Many of melatonin’s actions are mediated through interaction with the G-protein coupled membrane bound melatonin receptors type 1 and type 2 (MT1 and MT2, respectively) or, indirectly with nuclear orphan receptors from the RORα/RZR family. Melatonin also binds to the quinone reductase II enzyme, previously defined the MT3 receptor. Melatonin receptors are widely distributed in the body; herein we summarize their expression and actions in non-neural tissues. Several controversies still exist regarding, for example, whether melatonin binds the RORα/RZR family. Studies of the peripheral distribution of melatonin receptors are important since they are attractive targets for immunomodulation, regulation of endocrine, reproductive and cardiovascular functions, modulation of skin pigmentation, hair growth, cancerogenesis, and aging. Melatonin receptor agonists and antagonists have an exciting future since they could define multiple mechanisms by which melatonin modulates the complexity of such a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes.

Mid-trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), defined as rupture of fetal membranes prior to 28 weeks of gestation, complicates approximately 0.4%-0.7% of all pregnancies. This condition is associated with a very high neonatal mortality rate as well as an increased risk of long-and short-term severe neonatal morbidity. The causes of the mid-trimester PPROM are multifactorial. Altered membrane morphology including marked swelling and disruption of the collagen network which is seen with PPROM can be triggered by bacterial products or/and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have been implicated in the mechanism of PPROM. The propagation of bacteria is an important contributing factor not only in PPROM, but also in adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes after PPROM. Inflammatory mediators likely play a causative role in both disruption of fetal membrane integrity and activation of uterine contraction. The "classic PPROM" with oligo/anhydramnion is associated with a short latency period and worse neonatal outcome compared to similar gestational aged neonates delivered without antecedent PPROM. The "high PPROM" syndrome is defined as a defect of the chorio-amniotic membranes, which is not located over the internal cervical os. It may be associated with either a normal or reduced amount of amniotic fluid. It may explain why sensitive biochemical tests such as the Amniosure (PAMG-1) or IGFBP-1/alpha fetoprotein test can have a positive result without other signs of overt ROM such as fluid leakage with Valsalva. The membrane defect following fetoscopy also fulfils the criteria for "high PPROM" syndrome. In some cases, the rupture of only one membrane -either the chorionic or amniotic membrane, resulting in "pre-PPROM" could precede "classic PPROM" or "high PPROM". The diagnosis of PPROM is classically established by identification of nitrazine positive, fern positive watery leakage from the cervical canal observed during in specula investigation. Other more recent diagnostic tests include the vaginal swab assay for placental alpha macroglobulin-1 test or AFP and IGFBP1. In some rare cases amniocentesis and infusion of indigo carmine has been used to confirm the diagnosis of PPROM. The management of the PPROM requires balancing the potential neonatal benefits from prolongation of the pregnancy with the risk of intraamniotic infection and its consequences for the mother and infant. Close monitoring for signs of chorioamnionitis (e.g. body temperature, CTG, CRP, leucocytes, IL-6, procalcitonine, amniotic fluid examinations) is necessary to minimize the risk of neonatal and maternal complications. In addition to delayed delivery, broad spectrum antibiotics of penicillin or cephalosporin group and/or macrolide and corticosteroids have been show to improve neonatal outcome [reducing risk of chorioamnionitis (average risk ratio (RR) = 0.66), neonatal infections (RR = 0.67) and abnormal ultrasound scan of neonatal brain (RR = 0.67)]. The positive effect of continuo...

Two Gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming coccoid bacteria (strains F8/08-60 T and F8/ 08-61) isolated from clinical specimens obtained from baboons (Papio spp.) that had delivered stillborn offspring were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, both strains, which possessed identical sequences, were assigned to the genus Brucella. This placement was confirmed by extended multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), where both strains possessed identical sequences, and whole-genome sequencing of a representative isolate. All of the above analyses suggested that the two strains represent a novel lineage within the genus Brucella. The strains also possessed a unique profile when subjected to the phenotyping approach classically used to separate species of the genus Brucella, reacting Abbreviations: MLSA, multilocus sequence analysis; MLVA, multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis; RTD, routine test dilution.The GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ accession numbers for the 16S rRNA, omp2a and omp2b gene sequences of strains F8/08-60 T and F8/08-61 are HG932316 and HG932317 (16S rRNA gene), KJ493822 and KJ493823 (omp2a) and KJ510540 and KJ510541 (omp2b), respectively.A supplementary table and a supplementary figure are available with the online Supplementary Material.

We developed a system that allows individual feeding of adult baboons, 8-15 years of age, maintained in an outdoor group social environment. The purpose of the system is to allow careful monitoring and control of individual diet. Baboons were housed in two group cages, 16 females and a single male in one and 12 females and a single male in the other. Baboons exited the group cage once daily and passed along a chute and over a scale into individual cages where they received their individual diets. Food intake was monitored during their 2-hour stay in the individual cages. Baboons rapidly learned to use this system. Food intake and weight were stable within 20 days. Food consumed decreased during the period of sexual receptivity. The maintenance of the group social environment allowed observations on the group's dominance structure and the relationship of dominance to food consumption. Speed of food access in the group cage was related to dominance. Dominance was not related to food consumed in individual cages. The system permits study of many variables related to behavior and food intake while still retaining critical social interactions.