Nonpregnant Adult Females Research Articles

Measuring steroid hormone levels in the skin of free‐ranging dugongs: A less invasive way to determine reproductive status

AbstractMonitoring hormone concentrations in marine mammals provides valuable information regarding reproductive status and health. Skin is potentially useful for measuring hormone levels and can often be collected without capture. We investigated whether progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol could be measured in skin from dugongs using enzyme immunoassays. Hormones were measured in dorsal skin scrapings from free‐ranging dugongs, including known pregnant females, nonpregnant adult females, reproductively active males, and reproductively inactive males, each identified using fecal progesterone or testosterone concentrations. Progesterone could be detected reliably in skin, with significantly higher mean progesterone concentrations (118.2 ± 6.6 ng g−1) in pregnant females than all other groups (60.8 ± 4.2 ng g−1). Male dugongs had higher skin testosterone concentrations than females, although testosterone levels were not detectable in some samples and could not discriminate reproductively active from inactive males. Cortisol was detectable in 8 of 40 skin samples only. Although refinement of this method is required for improved hormone recovery and additional validation is warranted, our findings demonstrate proof of concept for the use of epidermal skin samples to measure steroid hormones in dugongs and offer a method of diagnosing pregnancy in dugongs without the need for capture.

Entry of cannabidiol into the fetal, postnatal and adult rat brain.

Cannabidiol is a major component of cannabis but without known psychoactive properties. A wide range of properties have been attributed to it, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-cancer, anti-seizure and anxiolytic. However, being a fairly new compound in its purified form, little is known about cannabidiol brain entry, especially during development. Sprague Dawley rats at four developmental ages: embryonic day E19, postnatal day P4 and P12 and non-pregnant adult females were administered intraperitoneal cannabidiol at 10mg/kg with [3H] labelled cannabidiol. To investigate the extent of placental transfer, the drug was injected intravenously into E19 pregnant dams. Levels of [3H]-cannabidiol in blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and brain were estimated by liquid scintillation counting. Plasma protein binding of cannabidiol was identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and its bound and unbound fractions measured by ultrafiltration. Using available RNA-sequencing datasets of E19 rat brain, choroid plexus and placenta, as well as P5 and adult brain and choroid plexus, expression of 13 main cannabidiol receptors was analysed. Results showed that cannabidiol rapidly entered both the developing and adult brains. Entry into CSF was more limited. Its transfer across the placenta was substantially restricted as only about 50% of maternal blood plasma cannabidiol concentration was detected in fetal plasma. Albumin was the main, but not exclusive, cannabidiol binding protein at all ages. Several transcripts for cannabidiol receptors were expressed in age- and tissue-specific manner indicating that cannabidiol may have different functional effects in the fetal compared to adult brain.

SHARBAT-E-MAWEEZ FOR IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA: A REVIEW

Anemia, characterized by reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood, manifests through diminished red blood cell count or decreased hemoglobin levels. According to W.H.O. standards, hemoglobin levels below 13.0 gm/dl in adult males, below 12.0 gm/dl in non-pregnant adult females, and below 11.0 gm/dl in pregnant females signify anemia. Unani physicians often refer to this condition as Soo-Ul-Qiniya, exhibiting clinical signs such as weakness of the liver (Zauf-e-Kabid), nail brittleness (Zufr-e-Talqia), abnormal temperament (Fasad-e-Mizaj), pallor and yellowish discoloration of the skin (Zardi-wa-Sufaid Jild), and headaches (Sudaa). In numerous Unani medical texts, Sharbat-e-Maweez is recommended for treating iron deficiency anemia. It serves as a potent nutrient and hemopoietic agent, offering diverse benefits such as haemopoietic stimulation (mawalid-e-dam), aphrodisiac and general body toning properties (muqavvi-ebah-wa-badan), and liver strengthening effects (muqavvi-e-meda-wajigar). Sharbat-e-Maweez represents a palatable and easily administered form of Unani medication, thus enhancing patient compliance and efficacy in managing iron deficiency anemia.

Fetal factors disrupt placental and maternal iron homeostasis in murine β-thalassemia

AbstractPregnancy rates in β-thalassemia are increasing but the risk of complications is higher; thus, better understanding of maternal and fetal iron homeostasis in this disorder is needed. HbbTh3/+ (Th3/+) mice model human β-thalassemia. Both the murine and human diseases are characterized by low hepcidin, high iron absorption, and tissue iron overload, with concurrent anemia. We hypothesized that disordered iron metabolism in pregnant Th3/+ mice would negatively affect their unborn offspring. The experimental design included these groups: wild-type (WT) dams carrying WT fetuses (WT1); WT dams carrying WT and Th3/+ fetuses (WT2); Th3/+ dams carrying WT and Th3/+ fetuses (Th3/+); and age-matched, nonpregnant adult females. Serum hepcidin was low, and mobilization of splenic and hepatic storage iron was enhanced in all 3 groups of experimental dams. Intestinal 59Fe absorption was lower in Th3/+ dams (as compared with WT1/2 dams) but splenic 59Fe uptake was higher. Th3/+ dams had hyperferremia, which led to fetal and placenta iron loading, fetal growth restriction, and placentomegaly. Notably, Th3/+ dams loaded Th3/+ and WT fetuses, with the latter situation more closely mirroring human circumstances when mothers with thalassemia have relatively unaffected (thalassemia trait) offspring. Iron-related oxidative stress likely contributed to fetal growth impairment; enhanced placental erythropoiesis is a probable cause of placental enlargement. Moreover, high fetal liver iron transactivated Hamp; fetal hepcidin downregulated placental ferroportin expression, limiting placental iron flux and thus mitigating fetal iron loading. Whether gestational iron loading occurs in human thalassemic pregnancy, when blood transfusion can further elevate serum iron, is worth consideration.

Entry of the antipsychotic drug, olanzapine, into the developing rat brain in mono- and combination therapies.

Background: Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in women of childbearing age. Continuation of psychotropic medications throughout pregnancy and lactation is often required as cessation could be dangerous for both mother and child. However, there is a lack of information on the transfer of these drugs into the developing brain. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats at three developmental ages: embryonic day E19, postnatal day P4 and non-pregnant adult females were administered unlabelled or radiolabelled ( 3H) olanzapine (0.15 mg/kg) either as monotherapy or in combination with each of seven other common medications. Similar injections were administered to pregnant E19 females to investigate placental transfer. Olanzapine in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain was measured by liquid scintillation counting after a single dose (acute) or following 5 days of treatment (prolonged). Results: Olanzapine entry into brain and CSF was not age-dependent. Prolonged olanzapine treatment reduced placental transfer from 53% to 46% (p<0.05). Co-administration of digoxin or lamotrigine with olanzapine increased its entry into the fetal brain, whereas paracetamol decreased its entry into the CSF. Placental transfer of olanzapine was increased by co-treatment with cimetidine and digoxin, whereas co-treatment with lamotrigine, paracetamol or valproate led to a substantial decrease. Repeated co-treatment of digoxin and olanzapine increased olanzapine transfer into the brain and CSF, but not across the placenta. Overall entry of olanzapine from maternally administered drugs into the fetal brain was higher after combination therapy with cimetidine and digoxin. Conclusions: Co-administration of olanzapine with some commonly used drugs affected its entry into the fetus and its developing brain to a greater extent than in adults. It appears that protection of the fetal brain for these drugs primarily comes from the placenta rather than from the fetal brain barriers. Results suggest that drug combinations should be used with caution particularly during pregnancy.

Entry of the antipsychotic drug, olanzapine, into the developing rat brain in mono- and combination therapies.

Background: Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in women of childbearing age. Continuation of psychotropic medications throughout pregnancy and lactation is often required as cessation could be dangerous for both mother and child. However, there is a lack of information on the transfer of these drugs into the developing brain. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats at three developmental ages: embryonic day E19, postnatal day P4 and non-pregnant adult females were administered unlabelled or radiolabelled ( 3H) olanzapine (0.15 mg/kg) either as monotherapy or in combination with each of seven other common medications. Similar injections were administered to pregnant E19 females to investigate placental transfer. Olanzapine in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain was measured by liquid scintillation counting after a single dose (acute) or following 5 days of treatment (prolonged). Results: Olanzapine entry into brain and CSF was not age-dependent. Prolonged olanzapine treatment reduced placental transfer from 53% to 46% (p<0.05). Co-administration of digoxin or lamotrigine with olanzapine increased its entry into the fetal brain, whereas paracetamol decreased its entry into the CSF. Placental transfer of olanzapine was increased by co-treatment with cimetidine and digoxin, whereas co-treatment with lamotrigine, paracetamol or valproate led to a substantial decrease. Repeated co-treatment of digoxin and olanzapine increased olanzapine transfer into the brain and CSF, but not across the placenta. Overall entry of olanzapine from maternally administered drugs into the fetal brain was higher after combination therapy with cimetidine and digoxin. Conclusions: Co-administration of olanzapine with some commonly used drugs affected its entry into the fetus and its developing brain to a greater extent than in adults. It appears that protection of the fetal brain for these drugs primarily comes from the placenta rather than from the fetal brain barriers. Results suggest that drug combinations should be used with caution particularly during pregnancy.

Oral phenazopyridine vs intravesical lidocaine for bladder onabotulinumtoxinA analgesia: a randomized controlled trial

The efficacy of intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections for the management of idiopathic overactive bladder has been well-established. The injections are typically performed in the office setting using local analgesia, most commonly a 20 to 30-minute intravesical instillation of lidocaine. There are limited data evaluating alternative bladder analgesics. To compare pain scores with preprocedure oral phenazopyridine vs intravesical lidocaine in women undergoing intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections for idiopathic overactive bladder. Nonpregnant adult females with idiopathic overactive bladder, scheduled for office injection of 100 units of intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA were randomized to either 200 mg of oral phenazopyridine taken 1 to 2 hours preprocedure or a 20-minute preprocedure intravesical instillation of 50 mL of 2% lidocaine. We excluded participants with neurogenic bladders, and those who had received intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections in the previous 12 months. The primary outcome was pain measured by a 100-mm visual analog scale. Demographic characteristics and overall satisfaction with the procedure were also recorded. Providers answered questions about cystoscopic visualization, ease of procedure, and perception of participant comfort. Prespecified noninferiority margin was set to equal the anticipated minimum clinically important difference of 14 mm. A planned sample of 100 participants, 50 in each treatment arm, provided 80% power to detect noninferiority at a significance level of.05. We performed a modified intention-to-treat analysis and compared variables with the t test or the Fisher exact test. A total of 111 participants were enrolled, and complete data were obtained for 100 participants; 47 participants were randomized to phenazopyridine and 53 to lidocaine. Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups. There were 19.6% and 20.8% of participants in the phenazopyridine and lidocaine groups, respectively, who previously underwent intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections. The mean postprocedure pain was 2.7 mm lower in the phenazopyridine group than in the lidocaine group (95% confidence interval,-11.3 to 10.7), demonstrating noninferiority. More than 90% of participants in both groups stated that the pain was tolerable. Slightly more participants reported being "very satisfied" in the lidocaine group, although this was not statistically significant (50.0% vs 40.4%; P=.34). Providers reported clear visualization in 89.4% of participants in the phenazopyridine group and in 100% of participants in the lidocaine group (P=.02). Provider perception of participant comfort and overall ease of procedure were not different between groups. Length of time in the exam room was significantly shorter in the phenazopyridine than in the lidocaine group (44.4 vs 57.5 minutes; P=.0003). In women receiving intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections for idiopathic overactive bladder, oral phenazopyridine was noninferior to intravesical lidocaine for procedural pain control. Phenazopyridine is well-tolerated by participants, allows for the procedure to be performed with similar ease, and is associated with shorter appointment times.

Oral phenazopyridine versus intravesical lidocaine for office onabotulinumtoxina analgesia: a randomized controlled trial

To compare pain scores in women undergoing intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA for idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) between women randomized to pre-procedure oral phenazopyridine versus intravesical lidocaine. Non-pregnant adult females scheduled for office injection of 100 units intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA were randomized to either 200mg of oral phenazopyridine taken 1-2 hours preprocedure versus a 20 minute preprocedure intravesical instillation of 50mL 2% lidocaine. We excluded patients with neurogenic bladder, and those who had received intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections in the previous 12 months. The primary outcome was pain measured by a 100mm visual analog scale (VAS). Demographic characteristics and overall satisfaction with the procedure were also collected. Providers answered questions about cystoscopic visualization, ease of procedure, and perception of patient comfort. In order to detect a difference of 14 (SD 25) or greater on the VAS with 80% power and a significance level of .05, we planned to obtain complete data for 100 patients, 50 in each treatment arm. We performed an intention to treat analysis and compared variables by T-test or Fisher’s exact test. 111 patients were enrolled; complete data was obtained for 100 participants. 47 patients were randomized to phenazopyridine and 53 to lidocaine. Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups. 19.6% and 20.8% in the phenazopyridine and lidocaine groups, respectively, had previously undergone intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections. Pre-procedure pain scores did not differ between groups. The mean post-procedure pain score was not significantly different between groups, with a mean of 24 (28) in the phenazopyridine group compared to 28 (31) in the lidocaine group (p=0.52). A post-hoc power analysis with 47 and 53 patients per treatment arm showed similar power. Greater than 90% of patients in both groups stated the pain was tolerable. Slightly more patients reported being “very satisfied” in the lidocaine group, although this was not statistically different (50.0% vs 40.4%, p = 0.34). Providers reported clear visualization in 89.4% of patients in the phenazopyridine group versus 100% in the lidocaine group (p=0.02). Provider perception of patient comfort and overall ease of procedure was not different between groups. Length of time in the exam room was significantly shorter in the phenazopyridine versus the lidocaine group (44.4 vs 57.5 minutes, p=0.0003). In women receiving intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections for idiopathic OAB, there was no difference in pain scores when comparing oral phenazopyridine versus intravesical lidocaine. Phenazopyridine is well-tolerated by patients, allows for the procedure to be performed with similar ease, and is associated with shorter appointment times.

Entry of antiepileptic drugs (valproate and lamotrigine) into the developing rat brain.

Background:Women with epilepsy face difficult choices whether to continue antiepileptic drug treatment during pregnancy, as uncontrolled seizures carry great risk to mother and fetus but continuing treatment may have adverse effects on baby's development. This study aimed at evaluating antiepileptic drug entry into developing brain. Methods:Anaesthetised pregnant, non-pregnant adult females, postnatal and fetal rats were injected intraperitoneally with different doses, single or in combinations, of valproate and lamotrigine,within clinical range. Injectate included 3H-labelled drug. After 30min, CSF, blood and brain samples were obtained; radioactivitymeasured using liquid scintillation counting. Some animals were also exposed to valproate in feed throughout pregnancy and into neonatal period.Drug levelsmeasured by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Resultsgiven as CSF or tissue/plasma% as index of drug entry. Results:Entry of valproate into brain and CSF was higher at E19 and P4 compared to adult and was dose-dependent except at E19; placental transfer increased significantly at highest dose of 100mg/kg. Lamotrigine entry into the brain was dose dependent only at E19. Chronic valproate treatment, or combination of valproate and lamotrigine had little effect on either drug entry, except for reduced valproate brain entry in adult brain with chronic treatment. Placental transfer decreased significantly after chronic valproate treatment. LC-MS measurement of valproate in adults confirmed that rat plasma values were within the clinical range and CSF/plasma and brain/plasma ratios for LC-MS and 3H-valproate were similar. Conclusion:Results suggest that entry of valproate may be higher in developing brain, the capacity of barrier mechanism is mostly unaffected by doses within the clinical range, with or without addition of lamotrigine. Chronic valproate exposure may result in upregulation in cellular mechanisms restricting its entry into the brain. Entry of lamotrigine was little different at different ages and was not dose dependent.

Entry of antiepileptic drugs (valproate and lamotrigine) into the developing rat brain

Background: Women with epilepsy face difficult choices whether to continue antiepileptic drug treatment during pregnancy, as uncontrolled seizures carry great risk to mother and fetus but continuing treatment may have adverse effects on baby’s development. This study aimed at evaluating antiepileptic drug entry into developing brain. Methods: Anaesthetised pregnant, non-pregnant adult females, postnatal and fetal rats were injected intraperitoneally with different doses, single or in combinations, of valproate and lamotrigine, within clinical range. Injectate included 3H-labelled drug. After 30min, CSF, blood and brain samples were obtained; radioactivity measured using liquid scintillation counting. Some animals were also exposed to valproate in feed throughout pregnancy and into neonatal period. Drug levels measured by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results given as CSF or tissue/plasma% as index of drug entry. Results: Entry of valproate into brain and CSF was higher at E19 and P4 compared to adult and was dose-dependent except at E19; placental transfer increased significantly at highest dose of 100mg/kg. Lamotrigine entry into the brain was dose dependent only at E19. Chronic valproate treatment, or combination of valproate and lamotrigine had little effect on either drug entry, except for reduced valproate brain entry in adult brain with chronic treatment. Placental transfer decreased significantly after chronic valproate treatment. LC-MS measurement of valproate in adults confirmed that rat plasma values were within the clinical range and CSF/plasma and brain/plasma ratios for LC-MS and 3H-valproate were similar. Conclusion: Results suggest that entry of valproate may be higher in developing brain, the capacity of barrier mechanism is mostly unaffected by doses within the clinical range, with or without addition of lamotrigine. Chronic valproate exposure may result in upregulation in cellular mechanisms restricting its entry into the brain. Entry of lamotrigine was little different at different ages and was not dose dependent.

Entry of antiepileptic drugs (valproate and lamotrigine) into the developing rat brain.

Background: Women with epilepsy face difficult choices whether to continue antiepileptic drug treatment during pregnancy, as uncontrolled seizures carry great risk to mother and fetus but continuing treatment may have adverse effects on baby's development. This study aimed at evaluating antiepileptic drug entry into developing brain. Methods: Anaesthetised pregnant, non-pregnant adult females, postnatal and fetal rats were injected intraperitoneally with different doses, single or in combinations, of valproate and lamotrigine, all within clinical range. Injectate included 3H-labelled drug. After 30min, CSF, blood and brain samples were obtained; radioactivity was measured using liquid scintillation counting. Some animals were also exposed to valproate in feed throughout pregnancy and into neonatal period. Drug levels were measured by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results are given as CSF or tissue/plasma% as index of drug entry. Results: Entry of valproate into brain and CSF was higher at E19 and P4 compared to adult but was not dose-dependent; placental transfer increased significantly at highest dose of 100mg/Kg. Lamotrigine entry into the brain was dose dependent only at E19. Chronic valproate treatment, or combination of valproate and lamotrigine had little effect on either drug entry, except for reduced valproate brain entry in adult brain with chronic treatment. Placental transfer decreased significantly after chronic valproate treatment. LC-MS measurement of valproate in adults confirmed that rat plasma values were within the clinical range and CSF/plasma and brain/plasma ratios for LC-MS and 3H-valproate were similar. Conclusion: Results suggest that entry of valproate may be higher in developing brain, the capacity of barrier mechanism is mostly unaffected by doses within the clinical range, with or without addition of lamotrigine. Chronic valproate exposure may result in upregulation in cellular mechanisms restricting its entry into the brain. Entry of lamotrigine was little different at different ages and was not dose dependent.

ASSESSMENT OF MYOCARDIAL LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTIONS USING 2D SPECKLE TRACKING IN NORMAL PREGNANT FEMALES IN COMPARISON TO NORMAL NON-PREGNANT FEMALES

Background: While the hemodynamic changes occurring during pregnancy have been reasonably well characterized, the impact of pregnancy on cardiac contractile function has not been fully elucidated. Objective: To assess myocardial left ventricular functions in normal pregnant females using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography in comparison to non-pregnant adult females. Patient and methods: The study was a prospective observational study that was carried out at Cardiology Department, Al-Azhar University Hospitals throughout the period between August 2016 and July 2019. The study involved 15 healthy control unpregnant women in addition to 45 pregnant ladies (15 in each trimester). All the included subjects underwent thorough clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations, resting electrocardiogram (ECG), resting conventional trans-thoracic echocardiography, and speckle tracking echocardiography. Results: The two groups showed no-significant difference between them in accordance with age, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure. Left ventricular (LV) internal dimensions at end diastole (LVEDD) had significantly higher values in the third trimester cases. Moreover, the control group had the lowest value among the study groups. No significant changes were detected in LVESD. LVEDV and LVESV showed a significant increase during pregnancy. All readings were significantly higher than controls. The two groups showed no significant difference between them in accordance with ejection fraction. Global longitudinal strain was significantly different between the study groups. It decreases from 20.73% in the first trimester down to 18.33 and 16.67% in the second and third trimesters respectively. Besides, two-, three-, and four-chamber strain showed the same changes as well. Conclusion: Cardiac adaptation throughout normal pregnancy is characterized by LV longitudinal thickening reduction.

Hematologic profile of Amazon river dolphins Inia geoffrensis and its variation during acute capture stress.

Hematological values are of primary importance when investigating the health and physiological status of populations as they reflect the biological equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems. The objectives of this study are to produce baseline values for hematological parameters of the Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), as well as to investigate significant variations according to sex, age, reproductive status and stress level. One-hundred-and-ten dolphins from Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve (3°3'S, 64°51'W), Central Amazon, Brazil, were live captured and sampled in November 2004 and 2005. Further, the means, standard deviations, minimum and maximum values and reference values (90% CI) were calculated. Correlations were performed to assess the relationships among blood values and cardiac rate (CR), respiratory frequency (RF), handling time and level of stress. No significant differences were found between sexes. Also, no differences occurred among pregnant and non-pregnant females, pregnant females and adult males or non-pregnant females and adult males. Calves had a higher white blood cell (WBC) count, and the neutrophil and lymphocyte absolute counts were significantly higher in calves than adults. The level of stress determined by empirical observation positively correlated with the WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte absolute counts and CR and RF. It was found that less stressed animals tend to present lower platelet counts and lower CR. The handling time of the dolphins was positively correlated with hematocrit (Hct), red blood cells (RBC) and Hb level. The hematological and physiological parameters varied according to time of handling and proved to be a good bioindicator of acute stress in Amazon River dolphins. The data provided here can complement long-term monitoring and identify the early warning indicators of health problems at the population level.

Glycaemic profile in the second and third trimesters of normal pregnancy compared to non-pregnant adult females.

To assess the glycaemic profile and glycaemic variation in the second and third trimesters of normal pregnancies. Healthy pregnant women aged 19-35 years between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation were recruited for ambulatory glucose profile monitoring. A total of 18 women in the second trimester, 15 women in the third trimester and 9 healthy non-pregnant women were recruited providing, respectively, 205 days (19,680 data points), 147 days (14,112 data points) and 100 days (9,600 data points) for analysis. Mean blood glucose level was 20.2% lower in the second trimester and 10.6% lower in the third trimester than non-pregnant women (p < 0.001). In pregnancy, it took 15 to 20 minutes more to reach peak postprandial blood glucose levels compared to non-pregnant women (p = 0.003). Glycaemic variability was more in the third trimester (p < 0.001). There is tight blood sugar control along with lower mean blood glucose in healthy pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women. Despite this tight glycaemic control, glycaemic variability is higher during pregnancy.

Thyroid hormone concentrations associated with age, sex, reproductive status and apparent reproductive failure in the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis).

This study was conducted to characterize immunoreactive thyroid hormone concentrations in wild Amazon river dolphins, also called boto (Inia geoffrensis) by age group, sex, pregnancy and lactation status, and to determine if thyroid hormone concentration differences could be detected between pregnant females with and without successful parturition outcomes. Radioimmunoassays were used to analyse total T 3 and total T 4 in 182 serum samples collected from 172 botos living in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, in the Brazilian Amazon from 2003 through 2015. Age significantly affected tT 3 and tT 4 concentrations in males, with values in immature males and females being significantly lower than those in adult males, whereas no age effects were noted between immature females and adult non-pregnant, non-lactating females. Significant sex differences were noted in tT 3 concentrations between immature males and females and in tT 4 concentrations between adult males and females. These resulted in significant differences in the tT 3:tT 4 ratio between males and females within the immature and adult groups. Lactating and non-pregnant adult females had significantly higher tT 3 concentrations than pregnant females, and this difference was primarily driven by a 12% drop in tT 3 concentrations during the last two-thirds of pregnancy. No differences in thyroid hormone concentrations were detected between females diagnosed as pregnant and later found to have or not have a live calf. These results are the first to define thyroid hormone reference intervals and normal physiological variations in a wild population of river dolphins.

99 Effect of application of seminal plasma on Day 0, 5, or 7 postmating on pregnancy rate and embryonic survival in alpacas (Lama pacos)

Alpacas, similar to other camelids, are classified as induced ovulators, as an external stimulus is required for the occurrence of ovulation. A protein identified as β-nerve growth factor, present in the seminal plasma (SP), has the capacity to induce ovulation and corpus luteum formation. Alpacas exhibit poor reproductive efficiency, with birth rates below 50% due in part to high embryo mortality before 35 days post-mating. A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the application of SP on Day 0, 5, or 7 post-mating on pregnancy rate and embryo survival, defined as the difference in the numbers of pregnant females between Day 35 and 25. Nonpregnant adult alpaca females (n=124) between 5 to 6 years old were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography to determine presence of a follicle ≥7mm, and then 2 days later to confirm permanence of the follicle. Alpacas were then bred by natural mating and assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments: 1mL of SP IM at mating; 1mL of SP IM Day 5 post-mating; 1mL of SP IM Day 7 post-mating; and control. Semen was collected from adults male and ejaculates were diluted 1:1 with PBS and then centrifuged for 30min at 3000 rpm. Supernatant was separated and a drop evaluated to determine absence of spermatozoa and SP-free sperm was stored at −20°C. Twenty adult males with optimal reproductive performance were used for mating with females assigned to the different treatments. Animals were evaluated by ultrasound with an Aloka SSD 500 (Aloka, Tokyo, Japan) and 5.0-MHz linear transducer on Day 25 and 35 to determine pregnancy rate and embryonic survival. Data were analysed by chi-square. Results are present in Table 1. The results differ from our initial hypothesis and a possible explanations may be that additional application of SP IM could saturate receptors and block the action of the seminal plasma present in the ejaculate of males. Table 1.Pregnancy rate and embryonic survival in alpacas with application of seminal plasma on Day 0, 5, or 7 Study was supported by project no. 405-PNICP-PIAP-UNMSM.

The impact of anthelmintic drugs on weight gain of smallholder goats in subtropical regions

Helminth infections are recognised as a major impediment to the productivity of goats in smallholder production systems. We used a multilevel framework to estimate the impact that administration of locally available anthelminthic drugs can have on the weight gains of goats in smallholder settings in India and Tanzania.We recruited 234 goats from 92 households from Odisha state in India and 253 goats from 15 households from Dodoma region in Tanzania. The goats were non-pregnant adult females, and from each household a minimum of two goats were recruited wherever possible. Each goat was randomly assigned to treatment with a locally available anthelminthic drug, or non-treatment. Each animal was tagged, weighed and had its body condition score (BCS) assessed. Animals were followed up after 28 and 56 days and re-weighed. To account for the local variations in exposure to helminths and for variations between households and herds, the data were analysed in a multilevel mixed model with herd in village as nested random effects.Over the 56 days of study, the non-treated goats in India had gained a mean of 30.64 g per day (a daily gain of 0.23% baseline body weight) and in Tanzania 66.01 g per day (0.33% baseline body weight). From the mixed model, the treated goats in India gained a mean of 25.22 g per day more than non-treated goats, this is significantly greater than the weight gain in non-treated goats (p < 0.001). In Tanzania treated goats gained a mean of 9.878 g per day more than non-treated goats, which is also significantly greater than non-treated goats (p = 0.007). Furthermore, in India and Tanzania, goats with a lighter weight at the baseline survey gained greater amounts of weight. In both studies the BCS of the treated goats improved by a greater amount than the non-treated goats.In this study we have demonstrated that in certain settings, the administration of anthelminthic drugs has a clear beneficial impact on goat weight.

Abstract P121: Racial and Ethnic Differences in Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Perception About Weight Among Females With High Education, Income, and Bmi in the US, 2011-2012

Introduction: Higher education and income can modify behavioral risk factors for lifetime cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The aim of this study was to observe ethnic differences in the CV health, as measured by inadequate cardiovascular health index (CVHI) category, among a cohort of females with high family income, education, and BMI. We also examined differences in perception about self-reported weight and attitudes toward weight loss and exercise. Methods: Adult non-pregnant females aged 20 years or older from the 2011-2012 NHANES were included in the study. Participants were at least college educated, had a poverty to income ratio of 350% or above, and BMI (≥ 30). Weighted regression was adjusted for demographics, PHQ-9 score, perception about weight, if participant tried to lose weight last year, and history of CVD, angina, or heart attack. Results: The sample represented 2,990,456 eligible females in the US. About 13.2% Hispanic perceived their weight to be about right as compared to 10% Black, and 3.3% White. About 89% Hispanics tried to lose weight in past year compared to 71% White and Black. Weighted regression showed that Hispanic (β: -2.47, 95% CI: -4.44, -0.50) and Black (β: -0.74, 95% CI: -1.93, 0.45) had low CVHI score as compared to White. Higher PHQ9 score (β: -0.12, p &gt; 0.05) and those who did not try to lose weight (β: -1.55, p &lt; 0.01) were associated with lower, and those with positive attitude towards their weight were associated with higher CVHI score (β: 0.38, p &gt; 0.05). Our study suggests huge variations in these characteristics by country of birth and citizenship with corroborated ambiguity in definitions. Conclusion: Previous research is inconclusive about existence of Hispanic paradox in cardiovascular health domain. Our study suggests that Hispanic ethnicity was a significant predictor of negative CVHI, when socioeconomic status (SES) was high among all obese females. There was higher prevalence of history of weight management and low CVHI score among Hispanic females; Hispanic females belonging to higher SES may be at a higher risk for CVD related adverse events. In our study, effect of education and income diminished and SES was not associated with participant’s willingness to lose weight despite being obese. Health disparities expressed as differences in CVHI exist despite high education and family income.

Thyroid Function Status in Indian Adult Nonpregnant Females in Ranchi, India

ABSTRACTAimThyroid disorders are one of the most common endocrine diseases in India. Thyroid disorders are more common in women than in men and contribute to significant morbidity. In this postiodization era, there is paucity of pan-Indian data of thyroid disorder status among adult nonpregnant women. This study was done to analyze the thyroid hormone levels in women of Jharkhand region, which is traditionally known to be an iodine-deficient area.Materials and methodsThree hundred and forty nonpregnant adult females in Ranchi area who were consuming iodized salt formed part of the study group. Clinical evaluation was done by a gynecologist pertaining to thyroid illness. Thyroid function tests encompassing triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were carried out by quantitative enzyme immunoassay method. Thyroid status of the population was defined as per kit reference range.ResultsSubjects with age range 20 to 67 years were divided into three groups as per clinical status of thyroid disorder, viz. total, disease free, and control. A total of 19.6% had biochemical evidence of thyroid disorder and 82.4% were euthyroid as per reference ranges in kit literature. Out of hypothyroid subjects, 3.2% had clinical and 14.4% had subclinical hypothyroidism. In the study group, no subjects were detected to have overt or subclinical hyperthyroidism. Multiple comparison analysis was done with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0, a statistical software package.DiscussionThis is the first study in Jharkhand area on nonpregnant adult female population that are getting iodine sufficient foods in an iodine-deficient region. The study showed high prevalence of thyroid disorders in the study group. Hypothyroidism, predominantly subclinical hypothyroidism, is prevalent among women in this region.How to cite this articleChakrabarty BK, Mitra B, Shahbabu B, Hazra N, Singh S. Thyroid Function Status in Indian Adult Nonpregnant Females in Ranchi, India. Indian J Med Biochem 2017;21(1):25-29.

Irradiation at Different Fetal Stages Results in Different Translocation Frequencies in Adult Mouse Thyroid Cells.

While it is generally believed that fetuses are at high risk of developing cancers, including leukemia, after low doses of radiation, it has been reported that atomic bomb survivors exposed in utero did not show a dose response for translocations in blood T lymphocytes when they were examined at approximately 40 years of age. Subsequent mouse studies confirmed that animals irradiated during the fetal stage did not show evidence of radiation effects in lymphocytes and bone marrow cells when they were examined after reaching adulthood. However, in a study of rat mammary epithelial cells, radiation effects were clearly observed after fetal irradiation. These results indicate that the fate of chromosome aberrations induced in a fetus could vary among different tissues. Here we report on translocation frequencies in mouse thyroid cells, which were irradiated at different stages of fetal development. Cytogenetic examination was conducted using fluorescence n situ hybridization (FISH) painting of chromosomes 1 and 3. Adult mice, 2 Gy X-ray irradiated at 15.5-day-old fetuses (E15.5), showed a higher translocation frequency (30/1,155 or 25.3 × 10-3) than nonirradiated adult controls (0/1,007 or 0.1 × 10-3), and was near that experienced by irradiated mothers and non-pregnant adult females (43/1,244 or 33.7 × 10-3). These results are consistent with those seen in rat mammary cells. However, when fetuses were irradiated at an earlier stage of development (E6.5) before thyroid organogenesis, the resulting observed translocation frequency was much lower (3/502 or 5.8 × 10-3) than that in E15.5 mice. These results suggest that after fetal irradiation, tissue stem cells record radiation effects primarily when the exposure occurs in cells that have been integrated into tissue. Embryonic stem cells that have been damaged prior to integration into the niche may undergo negative selection due to apoptosis, mitotic death or stem cell-niche cell interactions. The implications of these results in interpreting cancer risks after fetal irradiation are also discussed.