bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synchronization of Ovulation and Fixed Time Intrauterine Insemination in Ewes
Authors: Deligiannis C , Valasi I , Rekkas CA , Goulas P , Theodosiadou E , Lainas T , Amiridis GS 
Published: January 2005

ContentsA novel method for oestrus–ovulation synchronization in sheep followed by fixed time insemination is presented herewith. Mature dry ewes (n = 28) of Karagouniko breed being at an unknown stage of the oestrous cycle, were used during the middle of breeding season. The treatment protocol consisted of an initial administration of a GnRH analogue followed 5 days later by a prostaglandin F2α injection. Thirty‐six hours later a second GnRH injection was administered to synchronize ovulation, and laparoscopic intrauterine insemination was performed 12–14 h later. Three days after insemination, fertile rams were introduced into the flock twice daily and oestrus‐mating detection was carried out. For progesterone (P4) determination, blood samples were collected on alternate days, starting 2 days before the first GnRH injection and continuing for 17 days after insemination. An additional sample was taken on the day of insemination. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out by trans‐abdominal ultrasonography. Fourteen ewes (50%) conceived at insemination and maintained pregnancy; from the remainder 14 ewes 10 became pregnant at natural service, while four, although they mated at least two to three times, failed to conceive. In response to the first GnRH, P4 concentration increased at higher levels in ewes that conceived at AI compared with those that failed to conceive (47.54 and 22.44%, respectively; p < 0.05). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in mean P4 concentration between pregnant and non‐pregnant animals were detected 1 day before AI (0.17 ± 0.06 and 0.26 ± 0.14 ng/ml, respectively) on the day of AI (0.15 ± 0.04 and 0.24 ± 0.08 ng/ml, respectively) as well as 9 and 11 days thereafter (0.48 ± 0.12 and 0.38 ± 0.12 ng/ml; 0.68 ± 0.14 and 0.50 ± 0.18 ng/ml, respectively). These results indicate that using the proposed protocol, an acceptable conception rate can be achieved which could be further improved by modifying the time intervals between interventions.
Addition of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone to In Vitro Maturation Medium of Bovine Oocytes
Authors: Pozzobon SE , Lagares MA , Brum DS , Leivas FG , Rubin MIB 
Published: January 2005

ContentsThe aim of this study was to increase the bovine embryonic development rate, adding recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) to maturation medium of bovine oocytes. Oocytes were matured for 24 h in TCM 199 Earle's salts and five treatments were developed: T1, 0.01 IU/ml of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (rhFSH); T2, 0.01 IU/ml of rhFSH + 100 ng/ml of rhGH; T3, 0.01 IU/ml of rhFSH + 1000 ng/ml of rhGH; T4, 100 ng/ml of rhGH; and T5, 1000 ng/ml of rhGH at 39°C and 5% of CO2 in air and saturated humidity. In vitro fertilization from cumulus–oocyte complexes was conducted in TALP‐Fert medium (18–22 h) and spermatozoa were selected by Percoll gradient. Zygotes were incubated in SOFaaci medium in 5% of CO2 in air, 5% of O2 at 39°C and saturated humidity for 11 days. There was no statistical difference in cleavage rate and embryo production on day 7 and day 9 among treatments. However, the hatching rate increased significantly in the T4 and T5 treatments (11.0 and 12.8%, respectively), compared with the T1 treatment (4.6%) (p < 0.05). Therefore, the rhGH addition to the oocyte maturation medium showed beneficial effects on the hatching rate of in vitro‐produced bovine embryos.
The Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinase‐2 and ‐9 in Serum of Pregnant and Non‐Pregnant Bitches
Authors: Schäfer‐Somi S , Ali Aksoy O , Patzl M , Findik M , Erünal‐Maral N , Beceriklisoy HB , Polat B , Aslan S 
Published: January 2005

ContentsThe aim of this study was to investigate, whether the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and ‐9 in the serum of pregnant and non‐pregnant bitches differs significantly. For this purpose, 81 blood samples were taken from pregnant bitches at days 5–13, 15–21, 24–31, 34–40 and 41–50 after mating, and 51 samples from non‐pregnant animals at corresponding times. Relative enzyme activity, calculated as the percentage of serum enzyme activity on enzyme activity in a control sample, was determined with a commercially available assay after activation of serum MMPs with p‐aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA). In addition, serum oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured with an enzymeimmunoassay (EIA). In the pregnant bitches, at days 5–13 and 15–21 after mating, the mean activity of both MMPs was significantly higher than in non‐pregnant animals (28.5% vs 24.5% and 27.7% vs 22.6%; p < 0.01). Moreover, in the pregnant bitches, significant correlations were detected between the serum enzyme activity and the serum concentrations of E2(−0.900; p < 0.05) and P4(+0.667; p < 0.05).
Associations between Energy Metabolism, LH Pulsatility and First Ovulation in early Lactating Cows
Authors: Jorritsma R , Langendijk P , Kruip TAM , Wensing TH , Noordhuizen JPTM 
Published: January 2005

ContentsThis study was designed to elucidate associations between energy metabolism and LH pulsatility characteristics in early lactation, and days to first ovulation, in order to explain the relationship between energy balance and fertility observed in epidemiological studies. To this end, 10 multiparous HF cows were monitored during lactation, after the application of two different feeding strategies during the dry period. Days to first ovulation was assessed using blood progesterone measurements and LH pulsatility was measured in 8‐h windows in the third week postpartum. The association between depth of negative energy balance and days to ovulation was confirmed. However, this study does not support the idea that LH pulsatility characteristics in early lactation are predictive for the interval between parturition and first ovulation.
First Established Pregnancies in Mediterranean Italian Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) Following Deposition of Sexed Spermatozoa near the Utero Tubal Junction
Authors: Presicce GA , Verberckmoes S , Senatore EM , Klinc P , Rath D 
Published: January 2005

ContentsAt the time of AI following Ovsynch protocol, a total of 51 buffaloes were randomly divided in a first group (n = 30) subjected to conventional AI into the uterine body with 20 million non‐sex sorted frozen–thawed spermatozoa, while a second group (n = 21) was inseminated near the utero‐tubal junction (UTJ) ipsilateral to the ovary carrying the preovulatory follicle with 2.5 million live (4 million total) sex‐sorted frozen–thawed spermatozoa. The semen used for flowcytometric sorting was collected and processed on a farm in Italy, and then shipped to a laboratory in Germany. Eleven buffaloes were inseminated with X‐chromosome bearing spermatozoa and 10 with Y‐chromosome bearing spermatozoa. Conception rates after conventional and UTJ inseminations were 43.3% (n = 13) and 42.8% (n = 9) respectively (p = 0.97). Eight of the nine foetuses obtained after insemination with sexed spermatozoa corresponded to the sex as predicted by the cell sorting procedure (five male and four female foetuses by ultrasound vs six male and three female foetuses by cell sorting). In conclusion, for the first time buffalo semen has been successfully subjected to procedures for flowcytometric sperm sorting and freezing. Low doses of sexed spermatozoa have been deposited near the UTJ giving conception rates similar to those of conventional AI with full dose.
Ripening of Camembert‐type cheese made from caprine milk using calf rennet or kid rennet as coagulant
Authors: O'SULLIVAN NIAMH A , SOUSA MARIA J , O'GRADY‐WALSH DEIRDRE , UNIACKE THÉRESE , KELLY ALAN L , McSWEENEY PAUL L H 
Published: January 2005

Camembert‐type cheese was made from caprine milk using either calf rennet or kid ‘Grandine’ rennet as coagulant. The pH of all cheeses increased throughout ripening and levels of pH 4.6‐soluble nitrogen increased from 8.1 to 18.2% of total nitrogen (TN) and from 6.9 to 20% TN for the cheeses made using calf rennet and kid rennet, respectively. Degradation of β‐casein, measured by urea–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and total and free amino acids were greater in the cheese made using kid rennet. Production of peptides, analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was slightly more extensive in the Camembert‐type cheese made using calf rennet as coagulant. In general, a higher degree of proteolysis was found in Camembert‐type cheese made from caprine milk using kid rennet than in cheese made using calf rennet as coagulant.
Turkish kefir and kefir grains: microbial enumeration and electron microscobic observation†
Authors: GUZEL‐SEYDIM ZEYNEP , WYFFELS JENNIFER T , SEYDIM ATIF C , GREENE ANNEL K 
Published: January 2005

Microbial populations in kefir and kefir grains were enumerated by plating. Total lactic acid bacteria, lactoccocci, lactobacilli and yeast populations increased during fermentation and increased slightly during cold storage. Kefir grains had a lactic acid bacteria : yeast ratio of 10

9

: 10

6

. In further studies, kefir grains were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods, which indicated yeast colonization on the surface and middle part of the kefir grain. Three types of lactobacilli (short, long and curved) were noted throughout the grain. Lactococci were not observed under SEM; preparation of kefir grains for SEM may have caused removal of lactococci from the grains.
Production of hard cheese from caprine milk by the use of two types of probiotic cultures as adjuncts
Authors: KALAVROUZIOTI I , HATZIKAMARI M , LITOPOULOU‐TZANETAKI E , TZANETAKIS N 
Published: January 2005

Hard cheeses (Kefalotyri‐like) were manufactured from caprine milk with yoghurt as a starter (A), and with its partial replacement with the probiotic adjuncts Lactobacillus rhamnosus LC 705 (B) and/or Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei DC 412 (C). Both adjuncts retarded the growth of enterococci, and the environment in cheese B did not favour the recovery of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on Rogosa agar. However, better recovery of the LAB population on M17 agar from cheeses B and C made with adjuncts was recorded early in ripening, and this was accompanied by a greater decrease in pH. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) of whole‐cell protein demonstrated that cheese C, made with Lb. paracasei ssp. paracasei as adjunct, is a better vehicle for delivery of live probiotic cells (107 cfu/g) to the gastrointestinal tract than cheese B, made with Lb. rhamnosus; the latter did not belong to the predominant microflora of one out of the two B cheeses. Urea‐PAGE electrophoresis results indicated that adjunct lactobacilli enhanced the degradation of both αS‐casein (αS‐CN) and β‐casein (β‐CN). In the fresh cheese, hydrolysis of αS‐CN was more rapid than β‐CN, and the free amino acid content of B and C was higher than in A. Lipolysis products were also higher in B and C than in A as ripening progressed, and the organoleptic characteristics of these cheeses resulted in higher scores, in the order C > B > A. Thus, making Kefalotyri‐like cheese from caprine milk with probiotic lactobacilli, particularly Lb. paracasei ssp. paracasei, as adjunct can be considered an effective way of producing a cheese with a large number of probiotic cells.
Texture and microflora of vallagret cheese during maturation
Authors: ARYANA KAYANUSH J , HAQUE ZAHUR Z 
Published: January 2005

Vallagret is a unique Jarlsberg‐like cheese that combines characteristics of Cheddar and Swiss cheeses. The objectives of this study were to elucidate the stress and strain behaviour of young (1 week) and mature (20 weeks) vallagret cheese and to enumerate the microflora of young and matured cheeses. The large deformation properties of vallagret cheese were determined using an Instron universal testing machine. Lactococci were enumerated using M17 agar. Lactobacilli and Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. cremoris were enumerated on Lactobacillus selective (LBS) agar while the aerobic microorganisms were enumerated using plate count agar. Fracture stress decreased significantly from 0.52 MPa in young cheese to 0.11 MPa in the matured samples and fracture strain decreased significantly from 87% in young cheese to 41% in matured cheese. Aerobic microorganisms and lactococci decreased on maturation while the numbers of lactobacilli and Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. cremoris increased over the 20‐week maturation period. Maturation affected the microbial counts of vallagret cheese. On maturation, vallagret cheese became softer and had lowered resistance to fracture.
Determinants and consequences of discrepancies in menstrual and ultrasonographic gestational age estimates
Authors: Morin Isabelle , Morin Lucie , Zhang Xun , Platt Robert W. , Blondel Béatrice , Bréart Gérard , Usher Robert , Kramer Michael S. 
Published: January 2005

Objectives  To assess the association between maternal and fetal characteristics and discrepancy between last normal menstrual period and early (<20 weeks) ultrasound‐based gestational age and the association between discrepancies and pregnancy outcomes.Design  Hospital‐based cohort study.Setting  Montreal, Canada.Sample  A total of 46,514 women with both menstrual‐ and early ultrasound‐based gestational age estimates.Main outcome measures  Positive (last normal menstrual period > early ultrasound, i.e. menstrual‐based gestational age is higher than early ultrasound‐based gestational age, so that the expected date of delivery is earlier with the menstrual‐based gestational age) discrepancies ≥+7 days, mean birthweight, low birthweight, stillbirth and in‐hospital neonatal death.Results  Multiparous mothers and those with diabetes, small stature or high pre‐pregnancy body mass index were more likely to have positive discrepancies. The proportion of women with discrepancies ≥+7 days was significantly higher among chromosomally malformed and female fetuses. The mean birthweight declined with increasingly positive differences. The risk of low birthweight was significantly higher for positive differences. Associations with fetal growth measures were more plausible with early ultrasound estimates.Conclusions  Although most discrepancies between last normal menstrual period‐ and early ultrasound‐based gestational age are attributable to errors in menstrual dating, our results suggest that some positive differences reflect early growth restriction.
Proteomic biomarker analysis of amniotic fluid for identification of intra‐amniotic inflammation
Authors: Buhimschi Irina A. , Christner Rob , Buhimschi Catalin S. 
Published: January 2005

Background  Intra‐amniotic inflammation is associated with poor neonatal outcome independent of prematurity. We applied proteomic technology (SELDI: surface‐enhanced laser desorption ionisation) to identify the proteomic profile of intra‐amniotic inflammation.Design  One hundred and four samples of amniotic fluid were analysed. In stage 1, samples from patients with symptoms of preterm labour and known outcomes were tested to identify the characteristic profile for inflammation. We extracted the profile using a novel, stepwise logical approach comparing SELDI tracings from patients who delivered preterm and had intra‐amniotic inflammation in response to infection to the tracings of patients who had symptoms of preterm labour but delivered at term. In stage 2, we applied the algorithm to samples from pregnancies whose outcomes were unknown to the investigators.Setting  North‐American university in collaboration with Ciphergen field demonstration laboratory.Sample  One hundred and four samples of human amniotic fluid from transabdominal amniocentesis.Methods  SELDI (surface‐enhanced laser desorption ionisation) and Mass Restricted analysis, a novel algorithm for extraction of clinical and biological relevant biomarkers from proteomic SELDI tracings.Main outcome measure  Presence of intra‐amniotic inflammation and/or infection leading to preterm birth.Results  Patients with intra‐amniotic inflammation that deliver preterm have a distinctive amniotic fluid proteomic profile of three or four of the following proteins: neutrophil defensins‐1 and ‐2, and calgranulins A and C. Based on the presence or absence of these biomarkers, we devised the mass restricted (MR) score ranging from 0 (all biomarker peaks absent) to 4 (all biomarker peaks present). In stage 1, MR score > 2 had 92.9% sensitivity (95% CI 76.5–98.9) and 91.8% specificity (95% CI 80.4–97.7) for detection of intra‐amniotic inflammation. In blind testing (stage 2), MR score > 2 provided 100% specificity and sensitivity (95% CI 100–100). A MR score > 2 was associated with imminent preterm delivery.Conclusion  Proteomic analysis of amniotic fluid reveals the presence of biomarkers characteristic of intrauterine inflammation. This methodology may identify the subgroup of patients that might benefit most from interventions to prevent fetal damage in utero.
Vaginal hysterectomy for benign disorders in obese women: a prospective study
Authors: Rafii Arash , Samain Emmanuel , Levardon Michel , Darai Emile , Deval Bruno 
Published: January 2005

Objective  To compare the morbidity of vaginal hysterectomy in obese and non‐obese women in a single institution.Design  Obese and non‐obese women with benign uterine disorders matched for age, parity and race underwent vaginal hysterectomy without laparoscopic assistance. Peri‐operative outcome complications were compared. Thirty‐eight women had a BMI over 30 kg/m2 (study group) and 178 women had a BMI below 30 kg/m2 (control group).Setting  Gynaecologic department of a university hospital.Population  Women who were referred to our department with an indication of vaginal hysterectomy for benign disorders.Methods  Case control study.Main outcome measures  Peri‐operative complications, the fall in the haemoglobin concentration, the duration of the procedure, the length of the hospital stay and uterine weight were analysed.Results  Mean BMI was 33.2 and 23.7 kg/m2 in the study and control groups, respectively. None of the obese women had severe co‐morbidity contraindicating surgery. There were no significant differences in surgical or anaesthetic risk factors, including parity, hormonal status, pre‐existing disease and estimated mean uterine weight. The overall complication rates were 14% and 16% in the obese and non‐obese groups, respectively (P= 0.7). Obesity did not increase the duration of the procedure (48 [7] minutes vs 50 [10] minutes, P= 0.1) or the length of hospitalisation (5.8 [1.4] days vs 5.5 [1.2] days, P= 0.2).Conclusion  Vaginal hysterectomy can be successfully performed, with acceptable morbidity, in obese women.
Delivery of Growth Factors Using Gene Therapy to Enhance Bone Healing
Authors: Southwood Louise L. , Frisbie David D. , Kawcak Chris E. , Mcilwraith C. Wayne 
Published: January 2005

Objective— To review the delivery of growth factors using gene therapy for enhancing long‐bone fracture healing.Study Design— Literature review.Methods— MEDLINE and CAB Abstracts literature search (1980–2004).Results— Non‐union and infected non‐union are relatively common complications of long‐bone fractures in human and veterinary patients. Growth factors are cytokines that regulate many cell functions important in fracture healing. Exogenous growth factors can be delivered to the fracture site as recombinant proteins or using gene therapy. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 and ‐7 (rhBMP‐2 and ‐7), in particular, enhance fracture healing in numerous experimental and clinical studies. Some limitations with use of recombinant proteins may be overcome by use of gene therapy. Gene therapy involves delivery of the growth factor gene to cells at the fracture site using a viral or non‐viral vector. The gene is then expressed (protein synthesis) by cells at the fracture site. Delivery of the BMP gene to the fracture site using gene therapy has been evaluated in laboratory animal models of non‐union, with favorable results and without complications.Conclusion— Delivery of growth factors, particularly members of BMP family, to the fracture site using gene therapy may be a method to enhance fracture healing. Use of this technology may improve the prognosis for patients with long‐bone fractures.Clinical Relevance— Clinical application of gene therapy could improve the prognosis for human and veterinary patients with long‐bone fractures, but has not been evaluated clinically.
Cutaneous Wound Healing in the Cat: A Macroscopic Description and Comparison with Cutaneous Wound Healing in the Dog
Authors: Bohling Mark W. , Henderson Ralph A. , Swaim Steven F. , Kincaid Steven A. , Wright James C. 
Published: January 2005

Objective—To describe the macroscopic features of first and second intention cutaneous wound healing in the cat and compare with the dog.Study Design—Experimental study.Animals—Domestic shorthaired cats (6) and beagle dogs (6).Methods—Square, open cutaneous wounds created on the dorsal aspect of the thorax were evaluated for 21 days for temporal and spatial development of granulation tissue, wound contraction, epithelialization, and total healing. To evaluate first intention healing, breaking strength of sutured linear cutaneous wounds was measured at 7 days post‐wounding. Laser‐Doppler perfusion imaging was used to measure cutaneous perfusion.Results—First intention healing: sutured wounds in cats were only half as strong as those in dogs at day 7 (0.406 versus 0.818 kg breaking strength). Second intention healing: cats produced significantly less granulation tissue than dogs, with a peripheral, rather than central distribution. Wound epithelialization and total wound healing (total reduction in open wound area from contraction and epithelialization) were greater for dogs than for cats over 21 days. Wound contraction on day 7 was greater for dogs, but not on day 14 or 21. Cutaneous perfusion was initially greater for dogs than for cats, but no differences were detected after day 7.Conclusions—Significant, previously unreported differences in cutaneous wound healing exist between cats and dogs. In general, cutaneous wounds in cats are slower to heal. Cats and dogs also appear to use different mechanisms of second intention healing. In cats wounds close mainly by contraction of the wound edges, whereas in dogs wounds close more from central pull, and epithelialization.Clinical Relevance—Surgeons should view the cat as a unique species, which presents its own special challenges in wound healing, and should take this into account when planning treatment of feline wounds, either by primary closure, or by second intention healing.