7 2 ir5* at 273 nm (/ = 0.29), and m -5* at 232 nm (/ = 0). These Xmax values are in good agreement with the observed spectrum of hexaphenylpentalene1 23456 (Xx 720 nm (log e 1.95), X2 380 nm (log e 3.99), and X3 310 nm (log e 4.52)) if one assumes that the presence of the phenyl groups shifts each peak to lower energy ( 14) There is some uncertainty as to whether the 285-nm band is due to methylpentalene or to its dimer.'

With 7 figures in the text)The metabolism and pattern of excretion of urinary steroids during oestrus and pregnancy in the Giant panda is described. Three female pandas from the London, Washington and Madrid Zoos were studied over different periods between March 1980 and September 1982. High pressure liquid chromatography and sequential enzyme hydrolysis indicated that oestrone glucuronide was the most abundant urinary oestrogen metabolite during oestrus. Levels of conjugated oestrone in late pregnancy, however, were low and similar to those of conjugated oestradiol-170.There was a rapid increase in the excretion of conjugated oestrone to reach maximum levels during late pro-oestrus; oestrus occurred when levels of conjugated oestrone were declining. The measurement of oestrone-3-glucuronide by direct, non-extraction assay provides a rapid and reliable method for detecting oestrus and ovulation in the Giant panda.Artificial insemination of the London and Madrid pandas was performed in 1981 and 1982, respectively. The Madrid panda gave birth to twin cubs after a gestation period of I59 days. Levels of urinary oestrone conjugate remained low throughout pregnancy. There was no increase in the excretion of pregnanediol-3a-glucuronide (assumed to be an urinary metabolite of progesterone) until approximately day I20 when a rapid. five-fold increase in levels occurred. The levels of pregnanediol-3a-glucuronide remained elevated for approximately three weeks after which there was a gradual decline beginning two-and-ahalf weeks before parturition. Measurement of pregnanediol-3a-glucuronide enables the detection of pregnancy after three to four months and should also be useful in predicting parturition. A delay of implantation during pregnancy in the Giant panda is suggested.There was no consistent elevation in pregnanediol-3a-glucuronide excretion in the five months after artificial insemination of the London panda, despite a marked increase in circulating progesterone of ovarian origin. Pregnancy could not be confirmed from external exam,ination of the uterus at laparotomy; histological examination of biopsy material revealed advanced endometrial h yperplasia.

Alaska Native women historically have high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and invasive cervical cancer. Their prevalence of cervical infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) in relation to cervical dysplasia was determined with a commercial dot hybridization test for seven HPV genotypes. Type-specific HPV DNA, similarly distributed between genotype groups 16/18 and 31/33/35, was detected in 234 cervical specimens (21%) from 1126 Alaska Native women seeking routine care and colposcopy or from population-based lists. The prevalence of HPV DNA declined with age and increased with sexual activity and cigarette smoking. It was unrelated to use of oral contraceptives or condoms or to STDs. Relative risks associating HPV with increasing severe grades of cervical dysplasia increased markedly with HPV infection, up to 7.1 for high-risk genotypes 16/18 and 14.4 for coinfection with 31/33/35. These genotypes were detected in 8% of women without dysplasia seeking routine care. Screening for strain-specific HPV DNA may identify women at highest risk for cervical neoplasia.

No abstract

Full blood counts and fibrinogen estimations were carried out on 36 clinically normal adult Rosy flamingos (21 males, 15 females) and six juveniles (sex uncertain). No significant sex differences were found but the haemoglobin levels, red cell counts, packed cell volumes and mean cell haemoglobin concentrations were lower and the white cell counts higher in juveniles than in adults. Reference values obtained from the normal birds were used as a basis for assessing the results of blood counts on nine birds showing a variety of abnormal clinical conditions. Heterophilia occurred in individuals with infections, chronic renal lesions, haemorrhage and suspected thrombosis. In one case, morphologically abnormal heterophils were present. A bird with carcinoma and peritonitis showed heteropenia. Several birds had hypochromic, microcytic red cells and severe hypochromic microcytic anaemia was found in a bird with an organising abdominal haematoma associated with chronic renal pathology. Several of the cases also had thrombocytosis and raised fibrinogen levels.