High Embryonic Recovery Rates with In vivo and Ex vivo Techniques in the Bitch

The embryonic collection techniques in dogs present a vast methodological variation and low recovery rates. The objectives were to compare and describe two techniques as to the recovery of canine embryos, on the 12th day after the first mating or artificial insemination. Embryos were recovered through uterine horn flushing in vivo, before performing the ovariohysterectomy (OHE) (Group 1; n = 9) or ex vivo, immediately after the OHE (Group 2; n = 9). In total, 43 and 47 embryonic structures were recovered in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between groups on recovery rates (72.8% and 81.0%, respectively). We inferred that both in vivo and ex vivo techniques allow a high rate of embryonic recovery; in the collection technique prior to the OHE, it is essential to carefully handle the reproductive system during the trans‐surgical period and that the 12th day (D12) after the first mating/artificial insemination is an efficient option for the high recovery rate of morulae and blastocysts.     

Size Dependence of Structural Metastability in Semiconductor Nanocrystals

The kinetics of a first-order, solid-solid phase transition were investigated in the prototypical nanocrystal system CdSe as a function of crystallite size. In contrast to extended solids, nanocrystals convert from one structure to another by single nucleation events, and the transformations obey simple unimolecular kinetics. Barrier heights were observed to increase with increasing nanocrystal size, although they also depend on the nature of the nanocrystal surface. These results are analogous to magnetic phase transitions in nanocrystals and suggest general rules that may be of use in the discovery of new metastable phases.     

Effect of Different Manganese Concentrations during in vitro Maturation of Bovine Oocytes on DNA Integrity of Cumulus Cells and Subsequent Embryo Development

Manganese (Mn) is a trace element present in forages and cereals, and its concentration depends on soil status. Manganese deficiency in cattle, goats and ewes not only impairs oestrous cycle but reduces calf birth weight. The achievement of the first oestrus is delayed, and more attempts are necessary to obtain a successful conception. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the availability of supplemental Mn during IVM on DNA damage of cumulus cells and total glutathione (GSH) content in oocytes and cumulus cells. The effect of supplementary Mn during IVM on subsequent embryo development was also studied. The results reported here indicate (i) DNA damage in cumulus cells decreased with 0, 2, 5 and 6 ng/ml Mn supplementation during IVM (p < 0.05). (ii) Intracellular GSH‐GSSG content increased (p < 0.01) with different Mn concentrations in oocytes and cumulus cells. Also, cumulus cell number per cumulus oocyte‐complexes (COC) did not differ either before or after IVM. (iii) Addition of Mn to maturation medium resulted in similar cleavage rates (p > 0.05) at 0, 2, 5 and 6 ng/ml Mn. However, subsequent embryo development to blastocyst stage was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in oocytes matured with 5 and 6 ng/ml Mn. (iv) There was also an increase (p < 0.05) in mean cell number per blastocyst obtained from oocytes matured with 5 and 6 ng/ml respect to zero Mn (IVM alone) and 2 ng/ml Mn. This study provides evidence that optimal embryo development to the blastocyst stage was partially dependent on the presence of Mn during IVM. Moreover, the availability of Mn during oocyte maturation ensures ‘normal’ intracellular GSH content in COCs and protects DNA integrity of cumulus cells.     

Effect of Different Extenders on In Vitro Characteristics of Feline Epididymal Sperm During Cryopreservation

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of various extenders for the cryopreservation of epididymal cat spermatozoa, two experiments were planned. Bovine and equine commercial extenders in the experiment 1 and TRIS–egg yolk–based extenders in experiment 2 were separately studied since the number of sperm collected per cat is reduced. Epididymal sperm samples were packaged into 0.25‐ml straws and frozen. Vigour, motility, morphology, acrosome status, sperm viability and functional membrane integrity were assessed at collection, after cooling and after thawing, while DNA integrity was evaluated at 0‐ and 6‐h post‐thaw. Experiment 1 compared the effect of three non‐feline commercial extenders – based on TRIS–egg yolk (Triladyl), egg‐yolk‐free medium (AndroMed) and skimmed milk‐egg yolk (Gent) – on the quality of frozen‐thawed epididymal cat sperm. Values for sperm motility and functional membrane integrity in cooled sperm diluted in Triladyl were higher (p < 0.001) than those recorded for Andromed and Gent. Except sperm morphology, the other assessed characteristics showed significant higher values in frozen‐thawed sperm diluted in Triladyl than in Andromed and Gent extenders. Experiment 2 analysed the effects of three TRIS–egg yolk–based extenders, one non‐feline commercial (Triladyl) and the other two prepared using different monosaccharides (glucose and fructose), on freezing‐thawed sperm. Results showed that specifically prepared extenders for cryopreservation of feline spermatozoa performed better than the commercial extender Triladyl, although sperm quality during the freezing‐thawing process did not significantly differ associated with the type of monosaccharide (glucose vs fructose) added to the mentioned extenders. Although TRIS–egg yolk–based extenders prepared in experiment 2 improved sperm cryoprotection, Triladyl remains a good option for practitioners who, for ease of use and availability, prefer to work with commercial extenders.     

Sara Arndt:收藏优雅走过的痕迹

文艺复兴时期风格的壁画前,香槟色的水晶吊灯摇曳生姿;1950年代的古董小边柜上摆放着几盏中东风韵的彩色烛台;朴素无常的实木餐桌简雅而温暖:设计师莎拉·阿恩特不仅喜欢周游世界,更喜欢把在世界各地发现的好看又实用的古董运用到她的设计中。     

生活在此处

当邦妮和汉密尔顿·潘思打算为即将开始的婚姻生活寻找一个新家时,他们对未来并没有任何详细的规划,这个全新的温馨家园是由梅勒妮为他们设计的。现在,这对夫妇和11个月大的双胞胎女儿一起生活在伯明翰乡村的小别墅里,庭前碧树小径,一派悠然自得的田园风情。     

In vitro production of porcine zygotes using intracytoplasmic injection of vitrified sperm

The objectives of this study were to evaluate if vitrified porcine spermatozoa are able to maintain their capacity to produce zygotes in vitro using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and to evaluate the zygote development in two in vitro atmospheric conditions: 5% CO₂ and tri‐gas. A group of porcine oocytes maturated in vitro were injected with vitrified‐warmed sperm (treatment group) and another group, with sperm diluted and conserved at 17°C (control group). To evidence parthenogenetic activation, some oocytes were submitted to a Sham test. The injected oocytes were cultured in G1 medium at 38°C, 100% humidity and 5% CO₂ or tri‐gas. No significant differences (p > .05) were observed in embryo development between the oocytes injected with vitrified‐warmed sperm (31.8%; 36/113), and those injected with semen diluted and conserved at 17°C (35.5%; 32/90), when cultured in 5% CO₂ or under tri‐gas atmosphere (42.9%; 39/91 vs. 34.2%; 26/76, respectively). No significant differences (p > .05) were observed in the percentage of pronuclei (PN) obtained between 5% CO₂ and tri‐gas, within each treatment either. Of the 52 oocytes submitted to the Sham test, only two presented a female PN (activation) indicating that the PN observed in the treatment group were a product of fertilization and not parthenogenetic activation. To conclude, porcine sperm vitrified using spheres, at a concentration of 5 × 10⁶ spermatozoa/ml in TALP medium with 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA), conserve condensed and intact chromatin capable of producing early embryo development up to the pronuclear stage.     

Efficacy of protamine zinc insulin for treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of protamine zinc insulin (PZI) on control of glycemia in cats with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus or poorly controlled diabetes. DESIGN: Clinical trial. ANIMALS: 67 diabetic cats. PROCEDURE: 34 cats with newly diagnosed diabetes and 33 cats with poorly controlled diabetes were treated with PZI twice daily for 45 days. Control of glycemia was assessed on days 7, 14, 30, and 45 by evaluation of clinical response, change in body weight, serum fructosamine concentration, blood glucose concentration measured 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 hours after administration of PZI, lowest blood glucose concentration, and mean blood glucose concentration during the 9-hour period after administration. Adjustments in dosage of PZI were made as needed to attain control of glycemia. RESULTS: For all cats, a significant increase in mean dosage of PZI and significant decreases in 9-hour mean blood glucose concentration, lowest mean blood glucose concentration, and mean serum fructosamine concentration were detected. For cats with poorly controlled diabetes, 9-hour mean blood glucose concentration and mean serum fructosamine concentration were significantly decreased on day 45, compared with day 0. Ninety percent of owners reported improvement or resolution of clinical signs by day 45. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that PZI was effective for control of glycemia in cats with newly diagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes and may be used as an initial treatment or as an alternative treatment in cats that do not respond to treatment with other types of insulin.     

Plasma granulocyte colony-stimulating factor concentrations in neutropenic, parvoviral enteritis-infected puppies

We evaluated the temporal relationship between neutrophil numbers and plasma granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) concentrations in dogs infected with canine parvovirus, a common infectious cause of neutropenia. G-CSF is produced in response to neutropenia, infection, or inflammation, and results in the production and release of neutrophils from the bone marrow. Adequate numbers of functional neutrophils are necessary for protection from infection, and the timely production of G-CSF is a crucial response to certain diseases. The relationship between peripheral neutrophil numbers and plasma G-CSF concentrations during the course of an infectious disease characterized by neutropenia has not been described previously in dogs. Eight mixed-breed puppies were given an oronasal challenge with canine parvovirus, and peripheral neutrophil numbers as well as plasma G-CSF concentrations were measured daily. G-CSF was not detectable in plasma of any dog before the onset of neutropenia, but G-CSF became detectable just after the onset of neutropenia in the 7 dogs that developed clinical illness. Neutropenia persisted or worsened for at least 2 days after plasma G-CSF became detectable in all 7 dogs. Neutrophil nadir, the highest plasma G-CSF concentrations, and the most severe clinical illness occurred concurrently in most dogs. Although 1 dog died while still neutropenic, plasma G-CSF concentrations declined before resolution of neutropenia in the other 6 dogs, and were again below the limits of detection in 5 of the 6 dogs at the time of resolution.     

Brucella suis in three dogs: presentation,diagnosis and clinical management

Brucella suis is an emerging, zoonotic disease predominantly affecting dogs and humans that engage in feral pig hunting in Australia and other countries. Although B. suis infection in dogs shares some clinical similarities to the host-adapted species (B. canis), B. suis remains an incompletely understood pathogen in dogs with limited published data on its pathogenesis and clinical features. This case series describes the presentations, diagnosis, and clinical management of B. suis infection in three dogs: (1) a bitch with dystocia, abortion and mastitis; (2) an entire male dog with septic arthritis and presumptive osteomyelitis; and (3) a castrated male dog with lymphadenitis. Unique features of these cases are reported including the first documented detection of B. suis from milk and isolation from lymph nodes of canine patients, as well as the follow-up of pups born to a B. suis-infected bitch. Consistent with previous reports, all three dogs showed a favourable clinical response to combination antibiotic therapy with rifampicin and doxycycline. Individually tailored drug regimens were required based on the clinical presentation and other factors, including owner expectations and compliance with therapy as well as a zoonotic risk assessment (generally considered low, except around time of whelping). The authors include their recommendations for the clinical management of dogs that are at-risk or seropositive for B. suis with or without clinical signs or laboratory-confirmed infection.