Expression of calcium-binding protein regucalcin mRNA in fetal rat liver is stimulated by calcium administration

The expression of hepatic calcium-binding protein regucalcin mRNA in fetal rats was investigated. The alteration in regucalcin mRNA levels was analyzed by Northern blotting using liver regucalcin cDNA (0.9 kb with complete open reading frame). Hepatic regucalcin mRNA levels were progressively increased with fetal development; the mRNA was clearly expressed at 15 and 21 days of pregnancy but only slightly at the 8 days. Meanwhile, -actin mRNA levels in the fetal liver were remarkable at 8 and 15 days of pregnancy. The fetal liver regucalcin mRNA levels at 15 days of pregnancy were significantly decreased by overnight-fasting of maternal rats. The oral administration of calcium chloride (50 mg Ca/100 g body weight) to maternal rats at 15 days of pregnancy caused a remarkable elevation (about 2 fold) of regucalcin mRNA levels in the fetal liver; this increase was seen 60 and 180 min after the calcium administration. After birth, regucalcin mRNA was increasingly expressed in the livers of newborn and weanling rats, while hepatic -actin mRNA expression was not appreciably altered with increasing ages. These findings demonstrate that the expression of hepatic regucalcin mRNA is increased with fetal development, and that the gene expression may be stimulated by the ingestion of dietary calcium.     

Early treatment of the pregnant guinea pig with IGFs promotes placental transport and nutrient partitioning near term

Appropriate partitioning of nutrients between the mother and conceptus is a major determinant of pregnancy success, with placental transfer playing a key role. Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) increase in the maternal circulation during early pregnancy and are predictive of fetal and placental growth. We have previously shown in the guinea pig that increasing maternal IGF abundance in early to midpregnancy enhances fetal growth and viability near term. We now show that this treatment promotes placental transport to the fetus, fetal substrate utilization, and nutrient partitioning near term. Pregnant guinea pigs were infused with IGF-I, IGF-II (both 1 mg.kg-1.day-1) or vehicle subcutaneously from days 20-38 of pregnancy (term=69 days). Tissue uptake and placental transfer of the nonmetabolizable radio analogs [3H]methyl-D-glucose (MG) and [14C]aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) in vivo was measured on day 62. Early pregnancy exposure to elevated maternal IGF-I increased placental MG uptake by>70% (P=0.004), whereas each IGF increased fetal plasma MG concentrations by 40-50% (P<0.012). Both IGFs increased fetal tissue MG uptake (P<0.048), whereas IGF-I also increased AIB uptake by visceral organs (P=0.046). In the mother, earlier exposure to either IGF increased AIB uptake by visceral organs (P<0.014), whereas IGF-I also enhanced uptake of AIB by muscle (P=0.044) and MG uptake by visceral organs (P=0.016) and muscle (P=0.046). In conclusion, exogenous maternal IGFs in early pregnancy sustainedly increase maternal substrate utilization, placental transport of MG to the fetus, and fetal utilization of substrates near term. This was consistent with the previously observed increase in fetal growth and survival following IGF treatment.     

Ultrasound fetal measurements and pregnancy associated glycoprotein secretion in early pregnancy in cattle recipients carrying somatic clones

Somatic cloning in the bovine species leads to high levels of fetal losses which occur throughout pregnancy. These losses are most often associated with fetal overgrowth, a syndrome known as large offspring syndrome (LOS), and excessive maternal plasma pregnancy serum protein 60 (PSP60), a protein similar to a pregnancy-associated glycoprotein of 67 kDa (PAG I67) produced by the bovine placenta. Predicting the outcome of pregnancies initiated from cloned embryos has become an important issue both to prevent potential harm to the mother because of excessive fetal size at birth and also to get a better understanding of the relationships between growth, differentiation and placental functions in developing cloned fetuses. Here, we report on a systematic analysis of fetal and placental development in the first trimester of pregnancy performed by ultrasonographic imaging and by measurement of the maternal concentrations of pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGS), using four different radioimmunoassays (RIA) (two homologous RIA systems with PSP60 and PAG I67; two heterologous RIA systems with PAG I67 as standard and tracer, and antisera anti-caprine PAGs). We showed that crown-rump length (CRL) in clones appeared smaller than controls at 35, 50 and 62 days (P<0.05). At 62 days of pregnancy, CRL in cloned fetuses that died before 90 days was smaller compared to the other cloned fetuses (P<0.05) whereas the width of the fetal sack and the biparietal diameter (BPD) was larger in fetuses that developed LOS in late gestation (P<0.05). Maternal PAGs concentrations were statistically different between controls and all clone recipients as early as Day 34, suggesting early abnormal placental glycoprotein synthesis for clone pregnancies regardless of pregnancy outcome. This work provides a practical, non-invasive tool to follow up clone pregnancies and suggests that primary growth retardation and abnormal placental function precedes excessive fetal and placental growth at later stages of pregnancy.     

Early pregnancy diagnosis by palpation per rectum: influence on embryo/fetal viability in dairy cattle

The objective was to estimate the effect of palpation per rectum (for early pregnancy diagnosis) on embryo/fetal viability in dairy cattle. A controlled, randomized block-design experiment with two blocks, one by category, and the other by number of embryos, was conducted. Five-hundred-and-twenty pregnant dairy cows and heifers with a viable embryo detected by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) between days 29 and 32 after AI were included. The pregnant females were randomly allocated into two nearly equal groups: palpation per rectum (PAL group; n=258) and no palpation per rectum (NPAL group; n=262). The PAL group was submitted to palpation per rectum (PPR) using the fetal membrane slip (FMS) technique once between days 34 and 41 of pregnancy. The fetal membrane slip consisted of compressing the pregnant uterine horn and allowing the chorioallantoic membrane to slip between the fingers. Both groups were submitted to two additional TRUS at days 45 and 60 of pregnancy, to monitor the potential immediate and delayed deleterious effects of PPR on embryo and fetal viability, respectively. A diagnosis of embryo/fetal death was made when there was no embryo/fetal heart beat or the absence of positive signs of pregnancy in an animal previously diagnosed pregnant, or the presence of signs of embryo/fetal degeneration. The overall rate of embryo/fetal death was 14.0% (73/520). Embryonic death (10%; 52/520) was higher than fetal death (4.5%; 21/468; P<0.001). Embryo/fetal mortality was higher in cows (16.4%; 59/360) than in heifers (8.8%; 14/160; P<0.025) and in cattle with twin (25.5%; 12/47) versus singleton pregnancies (12.9%; 61/473; P<0.025), but was not different (P>0.05) between PAL (14.7%; 38/258) and NPAL (13.4%; 35/262). In conclusion, PPR between days 34 and 41 of pregnancy using the fetal membrane slip technique did not affect embryo/fetal viability.     

Early pregnancy diagnosis by the ultrasonographical device and observation of fatal growth in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Usefulness of the ultrasonographical device (USD) for early diagnosis of pregnancy and for observation of fetal growth was examined in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). Firstly, 50 females, each of which was mated for 24 hours in an individual cage, were used. They were diagnosed for pregnancy by the use of USD 15 to 29 days and 35 days after mating. Then, 20 of them were judged to be pregnant. The early pregnancy diagnosis was based on the detection of gestational sac (GS) in the uterus. The GS was detected 20.0 +/- 1.8 days after mating. The duration from the day on which GS was first detected to the day on which the heart beat of embryo (HBE) was detected averaged 5.6 +/- 1.5 days. In 17 of these 20 pregnancies, GS was detected 17 to 23 days after mating. As regards the remaining three pregnant cases, GS and HBE were simultaneously detected on the 28th day of pregnancy in two cases, and on the 35th day in one case. Secondly, 225 females who were mated by the routine 3 day-mating system were used. Pregnancy diagnosis by USD was conducted on the 21st, 28th and 35th day after mating. Ninety-six of the 225 females were judged to be pregnant. In 33 (34.1%) of the 96 pregnant cases, GS was detected on the 21st day of pregnancy. In 57 females (59.4%), GS was detected on the 35th day. Furthermore, it was able to judge conditions of fetal growth by measuring the size of GS and biparietal diameter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Relationship of pre-ovulatory follicle size, estradiol concentrations and season to pregnancy outcome in dairy cows

This study was carried out to evaluate effects of pre-ovulatory follicle size, plasma concentrations of estradiol and progesterone, and season on pregnancy outcomes in dairy cows. Holstein cows (n = 144) were synchronized and inseminated (Ovsynch/TAI protocol) in two distinct periods (cold versus warm season). Blood samples were collected daily from AI (day 0) to day 8 and on days 15, 22, 29, 36 and 64 to measure progesterone and estradiol. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at days 29, 43 and 64. The pre-ovulatory follicle size was larger and the plasma estradiol concentrations on the day of AI were greater in animals that became pregnant. Plasma progesterone concentrations diverged and became greater after day 5 post-AI, in cows diagnosed pregnant, as compared to non-pregnant cows. The overall pregnancy rate (33%) or late embryonic/early fetal losses (23%) did not differ between seasons, but plasma estradiol concentrations on the day of AI and plasma concentrations of progesterone in pregnant cows were lower in the warm season. Reduced CL function, measured as plasma progesterone concentrations, from days 22 or 29 post-AI onward for cold and warm season, respectively, was associated with subsequent late embryonic/early fetal mortality. Overall, pregnancy was related to diameter of the pre-ovulatory follicle and plasma E2 on the day of AI, but embryonic/fetal losses were not. Season did not affect these outcomes, even though it influenced luteal function after AI.     

Incidence and factors associated with early pregnancy losses in Simmental dairy cows

It has been suggested that management system, milk yield, parity, body condition score and ambient temperature can significantly influence the rate of early pregnancy loss in dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to establish the extent and patterns of early pregnancy loss from days 32 to 86 of gestation, and to check relationships between management system, milk yield, ambient temperature (quartile), body condition score, bull and parity on the early pregnancy loss rate for Simmental dairy cattle in Croatia. Animals were housed in two dairy farms with two different management systems (pasture based-group A, n=435 and intensive-group B, n=425) with a total of 151 heifers and 709 cows. Overall pregnancy losses were recorded in 67 (7.79%) animals, with late embryonic losses in 30 (44.77%) and early fetal losses in 37 (55.23%) animals (P>0.05). Early pregnancy losses were twofold higher in group B when compared to the group A (P<0.05). More than the half of pregnancy losses were recorded during the III quartile (P<0.05). There was no significant relationship between the paternal bull and pregnancy loss rate. Low body condition score (BCS 2-3) was associated with the highest, while BCS 3.25-4 showed the lowest pregnancy loss rate (P<0.05). The pregnancy loss rate increased in parallel with parity and milk yield increase.     

Gestational Dietary Protein Is Associated with Sex Specific Decrease in Blood Flow,Fetal Heart Growth and Post-Natal Blood Pressure of Progeny

Study Overview

The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes is higher in pregnancies where the fetus is male. Sex specific differences in feto-placental perfusion indices identified by Doppler assessment have recently been associated with placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction. This study aims to investigate sex specific differences in placental perfusion and to correlate these changes with fetal growth. It represents the largest comprehensive study under field conditions of uterine hemodynamics in a monotocous species, with a similar long gestation period to the human. Primiparous 14mo heifers in Australia (n=360) and UK (n=180) were either individually or group fed, respectively, diets with differing protein content (18, 14, 10 or 7% crude protein (CP)) from 60d prior to 98 days post conception (dpc). Fetuses and placentae were excised at 98dpc (n = 48). Fetal development an median uterine artery blood flow were assessed monthly from 36dpc until term using B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography. MUA blood flow to the male feto-placental unit increased in early pregnancy associated with increased fetal growth. Protein restriction before and shortly after conception (-60d up to 23dpc) increased MUA diameter and indices of velocity during late pregnancy, reduced fetal heart weight in the female fetus and increased heart rate at birth, but decreased systolic blood pressure at six months of age.

Conclusion and Significance

Sex specific differences both in feto-placental Doppler perfusion indices and response of these indices to dietary perturbations were observed. Further, maternal diet affected development of fetal cardiovascular system associated with altered fetal haemodynamics in utero, with such effects having a sex bias. The results from this study provide further insight into the gender specific circulatory differences present in the fetal period and developing cardiovascular system.     

Progesterone supplementation during the early fetal period reduces pregnancy loss in high-yielding dairy cattle

It was hypothesized that sub-optimal progesterone concentrations during the late embryo and early fetal period may act to compromise conceptus development in dairy cattle. The aim of the present study was to test this hypothesis by supplementing pregnant cows with exogenous progesterone following pregnancy diagnosis. The study population consisted of 1098 pregnant lactating cows. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography between 36 and 42 days after insemination. Animals found to be pregnant were randomly assigned to the Control (untreated cows, n = 549) or Treatment (n = 549) groups. Cows in group Treatment were fitted at pregnancy diagnosis with a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID) containing 1.55 g of progesterone, for 28 days. Cows were then subjected to a further diagnosis by palpation per rectum on Day 90 of gestation. Pregnancy loss was registered in 95 (8.7%) cows on Day 90 of pregnancy: 66 (12%) in group Control and 29 (5.3%) in group Treatment. Logistic regression analysis indicated that there were no significant effects of herd, bull, milk production, service number, days in milk at pregnancy and lactation number. Based on the odds ratio, treated cows were 2.4 (1/0.41) times less likely to miscarry, whereas the risk of pregnancy loss was 1.6 times higher in cows that became pregnant during the warm period in comparison to the cool period. These results support the hypothesis that sub-optimal progesterone concentrations in high producer dairy cows may compromise conceptus development. Under these conditions, intra-vaginal progesterone supplementation has the potential to reduce the incidence of pregnancy loss during the early fetal period.     

The relationship between maternal and fetal plasma protein binding of methadone in the ewe during the third trimester

The binding of methadone to maternal and fetal plasma proteins was determined throughout the third trimester in the pregnant ewe. Blood was sampled from chronic indwelling catheters placed in the maternal aorta and fetal aorta. Methadone binding was determined by use of equilibrium dialysis with (³H)-methadone. Maternal binding ranged from 50.4 to 89.5%, with a mean of 76.2 ±1.3 (SE)%. Fetal binding was initially significantly lower than maternal binding, but increased rapidly in the last two weeks before parturition. Prior to 130 days gestation, the ratio of fetal binding to maternal binding was 0.40 ± 0.03. This binding ratio increased to 0.82 ± 0.08 in the last few days of pregnancy. Preliminary results suggested that maternal binding was higher in the early post-partum period. These results demonstrate that the relationship between maternal and fetal plasma binding of methadone changes rapidly towards the end of pregnancy, and fetal binding approaches maternal binding at parturition.     

Preliminary results of the placental decorin profile in bovine pregnancy and parturition

Decorin is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan which is involved in multiple biological functions mainly as a structural and signaling molecule. Due to its biological properties in connective tissue, decorin may participate in remodeling of ECM during attachment and detachment of placenta within the course of pregnancy and at parturition in cows. The aim of the study was to detect the presence of decorin protein in bovine placental tissues and to evaluate its profile during pregnancy and at parturition. Placental tissues from healthy pregnant cows (2–5 month) were collected in abattoir (n?=?10), while parturient tissues were obtained during caesarian section at physiological term (n?=?6). Maternal and fetal parts were separated manually and subjected to homogenization and to quantitative ELISA and verification by Western blotting with anti-decorin antibodies. ELISA test showed that the concentration of decorin during pregnancy was higher in the fetal part of placenta compared with the maternal part (p?<?0.001). Similar pattern was noted regarding to maternal and fetal samples derived from parturient cows. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the concentration of decorin is gestation time-dependent in healthy bovine placenta. Possible confirmation of the involvement of decorin in early pregnancy attachment and detachment of the placenta during parturition requires further research.     

Blood flow in ductus venosus in early uncomplicated pregnancy

The ductus venosus is the very important part of fetal venous circulation. It plays a central role in return of venous blood from the placenta. This unique shunt carries well-oxygenated blood from the umbilical vein through the inferior atrial inlet on its way across the foramen ovale. Using Doppler ultrasound, it is possible to assess the blood flow in fetal vessels including ductus venosus. It is observed, in animal and human studies, that the typical waveform for blood flow in ductus venosus in early pregnancy can be different depending on numerous conditions e.g. fetal karyotype. This study is performed to assess the physiologic parameters of blood flow in ductus venosus in uncomplicated early pregnancy. Material and Methods: 404 women were examined between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks (+ days) of gestation by ultrasound. Fetal crown-rump length (CRL) was measured to assess the gestational age. The assessment of risk of fetal abnormalities was based on nuchal translucency (NT) measurement. The ductus venosus blood flow with color and spectral Doppler was obtained in all patients. The following features were assessed: pulsatility index (PI), and direction of flow (positive/negative) during atrial contraction (wave A). All cases were followed up to 22 weeks of gestation when the control scan was performed. Results and conclusions: 30 cases were excluded from the uncomplicated group due to: high risk of fetal abnormalities, fetal loss, confirmed fetal abnormalities and utero-placental pathology. 374 women were considered as uncomplicated pregnancy. In both uncomplicated and complicated groups the mean values for pulsatility index (PI) were established. The mean PI value in uncomplicated pregnancies was: 0.91 (SD +/- 0.32). No significant differences between groups were noticed. In 370 cases of uncomplicated pregnancy the A wave direction was positive but in 1.1% of cases the reverse flow in atrial contraction was observed.     

Vasopressin receptor expression in the placenta

The arginine vasopressin (AVP) type 1a receptor (V1a) is well known to mediate vasoconstriction. In pregnancy, blood flow in the placenta is crucial for sustaining normal growth and development of the fetus. This is the first AVP receptor study in the placenta and fetal membranes. The aim was to compare, quantitatively, the level of V1a gene expression with that of a known marker for vascularization, aquaporin 1 (AQP1). V1a and AQP1 gene expression did not correlate; placental V1a mRNA levels were significantly upregulated at 45 and 66+/-1 compared with 27, 100+/-4, and 140 days (term approximately 150 days). V1a mRNA levels were much lower in fetal membranes in which no significant difference across gestation was observed. In situ hybridization histochemistry localized V1a gene expression in the maternal component of the placenta similar to the receptor-binding studies using 125I-labeled [d(CH2)5, sarcosine7] vasopressin. No AVP gene expression was observed in the placenta and fetal membranes, which eliminates local AVP production. This increase in V1a expression at 45 and 66+/-1 days of gestation correlates with the period of maximal placental growth in the sheep and suggests that AVP and V1a receptors may play a hitherto unrecognized role in placental growth, differentiation, and/or function, particularly in the deleterious effects of heat stress, early in pregnancy, on fetal growth.     

Effect of ovariectomy on pregnancy in mares.

Pony mares were bilaterally ovariectomized at different stages of pregnancy between Days 25 and 210. Abortion or fetal resorption occurred within 2 to 6 days after operations in all 14 mares ovariectomized between Days 25 and 45 and after an interval of 10 to 15 days in 9 of 20 other ovariectomized between 50 and 70 days. All 12 mares ovariectomized on either 140 or 210 days carried their foals to normal term. The termination of early pregnancy was preceded by a loss of uterine tone and of a palpable uterine bulge. The mean length of gestation in all mares in which pregnancy was not interrupted by ovariectomy was not significantly different from that in a group of contemporary control mares. Plasma progestagen concentrations dropped to less than 2 ng/ml after ovariectomy, whether or not pregnancy was maintained. Mares ovariectomized on Day 25 and injected with 100 mg progesterone daily for 10 or 20 days remained pregnant during treatment but showed a loss of uterine tone and the fetal bulge disappeared within 4 to 6 days after the end of treatment. Non-pregnant ovariectomized or intact seasonally anoestrous mares injected i.m. with 50 or 100 mg progesterone daily for 8 weeks showed changes in uterine tone, length and thickness similar to those occurring in mares during early pregnancy.     

Ultrasonographic assessment of early pregnancy diagnosis,fetometry and sex determination in goats

This study was conducted to use B-mode trans-rectal (TR) and trans-abdominal (TA) ultrasonography to determine early pregnancy and fetometry as crown-rump-length (CRL) and bi-parietal-diameter (BPD). A total of 110 does aged between 8 and 36 months were used. The accuracy for detecting early pregnancy (fetal fluids and heartbeats) and fetal number (single or twins) was measured. The relationship between gestation age and CRL or BPD was determined from day 40 to 109 of gestation. The accuracy of fetal sexing was determined by differentiation of genital tubercle (GT) at different stages of gestation (from day 40 to 109 of gestation). The examination revealed 95.5% of examined does were pregnant, with accuracy 100% in detecting pregnancy for positive cases. The fetal number was 45.7% and 54.3% for single and twins + triplets, respectively. The TR probe enabled the reliable and earlier recognition of fetal fluid and heartbeats (indicating pregnancy) than TA probe. For maximum reliability, the TR observation of heartbeats is recommended as conclusive evidence of the presence of a live fetus. The TA convex probe was used from day 40 to 89 for measuring CRL and from day 40 to 109 for measuring the BPD. Gestation equations were: CRL = 0.464x ? 17.767 and BPD = 0.055x ? 1.431 (x = gestational age in days). The relation between gestational age and CRL or BPD was highly (p < 0.0001) significant. The fetal sexing was found in 100, 83.3 and 64.3% of single pregnancies and in 85.7, 80 and 52.3% of twins + triplets pregnancies during 40–60 days, 61–70 days and 71–109 days of gestation, respectively. The accuracy of sex identification among the 3 groups was not significantly (p > 0.05) higher in single than twins + triplets pregnancies. However, identification of GT in male fetus was possible from day 40 onward. From a total of 105 scanned does, 80 (76.25) were sexed. In conclusion, B-mode real-time ultrasonography is recommended as a reliable mean for early detection of gestation as early as 19–27 days after mating, for CRL or BPD measuring as well as fetal sex determination from day 40 of gestation onwards under field conditions.     

Intrauterine growth of the guinea pig fetal-placental unit throughout pregnancy: regulation by utero-placental blood flow

The relationships between uterine blood flow (UBF) and growth related changes in guinea pig placental weight, fetal weight, and crown-rump (C-R) length were examined at 5-day intervals throughout pregnancy. Between days 5 and 20 (Day 0 = ovulation) of pregnancy, UBF reached peak levels that were related to increases in total uterine weight as a result of fetal-placental differentiation. Between days 20 and 40 of pregnancy, UBF remained at constant, basal levels while placental weight increased at a rate of approximately 500 mg per 5-day interval. During this time period, fetal weight and C-R length continued to increase, but at a less rapid rate. Between days 40 and 55 of pregnancy, a secondary elevation in UBF was observed that was temporally related to third trimester growth of the fetus (ie, weight and C-R length). Near term (day 65), UBF decreased and placental growth reached a plateau, whereas fetal weight and C-R length continued to increase. In order to determine the direct effects of UBF on regulating fetal-placental growth, mid-gestational (days 35-50) pregnant guinea pigs were subjected to UBF reduction and the growth parameters of the manipulated fetal-placental units were then examined at 2, 3, 4, and 10 days post-alteration and compared to controls. The reduction in UBF at hyperemic pregnancy sites to basal flow levels resulted in an abrupt curtailment of subsequent placental growth noticeable within 48 hr of the vascular reduction. Subsequently, fetal weight and crown-rump length parameters were depressed with respect to controls, but not until 4 and 10 days post-alteration, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Neospora caninum infection does not affect early pregnancy in dairy cattle

This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between Neospora caninum infection prior to pregnancy, as determined through maternal serology, and the subsequent occurrence of abortion in dairy cattle. Special emphasis was placed on pregnancy losses in the first trimester of pregnancy. Neospora caninum antibodies were analyzed by commercial ELISA in 2773 pregnant animals (2022 parous cows and 751 heifers) from six herds. The mean seroprevalence of antibodies to N. caninum in the herds was 15.1% (n = 419). From gestation Day 34 to the 90th day of pregnancy, there were 183 abortions (6.6% of all pregnancies) (23 in Neospora positive animals). After 90 days of pregnancy, the number of abortions was 146 (5.3%); 126 occurring during the second and 20 during the third trimester of pregnancy (105 in Neospora positive animals). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed on data from each animal using abortion before or after 90 days of pregnancy as the dependent variable, and Neospora positivity, herd, pregnancy season, and parity (parous or nonparous) as independent factors. No significant effects of Neospora positivity and herd were found on the abortion rate before 90 days of pregnancy. Based on the odds ratio, the abortion rate was 4 times higher (P < 0.0001) in animals that became pregnant in the warm than in the cool period, and 3.7 times higher (P < 0.0001) in parous than in nonparous animals. Neospora positivity was the only variable included in the logistic regression model for abortions occurring after 90 days of pregnancy. Seropositivity in an animal increased the probability of abortion by an odds ratio of 18.9 (P < 0.0001; 95% confidence interval 12.9-27.8). Season, parity, and herd showed no effect. The results of the present study suggest that chronic N. caninum infection prior to pregnancy appears not to affect the early fetal period, but does have a significant abortive effect after 90 days of gestation.     

Fetal gender determination by first-trimester ultrasound in dairy cows under routine herd management in Northwest Spain

Ultrasonography (US) provides detailed visualization of the fetus in early pregnancy in cows, thus allowing for fetal sex determination. The objective of this prospective observational study was to determine the feasibility and accuracy of a single US examination to diagnose fetal sex in dairy cattle under routine reproductive management conditions. For this purpose, 953 Holstein cows at 7-16 weeks of gestation were examined. Gender assignment was performed in 822 cows, while the genitalia could not be clearly visualized in 131 (13.7%) of the fetuses. After calving, it was verified that 99.3% of the diagnoses were accurate. Fetal sex was correctly determined by US in 99.5% of male fetuses and 98.8% of female fetuses. Fetal sex determination was less accurate when conducted before d 55 of gestation. Likewise, it was verified that fetal sex, cow age and ultrasonographic diagnosis section did not have a significant influence (P>0.05) on diagnostic accuracy. With respect to the plane used for diagnosis, the sagittal view was poorly used for early pregnancy diagnosis, whereas the longitudinal and cross-sectional planes were used most frequently. These results demonstrate that US can be routinely applied under farm conditions to accurately determine the fetal sex in cattle between days 51 and 111 of gestation without apparent influence of cow age, US scanning plane or fetal sex. Conversely, days of gestation affected the accuracy and feasibility of US gender determination, showing poorer results when the diagnosis was made before day 55 of gestation.     

Cholera in Pregnancy: Outcomes from a Specialized Cholera Treatment Unit for Pregnant Women in Léogane,Haiti

Background

The association between cholera in pregnancy and negative fetal outcome has been described since the 19^th century. However, there is limited published literature on the subject. We describe pregnancy outcomes from a specialized multidisciplinary hospital unit at the onset of a large cholera outbreak in Haiti in 2010 and 2011.

Methods

Pregnant women with cholera were hospitalized in a specialized unit within the MSF hospital compound in Léogâne and treated using standard cholera treatment guidelines but with earlier, more intense fluid replacement. All women had intravenous access established at admission regardless of their hydration status, and all received antibiotic treatment. Data were collected on patient demographics, pregnancy and cholera status, and pregnancy outcome. In this analysis we calculated risk ratios for fetal death and performed logistic regression analysis to control for confounding factors.

Results

263 pregnant women with cholera were hospitalized between December 2010 and July 2011. None died during hospitalization, 226 (86%) were discharged with a preserved pregnancy and 16 (6%) had live fullterm singleton births, of whom 2 died within the first 5 days postpartum. The remaining 21 pregnancies (8%) resulted in intrauterine fetal death. The risk of fetal death was associated with factors reflecting severity of the cholera episode: after adjusting for confounding factors, the strongest risk factor for fetal death was severe maternal dehydration (adjusted risk ratio for severe vs. mild dehydration was 9.4, 95% CI 2.5–35.3, p = 0.005), followed by severe vomiting (adjusted risk ratio 5.1, 95% 1.1–23.8, p = 0.041).

Conclusion

This is the largest cohort of pregnant women with cholera described to date. The main risk factor identified for fetal death was severity of dehydration. Our experience suggests that establishing specialized multidisciplinary units which facilitate close follow-up of both pregnancy and dehydration status due to cholera could be beneficial for patients, especially in large epidemics.