bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breeding or Assisted Reproduction? Relevance of the Horse Model Applied to the Conservation of Endangered Equids
Authors: Smits K , Hoogewijs M , Woelders H , Daels P , Van Soom A 
Published: July 2012

ContentsMany wild equids are at present endangered in the wild. Concurrently, increased mechanization has pushed back the numbers of some old native horse breeds to levels that are no longer compatible with survival of the breed. Strong concerns arose in the last decade to preserve animal biodiversity, including that of rare horse breeds. Genome Resource Banking refers to the cryostorage of genetic material and is an approach forex situconservation, which should be applied in combination within situconservation programmes. In this review, we propose that, owing to the great reproductive similarity among the different members of the genus Equus, the domestic horse can be used to optimize cryopreservation and embryo production protocols for future application in wild equids. We will give this hypothesis a scientific underpinning by listing successful applications of epididymal sperm freezing, embryo freezing, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, oocyte vitrification and somatic cell nuclear transfer in domestic horses. Some ART fertilization methods may be performed with semen of very low quality or with oocytes obtained after the death of the mare.
The Critical Roles of Progesterone Receptor (PGR) in Ovulation, Oocyte Developmental Competence and Oviductal Transport in Mammalian Reproduction
Authors: Akison LK , Robker RL 
Published: July 2012

ContentsProgesterone is critical for successful ovulation in the ovary and for the multi‐faceted role of the oviduct in mammalian reproduction. Its effects are mediated by progesterone receptor (PGR), which is highly expressed in the ovary, specifically granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles in response to the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that occurs just prior to ovulation, and in the oviduct, predominantly luminal epithelial cells but also muscle cells. This review will summarize research which shows that progesterone, via the actions of PGR, plays a key role in the functions of these cells and in the important periovulatory events of oocyte release, acquisition of oocyte developmental competence and oviductal transport of the newly formed embryo. PGR is a nuclear receptor that regulates the expression of many downstream target genes. However, although much is known about its expression characteristics in ovarian and oviductal cells, there is still much to unravel about the mechanisms by which PGR exerts its control over these important reproductive processes, particularly in the oviduct.
Mechanisms Linking Metabolic Status and Disease with Reproductive Outcome in the Dairy Cow
Authors: Wathes DC 
Published: July 2012

ContentsCulling for infertility remains the main reason for disposal of dairy cows, limiting productive lifespan. In extreme cases, ovulation is inhibited, preventing the possibility of conception. More often cows do conceive, but fail to remain pregnant owing to intrinsic problems in the embryo and/or to a poor‐quality reproductive tract environment. Both aspects have a genetic component and are also influenced by management practices affecting nutrition and health. The relative importance of these factors varies among heifers, first‐lactation and older cows. A common theme, however, is that an internal signalling system exists which reduces fertility when the cow is in an unsuitable metabolic state to sustain a pregnancy. This may be directly related to nutrient shortage caused by inadequate feed intake, or because available nutrients are being prioritized towards growth or milk production, away from reproduction. Evidence is presented for the involvement of the somatotrophic axis (GH, IGF1, insulin, IGFBP2) and leptin as key metabolic signalling molecules. Another emerging theme is the interaction between metabolism and disease that affects the fertility. Common examples include (i) calf diseases causing inadequate heifer growth and increased age at first calving; (ii) poor peripartum energy status reducing the capacity of the uterus to involute and mount an effective immune response, thereby increasing the likelihood of endometritis; and (iii) development of mastitis after conception, a contributory factor to both early and late embryo mortality. Finally, recent evidence suggests that times of metabolic stress cause mitochondrial damage that also contributes to a reduction in longevity.
Environmental Endocrine Disruptors in Farm Animal Reproduction: Research and Reality
Authors: Magnusson U 
Published: July 2012

ContentsIn this review, possible comparative advantages of studying endocrine disruption in farm animals vs laboratory rodents are discussed. First, using farm animals, the generality of findings in laboratory rodents are challenged. Farm animals may in certain aspects be better models for humans than laboratory rodents, and sometimes there might be methodological advantages in using farm animals. Second, there are several in vitro studies based on cell‐culture systems from sows and cows where the effects of chemicals on sex steroid secretion can be measured and maturation and fertilization of oocytes may be assessed. These in vitro systems are powerful tools for dissecting the mechanisms of action for endocrine‐disrupting chemicals. Third, in a set of recent in vivo studies using sheep, goats and pigs, in which very different exposure regimens to endocrine‐disrupting chemicals have been used, a full panel of reproductive parameters pertinent to farm animals were assessed. Clinically, it is suggested that endocrine disruption in farm animals should be considered when impaired reproduction could be linked to change in source of feed or pasture. Finally, epigenetic and toxicogenomic approaches can be particularly rewarding in elucidating endocrine disruption in future farm animal studies.
Sperm Interaction with the Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: Druart X 
Published: July 2012

ContentsSperm transit in the female tract is a critical event for the success of fertilization. From their deposition in the vagina to final migration in the oviduct, sperm pass through the different compartments of the genital tract in which they encounter different environments. The cervix and the uterotubal junction (UTJ) are two barriers with different relative importance according to the species. The protein composition, the degree of glycosylation and the hydration of the cervical mucus change during the oestrous cycle. Several sperm surface proteins are associated with their migration through the cervical mucus and the UTJ. Data regarding the interaction of sperm with secretions of the epithelial tissue lining the different compartments of the female genital tract during the sperm transit are reviewed, with a particular emphasis on the migration of sperm through the cervix.
Enhancing Insemination Performance in Pigs Through Controlled Release of Encapsulated Spermatozoa
Authors: Faustini M , Vigo D , Spinaci M , Galeati G , Torre ML 
Published: July 2012

ContentsEncapsulation of boar semen is a novel technique that allows insemination to be performed as a single intervention without the need to dilute the semen. The research reviewed in this paper shows that spermatozoa encapsulated in alginate are able to achieve the same fertility as two or three inseminations per oestrus using standard techniques and unencapsulated cells. The use of encapsulated spermatozoa is currently limited by the need for longer semen processing time and wastage of disposable material (catheters, plastic bottles, etc.). In this review, the advantages, the drawbacks and the future possibilities for artificial insemination with encapsulated spermatozoa in the sow are discussed, with the aim of applying this promising new methodology for the optimization of sow reproductive performance.
Seminal Plasma Components in Camelids and Comparisons with Other Species
Authors: Kershaw‐Young CM , Maxwell WMC 
Published: July 2012

ContentsCamelid semen is characterized by a highly viscous, low‐volume ejaculate with a low concentration of spermatozoa that exhibit low progressive motility. The viscous seminal plasma is currently the major impediment to the development of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in camelids. To advance ARTs such as sperm cryopreservation and artificial insemination in camelids, it is necessary to identify the cause of the viscosity and gain an understanding of the role of seminal plasma components on sperm function and fertility. Numerous compounds and proteins have been identified as mediators of sperm function and predictors of fertility in other livestock species, and understanding the importance of specific proteins has progressed the success of ARTs in these species. Current knowledge on the components of camelid seminal plasma is outlined, together with the implications of these components for the development of ARTs in camelids. The cause of semen viscosity, as well as proteins that are present in camelid seminal plasma, is described for the first time. Seminal plasma components are compared with those of other species to hypothesize their role in sperm function and fertility.
Immunity and Inflammation in the Uterus
Authors: Turner ML , Healey GD , Sheldon IM 
Published: July 2012

ContentsMicrobes often infect the uterus and particularly the endometrium of animals. Infections are most commonly associated with natural service, pregnancy and the post‐partum period, leading to inflammation with the elaboration of cytokines, chemokines and prostaglandins. Clinical diseases such as metritis, endometritis and abortion are important causes of infertility. The adaptive immune response to infection has been characterized previously, so the present review aims to highlight the emerging role for innate immunity in the endometrium. The detection of microbes and the innate immune response depends on the detection of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns by pattern recognition receptors. The main families of pattern recognition receptors are Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), nucleotide oligomerization domain‐like receptors, retinoic acid‐inducible gene I‐like receptors and C‐type lectin receptors. These receptors are most often expressed by hematopoietic cells, but the epithelial and stromal cells of the endometrium also possess functional receptors. For example, endometrial cells express TLR4 for recognition of the lipopolysaccharide endotoxin of Gram‐negative bacteria, leading to secretion of IL‐6, IL‐8 and prostaglandin E2. It is likely that the epithelial and stromal cells provide a first line of defence in the endometrium to alert hematopoietic cells to the presence of microbes within the uterus.
Food for thought: Enabling and constraining factors for effective rural eating disorder service delivery
Authors: Weber Mim , Davis Kierrynn 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjective:  This study examined the effectiveness of an assessment and referral model of eating disorder service delivery in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales and its potential as a model for rural service delivery.Design:  A qualitative evaluative research design used brief and extended semistructured interviews with clients, and surveys and semistructured extended interviews with service providers who either referred clients to the service or to whom clients were referred.Setting:  A sole practitioner service based in a small non‐government women's health service in rural New South Wales.Participants:  Clients of the service, all but one of whom was woman; service providers including general practitioners, private practice psychologists and social workers, dietitians, mental health service workers.Major outcome measures:  Participant identified enabling and constraining factors which contributed to the effectiveness of the service model.Results:  Whilst all service providers and most clients found the assessment process to be beneficial, they identified a number of constraining factors in the referral part of the service which undermined the effectiveness of the model of service delivery, especially for those with more complex or severe presentations.Conclusions:  For a rural ED service to be effective, a number of enabling factors must be present including the capacity to provide: treatment services as well as assessment; a multidisciplinary team approach to assessment and treatment; and expert consultation and training to generalist practitioners, counsellors, hospital wards and other service providers.
Helping and hindering: Perceptions of enablers and barriers to collaboration within a rural South Australian mental health network
Authors: Crotty Mikaila M. , Henderson Julie , Fuller Jeffrey D. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjective:  To evaluate clinicians’ perceptions of what helps and hinders the delivery of mental health care across a service network in a rural setting.Design:  Qualitative, semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 individuals who work in one rural mental health care service network.Setting:  A regional centre in rural South Australia involving representatives of the mental health team, general practice, hospital, community health and nongovernment organisations.Results:  Clinicians’ perceptions of barriers and enablers to working within their mental health care network were explored. Participants showed a strong shared commitment to effective mental health care delivery and a good understanding of the services that each offers. Interview data suggested that working relationships between local services could be perceived as stronger when a personal or historical element is recognisable. Similarly, the notion of familiarity and community involvement were perceived as facilitators in this network. A perceived barrier for participants was the failure to attract staff with mental health experience, leading to dependence upon the dedication and commitment of existing service providers.Conclusions:  Collaboration is especially necessary in rural areas, where access to health care services is known to be difficult. The informality of relationships between service providers was shown to be the main facilitator in the network. This is both a strength as it promotes the communication between services and service providers that is essential for successful collaboration, yet is also a threat to the sustainability of the network based on the difficulties of staff recruitment and retention to rural settings.
Electronic records suggest suboptimal management of chronic kidney disease in general practice
Authors: Pilotto Louis S. J. , Ball Partick A. , Smithard Jane M. , Kennedy David R. J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjective:  To examine electronic records of GP management of chronic kidney disease.Design:  Cross‐sectional study.Setting:  Thirteen general practices.Participants:  Fifteen thousand four hundred and fiftteen active patients aged 50 years and over.Main outcome measure:  Recorded estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and diabetes, and rate of prescribing of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACE/ARBs).Results:  Six thousand and fifty‐nine (39%) patients had hypertension and 1859 (12%), diabetes. Two thousand six hundred and eighty‐nine (17%) patients were recorded with eGFR < 60 mL min–1 (1.73 m2)–1, while 3344 (22%) did not have an eGFR result recorded. Hypertension, diabetes and eGFR <60 mL min–1 (1.73 m2)–1 were shown to be significantly related to prescribing of ACE/ARBs; however, 31% of known diabetics and 23% of diabetics with an eGFR < 60 mL min–1 (1.73 m2)–1 are not recorded as receiving ACE or ARB therapy. Forty‐two per cent of patients with eGFR < 60 mL min–1 (1.73 m2)–1, are also not recorded as receiving ACE or ARB therapy. There was a 23% variation in the rates of prescribing of ACE/ARBs by practice for patients with diabetes and eGFR < 60 mL min–1 (1.73 m2)–1.Conclusion:  The overall recording of eGFR and the recorded prescribing of ACE or ARB therapy in known diabetics and patients with eGFR < 60 mL min–1 (1.73 m2)–1appear suboptimal. Also, the variations in prescribing between practices require further investigation.
Health behaviours and outcomes associated with fly‐in fly‐out and shift workers in Western Australia
Authors: Joyce S. J. , Tomlin S. M. , Somerford P. J. , Weeramanthri T. S. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAimsTo examine the association of health behaviours and outcomes with employment type in the West Australian adult population.MethodsCross‐sectional study of employed adults aged 16 years and over using self‐reported information collected in the WA Health and Wellbeing Surveillance System between 2008 and 2010. A total of 380 fly‐in fly‐out (FIFO) workers, 913 shift workers and 10 613 workers of other employment types were identified.ResultsFIFO workers exhibited similar health behaviours to shift workers but had a different sociodemographic profile. Compared with other employment types, FIFO workers were significantly more likely to be current smokers, drink alcohol at risky levels, and be overweight or obese, after adjusting for age, sex and survey sampling strategies. They were less likely to report current mental health problems.ConclusionsSelf‐reported health behaviours of FIFO workers differ from other employment types. FIFO workers are expected to increase in number over the next decade, as the mining and resources sector expands in Australia. Our findings suggest that health interventions, whether in the workplace or clinical settings, need to be informed by the demographic mix of the cohort of workers on entry as they are not a homogenous group, and targeted towards specific employment patterns (length of shifts and type of employment) to improve their current and future well‐being.
Hydroxychloroquine in lupus: emerging evidence supporting multiple beneficial effects
Authors: Tang C. , Godfrey T. , Stawell R. , Nikpour M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDue to multiple beneficial effects, including control of disease activity, reduction in cardiovascular events and improved survival, hydroxychloroquine is now recommended long‐term for all patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. However, patients must be made aware of the possible risk of retinal toxicity and have eye examinations to monitor for this complication. As hydroxychloroquine becomes more widely used in systemic lupus erythematosus, physicians must also be aware of rare but serious adverse effects, including neuromyotoxicity and cardiotoxicity.
How receptive are patients to medical students in Australian hospitals? A cross‐sectional survey of a public and a private hospital
Authors: Tiong M. K. , Levinson M. R. , Oldroyd J. C. , Staples M. P. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundMedical student numbers in Australian universities have more than doubled since 2000. There are concerns about the ability for existing clinical training sites to accommodate this increase in student numbers, and there have been calls to increase training in private hospitals. The receptiveness of patients in private hospitals will influence the success of such placements.AimsWe aimed to evaluate whether patients in a private hospital are as receptive to medical students as patients in a public hospital.MethodsCross‐sectional survey of patients conducted at a private and a public teaching hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Main outcome measures were willingness to allow a medical student to participate in an interview, physical examination and procedures (electrocardiogram, venepuncture and digital rectal examination), and patient attitudes towards medical students as assessed by a series of 20 attitude statements and a summative attitude score.ResultsPatients at the private hospital were more willing than patients at the public hospital to allow a medical student to take their history unsupervised (112/146, 76.7% vs 90/141, 63.8%; P = 0.02). The distribution of patient willingness did not otherwise differ between hospitals for physical examination or procedures. There was no difference in the mean attitude score between hospitals (15.3 ± 0.8 private vs 15.4 ± 1.2 public, P = 0.38), and responses differed between hospitals for only four of the 20 attitude statements.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that patients in a private hospital are at least as receptive to medical students as patients in a public hospital.
Comparison between perceptual assessments of nasality and nasalance scores
Authors: Brunnegård Karin , Lohmander Anette , van Doorn Jan 
Published: July 2012

Abstract  Background: There are different reports of the usefulness of the Nasometer™ as a complement to listening, often as correlation calculations between listening and nasalance measurements. Differences between findings have been attributed to listener experience and types of speech stimuli.Aims: To compare nasalance scores from the Nasometer with perceptual assessments, for the same and different Swedish speech stimuli, using three groups of listeners with differing levels of experience in judging speech nasality.Methods & Procedures: To compare nasalance scores and blinded listener ratings of randomized recordings using three groups of listeners and two groups of speakers. Speakers were either classified as having hypernasal speech or speech with typical speech resonance. Listeners were speech–language pathologists (SLPs) working predominantly with resonance disorders, other SLPs and untrained listeners.Outcomes & Results: Correlations (rs) between hypernasality ratings and nasalance scores for each listener group and speech stimuli were calculated. For both groups of SLPs all correlations between perceptual ratings and nasalance scores were significant at p= 0.01. The correlations between the nasalance scores and ratings by listeners in the SLP groups were higher than those for the untrained listener group regardless of stimulus type. Post‐hoc Mann–Whitney U‐tests showed that the only difference that was significant was expert SLP group versus untrained listener group. Secondly, correlations between perceptual ratings and oral stimulus nasalance scores were higher when the perceptual ratings were based on spontaneous speech rather than on the oral stimulus. However, a Wilcoxon signed rank test showed that the difference was not significant. A third finding was that correlations between oral stimulus nasalance scores and perceptual scores were higher than those between mixed stimulus nasalance scores and perceptual scores. A Wilcoxon signed rank test showed that the difference was significant.Conclusions & Implications: The Nasometer might be useful for the SLP with limited experience in assessing resonance disorders in differentiating between hyper‐ and hyponasality. With listener reliability for ratings of hypernasality still being an issue, the use of a nasalance score as a complement to the perceptual evaluation will also aid the expert SLP. It will give an alternative way of quantifying speech resonance and might help in especially hard to judge cases.