The effect of androgen on wool follicles and keratin production in Hetian sheep / Efeito do androgênio na produção de folículos e queratina em ovinos Hetianos

Abstract To investigate the optimal androgen concentration for culturing Hetian sheep wool follicle and to detect effects of androgen concentration on wool follicle cell proliferation and apoptosis using immunofluorescence labeling and real-time quantitative fluorescence determinations of wool keratin-associated protein gene expression levels. Wool follicles were isolated by microdissection and wool follicles and skin pieces were cultured in various concentrations of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in culture medium. Next, daily lengthwise growth measurements of wool follicles were obtained using a microscopic micrometer. Cultured Hetian wool follicles were stained using the SACPIC method to reveal wool follicle structure, while sheep skin slices were used to observe cell proliferation by immunostaining and cell apoptosis using the TUNEL method. At the molecular biological level, keratin-associated protein (Kap) gene expression was studied using wool follicles cultured for various numbers of days in vitro. Effects of androgen concentrations on Hetian wool follicle growth and development were experimentally studied. EdU proliferation assays revealed that androgen promoted cell proliferation within wool follicle dermal papillae. TUNEL apoptosis detection demonstrated that androgen treatment could delay cell apoptosis. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results demonstrated that gene expression level patterns of Hetian mountain sheep super-high sulfur protein. Kap1.1, KIF1.2, Kap2.12 and Kap4.2 gene expression level of the mountainous experimental group was significantly higher than plains Hetian sheep. An androgen concentration of 100 nM can promote the growth of Hetian wool follicle cells in vitro, resulting in overexpression of some genes of the Kap family.

Resumo Investigar a concentração ideal de andrógenos em cultura de folículos pilosos de carneiro Hetiano e detectar os efeitos da concentração de andrógenos na proliferação e apoptose de células foliculares, por meio de imunofluorescência e de determinação quantitativa, em tempo real, da fluorescência dos níveis de expressão gênica de proteína associada à queratina. Folículos pilosos foram isolados por microdissecção, e folículos de lã e pedaços de pele foram cultivados em várias concentrações de di-hidrotestosterona (DHT) em meio de cultura. Em seguida, medições diárias de crescimento longitudinal dos folículos capilares foram obtidas usando um micrômetro microscópico. Folículos de lã cultivados de Hetianos foram corados pelo método SACPIC para revelar a estrutura do folículo piloso, enquanto fatias de pele de carneiro foram usadas para observar a proliferação celular por imunocoloração e apoptose celular por meio do método TUNEL. Em âmbito da biologia molecular, a expressão gênica da proteína associada à queratina (Kap) foi estudada usando folículos capilares cultivados por vários dias, in vitro. Os efeitos das concentrações de andrógenos no crescimento e desenvolvimento dos folículos de lã de Hetianos foram estudados experimentalmente. Ensaios de proliferação de EdU revelaram que o andrógeno promoveu a proliferação celular dentro das papilas dérmicas do folículo piloso. A detecção de apoptose por TUNEL demonstrou que o tratamento com andrógeno poderia atrasar a apoptose celular. Os resultados da reação em cadeia da polimerase transcrição reversa quantitativa (qPCR) demonstraram que os padrões de expressão gênica da proteína de enxofre Kap1.1, KIF1.2, Kap2.12 e Kap4.2 foram significativamente maiores no grupo de ovinos Hetianos de montanha. Uma concentração de androgênio de 100 nM pode promover o crescimento de células foliculares de lã de Hetianos in vitro, resultando na superexpressão de alguns genes da família Kap.

Suplementação gestacional na produção de lã de ovelhas e cordeiros / Gestacional supplementation in wool production of ewes and lambs

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação durante diferentes períodos gestacionais sobre a produção de lã de ovelhas e cordeiros da raça Ideal. Foram utilizadas 53 ovelhas da raça Ideal, com escore corporal médio (3), inseminadas pela técnica de laparoscopia, com sêmen fresco de um único reprodutor; e seus cordeiros. Os tratamentos experimentais foram: sem suplementação (n=9); suplementação do início da gestação até 50 dias (n=11); suplementação dos 51 aos 100 dias de gestação (n=11); suplementação dos 101 aos 150 dias - final da gestação (n=11); e suplementação durante toda a gestação (n=11). A suplementação foi a 1,5% do peso corporal. Amostras de lã das ovelhas e dos cordeiros foram tomadas na região do costilhar esquerdo e enviadas ao laboratório para análises objetivas de finura de lã. As suplementações no terço final e durante toda a gestação proporcionavam os melhores resultados, com aumento de produção de lã e de peso das ovelhas. Ovelhas que receberam suplementação durante toda a gestação apresentaram maior diâmetro de fibra e peso corporal. O desempenho de lã dos cordeiros não foi influenciado pela alimentação de ovelhas durante a gestação.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation during different gestational periods on the wool production of sheep and lambs of the Ideal breed. Fifty-three adult Ideal sheep were used, with a mean body score inseminated by the laparoscopy technique using fresh sperm from a single breeder and his lambs. Treatment groups: No supplementation (n=9); Supplementation in the beginning of gestation up to 50 days (n=11); Supplementation from 51 to 100 days of gestation (n=11); Supplementation from 101 to 150 days - end of gestation (n=11) ;and Supplementation throughout the gestation (n=11). The supplementation was at 1.5% of body weight. After birth, lambs were kept with their mothers in cultivated pasture of black oats and ryegrass. Wool samples from sheep and lambs were taken in the left-hand region and sent to the laboratory for objective analyzes of wool fineness. The supplementation performed in the final third and throughout the gestation provides the best results, with increased sheep weight. Ewes that received supplementation throughout pregnancy had greater fiber diameter and body weight. The wool performance of lambs was not influenced by feeding sheep during gestation.(AU)

Análise da estrutura populacional de ovinos deslanados do núcleo de conservação / Population structure analysis in sheep without wool in the conservation nucleus

Este estudo analisou a estrutura populacional de ovinos deslanados do núcleo de conservação do estado do Ceará, Brasil. Os parâmetros populacionais foram estimados com base nos dados genealógicos de indivíduos das raças Santa Inês (SI), Somalis (SO) e Morada Nova (MN), nascidos entre os anos de 2001 e 2014. Os parâmetros estimados foram: número de gerações completas equivalentes (GCE), intervalo entre gerações (IEG), número de fundadores (Nf), número efetivo de fundadores (fe), número efetivo de ancestrais (fa), coeficiente de endogamia (F) e índice de contribuição genética (ICG). O GCE médio foi de 1,82, 2,78 e 1,52 para SI, SO e MN, respectivamente. O IEG foi próximo entre as raças, 3,67 anos em média. O Nf para SI, SO e MN foi igual a 225, 194 e 153, respectivamente. As razões fe/fa foram distantes de 1 nas três populações, o que indica ocorrência de gargalo genético, principalmente para SO. Os coeficientes médios de endogamia foram de 1,81%, 0,78% e 0,78% para SI, SO e MN, respectivamente. O ICG foi de 3,32, 5,38 e 2,87 para SI, SO e MN, respectivamente. Os parâmetros populacionais estimados apontam que parte da genética original desses rebanhos foi perdida, principalmente na população da raça Somalis.(AU)

This study evaluated the population structure of sheep without wool from the conservation nucleus in Ceará State, Brazil. Population parameters were estimated on genealogical records of Santa Ines (SI), Somali (SO,) and Morada Nova (MN) breeds, that were born between 2001 and 2014. The following estimates were obtained: number of complete generation equivalents (GCE), generation intervals (IEG), number of founders (Nf), effective number of founders (fe), effective number of ancestors (fa), inbreeding coefficient (F), and genetic contribution index (ICG). Average GCE was 1.82, 2.78, and 1.52 for SI, SO, and MN respectively. Mean IEG was similar between breeds, 3.67 years. The Nf was 225, 194, and 153 for SI, SO, and MN respectively. The fe/fa ratios were different to 1, which is an indication of genetic bottleneck, mainly for SO. The average inbreeding coefficients were 1.81%, 0.78%, and 0.78% for SI, SO, and MN respectively. The ICG was 3.32, 5.38, and 2.87 for SI, SO, and MN respectively. Estimated population parameters indicate that part of the genetics of these breeds was lost, mainly in Somalis.(AU)

Two Case Reports of a Purtscher-like Retinopathy Occurring after Retrobulbar Anesthesia

PURPOSE: Although there are significant risks, retrobulbar anesthesia is commonly used for eye surgery. We report two cases of Purtscher-like retinopathy, a rare complication. CASE SUMMARY: (Case 1) A 76-year-old female visited our hospital because of decreased vision. She underwent right cataract surgery with retrobulbar anesthesia. After 7 days, she had decreased visual acuity (VA) and a constricted visual field. Multiple white spots and cotton wool spots around the optic nerve and post pole, macular edema (ME), and subretinal fluid (SRF) were found using a fundus examination. A non-perfusion area and staining of the vascular wall were seen using fluorescence angiography. Although carotid arterial angiography, thrombolysis, and intravenous injection of high-dose steroids were performed, the ME and SRF persisted. After intravitreal aflibercept was injected twice (2-month interval), the ME and SRF decreased and remained stable. (Case 2) A 61-year-old male underwent left cataract surgery with retrobulbar anesthesia. After anesthesia, the VA of the left eye was 10 cm finger count. The fundus examination showed multiple hemorrhage blots and retinal hemorrhages, and hyperfluorescence around the optic nerve and post pole; vascular wall staining revealed a Purtscher-like retinopathy. Left carotid arterial angiography, thrombolysis, and intravenous injection of high-dose steroids were then performed. After treatment, the VA of the left eye, ME, and SRF were improved at the 4-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We report rare complications of retrobulbar anesthesia, with active and timely treatment having a positive impact on the visual prognosis.

A Case of Focal Laser Photocoagulation Added to Systemic Immunomodulatory Therapy for Bilateral Lupus Chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE: To report a patient diagnosed with bilateral lupus chorioretinopathy who received focal laser photocoagulation. CASE SUMMARY: A 20-year-old female presented with decreased vision in her left eye. She had been treated with systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, plasmapheresis and hemodialysis during systemic lupus erythematosus flare-up. Retinal hemorrhage and cotton wool spots were observed in both eyes on funduscopic examination. Optical coherence tomography showed bilateral serous retinal detachment. Flurorescein angiography (FA) revealed multiple leakages of dye in both maculae. Despite improvements of the systemic disease, subretinal fluid was not resolved. Focal laser photocoagulation was applied to multiple leakage spots identified on FA in both eyes and serous detachment improved. After several months, additional focal laser photocoagulation was performed because there was a small amount of subretinal fluid, which was completely resolved.

A Case of Purtscher's Retinopathy with Diffuse Serous Macular Detachment

PURPOSE: To report a case of Purtscher's retinopathy with diffuse serous macular detachment. CASE SUMMARY: A 63-year-old male patient presented to the hospital with decreased visual acuity. Three days prior to visiting the hospital, he had an blunt injury to the thoracic region caused by a steel beam, and his best corrected visual acuity was 20/50 in the right eye and 20/160 in the left eye. On slit lamp examination nothing unusual was observed in either eye, but fundus examinations showed retinal hemorrhages and a cotton wool spots on the posterior pole of the left eye and nothing unusual in the right eye. On fluorescein angiography, severe nonperfusion was observed at the posterior pole of the left eye. On optical coherence tomography, there was diffuse serous retinal detachment at the posterior pole and inferior retina of the left eye while mild subretinal fluid was observed at the posterior pole of the right eye. Under the suspicion of Purtscher's retinopathy in both eyes, oral prednisolone (40 mg) was prescribed and the dosage was gradually reduced. Six weeks after the treatment, best corrected visual acuity improved to 20/20 in the right eye, and 20/30 in the left eye. Additionally, subretinal fluid in the right eye completely disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: Purtscher's retinopathy is known as an ocular disease occurring after traumatic events. However, serous detachment of the macula has rarely been observed in Purtscher's retinopathy, and herein we report a case with diffuse serous macular detachment which responded to oral steroid treatment.

Morfología de la Piel y Producción de Lana en Cruzamiento Absorbente con Merino Multipropósito / Skin Morphology and Wool Production on Merino Multipurpose from Absorbent Crosses

Las tendencias del mercado de fibras textiles muestran que las lanas finas son las que se adaptan a las preferencias de la industria textil. En Argentina, la producción de lanas finas es insignificante y esto representa una limitante para el crecimiento lanero del país. La necesidad de desarrollar una alternativa de producción ovina lleva a considerar al Merino Multipropósito como una opción interesante. En la provincia de Corrientes, se iniciaron cruzamientos con estos animales, pero existen inquietudes con respecto a lograr una disminución en el diámetro de la fibra y que repercuta en el peso del vellón. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el efecto del cruzamiento de ovejas Corriedale con machos MPM, sobre las características de la piel y la producción y calidad de lana. Los parámetros evaluados fueron diámetro de fibra, densidad de folículos y relación S/P. Para el recuento de folículos primarios y secundarios se realizaron biopsias de piel con auxilio de un sacabocado. Las características en relación con la producción y calidad de lana se consideraron entre borregas contemporáneas. La comparación realizada en este trabajo permitiría atribuir la disminución del diámetro de fibra, al cruzamiento con MPM. La densidad de folículos en las madres Corriedale, en las borregas Corriedale y en la F1 (Corriedale x MPM) fueron diferente significativamente. La relación S/P fue 9,08 ± 2,32, 9,46 ± 1,57, y 11,93± 2,18, respectivamente. El peso del vellón en borregas de la F1 (Corriedale x MPM) fue inferior y significativamente diferente de sus contemporáneas Corriedale. El rinde al lavado en las borregas Corriedale fue superior al de las borregas nacidas del cruzamiento con MPM. Las diferencias fueron significativas en el largo de mecha entre borregas Corriedale y Corriedale x MPM. En las condiciones realizadas no se pudo comprobar todas las expectativas esperadas con el cruzamiento. Nuevas experiencias serán necesarias para respaldar morfológica y productivamente la posible inversión.

Textile market trends show that fine wools are more suitable to reach the preferences of textile industry. Production of fine wool in Argentina are insignificant, which is a limitation on the development of the country. The need to develop new alternatives of production leads us consider the Multipurpose Merinos as an option. Crossbreeding with these animals began at Corrientes state in order to achieve a reduction in the diameter of fiber and an impact on the weight of the fleece. These crossbreedings with Corriedale sheep were carried out with the objective of analyzing changes on wool production, quality and skin characteristics. Evaluation parameters were fiber diameter, density of follicles and Secondary/Primary relation. Follicle count primary and secondary were made from skin biopsies and were performed with the aid of a punch. Features regarding the production and quality of wool from sheep were considered in contemporary animals, evaluating fleece weight and clean dirty, length of strands, washing yields, coefficient variation of fiber and W / D3. The comparison made in this paper would attribute the decrease in fiber diameter to the crossing with MPM. The follicle density on Corriedale ewes, Corriedale ewe lambs in and the F1 (Corriedale x MPM) were significantly different. The S / P was 9,08 ± 2,32 ; 9.46 ± 1.57 and 11,93 ± 2,18 respectively. The fleece weight in the F1 ewe lambs (Corriedale x MPM) was lower and significantly different from its Corriedale contemporaries. The yield on wash fleece at Corriedale ewe lambs was higher than ewe lambs crossbred with MPM. The differences were significant in length of strands between Corriedale and Corriedale sheep x MPM. Expected results from the crossbreeding could not be substantiated under the conditions realized. Additional studies will be needed to support possible morphological and productive investment.

Patch Test in Children: Common Allergens and Comparison with Adult Group / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was once regarded as a disorder of the adult population, while ACD in children was considered rare. However, ACD in children may be more common than previously realized and more recently, it has been estimated that more than 20% of the pediatric population is affected by ACD. However, in Korea results of patch testing in the pediatric population has not yet been reported. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze allergens responsible for ACD in Korean children and investigate the influence of sex, involved site, and atopic dermatitis on contact allergen sensitization. We also wanted to compare the results between the pediatric and the adult group. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patch test results from our data base between 2009 and 2011 was performed. A total of 234 patients were patch tested. The pediatric population was defined as patients 18 years and younger, and total 30 pediatric patients were included. RESULTS: A total of 30 patch tested cases (male 12, female 18) were analyzed. Overall, 66.7% of pediatric patients had at least one positive reaction and common allergens were nickel sulfate (33.3%), thimerosal (13.0%), and black rubber mix (10.0%) in order of frequency. There were no significant differences between contact allergen sensitivity and sex or involved sites. However, in the atopic group, the positive reactions to wool alcohols were significantly higher than in the non-atopic group (p=0.0076). In adults, common allergens were nickel sulfate (34.8%), p-tert butylphenol formaldehyde resin (11.8%), cobalt chloride (11.3%) and thimerosal (11.3%) in order of frequency. This was not significantly different to the pediatric group. CONCLUSION: ACD in children is not uncommon and patch testing in suspected children revealed 66.7% of positive reaction.

Study of wool characteristics in the aranese ovine breed / Estudio de las características de la lana en la raza ovina aranesa

To date, no ethnological study on the wool characteristics of the Spanish Aranese ovine breed has been published. Fifty three animals belonging to this breed are tested as fleece samples. Each sample is analyzed for fleece type and length, yield by isoalcohol scouring, fiber length for each kind of fiber, variation in fiber diameter, and proportions of non-medullated and medullated or kemp fibers. Fiber length appears shorter than that previously reported for the breed by other authors. Fleeces of the Aranese sheep breed can be described as square, simple, "semi-open" and short with a relatively high yield by isoalcohol scouring and low medullation levels, thus indicating good potential quality and greater suitability for potential processing than other similar meat breeds.

Hasta el momento, ningún estudio etnológico sobre las características de la lana de la variedad española ovina Aranesa ha sido publicado. Cincuenta y tres animales de esta raza han sido analizados a partir de muestras de su vellón. Cada muestra se analizó para el tipo de vellón y longitud, su rendimiento mediante isoalcohol desgrasado, longitud de las fibras para cada tipo de fibra, variación en el diámetro de la fibra, y las proporciones de fibras no meduladas y meduladas o fibras kemp. La longitud de las fibras parece más corta que la reportada para esta raza por otros autores. El vellón de la raza ovina Aranesa se puede describir como cuadrado, simple, "semi-abierto" y corto, con un rendimiento relativamente alto por desengrasado mediante isoalcohol y bajos niveles de medulación, lo que indica la buena calidad potencial y mayor oportunidad para el procesamiento potencial que otras razas similares de carne.

[Physiological variations in fiber and follicle characteristics of Chios, Arkha Merino x Moghani and Suffolk x Moghani sheep in response to photoperiod]

Wool growth is influenced by photoperiodic period of different seasons; under similar nutritional conditions, more wool is produced in longer photoperiodic season. In this study, the effects of photoperiod on fiber and skin follicle characteristics of three sheep breeds were studied. Forty non-pregnant and non-milking ewes [Chios, Arkha Merino x Moghani and Suffolk x Moghani breeds] with a similar age were selected. Equal numbers from each breed were divided into two groups [20 ewes/group], and the two groups were treated with a natural photoperiod [open natural environment: 12 hours light - 12 hours dark] and an artificial photoperiod [8 hours light and 16 hours dark] for 50 days. All animals were fed ad libitum with a similar diet including alfalfa, straw and barley at maintenance level. At the end of the treatment period, 50 g of wool was collected from the left mid side area [about 20 cm from the spinal column on the third rib] by a laboratory wool clipper, and a skin biopsy was taken from the right mid side area using a 1 cm diameter trephine. The following fiber characteristics were measured: staple length, fiber diameter, percentage of medullated and non-medullated fibers, wool efficiency. Analyzed follicle characteristics included follicle type ratio, follicle density, and follicle activity. A randomized design analysis of the data and comparison of means were performed with Duncan's new multiple range test. Results indicated that the primary follicle density in sheep under a natural photoperiod were significantly [p<0.01] lower than under an artificial photoperiod. The secondary to primary follicle ratio in sheep under a natural photoperiod were significantly [p<0.01] higher than in sheep under the artificial photoperiod. The percentage of inactive secondary follicles in sheep under the natural photoperiod were significantly [p< 0.05] lower than in sheep treated with the artificial photoperiod. Both natural and artificial photoperiod had no effect on fiber characteristics

Progressive Localized Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Defect Following Cotton Wool Spots and a Dot Hemorrhage

We report two cases of progressive localized retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defect following cotton wool spots and a dot hemorrhage, 63-year-old woman with RNFL defect in inferior temporal retina of the right eye and 43-year-old man with RNFL defect in superior temporal retina of the right eye. Case 1 showed a dot hemorrhage adjacent to RNFL defect in the right eye and a new slit-like localized RNFL defect in the left eye 5 months later. The visual field in the left eye demonstrated corresponding field defect 9 months later. Case 2 showed a slit-like RNFL defect starting from cotton wool spots in the right eye and corresponding visual field defect. Cotton wool spots and dot hemorrhages represented ischemic damages at the nerve fiber layer. Two noticeable cases showed the progression of RNFL defect caused by repetitive localized microvascular ischemic events, resulting in visual field loss.

Clinical Features of Retinopathy in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With Treated With Peginterferon

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features of retinopathy in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with peginterferon. METHODS: Chronic hepatitis B patients treated with peginterferon were evaluated during regular routine ophthalmic examinations including fundus examination before and during the 1-year follow-up after treatment. A total of 88 patients were included in the study. RESULTS: Retinopathy developed in 11 (12.5%) out of 88 patients at a mean of 7 weeks after initiation of treatment. Peginterferon treatment was continued in all patients and retinal abnormalities including cotton wool spot, retinal hemorrhage and microaneurysm resolved without visual impairment. The incidence of hypertension between the retinopathy group and the group without retinopathy was significantly different (P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of retinopathy with peginterferon in chronic hepatitis B patients was low and the prognosis was benign. Thus, routine screening for peginterferon retinopathy is not necessary.

Retinopathy Associated With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical characteristics of retinopathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its risk factors. METHODS: Medical records of patients who were diagnosed with SLE were reviewed retrospectively. The presence of retinal hemorrhage, vasculitis and a cotton wool patch were regarded as lupus retinopathy, but concomitant diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy were excluded from the study. The correlation between the development of lupus retinopathy and the presence of positive autoantibodies was also investigated. RESULTS: Ocular morbidity was found in 173 of 260 (66%) SLE patients. Retinopathy was detected in 52 eyes of 33 patients (12%), which included 36 eyes of 21 patients (63%) with classic retinopathy and 11 eyes of 10 patients (30%) with vaso-occlusive retinopathy. The presence of classic retinopathy coincided with the flare-up of lupus activity and completely resolved without visual impairment. However, vaso-occlusive retinopathy was not related with lupus activity, and resulted in significant visual impairments of 20/200 or less in six eyes of five patients. The disease activity of lupus assessed by the maximum SLE disease activity index was higher in patients with retinopathy (p<0.05), and the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibody was higher in patients with vaso-occlusive retinopathy than in patients with classic retinopathy (66.7% vs. 37.5%, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Vaso-occlusive retinopathy in SLE can result in permanent visual impairment. Patients with high SLE activity or positive anti-phospholipid antibodies have a high possibility of developing SLE retinopathy and should be referred for ophthalmologic examination.

Retinopathy Associated With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical characteristics of retinopathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its risk factors. METHODS: Medical records of patients who were diagnosed with SLE were reviewed retrospectively. The presence of retinal hemorrhage, vasculitis and a cotton wool patch were regarded as lupus retinopathy, but concomitant diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy were excluded from the study. The correlation between the development of lupus retinopathy and the presence of positive autoantibodies was also investigated. RESULTS: Ocular morbidity was found in 173 of 260 (66%) SLE patients. Retinopathy was detected in 52 eyes of 33 patients (12%), which included 36 eyes of 21 patients (63%) with classic retinopathy and 11 eyes of 10 patients (30%) with vaso-occlusive retinopathy. The presence of classic retinopathy coincided with the flare-up of lupus activity and completely resolved without visual impairment. However, vaso-occlusive retinopathy was not related with lupus activity, and resulted in significant visual impairments of 20/200 or less in six eyes of five patients. The disease activity of lupus assessed by the maximum SLE disease activity index was higher in patients with retinopathy (p<0.05), and the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibody was higher in patients with vaso-occlusive retinopathy than in patients with classic retinopathy (66.7% vs. 37.5%, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Vaso-occlusive retinopathy in SLE can result in permanent visual impairment. Patients with high SLE activity or positive anti-phospholipid antibodies have a high possibility of developing SLE retinopathy and should be referred for ophthalmologic examination.

An Incidental Finding of Pseudoexfoliation in Patient With Ophthalmic Artery Occlusion

PURPOSE: To report a case of pseudoexfoliation in the unaffected eye in a patient with ophthalmic artery occlusion. CASE SUMMARY: A 49-year-old female presented with sudden vision loss in her right eye. On the initial examination, best corrected visual acuity was 20/500 in the right eye, and 20/20 in the left eye. Intraocular pressure in both eyes was 17 mmHg. Fundus examination showed retinal edema and a cotton wool spot in the right eye. There was a filling delay of choroidal and retinal vessels in the fluorescein angiography. On the slit lamp examination, there was pseudoexfoliation material around the pupil margin and lens capsule in the unaffected eye but no evidence of glaucoma. At the six-month follow-up, best corrected visual acuity in the right eye improved to 20/30 and a retinal nerve fiber layer defect was found at the spot of the previous cotton wool spot. On the visual field examination, visual defects corresponded with a retinal nerve fiber layer defect. CONCLUSIONS: Pseudoexfoliation may be related to a systemic vascular disorder.

Effect of shearing and environmental conditions on physiological mechanisms in ewes.

The aim of this study was to establish the influence of shearing in dairy sheep during summer season. Several physiological and haematological parameters, which are closely related to thermoregulatory potential, have been investigated with the purpose to assess shearing influence on thermoregulation. Forty dairy sheep, clinically healthy and well-fed, were used. They were divided into two groups of 20 subjects each. Twenty sheep were let unshorn as a control group (Group A), and twenty sheep were shorn (Group B). On each subject of group A and Group B, rectal temperature, respiration and heart rates were recorded and blood samples were collected in order to asses the following parameters: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, haematocrit and haemoglobin. All measurements taken on day 0 (before shearing), were repeated after 1, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after shearing. The statistical analysis, the ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni's test, showed statistical differences between two groups for rectal temperature (F(1.90) = 5.57, p < 0.0001), respiratory rate (F(1.90) = 18.40, p < 0. 0001) and white blood cells (F(1.190) = 7.61, p < 0.0001). These results suggest that the shearing induce adaptative responses in the organism.

Obtaining different color tones via burn out printing on blended fabric

Different blended fabrics comprise polyamide/viscose, polyester/linen, wool/polyester and polyester/cotton were subjected to burn out using Aluminum sulphate, Sodium phosphate, Aluminum potassium sulphate, Di-hydrogen phosphate, Caustic soda or Formic acid. The loss weight was found to depend on both the nature of fabric and the chemical used as well as the concentration of the latter. Different color tones could be obtained on dyeing the burn out blends using a natural dye namely Rhubarb powder. The effect of burn out was evaluated via measuring the loss in weight, K/S as well as the overall fastness properties of the dyed fabrics

Bone Marrow Transplantation Retinopathy in a Patient with Acute Lymophocytic Leukemia Following Bone Marrow Transplantation

PURPOSE: To report a case in of a patient who developed bone marrow transplantation retinopathy at 18 months after receiving allograft bone marrow transplantation for acute lymphocytic leukemia. CASE SUMMARY: A 20-year-old male patient complained of a decrease in visual activity in his left eye 18 months after receiving a bone marrow transplantation for acute lymphocytic leukemia. The corrected visual activity was 1.0 for the right eye and 0.6 for the left. On fundus examination, both eyes showed cotton wool patches and dot hemorrhage, and the left eye showed macula edema. On fluorescein angiography, capillary nonperfusion was observed in the superior nasal area of the left eye. Four months after initial examination, the corrected visual activity of the left eye decreased to 0.3 and neovascularization was observed on fundus examination. On fluorescein angiography, capillary nonperfusion, neovascularization, and macular ischemia were observed. Laser photocoagulation was performed twice on the area with neovascularization and capillary nonperfusion. One year later, the corrected visual activity of the left eye recovered to 0.8. However, the area of macular ischemia on fluorescein angiography showed no change, and neovascularization and capillary nonperfusion were observed in new areas, which were treated with two additional laser photocoagulations.

A Case of White-centered Retinal Hemorrhage in Infective Endocarditis

PURPOSE: To report a case of white-centered retinal hemorrhage in infective endocarditis. CASE SUMMARY: A 45-year-old patient complained of acute visual loss. The patient had a history of epidural anesthesia for the relief of back pain. On the day of admission the patient showed no light perception and had a white-centered retinal hemorrhage and cotton wool spot in the left eye upon fundus examination. Other ocular manifestations were not specific and there were no specific findings on a brain MRI and visual evoked potential. The patient was diagnosed with pyogenic spondylitis and was treated by abscess drainage and systemic antibiotics therapy. The patient's near vision improved up to 0.4/0.5. He was diagnosed with infective endocarditis based on the echocardiogram with epidural and subarachnoid hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Roth spot can occur in many diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, anemia, and trauma, but most commonly in sepsis due to infective endocarditis. Therefore, medical evaluation and an echocardiogram for patients with white-centered retinal hemorrhage should be considered.