Dystocia Due to Secondary Uterine Inertia and its Obstetrical Management- A Case Report

Background: A full-term pregnant Ongole cow was presented to the Large Animal Obstetrical Ward with a history of reduced feed intake, dull and ruptured foetal membranes 24 hours before presentation without progress in parturition. The temperature was within the normal physiological range. Per-vaginal examination revealed second-degree cervical dilation, lack of uterine and abdominal contractions and the vaginal discharges were reddish brown and putrid. Methods: The case was diagnosed as secondary uterine inertia and treated with an intracervical application of misoprostol and intravenous calcium therapy. Results: Three hours after the application of misoprostol and calcium therapy, full dilatation of the cervix was achieved to facilitate the delivery of the dead male emphysematous foetus by traction. Uneventful recovery of the dam was noticed. Conclusion: Usage of misoprostol along with CMC massage and calcium therapy resulted in speedy recovery of dystocia suffering with incomplete cervical dilation.

Embarazo y tumor anexial: tratamiento laparoscópico con minilaparotomía. Reporte de caso y revisión bibliográfica / Pregnancy and annexal mass; laparoscopic with minilaparotomy management. Case report and literature review

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: Los tumores anexiales durante el embarazo requieren una conducta terapéutica segura para la madre y el feto, por lo que el obstetra debe tener claro cuándo la opción quirúrgica es la indicada y cuál la menos agresiva para la madre y el feto. Describir la implementación de la laparoscopia con minilaparotomía en un caso de tumor anexial en el embarazo puede contribuir a conocer las ventajas y desventajas de la estrategia quirúrgica de estos casos. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 29 años, 70 kg de peso, talla de 1.61 m e IMC 27 en curso de las 16 semanas de embarazo, que acudió al servicio de Urgencias debido a un dolor abdominal. Ante la persistencia del síntoma se estableció el diagnóstico de síndrome doloroso abdominal, secundario a un tumor anexial gigante. Se programó para una laparoscopia diagnóstica y operatoria con minilaparotomía. Se dio de alta del hospital a las 24 horas posteriores a la cirugía y el embarazo finalizó a las 39 semanas. METODOLOGÍA: Búsqueda retrospectiva de artículos publicados durante los últimos diez años e indizados en la base de PubMed con los MeSH: adnexal masses pregnancy, adnexal masses pregnancy and laparoscopic surgery. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 34 artículos de revisión, 8 reportes de caso y un editorial, estos últimos 9 se consideraron cuando proveyeron información relevante para el conocimiento de una técnica quirúrgica. Se eliminaron los artículos en los que se utilizó cirugía asistida por robot o técnica con uso de orificios naturales (NOTES), revisiones que fueran exclusivas de patología oncológica, así como casos en niñas, al no disponer de esta tecnología en nuestro medio o no estar en etapa reproductiva, podría incurrirse en un riesgo de transferencia. Así mismo, se eliminaron los artículos sin explicación de las ventajas de la técnica propuesta. CONCLUSIÓN: En pacientes embarazadas con tumor anexial gigante, la laparoscopia con minilaparotomía es una opción de tratamiento segura para el feto y la madre. Con esta técnica se consigue una rápida recuperación, disminución de los riesgos de lesión uterina, pronta reintegración a la vida cotidiana y un buen desenlace cosmético.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Adnexal tumors during pregnancy require safe therapeutic behavior for the mother and the fetus, so the obstetrician must be clear when the surgical option is indicated and within the approach which would be less aggressive for the fetal-maternal binomial. Describing the implementation of laparoscopy with mini laparotomy in a case of adnexal tumor in pregnancy can contribute to understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the surgical strategy in these cases. CLINICAL CASE: Patient aged 29 years, weight 70 kg, height 1.61 m and BMI 27 in the course of 16 weeks of pregnancy, who attended the emergency department due to abdominal pain. Given the persistence of the symptom, a diagnosis of painful abdominal syndrome secondary to a giant adnexal tumour was established. She was scheduled for diagnostic and operative laparoscopy with mini-laparotomy. She was discharged from hospital 24 hours after surgery and the pregnancy ended at 39 weeks. METHODOLOGY: A literature search of the last 10 years was performed in Pubmed under the MeSH terms: adnexal masses pregnancy, adnexal masses pregnancy and laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-four review articles, eight case reports and one editorial were included, the latter nine were considered when they provided information relevant to the knowledge of a surgical technique. We eliminated articles in which robot-assisted surgery or a technique using natural orifices (NOTES) was used, reviews that were exclusive to oncological pathology, as well as cases in girls, as this technology was not available in our environment or they were not in the reproductive stage, which could incur a risk of transfer. Likewise, articles that did not explain the advantages of the proposed technique were eliminated. CONCLUSION: In pregnant patients with giant adnexal tumours, laparoscopy with mini-laparotomy is a safe treatment option for the foetus and the mother. This technique achieves a rapid recovery, reduced risk of uterine injury, early reintegration into daily life and a good cosmetic outcome.

Morphometry Of Human Thyroid Gland In 12 - 40 Weeks Aborted And Stillborn Foetuses

Background:The thyroid gland is the fir st endocrine gland to get differentiated5and starts functioning as early as 11thweek2. The early diagnosis of potentially treatable thyroid diseases in the foetus frequently depends on the detection of abnormal growth of the foetal thyroid gland. Material And Methods:In the present study, 30 foetuses belonging to B. J. Medical College were dissected and classified as per their gestational age in weeks 12 -20 weeks, 21 -30 weeks and 31 -40 weeks. Then dimensions like (length, width, thickness), weight the foetal thyroid gland, Position of foetal thyroid gland from inferior pole to tracheal ring, position of superior pole of thyroid gland to laryngeal cartilage level and distance between superior poles to hyoid bone were measured. Result:The mean ± SD of all parameters like length, width and thickness of the lateral lobe and mean ± SD of length and width of isthmus of foetal thyroid gland were more in female foetuses than in male foetuses.The superior pole of lateral lobe of thyroid gland corresponds to upper half of thyroid cartilage in 18 out of 30 foetuses.The inferior pole of lateral lobe of thyroid gland corresponds to 3rd tracheal ring level in 17 out of 30 foetuses.Distance between superior pole and hyoid bone was more on the left side in both male and female foetuses.Conclusion:The knowledge of factors implicating gland position is very important in many specialisations from obstetricians to neonatal paediatricians, paediatric surgeons to anatomopathologists

Maternal vaccination: A narrative review

Background: Vaccinations in general are considered to be one of the greatest achievements in medicine, saving millions of lives globally. Aim: This narrative review highlights issues related to vaccination in pregnancy and provides information on those vaccines registered for use in pregnancy. Method: Published articles on vaccinations in pregnancy are included in this review. The search engines used included PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Results: Vaccinations during pregnancy are more likely to be administered in high income countries (HICs) compared to low-income countries (LICs) due to easier access to healthcare services and better communicable disease awareness. Maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates associated with infectious diseases are higher in LICs with access to maternal care services, infrastructure and hospital equipment lacking in these settings. Conclusion: Suitable vaccinations are recommended for use in pregnancy to prevent harm to women, their foetuses and newborns from some communicable diseases, and they have resulted in declines in maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, this review has shown that vaccination during pregnancy is not only safe for both the woman and her foetus but also effective. Therefore, health professionals and national governments should strongly consider approved vaccinations prior to or during pregnancy.

The Bombay Blood Group: How Rare is It? A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

The Bombay blood group is a rare type of blood group which is very distinct from the ABO system and was first discovered in India about five decades ago. This blood group describes individuals who lack the H antigen and thus present with the anti H antibodies in addition to anti A and anti B antibodies. Bombay blood group is sometimes mistaken for blood group O. Thesignificance of this blood group is in its ability to potentially cause fatal blood transfusionreaction and haemolytic disease of the foetus and the neonate. Aim:This case report aims to elucidate the rare occurrence of the Bombay blood group. Methods:We describe a case report of the pregnancy, labour and delivery of a multiparous Indian woman with the Bombay blood groupin her second pregnancy. Results: The index case had an uneventful pregnancy, labour and delivery without the need for blood transfusion. The neonate was Rhesus D positive and did not have any complications. Conclusion:Bombay blood group is a rare blood group which can lead to blood transfusion reactions and haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn. Pregnancy, labour and delivery should be managed in a unit with the availability of anti H blood to avoid foetal and maternal complications.

Molecular prevalence of trichomonad species from pet shop puppies and kittens in Japan / Molecular prevalência de espécies trichomonas em filhotes de cães e gatos de pet shop no Japão

Abstract Pentatrichomonas hominis and Tritrichomonas foetus (cat genotype) have been commonly identified as intestinal trichomonads in both dogs and cats. Although P. hominis is considered as non-pathogenic protozoa in many kinds of mammals, it has the potential for zoonotic transmission. T. foetus has been recognized as the emerging causative agent of diarrhea in cats without the risk of zoonotic transmission. As pet shops are the major source of young companion animals, the present study discusses the molecular prevalence of P. hominis and T. foetus from 544 pet shop puppies and 409 kittens. The results suggest that the prevalence of P. hominis (puppies: 7.0%; kittens: 0.5%) and T. foetus (puppies: 0%; kittens: 2.4%) in pet shop young animals are low. In addition, the infections of P. hominis and T. foetus are not always associated with the clinical signs (soft or diarrhea feces).

Resumo Pentatrichomonas hominis e Tritrichomonas foetus (genótipo de gato) têm sido comumente identificados como trichomonas intestinais em cães e gatos. Apesar de P. hominis ser considerado como protozoário não patogênico em muitos tipos de mamíferos, tem potencial para transmissão zoonótica. Enquanto o T. fetus foi reconhecido como o agente causador emergente de diarreia em gatos sem o risco de transmissão zoonótica. Devido às lojas de animais serem as principais fontes de filhotes de animais domésticos, o presente estudo discute a prevalência molecular e/ou o potencial zoonótico de P. hominis e T. foetus em 544 filhotes de cachorro e 409 gatos de "pet shop". Os resultados sugerem que a prevalência de P. hominis (cães: 7,0%; gatos: 0,5%) e T. foetus (cães: 0%; gatos: 2,4%) em animais jovens de "pet shop" é baixa. Além disso, as infecções de P. hominis e T. foetus nem sempre estão associadas aos sinais clínicos (fezes moles ou diarreia).

The course and branching patterns of the superficial branch of radial nerve in foetuses and clinical significance / Curso y patrones de ramificación del ramo superficial del nervio radial en fetos y su importancia clínica

Knowing the anatomical, topographic and morphometric properties of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) in the forearm and the dorsum of the hand is important for minimizing nerve damage. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anatomical and morphometric properties of SBRN in foetuses. Forty forearms of twenty-one foetuses (n=21) were dissected. The anatomical variations of SBRN in the dorsal forearm were assessed in three types (Type-1, Type-2 and Type-3). The innervation areas in dorsum of hand were assessed in four types (Type-1, Type-2, Type-3 and Type-4). The forearm length was divided to three part and emerging point of SBRN was determined as topographically. The relation of the SBRN with lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN), anatomic snuffbox and cephalic vein was also evaluated. In forearm, Type-1 variation rate of SBRN was 87.5 %. In the dorsum of hand, Type-3 innervation pattern was 32.5 %. The emerging rate of SBRN in the middle third of the forearm was 74.4 %. There were nerve branches between LACN and SBRN or its terminal branches in 32.5 % of the forearms. The branches of SBRN passed within the margins of anatomic snuffbox in 50 % of the forearms. The most frequently branching type of SBRN was Type-1 in the forearm and Type-3 in the dorsum of hand in foetuses. These results may aid to minimize nerve injuries performed in clinical applications.

Conocer las propiedades anatómicas, topográficas y morfométricas del ramo superficial del nervio radial (RSNR) en el antebrazo y el dorso de la mano es importante para minimizar el daño a los nervios. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades anatómicas y morfométricas de RSNR en fetos. Fueron disecados 40 antebrazos de veintiún fetos. Las variaciones anatómicas de RSNR en el dorso del antebrazo se clasificaron en tres tipos (Tipo-1, Tipo-2 y Tipo-3). Las áreas de inervación en el dorso de la mano se evaluaron en cuatro tipos (Tipo 1, Tipo 2, Tipo 3 y Tipo 4). La longitud del antebrazo se dividió en tres partes y el punto emergente de RSNR se determinó topográficamente. Se evaluó la relación del RSRN con el nervio cutáneo antebraquial lateral (NCAL), la tabaquera anatómica y la vena cefálica. En el antebrazo, la tasa de variación de Tipo 1 de RSNR fue de 87,5 %. En el dorso de la mano, el patrón de inervación tipo 3 fue del 32,5 %. La emergencia del RSNR en el tercio medio del antebrazo fue de 74,4 %. En el 32,5 % de los antebrazos se observaron ramos nerviosos entre NCAL y RSNR. Los ramos de RSNR pasaron dentro de los límites de la tabaquera anatómica en 50 % de los antebrazos. El tipo de RSNS con ramificación más frecuente fue el Tipo 1 en el antebrazo y el Tipo 3 en el dorso de la mano en los fetos. Conocer las variaciones anatómicas de RSNS puede ayudar a minimizar las lesiones nerviosas durante los procedimientos clínicos.

Detection of enteric agents into a cats' shelter with cases of chronic diarrhea in Southern Brazil / Detecção de agentes enteropatogênicos associados à diarreia crônica em um gatil no Sul do Brasil

This study carried out a survey about enteropathogenic agents in domestic cats' shelter as a stage of investigation for the intermittent chronic diarrhea. Individual fecal samples from 39 cats with free access to the external environment were submitted to parasitological examination, parvovirus, and coronavirus by PCR, and Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Tritrichomonas foetus by real-time PCR. From the cats evaluated, 30 (76.9%) were positive for one or more enteric agents, and coinfections were observed in 11 cats samples (28.2%). Helminth eggs were observed in 48.7% of cats (19/30), 16 (41%) were positive for parvovirus or coronavirus and 25.6% (10/30) were infected by protozoa. From the positives for protozoa, five cats were positive to T. foetus (12.82%). The first finding of this protozoan through PCR was in the southern Brazil, and the second was in the whole country. Chronic diarrhea in cats may be multifactorial in shelter animals where the population density is high and the control of parasitic, and viral infections are deficient. Moreover, it is due to poor hygiene conditions in these shelters. The factors associated with the proliferation of infectious diseases in shelters are correlated with new pathogens infections such as T. foetus.(AU)

Uma pesquisa de agentes enteropatogênicos em gatos domésticos de um abrigo foi realizado como etapa da investigação das causas de diarreias crônicas intermitentes. Amostras fecais individuais de 39 gatos, com livre acesso ao ambiente externo, foram obtidas para pesquisa de helmintos através do exame parasitológico, investigação de parvovírus e coronavírus e de Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. e Tritrichomonas foetus através de PCR em tempo real. Dos gatos avaliados, 30 (76,9%) foram positivos para algum ou mais de um destes agentes entéricos. Desses, 11 (28,2%) apresentaram co-infecções parasitárias. Ovos de helmintos foram observados em 48,7% dos gatos (19/30), 16 felinos (41%) foram positivos para parvovírus ou coronavírus e 25,6% (10/30) estavam infectados por protozoários. Dos positivos para protozoários, cinco apresentaram Tritrichomonas foetus (12,82%), um organismo pouco relatado no Brasil, sendo este o primeiro relato de detecção deste protozoário através de PCR em fezes de gatos no Sul do Brasil e o segundo no país. A diarreia crônica em gatos pode ser multifatorial em animais de abrigo onde a densidade populacional é elevada e os meios de controle parasitário e viral são deficitários, além das condições de higiene precárias. Os fatores associados à proliferação de doenças infecciosas em abrigos promovem o surgimento de infecções por novos patógenos como o Tritrichomonas foetus, até então pouco relatado no Brasil.(AU)

The types of connections between the portal sinus and main portal vein in foetuses / Tipos de conexiones entre el seno portal y la vena porta principal en fetos

In the prenatal period, the three types of connections between the portal sinus and main portal vein have been published in the literature: T, X and H-shaped. The T type is the most frequent in the literature, and the aim of our study is to define the percentage of the connection types during the prenatal period in our population. In this prospective study, 237 women between 20 and 38 weeks of pregnancy without a foetal anomaly or pregnancy-related complications were included, and the precordial veins of the foetuses were examined using a wide-band color Doppler technique. The types of connections were determined by two specialists according to the shape of the colour coded vessels in Doppler examinations. The criteria of Czubalski & Aleksandrowicz (2000) were used. All of the connection types in patients were confirmed using video clips and were stored in the picture archiving and communication system. In 237 patients, the types of connection were determined by the first specialist as 189 foetuses (79.7 %) with the X-shaped or side-to-side connection, 16 foetuses (6.8 %) with the T-shaped or end-to-side type and 32 foetuses (13.5 %) with the H-shaped or parallel-coursed vessels connected with a short segment. The most common types of connections between the portal sinus and main portal vein in foetuses are X shaped or side-to-side, which is contrary to previous studies.

En el período prenatal, se han publicado en la literatura los tres tipos de conexiones entre el seno portal y la vena porta principal: en forma de T, X y H. El tipo T es el más frecuente, y el objetivo de nuestro estudio fue definir el porcentaje de tipos de conexión durante el período prenatal en nuestra población. En este estudio prospectivo, se incluyeron 237 mujeres entre 20 y 38 semanas de embarazo, sin anomalías fetales o complicaciones relacionadas con el embarazo, y se examinaron las venas precordiales de los fetos utilizando una técnica Doppler de banda ancha. Los tipos de conexiones fueron determinados por dos especialistas según la forma de los vasos codificados por color en los exámenes Doppler. Se utilizaron los criterios del estudio de Czubalski & Aleksandrowicz. Todos los tipos de conexión en los pacientes se confirmaron mediante videoclips y se almacenaron en el sistema de comunicación y en archivo de imágenes. En 237 pacientes, el primer especialista determinó en 189 fetos (79,7 %) la conexión en forma de X o de lado a lado; en 16 fetos (6,8 %) la forma de T o Tipo de extremo a lado; y en 32 fetos (13,5 %) los vasos en forma de H o paralelos, conectados con un segmento corto. Los tipos más comunes de conexiones entre el seno portal y la vena porta principal en los fetos son en forma de X o de lado a lado, lo que es contrario a estudios anteriores.

Co-occurrence of heterozygous mutations in COL1A1 and SERPINF1 in a high-risk pregnancy complicated by osteogenesis imperfecta

Mutations in several genes, including SERPRINF1 and COL1A1, have been associated with the development of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Here, we reported the co-occurrence of a rare heterozygous variant (c.167C>G p.Ala56Gly) in SERPRINF1 and a novel heterozygous mutation (c.1634G>A p.Gly545Asp) in COL1A1 in a foetus with a severe form of OI. Bioinformatics modelling revealed that the effect of the mutation on SPERINF1 is neutral. In contrast, the mutation in COL1A1 is deleterious. It is predicted to cause distortion of the α (1) chain of the type I collagen and results in structural instability of the protein. Therefore, a novel dominant variant of COL1A1 likely underlies the severe foetal pathology observed, although we do not exclude the possibility that the heterozygous mutations in SERPINF and COL1A1 may interact and co-ordinately cause pathogenesis. This novel COL1A1 mutation is recommended to be included in the diagnostic panels for OI.

Histopathology of placenta in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)

Background: Birth of healthy term baby depends on normal placenta. IUGR is a condition associated with placental insufficiency. There is a close relationship between IUGR and placental qualitative changes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the morphological and histological changes in placentas of IUGR fetuses and in placentas of normal uncomplicated pregnancies and to determine the relationship that exists between morphological change and frequency of IUGR.Methods: In a cross sectional study conducted in the department of Pathology, GMC Jammu, a total of 60 placenta were received, 30 placenta of IUGR fetus (group 1-case) and 30 placenta of uncomplicated pregnancy with normal single fetus (group 2-control). Exclusion criteria: Twin pregnancy, gestational hypertension, diabetes, congenital anomaly, antepartum hemorrhage and systemic disorder.Results: Placental weights in IUGR group were significantly lower than control group. Average placental weight in IUGR group was 425 gms while in the control group (normal placenta) it was 550 gms. Infarction, intervillous thrombosis, chorionic villitis, hemorrhagic endovasculitis, placental intravascular thrombi, perivillous fibrin deposition, fibrinoid necrosis and villous edema were found to be more common in IUGR group (Group 1-case group) than Normal (Group 2- control group).Conclusions: This study highlightened that significant pathological differences were found between the placentas of IUGR fetus and normal fetus. The gross and microscopic measurement of a placenta is a good way to get proper information about IUGR and helps in management of the pregnancy.

To Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Misoprostol Administered Vaginally For Induction of Labour in Patient with PROM with Poor Bishop’s Score

Background: The management of PROM has often been adilemma in obstetrics. This study is aimed to assess the safetyand efficacy of misoprostol administered vaginally for inductionof labour in patient with PROM with poor Bishop’s Score.Materials & Methods: A randomised observational study doneon 90 Patients of PROM admitted in labour room of MahilaChikitsalaya, SMS Medical College, Jaipur as per inclusion andexclusion criteria. Augmentation with oxytocin was done inpatients with favourable bishop score (>5) with mild uterinecontraction or patients with poor bishops score (<5) even after3 doses of misoprostol. If leaking of more than 24 hours andunfavourable cervix (bishop <5) or any evidence of foetaldistress then further management was at the discretion ofattending obstetrician.Results: Our study showed that the mean induction deliveryinterval was 7.67±4.86hours & 78 patients (86.7%) deliveredwithin 12 hours after induction in patient of PROM. Apgar scoreof new born babies at 1 min in majority was 8 – 10 min.(81.1%) and at 5 min in majority was 8-10 (98.9%).Conclusion: Misoprostol maximum of 75µg is an effectivemethod of improving the inducibility score and induction oflabour in properly selected cases. Misoprostol in above dosesis without any untoward effect on maternal and foetal outcomeand hence, safe.

Congenital cytomegalic inclusion disease with disseminated Herpes simplex infection

@#We report a case of congenital cytomegalovirus and Herpes simplex virus infection suspected via ultrasound indicated by the presence of fetal cerebral abnormalities. The pregnancy was electively terminated at 31 weeks of gestation. The postmortem examination of the foetus showed brain with lissencephaly. The histopathological examination revealed numerous enlarged cells containing cytomegalic inclusions and multinucleated giant cells in multiple fetal organs and placenta. Documented evidence of histopathological detection of cytomegalovirus inclusions in multiple organs are very sparse in literature. This case highlights the causal relationship of viral infections in early pregnancy and abnormalities of the central nervous system.

Morphological Study Of Submandibular Salivary Gland In Foetus Of Varing Age

Background: The morphological study of foetal submandibular gland has been the subject of much investigationin recent years. Throughout the foetal life the submandibular salivary gland progressively increases in size andweight due to ductal proliferation , increased in lobulation and connective tissue septa. The relation of themylohyoid muscle with respect to the submandibular salivary gland proves to be vital one during surgeries ofthe submandibular region.Materials and Methods: A total of 30 fetuses ranging from 10 weeks of gestation to full term were divided intothree groups viz., Group I [10-16 weeks] , Group II [18-25weeks], Group III[ 28weeks – full term] and they aredissected and subjected to morphological study.Results: The shape of the gland in Group I – Global ; Group II – Ovoid ; Group III – Irregular. There was no obviouslobes and interlobular fissure in Group I ; Interlobular fissure appears in Group II ; well differentiated fissure inGroupIII. Weight and Dimentions of the gland increases from group I to group III. Mylohyoid muscle was seenjust behind the Gland in group I ; just enters the interlobular fissure in Group II ; occupies the half of the fissurein Group III.Conclusion: The knowledge of morphological features and relations of the developing submandibular salivarygland contribute to future studies in dental surgery, fetopathology , perinatology and in radiadiagnosis

Detection of natural occurrence of Tritrichomonas foetus in cats in Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil / Detecção da ocorrência natural de Tritrichomonas foetus em gatos em Araçatuba, São Paulo

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Tritrichomonas foetus in cats in the area surrounding the city of Araçatuba municipality, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Fecal samples from 129 cats were collected by rectal flush technique. It was compared two diagnosis methods, direct examination of feces and PCR. The presence of T. foetus DNA was verified using PCR by amplification of 347-bp fragment from the primers TFR3 and TFR4 and amplicons of positive cases were sequenced. Statistical analyses were performed investigating the associations between T. foetus infection with gender, age, breed, presence of diarrhea and/or history of diarrhea, previous treatment, lifestyle, origin, environment, and co-infection. T. foetus was observed in one sample (n=129) by direct microscopic examination of feces while PCR was positive in five samples (3.9%). Giardia species and Cryptosporidium species co-infection was also observed. Statistical analyses showed no significant associations between T. foetus infection and all listed factors, although most positive cats were asymptomatic and lived in multi-cat household. The isolates of T. foetus showed 100% identical sequences with other T. foetus isolates from cats around the world. So, the occurrence of T. foetus was confirmed in cats in Araçatuba city (Brazil). This parasite must be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats with diarrhea and also in asymptomatic carriers as source of infection in multi-cat environments.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de Tritrichomonas foetus em gatos na região do município de Araçatuba, SP, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras fecais de 129 gatos através da técnica de lavado retal. Dois métodos diagnósticos foram comparados, o exame direto das fezes e a PCR. A presença de DNA de T. foetus foi verificada por meio da PCR através da amplificação de 347 pares de bases a partir dos iniciadores específicos TFR3 e TFR4. Posteriormente, os resultados amplificados das amostras positivas foram sequenciadas. Também foi feita análise estatística a fim de investigar a correlação entre infecção por T. foetus e sexo, idade, raça, presença e/ou histórico de diarreia, tratamento prévio, coinfecção, estilo de vida, origem e tipo de ambiente. O protozoário pôde ser observado em uma amostra através do exame direto das fezes e à PCR foram detectadas cinco amostras positivas (3.9%). Foram detectadas coinfecções por Giardia spp. e Cryptosporidium spp. Não foram observadas correlações entre infecção por T. foetus e todos os fatores listados anteriormente, embora a maioria dos felinos positivos fossem assintomáticos e vivessem em ambientes multigatos. O resultado do sequenciamento genético dos isolados das amostras positivas mostrou 100% de similaridade com outros isolados de felinos no mundo. Assim, a ocorrência de T. foetus foi confirmada em gatos em Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brasil. Sendo assim, o parasito deve considerado como diagnóstico diferencial em gatos com diarreia assim como em portadores assintomáticos como fontes de infecção em ambientes multigatos.(AU)

Macroscopic and microscopic analysis of 2 embryos and 1 foetus derived from a sheep (Ovis aries) without breed / Análise macroscópica e microscópica de 2 embriões e 1 feto derivados de ovelha (Ovis aries) sem raça

The interest in embryology, the science of the development of a zygote into a completely developed foetus, has increased greatly in recent years due to a number of studies involving embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. In addition, the development of techniques such as cloning has aided to understand the critical events that occur during embryonic development. In this study, we describe the morphology of two sheep embryos and one foetus using macroscopic and microscopic techniques. We investigated sheep without defined breed on days 24, 32, and 50 of gestation (estimated by crown-rump length [CR]). Macroscopically, we observed the development of E1 (24 days), with visible optic vesicle, but without retinal pigmentation and the forelimbs bud in development. In the E2 (32 days), we noticed the presence of optic retinal pigmentation and forelimbs more developed in comparison with E1. As expected, F1 revealed an eyeball already covered and the forelimbs developed. Meanwhile, microscopic analysis revealed somite, ventricle, atrium, and oral cavity in development in E1. However, in F1 we were able to identify more complex structures, such as ossification in the spine, ventricle, atrium, intraventricular septum, pericardial sac, and oral cavity with tongue. This work brings more precise and detailed data on the morphological characteristics of the major organ systems (nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and urinary) at each embryonic and foetal stage analysed.(AU)

O interesse em Embriologia, a ciência do desenvolvimento de um zigoto em um feto completamente desenvolvido, tem aumentado consideravelmente nos últimos anos devido a uma série de estudos envolvendo células-tronco pluripotentes embrionárias e induzidas. Além disso, o desenvolvimento de técnicas como a clonagem tem ajudado a compreender os eventos críticos que ocorrem durante o desenvolvimento embrionário. Neste estudo, descrevemos a morfologia de dois embriões de ovinos e um feto utilizando técnicas macroscópicas e microscópicas. Obtivemos ovelhas sem raça definida com 24, 32 e 50 dias de gestação (estimado pelo método de Crown-Rump, CR). Os conceptos foram mensurados, pesados e caracterizados a olho nu. Macroscopicamente, observamos o desenvolvimento dos embriões E1 (24 dias), apresentando globo ocular sem pigmentação de retina e broto do membro torácico e pélvico. Já o E2 (32 dias), apresentava globo ocular com pigmentação na retina e os membros torácicos e pélvicos mais desenvolvidos. O F1 apresentou olhos cobertos com uma membrana e membros torácicos e pélvicos mais desenvolvidos. Enquanto isso, microscopicamente observamos no E1 somitos, ventrículo, átrio e cavidade oral ainda em desenvolvimento. Porém, no F1 já era possível observar ossificação da coluna espinhal, coração com estruturas mais complexas, como ventrículo, átrio, septo interventricular e saco pericárdio. Além disso, na cavidade oral observamos a formação da língua. Este trabalho fornece informações precisas e detalhadas sobre as características morfológicas dos principais órgãos dos sistemas (nervoso, circulatório, respiratório, digestivo e urinário) em cada fase embrionária e fetal analisadas.(AU)

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Intestinal Trichomonads in Pet Dogs in East China

The trichomonad species Tritrichomonas foetus and Pentatrichomonas hominis were recently detected in the feces of dogs with diarrhea. However, little information is available on the prevalence and pathogenicity of these parasites in the canine population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and molecular characterization of trichomonads infecting pet dogs in Anhui and Zhejiang provinces, east China. In total, 315 pet dogs, with or without diarrhea, from 7 pet hospitals were included in this epidemiological survey. Microscopy and PCR detected P. hominis in 19.7% (62/315) and 31.4% (99/315) of fecal samples, respectively. T. foetus infection was detected in 0% (0/315) of samples with microscopy and in 0.6% (2/315) with PCR. The prevalence of P. hominis was significantly higher in young dogs (≤12 months) than in adult dogs (>12 months), and was significantly higher in diarrheic dogs (50.6%) than in non-diarrheic dogs (24.3%; P<0.05). Infection with T. foetus did not correlate with any risk factors evaluated in this study. A sequence analysis of the P. hominis PCR products showed minor allelic variations between our sequences and those of P. hominis strains from other hosts in different parts of the world. Type CC1 was the most common strain in dogs in east China. The internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1)-5.8S rRNA gene sequences from the 2 T. foetus isolates detected in this study displayed 100% identity and were homologous to the sequences of other strains isolated from domestic cats in other countries.

Etude comparative du vécu psychique de femmes vivant une grossesse gémellaire ou unique / Comparative study of the psychological experience of women carrying a twin or a singleton pregnancy / Estudo comparativo da experiência psicológica de mulheres grávidas de gêmeos ou de um único bebê

Quelle incidence de porter deux enfants sur l'expérience psychique des femmes ? Dans cette étude qualitative et comparative, nous avons rencontré dix femmes enceintes: trois de jumeaux de même sexe, trois de jumeaux de sexe différent et quatre d'un enfant unique. Elles ont répondu à un entretien semi-directif, à une échelle de représentations sémantique-différentielle et réalisé deux dessins. Les résultats montrent l'intérêt de favoriser les échanges entre les femmes enceintes de jumeaux, afin de faciliter leurs identifications et de les rassurer sur leurs compétences maternelles. Ils soulignent aussi la nécessité de proposer un espace pour que les femmes enceintes de jumeaux de même sexe, notamment, puissent verbaliser leurs peurs et leurs fantasmes concernant leurs enfants et la relation gémellaire qu'ils pourraient entretenir.

What is the impact of carrying two fetuses on the psychological experience of women? In this qualitative comparative study, ten women have been met: three were expecting samesex twins, three were expecting sex-different twins, and four women were carrying a singleton pregnancy. They responded to a semi-structured interview and to a semantic-differential maternal representations scale, and have drawn two pictures. The results underscore the need of encourage women expecting twins to discuss with other women experiencing the same situation in order to facilitate their identification processes and to support their maternal sense of competence. In particular, it's important to offer women expecting same-sex twins the opportunity to verbalize their fears and projections regarding their fetuses and their future twin relationship.

Qual é o impacto de esperar gêmeos para a experiência psicológica da mulher grávida? Neste estudo qualitativo e comparativo, dez mulheres grávidas foram encontradas: 3 grávidas de gêmeos do mesmo sexo, 3 de gêmeos de sexo diferente e 4 esperando um único bebê. As mulheres responderam a uma entrevista semidiretiva e a uma escala semântica-diferencial de representações maternas, e realizaram dois desenhos. Os resultados mostram a importância de se favorecer as trocas entre mulheres grávidas de gêmeos para facilitar seus processos de identificação e tranquilizá-las quanto às suas competências maternas. Afirmam também a necessidade de proporcionar um espaço, sobretudo para mulheres esperando gêmeos do mesmo sexo, para que possam verbalizar seus medos e fantasias com respeito aos seus filhos e à relação gemelar que poderão estabelecer.

Co-infection by Tritrichomonas foetus and Pentatrichomonas hominis in asymptomatic cats / Co-infecção por Tritrichomonas foetus e Pentatrichomonas hominis em gatos assintomáticos

Tritrichomonas foetus, a parasite well known for its significance as a venereally transmitted pathogen in cattle, has been identified as a cause of chronic large bowel diarrhea in domestic cats in many countries of the world. In Brazil, several studies on the diagnosis of bovine trichomoniasis have been performed, but until now, no study was made regarding feline trichomoniasis. Thus, this is the first study to report the occurrence of T. foetus and Pentatrichomonas hominis in cats using morphological and molecular analysis. Feces from 77 cats were examined, four of which (5.2%) were positive for the presence of parabasalids. Morphological analysis of stained smears revealed piriform trophozoites showing the three anterior flagella, elongated nucleus and axostyle ending abruptly in fillet, characteristic of T. foetus. In scanning and transmission electron microscopy, identification characters similar to those previously reported for T. foetus were observed. The cultures containing trophozoites were submitted for molecular analysis, which resulted positive for T. foetus DNA using specific primers (TFR3 and TFR4), and all samples were positive and subjected to sequencing in which they showed 99.7-100% similarity with another isolate sequencing of T. foetus (JX960422). Although no trophozoite with consistent morphology of P. hominis has been visualized in the samples, differential diagnosis was performed using specific primers for P. hominis (TH3 and TH5) amplicon. In three of the four samples (3.89%) sequencing revealed 100% similarity when compared with another sequence of P. hominis deposited in Genbank (KC623939). Therefore, the present study revealed through the diagnostic techniques employed the simultaneous infection by T. foetus and P. hominis in the feces of cats. However, it was necessary to use more than one technique for the diagnosis of the co-infection...

Tritrichomonas foetus, um parasito bem conhecido por seu significado como um agente patogênico transmitido venereamente em bovinos, também foi identificado como causa de diarreia crónica do intestino grosso em gatos domésticos em muitos países. No Brasil, vários estudos sobre o diagnóstico de tricomonose bovina foram realizados, mas até agora, não há informação disponível em relação à trichomonose felina. Assim, este é o primeiro estudo a relatar a ocorrência de T. foetus e Pentatrichomonas hominis em gatos por meio de análise morfológica e molecular. Fezes de 77 gatos foram examinadas, a partir da qual quatro (5,2%) foram positivas para a presença de parabasalídeos. A análise morfológica de esfregaços corados revelou trophozoitos piriformes com três flagelos anteriores, núcleo alongado e axóstilo cuja projeção termina abruptamente em formato de filete, características estas de identificação morfológica T. foetus. Além disso, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e transmissão, revelaram caracteres morfológicos semelhantes aos descritos na literatura para esta espécie. A análise molecular de culturas utilizando iniciadores específicos para trofozoítos de T. foetus (TFR3 e TFR4), mostrou que as quatro amostras foram positivas para este parasito e osequenciamento dos fragmentos amplificados demonstraram 99,7-100% de similaridade com seqüências depositadas no GeneBank de T. foetus. Nenhum trofozoíto com morfologia consistente com a descrição de P. hominis foi visualizado nas amostras. No entanto, a análise molecular, utilizando iniciadores específicos para esta espécie (TH3 e TH5) detectou que três das quatro amostras (75%) também foram positivas para P. hominis e o sequenciamento de nucleotideos revelou 100% de similaridade dos amplicons quando comparada com o mesmo fragmento de DNA de P. hominis depositado no GenBank. Como tal, o presente estudo relata a coinfecção de gatos com T. foetus e P. hominis e destacou a exigência de uma combinação de métodos...

Densities of Foetal Clavicles during Second and Third Trimesters.

Background: Density of bone is directly affected by mineralization, which makes visualization by ultrasonography possible to follow foetal growth from early gestation to term. Clavicle being the first bone to ossify and the only bone to transmit upper limb weight to the axial skeleton, receives special attention by the scientists. Methods: Forty-nine foetal clavicles were divided into five groups. Statistically densities of the clavicles were measured and values between groups were compared. Results: Density was constant in all the groups and both in males and females. Conclusion: It was concluded that matrix formation in clavicles keeps pace with their mineralization during 2nd and 3rd trimesters.