Effects of Addition of Tissue‐Type Plasminogen Activator in In Vitro Fertilization Medium on Bovine Embryo Development and Quality

Plasminogen activators/Plasmin system plays pivotal role in regulating reproductive functions of mammals. Here, we examined the effects of modification of in vitro fertilization medium (IVF medium) with the addition of tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐PA), on bovine embryo development and quality, assessed by quantification of expression of various genes related to metabolism, oxidation, implantation and apoptosis. In addition, plasminogen activator activity (PAA) and plasminogen activator inhibition (PAI) were measured in the spent media. After conventional IVM, 2016 cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) were divided into four groups with modified composition of the IVF medium containing t‐PA and/or its inhibitor epsilon‐aminocaproic acid (control, t‐PA, t‐PA+ε‐ACA, ε‐ACA). Presumptive zygotes were cultured for 8 days in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) medium; gene expression studies were carried out on morulae and blastocysts. t‐PA alone significantly suppressed cleavage and blastocyst formation rates, but this effect was neutralized by the addition of ε‐ACA. PAA in the treated group was significantly reduced by ε‐ACA, but without total elimination. Significant differences were detected in the expression of genes related to apoptosis and/or cell cycle arrest (BAX, BCL2L1, KAT2B) between embryos produced in t‐PA‐modified media and controls, giving an overall notion that the inferior developmental competence of treated embryos may be attributed to apoptotic phenomena induced by t‐PA. In conclusion, it appears that excessive t‐PA content in the IVF media, suppresses blastocyst formation rate, possibly due to induction of apoptotic phenomena.     

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) in tissue homogenates of the carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Abstract. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the demonstration of the virus of spring viraemia of carp (SVCV) in liver, kidney and spleen homogenates, and in infected cell cultures is described. The sensitivity of the method is 10^2·8–10^3·5 TCID₅₀ 0·lml⁻¹ of the examined fluid. The specificity has been confirmed by the ELISA inhibition test and by results of virological examinations. Contamination with bacteria or fungi of samples taken from dead fish had no effect on the results of ELISA. Specific anti-SVCV sera were used successfully for the production of conjugates for the direct immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence detection of SVCV in infected cell cultures.     

Urethral tumours in dogs

Urethral tumours in 21 dogs are reported. Transitional cell carcinoma was the most frequent presentation. A more deliberate radiographic protocol has enhanced diagnostic ability and has improved presurgical evaluation. The use of a transpubic surgical approach has allowed the direct examination of the affected urethra and excision or resection of focal and diffuse lesions in 10 dogs with periods of remission varying from eight to 22 months. The apparent success of the surgical technique underlines the necessity for early and careful investigation of the dysuric, haematuric case.     

Geographical ‘handicaps’ and small states: Some implications for the Pacific from a global perspective

Abstract: Research on the economic performance of small states has concentrated on the implications of small size and thin local markets. An interesting feature of many of the world's smallest states, of which the Pacific region has many, is that they face additional challenges than just small size. Many are remote from global markets for their products. In addition, a large number are also islands, many of which are also mountainous. Many of the smaller states are not just islands, but are also archipelagos. Hence in addition to small size, many of the world's small states also exhibit four other characteristics that may affect their economic performance: insularity, remoteness, being archipelagos and being highly mountainous entities. This paper examines the nature of the challenges posed by these four characteristics and seeks to produce empirical evidence of how difficult it has been to overcome these challenges. The paper draws on empirical evidence for 126 very small global states, dependent territories and highly autonomous regions. The paper then turns to the position of the Pacific small states and dependent territories.     

The ecology of genetically diverse infections

Microparasite infections often consist of genetically distinct clonal lineages. Ecological interactions between these lineages within hosts can influence disease severity, epidemiology, and evolution. Many medical and veterinary interventions have an impact on genetic diversity within infections, but there is little understanding of the long-term consequences of such interventions for public and animal health. Indeed, much of the theory in this area is based on assumptions contradicted by the available data.     

Temperatures, winds, and composition in the saturnian system

Stratospheric temperatures on Saturn imply a strong decay of the equatorial winds with altitude. If the decrease in winds reported from recent Hubble Space Telescope images is not a temporal change, then the features tracked must have been at least 130 kilometers higher than in earlier studies. Saturn's south polar stratosphere is warmer than predicted from simple radiative models. The C/H ratio on Saturn is seven times solar, twice Jupiter's. Saturn's ring temperatures have radial variations down to the smallest scale resolved (100 kilometers). Diurnal surface temperature variations on Phoebe suggest a more porous regolith than on the jovian satellites.     

Measurement and clinical significance of equine fetal protein in pregnant mares serum

An assay for the determination of the concentration of an equine fetal protein (EQFP) in pregnant mares serum was developed and used to quantitate more than 2000 serum samples from Thoroughbred mares during pregnancy. The concentration of EQFP increased throughout pregnancy. Mares with unproblematic (normal) pregnancies were used to establish the reference values at given gestational ages (GA). Mares with pregnancy failures (n=58) were found to have EQFP concentrations outside the reference values established at given GA's; 10 were high and 48 were low. Twin pregnancies (n=21), placentitis and impending abortion (n=71) were associated with elevated concentration. Twin pregnancies were detected by elevated EQFP concentration, in one case as early as 12 days after breeding.     

Modified lateral spinal decompression in 61 dogs with thoracolurnbar disc protrusion

A modified lateral spinal decompression technique was performed in 61 dogs with thoracolumbar disc protrusion. Myelography combined with plain radiography and neurological examination determined the side of greatest compression in 93 per cent of the dogs. Disc material was retrieved in 98 per cent of the cases. Of the 35 non-ambulatory dogs, 95 per cent regained the ability to walk. The recovery time was three weeks.