Postponing TAI in beef cows with small preovulatory follicles.

The aims of this study were (1) to establish an optimal cut-off point for evaluating the effect of the preovulatory follicle (POF) diameter in timed AI (TAI) programs, and (2) to evaluate the effect of postponing TAI in cows with smaller follicles on pregnancy per AI (P/AI). In Study 1, Nelore cows (n = 426) were subjected to an estradiol-progesterone (P4) based TAI protocol. The diameter of POF was measured at TAI, 48 h after P4 insert removal. From the ROC curves for determining the relationship between the POF diameter and pregnancy, the cut-off was 11 mm (P < 0.001). Cows with larger POF had greater (P < 0.05) P/AI (62.5%) than cows with smaller POF (34.8%). In Study 2, Nelore cows (n = 1257) were subjected to the same TAI protocol as in Study 1. Before TAI, cows were separated according to POF diameter in three groups: (1) Larger POF (LP, n = 873; POF ≥11 mm), (2) Smaller POF 0 h (SP0, n = 195; POF <11 mm), and (3) Smaller POF 24 h (SP24, n = 189; POF <11 mm). Cows in the LP and SP0 were TAI at 48 h and cows in the SP24 group were TAI at 72 h after P4 insert removal. Cows in the LP group had the greatest (P < 0.05) P/AI (60.25%), followed by cows in the SP24 group (41.8%), while cows in the SP0 group had the lowest P/AI (31.8%). In conclusion, cows with smaller follicles have lower P/AI, but postponing the TAI by 24 h in these cows increases P/AI.

Controlling forward and backward rotary molecular motion on demand.

Synthetic molecular machines hold tremendous potential to revolutionize chemical and materials sciences. Their autonomous motion controlled by external stimuli allows to develop smart materials whose properties can be adapted on command. For the realisation of more complex molecular machines, it is crucial to design building blocks whose properties can be controlled by multiple orthogonal stimuli. A major challenge is to reversibly switch from forward to backward and again forward light-driven rotary motion using external stimuli. Here we report a push-pull substituted photo-responsive overcrowded alkene whose function can be toggled between that of a unidirectional 2nd generation rotary motor and a molecular switch depending on its protonation and the polarity of its environment. With its simplicity in design, easy preparation, outstanding stability and orthogonal control of distinct forward and backward motions, we believe that the present concept paves the way for creating more advanced molecular machines.

The amount of liver tissue is essential for accurate histological staging in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

The gold standard for the evaluation of liver fibrosis is histology. However, the heterogenous distribution of fibrosis limits the sensitivity of histology. The collection of two samples with a 16G needle is therefore recommended to reduce the risk of sampling error. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this standard is also applicable to patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). This retrospective study included patients with AIH, who underwent mini-laparoscopic biopsy at our center between 2011 and 2020 (n = 32). Diagnosis was verified by usage of the simplified AIH score (≥ 6). Patients were categorized into three groups, based on the number of portal fields (PF) in the collected liver tissue (< 10 PF, 10 - 19 PF, ≥ 20 PF). We correlated the histological staging for these groups with the mini-laparoscopic fibrosis score (MLFS). Furthermore, non-invasive methods for the assessment of fibrosis were correlated with the histological staging (acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) and FIB-4 score). MLFS correlated well with histological staging (r = 0.649, p = 0.0001). The correlation between MLFS and histology improved with higher numbers of histologically analyzed portal fields (< 10 PF: r = 0.400, p = 0.378; 10 - 19 PF: r = 0.5467, p = 0.023; ≥ 20 PF: r = 0.956, p = 0.0002). The probability of collecting at least 10 or 20 portal fields was dependent on the number and diameter of the samples. For all patients with at least two 16G biopsies, 10 or more PF were available. With three 16G biopsies, at least 20 PF were obtained for all patients. ARFI correlated with MLFS and histological staging only in patients with low/moderate-grade inflammation as defined by ALT < 10xULN (upper limit of normal) (MLFS: r = 0.723; p = 0.004; histology: r = 0.619, p = 0.018). FIB-4 did not correlate with histological staging. The amount of liver tissue obtained by liver biopsy is crucial to minimalize the risk of sampling error and thus underestimation of fibrosis. This study was the first to investigate the amount of liver tissue required for histological staging in AIH. Our data suggest that diagnostic accuracy is likely to be higher with 20 PF compared to the generally recommended 10 PF. We therefore recommend to perform three biopsies with a 16G needle in (suspected) AIH patients. ARFI correlated well with histological staging unless inflammatory activity is high.

Use of prostaglandin F2α as ovulatory stimulus for synchronizing dairy cattle.

The aim of this study was to evaluate if prostaglandin F2α (PGF) can be used to induce ovulation in a GnRH-progesterone based protocol. In Experiment 1 crossbred dairy cows (n=32) were synchronized with a progesterone-GnRH based protocol for seven days, where the luteolytic dose of 150µg PGF was given 24h prior progesterone device removal (CIDR). On Day 8 cows were separated into two groups to receive: 1) 2mL of Saline (Control Group, n=15) or 2) 150µg of PGF (PGF Group, n=17). Ovulation rate was higher in the PGF than Control group (100% vs 53.3%, P=0.001, Odds ratio=30.88). The percentage of cows that ovulated synchronously tended to be higher in the PGF than Control group (P=0.1, Odds ratio=9.6). Experiment 2 was performed in a cross-over (3×3) design. Crossbred dairy cows (n=25) received a CIDR for seven days and GnRH on Day 0. Seven days later 150µg of PGF was given and the progesterone device was removed, and 24h later cows were distributed into three groups to receive: 1) 2mL of Saline (Control Group, n=25), 2) 150µg of PGF (PGF Group, n=25) or 3) 1mg of ECP (ECP Group, n=23). Diameter of ovulatory follicle was larger in the PGF and Control than ECP Group (P=0.002, Effect size>4.0). Synchronized ovulation rate (between 72 and 96h after CIDR removal) tended to be higher in PGF group in Control group (P=0.1, Odds ratio=0.35). Results suggest that PGF is equally efficient to ECP to induce synchronized ovulation in dairy cows subjected to progesterone-GnRH based protocols.

Comparison between two estradiol-progesterone based protocols for timed artificial insemination in blocks in lactating Nelore cows.

The aim of this study was to compare the use of artificial insemination in time blocks (Artificial Insemination Blocks, AIB) using an 8 and 9 d estradiol-progesterone based protocol. In this experiment, lactating Nelore cows (n=253) were subjected to two estradiol-progesterone based TAI protocols. On the morning of Day 10 (8d group, n=124) or Day 11 (9d group, n=129), cows were examined by ultrasonography to evaluate the diameter of the preovulatory follicle and were inseminated once at one of the following time points, according to the diameter of the pre-ovulatory follicle (POF): Block 0 (POF≥15mm, TAI 0h after conventional TAI), Block 1 (POF 13.0-14.9mm, TAI 6h later), Block 2 (POF 10.1-12.9mm, TAI 24h later), and Block 3 (POF≤10.0mm, TAI 30h later). The pregnancy per AI (P/AI) did not differ between 8d and 9d groups (P>0.05). Considering only multiparous cows, however, P/AI tended to be greater in the 8d (64.1%) than in the 9d group (49.3%; P=0.08). Cows from the 9d group tended to have a larger POF than cows from the 8d group (P=0.07). In conclusion, these results provide evidence that there is no difference between 8d or 9d protocols when using the AIB technique. Use of the 8d estradiol-progesterone based protocol, however, tended to increase pregnancy in multiparous cows.

Diagnostic accuracy and interobserver variability of Dynamic Vascular Pattern (DVP) in primary liver malignancies - A simple semiquantitative tool for the analysis of contrast enhancement patterns.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a valuable tool in the diagnostic approach of focal liver lesions, but occasionally subjective and observer-dependent. Semiquantitative evaluation of dynamic CEUS (DCEUS) with standardised software programmes such as Dynamic Vascular Pattern (DVP) could help to improve diagnostic accuracy and objectivity in liver tumour assessment. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed at evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of DVP in a clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DVP images of 52 focal liver lesions [30 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), 15 intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas (ICCs), 7 focal nodular hyperplasias (FNHs)] were analysed by four blinded observers with different levels of CEUS-experience. Diagnostic accuracies for the assessment of dignity and entity were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for detection of malignancy with DVP were 48.4% /67.8% /92.7% and 29.3%, respectively. Total diagnostic accuracies for dignity/entity were 63.9% /38.5% (HCC: 58.3% /25.8%; ICC: 73.3% /50%; FNH: 67.9% /67.9%). Interreader-agreement was moderate (κ= 0.42-0.58). Differential diagnosis between ICC and HCC was most challenging. CONCLUSION: Although developed to improve diagnostic accuracy and objectivity in the assessment of focal liver lesions, DVP alone seems insufficient for differential diagnosis of HCC, ICC and FNH and cannot replace the skills of an experienced observer.

Identification and pharmacological characterization of a novel inhibitor of autotaxin in rodent models of joint pain.

OBJECTIVE: Autotaxin is a secreted lysophospholipase that mediates the conversion of lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC) to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive lipid mediator. Autotaxin levels in plasma and synovial fluid correlate with disease severity in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The goal of this study was to develop and characterize a novel small molecule inhibitor of autotaxin to inhibit LPA production in vivo and determine its efficacy in animal models of musculoskeletal pain. DESIGN: Compound libraries were screened using an LPC coupled enzyme assay that measures the amount of choline released from LPC by the action of autotaxin. Hits from this assay were tested in a plasma assay to assess inhibition of endogenous plasma autotaxin and subsequently tested for their ability to lower plasma LPA levels upon oral dosing of rats. The best compounds were then tested in animal models of musculoskeletal pain. RESULTS: Compound screening led to the identification of compounds with nanomolar potency for inhibition of autotaxin activity. Studies in rats demonstrated a good correlation between compound exposure levels and a decrease in LPA levels in plasma. The leading molecule (compound-1) resulted in a dose dependent decrease in joint pain in the mono-sodium iodoacetate (MIA) and meniscal tear models and a decrease in bone fracture pain in the osteotomy model in rats. CONCLUSION: We have identified and characterized a novel small molecule inhibitor of autotaxin and demonstrated its efficacy in animal models of musculoskeletal pain. The inhibitor has the potential to serve as an analgesic for human OA and bone fracture.

LI-RADS-CEUS - Proposal for a Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Algorithm for the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in High-Risk Populations.

Purpose: To develop a contrast-enhanced ultrasound algorithm (LI-RADS-CEUS = liver imaging reporting and data system with contrast-enhanced ultrasound) for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients at risk. Materials and Methods: A CEUS algorithm (LI-RADS-CEUS) was designed analogously to CT- and MRI-based LI-RADS. LI-RADS-CEUS was evaluated retrospectively in 50 patients at risk with confirmed HCC or non-HCC lesions (test group) with subsequent validation in a prospective cohort of 50 patients (validation group). Results were compared to histology, CE-CT and CE-MRI as reference standards. Results: Tumor diagnosis in the test group/validation group (n = 50/50) were 46/41 HCCs, 3/3 intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas (ICCs) and 1/6 benign lesions. The diagnostic accuracy of LI-RADS-CEUS for HCC, ICC and non-HCC-non-ICC-lesions was 89 %. For the diagnosis of HCC, the diagnostic accuracy was 93.5 % (43/46 cases) in the test group and 95.1 % (39/41 cases) in the validation group. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 94.3 %, 66.6 %, 94.3 % and 66.6 %, respectively (mean values from both cohorts). Histological findings of HCC were available in 40 versus 23 cases (in total: G1 / G2/G3: 15/35/13). Arterial hyperenhancement was seen in 68/87 (78.2 %) of HCCs. Arterial hyperenhancement with subsequent portal venous or late phase hypoenhancement was seen in 66 % of HCCs. Conclusion: LI-RADS-CEUS offers a CEUS algorithm for standardized assessment and reporting of focal liver lesions in patients at risk for HCC. Arterial hyperenhancement in CEUS is the key feature for the diagnosis of HCC in patients at risk, whereas washout is not a necessary prerequisite.

Comparison of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Elastography Measurements with the 4C1 Transducer to the 6C1HD Transducer: A Phantom and Patient Study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography done with the 4C1 probe yields comparable results to the recently introduced 6C1HD probe. Materials and Methods: Measurements with the 4C1 and 6C1HD probes (Acuson S2000) were performed and compared in four different inclusions of an elasticity phantom model (QA049 CIRS) as well as in the liver of healthy individuals and patients with liver cirrhosis. Results: Measurements with the 6C1HD probe were slightly higher in all phantom inclusions (8, 14, 45, 80kPA) with a mean of 1.48 m/s (95 %-CI; 1.47 - 1.49), 2.18 m/s (95 %-CI; 2.17 - 2.19), 3.61 m/s (95 %-CI; 3.57 - 3.64) and 4.34 m/s (95 %-CI; 4.29 - 4.39) compared to the 4C1 transducer with 1.46 m/s (95 %-CI; 1.45 - 1.47), 2.15 m/s (95 %-CI; 2.14 - 2.16), 3.39 m/s (95 %-CI; 3.37 - 3.41) and 3.98 m/s (95 %-CI; 3.75 - 4.21), respectively (p = 0.04, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.01). Cirrhotic patients (n = 40) had a higher mean shear wave speed with 3.00 m/s (95 %-CI; 2.80 - 3.21) with the 6C1HD transducer compared to 2.81 m/s (95 %-CI; 2.64 - 2.99) with the 4C1 transducer (p = 0.03). Healthy individuals (n = 20) had a mean shear wave speed of 1.12 m/s (95 %-CI; 1.06 - 1.17) with the 6C1HD probe and 1.12 m/s (95 %-CI; 1.05 - 1.19) with the 4C1 probe (p = 0.96). Conclusion: ARFI values assessed with a 6C1HD transducer are slightly higher than measurements with a 4C1 transducer in an ARFI phantom and in patients with liver cirrhosis. As the difference is small, current cut-off values keep their usefulness but should be interpreted with caution if measurements are close to the cut-off.

Prospective Evaluation of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Elastography and High-Frequency B-Mode Ultrasound in Compensated Patients for the Diagnosis of Liver Fibrosis/Cirrhosis in Comparison to Mini-Laparoscopic Biopsy.

PURPOSE: Ultrasound is a well-established noninvasive test for assessing patients with liver disease. This study aims to prospectively compare ultrasound to the new technique elastography (ARFI) for the assessment of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-frequency B-mode ultrasound (liver surface/vein irregularity, liver homogeneity, spleen size), ARFI quantification, mini-laparoscopic liver evaluation including biopsy were prospectively obtained in compensated patients scheduled for liver biopsy. For the diagnosis of cirrhosis, a combined gold standard (cirrhosis at histology and/or at macroscopic liver evaluation) was used. RESULTS: Out of 157 patients, 35 patients were diagnosed cirrhotic. Ultrasound (combination of liver vein and/or surface irregularity) showed no significant difference compared to ARFI quantification for the diagnosis of significant liver fibrosis (Ishak> = 3) and cirrhosis. Diagnosis of cirrhosis had a sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV of 83 %(±â€Š12) / 82 %(±â€Š7) / 57 %(±â€Š14) / 94 %(±â€Š4), respectively, with ultrasound and 86 %(±â€Š12) / 81 %(±â€Š7) / 57 %(±â€Š13) / 95 %(±â€Š4), respectively, with ARFI quantification. The sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV for the detection of significant fibrosis were 68 %(±â€Š13) / 86 %(±â€Š7) / 71 %(±â€Š13) / 84 %(±â€Š7), respectively, for ultrasound and 70 %(±â€Š12) / 84 %(±â€Š7) / 69 %(±â€Š12) / 84 %(±â€Š7), respectively, for ARFI quantification. CONCLUSION: ARFI elastography and high-frequency B-mode ultrasound show similar and good results for the diagnosis of compensated liver cirrhosis and high-grade fibrosis. A key benefit of both methods is the high NPV suggesting them as noninvasive exclusion tests.

Quantitative perfusion analysis in pancreatic contrast enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US): a promising tool for the differentiation between autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

In the work-up of focal pancreatic lesions autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare differential diagnosis to pancreatic cancer (PC) with similar clinical constellations. The aim of our study was to compare differences between proven AIP and PC using transabdominal dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US). Therefore we recorded 3-minute-clips of CEUS examinations and analyzed perfusion parameters with VueBox®-quantification software. To obtain DCE-US Parameters, Regions-of-Interest were selected within the lesions and the surrounding pancreas parenchyma, serving as reference tissue. We compared 3 patients with AIP (mean age: 58 years; lesion mean size: 40 mm) to 17 patients with PC (mean age: 68 years; lesion mean size: 35.9 mm). Significant differences between PC and parenchyma could be found in the following parameters: Peak-Enhancement (PE), Wash-in-and-Wash-out-AUC, Wash-in Perfusion-Index. PE of AIP was comparable to normal parenchyma. The relation of PE between parenchyma and lesion (ΔPE) AIP and PC was significantly different [AIP: 0.21 (±0.06); PC: 0.81 (±0.1); p<0.01]. PE of neoplastic lesions was significantly lower as AIP and normal parenchyma (p<0.01). Therefore perfusion analysis in DCE-US can help to differentiate hypovascular PC from AIP presenting nearly isovascular time intensity curves. Diagnostic accuracy of DCE-US in this setting has to be validated in future prospective studies in comparison to CT and MRI.

Timed artificial insemination in blocks: A new alternative to improve fertility in lactating beef cows.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether changing the interval from CIDR removal to timed artificial insemination (TAI) according to the diameter of the preovulatory follicle (POF) would improve pregnancy per AI in cows. In Study 1, a retrospective analysis of TAI experiments (n=96 cows) was performed to characterize the time of ovulation according to the diameter of the dominant follicle. It was observed that cows with a larger POF had ovulations earlier than cows with smaller POF, according to the equation: y=0.72x(2)-26.74x+264.54 (R(2)=0.63; P<0.001). In Study 2, lactating Nelore cows (n=412) were subjected to an EB-CIDR based TAI protocol. On the morning of Day 10 (time of TAI), cows were randomized into Control (n=209) and Block (n=203) groups; (1) Cows in the Control Group were TAI 48 h after CIDR removal (08:00 am on Day 10), and; (2) Cows in the block group were inseminated once at one of the following time points, according to the diameter of the POF on Day 10: B0 (POF≥15mm, TAI 0 h after convetional TAI), B1 (POF 13-14.9 mm, TAI 6h later), B2 (POF 10.1-12.9 mm, TAI 24h later) and B3 (POF≤10mm, TAI 30 h later). The cows of the Block Group had greater pregnancy rates per AI than the Control Group (129/203, 63.5% when compared with 102/209, 48.8%, respectively; P<0.01). In conclusion, results of the present study demonstrate that adjusting the timing of TAI according to the diameter of the POF can be an effective practice for improving fertility of cows in TAI protocols.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) for the characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: In a prospective study, we compared the different perfusion kinetics of HCC and ICC using dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with proven HCC and ICC were included. Three-minute video clips of CEUS examinations (CPS - low MI mode) after a bolus injection of 1.2 ml SonoVue were recorded and analyzed with quantification software (VueBox). Parameters for the arterial contrast enhancement [rise time (RT), time-to-peak (TTP)] towards portal venous contrast enhancement [mean transit time (local) (mTTl) and fall time (FT)] were quantified. Furthermore, contrast wash-out after peak enhancement (PE) (40 s, 80 s, 100 s and 120 s after PE) was compared between HCC and ICC. RESULTS: 43 patients with proven HCC (n = 23 HCC; cirrhosis n = 16) and ICC (n = 20 ICC; Cirrhosis n = 6) were examined. No statistical difference of the arterial DCEUS parameters was found between HCC and ICC. Contrast enhancement of the portal venous and late phases showed significantly lower values in the ICC group indicating early wash-out of the contrast agent: mTTl (p = 0.0209): HCC 118.4 s (SD±â€Š88.4); ICC 64.8 s (SD±â€Š49.7). FT (p = 0.0433): HCC 42.5 s (SD±â€Š27.7); ICC 27.7 s (SD±â€Š16.2). The percental loss of intensity at a definite time point after PE was significantly higher in ICC than in HCC lesions. CONCLUSION: DCE-US is able to detect and quantify differences in perfusion kinetics between HCC and ICC. Whereas arterial contrast enhancement patterns may overlap between HCC and ICC, a timed characterization of wash-out kinetics may offer an additional tool to characterize HCC and ICC. The presence of a rapid loss of signal intensity in the early portal venous phase is significantly higher in ICC than in HCC lesions.

Liver stiffness assessed by acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technology is considerably increased in patients with cholestasis.

PURPOSE: To explore the impact of cholestasis on liver stiffness assessed by acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a period of four months, patients with sonographic cholestasis and increased cholestatic blood values (Bilirubin, γGT, AP > 2 times ULN) scheduled for endoscopic therapy were recruited. Exclusion criteria were: known liver disease; signs of cirrhosis at ultrasound (irregular liver veins and/or surface); heart insufficiency (NYHA III-VI). ARFI (Siemens S2000), ultrasound and blood examinations were performed before and in a subgroup after successful biliary drainage. RESULTS: In total, 21 patients with cholestasis were included in the study. ARFI measurements were above the cut-off for cirrhosis (1.8  m/s) in all patients with a mean of 2.91  m/s ±â€Š0.89  m/s without a history or signs of cirrhosis. Bilirubin, γGT and AP were elevated on average to 9.7 ±â€Š5.3  mg/dl, 1192 ±â€Š960  U/l and 730 ±â€Š389  U/l. A subgroup of 10 patients was measured after successful drainage. ARFI measurements declined in all patients of that subgroup on average by 0.76  m/s at a mean time interval of 4.5 days (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Cholestasis significantly increases liver stiffness assessed by ARFI. Therefore, it is important to exclude profound cholestasis when using ARFI for evaluating patients for liver fibrosis.

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) and high-frequency ultrasound of the liver surface for the diagnosis of compensated liver cirrhosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) and high-frequency ultrasound of the liver surface, using histology as a gold standard for the diagnosis of compensated liver cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 73 patients without ascites undergoing liver biopsy were included in the study. The left and right liver lobes were examined with ARFI and high-frequency ultrasound. Liver surface irregularity was quantified using image analysis software to calculate the difference between the real surface and the approximated physiological surface through a 20 mm standardized line. RESULTS: There is a significant difference between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients for both quantified liver surface (QLS) and ARFI (p < 0.001). The mean values for QLS of the left lobe were 0.71 ± 0.24 mm and 1.17 ±â€Š0.80 mm, of the right lobe 0.56 ±â€Š0.26 mm and 0.87 ±â€Š0.26 mm for non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients, respectively. The mean values of ARFI measurements of the left lobe were 2.04 ±â€Š0.76 m/s and 2.85 ±â€Š0.81 m/s, of the right lobe 1.65 ±â€Š0.61 m/s and 3.02 ±â€Š0.77 m/s for non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy (AUROC) was 0.78/0.80 for QLS and 0.77/0.91 for ARFI of the left/right lobe, respectively. ARFI of the right lobe is significantly better than ARFI of the left (p = 0.023) or QLS of the left (p = 0.025)/right (p = 0.046) lobe of the liver. CONCLUSION: Assessment of liver surface irregularity by high-frequency ultrasound (QLS) is a useful diagnostic test for the assessment of compensated liver cirrhosis. ARFI of the right liver lobe is significantly better than high-frequency ultrasound (QLS of the left/right lobe of the liver) and ARFI of the left lobe of the liver.

The use of PGF2α as ovulatory stimulus for timed artificial insemination in cattle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a PGF2α-analogue (PGF) on ovulation and pregnancy rates after timed artificial insemination (TAI) in cattle. In experiment 1, crossbred dual-purpose heifers, in a crossover design (3 × 3), were given an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (controlled internal drug release [CIDR]) plus 1 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) intramuscularly (im) and 250 µg of a PGF-analogue im on Day 0. The CIDR inserts were removed 5 days after follicular wave emergence, and the heifers were randomly divided into three treatment groups to receive the following treatments: (1) 1 mg of EB im (EB group, n = 13); (2) 500 µg of PGF im (PG group, n = 13); or (3) saline (control group, n = 13), 24 hours after CIDR removal. Ovulation occurred earlier in EB (69.81 ± 3.23 hours) and PG groups (73.09 ± 3.23 hours) compared with control (83.07 ± 4.6 hours; P = 0.01) after CIDR removal. In experiment 2, pubertal beef heifers (n = 444), 12 to 14 months of age were used. On Day 0, the heifers were given a CIDR insert plus 2 mg EB im. On Day 9, the CIDR was removed and the heifers were given 500 µg of PGF im. Heifers were randomly assigned into one of three treatment groups: (1) 1 mg of EB (EB group; n = 145); (2) 500 µg of PGF (PG group; n = 149), both 24 hours after CIDR removal; or (3) 600 µg of estradiol cypionate (ECP group; n = 150) at CIDR removal. Timed artificial insemination occurred 48 hours after CIDR removal in the ECP group and 54 hours in the PG and EB groups. The percentage of heifers ovulating was higher in the PG group compared with the other groups (P = 0.08). However, the pregnancy rates did not differ among groups (47.6%, 45%, and 46.6%, for EB, PG, and ECP, respectively; P = 0.9). In experiment 3, 224 lactating beef cows, 40 to 50 days postpartum with 2.5 to 3.5 of body condition score were treated similarly as described in experiment 2, except for the ECP group, which was excluded. The treatments were as follows: 1 mg EB (EB group; n = 117) or 500 µg PGF (PG group; n = 107), 24 hours after CIDR removal. The calves were temporarily separated from their dams from Days 9 to 11. No difference was detected on the pregnancy rate between the EB and PG groups (58.1% vs. 47.6%, respectively; P = 0.11). Taken together, the combined results suggested that PGF2α could be successfully used to induce and synchronize ovulation in cattle undergoing TAI, with similar pregnancy rates when compared with other ovulatory stimuli (ECP and EB).

Social support provided to caregivers of children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the perception of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) concerning social support received and to verify how the characteristics of the children (i.e. type of CP and severity of motor impairment) and those of their caregivers (i.e. age, level of education, occupation, income and number of children) are significantly related to this perception. METHOD: A total of 50 children with CP aged between 3 and 12 years and their respective caregivers participated in this study. Children were grouped in terms of type of CP and according to the severity of motor impairment through the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) was used to evaluate the perception of caregivers concerning the social support they receive (number of people offering support - SSQ-N index, and level of satisfaction concerning such support - SSQ-S index). RESULTS: The caregivers reported receiving support from a mean of 1.67 people. Core and extended family members (i.e. husband, mother, siblings) and friends are the most common providers of support. In regard to level of satisfaction, caregivers considered the support they received to be positive, obtaining a mean of 5.52 out of a total of six points. Children's and caregivers' characteristics were not significantly related to the SSQ-N and SSQ-S indexes. CONCLUSION: Family members are the caregivers' primary source of social support and caregivers reported being satisfied with the support they received.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy: a non-invasive approach for in vivo evaluation of oocytes and small antral follicles in mammals.

The use of ultrasonography has changed our understanding of the ovarian function in live animals. However, most of the studies that have used ultrasonography to image the ovary have provided data only of structures >1mm in diameter. The recent availability of high-resolution ultrasound technology with high-frequency transducers (25-70 MHz), offers the potential to examine the developmental dynamics of small antral follicles and the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) in vivo. In this review we provide data from a series of studies performed by Veterinary Biomedical Sciences Laboratory describing the advantages and disadvantages, as well as image characteristics, of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) to study ovarian biology in mammals. Data and images of small ovarian structures in rabbits, cattle, mice and humans are shown. The UBM technique allowed visualisation of small antral follicles ranging in size from 300 to 700 µm in all species examined, as well as COC within follicles in rabbits, cattle and humans. Furthermore, UBM permitted clear distinction of the follicular wall from the surrounding ovarian stroma in cattle and humans. At present, the limited depth of penetration of UBM restricts the use of this technique to an experimental setting. In that regard, further studies using UBM will probably result in a greater understanding of the pattern and control of early antral folliculogenesis and oogenesis.

Avaliação de diferentes crioprotetores intra e extracelulares na criopreservação de sêmen de touros / Evaluation of different intra and extracellular cryoprotectants on bull semen cryopreservation

Em um delineamento experimental usando o fatorial 3x2, três crioprotetores internos, glicerol (GLI), etilenoglicol (EG) e dimetilformamida (DMF), e dois externos, gema de ovo (GEMA) e lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL), avaliaram-se a motilidade ao descongelamento de GLI-GEMA 53,9±1,96, sendo superior aos demais tratamentos (P<0,05). Na avaliação de morfologia ao descongelamento, não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos EG-GEMA 68,3±1,58, EG-LDL 72,2±2,39 e DMF-GEMA 68,7±1,67 que foram mais altos que os demais (P<0,05). A avaliação de integridade de membrana por fluorescência ao descongelamento GLI-GEMA 34,2±2,28 e EG-GEMA 30,9±1,32 não diferiram entre si (P>0,05), mas foram mais elevados que os demais (P<0,05), enquanto que a HOST dos tratamentos DMF-GEMA 13,6±1,30 e DMF-LDL 9,8±0,78 diferirem entre si (P<0,05) e foram mais baixas que as demais (P<0,05). O uso de etilenoglicol associado à gema de ovo pode ser uma alternativa ao uso de glicerol nos protocolos de congelamento de sêmen de touros.

The experiment was designed as 3 x 2 factorial design, with three internal cryoprotectants, glycerol (GLY), etileneglycol (EG) and dymethilformamide (DMF) and two external, egg yolk (YOLK) and density low lipoproteina (LDL). The motility at thawing for GLY-YOLK (53.9±1.96) was higher than other treatments (P<0.05). The percentage of cells with normal morphology at thawing was not different between EG-YOLK (68.3±1.58), EG-LDL (72.2±2.39) and DMF-YOLK (68.7±1.67), but they were higher than the others (P<0.05). The evaluation of membrane integrity through fluorescent probes at thawing indicate that GLY-YOLK (34.2±2.28) and EG-YOLK (30.9±1.32) were not different (P>0.05), but were higher than the others (P<0.05). The evaluation of membrane integrity through hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) indicate that DMF-YOLK (13.6±1.30) and DMF-LDL (9.8±0.78) were different (P<0.05) and lower than the others (P<0.05). The use of ethylene glycol associated to egg yolk can be a viable alternative to the use of glycerol in bull semen freezing protocols.