75 Effect of mycobacterium cell wall fraction immunostimulant on conception rates in heifer recipients

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
J. M. Palomino ◽  
M. P. Cervantes ◽  
F.-X. Grand

In cattle, the average pregnancy for IVF embryos around Days 45 to 90 is 35% (Ealy et al. 2019 J. Anim. Sci. 97, 2555–2568). Among other factors, uterine contamination with pathogens from the vagina during embryo transfer may affect pregnancy success. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment for this purpose in embryo recipients is considered malpractice. An alternative to antibiotics is the use of mycobacterium cell wall fraction (MCWF) immunostimulant (Amplimune, NovaVive Inc.) against these pathogens. Therefore, the objective was to determine the effect of MCWF on conception rates in heifer recipients. For this purpose, Holstein heifers were synchronized with 2 injections of prostaglandin F2α 14 days apart and randomly allocated to 2 groups: (1) MCWF (n=292), single intramuscular injection of 5mL of Amplimune on the day of pretransfer oestrus; (2) Control (n=296): no Amplimune treatment. Embryo transfers using quality 1 frozen IVF embryos were performed in all recipients 7 to 8 days after oestrus and with a corpus luteum ≥22mm, using a double sanitary sheath technique. Data were analysed using the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). Results are shown in Table 1. In conclusion, treatment with MCWF increased the number of recipients to be used for embryo transfer and improved the conception rate at Day 60. Importantly, MCWF treatment was more efficient for getting a recipient pregnant by Day 60 per total of synchronized recipients. Table 1. Effect of mycobacterium cell wall fraction (MCWF) on pregnancy in heifer recipients transferred frozen embryos (quality 1) Variable MCWF Control Utilisation rate 227/292a 174/296b (No. of transferred recipients/no. of synchronized recipients) (78%) (59%) Pregnancy Day 30 144/227 94/174 (No. of pregnant recipients at Day 30/no. of transferred recipients) (63%) (54%) Pregnancy Day 60 131/227a 83/174b (No. of pregnant recipients at Day 60/no. of transferred recipients) (58%) (48%) Embryo mortality 13/144 11/94 (No. of embryo loss at Day 60/no. of pregnant recipients at Day 30) (9%) (12%) Pregnancy Day 60 per total of synchronized 131/292a 83/296b (No. of pregnant recipients/no. of synchronized recipients) (45%) (28%) a,bValues with different superscripts within a row are different (P ≤ 0.05).

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 152
Author(s):  
L. O'Hara ◽  
N. Forde ◽  
A. K. Kelly ◽  
P. Lonergan

Conceptus size on Day 14 following multiple embryo transfer of Day 7 in vitro-produced blastocysts varies greatly within animal. One explanation for this variation may be related to blastocyst cell number at the time of transfer. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Day 7 blastocyst cell number on Day 14 conceptus size and to examine the effect of progesterone (P4) supplementation on embryo development following the transfer of Day 7 blastocysts containing a low total cell number. The oestrous cycles of crossbred beef heifers were synchronised using an 8-day CIDR (1.38 g of P4) treatment with administration of a prostaglandin F2α analogue (Estrumate™, Merck Animal Health, Summit, NJ, USA) on the day before CIDR removal. Only those heifers recorded in standing oestrus (Day 0) were used. Heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: (1) Control: large blastocysts (high total cell number), (2) Control: small blastocysts (low total cell number), (3) small blastocysts plus a single intramuscular injection of 3000 IU of hCG (Chorulon®, Merck Animal Health) on Day 2 after oestrus, or (4) small blastocysts plus insertion of a vaginal progesterone insert (PRID, 1.55 g of P4) between Days 3 to 5 after oestrus. In vitro-produced blastocysts were transferred to each heifer on Day 7 (n = 10 blastocysts per heifer) and conceptuses were recovered at slaughter on Day 14. A sample of blastocysts was fixed and stained using Hoechst 33342 to determine the mean total cell number per group. Daily blood samples were collected from Day 0 to 14 to measure serum P4 concentrations. Data were analysed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc. Cary, NC, USA). Total cell number on Day 7 was significantly lower in small compared with large blastocysts (72.4 ± 3.93 v. 144.8 ± 3.90; P < 0.05). Conceptus recovery rate was 53.8% overall (140/260) and was highest in the large blastocyst group (68.3%, 41/60) compared with the other groups (45.7–55.0%). Concentrations of serum P4 were similar in the 2 unmanipulated recipient groups but were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) by Day 8 in hCG-treated heifers and on Days 4 and 5 in the PRID group (P < 0.003). In the absence of supplemental P4, Day 14 conceptuses resulting from the transfer of small blastocysts (2.48 ± 0.54 mm) were smaller than those from large blastocysts (3.32 ± 0.52 mm). Administration of hCG on Day 2 approximately doubled conceptus length on Day 14 (4.94 ± 1.15 mm), whereas insertion of a PRID from Day 3 to 5 increased conceptus length ~5-fold (13.09 ± 2.11 mm; P < 0.05) compared with controls. In conclusion, results indicate that supplemental P4 is capable of “rescuing” poor quality blastocysts, presumably via the now well-described actions on the endometrium and consequent effects on uterine lumen fluid composition. Supported by Science Foundation Ireland (07/SRC/B1156).


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
R. V. Sala ◽  
A. Garcia-Guerra ◽  
L. C. Carrenho-Sala ◽  
M. Fosado ◽  
E. Peralta ◽  
...  

Synchronization protocols for fixed-time embryo transfer (ET) contribute significantly to the overall cost of an in vitro-produced-ET program, primarily through the cost of drugs and the labour required. Optimization of synchronization protocols to reduce cost, while providing high fertility, have the potential to improve overall efficiency and profitability. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dose and schedule of administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) during a synchronization protocol for fixed-time ET. Holstein and cross-bred Holstein heifers (n = 3766) were synchronized using a modified 5-day CIDR Synch as follows: Day 0: CIDR inserted; Day 5: CIDR removed, PGF2α treatment; Day 8: gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; 100 μg of gonadorelin). On Day 5, at the time of CIDR removal, heifers were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design to receive either a full or half dose of PGF (Cloprostenol; 500 v. 250 μg) and 1 (Day 5) or 2 (Day 6) administrations resulting in the following treatments: full dose Day 5 + Day 6 (n = 938); full dose Day 5 (n = 938); half dose Day 5 + Day 6 (n = 946); and half dose Day 5 (n = 944). Heifers were evaluated by ultrasonography 5 days after GnRH to determine presence and size of the corpus luteum. Heifers with a corpus luteum received a fresh in vitro-produced embryo 7 ± 1 days after GnRH administration, and pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography 32 and 60 days after GnRH. Fertility data were analysed by logistic regression and included the fixed effects of dose, time, and their interaction. Fertility results are shown in Table 1. Utilisation rate (transferred/treated) was not affected by dose (P = 0.66), time (P = 0.19), or their interaction (P = 0.17). The percentage of heifers detected in oestrus was not affected by dose (P = 0.13), time (P = 0.72), or their interaction (P = 0.89). There were no significant differences between doses of PGF (P = 0.32), time (P = 0.71), or their interaction (P = 0.80) on pregnancies per ET on Day 32. Similarly, no differences were found on pregnancies per ET on Day 60 between doses (P = 0.35), time (P = 0.96), or their interaction (P = 0.89). In addition, pregnancy loss between Day 32 and 60 was not affected by dose (P = 0.76), time (P = 0.66), or their interaction (P = 0.54). In conclusion, the use of a half dose of PGF once on Day 5 resulted in comparable utilisation rate and fertility as the observed with 2 full dose applications 24 h apart. As a result, the overall cost of the fixed-time ET program can be reduced by eliminating the need for a second PGF treatment and by decreasing the dose without compromising fertility. Table 1. Utilisation rate, oestrus expression, pregnancies per ET (P/ET), and pregnancy loss in recipients receiving either a full or half dose of prostaglandin F2α on Days (D) 5 and 6 or once on D 5


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
James L. Peugh ◽  
Sarah J. Beal ◽  
Meghan E. McGrady ◽  
Michael D. Toland ◽  
Constance Mara

2020 ◽  
Vol 641 ◽  
pp. 159-175
Author(s):  
J Runnebaum ◽  
KR Tanaka ◽  
L Guan ◽  
J Cao ◽  
L O’Brien ◽  
...  

Bycatch remains a global problem in managing sustainable fisheries. A critical aspect of management is understanding the timing and spatial extent of bycatch. Fisheries management often relies on observed bycatch data, which are not always available due to a lack of reporting or observer coverage. Alternatively, analyzing the overlap in suitable habitat for the target and non-target species can provide a spatial management tool to understand where bycatch interactions are likely to occur. Potential bycatch hotspots based on suitable habitat were predicted for cusk Brosme brosme incidentally caught in the Gulf of Maine American lobster Homarus americanus fishery. Data from multiple fisheries-independent surveys were combined in a delta-generalized linear mixed model to generate spatially explicit density estimates for use in an independent habitat suitability index. The habitat suitability indices for American lobster and cusk were then compared to predict potential bycatch hotspot locations. Suitable habitat for American lobster has increased between 1980 and 2013 while suitable habitat for cusk decreased throughout most of the Gulf of Maine, except for Georges Basin and the Great South Channel. The proportion of overlap in suitable habitat varied interannually but decreased slightly in the spring and remained relatively stable in the fall over the time series. As Gulf of Maine temperatures continue to increase, the interactions between American lobster and cusk are predicted to decline as cusk habitat continues to constrict. This framework can contribute to fisheries managers’ understanding of changes in habitat overlap as climate conditions continue to change and alter where bycatch interactions could occur.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-208
Author(s):  
Ravindra Arya ◽  
Francesco T. Mangano ◽  
Paul S. Horn ◽  
Sabrina K. Kaul ◽  
Serena K. Kaul ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThere is emerging data that adults with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) without a discrete lesion on brain MRI have surgical outcomes comparable to those with hippocampal sclerosis (HS). However, pediatric TLE is different from its adult counterpart. In this study, the authors investigated if the presence of a potentially epileptogenic lesion on presurgical brain MRI influences the long-term seizure outcomes after pediatric temporal lobectomy.METHODSChildren who underwent temporal lobectomy between 2007 and 2015 and had at least 1 year of seizure outcomes data were identified. These were classified into lesional and MRI-negative groups based on whether an epilepsy-protocol brain MRI showed a lesion sufficiently specific to guide surgical decisions. These patients were also categorized into pure TLE and temporal plus epilepsies based on the neurophysiological localization of the seizure-onset zone. Seizure outcomes at each follow-up visit were incorporated into a repeated-measures generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with MRI status as a grouping variable. Clinical variables were incorporated into GLMM as covariates.RESULTSOne hundred nine patients (44 females) were included, aged 5 to 21 years, and were classified as lesional (73%), MRI negative (27%), pure TLE (56%), and temporal plus (44%). After a mean follow-up of 3.2 years (range 1.2–8.8 years), 66% of the patients were seizure free for ≥ 1 year at last follow-up. GLMM analysis revealed that lesional patients were more likely to be seizure free over the long term compared to MRI-negative patients for the overall cohort (OR 2.58, p < 0.0001) and for temporal plus epilepsies (OR 1.85, p = 0.0052). The effect of MRI lesion was not significant for pure TLE (OR 2.64, p = 0.0635). Concordance of ictal electroencephalography (OR 3.46, p < 0.0001), magnetoencephalography (OR 4.26, p < 0.0001), and later age of seizure onset (OR 1.05, p = 0.0091) were associated with a higher likelihood of seizure freedom. The most common histological findings included cortical dysplasia types 1B and 2A, HS (40% with dual pathology), and tuberous sclerosis.CONCLUSIONSA lesion on presurgical brain MRI is an important determinant of long-term seizure freedom after pediatric temporal lobectomy. Pediatric TLE is heterogeneous regarding etiologies and organization of seizure-onset zones with many patients qualifying for temporal plus nosology. The presence of an MRI lesion determined seizure outcomes in patients with temporal plus epilepsies. However, pure TLE had comparable surgical seizure outcomes for lesional and MRI-negative groups.


Author(s):  
Miriam Romero-López ◽  
María Carmen Pichardo ◽  
Ana Justicia-Arráez ◽  
Judit Bembibre-Serrano

The objective of this study is to measure the effectiveness of a program on improving inhibitory and emotional control among children. In addition, it is assessed whether the improvement of these skills has an effect on the reduction of aggressive behavior in pre-school children. The participants were 100 children, 50 belonging to the control group and 50 to the experimental group, aged between 5 and 6 years. Pre-intervention and post-intervention measures of inhibitory and emotional control (BRIEF-P) and aggression (BASC) were taken. A Generalized Linear Mixed Model analysis (GLMM) was performed and found that children in the experimental group scored higher on inhibitory and emotional control compared to their peers in the control group. In addition, these improvements have an effect on the decrease in aggressiveness. In conclusion, preventive research should have among its priorities the design of such program given their implications for psychosocial development.


Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Lunel Joseph ◽  
Raúl Marino Yaranga Cano ◽  
Marco Arizapana-Almonacid ◽  
Marcela Venelli Pyles ◽  
Flávia Freire de Siqueira ◽  
...  

Research Highlights: Families more dependent on crops as the main source of income of properties have a greater intention of restoring Polylepis forest areas. However, this intention reduces with the increase of family dependence on subsistence products supplied by Polylepis forests. Properties where the chances of restoration of Polylepis forests are greater are those where the educational and technical level is better. Objectives: We aimed to comprehend which socioeconomic factors of rural properties and families’ perception were determinant for the intention to restore Polylepis forests in the Central Andes region of Peru. Material and Methods: We collected data through visits and the application of questionnaires. We selected 13 rural communities in the Tulumayo River Basin. We randomly sampled 10 to 20 families in each community, depending on its size, totaling 200 families. We used generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to test which variables affect the intention to restore the forest. Results: When crops are the main source of income in the property, the families have more intention to restore Polylepis areas, on the other hand, when Polylepis forests are an important source of products for the family subsistence, the intention to restore forests reduces, indicating that higher technological status has a positive impact on restoration. The perception that Polylepis forests are important for the existence of water sources had a positive impact on the families’ intention to restore the areas. However, the perception that Polylepis forests are important for native flora persistence had a negative impact on the intention to restore their areas. Conclusions: Our results showed that investment in improving the productivity of the properties and in the education of their landowners should increase the success of eventual programs for restoration of Polylepis forests.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Traci A. Bekelman ◽  
Corby K. Martin ◽  
Susan L. Johnson ◽  
Deborah H. Glueck ◽  
Katherine A. Sauder ◽  
...  

Abstract The limitations of self-report measures of dietary intake are well known. Novel, technology-based measures of dietary intake may provide a more accurate, less burdensome alternative to existing tools. The first objective of this study was to compare participant burden for two technology-based measures of dietary intake among school-age children: the Automated-Self Administered 24-hour Dietary Assessment Tool-2018 (ASA24-2018) and the Remote Food Photography Method (RFPM). The second objective was to compare reported energy intake for each method to the Estimated Energy Requirement for each child, as a benchmark for actual intake. Forty parent-child dyads participated in 2, 3-day dietary assessments: a parent proxy-reported version of the ASA24 and the RFPM. A parent survey was subsequently administered to compare satisfaction, ease of use and burden with each method. A linear mixed model examined differences in total daily energy intake (TDEI) between assessments, and between each assessment method and the EER. Reported energy intake was 379 kcal higher with the ASA24 than the RFPM (p=0.0002). Reported energy intake with the ASA24 was 231 kcal higher than the EER (p = 0.008). Reported energy intake with the RFPM did not differ significantly from the EER (difference in predicted means = −148 kcal, p = 0.09). Median satisfaction and ease of use scores were 5 out of 6 for both methods. A higher proportion of parents reported that the ASA24 was more time consuming than the RFPM (74.4% vs. 25.6%, p = 0.002). Utilization of both methods is warranted given their high satisfaction among parents.


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