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Contents Carnivora is one of the most species-rich order of Mammalia. Some species, e.g. domestic cats, dogs and ferrets, are among the most popular pets; others, such as minks and farmed foxes, have economic value for the fur breeding industry. Still others, such as tigers, bears and other top predators, have great impact on the health of natural ecosystems. Most if not all Carnivora species have great cultural and aesthetic importance for man. There are enormous differences between mammalian species in reproductive physiology, and it is not surprising that reproductive technologies can be used with high efficiency with some animal groups, e.g. most farm animals and laboratory rodents, but are very laborious when used with Carnivora species, which often possess unique reproductive traits. The efficiency of assisted reproductive technology (ART) applied to semi-domestic, non-domestic and especially to endangered species of Carnivora remains extremely low in most cases, and often the first positive result reported is the only instance when ART has been successful with that species. Although there are approximately 270 species in the Carnivora order, to the best of our knowledge, successful published attempts to apply ART have been reported for only four families: Mustelidae, Felidae, Canidae and Ursidae. The main achievements in ART, embryo technology in particular, for these families of Carnivora, together with challenges and problems, are reviewed in the relevant sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

126 hasal ccli carcinomas from 7 patients with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome were examined histologically and - using a scoring system - compared with 54 solitary basal cell carcinomas. The solid subtype formed 78.9% of all tumors in the head and neck region and 48.9% of those located elsewhere. A broader spectrum of histological subtypes was noticed in tumors from patients with the syndrome. As multiple, keratinizing odontogenic and epidermal cysts are often seen in the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome it was interesting to see that multiple keratinizing cysts within skin tumors were recorded more often in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicular growth and hormone determinations were used to predict ovulation in the mare. Thirty Finnhorse mares were used for the investigation and 38 oestrous cycles were studied. The mares were examined by rectal palpation and ultrasonography every 6 hours during late oestrus. Daily blood samples were obtained for progesterone and oestrone sulphate determination. The preovulatory follicle grew 3 mm a day up to 2 days before ovulation. The size then remained constant, before diminishing by 2-3 mm during the last 12 hours. The maximal diameter of the follicle was 43 ± 4 mm. In 89 % of the follicles the round shape became more irregular before ovulation. During the last 24 hours before ovulation 37 of 38 follicles were regarded as mature on rectal palpation. The oestrone sulphate level was highest 24-48 hours before ovulation, the first decrease being observed most commonly around ovulation (± 1 day). The size of the follicle was the most reliable criterion in the prediction of ovulation. Zusammenfassung Vorhersage der Ovulation bei der Stute aufgrund des Follikelwachstums, der östronsulfat- sowie der Progesteronkonzentration des Serums Zur Vorhersage der Ovulation wurden bei der Stute das Follikelwachstum sowie Hormonbestimmungen herangezogen. Für die Untersuchungen wurden 30 Stuten verwendet. Insgesamt wurden 38 Brunstzyklen untersucht. Die Stuten wurden während der späten Phase des östrus alle 6 Stunden mittels rektaler Palpation und Ultraschall untersucht. Für die Progesteron- und östronsulfatbestim-mungen wurde täglich Blutproben entnommen. Der präovulatorische Follikel wuchs bis 2 Tage vor der Ovulation 3 mm pro Tag. Die Größe blieb dann konstant, bevor sich der Follikel in den letzten 12 Stunden um 2-3 mm verkleinerte. Der maximale Follikeldurchmesser betrug 43 ± 4 mm. Bei 89% der Follikel wurde die runde Form vor der Ovulation unregelmäßig. Bei rektaler Palpation wurden während der letzten 24 Stunden vor der Ovulation 37 von 38 Follikeln als reif beurteilt. Der östronsulfatspiegel war 24-48 Stunden vor der Ovulation am höchsten; die erste Abnahme wurde gewöhnlich um die Ovulation herum (± 1 Tag) beobachtet. Die Follikelgröße war für die Vorhersage der Ovulation das verläßlichste Kriterium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]