Modulatory effects of TGF-ß1 and BMP6 on thecal angiogenesis and steroidogenesis in the bovine ovary.

Angiogenesis plays an integral role in follicular and luteal development and is positively regulated by several intra-ovarian factors including vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). Various transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) superfamily members function as intra-ovarian regulators of follicle and luteal function, but their potential roles in modulating ovarian angiogenesis have received little attention. In this study, we used a bovine theca interna culture model (exhibiting characteristics of luteinization) to examine the effects of TGF-ß1 and bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) on angiogenesis and steroidogenesis. VEGFA/FGF2 treatment promoted endothelial cell network formation but had little or no effect on progesterone and androstenedione secretion or expression of key steroidogenesis-related genes. TGF-ß1 suppressed basal and VEGFA/FGF2-induced endothelial cell network formation and progesterone secretion, effects that were reversed by an activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) inhibitor (SB-431542). The ALK5 inhibitor alone raised androstenedione secretion and expression of several transcripts including CYP17A1. BMP6 also suppressed endothelial cell network formation under VEGFA/FGF2-stimulated conditions and inhibited progesterone secretion and expression of several steroidogenesis-related genes under basal and VEGFA/FGF2-stimulated conditions. These effects were reversed by an ALK1/2 inhibitor (K02288). Moreover, the ALK1/2 inhibitor alone augmented endothelial network formation, progesterone secretion, androstenedione secretion and expression of several steroidogenesis-related genes. The results indicate dual suppressive actions of both TGF-ß1 and BMP6 on follicular angiogenesis and steroidogenesis. Further experiments are needed to unravel the complex interactions between TGF-ß superfamily signalling and other regulatory factors controlling ovarian angiogenesis and steroidogenesis.

Activated carbon biochar from municipal waste as a sorptive agent for the removal of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenols and petroleum based compounds in contaminated liquids.

Wastewater (WW) sludge cake is problematic to dispose of with treatment unable to remove organic pollutants. Typical disposal options include landfill or deposition on agricultural land, at considerable expense and environmental impact. Pyrolysis can recycle this waste to biochar however, additional unwanted organic pollutants are generated, differing in composition and volume according to the feedstock. These pollutants can be captured in solvent impingers or 'scrubbers' to avoid environmental release but lead to alternative waste. Both activated carbon and biochar are proven clean-up methods for organic pollutants with pine wood biochar showing changes in extraction selectivity with preparation temperature. Activated carbon biochar (ACB) from pine wood has also been successfully compared as a substitute at reduced cost and improved efficacy. To our knowledge, ACB from sludge cake has remained untested along with its application to clean-up solvent scrubbers. We have investigated this material from two WW treatment plants (UK and Ghana) as a sorbent, generated at 400 and 700 °C, to minimise contamination of liquids from pyrolysis and, petrochemicals in the event of a spill. This study confirmed the use and selective production of ACB for preferential clean-up of specific pollutants. Despite high temperature pine wood ACB proving most effective in removing petrochemical mixtures (>76%) extractions of equivalent repeatability and reasonable recovery were achieved with low temperature sludge cake ACB. This re-use of waste sludge cake offers improved thermochemical (recycling) and WW process efficiency, limiting the environmental impact and overall operational costs, minimising waste for disposal.

Paediatric intensive care and neonatal intensive care airway management in the United Kingdom: the PIC-NIC survey.

In 2011, the Fourth National Audit Project (NAP4) reported high rates of airway complications in adult intensive care units (ICUs), including death or brain injury, and recommended preparation for airway difficulty, immediately available difficult airway equipment and routine use of waveform capnography monitoring. More than 80% of UK adult intensive care units have subsequently changed practice. Undetected oesophageal intubation has recently been listed as a 'Never Event' in UK practice, with capnography mandated. We investigated whether the NAP4 recommendations have been embedded into paediatric and neonatal intensive care practice by conducting a telephone survey of senior medical or nursing staff in UK paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Response rates were 100% for paediatric intensive care units and 90% for neonatal intensive care units. A difficult airway policy existed in 67% of paediatric intensive care units and in 40% of neonatal intensive care units; a pre-intubation checklist was used in 70% of paediatric intensive care units and in 42% of neonatal intensive care units; a difficult intubation trolley was present in 96% of paediatric intensive care units and in 50% of neonatal intensive care units; a videolaryngoscope was available in 55% of paediatric intensive care units and in 29% of neonatal intensive care units; capnography was 'available' in 100% of paediatric intensive care units and in 46% of neonatal intensive care units, and 'always available' in 100% of paediatric intensive care units and in 18% of neonatal intensive care units. Death or serious harm occurring secondary to complications of airway management in the last 5 years was reported in 19% of paediatric intensive care units and in 26% of neonatal intensive care units. We conclude that major gaps in optimal airway management provision exist in UK paediatric intensive care units and especially in UK neonatal intensive care units. Wider implementation of waveform capnography is necessary to ensure compliance with the new 'Never Event' and has the potential to improve airway management.

Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an Internet Support Group for Parents of a Child with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: a Pilot Study.

This pilot study investigated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an Internet Support Group (ISG) for parents of children with NF1. Eligible parents were recruited by email and completed baseline questionnaires assessing social support, self-efficacy, depression, and anxiety. The ISG involved eight weekly 90-min chat sessions and a discussion forum open 24 h/day for 8 weeks. Follow-up measures were completed immediately post-intervention and 3 months later. Parents from 33 families (29 mothers, 4 fathers) completed baseline measures. Over half of parents (52 %) rated their child's disease severity as mild, 33 % moderate, and 15 % severe. Among 21 parents who completed post-intervention measures, ratings of perceived emotional (p = .0008) and informational (p = .0003) support increased. There were no significant changes in self-efficacy, depression, or anxiety (ps > .05). The mean satisfaction rating was moderately high (7.6/10; range 4-10). Some parents commented that the chat sessions were at inconvenient times, which may have limited participation. Preliminary evidence in this small sample of parents suggests that ISGs may be a feasible and potentially efficacious method of providing support to parents of children with NF1. Having multiple weekly chat sessions held at various days and times may improve accessibility and participation. Clinicians are encouraged to help parents access online support resources.

Circulating insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) in healthy and infertile women.

STUDY QUESTION: How does insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) concentration in blood vary across the menstrual cycle in women? SUMMARY ANSWER: INSL3 is secreted by the theca interna cells of growing antral follicles and is phasic in its expression. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The relaxin-like hormone INSL3 is known to be expressed in follicles of several mammal species, and was recently shown in cows to be specifically secreted into the bloodstream by growing antral follicles, corresponding to follicular waves. In males INSL3 is known to be acutely independent of the hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, suggesting that in women INSL3 might be a novel biomarker for antral follicle recruitment and development. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Two cohorts of women were studied. First, 18 healthy women of reproductive age were followed longitudinally for one and a half cycles, with blood sampling and hormone measurement every 2-3 days. A second cohort comprised a cross-sectional study of 909 women attending an infertility clinic, with a single blood sample taken at entry, together with other clinical and hormonal parameters. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Blood samples from both retrospective cohorts were analyzed for INSL3 using a highly sensitive time-resolved fluorescent immunoassay, and data were analyzed in comparison with other clinical and hormonal parameters. MAIN RESULT AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: For young healthy women of reproductive age, we showed a phasic expression of INSL3 corresponding to antral follicle growth in both the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle, which was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated compared with that during menses. For women attending an infertility clinic, those with diagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome indicated significantly (P < 0.0005) greater circulating INSL3 levels and those with low ovarian reserve showed significantly (P < 0.002) decreased INSL3 values. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: These were retrospective studies and the results were obtained from natural cycles only, with their inherent variability. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: We show for the first time that INSL3 in women does vary across the menstrual cycle, and appears to reflect the number of growing antral follicles recruited within both follicular and luteal phases. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The present retrospective study was largely supported by departmental funds. There were no competing interests.

Delayed expulsion of the nematode Trichinella spiralis in mice lacking the mucosal mast cell-specific granule chymase, mouse mast cell protease-1.

Expulsion of gastrointestinal nematodes is associated with pronounced mucosal mast cell (MMC) hyperplasia, differentiation, and activation, accompanied by the systemic release of MMC granule chymases (chymotrypsin-like serine proteases). The beta-chymase mouse mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) is expressed predominantly by intraepithelial MMCs, and levels in the bloodstream and intestinal lumen are maximal at the time of worm expulsion in parasitized mice. To address the in vivo functions of MMC-specific beta-chymases, we have generated transgenic mice that lack the mMCP-1 gene. They were backcrossed onto a congenic BALB/c background to investigate the response to nematode infection. The deletion of the mMCP-1 gene is associated with significantly delayed expulsion of Trichinella spiralis and increased deposition of muscle larvae in BALB/c mice despite the presence of normal and sometimes increased numbers of MMCs. Neither worm fecundity nor worm burdens were altered in Nippostrongylus-infected mMCP-1(-/)- BALB/c mice. These data demonstrate, for the first time, that the ablation of an MMC-derived effector molecule compromises the expulsion process.

Impairment of intestinal barrier and secretory function as well as egg excretion during intestinal schistosomiasis occur independently of mouse mast cell protease-1.

Deposition of Schistosoma mansoni eggs in the intestinal mucosa is associated with recruitment of mucosal mast cells (MMC) expressing mouse mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1). We investigated the involvement of mMCP-1 in intestinal barrier disruption and egg excretion by examining BALB/c mice lacking mMCP-1 (Mcpt-1(-/-)). Tissue and faecal egg counts from 6 weeks until 12 weeks post-infection (w p.i.) revealed no differences between wild type (WT) and Mcpt-1(-/-)mice. Using chamber experiments on ileal tissue revealed that at 8 w p.i., the epithelial barrier and secretory capacity were severely impaired, whereas no difference was found between WT and Mcpt-1(-/-)mice in this respect. However, a fragmented distribution of the tight junction (TJ) protein occludin, but not of claudin-3 or ZO-1, was observed in WT mice at 8 w p.i., while no changes in TJ integrity were seen in Mcpt-1(-/-)mice. Therefore, we conclude that in contrast to the situation in Trichinella spiralis-infected mice, in schistosomiasis, mMCP-1 is not a key mediator in egg excretion or impairment of the intestinal barrier. The marked decrease in ileal secretory capacity during S. mansoni egg excretion suggests that the mechanisms facilitating the passage of schistosoma eggs through the gut wall are directed more particularly at the epithelial cells.

The long-term effect of active immunization against inhibin in goats.

This experiment addresses the long-term effect of active immunization of goats against a recombinant ovine inhibin alpha subunit (roIHN-alpha). In late anestrus 100microg of roINH-alpha was administered to 40 pluriparous Boer goat does, followed, 4 weeks later, by a booster injection. Weekly blood samples were drawn to monitor the inhibin binding capacity with the aid of a radio-tracer binding assay. From the onset until 48h after the end of each estrus, follicular development and ovulation rate were monitored at 24h intervals by transrectal ultrasonography. Beginning in August and continuing into January, does were mated at every other estrus, and submitted to transcervical embryo collection. Seven months after the first immunization, the does were mated again and permitted to carry to term. All immunized does produced inhibin antibodies, an elevated titre being first detected 2 weeks after primary immunization. Maximum titres were reached after 6 weeks, i.e. 2 weeks after the booster injection. Thereafter, in the course of the following 32 weeks, the titre subsided gradually. The does started cycling by mid-August. At that stage the average number of follicles more than 4mm in diameter, ovulations and total embryos and ova recovered were 14.7 (+/-2.3), 5.3 (+/-0.7) and 4.4 (+/-1.0), respectively. A steady decline followed and in January the corresponding means were: 5.2 (+/-0.6) follicles, 3.1 (+/-0.6) ovulations and 1.2 (+/-0.4) embryos and ova recovered. When mated toward the end of the breeding season, 85% of the does became pregnant to the first mating and 73% went to term. Healthy kids were born, the average litter size being 2.2 (+/-0.1). In conclusion, immunization of goats against a recombinant inhibin alpha-subunit proved to be a practicable means of producing embryos for transfer purposes. After about half a year, when the inhibin antibody titre has subsided, it is possible to return the does to the breeding flock without risking complications with normal breeding activity.

Results of racetrack examinations of Standardbred horses at race meetings in New South Wales.

This study analysed the race day veterinary reports from harness racing meetings controlled by the New South Wales Greyhound and Harness Racing Regulatory Authority between 1 September 2008 and 30 June 2009. The findings of all prerace and postrace examinations were analysed, and the frequency of observations was recorded. Chi-square testing was used to determine whether the incidence of abnormalities differed between age groups and tracks. A total of 542 meetings were conducted during the period of the study, with veterinary examinations conducted at 395 of these meetings. A total of 520 veterinary examinations (60 prerace and 460 postrace) were conducted. During the period of the study, 3685 horses started 31,393 times. Injuries occurring during the warm-up or start were the most common finding on prerace examination (11 reports) followed by lameness (6 reports). Lameness was the most common problem identified during postrace examinations, occurring at a rate of 2.10 cases per 1000 starts. Other problems identified at a rate of more than 1 per 1000 starts were poor postrace recovery/heat stress (2.04) and lacerations (1.75). Falls occurred at a rate of 1.72 cases per 1000 starts. Two-year-old horses were less likely to be lame than 3, 5 and 6-year-old horses. There was no difference in the rate of falls or lameness between tracks. This study provides a benchmark against which ongoing improvements in welfare can be assessed.

Impact of preoperative screening for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by real-time polymerase chain reaction in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

We report a significant reduction in the number of surgical site infections (SSIs) due to meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery after the introduction of preoperative screening using a same-day polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This was an observational cohort study set in a cardiac surgery unit based in southwest England. We studied 1462 patients admitted for cardiac surgery between October 2004 and September 2006. The IDI MRSA PCR test was used preoperatively to screen 765 patients between October 2005 and September 2006. Patients identified as carriers were treated with nasal mupirocin ointment and topical triclosan for five days, with single-dose teicoplanin instead of flucloxacillin as perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. The rate of SSI following cardiac surgery in this group was compared to 697 patients who underwent surgery without screening between October 2004 and September 2005. After introduction of PCR screening, the overall rate of SSI fell from 3.30% to 2.22% with a significant reduction in the rate of MRSA infections (relative risk reduction: 0.77; 95% confidence interval: 0.056-0.95). PCR screening combined with suppression of MRSA at the time of cardiac surgery is feasible in routine clinical practice and is associated with a significant reduction in subsequent MRSA SSIs.

Innate immune response mechanisms in the intestinal epithelium: potential roles for mast cells and goblet cells in the expulsion of adult Trichinella spiralis.

SUMMARYGastrointestinal infection with the nematode Trichinella spiralis is accompanied by a rapid and reversible expansion of the mucosal mast cell and goblet cell populations in the intestinal epithelium, which is associated with the release of their mediators into the gut lumen. Both goblet cell and mast cell hyperplasia are highly dependent on mucosal T-cells and augmented by the cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. However, the contribution of both mast and goblet cells, and the mediators they produce, to the expulsion of the adults of T. spiralis is only beginning to be elucidated through studies predominantly employing T. spiralis-mouse models. In the present article, we review the factors proposed to control T. spiralis-induced mucosal mast cell (MMC) and goblet cell differentiation in the small intestine, and focus on some key MMC and goblet cell effector molecules which may contribute to the expulsion of adult worms and/or inhibition of larval development.

The evaluation of modified microcrystalline cellulose for the preparation of pellets with high drug loading by extrusion/spheronization.

The performance of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) which had been modified by the inclusion of various levels of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) in the wet cake prior to drying, in terms of their ability to form pellets by a standardised extrusion/spheronization process has been assessed. Initial screening of the ability of the modified MCCs to form pellets with an 80% level of lactose as a model drug identified two potential products containing 6 or 8% of SCMC (B 6 and B 8). These two products were compared with a standard grade of MCC (Avicel PH101) in terms of their ability to produce pellets with 80% of model drugs of low (ibuprofen), intermediate (lactose) and high (ascorbic acid) water solubility when subjected to a standardised extrusion/spheronization process. Also assessed was their ability to retain water with applied pressure using a pressure membrane technique and their ability to restrict water migration during extrusion with a ram extruder. The two new types of MCC (B 6 and B 8) were able to form good quality pellets with all three model drugs, whereas Avicel PH101 could not form pellets with this high level of ibuprofen. This improved performance was related to the ability of the new types of MCC to hold higher levels of water within their structure and restrict the migration of water in the wet mass when subjected to pressure applied during the process of preparing the pellets. There is evidence to show that the two new types of MCC can function over a wider range of water contents than Avicel PH101 and that they have an improved performance if the extrusion process is rapid and if, after incorporation of the water into the powder, the sample is stored for some time before extrusion.

An ovine chitinase-like molecule, chitinase-3 like-1 (YKL-40), is upregulated in the abomasum in response to challenge with the gastrointestinal nematode, Teladorsagia circumcincta.

Mammalian chitinases and chitinase-like proteins are a group of molecules known to be upregulated and secreted in Th2-induced inflammatory responses, such as asthma, allergy and nematode infection. As part of an investigation of potential components of the innate immune response to Teladorsagia circumcincta, a gastrointestinal nematode that colonises the abomasum in sheep, we carried out RT-PCR analysis of two members of the mammalian chitinase family of molecules, acidic chitinase (ChiA) and chitinase-3 like 1 (Chi3L1) using primers to homologous bovine/human sequences. Both sets of primers detected transcripts in the abomasum which were confirmed to be ovine ChiA and Chi3L1 by sequence analysis. Chi3L1 transcripts were found to be significantly upregulated in both the abomasum and gastric lymph nodes in response to T. circumcincta challenge of previously infected animals.

Cytokine expression in naïve and previously infected lambs after challenge with Teladorsagia circumcincta.

Infection of sheep with Teladorsagia circumcincta triggers an immune response with predominantly type-2 (Th2) characteristics, including local eosinophila, mastocytosis and increased mucus production. In order to better understand the protective immune responses elicited, we used RT-PCR assays to define the changes in expression levels of a range of cytokine transcripts in lymph nodes draining the ovine abomasum following a challenge infection with T. circumcincta. This study compared the changes in cytokine expression in the abomasal lymph node following challenge with T. circumcincta in naïve sheep (Group 2) and sheep immunised by a previous trickle infection (Group 3), in comparison to unchallenged naive sheep (Group 1). There was a significant up-regulation of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5 and IL-13 in both the challenged groups compared to naïve individuals. There was also an up-regulation of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) by day 5 after infection. IL-12p40 was found to be increased in the previously infected Group 3 animals by day 5 following challenge. By contrast, transcription of this cytokine was found to be reduced by day 10 following infection of Group 2 animals. Expression of IL-2 and Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) did not significantly differ between the three groups.

Risk factors in equine transport-related health problems: A survey of the Australian equine industry.

BACKGROUND: Transportation can affect equine health and is a potential source of economic loss to the industry. OBJECTIVES: To identify journey (duration, vehicle, commercial or noncommercial) and horse (sex, age, breed, use, amateur or professional status) characteristics associated with the development of transport-related health problems in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey. METHODS: An online survey was conducted targeting amateur and professional participants in the Australian equine industry; eligible respondents were required to organise horse movements at least monthly. Respondents provided details of the last case of a transport-related health problem that had affected their horse(s). Associations between type of health problem, journey and horse characteristics were examined with multivariable multinomial regression analysis. RESULTS: Based on 214 responses, health problems were classified as injuries, muscular problems, heat stroke, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, and death or euthanasia. Respiratory problems were reported most frequently (33.7%), followed by gastrointestinal problems (23.8%) and traumatic injuries (16.3%). The type of health problem was associated with journey duration (P<0.001) and horse breed (P = 0.001). Injuries were more likely to occur on short journeys, whereas more severe illnesses (gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, and death or euthanasia) were more likely to occur on long journeys. Using Standardbreds as the reference group, Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Warmbloods were more likely to experience a severe illness than an injury. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Self-selected participation in the study and the self-reported nature of transport-related problems. CONCLUSIONS: Horses undertaking journeys of longer than 24 h are at greater risk for the development of severe disease or death. Further studies on long-haul transportation effects are required to safeguard the welfare of horses moved over long distances.

Differential expression of mRNAs encoding the putative inhibin co-receptor (betaglycan) and activin type-I and type-II receptors in preovulatory and prehierarchical follicles of the laying hen ovary.

Ovarian follicle development is primarily regulated by an interplay between the pituitary gonadotrophins, LH and FSH, and ovary-derived steroids. Increasing evidence implicates regulatory roles of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) superfamily members, including inhibins and activins. The aim of this study was to identify the expression of mRNAs encoding key receptors of the inhibin/activin system in ovarian follicles ranging from 4 mm in diameter to the dominant F1 follicle (approximately 40 mm). Ovaries were collected (n = 16) from mid-sequence hens maintained on a long-day photoschedule (16 h of light:8 h of darkness). All follicles removed were dissected into individual granulosa and thecal layers. RNA was extracted and cDNA synthesized. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to quantify the expression of mRNA encoding betaglycan, activin receptor (ActR) subtypes (type-I, -IIA and -IIB) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH); receptor expression data were normalized to GAPDH expression. Detectable levels of ActRI, -IIA and -IIB and the inhibin co-receptor (betaglycan) expression were found in all granulosa and thecal layers analysed. Granulosa ActRI mRNA peaked (P < 0.05) in 8-9.9 mm follicles, whereas ActRIIA rose significantly from 6-7.9 mm to 8-9.9 mm, before falling to F3/2; levels then rose sharply (3-fold) to F1 levels. Granulosa betaglycan mRNA expression rose 3-fold from 4-5.9 mm to 8-9.9 mm, before falling 4-fold to F3/2; levels then rose sharply (4-fold) to F1 levels. ActRIIB levels did not vary significantly during follicular development. Thecal ActRI mRNA expression was similar from 4-7.9 mm then decreased significantly to a nadir at the F4 position, before increasing 2-fold to the F1 (P < 0.05). Although thecal ActRIIB and -IIA expression did not vary significantly from 4 mm to F3, ActRIIB expression increased significantly (2-fold) from F3 to F1 and ActRIIA increased 2-fold from F2 to F1 (P < 0.05). Thecal betaglycan fell to a nadir at F6 after follicle selection; levels then increased significantly to F2, before falling approximately 50% in the F1. In all follicles studied expression of betaglycan and ActRI (granulosa: r = 0.65, P < 0.001, n = 144/group; theca: r = 0.49, P < 0.001, n = 144/group) was well correlated. No significant correlations were identified between betaglycan and ActRIIA or -IIB. Considering all follicles analysed, granulosa mRNA expression of betaglycan, ActRI, ActRIIA and ActRIIB were all significantly lower than in corresponding thecal tissue (betaglycan, 11.4-fold; ActRIIB, 5.1-fold; ActRI, 3.8-fold; ActRIIA, 2.8-fold). The co-localization of type-I and -II activin receptors and betaglycan on granulosa and thecal cells are consistent with a local auto/paracrine role of inhibins and activins in modulating ovarian follicle development, selection and progression in the domestic fowl.

Alterations in grip strength during male sexual arousal.

Although it is known that alterations in grip strength occur under a number of conditions, little is known about relationships between grip strength and sexual arousal. This relationship was investigated in 30 healthy heterosexual males, who viewed both erotic and nonerotic videos. A questionnaire was used to assess the extent of sexual arousal. The grip strengths of both hands were measured with a five-position (P1-P5) dynamometer, before and after watching the videos. After watching the erotic video, there was a statistically significant reduction in grip strength for the P2 position, with nonsignificant overall reductions in grip strength for all other positions tested. No such effect was observed in control tests. The results indicate that during sexual arousal, the neural system is likely to reduce the output to muscles not directly related to sexual function, presumably to enhance the physiological responses of sexual arousal.

Seasonal variations in the developmental competence of bovine oocytes matured in vitro.

Ovaries were collected over a period of two years from heifers slaughtered at under 30 months of age and used to harvest 1757 oocytes. After in vitro maturation, fertilisation and culture, the proportions of oocytes and cleaved embryos that developed to blastocysts were significantly higher (P<0.01) in the autumn, from September to November, than in the spring, from March to May. In contrast, embryo development, as assessed by oocytes that developed to eight or more cells and blastocysts, was lowest (P<0.01) in the spring. These results were consistent during the two-year study, indicating a seasonal fluctuation in oocyte competence.

Survey of horse transportation in Australia: issues and practices.

OBJECTIVE: To survey amateur and professional participants on equine transportation management, practices and outcomes in Australia. METHODS: An online survey targeting people who organised horse movements at least monthly was made available to a broad cross-section of amateur and professional equine associations. Respondents were invited to provide demographic details and information relating to their routine transportation management practices and their experiences of issues relating to the transportation of horses. RESULTS: Of 797 usable responses involving approximately 17,000 horses and 313,000 individual horse transport events, transport-related behavioural problems were reported by 38% of respondents, particularly at loading. Transport-related health problems had been experienced during or after transportation by horses in the care of 67% of respondents. The most common problems reported were traumatic injuries (45.0%), diarrhoea (20.0%), muscular problems (13.0%), respiratory problems (12.3%), overheating (10.5%) and colic (10.3%). In the 2 years reviewed in the survey, 9.4% of participants reported at least one case of transport-associated pneumonia and 35 horses had died, most commonly from fractures, colic or pneumonia. Although respondents identifying as amateurs transported horses less frequently and over shorter distances, the incidence of transport-related problems was similar between amateurs and professionals. Respondents reported specific precautions before, during and after transportation, although management was often not compliant with the Australian Code of horse transportation. CONCLUSIONS: Responses indicated that there remains a substantial risk of adverse welfare and health outcomes for horses transported in Australia and management practices reported may not be compliant with current recommendations for transportation.