Application of ultrasound technique to evaluate the testicular function and its correlation to the sperm quality after different collection frequency in rams.

The frequency of semen collection is a crucial factor to consider in the rams performance inside breeding centers workout. To evaluate this factor, ram Breeding Soundness Evaluation could include sperm quality evaluation and new predictive and non-invasive tools such as ultrasound technique. In this work, an advanced ultrasonography technology, analyzing the testicular volume, echotexture, and vascular function, was used in three different frequencies of semen collection (abstinence frequency, AF; standard frequency, SF; and intensive frequency, IF). Semen samples were cooled (15°C, 6 h) and evaluated in terms of production, motility, viability, apoptosis, and content of reactive oxygen species. Correlation coefficients were calculated between ultrasonography measurements of echotexture and blood flow and sperm quality parameters. Our results showed an increase in the testicular echotexture when the frequency of semen collection was intensified. Doppler parameters (PSV, RI, PI, TABF) increased (P ≤ 0.05) when the frequency of semen collection was intensified. The sperm motility and functionality decreased in the samples of IF (P ≤ 0.05), evidencing the frequency of semen collection's influence. Moreover, moderate positive correlations were established among echotexture and different Doppler parameters with motility parameters in SF. Furthermore, the influence of abstinence days on AI success was analyzed in a field assay. The highest fertility rates were obtained when males had two to five abstinence days. To conclude, frequency of semen collection could be influenced in terms of semen quantity and sperm quality, showing changes in parenchyma echotexture and testicular vascularization. The standard semen collection frequency was the most adequate option. In addition, ultrasonography may be a predictive tool for estimating variations in the sperm quality of donor rams subjected to different frequencies of semen collection in reproduction centers.

Morphological and ultrasonographic characterization of the three zones of supratesticular region of testicular artery in Assaf rams.

To fully understand the histological, morphometrical and heamodynamic variations of different supratesticular artery regions, 20 mature and healthy Assaf rams were examined through ultrasound and morphological studies. The testicular artery images of the spermatic cord as shown by B-mode analysis indicated a tortuous pattern along its course toward the testis, although it tends to be less tortuous close to the inguinal ring. Doppler velocimetric values showed a progressive decline in flow velocity, in addition to pulsatility and vessel resistivity when entering the testis, where there were significant differences in the Doppler indices and velocities among the different regions. The peak systolic velocity, pulsatility index and resistive index were higher in the proximal supratesticular artery region, followed by middle and distal ones, while the end diastolic velocity was higher in the distal supratesticular region. The total arterial blood flow and total arterial blood flow rate reported a progressive and significant increase along the testicular cord until entering the testis. Histological examination revealed presence of vasa vasorum in the tunica adventitia, with their diameter is higher in the proximal supratesticular zone than middle and distal ones. Morphometrically, the thickness of the supratesticular artery wall showed a significant decline downward toward the testis; meanwhile, the outer arterial diameter and inner luminal diameter displayed a significant increase distally. The expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and vimentin was higher in the tunica media of the proximal supratesticular artery zone than in middle and distal ones.

A novel application of cerebral oximetry in cardiac surgery.

We report a novel use of cerebral oximetry in cardiac surgery using the Fore-Sight absolute cerebral oximeter (CAS Medical Systems Inc, Branford, CT). A patient with a persistent left superior vena cava underwent mitral and aortic valve replacement. We decided to tape and occlude the persistent left superior vena cava and used cerebral oximetry to compare left and right hemispheric oxygen saturation levels to ensure that cerebral perfusion was not impaired. The procedure was uneventful, and the patient was extubated 8 hours later without neurocognitive deficit.