Apgar score after induction of anesthesia for canine cesarean section with alfaxalone versus propofol

The effects of alfaxalone and propofol on neonatal vitality were studied in 22 bitches and 81 puppies after their use as anesthetic induction agents for emergency cesarean section. After assessment that surgery was indicated, bitches were randomly allocated to receive alfaxalone 1 to 2 mg/kg body weight or propofol 2 to 6 mg/kg body weight for anesthetic induction. Both drugs were administered intravenously to effect to allow endotracheal intubation, and anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Neonatal vitality was assessed using a modified Apgar score that took into account heart rate, respiratory effort, reflex irritability, motility, and mucous membrane color (maximum score = 10); scores were assigned at 5, 15, and 60 minutes after delivery. Neither the number of puppies delivered nor the proportion of surviving puppies up to 3 months after delivery differed between groups. Anesthetic induction drug and time of scoring were associated with the Apgar score, but delivery time was not. Apgar scores in the alfaxalone group were greater than those in the propofol group at 5, 15, and 60 minutes after delivery; the overall estimated score difference between the groups was 3.3 (confidence interval 95%: 1.6–4.9; P < 0.001). In conclusion, both alfaxalone and propofol can be safely used for induction of anesthesia in bitches undergoing emergency cesarean section. Although puppy survival was similar after the use of these drugs, alfaxalone was associated with better neonatal vitality during the first 60 minutes after delivery.     

Cereal type in diet and housing system influences on growth performance and carcass yield in two Japanese quail genotypes

We assessed the effects of cereal type (corn-based, CB or rice-based, RB) and housing system (floor, F, or cage, C) on the performance of two Japanese quail genotypes (non-selected, JAP, and a Jumbo variety, JUM) in two, 2 × 2 factorially designed, experiments. In Exp. 1, during the 15-d experimental period, there were 4 experimental groups: JAP quail fed the CB diet, JAP-CB; JAP quail fed the RB diet, JAP-RB; JUM quail fed the CB diet, JUM-CB; JUM quail fed the RB diet, JUM-RB. Quail in each of the 4 groups (42 quail/group) were housed in 7 pens, each with 6 birds. In Exp. 2, there were also 4 experimental groups (42 quail/group, 7 pens, each with 6 birds) examined during a 19-d experimental period under two different rearing systems: JAP-F, JUM-F, JAP-CF and JUM-C. Genotype did not affect dry matter feed intake (DMI) in Exp. 1, but both JAP and JUM quail consumed more (P<0.001) of the CB than RB diets. Average daily gain (ADG) was similarly higher (P<0.001) in JAP-CB and JUM-CB quail compared to the other 2 treatment groups. Feed conversion (FC) differed (P<0.001) as follows (best to worst): JUM-CB > JAP-CB = JAP-RB = JUM-RB. Final BW was similarly higher (P<0.001) in the JUM-CB, and JAP-CB groups compared to the JAP-RB and JUM-RB, groups and carcass yield (CY, P<0.001) differed as follows: JUM-RB = JUM-CB = JAP-RB > JAP-CB. In Exp. 2, DMI was similarly higher (P<0.05) in the JAP-C, JUM-F, and JUM-C groups compared to JAP-F quail and ADG was notably higher (P=0.07) in JUM-F quail than the other 3 groups. Regardless of housing system, FC was better (P=0.04) in JUM quail. Although final BW was higher (P<0.05) in F- than C-housed quail, CY was greater (P<0.01) in caged birds. Final BW and CY were unaffected by quail genome and its interaction with housing system. With a few exceptions, better performance was generally observed in quail fed diets containing corn regardless of genotype (Exp. 1), while C-reared JUM quail generally outperformed the other genotype × housing system groups (Exp. 2).     

Embryo loss in cattle between Days 7 and 16 of pregnancy

Embryo loss between embryonic Days 7 and 16 (Day 0 = day of IVF) in nonlactating cattle, Bos taurus, was analyzed using transfer of 2449 (in groups of 3 to 30) in vitro-produced (IVP) blastocysts. In 152 transfers, pregnancy losses attributable solely to recipient failings amounted to between 6% (beef heifers) and 16% (parous dairy cows), of which 3% were caused by uterine infections. Neither season, year, nor the age of the embryos on retrieval affected pregnancy rates. The latter observation indicated that the reason that a recipient failed to retain embryos was already present at the time of transfer. Notably, the proportion of embryos recovered decreased (P = 0.03) as more embryos were transferred, particularly at later stages (Day 14, P < 0.01). The average length of embryos decreased by approximately 5% for every additional embryo transferred (P < 0.0001). These effects may be linked to embryonic migration. Embryo mortality inherent to the embryo during the second week of pregnancy was 24%. Additionally, 9% of Day 14 embryos were of inferior quality, as they did not contain an epiblast. Combining embryo and recipient causes but excluding infection effects, embryonic loss of IVP embryos during the second week of pregnancy amounted to 26% (heifers) or 34% (parous dairy cows). The length of embryos doubled every day between Days 9 and 16, with a 4.4-fold range in sizes representing two thirds of the variation in length. Embryos retrieved from heifers were twice the size of those incubated in parous cows (P < 0.0001), indicating faster embryonic development/trophoblast proliferation in heifers. Whereas season did not affect embryo recoveries, length was lower (50%) in winter (winter-autumn, P < 0.05; winter-spring, P < 0.001). Lastly, transuterine migration in cattle, when transferring multiple embryos, commenced at Day 14 (4%) and had occurred in all recipients by Day 16 (38% of embryos found contralaterally).     

Intravenous Remifentanil versus Epidural Ropivacaine with Sufentanil for Labour Analgesia: A Retrospective Study

Remifentanil with appropriate pharmacological properties seems to be an ideal alternative to epidural analgesia during labour. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of remifentanil intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA) compared with epidural analgesia. Medical records of 370 primiparas who received remifentanil IVPCA or epidural analgesia were reviewed. Pain and sedation scores, overall satisfaction, the extent of pain control, maternal side effects and neonatal outcome as primary observational indicators were collected. There was a significant decline of pain scores in both groups. Pain reduction was greater in the epidural group throughout the whole study period (0∼180 min) (P<0.0001), and pain scores in the remifentanil group showed an increasing trend one hour later. The remifentanil group had a lower SpO₂ (P<0.0001) and a higher sedation score (P<0.0001) within 30 min after treatment. The epidural group had a higher overall satisfaction score (3.8±0.4 vs. 3.7±0.6, P = 0.007) and pain relief score (2.9±0.3 vs. 2.8±0.4, P<0.0001) compared with the remifentanil group. There was no significant difference on side effects between the two groups, except that a higher rate of dizziness (1% vs. 21.8%, P<0.0001) was observed during remifentanil analgesia. And logistic regression analysis demonstrated that nausea, vomiting were associated with oxytocin usage and instrumental delivery, and dizziness was associated to the type and duration of analgesia. Neonatal outcomes such as Apgar scores and umbilical-cord blood gas analysis were within the normal range, but umbilical pH and base excess of neonatus in the remifentanil group were significantly lower. Remifentanil IVPCA provides poorer efficacy on labor analgesia than epidural analgesia, with more sedation on parturients and a trend of newborn acidosis. Despite these adverse effects, remifentanil IVPCA can still be an alternative option for labor analgesia under the condition of one-to-one bedside care, continuous monitoring, oxygen supply and preparation for neonatal resuscitation.     

Effects of supplemental levels of hesperetin and naringenin on egg quality, serum traits and antioxidant activity of laying hens

Hesperetin and naringenin phytochemicals are naturally occurring flavanoids in citrus fruits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing different levels of extracted hesperetin and naringenin on egg quality, serum traits and antioxidant activity in laying hens. Two experiments were conducted, each for 10 weeks, in a completely randomized experiment design. Each had 100 Leghorn laying hens (26 weeks old) randomly assigned into five groups (n = 20) based on dietary categories of hesperetin 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 g/kg and naringenin 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 g/kg. Experimental results indicated that there was increased (P<0.05) egg production in the 1 g/kg naringenin-supplemented group, but lower (P<0.05) egg production in the hesperetin- and naringenin-supplemented groups given 4 g/kg. Cholesterol content (per gram yolk) and total cholesterol content (per egg) were lower (P<0.05) in the hesperetin- and naringenin-supplemented groups as compared to the control group, and the 2 g/kg hesperetin- and naringenin-supplemented groups showed the most significant difference. Both serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were lower (P<0.05) in the 2 g/kg hesperetin- and naringenin-supplemented groups. The SOD and catalase activities, scavenging O₂⁻ and iron-chelating abilities were higher (P<0.05) in the 2 g/kg hesperetin- and naringenin-supplemented groups, and the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity was higher (P<0.05) in the 2 g/kg naringenin-supplemented group. The results confirmed that both hesperetin and naringenin could lower serum and egg yolk cholesterol levels, and improve the antioxidant activities, however the measured variables generally showed significant quadratic responses to increasing amounts of the compounds. The recommended supplementation level of hesperetin and naringenin is 2 g/kg of the basal diet for reduced serum and yolk cholesterols contents and increased antioxidant capacity.     

Effects of intravenous cariporide on release of norepinephrine and myoglobin during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rabbits

Aims

To examine the effects of cariporide, a Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger-1 inhibitor, on cardiac norepinephrine (NE) and myoglobin release during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion by applying a microdialysis technique to the rabbit heart.

Main methods

In anesthetized rabbits, two dialysis probes were implanted into the left ventricular myocardium and were perfused with Ringer's solution. Cariporide (0.3 mg/kg) was injected intravenously, followed by occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. During 30-min coronary occlusion followed by 30-min reperfusion, four consecutive 15-min dialysate samples (two during ischemia and two during reperfusion) were collected in vehicle and cariporide-treated groups. Dialysate myoglobin and NE concentrations were measured by immunochemistry and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively.

Key findings

Dialysate myoglobin and NE concentrations increased significantly during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in both vehicle and cariporide-treated groups (P < 0.01 vs. baseline). In cariporide-treated group, dialysate myoglobin concentrations were significantly lower than those in vehicle group throughout ischemia/reperfusion (P < 0.01 at 0–15 min of ischemia, P < 0.05 at 15–30 min of ischemia, P < 0.01 at 0–15 min of reperfusion, and P < 0.01 at 15–30 min of reperfusion). However, dialysate NE concentrations in cariporide-treated group were lower than those in vehicle group only during ischemia (P < 0.01 at 0–15 min of ischemia, and P < 0.05 at 15–30 min of ischemia).

Significance

When administered before ischemia, cariporide reduces myoglobin release during ischemia/reperfusion and decreases NE release during ischemia.     

Evaluation of models to induce low progesterone during the early luteal phase in cattle

Two experiments were designed to evaluate models for generation of low circulating progesterone concentrations during early pregnancy in cattle. In Experiment 1, 17 crossbred heifers (Bos taurus) were assigned to either prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α) administration on Days 3, 3.5, and 4 (PG3; n = 9) or to control (n = 8). Blood samples were collected from heifers from Days 1 to 9 for progesterone assay. Progesterone concentrations were decreased (P < 0.03) between 18 and 48 h after first PGF_2α treatment in heifers assigned to PG3 compared with that of controls. In Experiment 2, 39 crossbred heifers detected in estrus were inseminated (Day 0) and assigned to either (1) PGF_2α administration on Days 3, 3.5, and 4 (PG3; n = 10), (2) PGF_2α administration on Days 3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5 (PG4; n = 10), (3) Progesterone Releasing Intravaginal Device (PRID) insertion on Day 4.5 with PGF_2α administration on Days 5 and 6 (PRID + PGF_2α; n = 10), or (4) control (n = 9). Blood samples were collected daily until Day 15, and conceptus survival rate was determined at slaughter on Day 16. Progesterone concentrations during the sampling period in the PG3 and PG4 groups did not differ but were less than that of controls (P < 0.01). After an initial peak, progesterone concentrations in the PRID + PGF_2α group were similar to that of controls. More heifers in the PG4 group (6 of 10) had complete luteal regression than did those in the PG3 group (3 of 10). Conceptus survival rate on Day 16 did not differ between groups. There was a significant correlation between progesterone concentration on Days 5 and 6 and conceptus size on Day 16. In summary, treatment with PGF_2α on Days 3, 3.5, and 4 postestrus appeared to provide the best model to induce reduced circulating progesterone concentrations during the early luteal phase in cattle.     

Is Doublesynch protocol a new alternative for timed artificial insemination in anestrous dairy cows

This is the very first report that suggests high pregnancy rates can be obtained with use of the Doublesynch protocol in anestrous dairy cows. Recently, a new synchronization method has been developed (Doublesynch) that resulted in synchronized ovulations both after the first and second gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) treatments. It was suggested that this protocol has the potential to increase the pregnancy rates in primiparous dairy cows. The aim of the current study was to confirm the success of the Doublesynch protocol and further to investigate the effect of this method on pregnancy rates in anestrous cows. Lactating primiparous Holstein (Bos taurus) cows (n = 165) between 60 and 172 d postpartum were monitored twice with 10-d intervals (on Days -10 and 0) by ultrasonography, and blood samples were collected. Cows were classified as anestrous if both blood samples had progesterone (P4) concentration <1 ng/mL and as cyclic if at least one of the two samples had P4 concentration ≥1 ng/mL. Cyclic cows were classified again as cyclic-high P4 (having an active corpus luteum) if the second blood samples had P4 concentrations ≥1 ng/mL and as cyclic-low P4 if P4 concentrations were <1 ng/mL on Day 0. Then, the cows classified as anestrous (n = 51), cyclic-high P4 (n = 63), or cyclic-low P4 (n = 51) were put into two treatment groups (Ovsynch or Doublesynch) randomly to establish six groups. Cows in the Ovsynch group were administered a GnRH (lecirelin 50 μg, im) on Day 0, PGF (Prostaglandin F2 alpha, D-cloprostenol 0.150 mg, im) on Day 7, and a second dose of GnRH 48 h later. Cows in the Doublesynch group were administered a PGF on Day 0, GnRH on Day 2, a second PGF on Day 9, and a second GnRH on Day 11. Timed artificial insemination (TAI) was performed 16 to 20 h after the second GnRH in both treatment groups. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted (by ultrasonography) 45 ± 5 d after TAI. In anestrous cows and those with high and low progesterone concentration at treatment onset, Doublesynch treatment led to markedly increased pregnancy rates with respect to Ovsynch treatment (P < 0.05). On the overall analysis of data, it was revealed that the Doublesynch method increased pregnancy rates by 43 percentage units (29.8% vs. 72.8%, P < 0.0001) in relation to Ovsynch. Pregnancy rates of cows having small, medium, or large follicles at the day of second GnRH administration were similar in the Doublesynch group (70.4%, 85.2%, and 63.0%, respectively; P > 0.05), whereas pregnancy rates reduced dramatically as follicle size increased in the Ovsynch group, particularly in cows with follicles greater than 16 mm (45.5%, 28.1%, and 5.3%, respectively; P < 0.05). Our results confirm and support observations that the Doublesynch protocol increases the pregnancy rates in postpartum primiparous cows as reported previously. Our data also demonstrate that the Doublesynch method increases the pregnancy rates in anestrous cows. Thus, these data suggest that the Doublesynch protocol can be used to obtain satisfactory pregnancy rates after TAI in both anestrous and cycling primiparous dairy cows regardless of stage of estrous cycle.     

Birth of Beagle dogs by somatic cell nuclear transfer

The present study was undertaken to evaluate two enucleation methods for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), and to standardize the optimum number of embryos for transfer to each recipient for canines. Oocytes retrieved from outbreed dogs were reconstructed with adult somatic cells from a male Beagle dog. A total of 134 or 267 oocytes were enucleated either by aspiration or squeezing method, fused with two DC pulses of 1.75 kV/cm for 15 μs electrical stimulation, chemically activated after 1 h of fusion using 10 μM calcium ionophore for 4 min and cultured 4 h in 1.9 mM 6-dimethylaminopurine. Finally, 103 or 214 embryos for aspiration or squeezing method were transferred to 6 or 11 naturally synchronized recipients, respectively. A total of 53, 317 and 342 embryos were transferred to 7, 17 and 12 recipients for the group of 4–10, 11–25 and 26–40 embryos, respectively. There was no difference between fusion rate (76.87% vs. 80.15%), full term pregnancy rate (16.66% vs. 27.27%) and percent of live puppies born (0.97% vs. 1.87%) for aspiration and squeezing method (P > 0.05). Production efficiency of cloned dogs was significantly affected by the number of embryos transferred to each recipient. No pregnancy was established for the group of 4–10 embryos (n = 7) and 26–40 embryos (n = 12) while pregnancy was detected in 23.53% recipients received a group of 11–25 embryos (n = 17). Among them, five (1.76%) live puppies were born (P < 0.05). These data show an increase in the overall efficiency of SCNT in canine species.     

Follicle suppression of circulating follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone before versus after emergence of the ovulatory wave in mares

The effect of the ovarian follicles on plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) before versus after the expected emergence of the ovulatory follicular wave was studied on Days 0 to 18 (Day 0 = ovulation) in four groups of mares (n = 6/group). In addition to a control group, all follicles ≥6 mm in diameter were ablated on Days 0.5, 6.5, or 12.5 in a herd of mares with reported emergence at 6 mm of the future ovulatory follicle on mean Day 10.5. Concentrations of FSH were not different between the Day-0.5 or Day-6.5 ablation groups and the corresponding controls. However, ablation on Day 12.5 resulted in an immediate FSH increase (group-by-day interaction, P < 0.003). For LH, ablation on Day 0.5 resulted in an interaction (P < 0.02), partially from lower (P < 0.05) concentrations on each of Days 15.5 to 18.0 than that in the controls, whereas ablation on Days 6.5 or 12.5 did not result in a significant group effect or interaction. Testosterone concentration, but not progesterone or estradiol concentration, was lower (P < 0.04) on Day 2 in the Day-0.5 ablation group than that in the controls. We inferred that follicles did not contain adequate FSH suppressors on Days 0.5 and 6.5 and that they were present only in the Day-12.5 ablation group or after the expected emergence of the ovulatory wave. The hypothesis of an association between low postovulatory concentrations of an ovarian steroid and low concentrations of LH after Day 15 was supported.     

Association between evaluation of the reproductive tract by various diagnostic tests and restoration of ovarian cyclicity in high-producing dairy cows

The uterine condition of clinically normal postpartum Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (n = 45) was evaluated once weekly (Weeks 3 to 7) by endometrial cytology, vaginal mucus collection device (VMCD), vaginoscopy, and ultrasonography to establish a relationship with postpartum resumption of ovulatory cycles. The time of first detection of the corpus luteum (CL) by ultrasonography and plasma progesterone concentration ≥1 ng/mL was recorded. By 49 d postpartum, 78% of the cows (n = 35) had resumed ovarian function (CL group), whereas the remainder (n = 10) had no CL (NCL group). There was a positive correlation between VMCD score and presence of fluid in the uterus in cows with a CL (P < 0.01) during Week 3 postpartum but no significant correlation in cows without a CL. Percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN%) was higher in the NCL group (mean ± SEM, 24.6 ± 9.4%) than in the CL group (11.7 ± 2.2%) during Week 5 postpartum (P < 0.05). The PMN% (4.5 ± 6.5%) and VMCD (0.5 ± 0.5) scores during Week 5 in cows ovulating by Day 28 were lower (P < 0.01) than the PMN% (15.0 ± 14.3%) and VMCD (1.1 ± 0.9) scores in those ovulating by Day 49. In conclusion, higher PMN% at 5 wk postpartum was associated with delayed resumption of ovarian cyclicity in high-producing dairy cows.     

Physiologic and nonphysiologic effects of exogenous prostaglandin F2α on reproductive hormones in mares

Responses to intravenous treatment of mares with prostaglandin F2α (PGF) 8 d after ovulation were studied in three groups (n = 4/group): control (no treatment), bolus (single treatment with 2.5 mg PGF), and infusion (0.1 mg PGF during 2 h). Infusion resulted in a 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α (PGFM) concentration (559 ± 44 pg/mL) that was not different from the mean concentration for the major portion of a natural PGFM pulse associated with luteolysis (569 ± 45 pg/mL; n = 5). Progesterone in the bolus group increased (P < 0.03) between 0 (17.8 ± 3.5 ng/mL) and 2 min (25.3 ± 4.8 ng/mL), peaked at 10 min (28.5 ± 4.6 ng/mL), and then decreased. In the infusion group, progesterone decreased (P < 0.05) during 1 min (17.2 ± 1.3 ng/mL) to 15 min (13.5 ± 1.5 ng/mL) after the beginning of infusion and decreased (P < 0.05) similarly to the bolus group during 2 to 12 h; concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) at each hour than in controls. Interval between ovulations was shorter (P < 0.05) in the bolus (19.3 ± 2.0 d) and infusion (18.8 ± 2.1 d) groups than in controls (24.3 ± 1.3 d). Concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and cortisol increased (P < 0.05) within 10 min in the bolus group but did not change in the infusion group. Results supported the hypothesis that increases in progesterone, FSH, LH, and cortisol after a bolus luteolytic PGF treatment are nonphysiologic. Past conclusions on the nature of the luteolytic mechanism are problematic if based on responses to treatment with a single luteolytic bolus of PGF.     

Microencapsulation of canine sperm and its preservation at 4 °C

The objective of this study was to develop a preservation method for canine sperm using microencapsulation. Pooled ejaculates from three beagles (Canis familiaris) were extended in egg yolk Tris extender and were encapsulated in gel (alginate only) or polycation (poly-l-lysine membrane bound) microcapsules at 0.75% and 1.0% alginate concentration. In Experiment 1, characteristics of microcapsule and microencapsulated sperm were evaluated during chilling storage for 48 h. Gel microcapsules at 0.75% alginate concentration had a teardrop-like structure with fragility, whereas those at 1.0% alginate had a solid spherical structure. In all groups, diameter of the microcapsules increased with duration of storage (P < 0.05). Alginate concentration did not affect the sperm recovery rate from microcapsules. Total average recovery rate of sperm from polycation microcapsules was lower than that of gel microcapsules (P < 0.05). Progressive motility of polycation microencapsulated sperm and unencapsulated sperm (control) was higher than that of the gel microencapsulated sperm, both at 0.75% and 1.0% alginate concentration (P < 0.05), although viability of sperm was similar among the three groups. In Experiment 2, to evaluate the sperm longevity after chilling storage, sperm were microencapsulated in polycation microcapsules at 1.0% alginate concentration, stored at 4 °C for 0, 1, 4, and 7 d, and then cultured at 38.5 °C for 0, 6, and 24 h. Progressive motility and viability of microencapsulated sperm were higher than those of unencapsulated spermatozoa at 0 to 24 h of culture after 4 and 7 d of chilling storage (P < 0.05). In conclusion, polycation microencapsulation at 1.0% alginate concentration can be successfully applied for chilling storage of canine sperm by maintaining motility and viability for up to 7 d.     

Short-term feed restriction decreases the systemic and intrafollicular concentrations of leptin and increases the vascularity of the preovulatory follicle in mares

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of short-term feed restriction on characteristics of the preovulatory follicle and on concentrations of systemic hormones (leptin, follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH]) and follicular fluid hormones and growth factors (leptin, estradiol, inhibin-A, activin-A, free insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF1], insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 [IGFBP2], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]). Mares were submitted to a short-term (48 h) feed restriction when the expected ovulatory follicle was ≥27 mm (Hour 0) or served as controls (n = 8/group). No effect of short-term feed restriction was detected for systemic concentrations of FSH and LH and for intrafollicular concentrations of estradiol, activin-A, free IGF1, and IGFBP2. Restricted mares had decreased systemic concentrations of leptin at Hour 24 (approached significance) and at Hours 36 and 48 (P < 0.04). Follicular fluid of restricted mares at Hour 48 had lower (P < 0.02) concentration of leptin and a tendency (P < 0.1) for greater concentrations of inhibin-A and VEGF. The percentage of wall of the preovulatory follicle with color-Doppler signals of blood flow at Hour 48 was greater (P < 0.04) in the restricted group. Intrafollicular concentration of leptin (combined groups) was positively correlated with score for body condition (r = +0.60; P < 0.002) and negatively correlated with the percentage of the follicle wall with blood-flow signals (r = −0.60; P < 0.02). Our favored interpretation is that the preovulatory follicle seems to compensate for a nutritional deficiency by increasing the blood flow in the follicle wall.     

Analgesic effect of breast feeding in term neonates: randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesTo investigate whether breast feeding is effective for pain relief during venepuncture in term neonates and compare any effect with that of oral glucose combined with a pacifier.DesignRandomised controlled trial.Participants180 term newborn infants undergoing venepuncture; 45 in each group.InterventionsDuring venepuncture infants were either breast fed (group 1), held in their mother''s arms without breast feeding (group 2), given 1 ml of sterile water as placebo (group 3), or given 1 ml of 30% glucose followed by pacifier (group 4). Video recordings of the procedure were assessed by two observers blinded to the purpose of the study.ResultsMedian pain scores (interquartile range) for breast feeding, held in mother''s arms, placebo, and 30% glucose plus pacifier groups were 1 (0-3), 10 (8.5-10), 10 (7.5-10), and 3 (0-5) with the Douleur Aiguë Nouveau-né scale and 4.5 (2.25-8), 13 (10.5-15), 12 (9-13), and 4 (1-6) with the premature infant pain profile scale. Analysis of variance showed significantly different median pain scores (P<0.0001) among the groups. There were significant reductions in both scores for the breast feeding and glucose plus pacifier groups compared with the other two groups (P<0.0001, two tailed Mann-Whitney U tests between groups). The difference in Douleur Aiguë Nouveau-né scores between breast feeding and glucose plus pacifier groups was not significant (P=0.16).ConclusionsBreast feeding effectively reduces response to pain during minor invasive procedure in term neonates.

What is already known on this topic

Current pharmacological treatments are not appropriate for pain relief during minor procedures like venepuncture or heel prick in newborn infantsOral sweet solutions, non-nutritive sucking, and skin to skin contact reduce procedural pain in newborn infants

What this study adds

Breast feeding during a painful procedure effectively reduces the response to pain in newborn infantsThe analgesic properties of breast feeding are at least as potent as the combination of sweet solutions and a pacifier     

Quality and fertilizing ability of electroejaculated cat spermatozoa frozen with or without Equex STM Paste

An optimal protocol for cat semen cryopreservation has not yet been defined. Addition of Equex STM Paste has been tested for epididymal cat spermatozoa but not for ejaculated cat spermatozoa. Furthermore, the effect of Equex STM Paste on fertilizing ability of cryopreserved semen has never been evaluated in that species. Therefore, the aims of the current study were to investigate if addition of Equex STM Paste to a freezing extender for electroejaculated cat (Felis catus) semen would improve postthaw sperm quality and if sperm fertilizing ability after cryopreservation with or without Equex STM Paste was preserved. Semen was collected by electroejaculation and frozen in a Tris-glucose-citrate egg yolk extender supplemented with (0.5% vol/vol) or without Equex STM Paste. In Experiment 1, sperm motility, membrane integrity, and acrosomal status were determined immediately after collection and at 0, 3, and 6 h postthaw. In Experiment 2, frozen semen from the two groups was used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) of in vitro-matured cat oocytes. Cleavage rate was recorded 30 h after IVF, and embryo development was evaluated on Days 6 and 7 of culture. In Experiment 1, the rate of motile spermatozoa after freezing-thawing was higher when Equex STM Paste was added to the freezing extender, but progressive motility score was not influenced (P > 0.05). Sperm membrane integrity was positively affected (P < 0.05) by the addition of the detergent. Intact acrosomes after thawing were similar (P > 0.05) between groups. Even if the decreasing rates of motility and membrane integrity were more rapid in presence of Equex than those in controls, total motility and sperm viability were similar at 3 and 6 h after thawing (P > 0.05). In Experiment 2, there was no difference in fertilizing ability and embryo development between the two groups (P > 0.05). The results of this study demonstrate that the addition of Equex STM Paste in the freezing extender avoids the loss of motile spermatozoa and maintains fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed spermatozoa.     

In vitro ruminal methanogenesis of a hay-rich substrate in response to different combination supplements of nitrocompounds; pyromellitic diimide and 2-bromoethanesulphonate

Sixteen combinations of 5 treatments at 4 levels were designed in a L₁₆(4⁵) orthogonal experimental design to evaluate associative effects of five methanogenesis inhibitors at four dose levels: nitroethane (NE, 0 mM, 5 mM, 10 mM and 15 mM), 2-nitroethanol (NEOH, 0 mM, 5 mM, 10 mM and 15 mM), 2-nitro-1-propanol (NPOH, 0 mM, 5 mM, 10 mM and 15 mM), pyromellitic diimide (PMDI, 0 mM, 0.02 mM, 0.05 mM and 0.07 mM) and 2-bromoethanesulphonate (BES, 0 mM, 0.01 mM, 0.03 mM and 0.05 mM) on in vitro ruminal methane production of the mixed substrate (Chinese wildrye hay:maize meal = 4:1) using a cumulative gas production technique. After 48 h incubation, in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), total gas production (GP₄₈, ml/g DM) and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) production in various combinations of these inhibitors were decreased by 10.6-56.0, 26.5-44.5 and 20.3-47.6%, respectively (P<0.05). The molar proportion of acetate in the inhibitor combination groups was decreased by 6.6-12.5% while those of propionate and butyrate were increased by 7.0-19.2 and 21.9-56.5% (P<0.01), respectively. Methane proportion (MP) in total gas production was reduced by 79.4-98.5% (P<0.01), and the highest inhibition occurred in the combination of 10 mM NE, 10 mM NPOH, 0.07 mM PMDI and 0.01 mM BES in cultures. The partial correlation coefficients between NE, NEOH, NPOH, PMDI or BES and CH₄ proportion were −0.465 (P<0.01), −0.417 (P<0.01), −0.355 (P<0.05), −0.408 (P<0.01) and −0.345 (P<0.05), respectively, indicating that NE was the most potent inhibitor, followed by NEOH and PMDI, and finally NPOH and BES. In general, VFA production in the inhibitor combinations was substantially shifted to produce much more butyrate and propionate and less acetate. The combination of 15 mM NE, 10 mM NEOH, 5 mM NPOH, 0.07 mM PMDI and 0.01 mM BES in cultures, leading to >95% methane inhibition, may be the optimal application of these inhibitors with less depression of total VFA production. Further feeding trials to validate these combinations is still required on rumen function, methane production, growth performance and milk production.     

The hMLH1 promoter polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility in Asian populations: A meta-analysis

Background

A variety of studies have evaluated the associations between polymorphisms in the promoter regions of the hMLH1 and cancer risk. However, the results remain inconclusive. To better understand the roles of the hMLH1 polymorphisms and cancer risk, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to investigate the association between the hMLH1 − 93G/A and 1151T/A (Val384Asp) polymorphisms and cancer risk in Asian population.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis by conducting searches of the published studies in Pub Med, CNKI, CBM, ISI web of knowledge and Google scholar search databases. Finally, 12 studies were included into our meta-analysis. Overall and subgroup analyses were performed. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the associations between hMLH1 polymorphisms and cancer risk. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.0.

Results

Twelve studies addressing two hMLH1 polymorphisms were analyzed among a total of 4128 cancer cases and 4678 controls. For hMLH1 − 93G/A, there was no evidence that the hMLH1 − 93G/A polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased cancer risk (P > 0.05) in Asian populations (heterozygote comparison: OR = 0.89 [95% CI (0.75, 1.060)] P = 0.20; dominant model comparison: OR = 0.98 [95% CI (0.83, 1.15)] P = 0.79). In subgroup analysis based on cancer types and the sources of control, no associations were found in colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and “other cancers” under the any gene model except for lung cancer (recessive model comparison: OR = 1.69 [95% CI (1.30, 2.19)] P < 0.0001). For hMLH1 1151T/A, the polymorphism significantly associated with an increased cancer risk in Asians: OR = 1.88 [95% CI (1.49, 2.25)], P < 0.0001, and OR = 1.87 [95% CI (1.49, 2.25)], P < 0.0001.

Conclusions

Our investigations demonstrated that the hMLH1 − 93G/A polymorphism is not a candidate for susceptibility to overall cancers, and that the hMLH1 1151T/A polymorphism is significantly associated with higher cancer risk in Asian populations. Further studies with large sample size for hMLH1 should be conducted.     

Evaluating the effectiveness of different treatments of uterine infections in female camels (Camelus dromedarius)

A total of 480 female camels with a history of conception failure were examined through transrectal palpation, ultrasonography, and vaginal exploration. Animals were categorized according to parity (nulliparous n = 200 vs. multiparous n = 280), and type of uterine infection (endometritis n = 360 vs. metritis n = 120). They were randomly assigned to receive one of three intrauterine treatments: (i) 100 mL acriflavin 0.1% (group 1, n = 170), (ii) 100 mL lotagen 4% (group 2, n = 200), or (iii) 300 mg/100 mL gentamicin sulphate (group 3, n = 110). All groups received 500 μg cloprostenol IM at infusion. Animals were exposed for breeding 7 d later and received 5000 IU hCG im at mating. The criteria for efficacy of treatment were 90 days non-return rate (90 d NRR) and calving rate (CR). The results showed that the 90 d NRR and CR were significantly influenced by parity, type of uterine infection, regime of treatment, and their interactions, P < 0.05. Treatment regimes were approximately equally efficient in treating females with endometritis (90 d NRR were 64%, 53.1% and 53.3% and CR were 58.9%, 49.3%, and 42.5% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, P > 0.05). In contrast, regimes differed in treating those with metritis (90 d NRR were 55.6%, 75%, and 28.6% and CR were 31.6%, 54.8%, and 12.5% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, P < 0.05). In conclusion, a regime consisted of intrauterine lotagen infusion and administration of PGF₂α at infusion and hCG at mating was more efficient for treating female camels with metritis.