scholarly journals Incidence of pregnancy loss and characterization of fetal development in red pandas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenna Lowe ◽  
Erin Curry
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Development ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Partial Loss ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens ◽  
Skeletal Ossification

Previous reports indicate that red pandas (Ailurus fulgens styani) may experience fetal loss during gestation; however, neither the rate nor timing of pregnancy failure has been described in this species. The objective of the current study was to utilize ultrasound video and images collected between 2010-2020 at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden to better characterize pregnancy loss and fetal development. Trans-abdominal ultrasound examinations were performed on six female red pandas over a 10-year period, resulting in 12 profiles. Pregnancy was diagnosed via ultrasound in all profiles in which cubs were produced (n = 8) and in two profiles in which cubs were not produced. Two additional females did not produce cubs and no concepti were discernible via ultrasound. Fetal loss was documented in 40.0% of pregnancies and was classified into Lost (2 of 10; 20.0%), in which no cubs were produced, or Partial Loss (2 of 10; 20.0%), in which two concepti were visualized via ultrasound, but only one cub was born. Fetal loss occurred between days 51 and 23 pre-partum. Fetal growth characteristics were documented, including skeletal ossification (occurring between day 32 and 27 pre-partum), crown-rump length, head length, cranial length, and fetal heart rate (173-206 beats per minute). These findings provide novel insights into pregnancy loss, may serve as a reference for milestones of fetal development, and may be useful in diagnosing pregnancy and assessing pregnancy loss in red pandas.

scholarly journals A Potential Role and Contribution of Androgens in Placental Development and Pregnancy

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 644
Author(s):  
Agata M. Parsons ◽  
Gerrit J. Bouma
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Development ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Membrane Receptors ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Placental Function ◽  
Fetal Physiology ◽  
Estrogen Synthesis ◽  
And Function ◽  
Pregnancy Disorders

Successful pregnancy requires the establishment of a highly regulated maternal–fetal environment. This is achieved through the harmonious regulation of steroid hormones, which modulate both maternal and fetal physiology, and are critical for pregnancy maintenance. Defects in steroidogenesis and steroid signaling can lead to pregnancy disorders or even fetal loss. The placenta is a multifunctional, transitory organ which develops at the maternal–fetal interface, and supports fetal development through endocrine signaling, the transport of nutrients and gas exchange. The placenta has the ability to adapt to adverse environments, including hormonal variations, trying to support fetal development. However, if placental function is impaired, or its capacity to adapt is exceeded, fetal development will be compromised. The goal of this review is to explore the relevance of androgens and androgen signaling during pregnancy, specifically in placental development and function. Often considered a mere precursor to placental estrogen synthesis, the placenta in fact secretes androgens throughout pregnancy, and not only contains the androgen steroid nuclear receptor, but also non-genomic membrane receptors for androgens, suggesting a role of androgen signaling in placental function. Moreover, a number of pregnancy disorders, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction, and polycystic ovarian syndrome, are associated with abnormal androgen levels and androgen signaling. Understanding the role of androgens in the placenta will provide a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of pregnancy disorders associated with androgen elevation and its consequences.

Spontaneous loss of a co-twin and the risk of birth defects after assisted conception

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 678-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Davies ◽  
A. R. Rumbold ◽  
M. J. Whitrow ◽  
K. J. Willson ◽  
W. K. Scheil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Defects ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Multiple Pregnancy ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Infertility Patients ◽  
Twin Pregnancies ◽  
Singleton Pregnancies

The study of very early pregnancy loss is impractical in the general population, but possible amongst infertility patients receiving carefully monitored treatments. We examined the association between fetal loss and the risk of birth defects in the surviving co-twin in a retrospective cohort study of infertility patients within an infertility clinic in South Australia from January 1986 to December 2002, linked to population registries for births, terminations and birth defects. The study population consisted of a total of 5683 births. Births from singleton pregnancies without loss were compared with survivors from (1) pregnancies with an empty fetal sac at 6–8 weeks after embryo transfer, (2) fetal loss subsequent to 8-week ultrasound and (3) multiple pregnancy continuing to birth. Odds ratios (OR) for birth defects were calculated with adjustment for confounders. Amongst infertility patients, the prevalence of birth defects was 7.9% for all twin pregnancies without fetal loss compared with 14.6% in pregnancies in which there had been an empty sac at ultrasound, and 11.6% for pregnancies with fetal loss after 6–8 weeks. Compared with singleton pregnancies without loss, the presence of an empty sac was associated with an increased risk of any defect (OR=1.90, 95% confidence intervals (CI)=1.09–3.30) and with multiple defects (OR=2.87, 95% CI=1.31–6.28). Twin pregnancies continuing to birth without loss were not associated with an overall increased prevalence of defects. We conclude that the observed loss of a co-twin by 6–8 weeks of pregnancy is related to the risk of major birth defects in the survivor.

Genetic analysis of laminin A reveals diverse functions during morphogenesis in Drosophila

Development ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Henchcliffe ◽  
L. Garcia-Alonso ◽  
J. Tang ◽  
C.S. Goodman
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Genetic Characterization ◽  
Complete Loss ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Partial Loss ◽  
Multidomain Structure ◽  
A Subunit ◽  
Wing Structure

In order to dissect the functions of laminin A in vivo, we have undertaken a molecular and genetic characterization of the laminin A subunit (lamA) gene in Drosophila. Sequence analysis predicts a multidomain structure similar to mammalian homologs. We generated a series of complete and partial loss-of-function mutant alleles of the lamA gene; complete loss-of-function mutations lead to late embryonic lethality. Certain combinations of partial loss-of-function lamA alleles give rise to escaper adults, which have rough eyes associated with changes in cell fate and pattern, misshapen legs and defects in wing structure. These phenotypes suggest that laminin A has diverse functions during morphogenesis in Drosophila.

scholarly journals Characterization of Some Italian Ornamental Thyme by Their Aroma

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1000500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Bertoli ◽  
Szilvia Sárosi ◽  
Jenő Bernáth ◽  
Luisa Pistelli
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Comparative Evaluation ◽  
Plant Material ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Static Headspace ◽  
Volatile Constituents ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Alternative Sources

The aromatic profiles of five commercial thyme cultivars (T. vulgaris ‘Silver Poise’, T. vulgaris ‘Erectus’, T. vulgaris ‘Faustini’, T. × citriodorus ‘Anderson's Gold’, and T. × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’), cultivated in Italy, were defined both by their static headspaces (HS) and essential oils (EOs). In addition, a botanical garden sample of T. vulgaris was considered as reference material to evaluate the morphological and phytochemical differences from the selected market samples. Extractions of the volatile constituents of the different plant material were carried out by SPME (static headspace, HS) and hydrodistillation (HD) processes. GC-MS analysis provided the separation and identification of approximately 70 components in the HS samples and 50 in the hydrodistilled essential oils, accounting for more than 95% of the total. The typical main constituents of T. vulgaris were detected in all the EO samples, although qualitative and quantitative differences were found among the selected ornamental Thymus varieties. Thymol (50-55%) was the marker constituent for the three T. vulgaris cultivars, while geraniol (61-67%) characterized the essential oils of the two T. × citriodorus varieties. In all the analyzed essential oils, non-oxygenated (16-79%) and oxygenated (5-26%) monoterpenes were the typical volatile constituents. Specific target compounds (thymol, geraniol and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one) were selected to characterize the five thyme cultivars that are considered at present only as ornamental plants. A comparative evaluation of their EO quality was carried out in order to propose them as alternative sources of Italian raw plant material for industrial production.

scholarly journals Sire contribution to pregnancy loss in different periods of embryonic and fetal development of beef cows

2020 ◽  
Vol 154 ◽  
pp. 84-91
Author(s):  
Gessica Franco ◽  
Sydney Reese ◽  
Rebecca Poole ◽  
Justin Rhinehart ◽  
Kevin Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Development ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Embryonic And Fetal Development

scholarly journals Analysis of Blimp-1 and PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint in an Autoimmune Thyroiditis Animal Model

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Xue Zhang ◽  
Xiaoshu Lv ◽  
Mengya Chen ◽  
Haixia Liu
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Autoimmune Thyroiditis ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
B Lymphocyte ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Autoimmune Thyroid ◽  
Female Mice ◽  
Maturation Protein ◽  
Cell Death Protein

Objective. B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp-1) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) have opposing roles in the development of T cells; however, the mechanism of autoimmune thyroiditis- (AIT-) associated abortion is unclear. The present study investigated the expression of Blimp-1 and PD-1/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in AIT-associated pregnancy loss and elucidated the related signaling pathway involving in the inflammatory response. Methods. An experimental fetal loss model with autoimmune thyroiditis was established after murine thyroglobulin- (mTg-) immunized CBA/J female mice mating with Balb/c males. ELISA was employed to investigate the TgAb level in the serum of CBA/J female mice. The expression of Blimp-1, PD-1/PD-L1, mammalian target protein rapamycin (mTOR), and Foxp3 proteins in the placenta and spleen was detected through immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. Results. ELISA indicated that the serum TgAb level in the mTg group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.001). Fetal resorption rates increased in the mTg group compared with those in the control group (45.63% vs. 3.1%, P<0.05). Blimp-1 levels in the placenta and spleen were higher in the AIT-related miscarriage group than in the control group. However, the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 and Foxp3 was significantly decreased in the placenta and spleen in the AIT-related miscarriage group. Conclusion. Blimp-1 participates in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease-associated pregnancy loss through the inflammatory immune response, which is potentially mediated through the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway.

Identification and characterization of ten polymorphic microsatellite loci in the red panda Ailurus fulgens

2007 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 787-790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Zhang ◽  
Xu Liang ◽  
Zhihe Zhang ◽  
Fujun Shen ◽  
Wenping Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microsatellite Loci ◽  
Red Panda ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens ◽  
Polymorphic Microsatellite ◽  
Identification And Characterization

Isolation and characterization of 16 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the red panda (Ailurus fulgens)

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 1012-1014 ◽  
Author(s):  
XU LIANG ◽  
ZHI-HE ZHANG ◽  
LIANG ZHANG ◽  
WEN-PING ZHANG ◽  
FU-JUN SHEN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microsatellite Loci ◽  
Isolation And Characterization ◽  
Red Panda ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens

scholarly journals 336 COMPARISON OF FETAL DEVELOPMENT AND FETAL HEARTBEAT BY ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN ARTIFICIALLY INSEMINATED AND EMBRYO-TRANSFERRED DAIRY COWS

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 319
Author(s):  
K. Kishida ◽  
N. Shibata ◽  
K. Hata ◽  
S. Aoki ◽  
T. Nishisouzu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Fetal Development ◽  
Prediction Equation ◽  
Transrectal Ultrasonography ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Recorded Data ◽  
Fetal Size ◽  
The Times

Bovine fetal size and fetal heartbeat are important factors for detecting abnormal pregnancies in artificially inseminated and embryo-transferred dairy cows. The purpose of this study was to compare fetal growth and fetal heartbeat by transrectal ultrasonography in the early pregnancy of artificially inseminated (AI) and embryo-transferred (ET) dairy cows. The pregnancies of 86 animals were examined by fetal heartbeat count (n = 35 per animal of AI versus n = 51 per animal of ET) every 5 days from 35 to 60 days after breeding (the day of ovulation = day 0). The pregnancies of 237 animals were measured by fetal crown-rump length (n = 95 per animal of AI versus n = 142 per animal of ET) at 30 days and 60 days after breeding. Built-in electronic calipers were used to measure fetal dimensions on the ultrasonic screen. In addition, the times of first fetal heartbeats were recorded. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. The results are presented in the Table (Values were mean ± SD except for No. of animals). There were no differences in the range of fetal heartbeat for AI and ET (161.0 to 185.3 beats min−1 versus 169.7 to 184.6 beats min−1). However, fetal heartbeats of AI at 35 days of gestation was higher (P < 0.05) than those in cows at days 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 of gestation (185.3 ± 8.7 beats min−1 versus 161.0 ± 9.5, 165.0 ± 19.5, 170.3 ± 26.8, 169.4 ± 27.8, and 171.2 ± 11.9 beats min−1, respectively). There were no differences in fetal crown-rump length between AI and ET. The prediction equation for crown-rump length in relation to fetal age of AI was y = 0.0046x2 − 0.2452x + 4.4424, R2 = 0.9643, while that for ET was y = 0.0049x2 − 0.2699x + 4.9396, R2 = 0.9728. Crown-rump length at 30 days and 60 days of gestation did not differ between AI and ET (1.2 ± 0.1 cm versus 1.2 ± 0.1 cm, 6.4 ± 0.3 cm versus 6.5 ± 0.4 cm, respectively). In conclusion, there were no differences in fetal development and heartbeats between AI and ET dairy cows. In addition, there were no differences in fetal crown-rump length between AI and ET dairy cows. Table 1. Comparison of fetal development and heartbeat by ultrasonography in AI and ET dairy cows

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document