Methyl‐β‐Cyclodextrin Improves Sperm Capacitation Status Assessed by Flow Cytometry Analysis and Zona Pellucida‐Binding Ability of Frozen/Thawed Bovine Spermatozoa

Mammalian sperm undergo a series of biochemical transformations in the female reproductive tract that are collectively known as capacitation. Cyclodextrins added to the sperm culture medium have been described to induce in vitro sperm capacitation, enabling its use in protein‐free media. However, the additive capacitating effect of methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβCD) in the medium containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) is unknown in the bovine species. In this study, we evaluated the effects of incubating frozen–thawed bovine spermatozoa in a BSA‐containing medium supplemented with MβCD on different sperm quality and functional parameters. Sperm viability decreased with the addition of MβCD in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.05), and DNA damage could be observed but only with the highest concentration of MβCD. However, pre‐incubation of spermatozoa in MβCD‐supplemented medium improved the capacitation status as assessed by the increase in plasma membrane fluidity, intracellular calcium concentration, induced acrosome reactivity and zona pellucida (ZP)‐binding ability (p < 0.05). Thus, we conclude that MβCD supplementation is able to enhance the capacitation status of frozen–thawed bovine spermatozoa cultured in capacitation medium containing BSA and could result in a valid strategy for its application on artificial reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.     

Magnetic field effect on picosecond electron transfer

The recombination dynamics of a transition metal redox system monitored by femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy are shown to be sensitive to high magnetic fields at times shorter than 10 picoseconds. The effect, based on coherent population beats of different spin states, is quantitatively accounted for and allows direct access to spin relaxation rates far beyond the time resolution of the fastest electron paramagnetic resonance technique. The presence of this ultrafast magnetic field effect helps in understanding complex reaction schemes in transition metal chemistry, which occur in a wide range of fields, such as bioinorganic chemistry and catalysis.     

Pilot evaluation of a novel test strip for the assessment of dissolved thiol levels,as an indicator of canine gingival health and periodontal status

This study evaluated a novel test strip designed to assess thiol levels as they relate to gingival/periodontal health in dogs. The simple to use strip (similar in form to a pH test strip) provides a colorimetric signal which estimates the level of thiols dissolved in oral fluid. Among several oral sites tested (left and right lingual vestibules, lower buccal vestibule, and upper buccal gingival margin), fluid from the maxillary gingival margin gave results with the best dynamic range, and its thiol levels correlated well with several oral health parameters (Pearson coefficients between 0.55 and 0.84; P < 0.001), especially those relating directly to the gingiva. The strip, which can be used on animals which are awake, may be useful as a quick, objective assessment of periodontal health, potentially enhancing compliance for thorough examinations, and promoting earlier and better-sustained treatment programs.     

Physiological indices of seawater readiness in postspawning steelhead kelts

Management goals to improve the recovery of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) stocks at risk of extinction include increasing the proportion of postspawning fish that survive and spawn again. To be successful, postspawning steelhead (kelts) migrating downstream to the ocean must prepare physiologically and physically for a seawater transition. We sampled blood, gill filaments, and evaluated the external condition of migrating kelts from an ESA‐listed population in the Snake/Columbia River system over two consecutive years to evaluate their physiological readiness for transition to seawater. We chose attributes often considered as measures of preparation for seawater in juveniles, including gill Na⁺,K⁺ ATPase activity, plasma electrolytes and hormones to consider factors related to external condition, size and sex. We found kelts in good external condition had plasma profiles similar to downstream‐migrating smolts. In addition, we found more than 80% of kelts ranked in good external condition had smolt‐like body silvering. We compared measures from migrating kelts with samples obtained from hatchery fish at the time of spawning to confirm that Na⁺, K⁺ ATPase activity in kelts was significantly elevated over spawning fish. We found significant differences in gill Na⁺, K⁺ ATPase activity in migrating kelts between the years of sampling, but little indication of influence of fish condition. We conclude that the postspawning steelhead sampled exhibited a suite of behaviours, condition and physiology characteristic of fish prepared for successful transition to a seawater environment.     

Biochemical and Protein Profile of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Uterine Horn Fluid During Early Pregnancy

South American camelids show high embryo loss rate, during the first 60 days of pregnancy. One of the factors which may be related to this situation is that over 98% of the embryos implant in the left uterine horn (LUH) even though both ovaries contribute similarly to ovulation. There is scarce information about the uterine environment of female camelids at any physiological state that could explain the capability of the LUH to attract the embryo and maintain pregnancy. We describe, for the first time, the biochemical and protein profile of uterine fluid (UF), addressing the right and LUH environment in non‐pregnant and pregnant alpacas. Different substrates, electrolytes and metabolites were assayed in both uterine horn fluids. Small changes were observed in glucose and total protein levels, which were more noticeable during pregnancy. In addition, 10 specific proteins were found in the left horn fluid in 5‐week‐pregnant alpacas, and two protein bands were identified in non‐pregnant alpaca right horn fluid. These results would provide basic information for identification of possible markers for pregnancy diagnosis, reproductive diseases and hormone‐treated animals evaluation and hence contributing to improve the pregnancy rate.     

Lingual lesions in the dog and cat: recognition, diagnosis, and treatment

The tongue plays many vital roles in the oral cavity of the dog and cat. Consequently, lingual lesions can have devastating effects on an animal's overall health. This article provides a review of tongue anatomy as well as a review of the etiology, gross appearance, and diagnostic procedures indicated for a wide variety of lingual lesions. Lingual pathologic conditions that are reviewed include traumatic, metabolic, idiopathic, infectious, immune-mediated, hereditary, and neoplastic lesions. This article also describes current concepts in the medical management of lingual lesions.