Serial transrectal ultrasonography for monitoring the reproductive activity of the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus ussuricus).

This study evaluated the structural changes in the reproductive tract of Asiatic black bears using serial transrectal ultrasonography. In addition, the ultrasonographic observations were compared with the results of vaginal cytology and hormonal analyses. The collection of blood for hormonal analysis, vaginal cytology and transrectal ultrasonography was performed in two bears (Bears 1 and 2) from June 2011 to August 2013 without mating and in a third bear (Bear 3) from April to December 2012, allowing natural mating. Serial ultrasonographic observations showed cyclic changes in ovarian structures (e.g. emergence of small follicles, growth and ovulation of dominant follicles and corpus luteum (CL) formation) during the reproductive cycles of the three bears. The diameter of the uterine horns remained similar throughout the reproductive cycle in Bears 1 and 2, and it remained similar from April until October, but an enlargement containing foetuses was observed in Bear 3 in December. The ultrasonographic observations were consistent with the data obtained through vaginal cytology and progesterone analysis during the reproductive cycle. An average of 4.0 (±0.4) dominant follicles was observed during the oestrous stage (May-August), during which the superficial cells accounted for >90% of the total vaginal cells. In addition, the detection of an average of 2.6 (±0.2) CL was associated with increased plasma progesterone concentrations (3.0 ± 0.4 ng/ml) between June and December (near hibernation). In conclusion, serial transrectal ultrasonography demonstrated yearly oestrous (ovulation) cycles via follicular dynamics and CL formation on ovaries, accordingly with vaginal cytology and hormonal level in the Asiatic black bear.

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma--an unusual cause of spinal cord compression.

Spinal epidural haematoma is uncommon. Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma of unknown aetiology is a rarity. This report is of two patients with spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma with different outcomes and discussion of the clinical picture and possible aetiology of this rare condition.

Use of bisphosphonate to manage avulsion fracture of tibial tuberosity with underlying angiomatosis: a case report.

An unusual case of avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity with underlying angiomatosis in a middle-aged man is described, with particular emphasis on the successful use of bisphosphonate in its treatment and the value of serial dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in its subsequent disease monitoring. This case illustrates the importance of careful correlation of the clinical, radiological, and histological findings in the management of skeletal tumour and tumour-like lesions. The differential diagnosis of osteolysis with vascular ectasia is discussed.

The effect of oestrogen and relaxin on uterine and cervical enzymes: collagenase, proteoglycanase and beta-glycuronidase.

Relaxin (Rlx) classically causes uterine quiescence during pregnancy and cervical dilatation prior to parturition. Its actions involve major changes in the components of the extracellular matrix of these tissues. The activities of three enzymes, collagenase, proteoglycanase and beta-glucuronidase, major determinants of the integrity of the extracellular matrix have been measured in the rat uterus and cervix in different reproductive states. The results show that there are marked differences in the changes of these enzymes occurring in the uterus and cervix during the course of pregnancy and the puerperium. It was not possible to directly relate these changes to a single hormonal event over this period of major endocrine fluctuations. Two models have therefore been used in an attempt to delineate the effects of oestrogen and Rlx on the tissue enzyme levels or their secretion into culture medium. In the first model cyclic animals were treated with oestrogen alone or oestrogen followed by Rlx and tissue enzyme levels measured. The addition of Rlx treatment reversed an inhibiting effect of oestrogen alone on both uterine and cervical collagenase and proteoglycanase activities, at the same time as completely obliterating the stimulating effect of oestrogen on uterine and cervical beta-glucuronidase activity. A second model used in vivo oestrogen priming of cyclic rats followed by in vitro Rlx treatment and measurement of the enzymes secreted into the culture medium over 7 days. The results showed as in the first model that Rlx treatment could in particular overcome the inhibiting effect of oestrogen on uterine proteoglycanase secretion without affecting beta-glucuronidase levels. In contrast, the effect of Rlx on the cervix was to decrease collagenase and proteoglycanase secretion whilst not affecting the beta-glucuronidase levels.