Comparative study between efficacy of dexamethasone-prostaglandin-receptal combination and mechanical correction in uterine torsion cases in Egyptian buffalo-cows (Bubalus bubalis).

BACKGROUND: According to reports, the majority of domesticated species exhibited uterine torsion. It was occasionally noted as a cause of dystocia in buffaloes. The uterus might twist more frequently late in pregnancy because of certain animal traits. The current research monitored the clinical findings and laboratory assays associated with uterine torsion cases in pregnant buffalo-cows through comparing between normal labored buffalo-cows (Norm-Labgr; n = 20), mechanically corrected uterine torsed animals without medicament interference (UtrTorsgr; n = 160), and mechanically corrected uterine torsed animals with medicament interference (UtrTors-Medgr; n = 40) through focusing on placental characterization, calves body weight, milk constituents and milk somatic cell count (SCC) in normal labored buffaloes and uterine torsed ones. Through clinical and laboratory investigations of these buffaloes (N = 220) had been conducted 3 times; 7 h pre-calving and post calving (Post uterine correction) i.e. 48 and 96 h. Uterine torsion prevalence parameters, placental characterization, calves body weight, milk constituents and milk somatic cell counts were evaluated in normal labored buffaloes and uterine torsed ones. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded pre-calving remarkable variations in clinical findings, leukogram picture, calf birth weight and some placental characterization parameters between Norm-Labgr and each of UtrTorsgr and UtrTors-Medgr whereas these variations disappeared post-partum as a result to either only mechanical correction or mechanical correction plus medicaments interference. No pre-or post-calving significant changes between UtrTorsgr and UtrTors-Medgr except for the abnormal clinical findings were more representative in UtrTors-Medgr than those in UtrTorsgr particularly pre-calving. The applied pre-calving therapeutic regimen including dexamethasone-prostaglandin-receptal combination had a powerful potential efficacy that induced vaginal delivery of calves in UtrTors-Medgr as well as prepartum mechanical correction of torsed uterus approved higher efficacy in UtrTorsgr. The applied prepartum mechanical correction of torsed uterus and/or pre-calving therapeutic regimen as well as subsequent post-calving, post uterine correction applied medicament treatment accelerated rapid recovery of affected buffalo-cows through achieving rapid restoring of their physiological parameters. Buffalo-cow's milk composition, milk pH and milk SCC were not affected whereas no significant variations were reported between Norm-Labgr, UtrTorsgr and UtrTors-Medgr.

The relationship between ovarian hormones and mast cell distribution in the ovaries of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) during the follicular wave.

Background and Aim: Mast cells (MCs) play an essential role in regulating tissue homeostasis through various non-allergic immune reactions. This study aimed to describe the salient features of MCs during different phases of the estrous cycle and evaluate the relationship between ovarian hormones and the presence of MCs in camel ovaries. Materials and Methods: Genital tracts (n = 28) of healthy, non-pregnant camels were collected from a local slaughterhouse. The follicular wave stage was determined according to structures on the ovaries using an ultrasound device. Stages were classified as "growing" (n = 12, FØ = 0.3-0.8 cm), "mature" (n = 9, FØ = 0.9-2.2 cm), or "regression" phase (n = 7, FØ >2.5). Blood samples were collected at slaughter to determine serum estradiol-17ß and progesterone levels using an immunoassay. Safranin-O, periodic acid/Schiff, alcian blue, or methylene blue stains were used to detect MCs. Results: Follicular numbers at the growing, mature, and regression phases were determined to be 36, 14, and 7 follicles, respectively. Mast cells were widely but sparsely distributed within the ovarian tissue (9.3 MCs in the growing phase, 10.7 in the mature phase, and 7.0 in the regression phase). Typical histological features of MCs were observed in ovarian stromal tissue. Some MCs were found in the interstitial tissue, either near the follicular wall or the interstitial gland. Mast cells were present at a higher density during the mature phase than in the growing and regression phases in the ovarian matrix. A significantly reduced presence of MCs was found in the regression phase than in both the growing and mature phases (p < 0.05). A very strong positive correlation was observed between serum estradiol-17ß concentrations and MC density in the ovaries (r = 0.9; p < 0.001). In addition, a strong negative correlation (r = -0.65; p = 0.03) was observed between the presence of MCs and serum progesterone concentrations. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the follicular wave phase and the associated hormonal concentration induce changes in the number of MCs in the camel ovary.

Impact of epidermal growth factor and/or ß-mercaptoethanol supplementations on the in vitro produced buffaloes' embryos.

The present study investigated the effects of epidermal growth factors (EGF) and/or ß-Mercaptoethanol (ßME) supplementations to oocyte maturation, fertilization, and culture media on the buffalo in vitro embryo production. The ovaries were collected and transferred within 2 h to the laboratory. The cumulus oocytes complexes were aspirated from 3 to 8 mm diameter follicles. Firstly, EGF; 0, 10, 20, or 50 ng/mL or ßME; 0, 25, 50, 100, or 200 µM were supplemented to the in vitro maturation (TCM-199), fertilization (IVF-TALP), or culture (IVC: SOF) media. Our results revealed that supplementing EGF (20 ng/mL) to the TCM-199, IVF-TALP, or SOF media could efficiently improve the growth rates and development of buffalos' embryos, while EGF (50 ng/mL) could stimulate the embryo production only after treatment of the IVF-TALP /or SOF media, but not the IVM medium. However, ßME was less efficient than EGF; it stimulated the growth rates of buffalo embryos when supplemented with the maturation and fertilization (IVF-TALP) media in a 50 µM concentration. Secondly, combined EGF (20 ng/mL) and ßME (50 µM) were supplemented to the maturation media as effective concentration. The combined treatment of EGF (20 ng/mL) and ßME (50 µM) showed no significant enhancing effect on the buffalo embryos compared to each alone. For future perspectives, further study is required to examine the effects of combined EGF and ßME on the maturation and fertilization of buffalo oocytes at different categories of age and seasonal localities.

Characteristics of Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Normal Testes and Epididymis Besides Angiography of Testicular Artery in Dromedary Camel.

Decreasing male fertility encouraged the investigators to innovate accurate diagnostic non-invasive methods for detection of changes in the testicular parenchyma. Ultrasonography (US) has the potential to be used in this manner for decades, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is still of limited application in animals for this purpose. The current study was designed to describe appearances and quantitative MRI attributes of the normal testes, epididymis besides angiography of testicular artery in camels. About 30 apparently healthy male dromedary camels aged 8-14 years were slaughtered during the rutting season. Immediately after slaughtering, the male gonads (n = 30 pairs of testicles and epididymis) were subjected to morphometric evaluation using a Vernier caliper and ultrasound scanning. Epididymial sperms were evaluated for motility, vitality and abnormality. MRI was performed for testes (n=16) by using a 1.5T Excite-II MRI apparatus of Sigma. Radiography and angioarchitecture of testicular artery (n=24) were done. Camel testicular length, width, and depth showed non-significant differences between a Vernier caliper or sonar. The MRI results revealed that both the testis and epididymis have homogenously intermediate signal (T1) and testes have hyperintense signal, with slightly lower signal in the epididymis (T2). In conclusion, both the ultrasonography and MRI techniques, with each respective computer-assisted imaging, could be used to detect the histomorphological changes of the camels' testicles. However, US imaging remains the first diagnostic technique for evaluating the reproductive health in men for its lower cost and accuracy. MRI is beneficial when the sonograms are inconclusive and/or equivocal. It shows the examined tissues in greater anatomical details compared to ultrasonography. Further studies are needed to compare between characteristics of US and MRI of normal testes and epididymis with testicular artery angiography in living camel during rut season and non-rut season and between normal healthy and affected diseased genitalia.

The Impact of Rumen-Protected L-Arginine Oral Supplementation on Libido, Semen Quality, Reproductive Organ Biometry, and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Rams.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of oral supplementation of rumen-protected L-arginine on semen quality, testes, and accessory genital glands biometry in rams. Ten apparently healthy and fertile rams were randomly divided into two equal groups; control, and rumen-protected L-arginine (20 mg/Kg body weight for 30 days) treated group. In all rams, ultrasonographic measurements of the testes and the accessory genital glands and blood sampling were performed at day (D)10, D20, and D30 (D0 is the start of supplementation). Semen ejaculates were collected twice/week and semen quantity, and quality was examined. Our results showed that, in the L-arginine treated group, there were significant increase in the ultrasound biometric measurement of right seminal vesicle (RSV) and right Cowper's gland (RCG) at D10, both testes, tail of the epididymis (TE), SV, and CG of both sides at D20, and of both testes, RTE, RSV, RCG, and LSV at D30. Semen quality and quantity parameters were significantly improved in L-arginine treated group. Moreover, testosterone level in the L-arginine treated group was significantly higher than that in the Control group. Serum thyroxine and glutathione peroxidase concentrations were significantly higher in the L-arginine treated group. The present study concluded that oral supplementation with rumen-protected L-arginine is beneficial in improvement of rams' fertility.

Comparison of three progesterone quantification methods using blood samples drawn from bitches during the periovulatory phase.

Background and Aim: Measuring blood progesterone (P4) concentration has become an essential diagnostic tool in small animal reproductive medicine. Methods enabling precise and rapid on-site measurements are in high demand, especially for the optimization of breeding management in bitches. This study aimed to compare two commercial on-site methods (Speed™ P4, Virbac [M1] and mini VIDAS®, bioMérieux [M2]) and a well-established radioimmunoassay (RIA), which was used as a reference method. Materials and Methods: Comparative measurements were performed on 52 blood serum samples collected from 45 clinically healthy bitches of different breeds. The dogs had been presented to determine the estrus cycle stage and predict the time of ovulation. Each sample was divided into three aliquots. In aliquot 1, P4 was measured immediately applying M2. Aliquots 2 and 3 were stored at -20°C until analysis was performed using RIA and M1. The consistency of the three methods was investigated by pairwise linear regression analyses. Results: In RIA, the P4 concentrations ranged between 1.1 and 25.4 ng/mL. Regression analyses revealed highly significant (p<0.0001) positive correlations between the three methods applied (M1 vs. RIA: R=0.94; M2 vs. RIA: R=0.98; and M1 vs. M2: R=0.91). Conclusion: The results show that the two commercial on-site methods tested exhibit approximately equal, high consistency with the radioimmunological reference method and can, therefore, be used beneficially in a clinical setting. However, biological interpretation of data must be performed in a method-specific manner.

Latest update on predictive indicators, risk factors and 'Omic' technologies research of retained placenta in dairy cattle - A review.

Retained placenta is a pathological condition defined as failure to expel foetal membranes within 12-24 h after parturition. It instigates important financial losses to the dairy industry causing considerable economic loss. It is a multifactorial disorder. Although different hypotheses have been proposed, contradictory results and no single factor explains the development of the disease. This indicates that there are overall significant gaps in our knowledge about the various factors affecting the aetiopathology and pathobiology of the retained placenta. Thus, it will be of great interest to investigate the potential contributing factors that influence the occurrence of RP which provide us with the mechanisms to avoid the occurrence of the disease. In addition, different predictive indicators of RP should be a part of our research, thus providing the essential procedures applied to deal with the disease and the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies in its management. Furthermore, lately, the molecular role takes attention to understanding its effect in the occurrence of the disease. Such information might help dairy scientists in the future to design better management and preventive practices for RP in dairy cows.

Reproductive effects of sulfoxaflor in male Sprague Dawley rats.

The study objective was to evaluate the potential reproductive toxicity of sulfoxaflor (SFX) insecticide in male Sprague Dawley rats. To attain these objectives, forty male Sprague Dawley rats of 10-12 weeks old were randomly divided into four equal groups; the 1st group was used as a control group; the other three groups were exposed to 25, 100, and 500 mg/kg body weight SFX by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Relative testicular weight, testosterone, FSH, LH, MDA, and GPx levels, sperm viability, sperm morphology, sperm DNA damage, and histopathological changes in testes, epididymis, and seminal vesical of these rats were investigated after 4 weeks. The results showed that SFX exposure resulted in a significant increase in FSH, LH, MDA, and GPx levels as well as the percentage of dead and abnormal sperms and DNA damage in rat sperms. Histopathological examination of testes established testicular degeneration with coagulative necrosis as well as the proliferation of interstitial connective tissue infiltrated with inflammatory cells with congestion of intertubular blood vessels in epididymis and degeneration of lining epithelium of seminal vesicles.

Investigations on the vaginal temperature, cycle stages, and steroid hormone concentrations during the breeding season in camels (Camelus dromedarius).

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Estrus detection plays a crucial role in the success of animal reproduction. It was previously reported that body temperature changes during estrus. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vaginal temperatures (VTs) measured by a data logger, ovarian activity, and hormonal cyclic changes in camels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six mature, healthy, non-pregnant dromedary, and 10-12-year-old camels were included in the study. The ovarian activity was monitored with ultrasonography, and estrus behavior was evaluated using an active and virile male camel. Animals were inserted with a blank controlled internal drug release device attached with an intravaginal data logger. Every hour, the ambient temperature was recorded by another data logger. Blood samples were collected, and sera were used to measure estradiol and progesterone levels. RESULTS: The whole follicular cycle lasted 25.41±1.36 days, and the maximum sizes of the dominant follicle in the first and second follicular waves were 1.63±0.27 cm and 1.94±0.42 cm, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the follicular diameter and estradiol-17b level (p<0.01, r=0.397). There was no correlation between the follicular diameter and progesterone level (p>0.05, r=0.038), which remained low during the whole period of the experiment. The mean daily VT was significantly correlated with the diameter of the dominant follicle (1.7-2.2 cm, p<0.01, r=0.52). CONCLUSION: Measurement of VT will improve the accuracy of estrus prediction. Further studies are recommended to validate VT in camel reproduction.

Relationship between angioarchitecture of the testicular artery and spermiogram parameters in Egyptian buffalo bulls (bubalus bubalis).

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of testicular artery angioarchitecture on the spermiogram parameters in Egyptian Buffalo bulls. Eight adult buffalo bulls aged between 2 and 8 years were used for semen evaluation. For anatomical studies, the masculine gonads were collected after slaughtering 30 adult bulls and prepared for injection by different masses (Urographine® , Latex and Epoxy) through the testicular artery. The mass activity of the ejaculate was assessed immediately after collection. The sperm motility in fresh bull ejaculate was more than 80%. The overall mean percentage of sperm abnormalities was <18%. The recorded sperm abnormalities were mostly secondary one including distal protoplasmic droplet, fragmented tail, detached head, detached galea capitis and bent tail. The highest percentage of sperm viability was recorded just after sperm collection (alive > 85%). The results revealed that testicular artery can be divided into three parts (abdominal, funicular and marginal parts) along its course. The coils of the funicular part forming a cone-like structure with its base fixed to the head of the testis. Two epididymal branches to the head and tail of epididymis emanate from the funicular part which continues as pars marginalis on the lateral surface of testis before its division into the lateral and medial testicular arteries on approaching the tail extremity of the testis. The increase in the length of the testicular artery with increase in the size of the testes played a great role in the degree of complexity of the architectural vascular patterns. The degree of complexity is affected by the number of coils formed by the vessel. The increase in the convolutions of the vessel will reduce the speed of blood flow to the gonads. Thus in turn will enabling the thermoregulatory mechanism to work more efficiently and will affect the semen value.

Effects of cryoprotectants and cryoprotectant combinations on viability and maturation rates of Camelus dromedarius oocytes vitrified at germinal vesicle stage.

Camel fertility faces many problems, which could be solved by assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). We designed the experiment to explore the effect of different cryoprotectant concentrations and combinations on viability and maturation rates of vitrified/warmed camel oocytes. We collected ovaries directly after slaughtering from local abattoir and transported them to laboratory in a thermo-flask containing normal physiological saline. We aspirated the oocytes from follicles, which is 2-8 mm in diameter, washed three times in TCM-199 and then examined under stereo-microscope for selection. We selected morphologically normal oocytes with an evenly granulated cytoplasm and a compact cumulus cell layer. We equilibrated morphologically normal oocytes in equilibration solution (ES), which is half concentration of vitrification one. After equilibration, We transported oocytes to vitrification solution using ethylene glycol (EG, 40%), dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO, 40%) and EG 40% + DMSO 40%. The obtained results revealed that addition of EG 40% + DMSO 40% resulted in the best quality of vitrified/warmed oocytes, which is demonstrated by higher per cent survival rate (90.16%) and maturation rate (58.95%). While DMSO 40% resulted in 62.79% and 29.54%, respectively, EG 40% reported 86.11% and 53.47%, respectively. We could conclude that vitrification of immature camel oocytes by using 40% EG + 40% DMSO is suitable methods to limit drawbacks of vitrification methods, and we need further studies to assess the ability of in vitro-produced blastocyst to develop in vivo and establish pregnancy after embryo transfer.

Ovarian response and conception rate following oestrus synchronization using three protocols in Egyptian buffalo heifers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to monitor the ovarian response and conception rate following estrous synchronization using CIDR, Ovsynch and double prostaglandin F2α protocols in Egyptian buffalo heifers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 80 cyclic buffalo heifers were divided into four equal groups: CIDR (intravaginal progesterone releasing device, EAZI-BREEDTM CIDR®), Ovsynch (GnRH, PGF2α, GnRH injections), PGF (double PGF2α doses) and control. Timed artificial insemination (TAI) was performed in all heifers. All animals were examined using ultrasound and blood samples were collected for measurement of progesterone. RESULTS: A new follicular wave occurred earlier in the Ovsynch and PGF groups than in the CIDR group (p < 0.05). The mean diameter of the ovulatory follicle was smaller in the CIDR group than in the Ovsynch and PGF groups (p < 0.05). The ovulation rate was 100% in the CIDR group, 75% in the Ovsynch group and 70% in the PGF group. In the control group a lower pregnancy rate (20%) was determined in than in the CIDR (35%), Ovsynch (40%) and PGF (35%) groups. Progesterone concentrations were numerically higher in pregnant heifers of the CIDR group but the difference was non-significantly compared to the Ovsynch, PGF and control groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: EAZI-BREEDTM CIDR®, Ovsynch-based TAI and PGF protocols were effective in synchronizing oestrus and resulted in nearly similar pregnancy rates in Egyptian buffalo heifers.

Validation of color Doppler ultrasonography for evaluating the uterine blood flow and perfusion during late normal pregnancy and uterine torsion in buffaloes.

The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of color Doppler ultrasonography for diagnosis of degree and duration of uterine torsion in buffaloes. In Assiut province/Upper Egypt, 65 buffaloes (37 with uterine torsion, 28 with normal late pregnancy) were examined clinically and using Doppler ultrasonography. The Doppler indices including resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), and blood flow volume (BFV) in the arteries ipsilateral to the uterine torsion (IPUT) and in arteries contralateral to the uterine torsion (COUT) were recorded. Methods of correction were documented along with dam and calf survival. Torsion was recorded postcervically with vaginal involvement in 35/37 (94.6%) of the cases. The degrees of uterine torsion were light and high in 9/37 (24.3%) and 28/37 (75.7%) of the cases, respectively (P = 0.001). Right uterine torsion was present in 36/37 (97.3%) of the cases (P = 0.0001). Pulsatility index, RI, TAMV, and BFV in IPUT and COUT did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in normal late pregnancy. The PI and RI in IPUT were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in COUT, and the TAMV and BFV in IPUT were less (P < 0.001) than that in COUT in uterine torsion. The PI and RI of torsion cases in IPUT were higher (P < 0.001) than that in normal pregnancy. Time-averaged maximum velocity and BFV in torsion cases were lower (P < 0.01) than that of normal pregnancy in IPUT. There was approximately 50% of RI and PI higher than in light degree uterine torsion in IPUT (P < 0.001). Consequently, TAMV and BFV were greatly lower (P < 0.0001) than that in light degree in IPUT. Pulsatility index and RI were positively correlated (r = 0.856; P < 0.001) with the duration and degree of the uterine torsion, and TAMV and BFV were negatively correlated (r = -0.763; P < 0.001). In all cases of uterine torsion the uterine flow velocity waveform showed high systolic flow and absence of early diastolic flow and poor uterine and placentomal blood perfusion. In conclusion, depicting blood flow within the middle uterine artery using color Doppler sonography could be helpful in correct diagnosis of duration and degree of uterine torsion and concurrently predicting the viability of the fetus and dam.

The detection of steroid sulfatase gene deletion (STS) in Egyptian males with X-linked ichthyosis.

BACKGROUND: Ichthyosis is a disorder of keratinization characterized by diffuse uniform and persistent scales resulting from abnormal epidermal differentiation or metabolism. The identification of steroid sulfatase (STS) as the cause of X-linked ichthyosis (XLI) points to the importance of this enzyme in skin desquamation. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis is a good diagnostic technique with which to detect a common deletion of the STS gene. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the authors set out to detect the X-linked type of ichthyosis, diagnosed by detection of STS gene deletions among Egyptian males. METHODOLOGY: Egyptian males complaining of X-linked ichthyosis were clinically examined, evaluating pedigree analysis of the family, cytogenetic studies using G-banding technique and FISH using locus specific probe for steroid sulfatase (STS) gene which is located at chromosome Xp22.3. RESULTS: Of patients, 11.11 percent had nocturnal enuresis and 33.33 percent showed STS gene deletion by FISH analysis. CONCLUSION: This study underlines a difficulty in diagnosing X-linked ichthyosis on the clinical features or familial pedigree analysis in Egypt and the importance of cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic studies for diagnosis. FISH analysis is a good, reliable and rapid diagnostic tool with which to detect STS gene deletion. Since FISH will not detect partial deletion or point mutations, the authors recommend further molecular studies to reach the proper diagnosis of X-linked ichthyosis.

Cyclin D1 gene amplification in proliferating haemangioma.

Cyclin D1 gene amplification has been reported to promote abnormal endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis; these findings constantly present in proliferating haemangiomas. The present study was conducted to evaluate cyclin D1 gene amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis in tissue biopsies of 22 proliferating haemangiomas from 20 infants. Two significant correlations of cyclin D1 gene amplification with the early onset and the duplication of proliferating haemangiomas have been observed. Moreover, a significant correlation (P< or =0.05) has been found between the treatment parameters of proliferating haemangiomas with the amplified versus the normal cyclin D1 gene. Proliferating haemangiomas with the amplified cyclin D1 gene required more frequent flashlamp pulsed dye laser treatment sessions at the maximum dosimetry and more frequent intralesional steroid injections at the maximum dose/injection but treatment outcomes were limited. The more frequent post-treatment complications among proliferating haemangiomas with cyclin D1 gene amplification might be attributable not only to the associated more aggressive natural course, but also to the higher treatment parameters needed for effective treatment. Within the limitations of the present study, cyclin D1 gene amplification was seen for the first time in proliferating haemangiomas. We have found that the amplification of the cyclin D1 gene can predict the more aggressive natural course of proliferating haemangiomas and the limited outcome and higher incidence of complications after non-excision treatment modalities. The present findings reflect the possible usefulness of antisense cyclin D1 to improve the therapeutic outcome of proliferating haemangiomas.