bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic feedback control algorithm for canal for a quick upstream water supply interruption in the case of an emergency
Authors: Kong Lingzhong , Lei Xiaohui , Yang Qian , zheng Hezhen , Wang Hao
Published: December 2018

For the sudden upstream water interruption in the canal of an emergency, the existing research method guiding gate control is mainly feed-forward compensation algorithm, under which algorithm the interruption of water diversions is the upstream first and then the downstream. In order to achieve a more flexible water demand for different water diversions purpose, this study used PI water level difference feedback control algorithm to control the gate under this condition. The research results showed that the PI water level difference feedback control algorithm can make the change trend of water level of multi-pool close and reduce the rate of water level decline, and thus prolong the continuous delivery time of pools with offtake delivery demand under sudden upstream water interruption. Moreover, the PI water level difference method has good robustness and can be applied to more complex combinations of inflow and delivery changes. This study provides another way of thinking for the regulation of the gate in the case of sudden upstream water interruption.
Prediction Model of Photo-thermal Power Generation Based on G (1,1) Optimization
Authors: WANG Yuan , LI Gaojia , YUE Wenhao
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the photo-thermal power generation model is obtained by studying the operation process of solar radiation , light and thermal power generation equipment. By solving the gray model parameters by particle swarm optimization, a prediction model of light and heat generation based on G (1,1) optimization is proposed. In the case of example analysis, the amount of electricity generated by the solar radiation in the past few years was based on the photo-thermal power generation model, and the light and thermal power generation prediction model is used to obtain the photo-thermal power generation in the next few years. Photo-thermal power generation will provide data support for the planning of photo-thermal power generation, and it will also verify the reasonableness of the prediction model.
Resolution Enhancement for Low-resolution Text Images Using Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Kong Jie , Wang Congying
Published: December 2018

In recent years, although Optical Character Recognition (OCR) has made considerable progress, low-resolution text images commonly appearing in many scenarios may still cause errors in recognition. For this problem, the technique of Generative Adversarial Network in super-resolution processing is applied to enhance the resolution of low-quality text images in this study. The principle and the implementation in TensorFlow of this technique are introduced. On this basis, a system is proposed to perform the resolution enhancement and OCR for low-resolution text images. The experimental results indicate that this technique could significantly improve the accuracy, reduce the error rate and false rejection rate of low-resolution text images identification.
Trees with equal Roman {2}-domination number and independent Roman {2}-domination number
Authors: Wu Pu , Li Zepeng , Shao Zehui , Sheikholeslami Seyed Mahmoud
Published: December 2018

A Roman {2}-dominating function (R{2}DF) on a graph G =(V, E) is a function f : V → {0, 1, 2} satisfying the condition that every vertex u for which f(u) = 0 is adjacent to either at least one vertex v with f(v) = 2 or two vertices v1, v2 with f(v1) = f(v2) = 1. The weight of an R{2}DF f is the value w(f) = ∑u∈Vf(u). The minimum weight of an R{2}DF on a graph G is called the Roman {2}-domination number γ{R2}(G) of G. An R{2}DF f is called an independent Roman {2}-dominating function (IR{2}DF) if the set of vertices with positive weight under f is independent. The minimum weight of an IR{2}DF on a graph G is called the independent Roman {2}-domination number i{R2}(G) of G. In this paper, we answer two questions posed by Rahmouni and Chellali.
Wegen Unterzucker wurden schon Kriege
begonnen!
Authors: Hertlein Margit
Published: December 2018

Was sorgt dafür, dass unser Stammhirn die Macht übernimmt und wir „zum Tier
werden“? Urtriebe? Inwieweit diese uns heute noch leiten und was Sie als
Führungskraft tun können, um nicht die Keule zu schwingen, erfahren Sie im
zweiten Teil unserer Artikelreihe.
Erfolg als Summe aller Teile
Authors: Post Margarete
Published: December 2018

Der Personalmangel in der Pflege ist das Thema, wenn es um die Pflege
alter und kranker Menschen in der Zukunft geht. Viele Einrichtungen werben seit
einiger Zeit mehr oder weniger offensiv ausländische Pflegekräfte an. Zudem gibt
es Überlegungen, Flüchtlinge für den Pflegeberuf zu gewinnen.
Lean Management
Authors: Küppers Axel
Published: December 2018

Keine Frage, im Pflegebereich ticken die Uhren anders als in der Industrie. Wer
im Krankenhaus Lean Management verordnet, muss im Hinterkopf behalten, dass der
Mensch im Vordergrund steht. Nicht alle Kliniken schaffen den Spagat zwischen
Patientenzuwendung und Effizienz. Allzu häufig gilt: Im Kopf die Zahl,
im Bauch das Gefühl – im Herzen Verwirrung. Doch es gibt Ausnahmen.
Association between Caffeine Consumption in Pregnancy and Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth in the birth Cohort of Ribeirão Preto
Authors: Vitti Fernanda Pino , Grandi Carlos , Cavalli Ricardo de Carvalho , Simões Vanda Maria Ferreira , Batista Rosângela Fernandes Lucena , Cardoso Viviane Cunha
Published: December 2018

Objective To describe caffeine consumption during pregnancy and its association with low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth in the birth cohort of Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2010.

Methods Cohort study, with descriptive and analytical approach. Data included 7,607 women and their newborns in Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The women answered standardized questionnaires about reproductive health, prenatal care, life habits, sociodemographic conditions, and information about coffee intake. The independent variable was high caffeine consumption (≥300 mg/day) from coffee during pregnancy, and the dependent variables were LBW (birth weight < 2,500 g) and preterm birth (< 37 weeks of gestational age). Four adjusted polytomous logistic regression models, relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were fitted: biological and sociodemographic conditions; obstetric history; current gestational conditions; and all variables included in the previous models.

Results A total of 4,908 (64.5%) mothers consumed caffeine, 143 (2.9%) of whom reported high consumption. High caffeine intake was significantly associated with reduced education and with the occupation of the head of the family, nonwhite skin color, not having a partner, higher parity, previous abortion and preterm birth, urinary tract infection, threatened abortion, alcohol consumption and smoking. No association was found between high caffeine consumption and LBW or preterm birth in both unadjusted (RR = 1.45; 95% CI: 0.91–2.32; and RR = 1.16; 95% CI: 0.77–1.75, respectively) and adjusted analyses (RR = 1.42; 95% CI: 0.85–2.38; and RR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.65–1.63, respectively).

Conclusion In this cohort, high caffeine intake was lower than in other studies and no association with LBW or preterm birth was found.
Anatomical Study of the Superficial Palmar Arch, its Relation to the Kaplan Cardinal Line and Literature Review
Authors: Arroyo Berezowsky Claudia , Gutiérrez Alejandro , Fresnedo Jimena , Montero José
Published: December 2018

Introduction The superficial palmar arch is the main contributor to the vascular supply of the hand. Numerous anatomical variants have been described and there are multiple classifications of the superficial palmar arch available. The Kaplan cardinal line is used occasionally as a reference to identify the deep structures of the hand. However, there are also multiple variants of the line and multiple reports regarding the structures that can be identified with it.

Material and Methods Ten anatomical dissections of hands were performed in seven cadaveric specimens. The anatomical variants of the superficial palmar arch were recorded, as well as their relationship with the Kaplan cardinal line. A review of the available literature was made.

Results According to the classification by Coleman et al, the most common type was the complete superficial palmar arch, present in seven hands, while the incomplete superficial palmar arch was found in three hands. The most frequent complete palmar arch was type IB, followed by type IIB, and finally type IA and type IIA. The most common relation was with the Kaplan cardinal line type A to the apex of the arch and with type B to the curvature of the ulnar artery.

Conclusions There is a great anatomical variability in the superficial palmar arch. There was a greater frequency of the complete superficial palmar arch, with the ulnar artery being the dominant vascular supply. The Kaplan cardinal line can be used as a safety limit to avoid the superficial palmar arch if it is drawn to intersect the pisiform bone.

Clinical Relevance It is important to be aware of the anatomical variants of the superficial palmar arch, as well as of its relationship with the superficial structures of the hand to be able to perform invasive or reconstructive procedures and to preserve the vascularity of the hand.
Noncoding RNA in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Salati Massimiliano , Braconi Chiara
Published: December 2018

Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are tumors with a dismal prognosis. Early diagnosis is a key challenge because of the lack of specific symptoms, and the curability rate is low due to the difficulty in achieving a radical resection and the intrinsic chemoresistance of CCA cells. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcripts that are not translated into proteins but exert their functional role by regulating the transcription and translation of other genes. The discovery of the first ncRNA dates back to 1993 when the microRNA (miRNA) lin-4 was discovered in Caenorhabditis elegans. Only 10 years later, miRNAs were shown to play an oncogenic role in cancer cells and within 20 years miRNA therapeutics were tested in humans. Here, the authors review the latest evidence for a role for ncRNAs in CCA and discuss the promise and challenges associated with the introduction of ncRNAs into clinical practice.
Impacts of Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) Genetic Polymorphism in Tamoxifen Therapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Bezerra Lucas Soares , Santos-Veloso Marcelo Antônio Oliveira , Bezerra Junior Natanael da Silva , Fonseca Lucilia Carvalho da , Sales Wivianne Lisley Andrade
Published: December 2018

Tamoxifen (TMX) is the main drug used both in pre and postmenopausal women as adjuvant treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. An important barrier to the use of TMX is the development of drug resistance caused by molecular processes related to genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, such as the actions of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) polymorphisms and of its metabolites. The present study aimed to review recent findings related to the impact of CYP2D6 polymorphisms and how they can affect the results of TMX in breast cancer treatment. The keywords CYP2D6, tamoxifen, and breast cancer were searched in the PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, Scielo, and Bireme databases. Studies related to other types of neoplasms or based on other isoenzymes from cytochrome P450, but not on CYP2D6, were excluded. The impact of CYP2D6 polymorphisms in the TMX resistance mechanism remains unclear. The CYP2D6 gene seems to contribute to decreasing the efficacy of TMX, while the main mechanism responsible for therapy failure, morbidity, and mortality is the progression of the disease.
Vorsicht ist besser als Nachsicht
Authors: Landzettel Nicolai
Published: December 2018

Problem erkannt, Problem gebannt? Vielen Kliniken ist wohl bewusst, dass es
eine Sicherheitslücke in der IT gibt, aber die Budgets sind knapp.
Warum Sie sich dem Thema trotzdem widmen sollten, bevor es zur Cyber-Attacke
kommt, lesen Sie im folgenden Beitrag.
Hacked – eine neue Form des Virusinfekts
Authors: Schwarz Simone
Published: December 2018

Rien ne va plus – nichts geht mehr –, zumindest nichts, was mit Computern zu tun
hat. Wie sehr wir heutzutage auf die Technik angewiesen sind, hat das
Lukaskrankenhaus Neuss jäh am eigenen Leibe erfahren müssen. Lesen Sie mehr über
die Cyber-Attacke, die sich bis heute auswirkt.
Selectivity of H2O2 and O2 by water oxidation on metal oxide surfaces
Authors: Zhu Shasha , Zhao Yanyan , He Yumin , Wang Dunwei
Published: December 2018

Water oxidation is an important chemical reaction that yields electrons for downstream reduction reactions such as hydrogen generation or CO2 and/or N2 reduction. When producing O2, the reaction involves 4 electrons and 4 protons and tends to be kinetically unfavored. A competing pathway leading to the formation of H2O2 would only involve 2 electrons and 2 protons and may serve as a favorable alternative to O2 formation while meeting the needs for electron production by water oxidation. Although H2O2 as a product of water oxidation has been observed experimentally, the bifurcating point that determines whether O2 or H2O2 is the favored product has not been identified by experiments previously. Here, we report a detailed experimental study aimed at correcting this deficiency. We propose that the ease or difficulty of protonation or deprotonation of —OOH intermediates is a key to the selectivity between H2O2 and O2. That is, we hypothesize that the (de)protonation of M—OOH, where M represents an active metal center, is the bifurcating point of the water oxidation catalytic cycle. Ready deprotonation of this intermediate leads to the eventual formation and release of O2, whereas the protonation of this intermediate enables the formation of H2O2. The dependence of product selectivity on pH as observed by quantitative H2O2 detection supports this hypothesis. Additional experimental evidence based on isotope effects is also obtained. The results will likely find broad implications in catalyst design for high-performance water oxidation reactions.
Effects of metastable phases on surface tension, nucleation, and the disappearance of polymorphs
Authors: Banerjee Puja , Bagchi Biman
Published: December 2018

In nature, we often find that multiple solid phases form from the same solution. Zeolites present the best-known example. The preferential formation of one solid form over the other, at specific temperatures, is often explained by invoking a competition between thermodynamic and kinetic control. A quantitative theory, however, could not be developed because of the lack of accurate values of relevant surface tension terms, although some estimates of thermodynamic functions (like enthalpy and entropy) are becoming available. Motivated by the observation that wetting of the interface between two stable phases by multiple metastable phases of intermediate order can reduce the surface tension significantly [T. R. Kirkpatrick, D. Thirumalai, and P. G. Wolynes, Phys. Rev. A 40(2), 1045 (1989)], we develop a statistical mechanical approach based on a Landau-Ginzburg type free energy landscape to calculate the surface tension under various free energy situations. We analyze the trapping of a metastable phase in the presence of a thermodynamically stable phase. The interplay between free energy differences and the surface tension is partly captured in classical nucleation theory. We provide an explanation of the quickly disappearing polymorphs (QDPMs) that often melt back to the liquid (or the sol) phase. To this aim, we have presented the failure of classical nucleation theory and the importance of considering a multidimensional nucleation theory. Simple model calculations are performed to show that the surface tension between two coexisting stable phases (melt and the stable crystalline forms) depends significantly on the number, relative depths, and arrangements of the free energy minima of the metastable phases. Even a change in the curvature of the free energy surfaces induced by the change in temperature (T) can play a role in determining the sequence of the formation of phases. Finally, we show that our model systems could describe some of the real polymorphic systems, like phosphates and zeolites.
Oxidative degradation of ranitidine by UV and ultrasound: identification of transformation products using LC-Q-ToF-MS
Authors: Elias Misha T. , Chandran Jisha , Aravind Usha K. , Aravindakumar Charuvila T.
Published: December 2018

Environmental contextRanitidine, a widely prescribed antiulcer drug commonly found in surface waters, has been identified as an emerging contaminant due to its toxicity and the enhanced toxicity displayed by its transformation products. Mechanisms for the formation of ranitidine transformation products and their degradation pathways induced by UV oxidation processes are presented. This work provides insight into treatment processes to remove these toxic chemicals from environmental water bodies.
AbstractThe transformation products (TPs) of pharmaceuticals formed during advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are of great significance, but there are still gaps in our knowledge regarding the persistence of such compounds in the water matrices, their impact on human health and the applicability of such techniques during water treatment processes. Ranitidine (RAN), a highly prescribed gastrointestinal drug, has been widely detected in various surface waters and experiments, along with its TPs, which show enhanced toxicity. The present study analyses the TPs formed from the degradation of RAN in aqueous solution induced by three AOPs; namely UV-photolysis, UV/peroxodisulfate (PDS) and sonolysis. The degradations followed pseudo first-order kinetics, with removal efficiencies of 99.8, 100 and 98.8% after 60min under UV photolysis, UV/PDS, and sonolysis, respectively, with a corresponding decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 25, 100 and 75%. Structures of the main TPs were elucidated by using LC-Q-ToF-MS in positive mode, and possible degradation pathways are proposed which mainly involved C-N and C-H bond cleavage, hydroxylation and reduction of nitro groups. Possible mechanisms for the formation of the identified TPs (elucidated by using electrospray ionisation–collisionally induced dissociation) support their structural assignments. Seven out of the 11 TPs presented here (namely TP-1, TP-4, TP-5, TP-6, TP-7, TP-9 and TP-10) were not reported in previous studies of RAN using any other AOPs, while four (m/z 331, 270, 288 and 286) were found to retain the NO2 group, which might contribute to the formation of halonitromethanes (HNMs) during chlorination of drinking water. Interestingly, we identified an additional sonolysis product, TP-3, whose formation can only be rationalised by invoking ozone.
Role of melatonin on embryo viability in sheep
Authors: Abecia José-Alfonso , Forcada Fernando , Vázquez María-Isabel , Muiño-Blanco Teresa , Cebrián-Pérez José A. , Pérez-Pe Rosaura , Casao Adriana
Published: December 2018

Melatonin is a natural hormone synthesised in the pineal gland, the activity of which is regulated by day–night perception and dictates seasonal rhythms in reproduction in ovine species. Exogenous melatonin, administered via subcutaneous implants, is used to prolong the breeding season of ewes and can increase the proportion of pregnant ewes (fertility rate) and litter size. The increased proportion of ewes that become pregnant and the number of lambs born per lambing among melatonin-treated sheep may be caused by increased embryo survival, through enhanced luteal function, reduced antiluteolytic mechanisms, or improved embryo quality. This review focuses on the effects of melatonin on embryo viability and summarises the processes by which this hormone affects the ovary, follicle, oocyte, corpus luteum and embryo. Moreover, the effects of melatonin on the mechanisms of invivo maternal recognition of pregnancy in sheep and the protective action that it appears to have on the invitro procedures that are used to obtain healthy embryos are reviewed.
Effects of reproductive season on embryo development in the buffalo
Authors: Gasparrini Bianca
Published: December 2018

Interest in buffalo farming is increasing worldwide due to the critical role played by buffaloes as sources of animal protein in tropical and subtropical environments. However, reproductive seasonality negatively affects the profitability of buffalo farming. Buffaloes tend to be short-day breeders, with seasonality patterns increasing with greater distances from the Equator. Although ovarian cyclic activity may occur throughout the year, seasonal anoestrus and cycles in calving and milk production are recorded. When buffaloes are forced to mate during the unfavourable season, to meet market demand, they may undergo a higher incidence of embryo mortality. This review addresses the effects of the reproductive season on embryo development in the buffalo, analysing the different factors involved in determining embryo mortality during the unfavourable season, such as impaired luteal function, oocyte competence and sperm quality. The review then focuses on strategies to control the photoperiod-dependent annual fluctuations in conception and embryo mortality in the female buffalo.
Non-surgical embryo transfer in goats and sheep: the Brazilian experience
Authors: Fonseca Jeferson F. , Oliveira Maria Emilia F. , Brandão Felipe Z. , Batista Ribrio I. T. P. , Garcia Alexandre R. , Bartlewski Pawel M. , Souza-Fabjan Joanna M. G.
Published: December 2018

Brazil has presented tremendous progress in non-surgical embryo transfer (NSET) in sheep and goats. New instruments and techniques for non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) and NSET in small ruminants were implemented. Recent improvements include refinement of the protocols for cervical relaxation combining oestradiol–oxytocin–cloprostenol treatment at specific times before NSER in sheep; recipient goats do not require any hormonal drugs to induce cervical dilation and direct embryo transfer by the cervical route yields excellent results. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography (B-mode but especially colour Doppler) have proven to be accurate methods to localise and enumerate corpora lutea and luteinised unovulated follicles in recipient and donor does and ewes. An array of new criteria for selecting superior animals for NSER and NSET (e.g. cervical mapping) have been developed by Brazilian researchers. Extensive studies on both technologies were initially conducted in commercial breeds of goats and sheep but have been gradually extended to some native breeds of sheep (germplasm conservation) and dairy goat operations. It is speculated that, in future, NSER and NSET may become methods of choice for caprine and ovine embryo recovery and transfer in Brazil, and then globally. Due primarily to the efficiency of NSET in goats, a novel interspecies (e.g. bovine) IVP method may soon be developed on a large scale. The Brazilian experience is an invaluable source of information and know-how promoting the replacement of conventional surgical assisted reproductive technologies with non-surgical procedures and hence supporting the rapid development of the embryo transfer industry in small ruminants.
Cryopreservation and microfluidics: a focus on the oocyte
Authors: Smith Gary D. , Takayama Shuichi
Published: December 2018

Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos has played a critical role in successful assisted reproductive technologies in rodents, domestic farm species, endangered species and humans. With improved success, and changing needs, the utility of gamete or embryo cryopreservation has escalated. In this review we address some of the foundational history of mammalian cryobiology, species-specific utilities, fundamental understandings of cryoprotectant agents and their use in slow-rate freezing and vitrification, and expand on the recent success and uses of oocyte vitrification and warming. In the area of female gamete cryopreservation, emphasis will be placed on not just cell survival, but also perceived and measured affects of cryopreservation on intracellular structures and functions that affect subsequent completion of meiosis with chromatin segregation fidelity, normal fertilisation and embryonic developmental competence. We compare and contrast data from cow, mouse and humans with a focus on using species-comparative developmental biology to guide future studies for improving methodologies for all species. The application of the relatively new technology microfluidics is discussed in relation to moving gradually (i.e. changing the solution over cells in an automated fashion) compared with the stepwise manual movement of cells through changing solution currently used. This use of microfluidics to change the way cells are exposed to cryoprotectant agents can provide new insights into the effects of osmotic stress and cellular strain rates previously unappreciated, precise methods of computational and biological data acquisition and appreciation of morphometric changes to cellular structure in response to different osmotic stresses and strain rates achieved with varying cryoprotectant exposures. Collectively, these devices and methodologies provide a means of achieving incremental improvement of oocyte and zygote cryopreservation with normalised and improved developmental competence. Finally, we look to the past and the future to acknowledge the accomplishment of leaders in the field of mammalian gamete and embryo cryobiology, their inspirational works, their tireless dissemination of information and the potential of new technologies in bioengineering to improve the efficiency and safety of gamete and embryo cryopreservation.
Transcriptomics–genomics data integration and expression quantitative trait loci analyses in oocyte donors and embryo recipients for improving invitro production of dairy cattle embryos
Authors: Kadarmideen H. N. , Mazzoni G.
Published: December 2018

In this paper we first provide a brief review of main results from our previously published studies on genome-wide gene expression (transcriptomics) in donor and recipient cattle used in invitro production (IVP) of embryos and embryo transfer (ET). Then, we present novel results from applying integrative systems genomics and biological analyses where transcriptomics data are combined with genomic data in both donor and recipient cattle to map expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). The eQTLs are genetic markers that can regulate or control the expression of genes in the entire genome, via complex molecular mechanisms, and thus can act as a powerful tool for genomic and gene-assisted selection. We identified significant eQTLs potentially controlling the expression of 13 candidate genes for donor cow quality (IVP parameters; e.g. cyclin B1 (CCNB1), outer dense fiber of sperm tails 2 like (ODF2L)) and 19 candidate genes for recipient cows quality (endometrial receptivity; e.g. ER membrane protein complex subunit 9 (EMC9), mannosidase beta (MANBA), peptidase inhibitor 16 (PI16)). Annotation and colocation of detected eQTLs show that some of the eQTLs are in the same genomic regions previously reported as QTLs for reproduction-related traits. However, eQTLs and the candidate genes identified should be further validated in larger populations before implementation as genetic markers or used in genomic selection for improving IVP and ET performance.
Maternal age affects oocyte developmental potential at both ends of the age spectrum
Authors: Krisher Rebecca L.
Published: December 2018

Maternal age has a significant effect on oocyte developmental competence. Overall, evidence suggests that oocytes from both prepubertal females and reproductively aged females are inherently less competent. Reduced oocyte quality in both age groups is problematic for human medicine and agriculture. Some of the cellular mechanisms implicated in poor oocyte quality associated with maternal age are mitochondrial function and location, reduction of oxygen radicals, balance of metabolic pathways, regulation of maternal mRNAs and appropriate communication between the oocyte and cumulus cells. However, additional knowledge must be gained about the deficiencies present in prepubertal and reproductively aged oocytes that result in poor developmental potential before significant improvement can be achieved. This review discusses the evidence currently available regarding oocyte quality at both ends of the maternal age spectrum, what we know, or hypothesise, about the mechanisms involved and current thoughts regarding potential treatment for improvement.
Antral follicle population in prepubertal and pubertal heifers
Authors: Seneda M. M. , Morotti F. , Zangirolamo A. F. , da Silva N. C. , Sanches T. K. , Blaschi W. , Barreiros T. R. R.
Published: December 2018

The antral follicle count (AFC) is an important tool in the selection of bovine females destined for biotechnology. However, little is known about AFC in prepubertal and pubertal heifers. Some challenges inherent to the physiology of young females must be considered to achieve efficient rates with different procedures, such as ovum pick-up and IVF. This paper covers some important topics about ovarian physiology related to the population of antral follicles and reproductive efficiency in young female cattle.
Update on the vitrification of bovine oocytes and invitro-produced embryos
Authors: Mogas Teresa
Published: December 2018

The combined use of reproductive technologies, such as transvaginal ovum-pick up and invitro embryo production followed by direct transfer of cryopreserved embryos, has great potential for enhancing genetic selection and optimising cross-breeding schemes in beef and dairy cattle production systems. This, along with an effective cryopreservation procedure for cow oocytes, will enable the long-term conservation of female genetic traits and the advance of embryo biotechnology in this species. However, the low fertilisation rates and developmental competence of cryopreserved oocytes still need to be improved. Over the past two decades, many research efforts tried to overcome individual features of the bovine oocyte that make it notoriously difficult to cryopreserve. In addition, pregnancy rates associated with invitro-produced (IVP) embryos remain lower than those obtained using invivo counterparts. This, together with a lack of a standard methodology for IVP embryo cryopreservation that provides easier and more practical logistics for the transfer of IVP embryos on farms, has hindered international genetic trade and the management of embryo banks. This review updates developments in oocyte and IVP embryo vitrification strategies targeting high production efficiency and better outcomes.
Practical application of laparoscopic oviductal artificial insemination for the propagation of domestic cats and wild felids
Authors: Swanson William F.
Published: December 2018

AI was first reported in cats almost 50 years ago but, unlike AI in other domesticated animals (e.g. dogs, cattle, horses), has not been widely used for routine propagation by veterinarians or breeders. Anatomical and physiological challenges with cats have hindered the efficiency of AI using standardised transcervical approaches applied to other species. Development of laparoscopic oviductal AI (LO-AI) has helped overcome some of these barriers and, during the past 7 years, produced high pregnancy percentages (>70%) in domestic cats using both fresh collected and frozen–thawed semen and resulted in the birth of full-term offspring in three cat hereditary disease models and six wild cat species (ocelot, Pallas’s cat, fishing cat, sand cat, tiger, clouded leopard). The standard approach involves exogenous gonadotrophin treatment (typically equine chorionic gonadotrophin followed by porcine LH) to induce ovarian follicular growth and ovulation, with laparoscopic visualisation of the oviductal ostium for direct intraluminal insemination with low numbers of spermatozoa. Similar ovarian synchronisation and insemination approaches have been used with wild felids, but frequently must be refined on a species-by-species basis. From a practical perspective, LO-AI in domestic cats now has adequate efficiency for applied use as a reproductive service in veterinary practices that possess basic laparoscopy expertise.
Embryo development in cattle and interactions with the reproductive tract
Authors: Lonergan P. , Sánchez José María , Mathew Daniel J. , Passaro Claudia , Fair Trudee
Published: December 2018

Embryo mortality is a major contributor to poor reproductive efficiency and profitability in cattle production systems. Coordinated interaction between the developing embryo or conceptus and the maternal reproductive tract is essential for pregnancy establishment in mammals. Up to the blastocyst stage, the embryo can grow in the absence of contact with the oviduct or uterus; however, conceptus elongation after hatching and before implantation, a characteristic of ruminant early development, is entirely maternally driven and is essential to ensure that sufficient quantities of interferon-τ (IFNT) are secreted by the developing conceptus to abrogate the mechanisms that bring about luteolysis. Surprisingly, many questions, such as the threshold level of IFNT required for pregnancy maintenance, remain unanswered. Failure of the conceptus to elongate undoubtedly results in embryonic loss and is thus believed to contribute greatly to reproductive failure in cattle.
101 Assessment of semen traits in servals (Leptailurus serval) and Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis)
Authors: González R. , Moresco A. , Miller A. , Bateman H. , Vansandt L. , Dembiec D. , Ista A. , Swanson W. F.
Published: December 2018

Servals and Canada lynx are managed by species survival plans in North American zoos, but current populations are not sustainable. Increased knowledge of their reproductive biology would benefit breeding management and development of assisted reproductive techniques. The aims of our study were to (1) evaluate effectiveness of urethral catheterization and electroejaculation (EEJ) for semen collection; (2) characterise basal seminal traits; and (3) compare effectiveness of semen cryopreservation methods. Semen was collected from 6 servals and 9 Canada lynx via a urinary catheter (3.5 Fr×22 cm, inserted 15cm into the urethra), followed by EEJ under dexmedetomidine-ketamine anaesthesia. To assess the effect of seasonality on lynx seminal traits, semen was collected before (late January), during (mid-February to mid-March), and after (early April) the peak breeding season. Serval and lynx semen were frozen by conventional slow freezing (i.e. in 0.25-mL straws cooled to 4°C for 2h and frozen in LN vapor) in a soy lecithin-based (SOY) or egg yolk-based (TEY) extender with 4% glycerol and by ultra-rapid freezing (URF; direct pelleting into LN at ≈104°C/min) in SOY medium with 0.2M sucrose. To evaluate post-thaw sperm function in servals, heterologous IVF of domestic cat oocytes was performed, with cleavage rate assessed at 48h post-insemination. Data were analysed by one-way or repeated-measures ANOVA. Data are mean±standard deviation. Sperm recovery by urethral catheterization was negligible in both species, but EEJ allowed sperm collection in all males. Lynx seminal traits were similar during breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Testicular volume (4.81±1.17cm3) and sperm quality (13±11×106 sperm/ejaculate; 49±14% motility; 29±12% normal morphology; 74±13% acrosome integrity) were consistent with previous findings in the lynx genus. Post-thaw sperm quality in lynx has not yet been evaluated. In servals, testes volume was 6.56±2.11cm3 with good sperm quality for most males (46±36×106 sperm/ejaculate; 75±20% motility; 56±36% normal morphology; 84±7% acrosome integrity). Post-thaw, serval sperm acrosome integrity (31±15, 21±13, 24±13% at 0h for TEY, SOY, and URF, respectively; P>0.05) and motility (40±21% at 0h, 20±11% at 6h for TEY; 24±19% at 0h, 6±4% at 6h for SOY; 21±16% at 0h, 3±2% at 6h for URF; treatment: P>0.05; time: P<0.05; interaction: P>0.05) declined substantially. However, thawed sperm could fertilize domestic cat oocytes with no difference among treatments in cleavage success (53±6, 47±4, or 49±14%; TEY, SOY, and URF, respectively; P>0.05), indicating that standard freezing methods are effective in servals. Our findings provide zoos with valuable information about normative reproductive traits in both species.
Supported by IMLS and the Roger & Kathy Gross Post-doctoral Fellowship.
105 Functionality evaluation of two extenders for Leopardus geoffroyi sperm cryopreservation by interspecific IVF with domestic cat oocytes
Authors: Sestelo A. J. , Rodriguez M. D. , Gañan N. , Salamone D. F. , Barañao L. , Roldan E. R. S.
Published: December 2018

Even though knowledge in sperm cryopreservation of endangered felids advanced in recent years, very little is known about suitable protocols to cryopreserve sperm from Leopardus geoffroyi (LG). In the present study, sperm obtained by electroejaculation from 5 different males were cryopreserved in either a Tes-Tris- or a lactose-based diluent (Gañan et al. 2009 Theriogenology 72, 341-352) with modifications in the freezing process using a one-step method: straws were placed horizontally on a metal rack, 4cm above the surface of liquid nitrogen in a styrofoam box, and kept for 10min before plunging them in LN. The objectives were to (1) compare in vitro motility and acrosome status of LG sperm cryopreserved in both extenders and (2) test functionality of LG sperm cryopreserved in both extenders through their ability to fertilize mature domestic cat oocytes. Straws were thawed by exposing them to air for 10s and then immersing them in a water bath at 37°C for 30s. The contents of the straws were poured into a sterile 1.5-mL microtube prewarmed to 37°C. The sperm suspension was diluted (1:3 vol/vol) by the slow (drop by drop) addition of a modified Tyrode’s solution. Sperm parameters, percentage of motile spermatozoa, and quality of motility were assessed and sperm motility index (SMI) was calculated as follows: [% motile sperm+(quality×20)]/2. Acrosome integrity was assessed by staining with Coomassie brilliant blue. For IVF, in vitro-matured domestic cat oocytes (n=238 Tes-Tris, n=239 lactose) were co-incubated with 0.5×105 motile spermatozoa/mL under 5% CO2 in air at 38.5°C for 18-20h (Pope et al. 2006 Methods Mol. Biol. 254, 227-244). Presumptive zygotes were cultured in vitro in 50-µL drops of modified Tyrode’s medium at 38.5°C in 5% CO2, 5% O2, 90% N2 atmosphere. Cleavage was assessed 48h postfertilization, and 5% FBS was added at Day 5 of in vitro culture. Blastocyst stage was evaluated at Day 8. Data was analysed by Fisher’s exact test using GraphPad Prism 6.0 (GraphPad Inc., San Diego, CA, USA), significant at P<0.05. Results, mean (±standard error of the means), showed that SMI and acrosome integrity (pre- and post-thawing) were similar for both extenders: prethawed (SMI=56±3.3v. 59±5.5; acrosome integrity=88±3.0% v. 90±2.0%), and post-thawed (SMI=46±5.0v. 44±7.0; acrosome integrity=57±7.5% v. 68±2.4%) Tes-Tris v. lactose, respectively. For IVF, results showed a high cleavage rate in both groups (117/238, 49% v. 117/239, 49%), and a high development to morula (96/238, 40% v. 94/239, 39%) and to the blastocyst stage (61/238, 26% v. 51/239, 21%) for all males Tes-Tris v. lactose, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups at any development stage. In conclusion, we found that both extenders can be used to cryopreserve LG sperm maintaining functional conditions and that fertilizing capacity can be tested using in vitro-matured domestic cat oocytes.
106 Assessment of fecal near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to detect and monitor the reproductive status of endangered Amur and Snow leopard females
Authors: Santos-Rivera M. , Johnson-Ulrich L. , Graham A. , Willis E. , Kouba A. J. , Vance C. K.
Published: December 2018

Feces from captive and wild carnivores can yield valuable information about an individuals’ physiological and reproductive status, diet, and ecology. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid, noninvasive, cost-efficient technique widely used in the agricultural, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries that has gained traction in diagnostic and ecological field applications for herbivore species, such as wild deer, antelope, and giant panda. The aim of this study was to test the transferability of NIRS to measuring reproductive status in feces from 2 endangered carnivore species, the Snow (Panthera uncia) and Amur (Panthera pardus orientalis) leopards. Fecal near infrared spectra analysed with multivariate statistics were used to generate prediction models for estrone-3-glucuronide (E1G) and progesterone (P4). In the E1G NIRS model, fecal samples (n=93) were obtained from 5 female leopards (3 Amur, 2 Snow) at 5 different zoo facilities, whereas for the P4 NIRS model fecal samples (n=51) from only 1 pregnant Amur leopard was available. The hormones were extracted with methanol and quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (C. Munroe), where the sample range for E1G was 0.20-2.17 μg/g and the range for P4 was 0.06-61.89 μg/g. The near infrared spectra (350-2500nm) were acquired with an ASD FieldSpec®3 portable spectrometer (Malvern Panalytical, Malvern, UK), and the chemometric analysis was realised using the Unscrambler® X v.10.4 (CAMO Software AS, Oslo, Norway). Hormone reference values were log transformed before chemometric analysis to account for the heterogeneity of variance. Spectral pretreatment of standard normal variate was applied to the truncated wavelength range 700-240 0nm in order to remove interference from the visible region (350-700nm) due to individual diets that can confer colour variants that alter spectral signatures. Initial principal component analysis for the E1G and P4 datasets models showed >95% of the variation was explained by 4 factors, with no separation of principal component analysis scores between species or reproductive status. Quantitative prediction models using partial least-squares regression on selected wavelength ranges yielded a coefficient of determination for E1G and P4 of 0.10-0.04 and 0.35-0.19 for calibrations and validations, respectively. These near infrared models require further mathematical processing and consideration of sample variation due to diet complexity in carnivores in order to accurately assess hormone levels and monitor reproductive cycles in these species.
This work was supported by USDA-ARS Biophotonics Initiative grant #58-6402-3-018.
109 Sperm cryopreservation in Eulamprus quoyii (Eastern water skink)
Authors: Hobbs R. , Keogh L. , James K. , Baxter-Gilbert J. , Whiting M.
Published: December 2018

Australia has a rich diversity and high endemism (93%) of reptilian species, the largest family being Scincidae (252 species), yet there continues to be a paucity of reports for gamete cryopreservation in reptilians (Clulow and Clulow 2016 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 28, 1116-1132, DOI: 10.1071/RD15466). The goal of this study was to collect sperm from a locally abundant skink species (Eulamprus quoyii; Eastern water skink) to examine sperm sensitivity to cryopreservation. Wild-caught males (n=50; snout-vent length=103-126mm) were held in seminatural conditions for the duration of the study. Semen was collected during the breeding season (September-October) using an adapted ventral-massage technique (Molinia et al. 2010 Herp. Cons. Biol. 5, 311-319; retrieved from http://www.herpconbio.org). Sperm metrics (volume, concentration, progressive and total motility, and membrane integrity) were assessed subjectively under light or fluorescence microscopy. Results were compared using ANOVA. Sperm volume (9.43±5.18μL) and concentration (7.79×108±5.32×108 sperm/mL) did not correlate with snout-vent length in adult males (r2=0.025 and r2=0.15, respectively). Due to small volumes, sperm samples (motility >80%) from 4 to 6 males were pooled before allocation across treatments. For all cryopreservation experiments, sperm samples (5-10μL) were loaded into 0.2-mL French straws and frozen using a controlled-rate freezer (Cryobath; −6°C per minute), then plunged into LN. Sperm were thawed in a water bath at 35°C for 10s. In year 1, pooled samples (n=3) were maintained at room temperature (21±1.5°C) either raw, or diluted in PBS, Tris-citrate glucose, TLHepes, or Ham’s F-10 and assessed at 0, 1, 3, 16, 40h. Tris-citrate-glucose-diluted sperm had significantly lower total motility from 3h (36.7±11.5%; P<0.05), decreasing to 1% motility by 16h. Up to 70% motility could be maintained for 16h in all other treatment groups. In year 2, pooled samples (n=3) were cooled to 4°C over a period of 2h, then gradually diluted 1:1 with buffer to a final concentration of either 0.6, 1.35, or 2.7M cryoprotectant (CPA; dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl acetamide, glycerol) in PBS or no CPA. Sperm diluted in 1.35 and 2.7M dimethyl sulfoxide in PBS had significantly (P<0.05) higher kinetic rating and proportion of live sperm than control or dimethyl acetamide treatments; 1.35 and 2.7M glycerol were intermediate. In year 3, dilution and cryopreservation using 1.35M CPA in complex diluents, Tris-yolk buffer (20.1±2.6% live) and Beltsville poultry semen extender (29.7±2.0% live), did not significantly improve sperm survival compared to PBS (26.4±2.7% live); however, post-thaw progressive motility (5±1.1%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher with 1.35M dimethyl sulfoxide Tris-yolk buffer than all other treatment groups. In conclusion, dimethyl sulfoxide yields promise for sperm cryopreservation in a skink, but further studies are required.