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Introduction: Low dietary intake of vitamin E is a global public health issue. RRR-α-tocopherol (RRR-αT) is the only naturally occurring vitamin E stereoisomer, but the equimolecular mixture of all eight stereoisomers, synthetic vitamin E (S-αT), is commonly consumed. The objective of this study was to evaluate bioavailability and antioxidant activity of RRR-αT versus S-αT, in both mother and fetus, after maternal supplementation during pregnancy. Methods: Female rats (7 weeks of age) received a modified AIN-93G diet supplemented with 75 IU/kg of RRR-αT (NVE, n = 20) or S-αT (SVE, n = 17). At delivery, the levels of αT, stereoisomer distribution, and antioxidant capacity were analyzed in maternal and fetal plasma. Results: NVE administration significantly increased the proportion of RRR-αT stereoisomer in maternal and fetal plasma. The percentage of RRR-αT increased from 32.76% to 88.33% in maternal plasma, and 35.25% to 97.94% in fetal plasma, in the NVE group compared to SVE. Fetal plasma from the NVE group was found to have higher total antioxidant capacity compared to SVE. Lastly, fetal plasma RRR-αT stereoisomer percentage was positively associated with expression levels of scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) in the placenta. Conclusions: Both natural and synthetic sources of vitamin E showed similar bioavailability. Still, NVE supplementation increased the proportion of RRR-αT and promoted higher antioxidant activity in fetal plasma at birth. Placental SR-B1 might be involved in the stereoselective transfer of RRR-αT stereoisomer across the placenta and may improve αT bioactivity in the fetus.

This article presents the Schumann resonance (SR) variations, obtained in the extreme low frequency (ELF) signal observatory of Sierra de Filabres belonging to the University of Almeria Spain, in operation since 2011. This station has two large and sensitive orthogonal sensors operating between 1 and 100 Hz. A 24 bit low-noise, high-resolution system processes the signal. The Sierra de Filabres ELF station is operating to offer valuable information on SRs’ activity in this area. This system allows us to have a broader range of comparison patterns to study correlations with other phenomena. The information presented in this work deals with the diurnal and seasonal variations of the first six modes of the SRs in 2016 and 2017. The graphs have been obtained through Lorentzian functions. We explain the diurnal variation based on the position and distance to the most important lightning hotspots and demonstrate its relation with the first mode captured in our observatory. We introduce a new yearly evolution method based on the resonance frequency through the most representative lightning activity hours in one year. This article is supported by the comparison between our signals and the global thunderstorm center’s activity.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) reduces maternal adiponectin and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) materno-fetal transfer, which may have negative consequences for the offspring. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of the administration of a novel adiponectin agonist (AdipoRon) to GDM rats on the long-term consequences in glycaemia and fatty acids (FA) profile in the offspring. Pregnant rats were randomized to three groups: GDM rats (GDM, n = 8), GDM rats treated with AdipoRon (GDM + ADI, n = 9), and control rats (n = 10). Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) on day 12 of gestation. GDM+ADI received 50 mg/kg/day AdipoRon from day 14 until delivery. Glycaemia and FA profile were determined in mothers and adult offspring (12 weeks old). AdipoRon tended to reduce fasting glucose in diabetic mothers. Diabetic rats presented the foetus with intrauterine growth restriction and higher adiposity, which tried to be counteracted by AdipoRon. In the adult offspring, both GDM + ADI and control animals showed better glucose recovery after oral glucose overload with respect to GDM. DHA in offspring plasma was significantly reduced in both GDM and GDM + ADI compared to controls (P = 0.043). Nevertheless, n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) ratio improved in plasma of GDM + ADI adult offspring (GDM: 14.83 ± 0.85a%; GDM + ADI: 11.49 ± 0.58b%; control: 10.03 ± 1.22b%, P = 0.034). Inflammatory markers and oxidative stress were reduced in the adult offspring of AdipoRon-treated mothers. In conclusion, AdipoRon administration to pregnant diabetic rats improved glycaemia in the mothers and long-term glucose tolerance in the offspring. In addition, it tended to reduce excessive foetal fat accumulation and improved n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio significantly in offspring at the adult state.

Seven decades have passed since the Schumann resonances (SRs) were identified. Since then, their research interest has increased, currently being a topic of significance. Nonetheless, the papers that study their nature from the frequency perspective are in clear majority regarding those who focus on the time domain. To fill this gap in the literature and further characterize the SRs, a method to perform statistical analysis on the SRs signal in the time domain has been developed. For any given segment of data, the analysis performs a maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of the statistical parameters from a group of previously selected distributions. After that, the best fit among the target distributions is selected through the application of Akaike information criterion (AIC). The method is tested by analyzing a month’s worth of data, showing the general analysis’ results and discussing the relationship between the chosen target distributions and common aspects between the time segments fitted to them. The reliability of the method’s results is also discussed by looking at different aspects of the analysis. Special emphasis is put over the results being correlated with lightning activity. This correlation highlights the usefulness of the method, given the well-established relationship between lightning and SRs.

Purpose Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) has components with emulsifier properties that could affect the provision of substrates to the brain. We evaluated the effects of MFGM plus milk fat addition to infant formulas on docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) availability and gut development. Methods In Experiment 1, suckling piglets were divided into 3 groups: Group L1 (n = 8): fed with a vegetal fat formula with palm oil; L2 (n = 8): canola oil formula and L3 (n = 8): milk fat + canola oil + 1% Lacprodan (3% MFGM of total protein content). In Experiment 2, Group L4 (n = 7): fed with canola oil + 1% Lacprodan (3% MFGM) and Group L5 (n = 5): milk fat + canola oil + 2% Lacprodan (6% MFGM). All formulas contained 0.2% DHA and 0.2% arachidonic acid. Results In Experiment 1, DHA was similar among the groups in both total fatty acids and plasma phospholipids (PL). However, 3% MFGM (L3) increased significantly the proportion of DHA and LC-PUFA n-3 in liver total fatty acids, jejunum, and also in jejunum PL respect to the other formulas. There were no changes in gut histology, cell proliferation, apoptosis, or brain DHA content. In Experiment 2, higher MFGM dose was used. Then, higher DHA was not only found in peripheral tissues of 6% MFGM (L5) piglets but also in plasma PL, while a similar trend was observed in cortex PL (p = 0.123). Conclusion In conclusion, MFGM plus milk fat may increase DHA availability of infant formulas which could contribute to their beneficial health effects.

Key points: Placental structure and function can be modified as a result of maternal obesity affecting materno-fetal fatty acids (FA) transport. We report for the first time, in humans and in vivo, the kinetics of placental FA transfer in normo-weight and in normolipemic obese pregnant women using stable isotopes. The administration of different tracer FA with similar behaviour to the mother at different time points allows the collection of kinetic information on materno-fetal transfer of FA despite only one sample of placenta and cord can be collected per subject. Computational modelling showed a good fit to the data when considering all maternal plasma lipid classes but not when based only on non-esterified FA. The novel approach using multiple tracer FA administration combined with computational modelling shows a consistent time course of placental tracer FA and predicted total FA accumulation. Abstract: We analyse for the first time the in vivo materno-fetal kinetic transfer of fatty acids (FA) labelled with stable isotopes in control and obese (OB) pregnant women. Labelled FA with a similar metabolism (stearic acid: 13C-SA; palmitic acid: 13C-PA; oleic acid: 13C-OA) were orally administered at −4 h, −8 h and −12 h, respectively prior to elective caesarean section to 10 pregnant women with a body mass index >30 (OB) and 10 with a body mass index in the range 20–25 (NW). Placenta, venous and arterial cord blood were collected obtaining a wide range of FA enrichments. A combined experimental and computational modelling analysis was applied. FA fractional synthesis rate (FSR) in placenta was 11–12% h–1. No differences were observed between NW and normo-lipidemic OB. It was not possible to estimate FA FSR in cord blood with this oral bolus dose approach. Computational modelling demonstrated a good fit to the data when all maternal plasma lipid classes were included but not with modelling based only on the non-esterified FA fraction. The estimated materno-fetal 13C-FA transfer was ∼1%. In conclusion, our approach using multiple 13C-FA tracers allowed us to estimated FSR in placental/maternal plasma but not in fetal/maternal compartments. Computational modelling showed a consistent time course of placental 13C-FA transfer and predicted total fetal FA accumulation during the experiment. We conclude that, in addition to non-esterified FA fraction in the maternal circulation, maternal plasma very low-density lipoprotein and other lipoproteins are important contributors to placental FA transfer to the fetus.

Maternal supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during pregnancy has been recommended due to its role in infant development, but its effect on materno-fetal DHA status is not well established. We evaluated the associations between DHA supplementation in pregnant women with obesity or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal and neonatal DHA status. Serum fatty acids (FA) were analyzed in 641 pregnant women (24 weeks of gestation) and in 345 venous and 166 arterial cord blood samples of participants of the NELA cohort. Obese women (n = 47) presented lower DHA in serum than those lean (n = 397) or overweight (n = 116) before pregnancy. Linoleic acid in arterial cord was elevated in obese women, which indicates lower fetal retention. Maternal DHA supplementation (200 mg/d) during pregnancy was associated with enhanced maternal and fetal DHA levels regardless of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), although higher arterial DHA in overweight women indicated an attenuated response. Maternal DHA supplementation was not associated with cord venous DHA in neonates of mothers with GDM. The cord arteriovenous difference was similar for DHA between GDM and controls. In conclusion, maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy enhanced fetal DHA status regardless of the pre-pregnancy BMI while GDM may reduce the effect of DHA supplementation in newborns.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during pregnancy has been recommended by several health organizations due to its role in neural, visual, and cognitive development. There are several fat sources available on the market for the manufacture of these dietary supplements with DHA. These fat sources differ in the lipid structure in which DHA is esterified, mainly phospholipids (PL) and triglycerides (TG) molecules. The supplementation of DHA in the form of PL or TG during pregnancy can lead to controversial results depending on the animal model, physiological status and the fat sources utilized. The intestinal digestion, placental uptake, and fetal accretion of DHA may vary depending on the lipid source of DHA ingested by the mother. The form of DHA used in maternal supplementation that would provide an optimal DHA accretion for fetal brain development, based on the available data obtained most of them from different animal models, indicates no consistent differences in fetal accretion when DHA is provided as TG or PL. Other related lipid species are under evaluation, e.g., lyso-phospholipids, with promising results to improve DHA bioavailability although more studies are needed. In this review, the evidence on DHA bioavailability and accumulation in both maternal and fetal tissues after the administration of DHA supplementation during pregnancy in the form of PL or TG in different models is summarized.

Maternal obesity is associated with adverse outcomes. Placental lipid droplets (LD) have been implicated in maternal-fetal lipid transfer but it is not known whether placental LD fat composition is modifiable. We evaluated the effects of a diet and physical activity intervention in obese pregnant women compared to routine antenatal care (UPBEAT study) on placental LD composition. LD were isolated by ultracentrifugation. Total FAs and phospholipids (phosphatidylcholines, PCs; sphingomyelins, SMs and lyso-phosphatidylcholines, Lyso-PCs) were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Placenta MFSD2a expression was assessed by western blot. Placental LDs from obese women were comprised of predominantly saturated and monounsaturated FAs. TG and Chol composition was similar between intervention (n = 20) and control (n = 23) groups. PCs containing dihomo-ɣ-linolenic acid in LD were positively associated with gestational weight gain (P

The protein Major Facilitator Superfamily Domain containing 2A (MFSD2a) was recently described as the primary carrier for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into the brain. Alzheimer&rsquo, s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by lower DHA levels in blood lipids. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of MFSD2a in the whole blood and brain as a potential biomarker of AD. Three groups were established: 38 healthy controls, 48 subjects with moderate AD (GDS4), and 47 with severe AD (GDS6). We analyzed postmortem brain samples from the hippocampus of 11 healthy controls and 11 severe AD patients. Fatty acid (FA) was determined in serum and brain by gas chromatography. Blood and brain MFSD2a protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting. We found a significant and progressive decline of MFSD2a levels in blood of AD patients (Control 0.83 &plusmn, 0.13, GDS4 0.72 &plusmn, 0.09, GDS6 0.48 &plusmn, 0.05*, p ˂ 0.01). We also corroborated a significant reduction of DHA and other n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated FA in serum of AD. No differences were found in MFSD2a expression or FA levels in brain of controls and AD subjects. MFSD2A carrier was analyzed in AD patients for the first time and the level of MFSD2a in the whole blood could be a potential biomarker of this disease.

Summary Background & aims Maternal obesity at conception is considered a major predictor of offspring obesity. This could by driven at least in part by an altered placental fat transfer. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms involved are not fully understood. We investigated the in vivo materno-fetal transfer of fatty acids (FAs) in obese pregnant women using stable isotopes. Methods Ten obese and ten normo-weight pregnant women (control) received orally a bolus of 13C-labeled FAs 12 h before elective caesarean section: oleic acid (13C-OA), linoleic acid (13C-LA) and docosahexaenoic acid (13C-DHA). Maternal blood samples were collected at −12 (basal), −8, −4, −2, 0 h relative to the time of cesarean section. At the time of birth, arterial and venous cord bloods as well as placental tissue were collected. FAs composition was determined by gas-liquid chromatography and isotopic enrichment by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Results Maternal plasma insulin and placental weight tended to higher values in obese pregnant women although they did not present serum hyperlipidemia. Higher concentrations of 13C-LA and 13C-DHA were found in non-esterified FAs fraction in maternal plasma of obese mothers. The ratio of placental uptake for 13C-LA and 13C-DHA was lower in obese women compared to normal weight pointing toward a limited capacity of FA placental transfer, especially of essential FAs. Maternal insulin was associated to this lower placenta/maternal plasma ratio for both 13C-LA (R = −0.563, P = 0.012) and 13C-DHA (R = −0.478, P = 0.033). In addition, the ratio cord/maternal plasma of 13C-LA was significantly lower in obese women compared to controls. Conclusions In conclusion, obese mothers without hyperlipidemia showed a reduced materno-fetal transfer of polyunsaturated FAs which could affect fetal development. This affect dietary recommendation for obese pregnant women. Trial registry number ISRCTN69794527.

The frequencies between the ELF, ULF and VLF bands are widely used as indicators of the electrical activity in the atmosphere, as precursors of seismic activity and are of interest in the study of geophysical phenomena. These signal methods of analysis are varied, and among them, we find a method of averaged periodograms, which is based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). In this type of analysis, the optimal number of segments to be averaged must be determined; however, there seems to be no satisfactory method for choosing them. In this paper, we provide a method that will allow us to select the optimal number of segments to be averaged.

Schumann resonances are very weak natural electromagnetic signals produced in the earth–ionosphere cavity located in the extremely low frequency (ELF) band (7–60 Hz), and the sensors that measure them produce amplitudes of few microvolts. Strong signals from power lines (50–60 Hz) occur in the same frequency range. Amplification techniques play a key role in acquiring resonance modes with the best signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. This paper presents a study of the various structures of amplification systems that optimize the S/N ratio for the signal of interest. The aim of this paper is to measure all possible resonance modes with low time acquisition. To this end, we compare four instrumentation amplifiers and design a new indirect method for obtaining the noise floor of the system with sensors manufactured on magnetic cores that are several meters long. We present the measurements of the Schumann resonance achieved using these techniques at the ELF electromagnetic wave observatory at Calar Alto (Spain). The solutions adopted allow measurement of seven resonance modes with an acquisition time of 30 min, where the S/N ratio in the fundamental mode was 39 dB.

Photovoltaic energy has experienced tremendous growth in terms of implementation at facilities for power supply in rural areas and for energy dispatch to grid. The relative position of the fixed panels can present the problem of varying amounts of shadowing among them, which can reduce the overall energy produced from the array of photovoltaic panels on specific dates and times, in addition to the problems in each of the panels themselves. The existing methods calculate the distances between the rows of PV panels using a fixed height of the sun, such that the rays always strike perpendicular to the panels, thereby limiting the duration of solar gain to 4 h. This paper proposes a method that optimises the minimisation of the distance between the rows of fixed photovoltaic panels. The proposed method is based on the exact calculation of the shadows of the panels for the different positions of the sun, which depends on the latitude of the facility, throughout the course of the day and for all of the planned hours of solar gain. To illustrate the proposed method, it has been applied to a case study for which the solutions obtained using the traditional methods are compared, indicating that the distance can be reduced by up to 40% when the tilt angle of the panel is 60°. In conclusion, the proposed general method for optimally minimising the distance between the PV panels in solar arrays, which is of particular interest for standalone photovoltaic (PV) systems in remote areas that act as isolated small power producing units for the supply of electricity.

The great variety ofn-3 long-chain PUFA sources raises the question of the most adequate for using as a DHA supplement during pregnancy. Placental and fetal availability of different DHA sources remains unclear. We investigated DHA availability in maternal lipoproteins, placenta and fetal tissues in pregnant sows fed DHA as phospholipid (PL) or TAG to identify the best DHA source during this period. Pregnant Iberian sows were fed diets containing 0·8 % DHA of total fatty acids as PL from egg yolk or TAG from algae oil during the last third of gestation (40 d). Maternal tissues, placentas and fetal tissues were obtained at delivery and DHA quantified by GC. Major Facilitator Superfamily Domain Containing 2a (MFSD2a) carrier expression was analysed in both placenta and fetal brain by Western blotting. Sows fed the DHA–PL diet showed higher DHA incorporation in plasma LDL but not in plasma total lipids. No differences were found in DHA content between groups in maternal liver, adipose tissue or brain. Placental tissue incorporated more DHA in both total lipids and PL fraction in sows fed DHA–PL. However, this did not lead to an enhanced DHA accretion either in fetal plasma, fetal liver or fetal brain. MFSD2a expression was similar between both experimental groups. Maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy in sow either as PL or TAG produces similar DHA accretion in fetal tissues but not in placenta. Both fat sources are equally available for fetal brain.

We describe a method to isolate lipids droplets from human placental tissue for future lipid analyses. We collected placentas at term from healthy women (n = 5) and tested three methods published for lipids droplets isolation in other tissues. Only one of the methods, when modified, isolated lipids droplets from placental tissue, whereas all three methods allowed lipids droplets isolation from rat liver (control tissue) and separation of lipids droplets from blood contamination of the tissue. The placental lipids droplets layer was characterized by the presence of adipophilin while no N+/K+-ATPase as plasma membrane contamination was detected. Intraplacental triglyceride content showed a high coefficient of variation (~42%), whereas for cholesterol and phospholipids this was lower. One method was effective for isolation of placental lipids droplets. It is necessary to collect a pool of placental tissue pieces for placental lipids droplets analyses. Freezing in liquid nitrogen is recommended.

Characterization and modeling of high-value inductors (hundreds to thousands of henrys) are complex problems, exacerbated when working in the extremely low frequency (ELF) range. This paper details the measurement and characterization of inductors using a vector network analyzer that has a bottom operating frequency of 5 Hz. Using this device, we establish a strategy for measuring the impedance of high-inductance coils-with or without a high-permeability core-and propose a mathematical model that can explain the behavior of these high-inductance coils, which incorporate long lengths of winding wire, as a function of working frequency. These inductors were constructed as part of a research project on ELF electromagnetic fields. The importance of making a complete characterization derives from the need to exploit the largest possible amount of energy captured by the coil, which acts as a sensor. We propose a mixed model of concentrated and distributed parameters that fits the experimental results with an error of about 2% for the frequency range of 5-500 Hz, as part of the characterization process. The effects of the magnetic core on inductance and winding resistance, as a function of frequency, have been characterized in terms of concentration of the magnetic field.

The functionality of the placenta may affect neonatal adiposity and fetal levels of key nutrients such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fetal macrosomia and its complications may occur even in adequately controlled gestational diabetic (GDM) mothers, suggesting that maternal glycemia is not the only determinant of fetal glycemic status and wellbeing. We studied in vivo the placental transfer of fatty acids (FA) labeled with stable isotopes administered to 11 control and 9 GDM pregnant women (6 treated with insulin). Subjects received orally 13C-palmitic, 13C-oleic, and 13C-linoleic acids and 13C-docosahexaenoic acid (13C-DHA) 12 h before an elective caesarean section. FA were quantified by gas chromatography and 13C enrichments by gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The 13C-FA concentration was higher in total lipids of maternal plasma in GDM patients versus controls, except for 13C-DHA. Moreover, 13C-DHA showed a lower placenta/maternal plasma ratio in GDM patients versus controls and a significantly lower cord/maternal plasma ratio. Other FA ratios studied were not different between GDM and controls. A disturbed 13C-DHA placental uptake occurred in GDM patients treated with diet or insulin, while the latter also had lower 13C-DHA levels in the venous cord. The tracer study pointed towards an impaired placental DHA uptake as a critical step, while the transfer of other 13C-FA was less affected. Patients with GDM treated with insulin could also have a greater fetal fat storage, which may have contributed to the reduced 13C-DHA in the venous cord observed. The DHA transfer to the fetus was reduced in GDM pregnancies compared to controls. This might have an influence on fetal neurodevelopment and long-term consequences for the child.

Actualmente el traslado de pacientes críticos se lleva a cabo mediante un centro de coordinación entre la atención extrahospitalaria y la atención hospitalaria. Las modernas tecnologías de comunicaciones inalámbricas ofrecen la posibilidad de perfeccionar algunos sistemas en el marco de la medicina crítica (urgencias y emergencias), que bajo estas situaciones son muchas las ocasiones en las que se requiere exploraciones complementarias. El sistema de telemetría desarrollado en este trabajo contempla la comunicación en tiempo real de la bioquímica sanguínea del paciente que en determinadas condiciones y ante una fundada sospecha clínica basada en una anamnesia y exploración física adecuadas requieren de este tipo de pruebas diagnósticas para una mejor valoración del estado del paciente. Esto permite mejorar la asistencia en todo momento y la preparación de todos los recursos necesarios y adecuados para la rápida, correcta y eficaz recepción y atención del paciente en el hospital sin coste adicional, ya que igualmente se requerirían estas pruebas en el hospital. Este sistema permite la detección precoz de afecciones que ponen en riesgo inminente la vida de un paciente. Los resultados de las pruebas constata el interés de este nuevo servicio.

The main objective of this study is to estimate the probable maximum precipitation (PMP) in Barcelona for durations ranging from 5 min to 30 h. To this end, rain records from the Jardi gauge of the Fabra Observatory located in Barcelona (1927–1992) and the urban pluviometric network supported by Clavegueram de Barcelona, S.A. (CLABSA, 1994–2007) were analysed. Two different techniques were used and compared: a physical method based on the maximization of actual storms, and the Hershfield' statistical method. The PMP values obtained using the two techniques are very similar. In both cases, the expected increasing behaviour of the PMP with duration was found, with the increase especially notable for the mesoscale durations 2–9 h, and not significant from 12 h on up. This result seems to be related to the scale of the meteorological situations producing high intense rainfall amounts over our territory. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society

Pasteurellosis is a common infectious disease characterised by fibrinous pneumonia and involving neutrophils and macrophages. This study aimed to determine the timing and extent of the pathogenic involvement of these cell elements in lesions induced in experimentally-infected lambs. A concentration of approximately 3 x 1 0 ~ba cterialml. was inoculated into 30 two-month-old disease-free Merino lambs. Five lambs were assigned to each of five experimental batches, slaughtered on days 1, 3,7, 11 and 15 following intratracheal inoculation, and to one control batch inoculated with a sterile solution. One control animal was slaughtered at the same time as each experimental batch. More characteristic lesions occur in bronchioles, peribronchial tissue and alveoli and are characterised by fibrinous processes. From the start of the experiment, epithelial-cell disruption and loss of microvilli were apparent; cell debris, desquamate cells and bacterial elements were observed in bronchiolar lumina, embedded in a fibrillar granular material. Alveolar structures displayed fewer neutrophils and macrophages, containing phagocytic vacuoles. Laminar bodies were apparent in type 11 pneumocytes. The interseptal area contained similar cell types, as well as abundant edema. In the course of the experiment, macrophage numbers increased in al1 the areas involved, with signs of intense phagocytic activity. The final phase of the experiment was characterised by a mild interseptal infiltrate and by clear alveolar lumina.

A histomorphometric and physiopathological study was made of the lung parenchyma of Belgian White SPF rabbits infected experimentally with Pasteurella multocida type A. Symptoms observed were characteristic of the acute respiratory syndrome. Mean serum cortisol concentration and rectal temperature increased in al1 experimental groups. Histopathological changes included alveolitis and leukocytic bronchitis. Changes in alveolar and bronchial cytoarchitecture were attributed to the degeneration and necrosis of constituent epithelial cells.

A study was made of 160 long bones taken from 40 native Merino sheep of both sexes. These animals, which represented uniform growth (mean growth-curve values), were divided into four groups which were slaughtered consecutively at 0, 45, 105 and 270 days old (0, 6.4, 15 and 38.5 weeks, respectively). The following bones were studied; humerus, femur, tibia and os coxae. Thin lamellae taken from the metaphyses of the bones obtained were fixed, decalcified and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to assess the development of the various components of growing bony tissue. The bones studied followed the same maturation pattern; the os coxae proved to be the best histological indicator in differentiating the age of the animals studied.

The purpose of this study was to determine structural and immunocytochemical changes taking place during the day and at night in developing sheep pineal gland under natural non-stimulatory photoperiods (summer solstice). Additionally, the diurnal cycle of plasma melatonin levels was charted and differences between diurnal and nocturnal pineal melatonin concentrations were analyzed. 36 ewes of three different ages were examined: infants (1-6 months old), pubertal and early fertile age (9-24 months old) and adults (36-60 months old). Plasma and pineal gland melatonin levels were higher in pubertal sheep than in infants or adults. Pubertal sheep pineal glands were also heavier, contained a larger number of pinealocytes and interstitial cells and displayed more evident innervation and vascularisation than infants or adults. There was no difference in the number of pinealocytes and interstitial cells between animals killed during daylight or at night. Gland weight, pinealocyte nuclear profile areas and plasma melatonin concentrations were all significantly higher at night than during the day.

This study sought to describe the morphological changes taking place in the goat reticulum during prenatal development, using histomorphometric and immunohistochemical techniques. A total of 140 goat embryos and foetuses were used, from the first stages of prenatal life until birth. Differentiation of the reticulum as a separate compartment of the primitive gastric tube was observed at 35 days of prenatal life (23% gestation). By 38 days (25% gestation) the reticular wall comprised three layers: an internal epithelial layer, a middle layer of pluripotential blastemic tissue and an external layer or serosa. Primary reticular crests were visible at 59 days (38% gestation) as evaginations of the epithelial stratum basale, marking the earliest histological differentiation of future reticular cells. Secondary reticular crests were observed at 87 days (61% gestation). Corneum papillae first became apparent on the lateral surface of primary reticular crests at 101 days (64% gestation). The muscularis mucosae was visible by 101 days (64% gestation) in primary reticular crests. Neuroendocrine cells were detected by synaptophysin at 64 days (43% gestation), while glial cell markers (glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin) were observed at 64 days (43% gestation) and 38 days (25% gestation), respectively. The peptidergic innervation markers such as neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide were detected at 75 days (50% gestation). In conclusion, prenatal development of the reticulum - like that of the rumen - appears to take place somewhat earlier in goats than in sheep or cattle, but at a similar rate to that reported in deer.

Indirect immunofluorescence and peroxidase-antiperoxidase methods were used to analyze the development and distribution of gastrin-producing cells in 24 embryos and fetuses (at 26-120 days of prenatal life) of sheep and in 10 newborn sheep. Plasma gastrin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in blood samples taken for the immunocytochemical study. Gastrin cells first appeared at 69 and 77 days of gestation in the duodenum and pyloric antrum, respectively. Gastrin immunoreactive cells were very numerous in the pyloric region, numerous in the duodenum, scarce in the jejunum and rare in the ileum. None were detected in the cardiac or fundic regions of the abomasum or in the colon or rectum. Plasma gastrin concentrations were first detected at 69 days, increasing gastrin levels being observed during the development stages just before birth. The differences between sheep and other species in the distribution and development of these endocrine cells are discussed.

The aim of this study was to examine the structural, ultrastructural and morphometric alterations which take place in the contralateral kidneys of rats with experimental unilateral hydronephrosis. 20 Wistar rats weighing 250 gr., affected by a process of unilateral hydronephrosis following the ligature of the ureter, were used; these rats were then killed 40,50,60, or 70 days after the ligature. Among the perceived alterations, were immunoglobulin G deposits shown by positive immunoperoxidase reaction and increase in the size of the glomerular and corpuscle from around the fortieth day, and structural alterations that included the pedicels, electrondense deposits in the podocytes and pseudogranular structures in the basal membrane of the capillary.

This paper reports on a canine angiosarcoma, presenting as an “undifferentiated metastasizing tumor”. A 14-year-old female Cocker Spaniel was referred to the University of Extremadura Veterinary Clinic for clinical examination after suffering rapid deterioration, with chronic cough, anorexia and cachexia. One week after clinical examination, the dog died of right congestive heart failure and ventricular arrhythmia. Blood counts revealed lymphopenia and platelet depletion. The biochemistry profile was within normal limits, except for a drop in blood urea nitrogen. Cytological evaluation of liver and spleen biopsies revealed clustered anaplastic cells that lacked convincing tissue differentiation. Major findings at necropsy were enlarged spleen and multiple, beige to dark-red nodules ranging from 0.5 to 3 cm in diameter in the heart, lung, liver and spleen. At histological examination, multiple nests of anaplastic epithelioid cells were found in sections from all affected organs. Immunohistochemistry revealed widespread expression of CD31 and Factor VIII-related antigen. The neoplastic cells were negative for CD 18. The diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma, localized in the myocardium, lung, liver and spleen was made. The primary site of the neoplasm could not be determined