The ovulatory and LH responses to the male effect in dominant and subordinate goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the LH and ovulatory response of dominant and subordinate dairy does following the introduction of males. A behavioral study was carried out to determine the individual success index (SI) of 35 anestrous does according to their ability to dominate other females. The 8 highest-ranking (highest SI) and the 8 lowest-ranking does (lowest SI) in terms of dominance were separated from the rest of the herd and placed together in the same pen, where a male was later introduced. Blood samples for plasma LH determinations were obtained from the 16 females at 30 min intervals from 0 to 6, 12 to 18 and 33 to 39 h after the introduction of the male, using an intravenous catheter. After day 8, plasma progesterone was also measured daily in order to determine the occurrence of ovulation. None of the does showed LH pulses during the sampling period prior to the introduction of the male. The dominant does showed significantly (p < 0.05) more LH pulses (2.0 ± 0.18 ng/ml vs. 1.2 ± 0.25 ng/ml) and a higher mean plasma LH concentration (0.25 ± 0.03 ng/ml vs. 0.14 ± 0.03 ng/ml) than the subordinate goats during the first 6 h of exposure to the male. There were no differences in LH pulsatility or concentrations at other times. The frequency of goats that ovulated tended to be greater in high-ranked than low-ranked does (87% vs. 37%). It could be concluded that the immediate LH response to the presence of the male (number of LH pulses) is higher in the dominant, compared to the subordinate goats, and this is associated with a higher number of dominant goats ovulating in response to the male effect.     

Serum LH peak and ovulation following synchronized estrus in goats

This study was aimed at comparing the temporal relationship between estrus, the LH peak and ovulation following estrous synchronization in goats using medroxiprogesterone acetate (MGA) or fluorogestone acetate (FGA). Twenty-four cyclic goats were randomly assigned to two treatments: MGA group (n = 12) that individually received a daily oral dose of 0.22 mg MGA for 12 days, and a FGA group (n = 12) treated for 12 days with intravaginal sponges containing 45 mg FGA. The goats from both groups were treated with a prostaglandin analogue (75 μg Cloprostenol i.m.) during the last day of their progesterone treatment. Estrous detection was carried out every 4 h after the end of the treatment, and blood samples for the determination of the serum LH concentrations collected at 2 h intervals for 24 h from the onset of estrus. Ovulation was detected with the aid of transrectal ultrasonography, performed every 4 h starting 15 h after the onset of estrus. All goats showed estrus. In the MGA group the onset of estrus occurred later and was more variable in relation to the end of treatment (86.7 ± 3.9 h), compared to the FGA group (44.4 ± 1.5 h; P < 0.01). The interval between the LH peak and ovulation was significantly (P < 0.05) longer in the MGA group (26.2 ± 1.1 h) than the FGA group (22.4 ± 0.8 h). There were no differences regarding the intervals from the onset of estrus to the LH peak (14.9 ± 1.8 and 15.3 ± 0.9 h) and to ovulation (40.1 ± 2.3 and 37.6 ± 0.5 h) for the MGA and FGA groups, respectively. The amplitude of the LH peak was not different between groups. It could be concluded that the timing of the LH peak and ovulation is not related to the end of treatment, but with the time of onset of estrus. The longer and more variable interval for estrous demonstration following MGA treatment, represents a serious limitation for its use in synchronization programs in goats, where mating is to be performed on a fixed-time basis.     

Short-term glutamate administration positively affects the number of antral follicles and the ovulation rate in cyclic adult goats

The acute effects of short-term glutamate administration on the number of antral follicles and ovulation rate were examined in adult goats. Neither live weight (44.5 ± 1.3 kg) nor body condition (3.3 ± 0.8 units) differed between the control (untreated) and glutamate-treated (0.175 mg/kg) animals (p > 0.05). However, the number of antral follicles (3.4 vs. 2.1, p = 0.05) and ovulation rate (2.5 vs. 1.5, p = 0.05) was higher in the glutamate-administered group than in the controls.     

Plasma levels of kisspeptins in postmenopausal Chinese women do not show substantial elevation

The menopause, defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from ovarian failure, is characterized by elevated levels of serum gonadotropins. Recent studies have demonstrated that the gonadotropin hypersecretion in postmenopausal women is secondary to increase of KiSS-1 mRNA from the hypothalamus neurons, which encoded kisspeptin peptides. The present study was designed to determine whether plasma kisspeptins levels are altered in postmenopausal women. Blood samples were taken from 145 postmenopausal women, 35 young women and 30 pregnant women control in the first trimester. The plasma concentration of kisspeptins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E₂) was measured using immunoassay kits. Results indicated that plasma kisspeptins levels in postmenopausal women had higher than those in young women (5.25 ± 0.36; 4.48 ± 0.34 pmol/L), but no significant difference was found between the two groups (p = 0.179). Plasma FSH and LH levels were significantly higher in postmenopausal women (124.67 ± 12.78, 57.14 ± 3.57 mIu/mL) than those in young women (9.23 ± 2.78, 7.56 ± 2.71 mIu/mL, p < 0.001). However, Plasma kisspeptins levels were not significantly correlated to FSH and LH in postmenopausal women (r = ?0.23, 0.324; p = 0.927, 0.176, respectively), and also there was no any correlation between plasma kisspeptins and E₂ in postmenopausal women (r = ?0.065; p = 0.792). Collectively, there was no significant difference in plasma kisspeptins levels between postmenopausal and young women. Our result suggested that kisspeptins’ role during menopause might mainly act in central rather than peripheral system and it could not be currently used as a clinical marker for menopause.     

Effect of administration of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae on milk production,milk composition,blood metabolites,and faecal flora in early lactating dairy goats

The effects of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CNCM I-1077) supplementation to 72 Saanen dairy goats in early lactation were investigated. Animals were divided into treatment and control groups balanced for parity and milk production in the first 3 weeks of lactation. Treated animals received 0.2 g/day yeast supplement (Levucell SC20) corresponding to 4 × 10⁹ cfu/day S. cerevisiae, beginning week 3 of lactation, and lasting 15 weeks. Dry matter intake (DMI), body condition score (BCS), milk production and composition were recorded to day126 postpartum. Milk samples were analysed weekly for fat, protein, lactose, urea and SCC. Blood samples were analysed monthly for glucose, BHBA, NEFA, GOT and GGT. Intestinal microflora were assessed monthly in faeces, assaying total bacteria, enterobacteria, E. coli, coliform bacteria, clostridia, lactobacilli, molds and yeast. BCS was not affected by the treatment, but treated animals had greater DMI (2.71 kg/day versus 2.35 kg/day, S.E. ±0.12, P < 0.001) and produced more (P < 0.05) milk (2.38 kg/day versus 2.08 kg/day, S.E. ±0.14) of lower fat content (P < 0.05). Plasma metabolites and liver enzymes (GOT, GGT) were similar between groups, although BHBA levels tended to be lower (P = 0.06) in treated animals. Faecal E. coli were reduced (0.72 log₁₀ cfu/g versus 2.39 log₁₀ cfu/g, S.E. ±0.38, P < 0.05) and lactobacilli increased (P < 0.05) by the treatment. Yeast faecal levels were higher (P < 0.001) in treated animals during supplementation. In this study, live yeast supplementation to early lactating dairy goats significantly increased milk production, in relation to increased DMI, without decreasing BCS. Plasma metabolites (glucose, BHBA and NEFA) were consistent with the BCS findings (no differences between groups) and in addition there was a significant reduction of faecal E. coli content together with increase in lactobacilli in the treated animals, suggesting greater stability of the intestinal ecosystem. Results suggest that the inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisae in the diet of early lactating dairy goats can be recommended under field conditions.     

Postpartum ovarian activity and uterine involution in non-seasonal Shiba goats,with or without nursing

Postpartum ovarian activity, uterine involution, and the relationship with hormonal profiles were studied in non-seasonal Shiba goats, with or without nursing of their kids. After parturition, does were allocated to one of two groups, with either weaning on the day of parturition (n = 3; non-nursing group) or weaning at 7–10 weeks after parturition (n = 4; nursing group). Blood sampling (starting 7 days prior to expected day of parturition) and transrectal ultrasound evaluations (starting 2 days after parturition) were conducted every other day or daily to monitor the follicular dynamics, uterus size, and the levels of plasma progesterone, blood glucose, and insulin concentration until at 3 weeks following the first postpartum ovulation. In the nursing group, blood samples were also collected every 10 min for an 8 h period on the day before weaning, 2 and 6 days after weaning, for the analysis of the pulsatile patterns of LH release. In all animals, the blood glucose concentrations increased transiently on the day before parturition and were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those on the day of parturition (mean of 144 ± 48.8 mg/dl vs 63 ± 11.2 mg/dl). In the non-nursing group, the first postpartum ovulation was observed 9.3 ± 3.2 days after parturition, while in the nursing group, no ovulation occurred before weaning in any of the goats. Here ovulation was observed 18.8 ± 5.0 days after weaning, which was significantly (p < 0.05) later than in the non-nursing group. After first ovulation, all animals in both groups showed early luteal regression. No significant difference in the time required for the completion of uterine involution was recorded between the non-nursing and nursing groups (18.3 ± 4.2 days vs 19.3 ± 3.6 days, respectively), nor in the plasma LH pulse frequency obtained before (1.3 ± 0.5 pulses/8 h), 2 (1.3 ± 1.0 pulses/8 h) and 6 days (2.0 ± 0.8 pulses/8 h) after parturition, in the nursing group. It can be concluded that no ovulation occurs during nursing postpartum, suggesting that nursing is a determinant of the resumption of ovulation in these non-seasonal goats. Ultrasonic observations of the ovary suggest that uterine involution was not influenced by nursing or suckling.     

Urea space and body condition score to predict body composition of meat goats

Yearling Boer × Spanish goat wethers (40) were used to develop and compare body composition prediction equations for mature meat goats based on urea space (US) and body condition score (BCS). Before the experiment, one-half of the animals were managed to have high BW and BCS (1–5, with 1 being extremely thin and 5 very fat) and the others were managed to have low BW and BCS. During the 24-week experiment, initially fat wethers were fed to lose BW and BCS and initially thin wethers were fed to increase BW and BCS. BCS, US, and whole body chemical composition were determined after 0, 12, and 24 weeks. Mean, minimum, and maximum values were 42.1 (S.E. = 1.12), 24.5, and 59.0 kg for shrunk BW; 3.0 (S.E. = 0.11), 1.5, and 4.0 for BCS; 61.3 (S.E. = 1.01), 53.7, and 76.5% for water; 20.2 (S.E. = 1.11), 4.7, and 29.7% for fat; 15.6 (S.E. = 0.19), 13.3, and 18.1% for protein; and 2.9 (S.E. = 0.062), 2.2, and 3.7% for ash, respectively. For water, fat, and ash concentrations and mass, simplest equations explaining greatest variability (with independent variables of US, BCS, and (or) shrunk BW) based on BCS accounted for more variation than ones based on US, although in some cases differences were not large (i.e., water and ash concentrations and mass). Neither US nor BCS explained variability in protein concentration. Equations to predict protein mass based on shrunk BW and US or BCS were nearly identical in R² and the root mean square error. A 1 unit change in BCS corresponded to change in full BW of 8.9 kg (full BW (kg) = 17.902 + (8.9087 × BCS); R² = 0.653), fat concentration of 7.54% (%fat = −5.076 + (7.5361 × BCS); R² = 0.612), and energy concentration of 3.01 MJ/kg (energy (MJ/kg) = 0.971 + (3.0059 × BCS); R² = 0.615). In summary, BCS may be used as or more effectively to predict body composition of meat goats than US. The primary determinant of BCS, within the range of BCS observed in this experiment, was body fat content.     

A study on ectoparasites of sheep and goats in eastern part of Amhara region,northeast Ethiopia

A study on ectoparasites of small ruminants was carried out in three districts (woredas) of the eastern part of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, from November 2003 to March 2004, with the objectives of determining the prevalence of ectoparasites and identifying the potential risk factors associated with the problem. Out of 752 sheep and 752 goats examined, 50.5% of sheep and 56.4% of goats were infested with one or more ectoparasites. The ectoparasites identified in sheep were Damalina ovis (38.5%), Melophagus ovinus (12.5%), tick infestations (3.4%) and Linognathus spp. (2.4%). In goats, parasites such as Linognathus spp. (28.3%), ticks (22.2%), sarcoptic mites (6.1%) and Ctenocephalides spp. (8.1%) were identified. The prevalence of M. ovinus and D. ovis infestations in sheep were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the highlands than both lowlands and midlands, which were almost similar. In goats, the risk of sarcoptic mange infestation in lowland and midland was 4.6 and 5.0 times higher than the highlands, respectively. The prevalence of Linognathus spp. in goats was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the highlands than the lowlands. Both in sheep and goats, no significant difference between young and adult age groups was observed for any ectoparasites except for D. ovis in sheep in which adults (42.2%) were more affected than young animals (29.9%). The goats with poor body condition were 4.3 times at risk for sarcoptic mange (OR = 4.3, p < 0.05), Linognathus spp. (OR = 2.1, p < 0.05) and tick (OR = 1.6, p < 0.05) infestation than goats of good body condition. On the contrary, no significant variation (p > 0.05) in ectoparasite infestation of sheep was observed in relation to body condition. Favorable climates, poor management, poor awareness of farmers and poor animal health extension services are believed to have contributed for the widespread occurrence of ectoparasites.     

Avoidance distance test in goats: A comparison with its application in cows

The present study investigates the feasibility in goats of an avoidance distance (AD) behaviour test set-up for cattle, and compares the results in the two species to assess the suitability of the test for on-farm welfare evaluation in goat farms.The tests were performed on 324 lactating cows (170 in small farms and 154 in large farms) and 271 lactating goats (108 in small farms and 163 in large farms), housed in free stall farms (12 dairy cattle and 17 dairy goat farms) in the Province of Sondrio, Northern Italy, following a protocol validated for dairy cows in the Welfare Quality^® project.After the assessors were adequately trained, this test was relatively easy to perform and no major difficulties were faced in either species. Goats exhibited a higher level of confidence with humans, as showed by lower AD (goats: 68.60 ± 4.98 cm; cows: 71.36 ± 4.37 cm; p < 0.10) and higher frequency of contacts (AD = 0) (goats: 45.8%; cows: 31.2%; p < 0.001).Farm size significantly affected AD values (lower in small farms) and frequency of contacts (higher in small farms) in goats, but not in cows. This was probably due to the less marked management difference between large and small farms of cattle than those of goats.The AD test seems feasible in goats; however, the experimenter contacted nearly half of the goats. To improve the sensitivity, a further level – represented by the possibility of gently stroking the goat's head after the contact – may be included in the test in addition to contact.     

Utilization of poultry litter pellets in meat goat diets

Forty-eight crossbred meat goats were used to determine if poultry litter pellets could be used as a protein source in the diets of growing meat goats. Goats were fed one of three 19–21% CP diets containing 0 (CON; n = 18), 20% (20PL; n = 12) or 40% poultry litter pellets (40PL; n = 18). In Experiment 1, 38 animals (n = 13 CON; n = 12 20PL; n = 13 40PL) were used. Goats were allowed a 23-day adjustment period and body weight (BW) and feed intake were measured every 7 days for 42 days. In Experiment 2, 10 males fed CON or 40PL (n = 5 per diet) were used in two metabolism trials at 93.7 ± 0.9 (Trial 1) and 121.7 ± 0.9 d of age (Trial 2). Goats were placed in metabolism crates and after a 3-day adjustment period, feed intake and fecal and urine output were measured and sampled daily for 7 days to determine diet digestibility. In Experiment 1, ADG (79 ± 8 g) and feed efficiency (130 ± 12 g per kg) were not influenced by diet. In Experiment 2, for both trials, organic matter and CP digestibility were similar between diets (80 ± 1 and 70 ± 3% for Trial 1, respectively and 63 ± 2 and 75 ± 7% for Trial 2, respectively). Dry matter digestibility was greater (P < 0.05) for CON (81 ± 1 and 82 ± 1% for Trials 1 and 2, respectively) when compared to 40PL (77 ± 1 and 75 ± 1% for Trials 1 and 2, respectively). The ADF (41 ± 4% for CON and 67 ± 4% for 40PL) and NDF (48 ± 4% for CON and 71 ± 4% for 40PL) were greater (P < 0.01) for 40PL compared to CON diet in Trial 1 only. Digestibility (GE) was higher (P < 0.05) for 40PL (83 ± 0.3%) compared to CON (82 ± 0.3%) in Trial 2 only. The poultry litter pellets may be used effectively as a short-term feedstuff for meat goats.     

Assessment of the reproductive parameters,laparoscopic oocyte recovery and the first embryos produced in vitro from endangered Canindé goats (Capra hircus)

The Canindé breed of goats (Capra hircus) is currently endangered. The aims of this study were to characterize the estrus behavior, ovulatory responses and progesterone profiles, and to evaluate the in vitro embryo production (IVP) in this breed. In Experiment 1, ten nulliparous and seven pluriparous females received medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP)-containing sponges (60 mg) plus 75 μg d-cloprostenol for estrus synchronization and their reproductive parameters were evaluated. In Experiment 2, oocytes obtained by laparascopy from hormonally stimulated females (n = 15) were used for IVP. There was no difference (p > 0.05) between nulliparous and pluriparous goats in terms of estrus response (40.0% vs. 85.7%), time from progestagen sponge removal to the onset of estrus (62.0 ± 15.5 vs. 50.7 ± 19.2 h; mean ± SEM), duration of estrus (25.0 ± 16.1 vs. 30.0 ± 15.1 h), percentage of ovulating animals (60.0% vs. 85.7%), number of ovulations (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 1.3 ± 0.8), and diameter of the preovulatory follicle (5.8 ± 0.5 vs. 6.1 ± 0.3 mm). Progesterone concentrations were also similar (p > 0.05) in both groups. During laparoscopic recovery, there were average 12.2 aspirated follicles and 9.1 oocytes per goat, resulting in a high recovery rate (74.3%, 182/245). A total of 78 embryos were produced (51.0%). The mean number of cells in the blastocysts at day 7 of in vitro culture was 170.3 ± 12.5. In conclusion, nulliparous and pluriparous Canindé goats exhibited similar reproductive profiles. It was possible to produce embryos in vitro, allowing the instigation of an embryo bank for preservation of this breed.     

Fire service instructor's undergarment choice to reduce Interleukin-6 and minimise physiological and perceptual strain

Fire Service Instructors frequently experience high levels of physiological and perceptual strain during live fire exposures. Instructors are also at risk of cardiovascular illnesses, with cardiac death being the greatest cause of fire fighter death. Current practice for UK instructors is to select undergarment type based on personal preference, between a boiler suit (BOILER) and a wicking base layer (WBL). Research suggests that shorts and t-shirt (SHORTS) may also be a beneficial alternative undergarment choice. The UK South East Fire Service requested an investigation to identify if undergarment selection can lessen the strain experienced by instructors, and reduce the acute inflammatory response to fire exposures. Eight males completed three 45 min sessions in a heat chamber (49.5±1.4 °C and 16.9±4.3% RH) whilst performing intermittent walking. At the end of heat exposure change in heart rate was not effected by garment type (p=0.061, ηp²=0.373). Change in rectal temperature was different between garments (p=0.009, η_p²=0.271), with trends suggesting that BOILER resulted in a greater change (1.03±0.60 °C) than SHORTS (0.76±0.37 °C, p=0.589, d=0.21) and WBL (0.72±0.33 °C, p=0.545, d=0.25). Interleukin-6 post exposure was greater for BOILER (6.96±0.28 pg mL⁻¹) than both SHORTS (6.59±0.30 pg mL⁻¹, p=0.043, d=0.42) and WBL (6.45±0.43 pg mL⁻¹, p=0.031, d=0.51). Overall, undergarment type had little impact on physiological or perceptual strain. However, wearing WBL or SHORTS may reduce the inflammatory response, and consequently decrease the risk of cardiovascular events.     

Prevalence and loads of gastrointestinal parasites of goats in the communal areas of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

A longitudinal survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and loads of gastrointestinal parasites in goats raised by communal farmers of Qaukeni (QA) and Nkosana (NK) communities of Eastern Cape Province of South Africa between June 2007 and April 2008. One hundred and seventy one goats were weighed and had faecal samples collected from their recta in four seasons; cold-dry, hot-dry, hot-wet and the post-rainy seasons. The samples were examined by the modified McMaster technique for nematode egg types. Goats in QA weighed more (P < 0.05) than those in NK in the post-rainy, cold-dry and hot-dry seasons. However, in the hot-wet season, goats in NK had higher (P < 0.05) weights than those in QA. The most frequently detected gastrointestinal eggs were the strongyle egg type (68.4 ± 8.49 in QA and 96.1 ± 12.01 in NK), followed by coccidial oocysts (53.3 ± 8.76 in QA and 68.8 ± 8.00 in NK). The other identified nematodes were Strongyloides and Trichostrongylus egg types. Higher loads (P < 0.05) of strongyle eggs were observed in the hot-wet and post-rainy seasons, whilst the other egg types showed a peak in the hot-wet season. Strongyle egg counts were higher (P < 0.05) in NK compared to QA. The results indicate that strongyles are the major gastrointestinal egg types negatively affecting body weights of goats.     

Relationship between zinc levels and plasma leptin in hemodialysis patients

Recent evidences suggested a possible relationship between zinc deficiency and leptin levels in pathogenesis of anorexia in chronic kidney disease. The present study addressed the relationship between zinc and leptin in hemodialysis (HD) patients.MethodsFifty HD patients (54.3 ± 12.7 years old, 62% men) were studied and compared to 21 healthy volunteers (50.7 ± 15.7 years old, 43% men). Biochemical data, serum zinc, plasma leptin, IL-6, TNF-α and C-Reactive Protein levels were determined. Anthropometric parameters, food intake and appetite score were also assessed.ResultsThe leptin levels were higher in HD patients (16.1 μg/mL (0.21–118.25) vs 6.0 μg/mL (0.50–23.10)) in healthy volunteers (p = 0.04), whereas serum zinc levels were lower (54.5 ± 16.3 μg/dL) compared to healthy volunteers (78.4 ± 9.4 μg/dL) (p = 0.0001). The plasma leptin was correlated negatively with plasma zinc (r = ?0.33; p = 0.007), energy (r = ?0.38; p = 0.002) and protein intake (r = ?0.34; p = 0.006) and, positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.54; p = 0.0001), % body fat (r = 0.70; p = 0.0001) and conicity index (r = 0.46; p = 0.001). Plasma zinc was associated with hemoglobin (r = 0.30; p = 0.04) and negatively associated with TNF-α (r = ?0.37; p = 0.002) and C-Reactive Protein (r = ?0.37; p = 0.004). There was no correlation among Zn, leptin and appetite score in these patients.ConclusionThis study showed that low plasma zinc levels are negatively associated with high leptin levels in HD patients.     

The impact of weight loss on the 24-h profile of circulating peptide YY and its association with 24-h ghrelin in normal weight premenopausal women

Peptide YY (PYY) and ghrelin exhibit a reciprocal association and antagonistic physiological effects in the peripheral circulation. Research has yet to clarify the effect of weight loss on the 24 h profile of PYY or its association to 24 h ghrelin. We sought to determine if diet- and exercise-induced weight loss affects the 24 h profile of PYY and its association with 24 h ghrelin in normal weight, premenopausal women. Participants (n = 13) were assessed at baseline (BL) and after a 3-month diet and exercise intervention (post). Blood samples obtained q10 min for 24 h were assayed for total PYY and total ghrelin q60 min from 0800 to 1000 h and 2000 to 0800 h and q20 min from 1000 to 2000 h. The ghrelin/PYY ratio was used as an index of hormonal exposure. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and linear mixed effects modeling. Body weight (−1.85 ± 0.67 kg; p = 0.02), and body fat (−2.53 ± 0.83%; p = 0.01) decreased from BL to post. Ghrelin AUC (5252 ± 2177 pg/ml/24 h; p = 0.03), 24 h mean (216 ± 90 pg/ml; p = 0.03) and peak (300 ± 134 pg/ml; p = 0.047) increased from BL to post. No change occurred in PYY AUC (88.2 ± 163.7 pg/ml; p = 0.60), 24 h mean (4.8 ± 6.9 pg/ml; p = 0.50) or peak (3.6 ± 6.4 pg/ml; p = 0.58). The 24 h association between PYY and ghrelin at baseline (p = 0.04) was weakened at post (p = 0.14); however, the ghrelin/PYY lunch ratio increased (p = 0.01) indicating the potential for ghrelin predominance over PYY in the circulation. PYY and ghrelin are reciprocally associated during a period of weight stability, but not following weight loss. An “uncoupling” may have occurred, particularly at lunch, due to factors that modulate ghrelin in response to weight loss.     

Oxidative stress and DNA damage in relation to transition metals overload in Abu-Qir Bay,Egypt

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the transition metals overload in Abu-Qir Bay in Egypt, as compared to a less polluted area (reference area) through some biomarkers of oxidative stress. Catalase enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and DNA damage (number of apurinic/apyrimidinic sites) were the tested biomarkers. The levels of iron and copper in Mugil cephalus liver tissues were significantly higher in samples from the polluted area as compared to the reference area: Fe: 407 ± 38 vs. 216 ± 21 μg/g wet wt; p = 0.008, Cu: 54 ± 6 vs. 17.7 ± 4 μg/g wet wt; p = 0.0001. This could account for the observed increase in MDA concentration (15.7 ± 5.7 vs. 2.5 ± 0.5 U/g; p = 0.035), and the elevated number of AP sites (13.9 ± 2.6 vs. 0.37 ± 0.2 AP site/1 × 10⁵ bp; p = 0.0001). Similarly, the activity of catalase enzyme responsible for the cellular defense was significantly high (58.3 ± 12.2 vs. 28.4 ± 4.0 U/mg; p = 0.032). The present data indicated a clear relationship between the pollution degree of the above marine environment and both biochemical and molecular responses of the piscine system.     

Time-lapse videography of human oocytes following intracytoplasmic sperm injection: Events up to the first cleavage division

A total of 341 fertilized and 37 unfertilized oocytes from 63 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment cycles were included for retrospective assessment using the Embryoscope™ time-lapse video system. The second polar body (pb2) extrusion occurred at 2.9 ± 0.1 h (range 0.70–10.15 h) relative to sperm injection. All oocytes reduced in size following sperm injection (p < 0.05) with shrinkage ceasing after 2 h in the unfertilized and at pb2 extrusion in the fertilized oocytes. Pb2 extrusion was significantly delayed for women aged >38 years compared to those <35 years (3.4 ± 0.2 vs. 2.8 ± 0.1, p < 0.01) or 35–38 years (3.4 ± 0.2 vs. 2.8 ± 0.1, p < 0.01), but timing was not related to the Day 3 morphological grades (1–4) of subsequent embryos (2.9 ± 0.1, 2.9 ± 0.1, 2.8 ± 0.2 and 3.0 ± 0.1; p > 0.05 respectively). A shorter time of first cleavage division relative to either sperm injection or pb2 extrusion is associated with both top grade (AUC = 0.596 or 0.601, p = 0.006 or 0.004) and usable embryos (AUC = 0.638 or 0.632, p = 0.000 respectively) on Day 3. In summary, (i) pb2 of human oocytes extrudes at various times following sperm injection, (ii) the timing of pb2 extrusion is significantly delayed when female age >38 years, but not related to subsequent embryo development, (iii) all human oocytes reduce in size following sperm injection, (iv) completion of pb2 extrusion in the fertilized oocytes is a pivotal event in terminating shrinkage of the vitellus, and (v) time to first cleavage division either from sperm injection or pb2 extrusion is a significant predictive marker for embryo quality on Day 3.     

The relationship between fetal and maternal selenium concentrations in sheep and goats

In this study, biological samples (slaughterhouse material) were collected from 30 sheep and 36 goats and classified according to gestational stage into either early or late gestation. Samples consisted of allantoic fluid, amniotic fluid, fetal liver, fetal kidney, fetal thyroid gland, maternal plasma and liver to determine selenium (Se) concentrations throughout gestation. The Se concentrations in the allantoic fluid, fetal liver and kidney increased significantly (p < 0.01) during late gestation. Concurrently, the Se concentrations in amniotic fluid, maternal plasma and liver decreased significantly (p < 0.01) over time. Significant (p < 0.01) positive relationships were recorded between the age of the fetus and Se concentrations in the allantoic fluid (r = 0.57–0.75), fetal liver (r = 0.43–0.59) and kidney (r = 0.80–0.81) in both sheep and goats. A significant (p < 0.05) positive relationships were also recorded between the Se concentrations in the allantoic fluid and fetal liver (r = 0.35–0.37), the maternal plasma and liver Se concentrations (r = 0.37–0.57) between sheep and goats. A significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation was recorded between the Se concentrations in the allantoic fluid with maternal plasma of sheep (r = −0.41) as well as between the fetal liver and maternal liver Se (r = −0.22 to 0.50) and a negative correlation (r = −0.42 to 0.43) (p < 0.01) between Se concentrations in the fetal liver and amniotic fluid in both sheep and goats, respectively. Se concentration in the fetal liver was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that of the kidney and thyroid. In the thyroid gland no morphological differences were noted. Strong fetal–maternal relationships in Se concentration were evident throughout the gestational period and dams seem to sacrifice Se levels in order to maintain that in the fetus. Se concentrations in the amniotic and allantoic fluids could be used as a possible indicator of the Se status of the fetus throughout gestation.     

Social ranking and plasma progesterone levels in goats

Progesterone is essential for maintaining pregnancy in goats, and embryonic losses may be a consequence of the reduction in circulating progesterone levels close to the time of implantation. Some evidence exists regarding social dominance affecting the plasma progesterone levels in several species—where dominant females conceive earlier. The objective of this research was to determine whether serum progesterone levels differ in goats of different social status. A behavioural study was conducted for 10 days in a herd of 57 does and an individual success index (SI) was calculated according to the result of aggressive interactions. Goats were classified as high (SI: 1–0.67), medium (SI: 0.66–0.34) and low-ranking (SI: 0.33–0.0). Ovulation was synchronized using two injections of prostaglandin 11 days apart, and the plasma progesterone levels determined daily for a period of 20 days. The area under the plasma progesterone curve during the entire study was greater in the high than in the medium and low-ranking does (96.2 ± 5.8, 79.5 ± 5.3 and 81.3 ± 5.3 ng/ml, respectively, P < 0.05). During days 11–17 following prostaglandin synchronization, the plasma progesterone levels were higher in the high-ranking (P < 0.05), compared to the low-ranking does. Plasma progesterone levels were significantly correlated with SI at days 14 and 15 (r = 0.26; P < 0.05). Results suggest a relationship between social ranking of goats and the plasma progesterone production from the corpus luteum and other possible sources.     

Selenium status in elderly: Relation to cognitive decline

Studies show that decreased antioxidant system is related to cognitive decline. Thus we aimed to measure selenium (Se) status in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) elderly and compared them with a control group (CG). 27 AD, 17 MCI and 28 control elderly were evaluated. Se concentration was determined in plasma and erythrocyte by using hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy. Erythrocyte Se concentration in AD group was lower than CG (43.73 ± 23.02 μg/L and 79.15 ± 46.37 μg/L; p = 0.001), but not statistically different from MCI group (63.97 ± 18.26 μg/L; p = 0.156). AD group exhibited the lowest plasma Se level (34.49 ± 19.94 μg/L) when compared to MCI (61.36 ± 16.08 μg/L; p = 0.000) and to CG (50.99 ± 21.06 μg/L; p = 0.010). It is observed that erythrocyte Se decreases as cognition function does. Since erythrocyte reflects longer-term nutritional status, the data point to the importance of the relation between Se exposure and cognitive function. Our findings suggest that the deficiency of Se may contribute to cognitive decline among aging people.