Ultrasonographic features of the mule embryo, fetus and fetal-placental unit

The aim of this study was to establish baseline ultrasound data concerning the mule conceptus during gestation. Ten multiparous Trotter mares were artificially inseminated with chilled semen from an Amiatino jack donkey. Daily transrectal ultrasonography was carried out from the day of ovulation until Day 50 of gestation to determine the following: first detection of the embryonic vesicle (EV), mobility phase, EV diameter, day of EV fixation, changes in EV shape, date of yolk sac regression and embryo crown-rump length. Monthly ultrasonic assessments from Day 50 of gestation to term were carried out. These assessments included an evaluation of fetal well-being and the growth of the mule conceptus, which were monitored using the following variables: cardiac activity, fetal activity and presentation, fetal fluid echogenicity, combined thickness of the utero-placenta unit and fetal orbital and aortic diameter. Mule EV first detection was observed earlier (37% at Day 8) than that observed in the equine pregnancy. EV diameter at first detection was 4.6 ± 1.1 mm. At Day 10, 75% of EVs were detected. EV fixation occurred on Day 17.1 ± 1.1, with a mean EV diameter of 2.5 ± 0.2 cm. EV growth rate was 4.04 mm/day from Days 11 to 16, 0.4 mm/day from Days 16 to 28 and 1.78 mm/day from Days 28 to 45 of pregnancy. The embryo proper was first detected on Day 19.9 ± 1.9 (average length 2.4 ± 1.4 mm), and the embryonic heartbeat was first detected on Day 24 ± 2.4. The fetal carotid pulse was observed at six months of gestation and provided a good means by which to estimate fetal cardiac activity in advanced gestation. The fetal heart rate was recorded from Month 2 of gestation to term. The mean ± SD of the combined uteroplacental thickness was assessed at the cervical-placental junction and at the ventral abdomen in mares between Months 2 and 5 until term, respectively. An abnormal fetal-placental unit and fetal inactivity was observed in association with abortion. Mule-conceptus biometric measurements correlated significantly with the gestational age, and these data were used to predict an unusually large mule fetus, which might result in dystocia. In conclusion, we can assume that early diagnosis of pregnancy failure and assessment of fetal biophysical profile and growth charts could improve the chances of gestation completion in mule-pregnant mares. The early detection of mares at risk for an abnormal pregnancy or delivery may increase the success of prompt treatments, therefore preventing costly emergency procedures and allowing proper obstetrical and neonatal assistance.     

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the equine placenta by transrectal and transabdominal approach in the normal pregnant mare

The objective of this study was to determine normal variations in the utero placental thickness during mid- and late gestation in the mare. Normal, healthy pregnant mares (n = 9) were examined monthly from 4 mo of gestation until parturition by transrectal and transabdominal ultrasonography. At each examination, the combined thickness of the uterus and the placenta (CTUP) was measured at the placento-cervical junction (transrectally) and at the uterine body or the uterine horns (transabdominally). In addition, the echogenicity of the amniotic and allantoic fluids was evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography. Following parturition and expulsion of the fetal membranes, the allantochorion was measured and visually examined for abnormalities. At all examinations, both transrectal and transabdominal, the chorioallantois and the uterus were indistinguishable from each other on the ultrasound image. The CTUP, measured by transrectal ultrasonography did not change between 4 and 8 mo of gestation, but increased significantly for each month between 10 and 12 mo of gestation (P < 0.001). A change in the CTUP was detected between months when measured by transabdominal ultrasonography, but no distinct pattern in these changes was observed. No correlation was found between transabdominal and transrectal measurements of the CTUP. The echogenicity of the amniotic and allantoic fluids did not consistently change over time during mid- and late gestation. The amniotic fluid was more echogenic than the allantoic fluid at most examinations from 6 mo of pregnancy and throughout gestation (P < 0.05). It was concluded that transrectal ultrasonographic examination to assess the CTUP and the echogenicity of the fetal fluids is superior to the transabdominal approach. We suggest that transrectal ultrasonographic examination should be added to current diagnostic tools during late gestation and that it be part of the biophysical profile of high risk equine pregnancies.     

Real-time ultrasonography for determining pregnancy status and viable fetal numbers in ewes

The reproductive tracts of 26 estrus synchronized, bred ewes were scanned with a portable 5.0 MHz real-time ultrasound unit within 1 to 6 d postbreeding. Intrarectal scanning was performed on alternate days until Days 28 to 30 and twice weekly until Days 50 of gestation. Transabdominal uterine scans were conducted twice weekly from Days 25 to 65 and continued weekly until parturition. A total of 24 ewes (92%) became pregnant. A nonpregnant ewe was recognized 100% of the time by both methods of ultrasonic screening. Correct identification of a gravid ewe as pregnant was 100% from Days 51 to 150 of gestation using transabdominal real-time ultrasonography. There was a significant association (P < 0.005) between the number of lambs born and the number of fetuses observed using transabdominal real-time ultrasonography after Day 25 of gestation. Accurate differentiation of fetal numbers by transabdominal scanning was 100.0% for ewes carrying one lamb and 97.3% for ewes carrying two lambs at Days 51 to 75 of gestation. Fetal attrition was documented in one ewe at Day 49 of gestation. Hydrops allantois was diagnosed in another ewe at 110 d of gestation. A total of 37 lambs were born to 23 ewes in the project flock. No congenital abnormalities were noted in any of the lambs. Transabdominal real-time ultrasonography is a safe, rapid, accurate and practical method for assessing pregnancy status, fetal number and fetal viability in sheep.     

Equine fetal gender determination from mid- to advanced-gestation by ultrasound

Equine fetal gender can be easily determined by ultrasound between Days 120 and 210. A combination of transrectal and transabdominal ultrasound examinations can visualise fetal sex organs up to 8 months of gestation. Early equine fetal sexing techniques, performed between approximately Days 58 and 70, are aimed at identifying the position of the genital tubercle. A wider diagnostic window, a diagnosis based on several parameters, and the ease of identification of fully developed fetal primary sex organs make gender diagnosis in mid- to advanced-gestation a preferable technique.     

Maternal age and parity influence ultrasonographic measurements of fetal growth in Dutch Warmblood mares

Ultrasonographic examination of the equine fetus in mid-late gestation is usually performed only if there are concerns about fetal or maternal health. Even then it is difficult to determine whether development is ‘normal’ for gestational age because the reference values include considerable error margins. This study examined maternal factors that influence fetal growth with the aim of producing more precise late gestation fetal growth curves for Dutch Warmblood horses. Fetal development was monitored at 2-week intervals from day 100 of gestation until term in 32 mares ranging from 4 to 18 years in age; seven of the mares were primiparous. Transrectal and/or transabdominal ultrasonographic measurement of the fetal eye orbit, cranium, aorta, heart rate and of the combined thickness of uterus and placenta (CTUP) were performed using a portable ultrasound machine equipped with 6 MHz linear and 3.5 MHz curved array probes.During days 100–250 of gestation, the CTUP was thicker in primiparous than multiparous mares (p < 0.05). After day 220 the maximum cross-sectional area, but not diameter, of both the eye orbit and cranium were also greater in primiparous than multiparous mares (p < 0.05). Fetal aorta diameter was not influenced by parity but was affected by maternal age, being smaller in mares ≥15 years of age than younger animals (p < 0.05). Only biparietal cross-sectional surface area and aorta diameter increased linearly throughout late gestation. However, even allowing for the effects of parity and maternal age, the late gestational variation in fetal size is such that serial measurements may be required to definitively identify abnormal development.     

Evidence for placental abnormality as the major cause of mortality in first-trimester somatic cell cloned bovine fetuses

The production of cloned animals is, at present, an inefficient process. This study focused on the fetal losses that occur between Days 30-90 of gestation. Fetal and placental characteristics were studied from Days 30-90 of gestation using transrectal ultrasonography, maternal pregnancy specific protein b (PSPb) levels, and postslaughter collection of fetal tissue. Pregnancy rates at Day 30 were similar for recipient cows carrying nuclear transfer (NT) and control embryos (45% [54/120] vs. 58% [11/19]), although multiple NT embryos were often transferred into recipients. From Days 30-90, 82% of NT fetuses died, whereas all control pregnancies remained viable. Crown-rump (CR) length was less in those fetuses that were destined to die before Day 90, but no significant difference was found between the CR lengths of NT and control fetuses that survived to Day 90. Maternal PSPb levels at Days 30 and 50 of gestation were not predictive of fetal survival to Day 90. The placentas of six cloned and four control (in vivo or in vitro fertilized) bovine pregnancies were compared between Days 35 and 60 of gestation. Two cloned placentas showed rudimentary development, as indicated by flat, cuboidal trophoblastic epithelium and reduced vascularization, whereas two others possessed a reduced number of barely discernable cotyledonary areas. The remaining two cloned placentas were similar to the controls, although one contained hemorrhagic cotyledons. Poor viability of cloned fetuses during Days 35-60 was associated with either rudimentary or marginal chorioallantoic development. Our findings suggest that future research should focus on factors that promote placental and vascular growth and on fetomaternal interactions that promote placental attachment and villous formation.     

Relationship between heat stress during the peri-implantation period and early fetal loss in dairy cattle

The aim of the present study was to establish whether temperature-humidity index values, as a measure of heat comfort, from Days 1 to 40 of gestation could be associated with the pregnancy loss rate in high producing dairy cows. Data from 1391 pregnancies were recorded. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography between Days 34 and 45, and again 90 days after insemination. Pregnancy loss was assumed when the second pregnancy diagnosis on Day 90 proved negative and was registered in 7.8% (108/1391) of pregnancies. Mean and maximum temperature-humidity index values were established for each cow for Days 0 (day of insemination), 1, 2 and 3 after insemination, and averages established for Days 0-3, 0-10, 11-20, 21-30 and 31-40 after insemination. Cow and management variables previously found to be significantly correlated with the early fetal loss in the same geographical area were also recorded. The relative contribution of each factor to the probability of pregnancy loss was determined using logistic regression models. Based on the odds ratio, a strong association with pregnancy loss of the factors warm period of pregnancy (warm period-May to September versus cool-October to April), twin pregnancy (as negative factors: odds ratios 3.1 and 3.4, respectively) and an additional corpus luteum (as a positive factor: odds ratio 0.32) was confirmed. The likelihood of pregnancy loss increased by a factor of 1.05 for each additional unit of the mean maximum temperature-humidity index from Days 21 to 30 of gestation. Logistic regression analysis revealed no significant effects of temperature-humidity index values for the remaining gestation periods. Our results indicate that heat stress can compromise the success of gestation during the peri-implantation period, such that high temperature-humidity index values for the period 21-30 days of gestation are a risk factor for subsequent early fetal loss.     

Accuracy of ultrasonography and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein test for pregnancy diagnosis in buffaloes

The aims of the present study were to evaluate and compare the accuracy of transrectal ultrasonography and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein radioimmunoassay (PAG-RIA) test for diagnosis of pregnancy in buffaloes. Two hundred and seventy-five buffalo cows and heifers were examined once for pregnancy diagnosis by transrectal ultrasonography using a 5 MHz linear-array transducer between Days 19 and 55 after mating. After ultrasound scanning, a blood sample was withdrawn from jugular vein of each animal for measuring pregnancy-associated glycoprotein using a heterologous double-antibody RIA. Based on palpation of the uterus per rectum at Days 75-90, 87 animals were designated pregnant and 188 as non-pregnant. The sensitivity of transrectal ultrasonography at Days 19-24 was 44.4%, reaching 100% from Day 31 after mating. The specificity of transrectal ultrasonography ranged between 92.5 and 100% from Days 19 to 55 after mating. The sensitivity of PAG-RIA test was 11.1% at Days 19-24 and reached 100% from Day 31 after mating. The specificity of PAG-RIA test ranged from 90 to 100% from Days 19 to 55 after mating. There were no significant differences between the sensitivity and specificity of the two tests in all examined periods. In conclusion, transrectal ultrasonography and PAG-RIA test are highly accurate tests for detecting pregnant buffaloes from Day 31 after mating onwards.     

Comparison of accuracy of transabdominal ultrasonography, progesterone and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins tests for discrimination between single and multiple pregnancy in sheep

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and, compare the accuracy of transabdominal ultrasonographic (US) and the progesterone (P4-RIA) and ovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (ovPAG-RIA) tests for the discrimination between single and multiple pregnancy in sheep. One hundred pregnant AwassixMerino ewes were scanned by transabdominal ultrasonography (3.5 MHz linear-array transducer) at Days 43-56 and 81 of these ewes were scanned at Days 76-87 of gestation. The ewes were scanned in dorsal recumbency at the bare area of the inguinal regions (without pre-scanning shaving of the ventral abdominal wall). After each scan, blood samples were withdrawn from the jugular vein to estimate the levels of P4 and ovPAG by radioimmunoassay. At lambing, 61 ewes gave birth to single lambs and 39 ewes gave birth to multiples. The sensitivity of the transabdominal US, the P4-RIA and the ovPAG-RIA tests for determining ewes carrying multiples was 54, 64.1 and 64.1% at Days 43-56. At Days 76-87 of gestation these accuracies were 60.0, 66.7 and 76.6% for the US, P4-RIA and PAG-RIA tests, respectively. The specificity of the transabdominal US, the P4-RIA and the ovPAG-RIA tests for determining ewes carrying singles, was 78.6, 60.7 and 62.3% at Days 43-56 and 78.4, 64.7 and 70.6% at Days 76-87 of gestation, respectively. It is concluded that the accuracy of transabdominal ultrasonographic (without pre-scanning shaving of the ventral abdominal wall), the P4- and the ovPAG-RIA tests for determination of the fetal numbers in AwassixMerino crossbred ewes is too low to be used in the field.     

Estimation of gestational age in Egyptian native goats by ultrasonographic fetometry

The main aim of the present study was to estimate the gestational age of Egyptian goats by B-mode ultrasound measurement of embryonic or fetal parts throughout pregnancy. Trans-rectal (TR) ultrasonography (7 MHz) was carried out on 15 pregnant Egyptian does at Day 10 post mating on alternate days until Day 25 and then once at 3-5-day intervals until Day 50. Trans-abdominal (TA) ultrasonography (3.5-5 MHz) was carried out on the same animals from Days 25 to 130 at 3-5-day intervals. After imaging the embryo or the fetus, the following parameters were measured: length of the embryo or fetus (CRL), heart rate (FHR), biparital diameter (BPD), trunk diameter (TD), placentome size (PS), umbilical cord diameter (UCD) and femur length (FL). The average of days at which the embryonic vesicle was first determined by TR and TA ultrasonography was 16.98+/-1.97 and 27.87+/-3.48, respectively. The embryo proper with a beating heart was first determined by TR and TA ultrasonography at an average of 22.36+/-2.66 and 30.36+/-4.75 days, respectively. All the fetal measures were significantly (P<0.0001) correlated with the gestational age. With the exception of fetal heart rate (R(2)=0.551), all the measured fetal structures were highly correlated (R(2)> or =90) with the gestational age. In conclusion, the age of embryo or fetus in Egyptian does can be estimated by ultrasound measuring the crown rump length, biparital diameter, trunk diameter, placentome size, umbilical cord diameter and femur length.     

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.     

经直肠实时组织超声弹性成像诊断前列腺良恶性病灶的价值

目的:探索经直肠实时组织超声弹性成像技术在前列腺良恶性病灶诊断中的应用价值。方法:选取2013年12月至2014年5月我科疑似前列腺癌(PCa)并拟行穿刺活检的患者49例,以病例活检结果作为金标准,对比经直肠实时组织超声弹性成像技术、经直肠超声(TRUS)及直肠指诊(DRE)在疑似PCa患者中的诊出结果,并对直肠超声进行弹性图像评分及应变指数分析。结果:弹性图像评分≥4分时,其对PCa的敏感性、特异性及准确性分别为92.3%、91.3%和93.9%;良性病灶的应变指数为2.84±4.72,恶性病灶的应变指数为32.12±15.05,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:经直肠实时组织超声弹性成像技术可提高PCa的诊出率,在前列腺良恶性病灶的鉴别及指导治疗与预后方面有重要价值。     

Ultrasonography in early pregnancy diagnosis and measurements of fetal size in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus)

Transrectal or transabdominal examinations of 13 pluriparous reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) by ultrasonography from the start of mating until week 20 of gestation were conducted to find out when pregnancy could first be detected and to describe fetal development in early pregnancy. The examinations (n=35 per animal) were performed with a 5 MHz linear transducer from 7th October until 1st January and with a 3 MHz sector transducer from that time until 24th February. Time of pregnancy diagnosis by ultrasonography, the first fetal heartbeat and measurements of crown-rump length, chest width and chest depth were recorded during the examinations. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography between the weeks 3 and 7 of gestation. The accuracy of the pregnancy diagnosis, defined as the proportion of females correctly detected to be pregnant, was 15% at week 3, 46% at week 4, 77% at week 5, and 92% at week 6 of gestation. Fetal heartbeat was first detected between the weeks 5 and 8 of gestation. The first measurements of crown-rump length were made on week 3 of gestation, of chest width on week 4 and of chest depth on week 5 of gestation. Chest width and depth were detectable until the end of the study at week 20 of gestation. Transrectal ultrasonography is an efficient tool in early pregnancy diagnosis of reindeer. The fetal growth curves obtained by ultrasonography resembled those obtained in previous morphological studies.     

超声评分法及肾动脉阻力指数对胎儿肾积水预后的评价价值分析

目的:研究超声评分法及肾动脉阻力指数(RRI)对胎儿肾积水预后的评价价值。方法:将从2016年1月2019年1月经我院超声检查发现的孕晚期肾积水胎儿210例纳入研究,测定其肾实质厚度(RPT)、肾盂前后径(APD)以及肾盂肾盏形态,对上述各项超声检测指标进行评分,累计计算分值。此外,对所有胎儿的积水肾脏肾门部位的RRI值进行测定,并以受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析超声评分法与RRI值诊断胎儿肾积水预后类型的价值。结果:所有胎儿出生1年内分别行超声检查以及临床诊断,结果显示210例胎儿,共计420只肾脏,共发生285只肾积水,包括病理性肾积水84只(病理性组),非病理性肾积水201只(非病理性组)。病理性肾积水胎儿超声评分为13分的肾只数占比显著低于非病理性胎儿(P<0.05),而79分的肾只数占比显著高于非病理性胎儿(P<0.05)。病理性肾积水胎儿的平均RRI值为0.74±0.05,显著高于非病理性肾积水胎儿的0.63±0.02,差异有统计学意义(t=26.563,P=0.000)。超声评分法与RRI联合诊断病理性肾积水的曲线下面积(AUC)、敏感度、特异度、准确度均显著高于超声评分法或RRI单独诊断(P<0.05)。结论:超声评分法及RRI诊断对胎儿肾积水预后评价具有较重要的价值,值得临床推广应用。     

Assessment of feto-placental well-being in the mare from mid-gestation to term: transrectal and transabdominal ultrasonographic features

Ultrasound assessment of feto-placental well-being has found its application in the equine field, as a valid diagnostic tool. Most reports on equine fetal parameters focus on advanced to late gestation. The aim of the present study was to further validate the technique of ultrasound evaluation of the equine fetal environment, by extending its application to earlier stages of pregnancy. Fetal parameters were collected (on 150 pregnancies) over a 3-year period. Data included in the study were selected according to the clinical behaviour of the mare, the neonate/fetus and fetal membranes at the termination of gestation. Validation of the ultrasound technique was also undertaken on a number of specimens collected at an abbatoir. At the completion of the study, a substantial number of measurements and observations were collected. No fetal parameters associated in previous reports with a negative outcome were observed at any of the examinations during this study. Therefore, data collected during the present study should be of value in feto-placental assessment of well-being, in mid- to late-gestation.     

Localization and secretion of inhibins in the equine fetal ovaries

To clarify the source of inhibins in equine female fetuses, concentrations of immunoreactive (ir-) inhibin, inhibin pro-alphaC, and inhibin A in both fetal and maternal circulation and in fetal ovaries were measured. In addition, the localization of inhibin alpha and inhibin/activin beta(A), and beta(B) subunits and the expression of inhibin alpha(A) and inhibin/activin beta(A) subunit mRNA in fetal ovaries were investigated using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Concentrations of circulating ir-inhibin, inhibin pro-alphaC, and inhibin A were remarkably more elevated in the fetal than in the maternal circulation between Days 100 and 250 of gestation. Fetal ovaries contained large amounts of ir-inhibin, inhibin pro-alphaC, and inhibin A. In contrast, these inhibin forms were undetectable in both the maternal ovaries and placenta. The inhibin alpha and inhibin/activin beta(A) and beta(B) subunit proteins were localized to enlarged interstitial cells of the equine fetal ovary. Expression of inhibin alpha and inhibin/activin beta(A) subunit mRNAs were also observed in the interstitial cells. We conclude that the main source of large amounts of inhibins in fetal circulation is interstitial cells of fetal ovary and is not of maternal origin. Furthermore, these inhibins may play some important physiological roles in the development of gonads in the equine fetus.     

Fetal movements during late gestation in the pig: A longitudinal ultrasonographic study

Repeated ultrasonographic observation of fetal movements was used to distinguish movement patterns and to investigate the rate of occurrence and temporal organisation of these patterns (rest-activity cycles) during the last three weeks of gestation in the pig.By means of transabdominal ultrasonography with a 3.5 MHz linear array transducer, motility in ten different fetuses (one per sow) was studied. Six (median; range 4-6) 1 h recordings were made per fetus at 3-5 day intervals. Fifty-five 1 h recordings were available for analysis. The occurrence of fetal general movements (GM), isolated head (HM), forelimb movements (LM), and rotations (ROT) was analysed from video tapes. For each movement pattern, the trend in occurrence over time was assessed by multilevel analysis. The temporal association between different movement patterns was studied by calculation of the kappa value.ROT occurred very infrequently and showed no particular trend over time. GM, HM, and LM showed a significant decreasing trend towards parturition (P < 0.01). Total fetal activity (i.e., the sum of the four movement incidences) declined from an average of 25% of recording time to 9% over the last three weeks of pregnancy. Periods of fetal quiescence gradually increased with progressing gestation (P < 0.05). There was no evidence of concordant association between the periods of rest and activity of GM, HM, and LM or of improved temporal linkage between these movement patterns with time.Fetal bodily activity decreases towards parturition mainly due to prolonged periods of rest. Fetal movement patterns show rest-activity cycles, but each pattern appears to cycle independently from the other throughout late gestation. The present results of spontaneous fetal movements in the pig provide reference data for future studies of fetal activity under different zootechnical conditions or pharmacological interventions.     

孕14-19+6周正常胎儿胼周动脉的超声评估

摘要 目的：探讨应用超声SlowflowHD（超低速血流成像）联合RadiantFlow（二维立体血流成像）技术评估孕14-19⁺⁶周正常胎儿胼周动脉的可行性，观察胎儿胼周动脉及分支走行，测量其长度和高度，并探讨二者与孕周及双顶径的关系。方法：纳入2022年5月-2023年3月来南京医科大学附属苏州医院进行常规超声检查的150例孕14-19⁺⁶周孕妇，在胎儿正中矢状切面上获取胎儿胼周动脉及分支的图像，测量其长度和高度，测量重复3次，取平均值，并观察胎儿胼周动脉及分支走行。所有孕妇均随访至中孕晚期（20-28周）或晚孕期行产前超声检查未见胼胝体异常及其他颅内结构异常。采用pearson相关分析和回归分析判断胎儿胼周动脉长度及高度与孕周及双顶径的关系。结果：胎儿胼周动脉长度及高度随着孕周及双顶径的增加而增加（P＜0.05）。胎儿胼周动脉长度与孕周、双顶径之间呈线性正相关，且胎儿胼周动高度与孕周、双顶径之间呈线性正相关（P＜0.05）。在孕14-19⁺⁶周中所有111病例均类"C"形走行，额前内侧动脉、额中内侧动脉、额后内侧动脉三者几乎与胎儿胼周动脉垂直，类"鸡冠"，三者显示率100%；旁中央动脉在孕14-15⁺⁶周、16-17⁺⁶周、18-19⁺⁶周显示率分别约53.1%（17/32）、88.2%（45/51）、92.8%（26/28）；楔前动脉在孕14-15⁺⁶周、16-17⁺⁶周、18-19⁺⁶周显示率分别约3.1%（1/32）、35.2%（18/51）、78.5%（22/28）。结论：应用超声SlowflowHD（超低速血流成像）联合RadiantFlow（二维立体血流成像）技术显示孕14-19⁺⁶周正常胎儿胼周动脉及分支具有可行性，胎儿胼周动脉长度和高度与孕周及双顶径呈一定的线性相关。     

The influence of genital tract status in postpartum period on the subsequent reproductive performance in high producing dairy cows

The aim of the present study was to characterize the early postpartum period in clinically healthy dairy cows by ultrasonography (US), endometrial cytology (EC), and white blood cell counts, and determine possible relationships between postpartum findings and subsequent reproductive performance. Fifty-three dairy cows were examined on Days 15 to 21 (Visit 1), 22 to 28 (Visit 2), and 29 to 35 (Visit 3) postpartum. The clinical examination included: examination of vaginal fluid, EC, transrectal palpation and ultrasonography of the genital tract (cervical diameter, endometrial thickness, presence of a corpus luteum [CL] or intrauterine fluid [IUF] and its echogenicity). Luteal activity (presence of a CL in a single visit), return to cyclicity (presence of a CL in 2 consecutive visits), and conception rate at 70 and 120 days postpartum were considered as the dependent variables in four consecutive binary logistic regression analyses. Factors affecting leukocyte counts were established by general linear model (GLM) repeated measures analysis of variance. Based on the odds ratio (OR), the likelihood of luteal activity was higher in multiparous than primiparous cows (OR = 3.75) and tended to diminish in cows showing increased endometrial thickness in Visit 1 (V1) (OR = 0.06). The likelihood of returning to cyclicity decreased for each centimeter increase in cervical diameter in V1 (OR = 0.14) and that of conception on Day 70 was lower in cows showing the presence of echogenic or anechogenic IUF in V1 (OR = 0.09 or OR = 0.13, respectively) compared with cows lacking IUF. Effects of parity and IUF were observed on neutrophil counts. Positive EC results were unrelated to the cumulative conception rate at 70 and 120 days in milk, whereas cows returning a positive EC result in V1 showed a greater likelihood of increased endometrial thickness. In conclusion, measuring cervical diameter, endometrial thickness, and detecting the echogenicity of IUF by ultrasonography from Days 15 to 21 postpartum in clinically normal cows is an appropriate tool to predict subsequent reproductive performance. Vaginal examination and transrectal palpation alone did not emerge as valuable predictors.     

Hematopoiesis in the equine fetal liver suggests immune preparedness

We investigated how the equine fetus prepares its pre-immune humoral repertoire for an imminent exposure to pathogens in the neonatal period, particularly how the primary hematopoietic organs are equipped to support B cell hematopoiesis and immunoglobulin (Ig) diversity. We demonstrated that the liver and the bone marrow at approximately 100 days of gestation (DG) are active sites of hematopoiesis based on the expression of signature messenger RNA (mRNA) (c-KIT, CD34, IL7R, CXCL12, IRF8, PU.1, PAX5, NOTCH1, GATA1, CEBPA) and protein markers (CD34, CD19, IgM, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD11b, CD172A) of hematopoietic development and leukocyte differentiation molecules, respectively. To verify Ig diversity achieved during the production of B cells, V(D)J segments were sequenced in primary lymphoid organs of the equine fetus and adult horse, revealing that similar heavy chain VDJ segments and CDR3 lengths were most frequently used independent of life stage. In contrast, different lambda light chain segments were predominant in equine fetal compared to adult stage, and surprisingly, the fetus had less restricted use of variable gene segments to construct the lambda chain. Fetal Igs also contained elements of sequence diversity, albeit to a smaller degree than that of the adult horse. Our data suggest that the B cells produced in the liver and bone marrow of the equine fetus generate a wide repertoire of pre-immune Igs for protection, and the more diverse use of different lambda variable gene segments in fetal life may provide the neonate an opportunity to respond to a wider range of antigens at birth.