Detection of bacteria in bovine ovarian follicular fluid.

The aim of this study was to examine the sterility of follicular fluid in large ovarian follicles in dairy cows. In all, 17 samples of paired follicular fluids and uterine contents collected from post-slaughtered dairy cows were cultured to detect aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. Furthermore, the origin of the bacterial isolates from samples of follicular fluid and the uteri was also investigated using PFGE analysis. Follicular fluid concentrations of lipopolysaccharides were also determined. Of 17 uterine samples, 15 (88%) were detected as contaminated. In total, nine different bacterial genera and species were identified in the uterine and follicular fluid samples. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacterial species isolated from the uterine samples. Out of seven isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from the uterine samples, 6 (85%) were coagulase positive. Six isolates of Staphylococcus spp. were identified in 6 out of 17 follicular fluid samples (35%). Two out of six isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus (33%). Our results show that ovarian follicular fluid is not sterile in the bovine. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in follicular fluid may partly explain the occurrence of infertility in some dairy cows. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results of the present study show that ovarian follicular fluid is not sterile in bovines. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in follicular fluid may partly explain the occurrence of infertility in some dairy cows.

Induction of superovulation in mature mice and rats using serum of spayed female dogs.

The following experiments were designed to examine the effect of serum of spayed dogs on superovulation response in mice and rats. In Experiment 1, female mice at diestrus (n=30) were divided into three equal groups and superovulated with either administration of 5 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) or recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) (reducing dose from 2.5 to 0.5 IU) and 5 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administered 48h later. Serum of spayed dogs was administered intraperitoneally at a reduced dose from 0.1 to 0.025 mL in a 48 h period. In Experiment 2, female rats (n=30) at diestrus stage were divided into three equal groups. Superovulation was induced using either 30 IU PMSG, or a dose reduced from 5 to 1 IU rFSH and 25 IU hCG administered 48h later. Serum of spayed dogs was administered in a reduced dose from 0.6 to 0.1 mL in a 48 hour period. Female mice and rats were mated 24 h following hCG administration. On day 14 after mating, animals were euthanized and ovarian sections were fixed for histopathological evaluation and corpus luteum (CL) counting. No significant difference observed in mean (±SEM) number of CLs between the PMSG group and the mice that received serum of spayed dog (10.4±1.3 vs 9.2±1.0). Mean (±SEM) number of CLs tended to be lower in rats that received serum of spayed dog than those of rats which received either PMSG or rFSH (15.1±1.9 vs 23.6±3.1 and 23.1±2.9, P=0.06, respectively). In conclusion, serum of spayed dogs is able to induce a superovulatory response in mice and rats.

Inherent inferior quality of follicular fluid in repeat breeder heifers as evidenced by low rates of in vitro production of bovine embryos.

The aims of the present study were to determine the effect of follicular fluid obtained from the ovulatory follicle of repeat breeder heifers on in vitro oocyte maturation (Experiment 1), fertilization (Experiment 2) and production of bovine embryos (Experiment 3). Holstein virgin heifers (VH, n = 5) with normal fertility or repeat breeder syndrome (RBH, n = 5) were used in the present study. Follicular fluid of VH and RBH was aspirated from ovulatory follicles and used as maturation medium. Bovine oocytes were aspirated from follicles of slaughterhouse ovaries and randomly allocated in three groups; in Group 1, oocytes cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% heat-treated fetal calf serum and hormones (5 IU/mL hCG plus 0.1 IU/mL rFSH); in Group 2, oocytes cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% filtered follicular fluid of VH without hormones; in Group 3, oocytes cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% filtered follicular fluid of RBH without hormones. The mean (±SEM) percentage of matured oocytes was different between VH and RBH groups (72.2 ± 4.0 vs 56.4 ± 4.6%; P < 0.05, respectively). Further, the mean (±SEM) percentage of normal oocyte fertilization was higher in the VH than the RBH group (49.3 ± 2.1 vs 32.0 ± 4.2; P < 0.05, respectively). The mean percentage of embryos developed to the blastocyst stage was higher in the VH than the RBH group (12.0 ± 1.3 vs 7.0 ± 1.6; respectively; P < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings support our hypothesis that the ovulatory follicle microenvironment of Holstein repeat breeder heifers places their oocytes at a developmental disadvantage compared with Holstein fertile virgin heifers and that this suggest the existence of an inherent inferior quality of the ovulatory follicle microenvironment in repeat breeding Holstein heifers.

Cumulus cell expansion and first polar body extrusion during in vitro oocyte maturation in relation to morphological and morphometric characteristics of the dromedary camel ovary.

The morphological and morphometric characteristics of the ovary are fundamental properties for in vitro oocyte maturation. Nuclear maturation, including first polar body (1PB) extrusion, cytoplasmic maturation and cumulus cell (CC) expansion are the criteria for in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocyte. This study was designed to determine the effect of morphological and morphometric features of the ovary on CC expansion and 1PB extrusion during IVM of oocyte in the adult female dromedary camel. The weight, volume and three dimensions of ovaries from slaughtered dromedary camels and oocytes inside zona diameter and zona pellucida thickness were measured. The follicles were classified in regard to the size and oocytes according to their ooplasm appearance and CC compactness. Aspirated cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were incubated for 48 hr (with a 6-hr interval) in Hams-F10, and CC expansion and 1PB extrusion were assessed. Significant differences were seen in the shape, weight, volume and three dimensions of the ovaries between ≤4-year-old and >4-year-old dromedary camel (p < .5). Approximately, 95.82% of follicles were 2-4 mm in diameter. The mean (±SD) of inside zona diameter of the oocyte and zona pellucida thickness was 132.22 ± 13.8 and 14.64 ± 2.24 µm, respectively, in >4-year-old dromedary camel. The CC expansion and 1PB extrusion were seen in 86% and 21.88% of COCs, respectively. Age and sexual conditions of dromedary camel influence the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the ovary. Most COCs retrieved from 2-6 mm follicles are cultivable. The most slaughterhouse-derived COCs retrieved from 2-6 mm follicles of non-pregnant dromedary camels are excellent and good and yielding a most favourable diameter to achieve the developmental competence for IVM in an optimal time of 24-30 hr; the optimal time for CC expansion is 24-30 hr in this species. However, the CC expansion is a prerequisite process, but not sufficient for IVM.

A confident source of hard X-rays: radiation from a tokamak applicable for runaway electrons diagnosis.

In a tokamak with a toroidal electric field, electrons that exceed the critical velocity are freely accelerated and can reach very high energies. These so-called `runaway electrons' can cause severe damage to the vacuum vessel and are a dangerous source of hard X-rays. Here the effect of toroidal electric and magnetic field changes on the characteristics of runaway electrons is reported. A possible technique for runaways diagnosis is the detection of hard X-ray radiation; for this purpose, a scintillator (NaI) was used. Because of the high loop voltage at the beginning of a plasma, this investigation was carried out on toroidal electric field changes in the first 5 ms interval from the beginning of the plasma. In addition, the toroidal magnetic field was monitored for the whole discharge time. The results indicate that with increasing toroidal electric field the mean energy of runaway electrons rises, and also an increase in the toroidal magnetic field can result in a decrease in intensity of magnetohydrodynamic oscillations which means that for both conditions more of these high-energy electrons will be generated.

Factors affecting the size of ovulatory follicles and conception rate in high-yielding dairy cows.

Two studies were designed to determine (1) the effects of Heatsynch and Ovsynch protocols versus spontaneous ovulation and (2) the effects of calving problems, clinical uterine infections, and clinical mastitis on the size of the ovulatory follicle, conception rate, and embryonic/fetal (E/F) death in high-yielding dairy cows. In study 1, cows without the history of calving problems, clinical uterine infections, and clinical mastitis were randomly allocated to either an Ovsynch (n = 45) or Heatsynch (n = 39) ovulation synchronization protocol or spontaneous ovulation (n = 43) groups. Blood samples were collected on the day of artificial insemination (AI) to measure progesterone (P4), estradiol-17ß, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and 7 days later to measure P4. Study 2 consisted of cows (n = 351) with or without the history of calving problems, clinical uterine infections, and clinical mastitis which were artificially inseminated after a 55-day voluntary waiting period. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed at the time of AI to measure the ovulatory follicle size and on Days 30 and 68 after AI to diagnose pregnancy in both studies. In study 1, the mean (±standard error of the mean) diameter of the ovulatory follicle was greater (P = 0.0005) and E/F mortality was lower (P = 0.007) for the spontaneous ovulation group compared with Ovsynch and Heatsynch groups. Serum concentration of P4 on Day 7 after AI was correlated with the size of the ovulatory follicle (P = 0.007). Conception rate at Days 30 and 68 was not significantly different between the three experimental groups in study 1. Cows with serum IGF-1 concentrations greater than 55 ng/mL at AI had significantly higher Day 68 conception rate (50% vs. 24%) and lower E/F death (16.6% vs. 40%) compared to cows with serum IGF-1 concentrations lower than 56 ng/mL at AI. The conception rate on Days 30 and 68 for follicles of 10 to 14 mm in diameter (34% and 21.8%) was significantly lower than follicles of 14.1 to 19 mm in diameter (60% and 50%), respectively (P < 0.05). In study 2, the ovulatory follicle in cows with clinical uterine infections was smaller than that in cows without clinical uterine infections (16.4 vs. 17.1 mm; P = 0.04). In conclusion, the size of the ovulatory follicle is affected by ovulation synchronizing protocols and postpartum clinical uterine infections. In addition, cows with higher serum IGF-1 concentrations on the day of AI had higher Day 68 conception rate and lower E/F death.

Continuous versus step-by-step scanning mode of a novel 3D scanner for CyberKnife measurements.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the continuous versus step-by-step scanning mode of a commercial circular 3D scanner for commissioning measurements of a robotic stereotactic radiosurgery system. The 3D scanner was used for profile measurements in step-by-step and continuous modes with the intent of comparing the two scanning modes for consistency. The profile measurements of in-plane, cross-plane, 15 degree, and 105 degree were performed for both fixed cones and Iris collimators at depth of maximum dose and at 10cm depth. For CyberKnife field size, penumbra, flatness and symmetry analysis, it was observed that the measurements with continuous mode, which can be up to 6 times faster than step-by-step mode, are comparable and produce scans nearly identical to step-by-step mode. When compared with centered step-by-step mode data, a fully processed continuous mode data gives rise to maximum of 0.50% and 0.60% symmetry and flatness difference respectfully for all the fixed cones and Iris collimators studied.

Functional histology of the ovarian follicles as determined by follicular fluid concentrations of steroids and IGF-1 in Camelus dromedarius.

Ovaries were collected from sexually mature non-pregnant dromedary she-camels. Follicles 6 to 19 mm in diameter per pair of ovaries were randomly selected and classified into clear (n = 30), or opaque (n = 14) based on macroscopic examination of the follicle surface, and then were divided into four classes: clear follicles with 6- 9.9 and 10-19 mm diameter; opaque follicles with 6- 9.9 and 10-19 mm diameter. Follicular fluid (FF) was aspirated for measurement of estradiol-17ß, progesterone and IGF-I concentrations, and then a section of tissue through the exposed surface of the follicle wall was removed and fixed in and processed for histological examination. Mean (±SE) number of clear follicles observed on the ovaries that contained a large dominant follicle was less than that on the ovaries which contained a large atretic follicle (p < 0.05; 2.6 ± 1 vs 8.6 ± 0.6). In conclusion, the estrogenic large follicles have suppressive effects on the growth of other follicles.

Reproductive responses of dairy cows with ovarian cysts to simultaneous human chorionic gonadotropin or gonadotropin-releasing hormone and cloprostenol compared to gonadotropin-releasing hormone alone treatment.

AIM: Bovine ovarian cysts are a common cause of economic loss in modern dairy herds. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reproductive responses to three protocols using hCG, GnRH and cloprostenol when the definite diagnosis of the type of ovarian cyst is/is not possible in dairy cows. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 144 lactating dairy cows with ovarian cysts were divided into three groups. At diagnosis (Day 0), cows in Group 1 (the conventional method, n=47) were injected with 0.02 mg of a GnRH analogue i.m. (Buserelin); cows in Group 2 (n=47) were intramuscularly treated with 0.02 mg Buserelin plus 500 µg cloprostenol; and cows in Group 3 (n=50) were intramuscularly treated with 1500 IU hCG plus 500 µg cloprostenol. All cows received 500 µg cloprostenol intramuscularly on Day 10. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the recovery time, interval to conception, conception rate at first AI, and pregnancy rates by Days 70 and 100 after treatment among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous treatment of ovarian cysts with hCG or GnRH and cloprostenol appeared to have no advantage over the conventional method, GnRH alone, in dairy cows. Furthermore, hCG and GnRH have an equal therapeutic effect in cows with ovarian cysts.

Relationships between thyroid hormones and serum energy metabolites with different patterns of postpartum luteal activity in high-producing dairy cows.

This study investigated the relationships of thyroid hormones, serum energy metabolites, reproductive parameters, milk yield and body condition score with the different patterns of postpartum luteal activity in the postpartum period. A total of 75 multiparous healthy (free of detectable reproductive disorders) Holstein dairy cows (mean peak milk yield = 56.5 ± 7.0 kg/day) were used in this study. Transrectal ultrasound scanning and blood sample collection were performed twice weekly. Serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) were measured twice weekly and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids, thyroxine (T4), 3,30,5-tri-iodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (fT4) and free 3,30,5-tri-iodothyronine (fT3) were measured every 2 weeks from the 1st to the 8th week postpartum. On the basis of the serum P4 profile of the cows, 25 (33.4%) had normal luteal activity (NLA), whereas 30 (40%), 10 (13.3%), 6 (8%) and 4 (5.3%) had prolonged luteal phase (PLP), delayed first ovulation (DOV), anovulation (AOV) and short luteal phase, respectively. Serum T4 concentrations in PLP cows were higher than that in NLA cows at the 3rd week postpartum and did not change during the period of study, whereas in the NLA cows the concentrations increased (P < 0.05). Further, the least square (LS) mean of serum fT4 concentrations in the DOV and AOV cows were significantly lower than in the NLA cows during the study period (P < 0.05). In addition, the AOV cows had higher LS mean serum BHBA and T4 concentrations than the NLA cows in early weeks postpartum (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the serum thyroid hormones' profile differs in high-producing dairy cows showing PLP, AOV and DOV in comparison with the postpartum NLA cows.

Cell chip-based monitoring of toxic effects of cosmetic compounds on skin fibroblast cells.

The present study estimated the efficacy of electrochemical detection of imidazolidinyl urea-induced cell toxicity in skin human fibroblast cells (HFF cells). The gold nanopunct structures were fabricated through a nanoporous alumina mask, and the structural formations were confirmed via scanning electron microscopy. The HFF cells were allowed to attach to RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptide nanopatterned surfaces, and electrochemical tools were applied to skin cells attached to the chip surface. The HFF cells evidenced inflammation responses to allergens such as imidazolidinyl urea. The cells were subsequently treated with different concentrations of imidazolidinyl urea for 24 h in culture, which induced a change in the cyclic voltammetry (CV) current peak. Treatment with imidazolidinyl urea induced a loss of cell viability and accelerated inflammation in a concentration-dependent manner. The expression level of inflammation-related proteins such as IL-1 beta were increased in imidazolidinyl urea-treated cells. The CV results demonstrated that imidazolidinyl urea significantly reduced the current peaks in a dose-dependent manner. The results showed that the current peak was reduced in accordance with the increases in imidazolidinyl urea-induced inflammation. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the electrochemical-based chip provides crucial information for improvements to a cell chip system for drug screening applications.

Gene expression pattern of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors in dominant and atretic follicles and oocytes screened based on brilliant cresyl blue staining.

Adiponectin and its receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) are novel endocrine systems that act at various levels to control male and female fertility. The aim of this study was to determine whether adiponectin and its receptors gene expression levels differ between dominant follicle (DF) and atretic follicle (AF) and also between oocytes which were stained positively and negatively with brilliant cresyl blue (BCB(+) and BCB(-)). Based on estradiol/progesterone ratio, follicles from ovaries were classified as AFs and DFs. The stages of estrous cycle (follicular or luteal phases) were defined by macroscopic observation of the ovaries and the uterus. Oocytes were stained with BCB for 90 min. The relative expression of adiponectin, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 mRNA in theca and cumulus cells and oocytes of different follicles were determined by quantitative real time PCR. Adiponectin and its receptors genes were clearly expressed higher (P<0.05) in theca and cumulus cells and oocytes of DFs than those of AFs during the follicular and luteal phases. BCB(+) oocytes showed a higher (P<0.05) expression of adiponectin and its receptors compared with their BCB(-) counterparts. Positive correlation (r>0.725, P<0.001) was observed between adiponectin mRNA level in ovarian cells of DFs and follicular fluid E2 concentration in follicular phase. Adiponectin mRNA abundance in ovarian cells of AFs showed a significant negative correlation with follicular fluid progesterone concentration in follicular and luteal phases (r<-0.731, P<0.001). This work has revealed the novel association of adiponectin and its receptors genes with follicular dominance and oocyte competence, thereby opening several new avenues of research into the mechanisms of dominance and competence in animal and human.

Relationship between different concentrations of the plasma progesterone at the time of FSH-P treatment and the superovulatory response in Holstein dairy heifers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of two different concentrations of plasma progesterone at the time of FSH-P treatment on the superovulatory response in dairy heifers. Sixteen reproductively sound Holstein heifers (13-15 months of age) were used in this study. Superovulatory treatment was commenced at mid-dioestrus (Day 10 ± 2 of the oestrous cycle) of the synchronized (using two injections of PGF2α, 11 days apart) oestrous cycles. Blood samples were collected on the day and the day after commencing FSH-P treatment and at oestrus for plasma progesterone determination. Heifers were grouped based on two levels of plasma progesterone; Group low progesterone (LP; ranging from 2 to 4.5 ng /ml; n = 7) and Group high progesterone (HP; ≥ 4.6 ng /ml; n = 8) at the beginning of FSH-P treatment (one heifer was excluded from the statistical analysis because of the abnormal progesterone level at oestrus). The superovulatory response in terms of mean numbers of palpable corpora lutea (ovulation rate) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in group LP than group HP. Ovulation rate was negatively correlated (r = -0.51) with the progesterone concentration at the time of commencing FSH-P treatment (p < 0.05). Data suggest that varying concentrations of plasma progesterone at the time of FSH-P treatment may have a different effect on the outcome of superovulatory response in dairy heifers.

Cell chip with nano-scale peptide layer to detect dopamine secretion from neuronal cells.

A cell chip with a nano-scaled thin film of cysteine modified synthetic oligopeptide C(RGD)4 was fabricated to detect dopamine secretion from neuronal cells. Thin C(RGD)4 peptide layer was fabricated on chip surface for increasing the binding affinity of cells to gold electrode surface, which is essential for the electrochemical detection of dopamine released from PC12 cells. The structural formation of the peptide thin film was confirmed by both atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Redox characteristics of chemical dopamine were firstly characterized by voltammetric tool to compare the dopamine released from PC12 cells. Cells grown on the chip were then subjected to cyclic voltammetric (CV) analysis after 48 hours of incubation. The intensities of reduction peaks were found to be increased with increasing the concentrations of PC12 cells. In addition, the electrochemical redox signal increased more in the cells treated with glucose and potassium compared to the control group. Hence, the developed cell chip can be used to determine the effects of drugs on living cells electrochemically.

Effects of right ventricular septal versus apical pacing on plasma natriuretic peptide levels.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the contribution of right ventricular (RV) pacing sites to the cardiac function, this study compares plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels during RV septal and apical pacing in patients implanted with a pacemaker. MATERIALS AND METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-four consecutive patients with indication for permanent pacing were included. To provide for the possibility of appropriate subgroup analyses, patients were stratified according to their pacing mode into two groups: Those with dual chamber DDD(R)/VDD pacemakers (41 patients, mean age 54.1±18.4 years), and those with single chamber VVI pacemakers (33 patients, mean age 60.6±18.4 years). A prospective single-blinded randomized design was used. Randomization (1:1 way) was between lead placement on the RV septum or RV apex and occurred during the implant in both groups. Compared to baseline, a significant decrease in BNP (429.8±103 pg/ml and 291.7±138 pg/ml, respectively) levels was observed during DDD(R) /VDD pacing after two months. In contrast, during VVI (R) pacing, a significant increase in BNP levels was observed (657.5±104 pg/ml and 889.5±139 pg/ml, respectively). To determine the impact of pacing sites on cardiac function, we assessed the changes in BNP levels in each group separately. Despite the significant difference in the pattern of changes between the two groups (P < 0.02), no significant changes were observed within groups regarding the acute effect of the pacing site (RV apex vs. RV septal) on BNP levels (P=NS). CONCLUSIONS: Our main result showed no significant differences between pacing sites and concluded that hemodynamic improvement could be substantially influenced by pacing mode, more than by pacing site.

Oocyte ultrastructural characteristics in camel (Camelus dromedarius) primordial to large antral follicles.

This study was conducted to describe in detail the ultrastructural features and morphological characteristics of camel oocytes from preantral follicles in relation to the sequential stages of follicular development and also for oocytes from antral follicles in relation to their diameter. Camel oocytes from primordial, primary, secondary and also early to late antral follicles were processed and examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Primordial follicular oocytes were characterized by a layer of flattened granulosa cells around and also eccentric nucleus and few cytoplasmic organelles in the peripheral region. Up to the secondary follicle stage, flat cells were replaced by cuboidal granulosa cells and their number increased and also an increase in the number of organelles such as vesicles, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum was observed. In the early antral stage, the formation of zona pellucida, appearance of microvilli and pleomorphic mitochondria was seen and the nucleus was dislocated to the peripheral region. During final growth phase, the extent of endoplasmic reticulum, vesicles and mitochondria increased, the number of lipid droplets decreased and cumulus cell process endings (CCPE) were observed. In conclusion, the growth of camel oocyte is associated with progressive increase in the number of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes and cytoplasmic vesicles as well as decrease in the number of lipid droplets and the nucleus migration from an eccentric in preantral to a peripheral location in antral follicles.

Contributions of wastewater, runoff and sewer deposit erosion to wet weather pollutant loads in combined sewer systems.

An observatory of urban pollutants was created in Paris for the purpose of assessing the dynamics of wastewater and wet weather flow (WW and WWF) pollutant loads within combined sewers. This observatory is composed of six urban catchments, covering land areas ranging in size from 42 ha to 2581 ha. For a wide array of parameters including total suspended solids (TSS), chemical and biochemical oxygen demand (COD and BOD(5)), total organic carbon (TOC), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), heavy metals (Cu and Zn) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), this article is intended to evaluate the contributions of wastewater, runoff and in-sewer processes to WWF pollutant loads through the use of an entry-exit mass balance approach. To achieve this objective, a total of 16 rain events were sampled on these sites between May 2003 and February 2006. This study has confirmed that at the considered catchment scale (i.e. from 42 ha to 2581 ha) the production and transfer processes associated with WWF pollutant loads do not vary with basin scale. Entry-exit chemical mass balances over all catchments and for a large number of rain events indicate that wastewater constitutes the main source of organic and nitrogenous pollution, while runoff is the predominant source of Zn. For Cu, PAHs and TSS, the calculation underscores the major role played by in-sewer processes, specifically by sediment erosion, as a source of WWF pollution. A significant loss of dissolved metals was also observed during their transfer within the sewer network, likely as a consequence of the adsorption of dissolved metals on TSS and/or on sewer deposits. Moreover, the nature of eroded particles was examined and compared to the various sewer deposits. This comparison has highlighted that such particles exhibit similar organic and PAH contents to those measured in the organic layer, thus suggesting that the deposit eroded during a wet weather period is organic and of a nature comparable to the organic layer. Despite the extent of initial field investigations, no organic deposit was observed to be present on sewer lines within the catchments, which implies that this organic deposit is probably present in another form or to be found elsewhere in the main trunks.

Changes in the gene expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) in ovarian follicular cells of dairy cow at different stages of development.

Adiponectin is one of the most important, recently discovered adipocytokines that acts at various levels to control male and female fertility through central effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis or through peripheral effects on the ovary, uterus, and embryo. We studied simultaneous changes in the gene expression pattern of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) in granulosa and theca cells, cumulus-oocyte complex, and in corpus luteum in healthy bovine (Bos tarus) follicles at different stages of development. The expression levels of adiponectin, AdipoR1, and AdipoR2 mRNA were lower (P<0.05) in granulosa and cumulus cells in comparison with that in theca cells and oocyte. In contrast with the oocyte, AdipoR1 in granulosa, theca, and luteal cells was expressed (P<0.05) more than AdipoR2. Adiponectin expression increased (P<0.05) in granulosa cells and in cumulus-oocyte complex during follicular development from small to large follicles. Opposite results were observed in theca cells. Expression of adiponectin was highest in the late stages of corpus luteum (CL) regression, whereas lower expression was recorded in active CL (P<0.05). AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 expression increased during the terminal follicular growth in granulosa and theca cells (P<0.05) and during the luteal phase progress in CL. There was positive correlation between adiponectin mRNA level in granulosa cells from large follicles and follicular fluid estradiol concentration (r=0.48, P<0.05) and negative correlation between adiponectin mRNA abundance in theca cells and follicular fluid progesterone concentration (r=-0.44, P<0.05). In conclusion, we found that the physiologic status of the ovary has significant effects on the natural expression patterns of adiponectin and its receptors in follicular and luteal cells of bovine ovary.