Segmental aplasia of the uterus associated with hydrometra in a goat.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
F Cabrera
Publications and source records attributed to F Cabrera.
Increasing serum levels of non-DDT-derivative organochlorine pesticides in the younger population of the Canary Islands (Spain).
Organochlorine pesticides are a lipophilic class of chemicals that persist in the environment and tend to accumulate in human tissues for years. They came into widespread use in the late 1940s. Because of their capacity to bioaccumulate and biomagnify in food chains and their toxic effects, most of them were banned in industrialized countries, among them Spain, in the late 1970s and 1980s. In 1998 organochlorine pesticides were determined in a representative sample of a Spanish population (around 690 serum samples from people 6 to 75years old from the Canary Islands). Serum levels of lindane aldrin, dieldrin and endrin, were determined. Our results showed that a high percentage of samples presented detectable levels of some of the organochlorines measured, endrin being the most frequently detected (72%) and at highest concentration (mean 136.7ng/g fat). Mean concentrations of the main cyclodiene evaluated, dieldrin, was lower to those found in other Western populations. However, serum levels of lindane were higher than those described in North European populations. Influence of geographical and sociodemographic factors was evaluated. Urban populations showed the highest levels of dieldrin, while non-urban population showed the highest serum values of lindane, aldrin and endrin. Unexpectedly, serum values of lindane, aldrin and dieldrin were higher in younger than in older people. Subjects under 18years showed almost twice as high serum levels of lindane, aldrin and dieldrin than subjects of 65-75years. These results may well suggest that people living in the Canary Islands have been and are currently exposed to non-DDT-organochlorine pesticides. The type and source of exposure could vary between islands and type of habitat. Contaminated food and/or the environment could be related with this situation.
Adolescent↗
Bioaccumulation of trace elements in a wild grass three years after the Aznalcóllar mine spill (South Spain).
In this paper, we surveyed the concentration of nine trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Tl and Zn) in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) 3 years after the mine spill in Aznalcóllar (south Spain). The results were compared with those that had been obtained for the same species in a previous study, 18 months after the accident. Three types of soil condition were determined: i) unaffected soils (UN, control); ii) cleaned up and amended soils (A, amended); and (iii) non-amended soils, inaccessible to the clean-up and remediation operations (NA, non-amended). The trace element concentrations in the plants were lower than those reported in the first sampling for both washed (plant tissues) and unwashed plants (as consumed by herbivores). Apart from Cd, trace elements concentrations (plant tissues) were similar in the A and the UN soils. In the NA soils, the Cd, Fe, Mn, Zn and Pb levels in unwashed plants were excessive for animal consumption. This wild grass seems to be suitable as a soil stabilizer for spill affected soils and as a biomonitor for soil pollution by some trace elements (As, Cu and Zn); however, its potential for phytoextraction is negligible.
Biodegradation, Environmental↗
Accumulation of As, Cd and selected trace elements in tubers of Scirpus maritimus L. from Doñana marshes (South Spain).
The collapse of a pyrite-mining, tailing dam on 1998 contaminated an area of 4286 ha along the Agrio and Guadiamar river valleys in southern Spain. Over 2700 ha of the Doñana marshes, an important wintering area for wetland European birds, were contaminated. This study reports analyses of the tubers of Scirpus maritimus (an important food for greylag geese, Anser anser) collected in 2000 in the "Entremuros" (spill-affected area) and in nearby unaffected Doñana marshes (control areas). In the spill-affected area mean tuber tissue concentrations of Cd (0.25 mg kg-1) and Zn (61 mg kg-1) were greater than in those tubers from the control area (0.02 mg kg-1 for Cd, and 22 mg kg-1 for Zn); values of Cd and Zn in "Entremuros" (samples collected two years after the mine spill) were much smaller than those reported only a few months after the accident. Trace elements (As, Fe, Mn and Tl, and to a lesser extent Cd and Pb) showed a preferential accumulation in the outer skin of tubers. Surprisingly, concentrations of As and Fe were greater in tubers from some marsh sites not affected by the mine-spill than in tubers from the "Entremuros". We suggest that relic river channels within the Doñana marshes may be contaminated by trace elements from historic mining activities. An exhaustive study of macrophytes and other plant species in this area is recommended to identify potential risks to wildlife.
Animals↗
The effect of removal of seminal plasma, egg yolk level and season on sperm freezability of canary buck (Capra hircus).
Goat semen is different from that of other domestic species in its limited tolerance to the inclusion of egg yolk in the freezing medium, and this tolerance depends on the presence of enzymes in the seminal plasma that react with egg yolk, producing toxic compounds to the spermatozoa. Moreover, the goat is a seasonal breeder that shows variations in semen quality throughout the year, and those variations may affect semen freezability; hence in freezing protocols, for instance, removal of seminal plasma (washing) yields varying results. This work was designed to study this problem in Canary goats: semen from six males was collected in spring, autumn or winter, washed or non-washed, diluted in a freezing extender with 1.5, 6 or 12% egg yolk, frozen, and thawed after 2 days, 2 or 6 months of cryopreservation. The effect of egg yolk concentration in the freezing extender was far more important than the effect of washing or season on sperm cryosurvival. The quality of frozen-thawed semen tended to improve as egg yolk concentration increased regardless of the effects of season, washing or period of cryopreservation. Washing produced a positive effect on frozen-thawed semen collected during spring or autumn, but the difference decreased as the concentration of yolk increased. However, washing produced a negative effect on frozen-thawed semen collected during winter, diluted with either 6 or 12% egg yolk. There was no apparent seasonal effect on gross measures of sperm production but the seasonal effect was ever present and was reinforced by freezing.
Acrosome↗
Trace element and nutrient accumulation in sunflower plants two years after the Aznalcóllar mine spill.
The failure of a tailing pond dam at the Aznalcóllar pyrite mine (SW Spain) in April 1998 released a toxic spill affecting approximately 4300 ha along the Agrio and Guadiamar valleys. Two years later, we have studied yield and concentration of mineral nutrients and trace elements in sunflower plants grown in the spill-affected soil, and in an adjacent unaffected soil as comparison. The study has been carried out in plants at seedling (V4) and mature (R8) stages. Shoot and root biomass of sunflower seedlings was significantly smaller in the affected soil than in the unaffected soil, but there was no significant difference at the mature stage. Oil production was greater in the spill-affected plants. We have not detected any 'fertilising' effect caused by the acid waters of the spill on the main nutrient (N, P and Ca) acquisition, as documented in 1998 for sunflower plants flooded by the spill. Sunflower plants growing in the spill-affected soil reached adequate levels of nutrients. None of the trace elements measured-As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Tl-reached levels either phytotoxic or toxic for humans or animals in seeds and the above-ground part of the spill-affected plants. We evaluate the potential use of sunflower plants for phytoremediation. The potential for phytoextraction is very low; however, it may be used for soil conservation. The production of oil (usable for industrial purposes) may add some value to this crop.
Biodegradation, Environmental↗
Structural changes in the testes and epididymides of bucks 16 weeks after bilateral vasectomy.
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Animals↗
Bioaccumulation of As, Cd, Cu, Fe and Pb in wild grasses affected by the Aznalcóllar mine spill (SW Spain).
The collapse of the tailing dam in the Aznalcóllar pyrite mine (SW Spain) occurred in April 1998 and affected approximately 4300 ha along the Agrio and Guadiamar valleys. An urgent soil cleaning up and remediation programme was started just after the accident. Eighteen months later, mineral nutrients and trace elements concentration in soil and two wild grasses--Cynodon dactylon and Sorghum halepense--have been studied. Three types of conditions are distinguished: (a) unaffected soils (control); (b) cleaned up and remediated soils (remediated); and (c) sludge-covered soils left in a fenced plot (non-remediated). As, Cd, Cu and Pb in grasses reached toxic levels for the food web in the non-remediated plot, while on remediated soils only Cd reached a toxic level in grass tissues. However, Pb and, to a lesser extent As and Fe, reached also toxic levels in unwashed plants (as they would be ingested by animals) in remediated soils. Both native grasses seem tolerant of trace elements pollution and suitable for stabilisation of spill-affected soils.
Environmental Monitoring↗
Semen characteristics and plasma levels of testosterone after bilateral vasectomy in bucks.
The effects of bilateral vasectomy on the seminal characteristics were assessed in six bucks of the Canarian breed. In addition, we tried to establish the effects of vasectomy on the plasmatic concentrations of testosterone and the libido of the bucks. Semen samples were collected once a week from 8 weeks before to 16 weeks after vasectomy; blood samples were collected prior to vasectomy, and then at once and 1 week after vasectomy and every 2 weeks from the week 4 to the end of the experiment. One week after the vasectomy, ejaculated spermatozoa were non-motile and the percentage of live spermatozoa was below 5% in all vasectomized males; in addition, the total number of cells/ejaculate was 3100 x 106 and 30 x 106 spermatozoa in the control and vasectomized males, respectively. Our results suggest that the vasectomized males may be used as oestrus detectors, without risks of accidental fecundating, only 1 week after vasectomy. Before vasectomy, no significant differences were observed in plasma levels of testosterone between the vasectomized and control males (5.4 +/- 1.2 and 3.9 +/- 1.4 ng/ml, respectively); from 4 to 12 weeks after vasectomy, a marked decrease in the testosterone concentration in all males (vasectomized and control bucks) was observed. From 12 weeks after vasectomy until the end of the experiment, four of the vasectomized males and the control males recovered their normal libido. The results suggest that vasectomy did not exert a remarkable effect on the steroidogenic functionality of the testicle.
Animals↗
[Creatine kinase increases after coronary interventions].
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous revascularization has led to an important change in the treatment of patients with symptomatic ischemic heart disease in recent years. There is controversy concerning the incidence and prognostic significance of postprocedural increases in creatine kinase. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of these elevations and the related factors and to observe the prognosis of patients with and without creatin kinase elevations. METHODS: We reviewed 447 patients in whom an angioplasty was done in our department from January 1997 to June 1998, excluding 138 patients with myocardial infarction in the previous four days or unsuccessful angioplasty. Creatine kinase was measured in all patients at 0, 4, 8 and 24 hours after angioplasty. We analyzed the incidence of elevated levels of creatine kinase following coronary surgery and the characteristics of the patients in comparison with a control group made up of patients who, at a similar time had undergone a similar angioplasty procedure including, a similar vessel and type of lesion, and equivalent left ventricular function but without elevated serum levels of creatine kinase. Major adverse coronary events were defined as: cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, new revascularization and unstable angina in which hospitalization was required. RESULTS: Out of 309 patients studied, an elevation in creatine kinase was observed in 24 patients (7.7%). Complications related to the procedure were found in 50% of these elevations, most of which involved side branch occlusion. There were no differences with respect to the demographical or anatomical characteristics of the lesions in the groups studied. During the follow-up of 9.5 months, complications were observed in 37.5% of the group of patients with elevated creatine kinase levels and in 20% of the control group, but this difference did not achieve statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Creatine kinase elevations are produced in 7.7% of the patients after coronary angioplasty. Complications related to the procedure were observed in 50% of the cases, most being side branch occlusion and no complications were seen in the remaining patients. Continuous measurement of creatine kinase after angioplasty shows a low sensitivity for detecting complications during follow-up. New, more sensitive and specific cardiac markers, such as troponin, could define this group of patients.
Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
Co-composting of sugarbeet vinasse: influence of the organic matter nature of the bulking agents used.
Two composts were obtained by co-composting of a concentrated depotassified beet vinasse and two agricultural solid residues with different organic matter nature: grape marc (GM; lignin waste) and cotton gin trash (C; cellulosic waste). Composting was carried out in aerated piles with mechanical turning, in controlled conditions during 4 months. After 71 days of composting, a new addition of vinasse similar to the initial addition was made. Changes in temperature, pH and inorganic nitrogen followed a similar path for both mixtures. However, organic matter fractions showed different behaviour depending on the material co-composted with vinasse. Lower organic matter degradation was observed when GM was used as bulking agent due to its high lignin content. No phytotoxicity was detected in the end products. The chemical and physical properties of both vinasse composts suggest their possible use as fertiliser.
Biodegradation, Environmental↗
Local effect of the corpus luteum on ovarian follicular functional and morphological features in the goat.
Ovaries of unilaterally ovulated goats (n=21) were used to study follicular morphological features (proportion and degree of atresia, oestradiol production in vitro and progesterone production of granulosa cells in culture). Follicles were dissected out and classified as small (1-2 mm), medium (2-4 mm) and large (>4 mm). Morphological and physiological features were compared in each size class between ovaries bearing and not bearing corpora lutea (CLO and NCLO, respectively). Within the same size class, there was no difference in proportion or in degree of atresia, between CLO and NCLO. A significant effect of follicular size on oestradiol production in vitro was detected, but no effect of the corpus luteum was found. Finally, progesterone production of granulosa cells in culture was significantly higher in CLO than in NCLO after 24 h (p < 0.05) and also after 90 h (p < 0.01) of culture. This higher progesterone production by CLO granulosa cells in culture could be explained by local influence of the corpus luteum stimulating the steroidogenic activity but not aromatase activity. Further studies are needed to clarify possible factors and pathways for this local effect of the corpus luteum upon follicular physiology.
Animals↗
Early-session increases in responding during extinction.
After training under a variable-interval 60-s schedule of reinforcement, four rats were exposed to 30-min extinction tests, which occurred either at the start or at the end of the session (each session being 50-min long). Response rate in extinction decreased when the extinction test occurred at the end of the session, but first increased and then decreased when the extinction test occurred at the start of the session. Consistent with other recent results, this finding suggests that some variable, other than reinforcement, contributes to early-session increases in responding.
Journal Article↗
True hermaphroditism in a horned goat with 60XX/60XY chimerism.
Anatomical, behavioral, histological, endocrinological, and cytogenetic characteristics were determined in a horned intersex goat. Histology of the gonads confirmed that the goat was a true hermaphrodite. Cytogenetic analysis showed that it was a chimera (60XX/60XY). Use of laparoscopy allowed determination of characteristics of the internal gonads.
Animals↗
Heavy metal pollution of soils affected by the Guadiamar toxic flood.
Total heavy metal concentrations were determined in soil samples of seven selected areas along the Guadiamar river valley affected by the toxic flood, after removal of the deposited sludge. Mean total concentrations of nine elements (As, Au, Bi, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, Tl and Zn) out of the 23 (As, Au, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, In, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sc, Sn, Th, Tl, U, V, Y and Zn) analysed were higher in sludge-covered soils than in unaffected soils. Mean values of total As, Au, Pb, Sb, Tl and Zn in sludge-affected soils were higher than the upper limits for normal soils world-wide. Mean concentrations of Bi, Cd and Cu were within these ranges, although some individual values exceeded the upper limits. In all sampling areas, severe heavy metal pollution was observed in the superficial layers (0-20 cm) of most of the affected soils, which decreased downward in the soil profile. Generally, in soils with more than 25% of clay, concentration of heavy metals below the 20-cm depth decreased to values close to those of the background level of the Guadiamar valley soils, while in coarser soils, heavy metal pollution penetrated below this depth, being noticeable down to a depth of at least 50-80 cm.
Accidents, Occupational↗
Accumulation of heavy metals in sunflower and sorghum plants affected by the Guadiamar spill.
The collapse of a pyrite-mining, tailing dam on 25 April 1998 contaminated approximately 2000 ha of croplands along the Agrio and Guadiamar river valleys in southern Spain. This paper reports the accumulation of chemical elements in soil and in two crops--sunflower and sorghum--affected by the spill. Total concentrations of As, Bi, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, Sb, Tl and Zn in spill-affected soils were greater than in adjacent, unaffected soils. Leaves of spill-affected crop plants had higher nutrient (K, Ca and Mg for sunflower and N and K for sorghum) concentrations than controls, indicating a 'fertilising' effect caused by the sludge. Seeds of spill-affected sunflower plants did accumulate more As, Cd, Cu and Zn than controls, but values were below toxic levels. Leaves of sorghum plants accumulated more As, Bi, Cd, Mn, Pb, Tl and Zn than controls, but these values were also below toxic levels for livestock consumption. In general, none of the heavy metals studied in both crops reached either phytotoxic or toxic levels for humans or livestock. Nevertheless, a continuous monitoring of heavy metal accumulation in soil and plants must be established in the spill-affected area.
Accidents, Occupational↗
Early pregnancy diagnosis in goats by determination of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein concentrations in plasma samples.
Different RIA systems available for measuring the concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) in dairy goats were compared in order to evaluate their accuracy in early pregnancy diagnosis. Plasma concentrations of PAGs were determined by 3 heterologous RIA systems with a bovine PAG standard and tracer in combination with antisera anti-ovine PAG (RIA 1), anti-caprine PAG55 + 62 (RIA 2), anti-caprine PAG55 + 59 (RIA 3), and by 2 homologous RIA systems that employed caprine PAG55 + 62 and caprine PAG55 + 59 and their specific antisera (RIAs 4 and 5, respectively). In all of the RIAs, the mean concentrations of PAGs were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in pregnant than in nonpregnant goats from Day 21 onwards after breeding. On Day 21, the accuracy rates of early pregnancy diagnoses were 56% (RIA 1), 96% (RIA 2), 99% (RIA 3), 95% (RIA 4) and 90% (RIA 5), whereas on Day 28 these rates were > 99% for RIAs 2, 3, 4 and 5. The RIAs for PAGs depend on proteins from the placenta being present in maternal plasma and require only a single sample of blood, to distinguish pregnant goats from those that fail to return to estrus for other reasons. The homologous and semi-heterologous assays are highly accurate as early as Day 21 of pregnancy.
Animals↗
Detection of HGV in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of maintenance haemodialysis patients.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) and also hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in maintenance haemodialysis patients, and to identify extrahepatic sites as HGV reservoirs. HGV RNA was detected in the serum of 6/61 (10%) patients and in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 2/61 (3%) patients (one of whom was serum negative). These findings suggest that lymphoid cells constitute an extrahepatic HGV reservoir. HCV RNA was detected in 7/61 (11%) patients. Five of these patients (71%) were identified as carrying HCV genotype 1b. Co-infection with HCV and HGV was detected only in one patient. Haemodialysis patients are at risk for HGV infection, by nosocomial routes or via transfusions. HGV itself does not seem to be an important cause of hepatitis since all six HGV RNA positive patients not co-infected by HCV or HBV showed normal ALT values.
Adult↗