bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproduction of the commercial scallop, Pecten fumatus, Reeve, 1852 in Bass Strait, Australia
Authors: Young P. C. , West G. J. , McLoughlin R. J. , Martin R. B.
Published: August 2011

To examine the reproduction of Pecten fumatus Reeve,
1852, samples were taken monthly from beds off King Island and in Banks
Strait, from July 1986 to July 1987. For each sample the mean gonad-free
tissue weight and standardized gonad weight were calculated. The percentage of
the sample with each of five macroscopically determined reproductive stages
was also measured. Changes in the proportion of cell types within the ovarian
part of the gonad were determined by histological and stereological methods. A
seasonal cycle of gonadal development occurred at each site, commencing at the
time of lowest water temperatures and highest nutrient concentrations. This
development progressively increased as the nutrient concentrations declined.
No correlation was seen between chlorophyll a and gonad condition. A synchrony
in gonad condition was present among individuals in samples; this was greatest
at Banks Strait where gonads were larger, and phosphate, nitrate and silicate
concentrations were significantly greater. There was no reduction in somatic
tissue weight with increase in gonad tissue weight. Maximum gonad development
preceded spatfall at each site by about one month.
Egg dormancy in the Australian estuarine-endemic copepods Gippslandia estuarina and Sulcanus conflictus, with reference to dormancy of other estuarine fauna
Authors: Newton Gina M. , Mitchell Brad D.
Published: August 2011

The presence of dormant life history stages was investigated for the
zooplankton of an annually flooding salt-wedge estuary. Such stages are seen
as a potential mechanism for population persistence following environmental
adversity. Laboratory incubation experiments were conducted on estuarine
sediments. As a result, dormant eggs in Australian estuarine-endemic copepods
are reported for the first time. Nauplii of the dominant estuarine-endemic
calanoids Gippslandia estuarina and
Sulcanus conflictus commonly hatched from the sediments.
Manipulation of the salinity and temperature of experimental media indicated
that temperature was the more important hatching trigger for
S. conflictus, and that both high salinity and high
temperature were important for G. estuarina. Results of
the incubation experiments, including those of ‘conversion’
experiments (i.e. from freshwater to saline conditions or low temperature to
high temperature), help to elucidate the type of dormancy characteristic of
each species; it appears that S. conflictus may have
diapause eggs and G. estuarina may have quiescent eggs,
although this is yet to be confirmed. Other estuarine fauna developed from the
mud during the incubation experiments, most notably the harpacticoids
Onychocamptus chathamensis, an ectinosomatid and
Schizopera sp., and the medusa
Australomedusa baylii. Ecological and evolutionary
consequences of dormancy in these estuarine-endemic zooplankton are briefly
discussed.
Validation of the formation and appearance of annual marks in the otoliths of yellowtail (Trachurus novaezelandiae) and blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) in New South Wales
Authors: Stewart John , Ferrell Douglas J. , Andrew Neil L.
Published: August 2011

Yellowtail (Trachurus novaezelandiae) and blue mackerel
(Scomber australasicus) were captured off the coast of
New South Wales, marked with oxytetracycline, and kept in captivity for 1
year. The fish were periodically sampled to validate the use of their otoliths
for age estimation. Opaque marks were formed during the year in the otoliths
of yellowtail apparently aged 0 to 7 years and in apparently 1-year-old blue
mackerel. These marks were formed in winter for both species, but did not
become visible until early summer in some fish. There was an association
between the growth rate of the otolith and the detection of opaque marks.
Within an age class, fish with the fastest growing otoliths tended to have
their most recently formed opaque marks visible earliest. These relationships
between growth rate and the probability of correctly assigning an age class
have important implications for ageing fish.
Extra keyword: ageing
Two-way approaches to Indigenous mental health literacy
Authors: Nagel Tricia M. , Thompson Carolyn , Robinson Gary , Condon John , Trauer Thomas
Published: August 2011

This study was designed to provide important new information about relapse prevention in Indigenous 1 people with chronic mental illness. It aimed to explore Indigenous mental health promotion with Aboriginal mental health workers (AMHW) in order to develop strategies for effective mental health intervention. The research was conducted in three remote Indigenous communities in the top end of the Northern Territory with AMHW. Assessment, psycho-education, and care-planning resources were developed with local AMHW through exploration of local Indigenous perspectives of mental health promotion. Qualitative research methods and an ethnographic approach were used to elicit information, and data included key informant interviews, participant observation, music, photography and story telling. The study confirms that Indigenous people in remote communities prefer to use story telling and local language, local artwork and local music to convey health information. It also confirms that family and local practitioners are key cultural informants and that indirect, holistic and ‘two-way’ messages are preferred.
General practice management of psychological distress in patients with sexually transmissible infection
Authors: Khan Asaduzzaman , Schofield Margot J.
Published: August 2011

This paper investigates general practitioners’ (GP) self-reported practices for psychologically distressed patients with sexually transmissible infections (STI). A cross-sectional postal survey was conducted among a 15% random sample of GP practising in New South Wales. The main outcome measures were self-reported strategies to deal with psychologically distressed STI patients, priority of counselling, and perceived need for training in counselling. The great majority (82%) of GP reported that they extended their consultation time to deal with psychologically distressed patients, whereas 49% reported being likely to refer distressed patients to a counsellor. Just over half (54%) considered counselling to be a high priority in STI care, whereas 49% acknowledged benefits of further training in counselling. Overseas medical graduates were more likely to refer patients in distress to counsellors compared with Australian graduates (odds ratio = 1.80, P = 0.008). Female and metropolitan GP were more likely to consider counselling a high priority in STI care (odds ratio = 1.56, P = 0.038; odds ratio = 1.62, P = 0.028, respectively). GP appreciate the need to deal with psychological distress of STI patients; however, referral to counselling services is not a widespread priority. Further research is needed to examine practitioners’ actual practice in caring for psychological distress among STI patients and barriers to referral for counselling.
Consumers' views on the use of diagnostic labels to describe psychological distress in the postpartum: implications for health care
Authors: Oddy Belinda , Rowe Heather , Fisher Jane
Published: August 2011

Postpartum psychological distress is common and its detection is important in primary health care. Australia’s residential early parenting centres admit mothers with their infants and treat both infant sleep and settling and maternal mental health. Many women have health problems but low uptake of professional assistance after discharge. Psychological distress may be conceptualised as either individual psychopathology or a normal reaction to caring for an unsettled infant, loss of identity and status, and limited emotional and practical assistance, but the potential benefits or harms of psychiatric labelling are uncertain. We examined the opinions of consumers of a residential early parenting centre. The method used was that, 12 months after discharge, a self-report survey was mailed. Results showed 50/94 (54%) women returned completed surveys. Participants identified perceived causes of postpartum psychological distress as: difficult infant temperament and behaviour (57%); fatigue (53%); and insufficient support (47%). Sixty-one per cent thought that diagnostic labels could improve access to health care, but 58% believed that it might cause others to question a woman’s mothering ability or limit access to employment (83%). Psychiatric labels may improve access to health care in the postpartum, but effective treatments will address causes of distress as understood by women.
Better than nothing? Restrictions and realities of enhanced primary care for allied health practitioners
Authors: Foster Michele M. , Cornwell Petrea L. , Fleming Jennifer M. , Mitchell Geoffrey K. , Tweedy Sean M. , Hart Alison L. , Haines Terry P.
Published: August 2011

Participation of allied health professionals (AHP) in the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program is increasing. However, access to allied health services is strictly delineated under the EPC program and AHP face unique practice realities in providing care to patients with chronic conditions. This paper examines the discretionary practices adopted by AHP in response to the realities at the policy–practice interface and situates the discussion within a description of their experiences with EPC. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of fifteen AHP. Participants were selected from a larger cohort who responded to a questionnaire about EPC. The EPC program was perceived as a positive start, although some aspects were problematic. Participants reported that the restriction on the number of subsidised sessions was not conducive to providing a good allied health service to patients with complex care needs and remuneration was not commensurate with the nature and scope of treatment required. The AHP in this study spoke of the dilemma of wanting to assist patients but at the same time to operate a financially viable business. Moreover, their experience was that multidisciplinary team care was implied rather than reality. Abbreviated care practices, reasonable solutions for access, and entrepreneurial practices were strategies used to manage the policy–practice tensions.
General practitioner networks matter in primary health care team service provision
Authors: Naccarella Lucio
Published: August 2011

Australia is undergoing significant primary health care policy reforms in response to concerns about quality of care, increasing burden of complex and chronic diseases, and workforce shortages. Governments are encouraging multidisciplinary teamwork between general practitioners (GP) and other primary health care service providers. Essential elements of teamwork have been addressed in policy initiatives, yet important dimensions of the way GP develop and use their work-related relationships in their practice remain unrecognised. This paper draws upon a doctoral thesis that explored the types and the qualities of GP work-related relationships. A qualitative research methodology combined with a relational perspective was used. Data were collected from a pilot, main and a validation study. Fifty interviews were conducted, including: GP, clinic staff, service providers, support organisation personnel and policymakers. A complex web of interdependent work-related relationships exist between GP and other health care providers. Four main types of GP work-related relationships emerged: clinical problem solving, obtaining metaknowledge, obtaining legitimisation, and validation. Key qualities of GP work-related relationships included the nominated providers’ competence, accessibility, goodwill, honesty, consistency and communication styles. A validation study verified research findings. The research provides evidence that the nature of GP work-related relationships have implications for other practitioners who need to work with GP. The findings challenge the current primary health care policy emphasis on using structural reforms such as prescribed service delivery processes and financial incentives to encourage teamwork.
Research around practice partnerships: an example of building partnerships to address overweight and obesity in children
Authors: Poulsen Anne A. , Bush Robert , Tirendi Joleen , Ziviani Jenny , Abbott Rebecca , Macdonald Doune , Brown Matthew A. , Leong Gary M.
Published: August 2011

Prevention and management of childhood overweight and obesity is a health priority for governments and communities throughout the developed world. A conceptual model, Research around Practice in Childhood Obesity (RAPICO), has been developed to guide capacity building in a coordinated ‘bench to fieldwork’ initiative to address this public health problem. Translation of research findings into sustainable responses with optimal fit requires consideration of context-specific relevance, cost-effectiveness, feasibility and levels of available support. The RAPICO model uses program theory to describe a framework for progressing practitioner–community–research partnerships to address low, medium and high levels of risk for childhood overweight and obesity within community settings. A case study describing the development of a logic model to inform risk-linked responses to childhood overweight and obesity is presented for the Ipswich community in south-east Queensland.
Integrating health planning and social planning: a case study in community-based partnerships for better health
Authors: Ambrose Aleta , Short Patricia
Published: August 2011

This paper reports the findings of a study that investigated the processes through which health planning and social planning were integrated in practice, at the community level, through the active engagement of childcare centres in health promotion and community capacity building. A small-scale, retrospective study of Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds, a community-based health promotion project for early childhood environments, was conducted. Focusing on links between health and social planning, the study revealed crucial factors that led to integrated planning and action at the community level: opportunities for professional development, the strengthening of partnerships through interpersonal networks, reduced isolation of childcare staff in community contexts, and genuine engagement of childcare centre staff in a planning process. It also demonstrated how momentum for planning and action at the community level was created, and how a shift towards integrated health and social planning, stemming from an attitudinal shift by childcare staff towards planning and partnerships, emerged. Insights are gained on ways to build upon the social component of health promotion programs, so as to establish sustainable partnerships for integrating health and social planning in communities.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with chronic diseases
Authors: Merkes Monika
Published: August 2011

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a structured group program that uses mindfulness meditation to improve well-being and alleviate suffering. This article reviews the impact of MBSR for people with chronic diseases. The review includes original research that was published in English and peer-reviewed and reported outcomes for adults with chronic diseases who had participated in an MBSR program. Fifteen studies were identified. Outcomes related to mental and physical health, well-being, and quality of life. The studies included different research designs, and used self-report and physiological outcome measures. Participants’ clinical diagnoses included fibromyalgia, chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, and cardiovascular diagnoses. All 15 studies found that participation in an MBSR program resulted in improvements. No negative change was reported between baseline and follow up. Outcomes in regard to specific variables were difficult to compare and equivocal. Overall, positive change predominated. Chronic diseases are associated with a range of unwelcome psychological and physical consequences. Participation in an MBSR program is likely to result in coping better with symptoms, improved overall well-being and quality of life, and enhanced health outcomes. As an adjunct to standard care, MBSR has potential for much wider application in Australian primary care settings.
Preparing nurses for primary health care futures: how well do Australian nursing courses perform?
Authors: Keleher Helen , Parker Rhian , Francis Karen
Published: August 2011

Health reform is increasingly targeted towards strengthening and expansion of primary health systems as care is shifted from hospitals to communities. The renewed emphasis on prevention and health promotion is intended to curb the tide of chronic disease and sustain effective chronic disease management, as well as address health inequities and increase affordable access to services. Given the scope of nurses’ practice, the success of Australia’s health system reforms are dependent on a nursing workforce that is appropriately educated and prepared for practice in community settings. This article reports on the results of an Australian national audit of all undergraduate nursing curricula to examine the extent of professional socialisation and educational preparation of nurses for primary health care. The results of the audit are compared with Australian nursing standards associated with competency in primary health care. The findings indicate that Australian nursing competencies are general in their approach to skills and knowledge, not specifying any particular competencies for primary health care, while undergraduate student preparation for practice in primary health and community settings is patchy and not keeping pace with reform agendas that promote expanded roles for nurses in primary health care, prevention and health promotion. The implication for nursing curriculum reform is that attention to achieving nursing graduate capacity for primary health care and health promotion is a priority.
Evaluating the use of Enhanced Primary Care Health Assessments by general practices in north Queensland
Authors: Cheffins Tracy , Spillman Margaret , Heal Clare , Kimber Debbie , Brittain Maureen , Lees Michele
Published: August 2011

The Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program funds GPs to provide preventative health assessments through a specific set of Medicare item numbers. The study aimed to show whether patients completing these health assessments had better recorded screening rates than those receiving usual care. A retrospective clinical record audit was undertaken in north Queensland general practices by practice nurses from the North Queensland Practice Based Research Network. Comparisons were made between the recorded screening test rates for patients who completed an over-75-years health assessment with those who did not. A questionnaire was also completed by practice nurses and practice principals. Screening tests were recorded more frequently in patients with a completed health assessment: notably urinalysis, visual acuity and faecal occult blood test/colonoscopy. Blood pressure was the most frequently recorded test with or without a health assessment. The questionnaires provided useful information on how health assessments are implemented and whether GPs believe they are useful.
Investigating referral pathways from primary care to consumer health organisations
Authors: Young Charlotte E. , Mutch Allyson J. , Boyle Frances M. , Dean Julie H.
Published: August 2011

While chronic disease places an increasing burden on Australia’s primary care system it is unrealistic to expect GPs to meet the range of support needs experienced by patients managing chronic conditions. Consumer health organisations (CHO) have the potential to augment clinical care by providing a variety of supportive services; however, they are underutilised by patients and GPs. This qualitative study investigates GPs’ knowledge and perceptions of CHO and their contributions to chronic disease care. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 10 GPs. Overall, participants demonstrated clear understanding of the role of CHO in chronic disease management, but a critical finding was the way GPs’ view of their own chronic care role appears to influence referral practices. GPs operating in a traditional role were less likely to refer to CHO than those who had adopted a chronic care approach. A second key finding related to GPs’ views of Diabetes Australia. All GPs identified this organisation as an important referral point, providing some reassurance that CHO can be integrated into the primary care sector. Further research is needed to determine how the ‘definite advantages’ associated with Diabetes Australia can be used to extend GP referral and enhance the health system’s integration of other CHO.
Climate change and the possible health effects on older Australians
Authors: Saniotis Arthur , Irvine Rod
Published: August 2011

Climate change is an important issue for Australia. Climate change research forecasts that Australia will experience accelerated warming due to anthrogenic activities. Australia’s aging society will face special challenges that demand current attention. This paper discusses two issues in relation to climate change and older Australians: first, pharmacology and autoregulation; and second, mental health among older Australians.
Dynamic proteome signatures in gametes, embryos and their maternal environment
Authors: Arnold Georg J. , Frohlich T.
Published: August 2011

Comprehensive molecular analysis at the level of proteins represents a technically demanding, but indispensable, task since several post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms disable a valid prediction of quantitative protein expression profiles from transcriptome analysis. In crucial steps of gamete and early embryo development, de novo transcription is silenced, meaning that almost all macromolecular events take place at the level of proteins. In this review, we describe selected examples of dynamic proteome signatures addressing capacitation of spermatozoa, in vitro maturation of oocytes, effect of oestrous cycle on oviduct epithelial cells and embryo-induced alterations to the maternal environment. We also present details of the experimental strategies applied and the experiments performed to verify quantitative proteomic data. Far from being comprehensive, examples were selected to cover several mammalian species as well as the most powerful proteomic techniques currently applied. To enable non-experts in the field of proteomics to appraise published proteomic data, our examples are preceded by a customised description of quantitative proteomic methods, covering 2D difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), nano-liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry, and label-free as well as stable-isotope labelling strategies for mass spectrometry-based quantifications.
Recent insights into oocyte - follicle cell interactions provide opportunities for the development of new approaches to in vitro maturation
Authors: Gilchrist Robert B.
Published: August 2011

The last 5–10 years of research in ovarian and oocyte biology has delivered some major new advances in knowledge of the molecular and cellular processes regulating oocyte maturation and oocyte developmental competence. These new insights include, among others: (1) the knowledge that oocytes regulate granulosa and cumulus cell differentiation, ovulation rate and fertility via the secretion of soluble paracrine growth factors; (2) new perspectives on the participation of cyclic nucleotides, phosphodiesterases and gap junctions in the regulation of oocyte meiotic arrest and resumption; and (3) the new appreciation of the mechanisms of LH-induced oocyte maturation and ovulation mediated by the follicular cascade of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like peptides, the EGF receptor and their intracellular second messengers. These recent insights into oocyte–follicle cell interactions provide opportunities for the development of new approaches to oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM). Laboratory IVM methodologies have changed little over the past 20–30 years and IVM remains notably less efficient than hormone-stimulated IVF, limiting its wider application in reproductive medicine and animal breeding. The challenge for oocyte biologists and clinicians practicing IVM is to modernise clinical IVM systems to benefit from these new insights into oocyte–follicle cell interactions in vivo.
Does size matter in females? An overview of the impact of the high variation in the ovarian reserve on ovarian function and fertility, utility of anti-Müllerian hormone as a diagnostic marker for fertility and causes of variation in the ovarian reserve in cattle
Authors: Ireland J. J. , Smith G. W. , Scheetz D. , Jimenez-Krassel F. , Folger J. K. , Ireland J. L. H. , Mossa F. , Lonergan P. , Evans A. C. O.
Published: August 2011

The mechanism whereby the inherently high variation in ovary size and the total number of high-quality oocytes in ovaries (ovarian reserve) impact on ovarian function and fertility, diagnostics to measure the size of the ovarian reserve and the factors that cause variation in the ovarian reserve are unknown. Our results show that cattle can be phenotyped reliably based on the number of antral follicles growing during follicular waves (antral follicle count, AFC). Young adult cattle with a consistently low v. a high AFC have smaller gonads, a markedly diminished ovarian reserve and many other phenotypic characteristics usually associated with ovarian aging and infertility. A powerful new approach based on a single measurement of serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is described to test the longstanding hypothesis that the size of the ovarian reserve is positively associated with fertility. Also, new evidence shows that maternal environment has a critical role in regulation of the high variation in the ovarian reserve and perhaps fertility in offspring. These results support the conclusion that the inherently high variation in the ovarian reserve, potentially caused by alterations in the maternal environment, has a negative impact on ovarian function that may result in suboptimal fertility in young adult cattle, and a single AMH measurement can be used reliably in future studies to determine if fertility is suboptimal in young adult cattle with low circulating AMH concentrations and a correspondingly diminished ovarian reserve.
Cryopreservation and in vitro culture of caprine preantral follicles
Authors: Figueiredo J. R. , Rodrigues A. P. R. , Silva J. R. V. , Santos R. R.
Published: August 2011

Preantral follicles (PFs) form a far larger oocyte reservoir (∼90% of the follicular population) than antral follicles. Several laboratories have focussed efforts on cryopreservation and in vitro culture (IVC) of PFs to obtain large numbers of fertilisable oocytes. This technology could be used to improve the reproductive potential of economically important animals, including goats, to preserve endangered species and breeds and improve fertility after chemotherapy in young women. Caprine PFs have been successfully cryopreserved using either vitrification or slow freezing. In addition, in vitro embryo production from oocytes enclosed in caprine PFs grown and matured in vitro was also achieved. The present paper selectively reviews the published studies on cryopreservation and IVC of caprine PFs to highlight advances, limitations and prospects.
Cells under pressure: how sublethal hydrostatic pressure stress treatment increases gametes' and embryos' performance
Authors: Pribenszky Csaba , Vajta Gabor
Published: August 2011

The principal approach in in vitro embryo culture and manipulation has been a defensive one: procedures aim to satisfy passively the supposed or real physiological needs of gametes and embryos. Similarly, during cryopreservation the aim is to cause minimal damage to cells whilst attempting to obtain the highest achievable cell survival. However, carefully chosen and precisely controlled sublethal stress treatment of cells has been described to improve embryos’ and gametes’ performance, and, as a consequence, subsequent morphological survival, fertilisation, in vitro development, pregnancy and farrowing rates improved considerably compared with untreated controls. This review summarises studies that open up a new approach: instead of – and besides – trying to passively reduce the harm to cells during in vitro manipulations and culture, procedures may also prepare the cells themselves to ward off or reduce the damage by turning up the cells’ own, inner capacities.
Perspectives on transgenic livestock in agriculture and biomedicine: an update
Authors: Piedrahita Jorge A. , Olby Natasha
Published: August 2011

It has been 30 years since the first transgenic mouse was generated and 26 years since the first example of transferring the technology to livestock was published. While there was tremendous optimism in those initial years, with most convinced that genetically modified animals would play a significant role in agricultural production, that has not come to be. So at first sight one could conclude that this technology has, to a large extent, failed. On the contrary, it is believed that it has succeeded beyond our original expectations, and we are now at what is perhaps the most exciting time in the development and implementation of these technologies. The original goals, however, have drastically changed and it is now biomedical applications that are playing a central role in pushing both technical and scientific developments. The combination of advances in somatic cell nuclear transfer, the development of induced pluripotent stem cells and the completion of the sequencing of most livestock genomes ensures a bright and exciting future for this field, not only in livestock but also in companion animal species.
Nuclear architecture in developmental biology and cell specialisation
Authors: Cremer Thomas , Zakhartchenko Valeri
Published: August 2011

Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications and histone variants, as well as chromatin remodelling play a fundamental role in the regulation of pre‐ and postimplantation mammalian development. Recent studies have indicated that nuclear architecture provides an additional level of regulation, which needs to be explored in order to understand how a fertilised egg is able to develop into a full organism. Studies of 3D preserved nuclei of IVF preimplantation embryos from different mammalian species, such as mouse, rabbit and cow, have demonstrated that nuclear architecture undergoes major changes during early development. Both similarities and species‐specific differences were observed. Nuclear transfer experiments demonstrated changes of nuclear phenotypes, which to some extent reflect changes seen in IVF preimplantation embryos albeit with a different timing compared with IVF embryos. The dynamics of nuclear architecture is further substantiated by major changes during postmitotic terminal cell differentiation. Recent breakthroughs of 3D fluorescence microscopy with resolution beyond the conventional Abbe limit in combination with 3D electron microscopy provide the potential to explore the topography of nuclear structure with unprecedented resolution and detail.
Epigenetic control of development and expression of quantitative traits
Authors: Jammes Hélène , Junien Claudine , Chavatte-Palmer Pascale
Published: August 2011

In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that epigenetic regulation of gene expression is critical during embryo development and subsequently during pre- and post-natal life. The phenotype of an individual is the result of complex interactions between genotype and current, past and ancestral environment leading to a lifelong remodelling of its epigenome. Practically, if the genome was compared with the hardware in a computer, the epigenome would be the software that directs the computer’s operation. This review points to the importance of epigenetic processes for genome function in various biological processes, such as embryo development and the expression of quantitative traits.
10 IN VITRO PROGESTERONE RELEASE KINETICS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DIFFERENT INTRAVAGINAL DEVICES USED IN CATTLE
Authors: Gomes G. C. , Kehrle A. , Maturana Filho M. , Caetano C. V. F. , Pimentel J. R. V. , Miguez P. H. P. , Madureira E. H.
Published: August 2011

Since progesterone releasing devices have been used for oestrous cycle control, many studies have been done to evaluate the reduce reproduction cost. However, there are few studies about reused devices. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare in vitro P4 releasing kinetics from 3 commercially available devices: Sincrogest® (SIN, 1 g of P4), Cronipres® (CRO, 1 g of P4 and 3 rings of 0.1 g of P4 for the third use), and Primer® (PRI, 1 g of P4). For each device, new (first use, n = 2), once-used (second use, n = 2), and twice-used (third use, n = 2) devices were tested. The tests were performed in a dissolutor sink using an alcohol/water mixture (60/40, vol/vol) as a release media. Samples were collected at 0–24 h (1P), 24–48 h (2P), 48–72 h (3P), and 72–96 h (4P). Table 1 shows the P4 amount (mg) and standard deviation in the periods in which there was statistical difference (P < 0.05; a–cdifferent letters in the same period differ statistically). The 3 brands of P4 devices differ in 2 of 4, 3 of 4, and 1 of 4 intervals for 1st-, 2nd, and 3rd-use device tests respectively. Additionally, P4 release decreased according to the number of previous uses. It is known that in vitro tests are more sensible to detect differences between devices. Nevertheless, these findings suggest the possibility of targeting different device categories for different animal categories depending on the animal steroid metabolism rate and consequent need for exogenous P4. However, for such a claim, further studies on this topic are needed.

Table 1.Comparison between the 3 types in each of 3 uses

Supported by FAPESP – Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do estado de São Paulo.
102 PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS OF CONDITIONED MEDIUM SUPPLEMENTED WITH PORCINE FOLLICULAR FLUID
Authors: Hwang S. , Oh K. B. , Lee H.-C. , Yang B.-C. , Lim D. , Im G.-S. , Woo J.-S. , Park S.-B.
Published: August 2011

Follicular fluid (FF) contains growth factors, electrolytes, hormones, amino acids, and unknown factors. Supplementation of porcine FF (pFF) to in vitro maturation (IVM) medium was reported to improve the oocyte maturation, monospermic fertilization and embryonic development. This study aimed at investigating whether pFF supplementation affects the characteristics of donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer and the proteomic composition of the culture medium. Ear fibroblast cells from an NIH major histocompatibility complex (MHC) inbred miniature pig were cultured with different culture methods: 1) DMEM + 10% FBS (FBS); 2) DMEM + 10% FBS + 10% pFF (pFF). The conditioned medium was collected at 72 h. After isoelectric focusing (IEF), the equilibrated strips were submitted to SDS-PAGE. Normalized protein spots were considered significantly different between the two groups if expression levels varied by two standard deviations. To identify the protein spots, an Ettan MALDI-TOF method was used. Upon submission of the amino acid sequences, proteins were identified by a homology search using ProteinInfo or BLAST search using the ExPASy Molecular Biology Server. The proportion of G0/G1 stage cells in the pFF group was significantly higher than the proportions in the other groups (P < 0.05). Among 42 differentially expressed spots, 36 proteins were identified in the pFF group. Some molecular functions of the spots were: catalytic or methytransferase activity, eukaryotic cell surface binding, or ferric iron binding. It can be concluded that pFF supplementation of culture medium positively affects cell-cycle synchronization and cell metabolism. Further studies are needed to analyse the function of these important cellular proteins.

This work received grant support from the Agenda Program (No. PJ006688) and (No. PJ007189), Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.
109 INTRAFOLLICULAR GLUCOSE CONCENTRATION HAS AN INFLUENCE ON THE SEX OF BOVINE BLASTOCYSTS PRODUCED IN VITRO
Authors: Abele E. , Stinshoff H. , Hanstedt A. , Wilkening S. , Meinecke-Tillmann S. , Wrenzycki C.
Published: August 2011

Several factors have been shown to alter the sex ratio of bovine embryos generated in vitro, i.e. the maturity of the oocyte at the time of insemination, the duration of sperm-oocyte co-incubation and the culture conditions after in vitro fertilization. It has been shown that the presence of glucose during in vitro culture reduced the development of female embryos to the blastocyst stage compared with controls cultured in the absence of glucose. The sex ratio of bovine embryos has also been linked with changes in the composition of the follicular fluid in which the oocyte undergoes growth and maturation, i.e. the intrafollicular testosterone concentration. However, no information is available regarding the effect of intrafollicular glucose concentration on the sex ratio of embryos after in vitro production (IVP). The purpose of this study was to determine whether different glucose concentrations in the follicular fluid at the time of cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) collection have an effect on the sex ratio of the resulting blastocysts after IVP. Ovaries from a local abattoir were transported to the laboratory within 2 h of slaughter. Follicles (3–8 mm) were individually dissected and the glucose concentration of each follicle was measured using a blood glucose monitoring system (Freestyle Freedom Lite, Abbott, Germany). Based on a glucose concentration, COC [low glucose: <1.1 mM (group 1) and high glucose: >1.1 mM (group 2)] were pooled in groups and used for blastocyst production employing standard protocols for IVP. Developmental rates were recorded at Day 3 (cleavage) and Day 7/8 (blastocyst stage). Total cell number of blastocysts was determined after Hoechst staining. Sex of the embryos was analysed via PCR using bovine X- and Y-chromosome specific primers. Developmental rates for COC stemming from follicles with different glucose concentrations did not show significant differences (P > 0.05) compared to each other [Cleavage rate: group 1: 81.8 ± 4.7% (93/117); group 2: 79.3 ± 4.9% (94/123); blastocyst rate: group 1: 35.6 ± 5.2% (38/117); group 2: 31.6 ± 5.2% (38/123)]. Total cell numbers were similar in embryos of both groups [Group 1: 117.7 ± 8.1 (n = 18); group 2: 117.2 ± 6.4 (n = 18)]. The overall sex ratio significantly differed (P < 0.05) from 1:1 in favour of females in both groups [Group 1: 85 v. 15% (n = 20); group 2: 63.6 v. 36.4% (n = 22)]. No significant difference (P > 0.05) in the overall sex ratio was detected in blastocysts produced under standard IVP conditions employed in the laboratory [without measurement of follicular glucose concentration, 55.0 v. 45.0%, (n = 20)]. In conclusion, under the conditions used in the present study, the intrafollicular glucose concentration from which the immature COC was collected affects the sex of the resulting embryo after IVP, favouring females. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in living cows using the ovum pickup technique.
110 EXPRESSION AND CLONING OF OESTRADIOL RECEPTOR α AND PROGESTERONE RECEPTORS AND INTERFERONE STIMULATED GENE 15 IN ENDOMETRIUM AND CORPUS LUTEUM OF PREGNANT CAMEL
Authors: Abdoon A. S. , Kandil O. M. , Kleim H. , Schams D. , Berisha B. , Zeng C. M.
Published: August 2011

Despite their economic and cultural importance, dromedary camel is considered as a slow breeding animal, because of the higher incidence of early embryonic death. The present study was designed to investigate: 1) Expression and cloning of progesterone receptors (PR) and oestradiol receptor α (ERα) in CL and endometrium of pregnant camel; 2) Detection of interferon stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) in corpus luteum (CL) and endometrium of pregnant dromedary camels. For PR and ERα, RNA was extracted from CL and endometrium of dromedary camels during early (1 to 3 months), mid (4 to 9 months), and late stage (10 to 13 months) of pregnancy. Messenger RNA expression of PR and ERα was performed using RT-qPCR. Detection of ISG15 was performed using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. In CL, both PR and ERα ± showed the same pattern with significantly high (P < 0.01) expression during early stage compared to mid or late stages of pregnancy. The lowest (P < 0.01) expression was detected during the late stage of pregnancy compared with the mid stage. There was no difference in mRNA expression for PR and ERα in endometrium of during the different stages of pregnancy in dromedary camels. ISG15 conjugated protein showed no expression in CL or endometrium of pregnant dromedary camels either by immunohistochemistry or Western blot. In conclusion, PR and ERα potentially play a role in regulating luteal function in CL during pregnancy in dromedary camels, further work is necessary to study the mechanism of pregnancy recognition in dromedary camels.
112 EXPRESSION OF DNA METHYLTRANSFERASES (DNMT) IN PLACENTAL TISSUES DURING EARLY PREGNANCY IN SHEEP
Authors: Grazul-Bilska A. T. , Johnson M. L. , Borowicz P. P. , Redmer D. A. , Reynolds L. P.
Published: August 2011

Normal placental development is critical for placental function and thus for normal embryonic and fetal growth and development. Many factors, including those from the environment or from the application of assisted reproductive techniques, are known to affect embryonic development. Additionally, altered DNA methylation was reported for fetal and/or maternal placenta from compromised pregnancies, and this may contribute to high embryonic/fetal loss. DNA methylation regulated by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) plays an important role during embryonic development. However, little is known about the expression of DNMT in placental tissues during early pregnancy in any species. To determine the mRNA expression of DNMT 3a and 3b (developmentally-regulated DNMT) in normal placenta, caruncular (CAR, maternal placenta) tissue and fetal membranes (FM, chorioallantois or fetal placenta) were collected on Days 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 after natural mating (n = 5–8 ewes day–1) and on Day 9–11 after oestrus (n = 7; non-pregnant [NP] controls, CAR only), snap-frozen, and then used for quantitative real time RT-PCR. For each tissue, data were analysed statistically by ANOVA with the day of pregnancy as the main effect. In CAR and FM, mRNA expression of DNMT3A and 3b was affected (P < 0.01–0.02) by day of pregnancy. In CAR, expression of DNMT3A was similar in NP controls and on days 14, 16, 18, and 30, was decreased (P < 0.01) ∼2-fold on day 20, and then gradually increased to day 30 of pregnancy. In CAR, expression of DNMT3b was similar in NP controls and on days 14, 16, 18, 24, 26, and 28, but was greater (P < 0.02) by ∼2-fold on days 22 and 30 than in NP controls or on days 24 and 26 of pregnancy. For CAR, regression analysis of DNMT3a mRNA expression demonstrated a cubic pattern (R2 = 0.253; P = 0.01) of expression during early pregnancy. In FM, DNMT3a increased (P < 0.01) ∼2-fold from day 16 to 24–30, but DNMT3b gradually decreased (∼0.5–5-fold; P < 0.01) from day 16 to day 30 of pregnancy. For FM, regression analysis of mRNA expression for DNMT3a demonstrated a linear increase (R2 = 0.301; P < 0.01), but for DNMT3b a cubic pattern (R2 = 0.624; P < 0.01) of expression during early pregnancy. These data indicate that DNMT3a and 3b mRNA are differentially expressed in CAR and FM, and the temporal pattern of expression of DNMT3a and 3b differs between maternal and fetal placental tissues during early pregnancy in sheep. Thus, significant changes in mRNA expression of DNMT3a and 3b in CAR and FM indicate that de novo methylation is present in the placenta during early pregnancy in sheep and may be regulated in part by the level of DNMT expression. These data provide a foundation for determining the basis for altered DNA methylation of placental and embryonic tissues in compromised pregnancies.

Supported by USDA grant 2007-01215 to LPR and ATGB, and NIH grant HL64141 to LPR and DAR.
116 PREGNANCY RATES AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF EQUINE CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (eCG) AT PROGESTERONE INTRAVAGINAL DEVICE REMOVAL AND 14 DAYS AFTER FIXED-TIME AI IN BEEF CATTLE
Authors: Núñez R. , de Castro T. , Cutaia L. , Bó G. , Menchaca A.
Published: August 2011

An important proportion of embryonic deaths in cattle occur during the critical period of embryo development and maternal recognition of pregnancy. High serum progesterone concentrations during this period are associated to higher embryo survival, and the use of eCG could enhance luteal activity. Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of administering eCG at the time of removal of a progesterone-releasing device and 14 days after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in beef cattle. Multiparous suckled cows between 60 and 90 days postpartum (n = 297; Exp. 1), and two-year old prepuberal heifers (n = 689; Exp. 2) with a body condition score (BCS) between 3.5 and 5 (1 to 8 scale) were used. At the beginning of the experiments, none of females used had a corpus luteum detected by ultrasonography. Females received an intravaginal device containing 0.5 g progesterone (DIB 0.5, Syntex, Buenos Aires, Argentina) and 2 mg oestradiol benzoate i.m. (Benzoato de Oestradiol, Syntex). Eight days later, 500 μg of cloprostenol (Ciclase DL, Syntex) and 0.5 mg oestradiol cypionate (Cipiosyn, Syntex) were given i.m. and devices were removed; FTAI was performed 52 to 56 h after DIB removal. At the time of device removal, the animals were randomly allocated to 4 groups, to receive 400 IU of eCG i.m. (Novormon, Syntex) or placebo at device removal and/or 14 days after FTAI, in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Control group did not receive eCG. In Exp. 1, nose plates were placed on calves on the day of DIB insertion and left for 10 days in order to prevent suckling. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography at 30 and 60 days after FTAI. Data were analysed by logistic regression. Pregnancy rate at 30 days after FTAI was affected by treatment (P < 0.05; Table 1). Late embryonic/fetal loss rates (non-pregnant females at 60 days after FTAI over those pregnant at 30 days) were 1.6% (3/182) for cows in Exp. 1 and 4.8% (14/292) for heifers in Exp. 2; no differences were detected among groups. In conclusion, administration of 400 IU of eCG at device removal increases pregnancy rate, both in anestrus cows and heifers. However, the administration of a second dose of eCG 14 days after FTAI suggests a possible effect on embryo survival within the first 30 days of pregnancy in cows but not in heifers. Further studies are required to confirm these results.

Table 1.Pregnancy rates after administration of eCG at time of progesterone device removal and/or 14 days after insemination in beef cattle

Supported by Syntex.