arch forms. CONCLUSION: Patients having a tapered arch form may require implants with greater length than patients having a square or an ovoid arch form. Since the availability of the cortical bone in square arch patients is greater, there is more stability for the implants in these cases; therefore, implants with a shorter length may be used in these cases.

Increased annexin-V and decreased TNF-α serum levels in chronic-medicated patients with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a chronic severe mental disorder. Increased inflammatory processes have been shown in acute and chronic SZ. Apoptotic processes may alter the neuronal network and are involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, such as SZ. Annexin-V seems to have a role on inhibition of pro-inflammatory activities during apoptosis. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and is a member of a group of cytokines which stimulate acute phase reactions. A chronic immune activation in SZ has been shown. The aim of this study was to compare annexin-V and TNF-alpha serum levels in chronic medicated patients with SZ and healthy controls. Thirty-eight outpatients from the HCPA Schizophrenia Program and 38 healthy controls were enrolled to this study protocol. Annexin-V and TNF-alpha serum levels were measured with ELISA. Serum annexin-V levels were significantly higher in patients with SZ than in controls (p<0.001) and TNF-alpha significantly lower (p<0.001). The present result of increased annexin-V and decreased serum levels of TNF-alpha compared to controls may be a result of the stabilization phase of psychosis and a reduction in metabolic brain aggression. In this complex picture, increased levels of annexin-V and decreased levels of TNF-alpha in our sample would be explained by illness stability and chronic treatment. Our findings support the hypothesis of a state dependant process of inflammation in SZ. Further prospective studies to clarify the findings described in this paper are needed.

Improvement of fertility in artificially inseminated ewes following vaginal treatment with misoprostol plus terbutaline sulphate.

The effect of vaginal administration of misoprostol plus terbutaline sulphate 6 h prior to artificial insemination (AI) upon the site of AI (vaginal or cervical) and fertility was studied using a total of 87 estrous synchronized Serra da Estrela ewes (control n = 42 and treated n = 45). Artificial insemination was performed using refrigerated semen at 54-55 h after sponge removal. Lambing rate (fertility) and prolificacy were compared between control and treated ewes. The effect of the site of semen deposition on fertility was also evaluated. Prolificacy rate was not different between control (1.5) and treated (1.59) ewes. The proportion of cervical AI achieved in control (45.2%) and treated (37.8%) ewes was not significantly different. Overall, fertility was significantly lower in control than in treated ewes (42.9% vs 64.4%; p < 0.04). Fertility following vaginal AI was significantly lower for control for than treated ewes (30.4% vs 60.7%; p < 0.03) but the difference was smaller and not significant for cervical AI (control 57.9% vs 70.6%). It was concluded that vaginal administration of misoprostol plus terbutaline sulphate 6 h prior to artificial insemination did not affect the proportion of cervical inseminations but significantly improved the fertility of treated ewes. Although needing confirmation, it was hypothesized that drugs might have induced local secretory modifications leading to an increase of cervical ability to retain more viable spermatozoa for fertilization.

Defining occupational and consumer exposure limits for enzyme protein respiratory allergens under REACH.

A wide range of substances have been recognized as sensitizing, either to the skin and/or to the respiratory tract. Many of these are useful materials, so to ensure that they can be used safely it is necessary to characterize the hazards and establish appropriate exposure limits. Under new EU legislation (REACH), there is a requirement to define a derived no effect level (DNEL). Where a DNEL cannot be established, e.g. for sensitizing substances, then a derived minimal effect level (DMEL) is recommended. For the bacterial and fungal enzymes which are well recognized respiratory sensitizers and have widespread use industrially as well as in a range of consumer products, a DMEL can be established by thorough retrospective review of occupational and consumer experience. In particular, setting the validated employee medical surveillance data against exposure records generated over an extended period of time is vital in informing the occupational DMEL. This experience shows that a long established limit of 60 ng/m(3) for pure enzyme protein has been a successful starting point for the definition of occupational health limits for sensitization in the detergent industry. Application to this of adjustment factors has limited sensitization induction, avoided any meaningful risk of the elicitation of symptoms with known enzymes and provided an appropriate level of security for new enzymes whose potency has not been fully characterized. For example, in the detergent industry, this has led to general use of occupational exposure limits 3-10 times lower than the 60 ng/m(3) starting point. In contrast, consumer exposure limits vary because the types of exposure themselves cover a wide range. The highest levels shown to be safe in use, 15 ng/m(3), are associated with laundry trigger sprays, but very much lower levels (e.g. 0.01 ng/m(3)) are commonly associated with other types of safe exposure. Consumer limits typically will lie between these values and depend on the actual exposure associated with product use.

Cryopreservation of domestic animal sperm cells.

Sperm cells are the endpoint of male spermatogenesis and have particular anatomic and metabolic features. Sperm cryopreservation and storage currently require liquid nitrogen or ultralow refrigeration methods for long or short term storage, which requires routine maintenance and extensive space requirements. Conserving sperms have several purposes such as artificial reproductive technologies (ART), species conservation and clinical medicine. The combinations of storage temperature, cooling rate, chemical composition of the extender, cryoprotectant concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS), seminal plasma composition and hygienic control are the key factors that affect the life-span of spermatozoa. Sperm preservation protocols vary among animal species owing to their inherent particularities that change extenders used for refrigeration and freezing. Extenders for freezing sperm cells contain buffers, carbohydrates (glucose, lactose, raffinose, saccharose and trehalose), salts (sodium citrate, citric acid), egg yolk and antibiotics. The use of different cryoprotectants, like trehalose or glycerol, as well as different concentrations of egg yolk and other constituents in semen extenders are being studied in our laboratory. Several cooling rates have been tested to freeze sperm cells. The use of faster rates (15-60 degrees C/min) gives rise to best sperm survivals after freezing-thawing, but more studies are needed to find the adequate cooling rates for each animal species. Sheep and goat males of some native breeds are being used in studies performed in EZN. Semen from those males has been frozen and stored as part of the Portuguese Animal Germplasm Bank. In small ruminants, individual variations in the quality of frozen semen have been observed, suggesting specific differences in sperm susceptibility to freezing methods, particularly obvious in goat males. Best quality frozen semen from small ruminants is being used in cervical artificial insemination studies aiming to increase productive parameters in selected flocks.

Time of ovulation in nulliparous and multiparous goats.

Fifteen nulliparous and nine multiparous Serrana goats were used, through two successive oestrous cycles, in order to characterize their ovulation time with regard to the number of ovulations after induced and natural oestrus during the breeding season. The onset of oestrus was detected by the amount of vasectomized bucks after oestrus synchronization with prostaglandin, given 10 days apart, and in the following two expected natural oestrus. The preovulatory LH peak was determined from blood samples collected 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h after onset of oestrus. A transrectal ovarian ultrasound scanning was performed 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44 and 60 h after onset of oestrus, for the detection of ovulations by means of the disappearance of large follicles (>4 to 5 mm). Single ovulations were observed in 76% of oestrous periods in nulliparous goats and in 18% of nulliparous goats. The onset of oestrus to LH peak interval was lower in nulliparous (12.1 ± 0.9 h, n = 38) than in multiparous (15.6 ± 1.0 h, n = 22, P < 0.05) goats with no oestrus interaction effects (P > 0.05). The LH peak to first ovulation interval was higher after natural (18.9 ± 0.7 h, n = 36) than after induced (15.8 ± 1.2 h, n = 24, P < 0.05) oestrus. The onset of oestrus to total ovulation interval was influenced by parity (P < 0.01) and oestrus type (P < 0.05) with a length of 30.1 ± 1.1 h (n = 15) and 33.4 ± 1.5 h (n = 9) for induced oestrus of nulliparous and multiparous goats, respectively, and 32.5 ± 1.0 h (n = 23) and 36.5 ± 1.1 h (n = 13) for natural oestrus of nulliparous and multiparous goats, respectively. The onset of oestrus to first ovulation interval was not influenced by parity, but an interval of 8.0 ± 1.6 h was observed between the first and second ovulations in polyovulatory oestrus. Consequently, nulliparous goats that are predominantly monovular ovulate earlier than multiparous goats that are predominantly polyovulatory. In conclusion, significant differences occurred in the number and time of ovulations between nulliparous and multiparous goats. More research is necessary for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms regulating monovularory and polyovulatory oestrous cycles regarding the parity of goats.

Origin and characterisation of preovulatory follicles of hyperstimulated oestrous cycles in goats.

The origin and evolution of preovulatory follicles (POF) in 9 hyperstimulated (polyovulatory) Serrana goats were characterised. After oestrus synchronisation and detection, transrectal ovarian ultrasonography was performed daily during two complete oestrous cycles. Blood samples were taken every 4 h during 24 h after oestrus detection for preovulatory LH peak and twice a week for plasma progesterone determinations. The interovulatory interval of 14 oestrous cycles with double ovulations was 21.1 +/- 0.3 days. The onset of ovulatory follicular wave occurred 4 days (-3.9 +/- 0.3 days, n = 14) prior to the ovulation day (day 0) with a POF size of 6.9 +/- 0.2 mm (n = 28). In goats with ovulations in both ovaries (78.6%), the emergence of the first POF occurred earlier (-4.1 +/- 0.3 days) than the second POF (-3.3 +/- 0.2 days, n = 11, P < 0.05). No differences in the total number of follicles > or = 2 mm were found between the day of POF emergence (4.3 +/- 0.4) and the day before ovulation (3.5 +/- 0.3, P > 0.05). These results showed the existence of a delay between the emergence of first and second POF and suggest a weak dominance effect in goats with double ovulations.

Assessment of luteal function by ultrasonographic appearance and measurement of corpora lutea in goats.

In order to characterize the evolution pattern of the corpora lutea (CL) and to compare luteal function with their ultrasonographic appearance, 37 estrous cycles of Serrana goats (n=22) were studied during breeding season. A daily transrectal ultrasound scanning was performed through two successive estrous cycles. Both solid and fluid-filled CL were observed and measured in both ovaries of each goat. Additionally, each CL was classified as CL(ICHE) (CL with irregular contours and heterogeneous echotexture) or CL(RCGE) (CL with regular contours and granular echotexture). Ovarian cyclic activity and luteal function were evaluated by biweekly plasma progesterone (P4) determination. The CL (n=60) were first visualized on day 2.9+/-1.0 after the day of ovulation (day 0), showing 7.1+/-1.8mm of diameter and reach their maximum size (12.5+/-1.6mm) on day 10.7+/-3.2 (P<0.001). Two days before the following ovulation (day -2), the CL regressed to 8.4+/-1.3mm (P<0.001). The central cavity was found in 78.3% of CL, and had a persistence of over 50% until the last days of estrous cycle. The ratio CL length/cavity length was low during the first-third and high during the remaining two-thirds of estrous cycle. On day 2, the percentage of CL(ICHE) was 33.3%, and began to decrease to 16.7% on day 6, reaching the minimum of 3.3% on day 10 (P<0.001). This proportion increased on day -3 to 48.3% and reached 90% on day -1 (P<0.001). The correlation between CL size and plasma P4 levels was r=0.63 (n=87; P<0.001). A negative correlation between the daily proportion of CL(ICHE) and plasma P4 levels was found (r=-0.95; n=18; P<0.001). These results suggest that the ultrasonographic appearance of CL is a reliable parameter for the assessment of luteal function in goats. Both the characterization of echotexture and size of central cavity could be valuable tools to differentiate between phases of normal estrous cycles.

Follicular dynamics in Serrana goats.

Twenty-two Serrana goats were studied through two successive estrous cycles in order to characterize their follicular dynamics during the breeding season. The ovaries of the goats were scanned daily by real-time ultrasonography and all follicles >or=3mm were measured and classified. The data were classified by the number of follicular waves per goat to test the hypothesis that temporal and morphological differences between the last follicular wave of an ovary, irrespective of ovulation, will affect the selection of the next ovulatory wave. The mean interovulatory interval was 20.7+/-1.0 days (mean+/-S.D.). Three to five waves per estrous cycle were observed and 61.3% (19/31) of cycles had four waves. In estrous cycles with four waves, the day of onset of the first, second, third and fourth wave was 1.4+/-1.0, 6.9+/-1.4, 11.6+/-1.8 and 16.8+/-1.6, respectively. No differences (P>0.05) were found between the day of onset of the first and second waves for estrous cycles with three, four or five waves. However, the day of onset of the third and fourth waves occurred later when the number of waves per estrous cycle increased (P<0.001). The duration of the interwave interval (time between the day of onset of two consecutive waves) was longer when the second wave was ovulatory. The length of the growth phase (2.4+/-0.9 days) and size (5.9+/-0.7 mm) of the dominant follicle in the second wave were lower (P<0.01) than for the first wave (3.3+/-1.2 days and 6.6+/-0.9 mm, respectively) and the fifth wave (4.1+/-1.2 days and 7.5+/-1.0mm, respectively). Within pairs of ovaries, the onset of the last wave occurred later (P<0.05) and was less variable in ovulatory ovaries (day 16.8+/-1.4, n=20) than in anovulatory ovaries (day 15.1+/-3.7, n=20). The length of the growing phase was longer (P<0.001) in the last waves of ovulatory ovaries (3.1+/-0.9 days) than in the last waves of anovulatory ovaries (1.7+/-0.8 days). These results support the hypothesis that the day of onset of the ovulatory wave is related to or, at least, conditioned by the luteolysis and the decrease in plasma progesterone. In summary, the estrous cycle of Serrana goats is characterized by sequential follicular wave growth with a great variability in their onset and duration, with the exception of the ovulatory wave. The temporal and morphological differences observed in the last wave of estrous cycle provide strong evidence for the role of progesterone in their regulation.

Nasal septum perforation as the presenting sign of lupus erythematosus.

Nasal septum perforation is an uncommon and not well known feature of lupus erythematosus (LE). In general, it occurs during exacerbations and in a context of systemic vasculitis. Very rarely it can be a presenting sign, accompanying more usual manifestations of LE. We report the case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with a 2-year history of painful, slowly progressive nasal septum perforation. Laboratory study disclosed positive antinuclear antibodies, circulating immune complexes, hypocomplementemia, nuclear epidermal deposition of IgG in normal skin and transitory positive antiphospholipid antibodies. Symmetric peripheral joint arthritis, photosensitivity and diffuse alopecia subsequently developed. This case seems unique in that the nasal septum perforation occurred as an isolated presenting sign; it emphasizes the value of this feature in the diagnosis of LE.

Morphometry of ovarian structures by transrectal ultrasonography in Serrana goats.

The accuracy of transrectal real-time ultrasonography (RTU) scanning technique to detect ovarian structures (follicles and corpus luteum) of Serrana goats was compared to the data obtained by observation of ovarian sequential slices. This slicing technique (SLI) was considered as reference method. The laparoscopy and laparotomy techniques were also used for corpora lutea identification. For this purpose the ovaries of 14 females were observed, 7-8 days after ovulation, by transrectal ultrasonography followed by laparoscopic examination. Then ovaries were removed and studied by slicing. In the sliced sections of each ovary (n=28), follicles and corpus luteum (CL) were identified and counted. CL and follicular diameters were measured using a millimetre scale. The total number of follicles, counted by RTU, was significantly lower than that observed by SLI (P <0.01). This difference was mainly due to the under estimation of <2 mm follicles category. The correlation coefficient between category data obtained by RTU and SLI methods for the number of follicles > or =3 mm was high (r2=0.95, P <0.001), which highlights the use of UTR as a potential methodology to study the follicular dynamic of goats. There were no significant differences (P >0.05) between the average number (mean +/- S.D.) of corpus luteum identified per ovary by RTU (0.71 +/- 0.75), laparoscopy (0.58 +/- 0.71), laparotomy (0.67 +/- 0.76) or SLI (0.83 +/- 0.76) methods. The accuracy for the identification of ovulation, validated by CL detection on D7-D8 by SLI (100%), was 91.7%, 87.5% and 83.3% by RTU, laparotomy and laparoscopy, respectively. The negative predictive value of RTU, laparotomy and laparoscopy to verify the absence of a CL in the ovary was 81.8%, 75.0% and 69.2%, respectively. The specificity of all three methods for the CL identification was 100%. No significant differences (P >0.05) were found in the probability to detect the exact number of CL (0, 1 or 2) counted in each ovary between the RTU (87.5%), laparotomy (83.3%) and laparoscopy (75.0%) methods when compared with the reference method. The diameter of spherical CL could be estimated with reliability (r2=0.86; P <0.001). The real-time ultrasonographic scanning proved to be a highly accurate method for detection and measurement of several categories of follicles and CL size in Serrana goats. The results of the present study show that laparoscopy and RTU are similarly reliable techniques for CL detection. However, the RTU represents a non-traumatic technique with advantages to animal welfare both in experimental and reproductive evaluation of the size of ovarian structures.