Nonpregnant Adult Females Research Articles

The weight of Rothschild giraffe-Is it really well known?

Despite being regularly bred in zoos, giraffes remain a challenge, especially in terms of feeding. Assessment of factors influencing growth and weight changes during ontogeny, as well as analysis of weight fluctuations in adult individuals, may become a critical point in captive diet evaluation. Knowledge about weight is a crucial husbandry tool; however, such data are rarely acquired. Using a unique dataset from regularly weighed Rothschild giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) from Prague zoo, we determined the growth functions of male and female giraffes and calculated weight gains during giraffe ontogeny. The mean weights of adult males and females were 1307 ± 52 and 835 ± 45 kg, respectively confirming the large overall dimensions of G. c. rothschildi in comparison with other giraffe subspecies. As the giraffe is a polygynous species showing considerable sexual dimorphism, we expected male calves to have larger first weights and faster growth during the most intensive period of maternal care. Growth rates and daily weight gains were higher in males than in females during the whole postnatal period. Males grew faster and longer than females. However, differences in weight between males and females appeared as late as after 1 year of age. The weight of adult males and non-pregnant adult females fluctuated significantly across seasons, being the highest during the autumn and winter months, respectively which may reflect the different effects of sexual activity and feeding ratios in males and females. Zoo Biol. 35:423-431, 2016. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract 17116: Incidence and Outcomes of Out-of-hospital Maternal Cardiac Arrest and Compliance With Resuscitation Guidelines

Background: Published survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) are lower than in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). Current estimates for the incidence and rate of survival for maternal cardiac arrest are published only for IHCA. There are no studies that report the incidence and outcomes of maternal OHCA. Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines contain specific maternal recommendations, although compliance with recommended benchmarks has not been reported. The objective of this study was to report maternal OHCA incidence, outcomes, and compliance with resuscitation and maternal specific guidelines. Methods: This was a population-based cohort study of consecutive maternal OHCA between May 2010 and April 2014. The denominator was estimated from the total regional population of all women of childbearing age obtained from census and age-specific pregnancy rates provided by regional health authorities. Resuscitation performance was measured against the 2010 AHA Guidelines. Results: A total of 6 maternal OHCA occurred amongst 1,085 OHCA occurring in females of child bearing age (15-49) over 4yrs; Incidence-1.85:100,000 (95% CI 1.76 to 1.95) vs. 19.4 per 100,000 (95% CI, 19.37 to 19.43). Maternal and neonatal survival to discharge was 16.7% and 33.3%, respectively. Compliance with CPR quality metrics averaged 83% with a range from 75% to 100%. Compliance with maternal-specific resuscitation guidelines averaged 46.9%, with a range from 0% to 100%. The only performance metrics with 100% compliance was intravenous line insertion above the diaphragm and prehospital activation of the maternal cardiac arrest team. Uterine displacement compliance was low at 0%. Conclusion: The incidence of maternal OHCA was 1.85:100,000, which is lower than the published estimate for maternal IHCA. Survival after OHCA for mother and for child was higher than OHCA occurring in non-pregnant adult females of child bearing age; however, the number of survivors was small (<5). Compliance rates with recommended resuscitation guidelines were high, yet compliance with maternal-specific guidelines were low suggesting targeted training and implementation optimization at the point of care is required to prepare for this rare event involving two lives.

Anti-Inflammatory Dietary Combo in Overweight and Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Background:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is of clinical and public health importance, affecting up to one in five women of reproductive age. It has significant and diverse clinical implications including reproductive, metabolic, and psychological features.Aim:The study was to investigate the effect of anti-inflammatory dietary combo on metabolic, endocrine, inflammatory, and reproductive profiles in overweight and obese women with PCOS.Materials and Methods:A total of 100 nonpregnant, overweight, and obese adult females with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria, were screened during the year 2012, and 75 completed the trial. At baseline and study end, fasting blood samples were drawn to measure biological markers, body fat percent (BFP), and visceral fat area (VFA) were assessed by the InBody720 device and anthropometric measurements were done for all participants who were subjected to an anti-inflammatory hypocaloric diet and physical activity for 12 weeks.Results:At study completion, we achieved moderate weight loss of (± 7%) and significant improvements in body composition, hormones and menstrual cyclicity, blood pressure, glucose homeostasis, dyslipidemia, C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid A (SAA) (surrogate measures of cardiovascular risk (CVR)). This was a clinically relevant weight loss that is associated with a reduced prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in the general population and improved fertility outcomes in PCOS. We achieved 63% regain of menstrual cyclicity and 12% spontaneous pregnancy rate within 12 week.Conclusions:We have explored an additional dietary treatment option with good prognostic metabolic and reproductive responses to weight loss that occur in overweight and obese PCOS.

Intestinal nematodes infection among pregnant women in Benin City

Introduction: Enteric parasitic diseases are common in the developing counties and are of major health problem due to their high prevalence rate, and effect on both nutritional and immune status of the population. This study was conducted to determine enteric parasitic infections among pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 332 participants which consisted of 232 pregnant women and 100 nonpregnant adult females were recruited in this study. Blood and fecal specimens were obtained from each participant. The blood sample was analyzed for hemoglobin concentration and the fecal sample used for investigating intestinal parasites. Results: An overall prevalence of 2.2% of enteric parasitic infections among pregnant women was observed while no parasite was reported among the nonpregnant women. Age, not always washing hand, occupation, source of food and anemia were significantly associated with enteric parasitic infections among pregnant women. The enteric parasites recovered among pregnant women were Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm. A. lumbricoides had a prevalence of 80% of enteric parasitic infection while hookworm had 20%. Conclusion: Measures to reduce the effect of enteric parasitic infections among pregnant women are advocated.

EFFECT OF GRASS TAIWAN (Pennisetum purpureum) AND RAMON (Brosimum alicastrum) SILAGE SUPPLEMENTATION ON CHANGE OF BODY WEIGHT AND BLOOD VARIABLES IN COLLARED PECCARY (Pecarí tajacu) IN CAPTIVITY

<p>In order to evaluate the weight changes, level of hematocrit and serum total protein to supplement the diet of collared peccaries (<em>Pecari tajacu</em>) with a silage mixture of grass Taiwan (<em>Pennisetum purpureum</em>) and Ramon (<em>Brosimum alicastrum</em>) a voluntary consumption test was performed for five weeks. Using eleven non-pregnant adult females, with mean age of 4.5 years and weighing 19.15 kg (± 0.5 kg), two groups were formed: one of five animals which offered squash (<em>Cucurbita pepo</em>) and corn (<em>Zea mays</em>), and another of six animals on a diet of squash, corn and silage at 50%. Were taken blood samples and record weight every seven days. T-student test were used to compare means of two independent samples. There were no differences between the means of the weights and blood proteins levels of individuals. The use of a silage mixture of grass and fodder cutting is a viable option to supplement the diet of nonpregnant adult females. </p>

Reproductive hormone monitoring of dugongs in captivity: Detecting the onset of sexual maturity in a cryptic marine mammal

Determining the reproductive status of long-term captive animals is essential because the onset of sexual maturity and reproductive activity may necessitate changes in husbandry requirements. This study reports on the first multi-year reproductive hormone monitoring program for captive dugongs of both sexes using feces. Fecal samples were collected from one male (Pig) over 9 years (4–13.2y of age; n=288 samples, 0.8±0.1 samples per week from July 2007 to February 2012) and one female (Wuru) over 7 years (from neonate to 6.9 y; n=171 samples, 0.5±0.1 samples per week from July 2007 to February 2012), and from one solitary female dugong (Gracie) over 10 months (10.5–11.3y of age; n=54 samples, 1.1±0.2 sample per week from September 2008 to June 2009). Using enzyme-immunoassay, fecal progesterone (fP) and estradiol-17β (fE) concentrations were assayed in the two captive females, and testosterone (fT) concentration in the captive male, and compared these to concentrations in wild dugongs. Female Wuru exhibited increasing fP concentrations at 5+ y, indicating early onset of ovarian cycling typical of non-pregnant adult females. Female Gracie maintained basal fP concentrations consistent with wild immature dugongs, indicating that she had not reached puberty by 11y. Nutritional plane may account for differences in age at sexual maturity in these female dugongs. At age 3–4y, Wuru had fE concentrations 1.4 times greater than maximum concentrations recorded in all wild females, and these concentrations were coincident with a period of rapid weight gain. For the male Pig, increasing fT concentrations at 9y provided early indications of puberty. Pig's tusks erupted by 11y, and sexual maturity (indicated by spermatic semen) was confirmed by 12.8y. Identification of sexual maturation prompted two trials of a male contraceptive treatment using the GnRH agonist, deslorelin (9.4mg administered in 2010 and 15.6mg in 2011). Testosterone production was not significantly suppressed by these dosages, and treatment did not terminate sperm production at week 10–11 post-implantation, even at the larger dose tested. Routine analysis of fecal hormones was helpful for making reproductive management decisions regarding individual captives and in guiding the long-term captive management of this cryptic species.

Reproductive biology of the guitarfish Rhinobatos percellens (Chondrichthyes, Rhinobatidae) from the São Paulo Coast, Brazil, western South Atlantic Ocean

The reproductive biology of the guitarfish Rhinobatos percellens was studied from 751 specimens caught by bottom pair trawlers off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil, between c. 24° 00' S; 45° 15' W and c. 25° 10' S; 47° 52' W, from September 2007 to August 2009. The total length (L(T)) and total mass (M(T)) relationship for males and females combined was M(T) = 1·29E-06 L(T) (3·15) (r = 0·99, n = 751). The mean L(T) of sexually mature specimens was 548 mm for males and 583 mm for females. Clasper growth was allometric and showed three distinct phases. Most claspers were calcified in specimens of c. 550 mm L(T). The mean diameter of the largest oocyte was 29·8 mm, the mean ovarian fecundity was seven oocytes and ovulation occurred between August and November. Uterine fecundity ranged from two to 13 embryos (mean of five embryos). Larger females had higher litter sizes and larger embryos; the size-at-birth was c. 200 mm L(T). The hepato-somatic index oscillated seasonally for males and females; the gonado-somatic index had little variation in males, but varied seasonally in females. The presence of many non-pregnant adult females and of encapsulated eggs during two consecutive seasons suggests a resting period between gestations and the possibility of diapause.

Diagnosing pregnancy in free-ranging dugongs using fecal progesterone metabolite concentrations and body morphometrics: A population application

Assessing reproductive status and monitoring reproductive rates is important in the effective management of vulnerable marine mammal species such as the dugong (Dugong dugon). Knowledge of the reproductive physiology of this species is limited, and determining reproductive parameters (e.g., sexual maturation, pregnancy, and reproductive senescence) has been restricted by a lack of non-lethal methods for assessing reproductive status in free-ranging individuals. The aim of this study was to develop a method to identify pregnant individuals in a wild dugong population. Using an enzymeimmunoassay, we quantified concentrations of fecal progesterone metabolites (fP) in 322 dugongs, including confirmed pregnant females (n=10), presumed non-pregnant adult females (n=25), juvenile females (n=24), subadult females (n=41), adult females of unknown pregnancy state (n=63), and males of all sizes (n=159). External body morphometrics of each dugong were measured, and confirmation of pregnancy in adult female dugongs was determined by ultrasonography or observation of subsequent neonates. Concentrations of fP were different between sexes and reproductive size classes (P<0.001), and ∼30-fold higher in confirmed pregnant dugongs (2017–7760ng/g) compared to presumed non-pregnant females (30–221ng/g), juvenile females (29–195ng/g), and males (24–261ng/g) (P<0.001). Body measures of maximum and anal girths, and teat length were all greater in confirmed pregnant females than presumed non-pregnant females (all P<0.05). We evaluated a Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) to provide a model for predicting pregnant and non-pregnant dugongs. Cross-validated results showed that the DFA correctly classified 100% of pregnant and non-pregnant females using fP concentrations, body length, fineness ratio (an index of body shape), and teat length (a female reproductive trait). Using the DFA model, we classified the pregnancy status of all female dugongs and identified a total of 30 females as pregnant and 133 females as non-pregnant from the sampled population over the sample period. Pregnant dugongs in the Moreton Bay population are characterized by fecal progesterone metabolite concentrations>1000ng/g, body length⩾260cm, maximum girth⩾215cm, anal girth⩾126cm, and teat length⩾5cm long. In summary, analysis of fP concentrations in combination with body morphometrics may be used to diagnose pregnancy in free-ranging dugongs, and provides a new tool to monitor breeding rates of wild sirenian populations.

Serum Immunoglobulins in Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia worldwide. Documentation shows that these patients have impaired immunity and are prone to infections. The aim of this study was to confirm whether serum immunoglobulins change in adult nonpregnant females with iron deficiency anemia. Based on patients' clinical history, CBC results, and serum ferritin, iron and total iron binding capacity, 45 healthy patients and 45 iron deficiency anemia (hypochrom microcytic) patients were entered into this case-control study. Serum IgG, IgA and IgM were measured in patient and control groups using the nephelometry method. Both of the groups were compared using suitable statistical test. Mean serum values of IgG, IgA and IgM in the patient group were 12.47 ± 7.67, 1.93 ± 0.92 and 1.35 ± 0.90 g/l respectively. Mean serum values for the control group were 12.51 ± 6.85, 2.14 ± 0.88 and 1.49 ± 0.73 g/l respectively. Although serum immunoglobulins were slightly lower in the patient group compared to the control group these differences were not significant with the t test. Our study showed serum immunoglobulin levels did not change in iron deficiency anemia.

Antibiotic resistance in pathogens causing community-acquired urinary tract infections in India: a multicenter study

Empiric treatment of community-acquired urinary tract infections (CA-UTI) is determined by the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of uropathogens in a population. This study was conducted to determine patterns of resistance amongst CA-uropathogens in India, to help establish local guidelines on treatment of CA-UTI. 531 consecutive positive urine cultures taken from adult non-pregnant females attending outpatient clinics of five hospitals in Delhi, India, were analysed. Sensitivity testing was done for ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (SXT), amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, amikacin, nitrofurantoin, piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem in each isolate. E. coli comprised 68%; Klebsiella 16.9%; Proteus 5.5%; Enterobacter 5.3%; Staphylococcus saprophyticus 2.8%; and others 1.5% of the isolates. Furthermore, 26.9% of the gram negative isolates were ESBL producers. Antibiotic sensitivity of all the gram negative organisms showed that 35.8% were sensitive to ciprofloxacin; 30% to SXT; 17.7% to amoxicillin; 41.6% to amoxicillin/clavulanate; 75.6% to amikacin; 65.7% to nitrofurantoin; 90.2% to piperacillin-tazobactam; and 100% to meropenem. High levels of ESBL producers among gram negative CA-uropathogens was seen in our country. This, along with the alarming rate of resistance to ciprofloxacin, SXT and amoxicillin, precludes the use of these commonly used antibiotics for empiric treatment of CA-UTI in India.

Skin to posterior lumbar epidural space distance.

To measure the clinically relevant skin to posterior lumbar epidural space distance in adult surgical patients and to correlate this distance with the patient physical factors to construct a model for the prediction of this distance using the correlation. A cross-sectional study. Department of Anaesthesiology, P.A.F Hospital, Islamabad over a period of 18 months from 1st January 2003 to 30th June 2004. The study was carried out in 100 patients divided into three groups, who were scheduled for different surgical procedures. Group-I consisted of female patients scheduled for lower segment caesarian section (L.S.C.S); group-II adult non-pregnant females undergoing elective surgery and group-III adult males undergoing different surgical procedures. Epidural anaesthesia was given, using loss of resistance (LOR) technique, and skin to posterior epidural space was measured. The mean skin to posterior lumbar epidural space distance was found to be 3.8+/-0.5 cm in group-I, 3.76+/-0.7 cm in group-II and 4.0+/-0.5 cm in group-III. Skin to posterior epidural space distance correlates best with weight of the patient. Posterior lumbar skin to epidural space distance has been found to be less than what is normal in rest of the world. These results may be used as a guideline for performing successful epidural blocks in Pakistani population. A reliable model using patient physical factors to predict skin to posterior epidural space distance could not be constructed.

Pelvimetria em macacos-da-noite (Aotus azarai infulatus - KUHL, 1820)

Analisou-se os diâmetros pelvicos de 72 Aotus azarai infulatus, adultos, 42 machos e 30 fêmeas não prenhes, correlacionando-os com o dimorfismo sexual, a biometria corpórea e a origem dos animais por meio de radiografias em projeção ventro-dorsal, digitalizadas. As médias verificadas foram: para o comprimento do corpo 30,94 cm; comprimento da cauda 35,63 cm; perímetro do tórax 18,97 cm; perímetro da pelve 17,11 cm e o peso 0,96 Kg, em média. As médias dos diâmetros pélvicos foram de 2,64 cm para o diâmetro diagonal direito; 2,66 cm para o diâmetro diagonal esquerdo; 1,97 cm para o diâmetro biilíaco médio; 1,41 cm para o diâmetro biilíaco superior; 1,58 cm para o diâmetro biilíaco inferior; 2,48 cm para o diâmetro sacro-púbico e 3,85 cm² para a área de entrada da pelve. Concluiu-se que, tanto nos machos quanto nas fêmeas, a pelve de Aotus azarai infulatus pode ser classificada como dolicopélvica, tendo-se verificado dimorfismo sexual pélvico nos adultos.

Effect Of A Comprehensive Exercise Program In Individuals Participating In An In-residence Eating Disorders Treatment Program

PURPOSE While promoting a positive energy balance and restoring an acceptable body weight is a primary goal of most Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and/or Bulimia Nervosa (BN) treatment programs, optimal health must also include regular physical exercise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of regular physical exercise in individuals being treated for AN and/or BN. Methods Subjects for this study were 12, low- to average-weight, non-pregnant adult females who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for an eating disorder (AN and/or BN) and were admitted to an in-residence eating disorders treatment program. (Age 27.2 ± 2.6 yrs, ht. 1.64 ± 0.26 m, wt. 55.0 ± 2.5 kg, and BMI 20.5 ± 1.1). In addition to the established standard of care, subjects also participated in a 6-wk, 3–4 d/ wk comprehensive exercise program. This consisted of a 5–10 min. warm-up followed by 20–25 min of individually prescribed resistance exercise, 20–25 min of individually prescribed aerobic flactivity, and a 5–10 min cool-down. All subjects were pre- mid- and post-tested for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) (step test), upper body muscular endurance (ME) (1-min push-up, 1-min sit-up), upper and lower body muscular strength (MS) (1-RM bench press, leg press), and flexibility (sit and reach). Salivary cortisol (SC), a marker of stress, was also measured in 6 subjects. Results During the 6-wk, program subjects weight increased by 1.9 ± 0.8kg and BMI increased by 0.7. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in measures of upper body ME and MS. Muscular fexibility and CRF were not significantly different over time. Measures of SC at 3- and 6-week were significantly less than baseline.TableConclusions Moderate regular physical exercise by individuals with AN and/or BN promotes positive changes in physical function and does not negatively impact energy balance. While only preliminary, our findings promote the notion that regular exercise should be strongly considered as a part of the standard of care in the overall treatment of individuals with AN and/or BN.

Estrus Behavior and Superovulatory Response in Black Bengal Goats (Capra hircus) Following Administration of Prostaglandin and Gonadotropins

The present study was conducted to explore the possibilities of estrus induction and superovulation in a native Indian breed of goats called Black Bengal. Forty-two adult non-pregnant females were divided in two groups, of which 18 goats were subjected to a superovulatory treatment comprising of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), Prostaglandin (PGF2α) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to induce superovulation. The remaining 24 goats received no treatment and served as controls for the parameter under study as well as recipients for embryo transfer studies. The average duration of estrus was found to be significantly increased in treated goats (34.2±3.4 h) compared to controls (23.0±2.4 h). The average duration between PGF administration and occurrence of estrus was 52.0±5.2 h. After mid ventral laparotomy, superovulatory responses indicated a significant increase in the number of follicles, which was 8.27±0.37 in the treatment group compared to 4.16±0.17 in the control group. The number of corpora lutea was also significantly increased in treated animals compared to control (2.90±0.86 vs. 0.74±0.04) respectively per ovary per goat. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2004. Vol 17, No. 10 : 1374-1377)

Developmental regulation of thyrotropin receptor gene expression in the fetal and neonatal rat thyroid: relation to thyroid morphology and to thyroid-specific gene expression.

The TSH receptor plays a pivotal role in thyroid gland function, growth, and differentiation, but little is known about its role or regulation in the fetus and neonate. To explore these questions, we systematically evaluated TSH receptor gene expression at the level of messenger RNA (mRNA) in thyroid glands obtained from rat fetuses and neonates, from 14 days gestation to day 5 of postnatal life. Results were compared with histological evidence of differentiation and to thyroid-specific gene expression. Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis revealed that TSH mRNA was first detected at low levels on fetal day 15, but it increased 3- to 15-fold on fetal days 17-18. Up-regulation of TSH receptor mRNA on fetal day 17-18 was accompanied by the first appearance of colloid formation and of follicular development on morphological examination. It was also paralleled by increased expression of the thyroid-specific genes thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid peroxidase. Unexpectedly, TSH mRNA abundance was 2- to 3-fold higher in pregnant dams than in nonpregnant adult females or adult males. In view of the 8-day lapse between the first appearance of the thyroid diverticulum and up-regulation of TSH receptor gene expression, we conclude that pituitary TSH, acting through its receptor, plays an important role in terminal thyroid maturation, but it is not involved earlier in gestation. Similarly, these data support previous evidence that the weak thyrotropic activity of human CG could not be of significance in early fetal thyroid gland development. The increased TSH receptor mRNA on fetal day 17-18 may be attributable to up-regulation by TSH, which is first secreted into the fetal circulation at this time. The significance of the increased TSH receptor expression during pregnancy remains to be explored.

Clinical practice guideline for managing acute urinary tract infections in adult females in Saudi Arabia.

The management of urinary tract infections at primary health clinics in Saudi Arabia varied widely and did not generally conform to modern recommendations. A clinical practice guideline was developed to standardize and modernize the approach in order to improve the quality of care and reduce costs. An algorithm was developed for the management of acute urinary tract infections in non-pregnant adult females. Guideline recommendations were generally well received, and acceptance was greater where users were involved in the initial stages of guideline development. The cost of managing urinary tract infections was reduced providing that reliance on dipstick analysis did not increase costs through increased misdiagnosis.

Ecto-ATPase activity of vertebrate blood cells.

Ecto-ATPase activity was measured for red blood cells, white blood cells, and whole blood from a variety of vertebrates. A large range of red blood cell ecto-ATPase activity was observed; for example, at 10 degrees C, red blood cells from a catastomid fish (Catostomus macrocheilus) and a newt (Taricha rivularis) had activities of 56 +/- 9 and 25,000,000 +/- 14,000,000 pmol ATP per 10(6) red blood cells per hour, respectively (mean +/- SD). Several control experiments verified that the measured ATPase activity was not the result of intracellular ATPases released due to cell damage or lysis nor due to the release of intracellular nucleoside triphosphate or uptake of extracellular ATP. Red blood cell ecto-ATPase activity was relatively low within the teleosts, was high within the reptiles, and had the greatest range and single highest value within the amphibians. Within the endotherms, avian red blood cell ecto-ATPase activities were greater than mammalian red blood cell ecto-ATPase activities, which were the lowest for all vertebrates examined. The lowest ecto-ATPase activities measured were for human and skunk red blood cells, which had activities of 13 +/- 1 and 11 +/- 2 pmol ATP per 10(6) red blood cells per hour, respectively, at 35 degrees C. Ecto-ATPase activity was measured in white blood cells of several vertebrate species and appeared generally high and less variable than red blood cell ecto-ATPase activity. Measured whole blood ecto-ATPase activity showed a range of three orders of magnitude and correlated positively with red blood cell ecto-ATPase activities. Ecto-ATPase activity was also determined for red blood cells from fetal, 1-3 d old neonatal, and pregnant garter snakes (Thamnophis elegans); these activities were not significantly different from the activity of red blood cells from nonpregnant adult females. Overall, the data from the present study demonstrate a wide range of red blood cell and whole blood ecto-ATPase activities among vertebrates and include some of the highest ecto-ATPase activities reported to date.

Pattern and source of secretion of relaxin in the reproductive cycle of the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta).

Female spotted hyenas are highly masculinized at birth and have no external vagina. Copulation with males and birth of young are accomplished through the central urogenital canal of the clitoris. This unusual adaptation requires remarkable changes in the elasticity of the connective tissues of the clitoris, without which neither copulation nor birth would be possible. We hypothesized that relaxin, a hormone that increases the extensibility of the connective tissues of the uterus and cervix of many other mammalian species, plays a role in the clitoral changes observed in hyenas. Serum relaxin was determined by specific RIA. Relaxin was not detected in serum of males, pubertal or nonpregnant adult females, or ovariectomized females. Immunoactive relaxin was detected in serum of juveniles at the time of initial growth of the urogenital meatus. High concentrations of immunoactive relaxin appeared in the serum of pregnant hyenas in the 2 wk preceding parturition. Immunoassays of extracts of hyena tissues and serum obtained from uterine and ovarian veins indicated that the placenta was the predominant source of relaxin, with possible ovarian contributions. Circulating relaxin decreased promptly following cesarean section near term. We conclude that relaxin secretion coincides with changes in extensibility of clitoral connective tissues 1) during growth of the clitoris in juveniles and 2) near the time of parturition in adults.

Excretory Fate of Estradiol and Progesterone in the African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) and Patterns of Fecal Steroid Concentrations throughout the Estrous Cycle

We developed and validated a noninvasive method to quantify fecal estrogens and progestins as a tool for monitoring long-term ovarian activity in free-ranging African elephants. The lag times between iv injection of [3H]estradiol and [14C]progesterone and peak excretion of radioactivity in urine and feces were approximately 4 hr and 48 hr, respectively. The majority of progesterone metabolites recovered was excreted in feces (55%) versus urine (45%), whereas comparatively little of the recovered estradiol metabolites were excreted in feces (5%) compared to urine (95%). Intrasample variation in fecal hormone concentrations was extremely high but could be substantially reduced by extracting well-mixed fecal powder from freeze-dried samples, taken from the central or premixed portion of the wet sample. This method resulted in a close correspondence between matched serum and fecal progestins (mean correlation = 0.81, range 0.61–0.94) collected from five nonpregnant adult females over a 7-month period. Fecal estrogen profiles were more ambiguous, tending to overlap with those of fecal progestins. We conclude that analyses of fecal progestins can provide an effective, noninvasive means of characterizing ovarian activity in free-ranging African elephants.

Total energy intake of the US population: the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1991

The third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) was conducted to assess the health and nutritional status of the US population. As part of the nutritional status assessment, reliable 24-h dietary recalls were collected for 14,801 examined persons. Mean (+/- SEM) energy intakes are reported for persons aged > or = 2 mo by age, sex, and race-ethnicity. Males had higher mean energy intakes than did females. Energy intakes peaked during late adolescence and young adulthood and declined thereafter. Energy intake patterns were similar among non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican Americans. Underreporting was addressed by computing a ratio of energy intake (EI) to estimated basal metabolic rate (BMRest). This ratio (EI:BMRest) was 1.47 for adult males and 1.26 for nonpregnant adult females. Overweight adults had a lower mean EI:BMRest (1.09 in females and 1.28 in males). Underreporting in food consumption surveys remains problematic among females and overweight persons.