Progesterone Assay Research Articles

Trauma-related moderators of associations between sex hormones and PTSD symptoms: a replication-extension

ABSTRACT Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disproportionately affects women and recent evidence suggests that unique associations between sex hormones (e.g. estradiol and progesterone) and PTSD symptoms may contribute to this difference. In addition, trauma characteristics such as age at trauma and trauma type may influence this association. We aimed to replicate and extend the findings of a prior study that identified trauma characteristics (sexual trauma and age at trauma) as moderators of associations between estradiol and PTSD symptoms. Methods: Sixty-five trauma-exposed individuals assigned female at birth were included (M age = 31.45). Participants provided blood samples for estradiol and progesterone assays. The Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) was used to assess trauma characteristics and PTSD symptoms. Results: There were no significant correlations between estradiol, progesterone, and PTSD symptom severity. Regression analyses revealed no moderation effects by sexual trauma or age at trauma for estradiol. However, age at trauma significantly moderated the relationship between progesterone and total PTSD severity. Discussion: Contrary to expectations, our results did not replicate prior research, as estradiol was not associated with PTSD severity in our sample. Progesterone was not directly associated with PTSD symptoms, but this relationship was moderated by age at trauma onset. Our findings suggest that trauma characteristics may influence the relationship between sex hormones and PTSD symptoms. While we didn't replicate previous associations between estradiol and PTSD symptoms, our study emphasizes the importance of considering trauma characteristics in understanding the relationship between sex hormones and PTSD.

Duration of efficacy and effect of implant location in adult queens treated with a 9.4 mg deslorelin subcutaneous implant

Deslorelin is a GnRH-agonist used off-label for contraception in female cats. Little is known about duration and safety of the 9.4 mg subcutaneous implant in the queen as well as its efficacy when placed periumbilically. Fourteen female cats were administered the 9.4 mg deslorelin implant (during interestrus or anestrus) either in interscapular (N = 8) or periumbilical (N = 6) sites, following general and reproductive examination, vaginal cytology, hematology, biochemistry and progesterone assay to ensure health status. All above procedures (except for progesterone assay) were repeated weekly during the first month, then every 2 months until 6 months and then every 6 months until treated cats regained full reproductive function. No side effects were observed in any treated queen. Post implantation estrus occurred in 40 % of the subjects. A significant increase in body weight was observed during treatment (12/14 queens gained weight), particularly at the end of the study. At the end of the study some queens mated, conceived and kittened, proving reversibility of the treatment. The average duration of action of the 9.4 mg deslorelin implant was 790 ± 155 days (range 525–1140 days) with no significant difference in duration or efficacy depending on implantation sites. The 9.4 mg deslorelin implant causes pharmacological sterilization for about 2 years in female cats, is fully reversible and caused no clinically relevant side effects when administered at both interscapular and periumbilical sites.

Accuracy of INF-tau assay for early pregnancy diagnosis in Awassi ewes compared to progesterone assay and transrectal ultrasonography

Accuracy of INF-tau assay for early pregnancy diagnosis in Awassi ewes compared to progesterone assay and transrectal ultrasonography

Evidence-based practice in canine artificial insemination.

A number of methods are currently used to predict the optimal date of insemination of the breeding bitch, particularly with the use of frozen-thawed canine semen which has a far shorter lifespan than fresh semen. Aside from confirming cytological oestrus, vaginal cytology is of no assistance in predicting the most fertile day(s) in a bitch; however, a neglected avenue of research suggests that vaginal cytology may be of great importance in confirming the days of optimal fertility retrospectively. Similarly, vaginoscopy provides clues as to the stage of a bitch's cycle but is inadequate as a sole determinant of her most fertile days. Nevertheless, vaginoscopy is useful to identify very late oestrus and the onset of dioestrus, as well as Stage I of labour (cervical dilatation). Due to variations in the rate at which circulating progesterone concentrations rise in individual bitches, the reliability of circulating progesterone concentrations for determining the optimal day(s) of insemination with frozen-thawed semen decreases as values rise. Moreover, progesterone assay results can vary widely due to extrinsic factors such as the time of blood sampling, sample storage conditions and the assay employed. Finally, this review investigates evidence surrounding various insemination routes and suggests that well-performed vaginal insemination, even with frozen-thawed semen, may be an acceptable approach for cases where transcervical insemination is impractical.

83 Effect of stocking density on F1 gilt reproductive performance

Abstract Replacement females are the future of a farm, and their development can impact production. Currently, replacement gilts are housed in many different environments. Stocking density of replacement females is one factor that varies across production systems. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different stocking densities on replacement gilt reproductive performance. At 10 wk of age, DNA L241 females (n = 824; DNA Genetics, Columbus, NE) were randomly allotted to finishing pens with 3 different stocking densities. Each stocking density consisted of 12 pens of 0.71 m2 (n = 360), 0.93 m2 (n = 264), and 1.25 m2 (n = 204). Heat detection started at 20 wk of age with fence line exposure for 2 wk at 15 minutes per pen. Within pen boar exposure occurred from 22 to 31 wk of age for a minimum of 10 min per pen. Starting at 20 wk of age, females that exhibited red and swollen vulvas or standing estrus were recorded. Body weight, backfat, and loin depth measurements were collected at estrus detection. A blood progesterone assay was performed on all females at 24 wk of age. Further blood progesterone assays were performed at 27, 29 and 31 wk of age on any female for which progesterone was not detected on previous assays. Females were mated on their 2nd estrus if they were at least 136 kg or on their first estrus if they were over 145 kg. Body weight was recorded at the time of mating. For females that cycled by 31 wk, females in the 0.71 m2 treatment cycled significantly earlier than the 0.93 m2 treatment, 147 vs 153 d post-weaning respectively (P < 0.05). No difference was detected in age at mating; however, gilts in the 0.71 m2 treatment were 5.9 kg and 8.2 kg lighter than the 0.93 and 1.25 m2 treatments respectively (P < 0.01). At 31 wk of age 60% of the 0.71 m2, 71% of the 0.93 m2, and 77% of the 1.25 m2 treatments had cycled according to visual heat detection. However, according to the progesterone assay, at 31 wk of age 75% of 0.71 m2, 81% of the 0.93 m2, and 84% of the 1.25 m2 had cycled. The accuracy of visual heat detection compared with progesterone assay were 79.4% for 0.71 m2, 77.3% for 0.93 m2, and 85.8% for 1.25 m2 treatments. Overall, the 1.25 m2 treatment resulted in heavier females at mating, a greater rate of females cycling, and a more accurate detection of females cycling than the 0.71 m2 treatment. Swine producers can improve the percentage of females detected in estrus and mated in the desired period by providing additional rearing space during gilt development.

Effects of concentrate supplementation on lactating Dromedary Camels during mating season in Isiolo, Kenya

Camels are resilient and have a high potential to contribute to food security and economic development in arid areas. However, this potential is being limited by diminishing feed resources due to the effects of climate change. Further, there is an upcoming peri-urban camel production system where the animals are limited in their movement. Consequently, camels do not get enough browse forages in terms of biomass and quality to meet their nutritional requirement. This has resulted in decreased production and reproductive performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of concentrate supplementation on lactating camels on productive and reproductive performance during mating season. A diet containing 16.80% crude protein (CP) and a digestible energy of 8.44 MJ/Kg was formulated and supplemented in the evenings with a group of ten camels. Another group of 10 camels acted as the control. Milking was done in the morning and production from each camel was recorded in liters. Percentage milk fat and protein analysis were done weekly using Gerber and Kjeldahl methods respectively. Serum biochemical levels were determined using spectrophotometry in the fourth week. Confirmation of pregnancy was done on the 5th month after mating by chemiluminescent progesterone assay. Camels were then divided into four groups. These were, supplemented pregnant(4) supplemented and not pregnant(6) un-supplemented pregnant(1), and un-supplemented and not pregnant(9). Paired mean comparisons were done to ascertain differences within the four groups. Mean daily milk production was 25.26±0.42 and 22.79±0.41 liters for supplemented and un-supplemented groups respectively (p<0.001). Paired mean differences were highest between pregnant supplemented and pregnant un-supplemented pair (p=0.165). Biochemical profiles, mean milk protein and fat percentages were significantly higher for supplemented than un-supplemented (p˂0.05). All supplemented camels were mated within the first two weeks and had a higher conception rate (40%) than un-supplemented (10%). The study recommends concentrate supplementation during mating season to improve fertility and milk production, especially in pregnant camels.

Ovarian hormones reduce the negative association between worry and cognitive control: A combined neural and behavioral investigation

BackgroundIncreased reactivity to response conflict and errors, processes governed by the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), have both been implicated in anxiety. Anxiety is also more common in females than males. Importantly, natural changes in ovarian hormones levels are related to fluctuations in anxiety symptoms in healthy and clinical populations, and ovarian hormones likely modulate prefrontal cortex structure and function. No studies, however, have examined the role of fluctuating ovarian hormones in the association between anxiety and cognitive control across the menstrual cycle. MethodsIn this multimodal proof-of-concept study, naturally cycling females (N = 30 twins from 14 complete twin pairs and 2 participants whose co-twin was not in the final sample; age 18–29) provided saliva samples to assay for estradiol and progesterone and completed the Penn State Worry Questionnaire for 35 consecutive days. At two time points, during projected pre-ovulatory and post-ovulatory phases, they also completed the Flanker task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging to probe cognitive control-related dACC activity. Multilevel modeling was used to examine within- and between-person effects of hormones and worry on cognitive-control indices. ResultsOn days when estradiol and progesterone were low relative to a female’s own average (i.e., within-subjects effect), worry was associated with greater flanker interference. In females with higher estradiol and progesterone levels compared to other females (i.e., between-subject effects), worry was associated with less error-related dACC activity, irrespective of the day that dACC activity was assessed. ConclusionFindings suggest a protective effect of ovarian hormones on the link between worry and cognitive control. Associations between worry and conflict-monitoring were sensitive to daily hormonal fluctuations (within-person states), whereas associations between worry and error-monitoring were sensitive to mean hormone levels (between-person traits), suggesting that ovarian hormones are critical to consider in studies examining associations between anxiety and cognitive control in females.

Assessment of Differential Expression of Progesterone Receptors A & B in Endometriosis Undergoing IVF Treatment: A Personalized Approach for Better IVF Success

Objective: Estrogen and Progesterone hormones play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Endometriosis. In the present study, relative quantification of PR-A and PR-B expression in eutopic endometrial tissue and endometriotic implants was done. By examining their expression profiles, we aim to gain deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms that can influence IVF success or failure in endometriotic patients. Our study also observed certain ART outcomes in both endometriosis and control groups, to evaluate the IVF success rate. Methods: This study was conducted at MHRT, a tertiary care center, and referral centers from other hospitals. The research encompassed an examination of 125 cases of infertility spanning from January 2019 to January 2023. Finally, biopsy samples were collected from 60 patients with endometriosis during laparoscopic procedures, while control biopsy samples were gathered from 18 patients who exhibited no signs of endometriosis lesions during the same laparoscopic procedures. The biopsy samples were then sent for Progesterone assay and later evaluated for ART outcomes. Results: It was observed from the results of our study that there was a significant downregulation of PR-A in stage III, and IV compared to Stage I and II. However, there was no significant change in PR-B expression in grades I and II, III and IV. Our study also observed certain ART outcomes in both endometriosis and control groups, revealing that women with endometriosis have lower chances of achieving pregnancy than women with other causes of infertility (95% CI, 22/60 vs. 12/18, p-value = 0.024). Conclusion: Our study results shed light on the complex role of progesterone isoforms in endometriosis. Progesterone receptor-A significant downregulation in severe cases challenges existing paradigms and opens new avenues for research.

Comparative pregnancy diagnosis of digital rectal palpation technique, ultrasonography, progesterone assay and non-return-to-heat in Red Sokoto goat.

Comparative pregnancy diagnosis was carried out to evaluation the effectiveness of digital rectal palpation technique in Red Sokoto goat, at Small Ruminant Research Program of National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika, Zaria. Forty two does were randomly divided into groups A, B and C, (n = 14 each). Semen was collected from two Red Sokoto bucks using artificial vagina, processed and stored at 4˚C. Oestrus was synchronised with prostaglandin F2-alpha, and oestrus detected by apronised bucks and visual observation. Breeding was by artificial inseminating for groups A and B while group C bred by natural service. Comparative pregnancy diagnosis was carried out using ultrasonography (US) and digital rectal palpation technique (DRP) on day 14, 21, 28 and 126, while progesterone assay (P4) and non-return-to-heat (NRH) on day 21, post-breeding. Pregnancy rates on day 21 were 64.3 %, 92.9 % and 100 % (US); 42.9 %, 57.1 % and 57.1 % (DRP); 78.6 %, 78.6 % and 100 % (P4); 85.7 %, 78.6 % and 92.9 % (NRH). There was significant (P < 0.05) difference between US, DRP, P4 and NRH in groups B and C. It was concluded that DRP technique was effective in early pregnancy diagnosis (days 14, 21, and 28) in Red Sokoto goat does.

Gonadotropin and Ovarian Hormone Monitoring: Lateral Flow Assays for Clinical Decision Making

FSH, estrogen and progesterone testing are widely utilized in clinical practice. Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are cost-effective tools used for diagnosing infectious diseases, pregnancy, and substance testing. The focus of this narrative review is the potential for the wider utilization of listed hormone LFAs. A search was conducted with PubMed, Google Scholar and Wiley online libraries using keywords without any limitation on the publication date; animal studies were excluded. Clinical guidelines for the related conditions were included. According to published data, E3G and PdG are used to determine ovulatory cycles and can be utilized for research purposes to establish the normal range of menstrual cycles, as there is currently disagreement among guidelines. FSH measurement in blood samples is utilized to predict oocyte yield in assisted cycles and to differentiate women with premature ovarian insufficiency from hypothalamic amenorrhea, and can be replaced with more convenient urine testing. PdG was tested to assess the risk of pregnancy complications, specifically miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, and might become a screening tool for miscarriage in the future. PMS, PMDD and ovarian carcinogenesis could be extensively studied using LFAs to gain a better understanding of the biology behind these conditions. Before implementing these LFAs into clinical practice, the reproducibility of progesterone assays should be evaluated. The results are critical for treatment decisions, and universally recognized standards for estradiol measurement should be developed.

MX2 gene mRNA expression as potential biomarker for early pregnancy diagnosis in cattle

Early pregnancy diagnosis is vital for economic sustainability of dairy farms and maintaining the reproductive efficiency of the herd. There are many techniques including progesterone assay, pregnancy specific proteins and interferon stimulated genes have been explored for early pregnancy diagnosis but, they are associated with varying level of efficacy. In the present experiment, interferon stimulated gene (Myxovirus resistance gene 2/MX2) expression pattern was used as a potential biomarker for early pregnancy in cattle. The association of MX2 gene expression in relation to progesterone assay was studied to explore its potential use as biomarker of early pregnancy. The plasma progesterone concentration in conceived animals on day 7 (2.26±0.19 ng/ml), 17 (5.42±0.35 ng/ml) and 21(6.38±0.39 ng/ml) was recorded to be significantly higher as compared to respective values in non-conceived animals, i.e. 1.55±0.09 ng/ml, 4.14±0.14 ng/ml and 0.81±0.06 ng/ml. The sudden decrement in plasma progesterone concentration after day 17th discriminates conceived and non-conceived animals. MX2 expression levels were observed to spike in blood due to release of interferon tau (τ) after implantation of embryo. The relative mRNA expression of MX2 gene showed a 9.5 to 28.64-fold higher expression on 17 days post insemination in pregnant animals as compared to non-pregnant animals. Thus, MX2 gene can be used as a reliable biomarker for the early detection of pregnancy.

Successful Management of Follicular Cyst-induced Dermatoses in a Labrador Retriever Dog

Background: Sex hormone dermatoses are uncommon in dog and causes overproduction of one or more of the sex hormones or exogenous administration. Ovarian cyst-induced hyperestrogenemia increased cortisol, hypertestosteronemia, and skin lesions mostly underwent undiagnosed and untreated. This case was documented as clinical pathological changes, diagnosis, and treatment of sex hormone imbalance-induced dermatosis due to an ovarian follicular cyst in a Labrador Retriever bitch. Methods: This clinical investigation was carried out in the month of April’2022 at Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli with a history of prolonged proestrus bleeding, perineal pruritus with reddening, swelling, and enlargement of the vulva. Vaginal exfoliative cytology, hormonal assay, ultrasonography, histopathology of skin, and haemato-biochemistry were performed. Result: Physical examination revealed hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratinization of the skin. Vaginal exfoliative cytology and progesterone assay revealed cytological estrus. Ultrasonography revealed greater than 10 mm-sized anechoic structures in both ovaries along with uterine endometrial hyperplasia. Hormonal analysis revealed hyperestrogenemia and increased cortisol and testosterone. A biopsy of the perineal skin revealed hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis. The case was confirmed as sex hormone imbalance-induced dermatosis due to an ovarian follicular cyst. The animal was treated with two shots of Inj. hCG 500IU in 48 hrs interval followed by OHE after three months.

Digital infrared thermal imaging of udder skin surface temperature: a novel non-invasive technology to monitor calving process in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Quantifiable decline in the maternal body temperature during the pre-calving offers the possibilities for predicting the calving that can improve the calving management. As infrared thermography (IRT) is a simple non-contact tool for precise measurement of surface temperature, we investigated the use of IRT to establish thermal signatures around calving in the Murrah buffalo. The IRT of eye, right lateral, left lateral and rear side of udder skin surface temperature (USST) were recorded at 6 h interval from 96 h before the expected date of calving, at the time of calving and 24 h post-calving in Murrah buffaloes (n = 28). In parallel, blood samples were collected for progesterone (P4) assay. The results revealed that the IRT of the eye, right and left lateral and rear side of USST showed a significant decrease in the temperature from 48 h pre-calving till the onset of calving with a ΔT (°C) of 0.56, 0.91, 0.70, and 0.90, respectively. Mean USST significantly declined from 48 h pre-calving with a ΔT of 0.85 °C. The residual temperature of both eye and various ROI of the udder also followed a similar and significant declining trend from 48 to 0 h of calving indicating that circadian influence on the USST was minimum. Plasma P4 concentration significantly decreased from 72 h pre-calving till calving. It is concluded that a marked reduction in the IRT of the USST at 6–12 h pre-calving would be useful in predicting the onset of calving in the Murrah buffalo.

Endometrial immune cells at the time of implantation in mares – preliminary results

Implantation in mares occurs approximately between days 35 when the chorionic girdle starts to invade endometrium and day 45 when the allantochorion is more firmly attached to endometrium. Immune cells are known to be present in the endometrium over this period but their phenotype and role in implantation in the mare is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to phenotypically characterize subpopulations of immune cells in the endometrium around the time of implantation using single cell RNAseq. Clinically healthy mares were monitored via transrectal ultrasonography. Ovulation was induced with hCG when the follicle diameter was ≥35mm and uterine edema was present. Mares were inseminated with cooled semen. Morphologically normal embryos were flushed by non-surgical lavage at day 33 (n=2) and day 42 (n=2) post ovulation, endometrial biopsies obtained, and serum samples collected for progesterone assays. Biopsies were digested to obtain single cell suspensions, PBMC enriched over Ficoll and then 10 000 cells per sample were processed for scRNA-Seq on the 10X Genomics Chromium platform (Chromium Next GEM Single Cell 3ʹ Reagent Kits v3.1; Dual Index). Sequencing was performed at the initial depth of ∼20 000 reads/cell. Data was analyzed with Seurat R package v4.0 and the EquCab 3.0 as the reference. Clusters were annotated using established markers of immune cells . (Patel et al. BMC biology. 2021;19:1-13).Unsupervised graph-based clustering of 53909 cells detected 17 clusters of cells that expressed 17667 genes. Cluster 3 was annotated as NK-like cells based on expression of LY49F, LY49C, GNLY, GZMA, CTSW and CD96. Cluster 4 was annotated as heterogenous T cell populations based on the expression of CD3 genes, CCL5, CD2 and CD5. Cluster 7 was assigned to macrophages due to expression of C1Q transcripts, CD68, APOE, DQ and DR transcripts, CXCL10 and CCL8. Both cluster 12 and 16 showed transcripts characteristic for neutrophils including CXCL8, IL1RW, IL1B, IL1BP, TG, RGS2, CCRL2 and PLEK. Cells in cluster 15 expressed genes characteristic both for γδT cells like CCL3, IL2RB, GLNY, GZMA, CTSW, but also Tregs as IL2R and CD80. Cells in cluster 17 expressed markers characteristic for plasma cells and B cells such as ENSECAG00000039599, TP53INP1, CD79A, MEF2C, PRDX4. Some clusters could not be annotated (cluster 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11) and are currently being screened for markers for endometrial cells and fibroblasts. In conclusion, these results indicate scRNAseq is a viable approach to simultaneously identify a large number of immune populations present in the endometrium. Deeper sequencing is needed to further differentiate and annotate subpopulations of cells within the clusters and to compare these subpopulations prior to and after chorionic girdle invasion.

138 Immunization against oocyte growth factors in feral mares

Feral horse populations continue to grow, and management is focused on removal both at a substantial cost in the process and their long-term care. Fertility control has been identified as a means to provide a solution. Two EPA registered immunocontraceptives (Gonacon and ZonaStat-H) are available for equids, but both require an initial dose and at least one booster ranging from weeks to years later making this relatively impractical. Our aim was to develop a single dose long-lasting contraceptive targeting 2 oocyte-specific growth factors (OGF) GDF-9 and BMP-15. In our proof-of-concept study, GDF-9 antigen representing 14 amino acids of the mature protein, and a BMP-15 antigen representing 24 amino acids in the mature sequence were produced. Both were conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), and the experimental vaccine was manufactured using Pet-Gel A as an adjuvant. We reported that domestic mares were treated with an initial dose and 4 boosters at 6 week intervals. All treated mares developed antibodies and demonstrated infertility for an entire year, and 88% of the mares remained infertile for the following year. The current investigation was conducted to examine the effects of a single dose with a potentially long-lasting immunostimulant. We enrolled 32 mares and 4 stallions with proven fertility that had been removed from the Nevada range that year. All mares had produced foalsthe year before. In May, 16 of these mares were treated with a new OGF vaccine formulation using the same antigens conjugated to KLH and AdjuVac adjuvant containing liposomes. Another 16 mares received a sham injection of adjuvant alone. Serum samples were collected monthly for titer analysis via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and progesterone assays via radioimmunoassay. Pregnancy determination was also conducted monthly via transrectal ultrasonography. All mares were then housed with fertile stallions in August. Four treated and 4 control mares were housed in each of 4 pens with a single stallion. All (16/16) of control mares became pregnant. One treated mare was euthanized for reasons unrelated to treatment. Of the remaining treated mares 67% (10/15) became pregnant within 60 d while 20% (3/15) became pregnant much later (180–300 d). Two mares (13%) remained anovulatory for 2 years. The mares with delayed and inhibited fertility demonstrated the greatest (P < 0.001) and longest lasting (P < 0.0001) anti-OGF titers. While this specific vaccine attenuated ovulation it failed to sufficiently alter fertility as pregnancy rates were not different. Our goal is to now find an adjuvant that will result in a single long-lasting vaccine.

The Family Biorhythm: Contributions of the HPA and HPG Axes to Neuroendocrine Attunement.

The vast majority of research on biobehavioral influences on development has focused on mothers and infants, whereas research on paternal biobehavioral influences remains sparse. This study aims to increase understanding of paternal influences on the biobehavioral dynamics of the family unit, using a multi-system approach. Participants consisted of 32 predominantly high-risk families recruited during pregnancy who completed monthly questionnaires and in-home visits when infants were 4, 12, and 18 months of age. In-home visits included semi-structured interaction tasks and saliva samples for cortisol and progesterone assays. Mothers and infants, but not fathers and infants, showed adrenocortical attunement, with the strongest attunement at 18 months. Second, mothers' couple satisfaction did not significantly impact infants' cortisol levels or mother-infant cortisol attunement, but mothers' progesterone moderated the relationship between couple satisfaction and infant cortisol levels such that mothers with low couple satisfaction, but high progesterone, had infants with lower cortisol levels. Finally, mothers' and fathers' progesterone levels were attuned across the time points. This is some of the first evidence of the establishment of the family biorhythm and suggests that fathers play an indirect role in facilitating mother-infant adrenocortical attunement. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40750-023-00215-0.

Accuracy of radiographic fetal count in ewes

Accurate fetal count is important for farm animal species as the number of fetuses can affect management decisions in both research and production settings. Documented methods of pregnancy diagnosis include radiography, progesterone assays, transrectal palpation, and transrectal and transabdominal ultrasonography; however, there is variability in fetal count accuracy with each of these methods. Abdominal radiography evaluation in 13 pregnant ewes among observers of various skill levels was compared retrospectively with the known number of fetuses determined using computed tomography. Overall accuracy using abdominal radiography across skill levels for determining fetal counts correctly was 79%. Accuracy decreased as the number of fetuses increased, with accuracies for singleton, twin, and triplet pregnancies being 92, 72, and 50%, respectively. Additionally, observer experience was inversely related to radiographic fetal count accuracy.

Correlational analysis of anuclear cell index and serum progesterone concentration for predicting the optimum time of breeding in subfertile bitches

Twenty bitches with previous history of subfertility presented for breeding management at University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai were selected for the study. The stage of oestrous cycle was determined and breeding scheduled based predominantly on anuclear cell index (ACI) and serum progesterone assay, after giving due weightage to behaviour and clinical signs. First mating was considered as day 0 and the second as day 3. The mean ACI of the bitches under study was 56.4 ± 1.53 per cent and the mean serum progesterone levels was recorded as 2.82± 0.16 ng/mL three days prior to breeding (day 3). Since, ACI had highly positive correlation with serum progesterone level (Pearson’s correlation coefficient being 0.880) in subfertile bitches three days prior to first breeding, it could be inferred that, when the mean ACI reached more than 55 per cent, serum progesterone levels reach values corresponding to presumably the day of LH surge and by considering both the variables, the day of ovulation could be predicted. Hence, the correlation analysis of ACI and progesterone assay can be considered as reliable method to schedule optimum breeding time in subfertile bitches.

Use of hormones in assessing reproductive physiology of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from Juneau, Alaska

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Southeast Alaska have been studied for over 50 years, and are largely considered a recovery success since the cessation of commercial whaling. Reproductive physiology is an important factor to consider in studying population health and can provide important insights into the drivers contributing to population abundance fluctuations. Validated assays for progesterone and testosterone were used on blubber biopsies from humpback whales (N = 33 whales, 71 samples) near Juneau, Alaska, in 2020 and 2021. Long-term sighting histories were used to confirm detected pregnancies with calf sightings the following year. Blubber samples were divided into two seasonal bins (early and late summer). Pregnant females sampled in both early and late summer of both 2020 and 2021 showed elevated progesterone concentrations compared to other reproductive states (p < 0.05). Progesterone concentrations in adult male whales (0.3 ± 0.2 ng/g) were not significantly different from lactating or resting female whales. Blubber testosterone concentrations in adult male humpback whales ranged from 0.05 to 1.1 ng/g, and mean concentrations were approximately double those of female whales in any reproductive state. Pregnancy was detected in 5 of 11 and 4 of 9 adult females in 2020 and 2021 respectively, yielding summer season pregnancy rates for sexually mature females at 0.45, and 0.44, respectively. Calving rates were 0.36 and 0.22 in 2020 and 2021, respectively, and the annual growth rate for this subpopulation was calculated at 2.6 % per annum. One female had successful pregnancies for four consecutive years. These results demonstrate the synergistic value of combining immunoreactive assays and long-term sighting histories to further knowledge of reproductive physiology in individual humpback whales, which can be expanded to assessing the health of a population or ecosystem.

Combined thickness of uterus and placenta, foetal heart rate oscillations and progesterone concentration in last week of canine gestation

This study aimed to evaluate the combined thickness of uterus and placenta, foetal heart rate and serum progesterone concentration in prepartum bitches. Eighteen pregnant female dogs in the last week of gestation were subjected to ultrasonographic examination and progesterone assay to evaluate changes prior to impending whelping. No significant difference was found in the combined thickness of uterus and placenta measurements in the last week of gestation. However, foetal heart rate showed oscillations and progesterone declined 12h prior to whelping.