Theta oscillons in behaving rats

Recently discovered constituents of the brain waves-the oscillons -provide high-resolution representation of the extracellular field dynamics. Here we study the most robust, highest-amplitude oscillons that manifest in actively behaving rats and generally correspond to the traditional θ -waves. We show that the resemblances between θ -oscillons and the conventional θ -waves apply to the ballpark characteristics-mean frequencies, amplitudes, and bandwidths. In addition, both hippocampal and cortical oscillons exhibit a number of intricate, behavior-attuned, transient properties that suggest a new vantage point for understanding the θ -rhythms' structure, origins and functions. We demonstrate that oscillons are frequency-modulated waves, with speed-controlled parameters, embedded into a noise background. We also use a basic model of neuronal synchronization to contextualize and to interpret the observed phenomena. In particular, we argue that the synchronicity level in physiological networks is fairly weak and modulated by the animal's locomotion.

Theta oscillons in behaving rats

Recently discovered constituents of the brain waves -- the oscillons -- provide high-resolution representation of the extracellular field dynamics. Here we study the most robust, highest-amplitude oscillons that manifest in actively behaving rats and generally correspond to the traditional theta-waves. We show that the resemblances between theta-oscillons and the conventional theta-waves apply to the ballpark characteristics -- mean frequencies, amplitudes, and bandwidths. In addition, both hippocampal and cortical oscillons exhibit a number of intricate, behavior-attuned, transient properties that suggest a new vantage point for understanding the theta-rhythms' structure, origins and functions. We demonstrate that oscillons are frequency-modulated waves, with speed-controlled parameters, embedded into a noise background. We also use a basic model of neuronal synchronization to contextualize and to interpret the observed phenomena. In particular, we argue that the synchronicity level in physiological networks is fairly weak and modulated by the animal's locomotion.

Hemoperfusion with CytoSorb as Adjuvant Therapy in Critically Ill Patients with SARS-CoV2 Pneumonia

We report a preliminary experience of adjuvant therapy with Hemoperfusion (HP) in patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) pneumonia. Currently, there are no approved treatments for CoronaVirus Disease 19 (COVID-19); however, therapeutic strategies based on the preclinical evidence include supportive measures, such as oxygen supplementation, antiviral, and anticoagulant agents. Despite these treatments, 10% of patients worsen and develop severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Since the pathogenic mechanism of ARDS is an uncontrolled inflammatory state, we speculate that removing inflammation effectors from blood may contrast tissue injury and improve clinical outcome. In a scenario of dramatic medical emergency, we conducted an observational study on 9 consecutive patients hospitalized in COVID Intensive Care Unit, where 5 of 9 consecutive patients were treated with HP, due to the emergency overload made it impossible to deliver blood purification in the other 4 patients. COVID-19 was diagnosed through the identification of virus sequences by reverse transcription-PCR on respiratory specimens. All patients had severe pneumonia requiring continuous positive airway pressure. HP was started in all patients 6-7 days after hospital admission. The treated patients (T) received 2 consecutive sessions of HP using CytoSorb cartridge. Our results show a better clinical course of T compared to control patients (C), in fact all T except 1 survived, and only 2 of them were intubated, while all C required intubation and died. Lymphocytopenia worsened in C but not in T. C-reactive protein decreased in both patients, but to a greater extent in T. IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α decreased after HP, IL-10 did not change. Respiratory function remained stable and did not worsen in T compared to C. The limited sample size and observational study design preclude a sound statement about the potential effectiveness of HP in COVID-19 patients, but our experience suggests a potential therapeutic role of adjuvant CytoSorb HP in the early course of CO-VID-19 pneumonia. A randomized clinical trial is ongoing.

Running out of bullets: The challenging management of acute hepatitis and SARS-COV-2 from the SMatteo COvid19 Registry (SMACORE)

Liver impairment is frequent in patients with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and direct viral tropism for the liver has been proven. Since several of the currently administered drugs against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are possibly hepatotoxic, the management of patients with COVID-19 and liver failure is still an almost unexplored field. Taking this challenging case of acute HBV with persistent hyperbilirubinemia and SARS-COV-2 infection with respiratory distress as a starting point, we here loop through this condition. Where the available therapeutic options are scarce, we here propose hemoperfusion (HP) as an attractive alternative to both delay any late-stage progression of hyper inflammation process in COVID-19 and remove the toxins involved in acute liver failure.

A Comparison of Differences Between the Systemic Pharmacokinetics of Levobupivacaine and Ropivacaine During Continuous Epidural Infusion: A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND:

Epidural infusion of levobupivacaine and ropivacaine provides adequate postoperative pain management by minimizing side effects related to IV opioids and improving patient outcome. The safety profile of different drugs can be better estimated by comparing their pharmacokinetic profiles than by considering their objective side effects. Because levobupivacaine and ropivacaine have different pharmacokinetic properties, our aim was to investigate whether there is a difference in the pharmacokinetic variability of the 2 drugs in a homogeneous population undergoing continuous epidural infusion. This double-blind, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial study was designed to compare the pharmacokinetics of continuous thoracic epidural infusion of levobupivacaine 0.125% or ropivacaine 0.2% for postoperative pain management in adult patients who had undergone major abdominal, urological, or gynecological surgery. This study is focused on the evaluation of the coefficient of variation (CV) to assess the equivalence in the systemic exposure and interindividual variability between levobupivacaine and ropivacaine and, therefore, the possible differences in the predictability of the plasmatic concentrations of the 2 drugs during thoracic epidural infusion.

METHODS:

One hundred eighty-one adults undergoing major abdominal surgery were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized to receive an epidural infusion of levobupivacaine 0.125% + sufentanil 0.75 μg/mL or of ropivacaine 0.2% + sufentanil 0.75 μg/mL at 5 mL/h for 48 hours. The primary end point of this study was to analyze the variability of plasma concentration of levobupivacaine and ropivacaine via an area under the curve within a range of 15% of the CV during 48 hours of continuous epidural infusion. The CV shows how the concentration values of local anesthetics are scattered around the median concentration value, thus indicating the extent to which plasma concentration is predictable during infusion. Secondary end points were to assess the pharmacologic profile of the local anesthetics used in the study, including an analysis of mean peak plasma concentrations, and also to assess plasma clearance, side effects, pain intensity (measured with a verbal numeric ranging score, i.e., static Numeric Rating Scale [NRS] and dynamic NRS]), and the need for rescue doses.

RESULTS:

The comparison between the 2 CVs showed no statistical difference: the difference between area under the curve was within the range of 15%. The CV was 0.54 for levobupivacaine and 0.51 for ropivacaine (P = 0.725). The plasma concentrations of ropivacaine approached the C_max significantly faster than those of levobupivacaine. Clearance of ropivacaine decreases with increasing patient age. There were no significant differences in NRS, dynamic NRS scores, the number of rescue doses, or in side effects between groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Considering the CV, the interindividual variability of plasma concentration for levobupivacaine and ropivacaine is equivalent after thoracic epidural infusion in adults. We found a reduction in clearance of ropivacaine depending on patient age, but this finding could be the result of some limitations of our study. The steady-state concentration was not reached during the 48-hour infusion and the behavior of plasma concentrations of ropivacaine and levobupivacaine during continuous infusions lasting more than 48 hours remains to be investigated, because they could reach toxic levels. Finally, no differences in the clinical efficacy or in the incidence of adverse effects between groups were found for either local anesthetic.

Published ahead of print May 14, 2015

Role of lumbosacral retrograde neuromodulation in the treatment of painful disorders

BACKGROUND

Neuromodulation is an effective and reversible treatment option for chronic intractable pain. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) represents a field of application of neuromodulation and is known to be effective for several conditions including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), and chronic leg and back pain. SCS has some technical limitations that can be bypassed through retrograde neuromodulation.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the safety and efficacy of retrograde neuromodulation in consecutive patients with neuropathic pain in the perineum or lower limb.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective chart review analyzing one year of retrograde stimulation in our department.

METHODS

We present a series of 10 patients who underwent retrograde neuromodulation at the University General Hospital of Valencia (Spain). We analyzed the variables that can improve the outcome and help physicians choose retrograde neuromodulation.

RESULTS

Seven of 10 patients had an effective treatment and 3 patients had an ineffective stimulation. In the group with the effective treatment the most represented type of pain was radiculopathy and perineal pain.

LIMITATIONS

This is a prospective, single-center study with a relatively small number of patients and no control group.

CONCLUSION

Retrograde neuromodulation seems to be effective in patients that present with a well localized pain with a clear dermatome distribution. We found retrograde neuromodulation to be effective in radiculopathy related to FBSS. We found it to be limited in the treatment of perineal pain probably due to technical limitations and anatomical reasons besides the lack of knowledge of the etiology of this pain model and the exact mechanisms of action of neuromodulation.

Bilateral Gasser's ganglion sarcoidosis: diagnosis, treatment and unsolved questions

Magnetic resonance imaging is currently the best means for confirming clinical suspicion of neurosarcoidosis as well as being useful in the follow-up of corticosteroid-treated patients. We report the case of a 34 year old male presenting suspected Heerfordt's syndrome with concentric facial hypesthesia. Mediastinal and parotid sarcoidosis was diagnosed and magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral sarcoid involvement of Gasser's ganglion cisternae (such involvement was not revealed by computed tomography). The patient received corticosteroid therapy, with a clinical and radiological improvement. Magnetic resonance imaging showed disappearance of Gasser's ganglion lesions despite the persistence of mild facial hypesthesia. This case is noteworthy for its extremely rare lesion site. Post-treatment discrepancy between the clinical picture and imaging results is probably due to low MRI resolution threshold. 18-FDG positron emission tomography imaging might perhaps overcome the limits of magnetic resonance imaging.

Arthropathies and thyroid diseases

AIM

Improvement of articular symptoms following thyroidectomy has often been observed in patients with an association of thyroid and joint diseases. An assessment has therefore been made of the types of arthropathy thus benefited and the anatomopathological features of the thyroid in patients with concomitant joint diseases. An account is given of the arthropathies associated with nontoxic nodular goitre (NTG).

METHODS

Three cell markers are examined to identify immunocytokine elements differentiating thyroid diseases.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical examination shows extravasal lymphocyte infiltrates; thyrocytes were negative for HLA-Cl II, CD38 and IL-6R, and only dim-positive for HLA-Cl I. Endothelial cells were positive for HLA-Cl I and II and CD38, and negative for IL-6R. The lymphocyte were positive for HLA-Cl I, HLA-Cl II and CD38, but negative for IL-6R. The follow-up of 6 thyroidectomised patients disclosed improvement in joint pain and remission of rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis. Association of nodular goitre with arthro-pathies is demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

Arthritis and arthralgia are frequent in patients with thyroid diseases, we particularly found the association with MHNG and Hurthle cell adenoma. Arthritis and arthralgia quickly improve after thyroidectomy. Immunohistochemical NTG thyrocytes are still normal cells (HLA-Cl II negative) by contrast with their HLA-Cl II positivity in autoimmune thyroiditis.

Effects of physiological concentrations of steroid hormones and interleukin-11 on basal and stimulated production of interleukin-8 by human osteoblast-like cells with different functional profiles

OBJECTIVE

IL-8 is a CXC chemokine involved in the pathogenesis of articular damage in rheumatoid arthritis. Local hyperproduction of IL-8 has been suggested to play a role in subchondral bone loss, since it suppresses osteoblast activity and promotes osteoclasts recruitment. Osteoblasts are a source of IL-8; its secretion is regulated by a number of hormones and cytokines. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the single and combined effects of physiological concentrations of cortisol, 17 beta-estradiol and IL-11 upon basal and IL-1 beta-inducible production of IL-8 in two human osteoblast-like cell lines, Saos-2 and MG-63.

METHODS

Cells were incubated with cortisol (0.01 to 1 microM), 17 beta-estradiol (10 to 1000 pg/ml), IL-11 (1 to 100 ng/ml), in presence or absence of IL-1 beta (10 ng/ml), for 20 h. Combinations of 17 beta-estradiol and cortisol, and of IL-11 and cortisol, were also tested. After incubation, IL-8 levels in supernatants were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Cortisol dose-dependently inhibited spontaneous IL-8 secretion in both cell lines, although statistical significance was attained in the MG-63 cells only (P < 0.01); no effect of 17 beta-estradiol was apparent. With regard to IL-1 beta-inducible production, cortisol dose-dependently inhibited IL-8 release in both cell lines (P < 0.01); 17 beta-estradiol resulted in only a non-significant decrease in Saos-2, but not in MG-63 cells. 17 beta-estradiol did not alter the effects of cortisol in experiments involving co-incubation. IL-11 did not have any effect on spontaneous IL-8 release, but exerted a significant inhibitory effect on IL-1 beta-inducible release in MG-63 cells (P < 0.05); no additional effect was observed upon the degree of cortisol-dependent inhibition.

CONCLUSION

Cortisol is a potent physiological inhibitor of IL-8 production by osteoblast-like cells. The results of the present study support the use of exogenous supplemental glucocorticoids to prevent the deleterious effects of excess IL-8. The estrogenic milieu and local concentrations of IL-11 have little if any effect on the IL-8-dependent mechanisms of disease.

[Asymptomatic cholelithiasis: indications for cholecystectomy based on the levels of acute phase proteins]

Prophylactic cholecystectomy for asymptomatic gallstones is still controversial. Aim of the study was to assess whether the determination of serum acute phase proteins (APP) could be utilized as a criterion for cholecystectomy, as they are suggestive of the presence in the blood of cytokines released from the inflamed gallbladder wall, even when clinical signs are missing. In 75 cases of gallstones, free from other coexistent inflammatory processes, red cell sedimentation rate, plasmatic cortisol, immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, IgM), electrophoresis of the proteins, CPR, fibrinogen, haptoglobin, alfa-1-antitrypsin and bile culture have been detected. The patients have been subdivided into two groups: patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic disease and patients with a clear clinical pattern of acute cholecystitis. In the latter alfa-1-globulin, alfa-2-globulin, ESR, CPR and cortisol turned out to be significantly elevated, while in 20-30% of the former CPR, beta-globulin and cortisol were increased, too. The study demonstrates that among the patients with asymptomatic gallstones there is a population having PFA values higher than normal. This is suggestive of a cytokines activation which, when other inflammatory processes can be excluded, is likely due to gallbladder inflammation and surgery will likely be indicated.

Diffusion of a single ion in a one-dimensional optical lattice

We present an experimental study of the spatial diffusion of a single ion in a polarization gradient field. A 24 Mg + ion was radially confined in a two-dimensional radio-frequency (rf) trap, while an optical lattice superimposed to a weak electric potential was applied along the free axis. With the help of a statistical analysis of single ion trajectories, a spatial diffusion constant was obtained as a function of optical potential depth. The results are compared to semiclassical theoretical models for trapped ions and neutral atoms.

Semen preparation by standard swim-up versus swim-up with test yolk buffer incubation in intrauterine insemination: a randomized study

In order to compare the standard swim-up semen preparation with and without test yolk buffer (TYB) incubation in intrauterine insemination (IUI), we conducted a prospective multicentre randomized trial. A total of 121 infertile couples with male factor (n = 52) or unexplained infertility (n = 69) was randomly assigned to two groups following ovulation induction. Semen was prepared by standard swim-up in group A (n = 64) and by swim-up followed by TYB incubation in group B (n = 57). A maximum of two IUI cycles was performed. A total of 104 cycles was performed in the swim-up group and 90 in the TYB group. Overall, 15 pregnancies were achieved in group A and 23 in group B, with an overall pregnancy rate of 24.8 and 50.0% per patient respectively (chi2(1), P < 0.05). In the male factor group, pregnancy was achieved in six out of 24 couples (25%) following standard swim-up and in six out of 28 (21.4%) following swim-up and TYB incubation (chi2(1), not significant). In the unexplained infertility group, pregnancy was recorded in nine out of 40 couples (22.5%) following standard swim-up and in 17 out of 29 couples (58.6%) following swim-up and TYB incubation (chi2(1), P < 0.05).

Semen parameters and conception rates after intraperitoneal insemination

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the reproductive outcome in infertile couples which underwent intraperitoneal insemination (IPI).

METHODS

We analyzed a series of 216 couples who underwent IPI. Indications for treatment were unexplained infertility in 51 couples and male factor in 165. The 51 couples with unexplained infertility underwent a total of 71 cycles (20 couples underwent a second IPI cycle). The 165 couples with male factor underwent 243 cycles (165 first cycles and 78 second cycles).

RESULTS

Out of the 314 cycles performed, a total of 41 clinical pregnancies were observed, with a corresponding conception rate of 13.1%. The values of conception rates for unexplained and male factor infertility were 21.1 (based on 15 pregnancies) and 10.7% (based on 26 pregnancies), respectively. Out of the 41 pregnant women, 26 gave birth to a child, thus the overall livebirth rate was 8.3% (12.7 and 7.0%, respectively, for unexplained infertility and male factor diagnostic subgroups). Considering the couples with unexplained infertility, the conception rates were 9.0, 30.8 and 20.0% for strata of < 5, 5-10 and > or = 10 millions of inseminated spermatozoa. The corresponding values were 6.8, 12.5 and 18.5%, respectively, in couples with male factor infertility (chi(2)1 trend p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this series provides quantitative estimates of pregnancy rates after IPI in Italian couples with unexplained infertility or male infertility and suggested that the number of motile sperm inseminated is a determinant of pregnancy with this technique.

Effects of different amounts of LH on superovulation induction with long-acting GnRH in an IVF program

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether different doses of exogenous LH affect IVF outcome.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of two consecutive trials.

SETTING

Infertility Unit of 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Milan, Italy.

PATIENTS

Two groups of 40 eumennorrheic patients matched for age and indications for in vitro fertilization.

INTERVENTION

After suppression with a GnRH analogue, both groups received equal amounts of FSH in the first five days of stimulation; after this, the proportions of LH administered were doubled in one group because a different preparation was in use.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The following observations were compared: number of scans (days to hCG), number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, quality and number of embryos transferred, pregnancy and abortion rate.

RESULTS

Doubling the amount of LH administered does not affect any outcome measure except the number of days of stimulation needed prior to hCG administration.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference was seen in terms of number of oocytes, embryo number and quality, pregnancy and abortion rate. The only difference was the length of the stimulation phase.

Anthropometric indicators and response to gonadotrophin for ovulation induction

A total of 111 women with no ultrasonographic findings of polycystic ovarian syndrome were observed between January 1989 and December 1991 in an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) programme. The treatment schedule involved ovulation induction after treatment with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, using standard doses of human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) for 4 days, and further stepwise increments in dosage as required. Response to the treatment was defined as: (i) presence/absence of one or more follicles > or = 10 mm diameter after 4 days of treatment, and (ii) oocyte retrieval. Three indices of body mass were considered: weight (W) in kg/height (H)2 in metres (Quetelet's index), W/H1.5 (the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey anthropometric index for women), W0.30/H (ponderal index). Surface area was computed as 0.0235 (H in cm0.422) (W in kg0.515). Women in the upper tertiles of the range of anthropometric indicators more frequently tended to present no follicle > or = 10 mm on day 7. Likewise, oocytes were retrieved less frequently in subjects in the higher tertile than in those in the lower. The odds ratio of a negative response both on day 7 and at the end of treatment increased with the tertiles of body mass indices or surface areas. This study suggests that response to ovulation induction treatment is inversely related to body mass index.

Testicular dysfunction in Hodgkin's disease before and after treatment

Over a 7-year period, semen analysis was performed in 92 male patients with Hodgkin's disease prior to therapy. In 67% of patients semen revealed a decreased chance for fertility (i.e. oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and/or teratozoospermia). The mean basal levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone, testosterone and prolactin were in the normal range. In 77 patients in complete remission after alternating MOPP/ABVD (mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone; doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine), testicular function was assessed. 87% of patients were azoospermic, 9% had semen abnormalities and only 4% were normospermic. Recovery of spermatogenesis was documented in only 17 of 42 (40%) reassessed patients after a median time of 27 months and was generally not affected by pretreatment sperm quality. After chemotherapy, the mean value of FSH [20.45 (S.E. 1.7) mUI/ml] was significantly superior compared with that of the mean pretreatment values. No difference was documented in the mean testosterone and prolactin values tested before and after treatment. Our findings indicate that, of patients with Hodgkin's disease, about half are affected by hypogonadism before starting chemotherapy. By utilising alternating MOPP/ABVD, persistent testicular dysfunction was documented in half of the patients.

Intraperitoneal insemination in the treatment of male and unexplained infertility

For couples with unexplained or male infertility, intraperitoneal (IP) insemination in induced cycles is a method that increases the chance of fertilization. Seventy-seven couples with male subfertility were subjected to 120 IP insemination cycles and 31 with unexplained sterility to 44 cycles. As a consequence of the treatment, 23 pregnancies were obtained, with pregnancy rates of 23% per cycle and 32% per patient for unexplained infertility and 11% and 17% for male subfertility. Pregnancy loss rate was quite elevated: 9 clinical abortions and 1 ectopic. Intraperitoneal insemination appears to be a relatively noninvasive way to deal with unexplained or male factor infertility, well worth trying before moving on to more invasive and costly approaches, such as gamete intrafallopian transfer or in vitro fertilization.

Pregnancy after intraperitoneal insemination during a natural cycle

The success rate after intraperitoneal insemination is also imputed to superovulation protocols. We report here the first case, to our knowledge, of pregnancy following intraperitoneal insemination during a natural cycle.

Replication of mitochondrial DNA in the gonadotropin-primed corpus luteum of the rat

The effect on mitochondria isolated from corpus luteal tissues following priming of immature female rats with pregnant mares serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was studied. Ultrastructural studies showed intramitochondrial filamentous nucleic acid networks in situ following intense uranyl acetate staining. The intramitochondrial complexes were sensitive to nuclease treatment. Primed corpora lutea contained a 3.7-fold increase of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) per mg of mitochondrial protein when compared to unprimed ovaries. In subsequent experiments female rats were injected with 3H-thymidine 12 h before harvesting gonadotropin-primed corpora lutea from which mitochondria were isolated, purified and lysed. MtDNA was isolated and purified from the lysate by CsCl-ethidium bromide equilibrium buoyant density gradient centrifugation. Both the upper and lower bands of mtDNA as well as the intermediate region of the gradient contained radioactive label. When mtDNA from a fractionated gradient was mounted for electron microscopy and examined, replicative forms of mtDNA were observed. The mechanism of replication appears to be by the displacement-loop model of mtDNA replication. Ultrastructural as well as biochemical evidence indicate that a consequence of corpora lutea formation is the replication of mtDNA.

Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone, estradiol and androstenedione in sows with inadequate plasma progesterone

The authors report the profiles of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and androstenedione (A) in some female pigs with altered plasma hormonal levels. Twenty cycles are described and 19 out of them are characterized by low plasma P in luteal phase of different etiology, at least as measured by hormone concentrations. The following disorders are observed: a) possible impairment of follicular maturation; b) impaired LH secretion in presence of too high E2; c) low LH base-line values; d) inadequate luteal phase; e) short luteal phase; f) heat disorders. An attempt is made to correlate the altered hormonal profiles with the high rate of summer conception failure in sows.

The role of Yp in sex determination: new evidence from X/Y translocations

A 33-year-old man had azoospermia and tubular atrophy as in the Klinefelter syndrome but short stature. He had a 46,X,t(X/Y) (Xqter lead to p22.3::Yp11 lead to Yqter) translocation and was H-Y antigen-positive. This excludes one of the genes controlling H-Y antigen from the terminal portion of the short arm of the Y chromosome. This case and the two similar ones in the literature indicate that the proximal Yp portion is required for the differentiation of a male gonad. The pattern of X inactivation was random in the patient's fibroblasts, whereas in the lymphocytes the translocated chromosome was preferentially inactivated; comparison with other cases shows that the quantity of Y chromosome material involved in these translocations does not influence the X inactivation patterns. In the three cases with this dicentric translocation the X chromosome centromere is consistently the active one. Our case indicates that the choice of which centromere is inactivated is independent of the replication pattern of the X chromosome. Our patient and a few other relevant cases from the literature confirm that factors controlling height are located on the distal portion of Xp and of Yp.

Endocrine profiles of sows during the oestrous cycle

We measured the plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P), 17 alpha-hydroxy progesterone (17P), androstenediona (A) and testosterone (T) at oestrus and during the oestrous cycle for four consecutive cycles in a group of 15 normal sows. The results show that at oestrus the peak LH value was preceded, 24 hours earlier, by an E2 peak, and indicate that the LH rise begins when E2 concentrations reach their highest value. During diestrus, concentrations of LH and E2 were constantly low, P and 17P were characterized by lowest concentrations during the oestrous period which showed significant (p less than 0.001), progressive increases from the second day after the LH ovulatory peak, to reach their highest values after 8-14 days. The 17P decrease in proestrus precedes that of P.T and A concentrations showed a significant (p less than 0.001) increase 2 days before the LH ovulatory peak; high plasma concentrations of both androgens were maintained until the LH peak occurred. Measurements taken in consecutive cycles in the same animals showed a high reproducibility of the hormone concentrations examined, which showed similar patterns and values in each of the cycles studied. This high reproducibility suggests that these hormones have an important physiological role and may affect oestrous behaviour.