Day Of First Detection Research Articles

Sialorrhea in the assessment and correction of water balance in a 2 month old baby in the ICU: a case report

INTRODUCTION: In some cases, saliva production (sialorrhea — hypersalivation) can be so significant that it needs to be monitored and accounted for in the assessment and maintenance of the patient's water balance. OBJECTIVE: Description of a clinical case of sialorrhea, which had a clinically significant manifestation in the assessment and maintenance of water balance in a 2-month-old child in the intensive care unit (ICU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baby, 2 month old, was treated in the ICU with a diagnosis: perinatal organic hypoxic-ischemic lesion of the central nervous system of a newborn, congenital pathology of the brain, respiratory failure III stage, convulsions of the newborn, neonatal coma. In the complex of specific therapy, he received enteral feeding, correction of water and nutritional status. RESULTS: On the first day of detection of sialorrhea, the level of salivation of 2.81 ml/kg/hour (the norm is 1.3 ml/kg/hour) exceeded the physiological values by more than 2 times. The excess of normal values of salivation persisted for the next two days, as well as on the 9th day of its control, which required taking into account the amount of fluid lost with saliva in the calculation of its daily requirement. No specific measures were required in the treatment of the patient to eliminate sialorrhea; within 14 days from the moment the fact of sialorrhea was established, the level of salivation returned to normal values. CONCLUSIONS: In assessing the cumulative factors that cause fluid loss in ICU patients, especially infants, it is also necessary to take into account the presence and intensity of salivation, which can manifest as sialorrhea, when calculating the volume and administration of infusion drugs.

Seasonal influence on the luteal growth and regression characteristics of crossbred dairy cows of Kerala

The study was aimed at investigating the effect of seasonal changes on luteal growth and regression characteristics in crossbred (CB) cows of Kerala. The seasons of the year were classified as rainy (June-September), post-monsoon (October-January) and summer (February- May). In each season, nine healthy regularly cycling CB lactating pluriparous cows were selected for the study. Luteal growth and regression pattern were studied at 24 h intervals from one ovulation to the next ovulation, by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) examination of the ovaries. During the study period, parameters like the day of earliest detection of corpus hemorrhagicum (CH), size at detection, maximum size of corpus luteum (CL), the day of CL with maximum diameter, day of onset and completion of CL regression were recorded and compared between seasons. Corpus hemorrhagicum was detected one day after ovulation in 55.60, 66.70 and 80 per cent of animals during rainy, post-monsoon and summer seasons, respectively. There existed no statistically significant difference in the size of CL, either on the day of first detection or on the day of maximum size attainment. However, CL during the rainy season needed a significantly (P<0.05) longer period to attain maximum size (10.33 ± 0.58), compared to the post-monsoon (8.33 ± 0.62) and summer seasons (8.40 ± 0.56). The season did not affect the day of onset of luteal regression or its completion neither in animals with two-wave cycle nor with three- wave. The study concluded that the season had less or no impact on the growth and regression pattern of CL in CB cattle of Kerala.

The mule (Equus mulus) as a recipient of horse (Equus caballus) embryos: Comparative aspects of early pregnancy with mares

The aim of this study was to compare the embryonic and early fetal development of horse embryos between recipient mules and mares from day 10–60 of pregnancy, in addition to hormonal (eCG and progesterone), ovarian, and uterine characteristics for approximately 4 months. Embryo donor mares (n = 5) and two groups of recipients (acyclic mules, n = 7; cyclic mares, n = 7) were used. Donor mares were monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonography and inseminated using fresh semen. Cyclic recipient mares were synchronized with the donor’s ovulation using PGF2α and deslorelin acetate. Mules were prepared for the embryo transfers with estrogen and progestagen. Embryo collection and transfer were performed 8 days after ovulation of the donor mares. Pregnancy diagnosis with ultrasonography began 1 day after embryo transfer. After pregnancy confirmation, the recipient mules received long-acting progesterone once weekly for at least 120 days. The first day of detection (day 10) of an embryonic vesicle (EV) was similar between mules and mares. A period of extensive intrauterine mobility of the embryonic vesicle was observed similarly in mules and mares from days 10–17. The day of fixation of the EV in mules tended to be 1-day earlier than in mares; however, the diameter and growth rate of the EV did not differ between the two species. The embryo proper was first detected at day 20, and the crown-rump, width, and diameter were similar between the two recipient types. The heartbeat and allantoic sac tended to be detected 1 day later in mules than in mares, while the umbilical cord was first observed around day 40 in both species. Besides the expected differences found in ovarian aspects and eCG production, similar endometrial diameter, uterine tone and echotexture, and progesterone levels were seen between the two types of recipients. In conclusion, striking ultrasound similarities in equine embryo and fetal development, and uterine characteristics were seen between mules and mares used as recipients of horse embryos.

PECULIARITIES OF DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULOSIS IN HIV-INFECTED IN THE REPUBLIC OF KARELIA

The features of clinical and radiological forms of tuberculosis (TB) and the informativeness of various methods of etiological diagnosis of TB among 175 patients with co-infected HIV + TB for the period 2001-2017 in the Republic of Karelia (RK) were studied. Timely execution of PCR diagnostics reliably reduces the likelihood of a lethal outcome in patients with a co-infection, as it made it possible to quickly detect not only the presence of MBT, but also determine multidrug resistance (MDR) and prescribe adequate chemotherapy on the first day of detection, which significantly reduces the risk of death. It was established that among patients with co-infection with HIV + pulmonary TB, decay cavities in the lung tissue were detected less frequently (40.7%), however, bacteria excretion was significantly more frequent (68.3%) than among patients with pulmonary TB in the Republic of Kazakhstan (data f.8).It has been established that improving the organization of sputum collection can significantly increase (by no less than 20%) the incidence of MBT in patients with pulmonary TB and HIV infection, which is important in the rapid diagnosis of TB and the appointment of adequate therapy, especially considering that among patients ½ (50.5%) co-infection of MBT had MDR.

Inflammatory Events Precede Development of De Novo DSA after Lung Transplantation

Purpose De novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA) are a major risk factor for antibody-mediated rejection in lung transplant patients (LTs). Little is known about specific circumstances that predispose LTs to develop dnDSA. Clinicians use arbitrary intervals to monitor for dnDSA. Since inflammation and injury drive alloimmune responses, we hypothesize that events like infection or acute cellular rejection (ACR) may predispose LTs for dnDSA production. To test this, we assessed i) inflammatory events preceding dnDSA development, and ii) whether these inflammatory events trigger allograft injury using a sensitive biomarker (donor-derived cell-free DNA-%ddcfDNA). Methods 311 LTs from three prospective cohort studies with a median follow-up of 3.4 years were analyzed. LTs underwent DSA testing before transplantation, after transplantation at fixed intervals and at time of allograft dysfunction. Positive DSA (mean fluorescent intensity ≥ 1000 units) were adjudicated based on the post-transplant day of first detection, as preformed ( Results 42.3% of LTs showed positive DSA with 16.9% preformed (n=54) and 24.8% dnDSA (n=79). Median time from transplantation to first dnDSA detection was 210 days. Class II dnDSA (83.5%) were more common than class I (7.6%) or mixed class I and II (8.9%). We identified an inflammatory event preceding 72.2% of dnDSA: infectious causes (39.2%, n=31), ACR (22.8%, n=18), other histopathology findings (10.2%). Respiratory bacteria (45.0%) and viruses (41.9%) accounted for the most infectious organisms identified. Median time-lag from inflammatory event to first DSA detection was 28.5 days (range = 0- 88 days). These inflammatory events were accompanied by a rise in %ddcfDNA from 0.32% (baseline) to 1.14% (median). Conclusion Primarily, respiratory viruses, bacteria, or ACR preceded dnDSA development, suggesting significant interrelation among allograft inflammation, injury, and DSA development. Incorporating these findings in monitoring protocol may enable timelier detection of dnDSA.

Incidence and Outcomes of Hypernatremia in Adult Neurological Non–Brain-Dead Patients Admitted to Tertiary Care Neurologic Institute: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Background Hypernatremia is known to have high mortality and morbidity in patients with neurological disorders. However, in most studies, it is not clear whether hypernatremia associated with brain death has been excluded. Including brain-dead patients will spuriously give a very high mortality rate. Therefore, in this study, we have evaluated the mortality of hypernatremic patients after excluding the brain-dead patients on the first day of hypernatremia. Methods All neurological patients admitted to the hospital who developed hypernatremia (serum Na > 150 mEq/L) were included in the study. Brain-dead patients and patients with Glasgow coma score (GCS) 3 on the first day of detection of hypernatremia were excluded. Demographic variables, clinical variables, and outcome variables were collected from the case files retrospectively. Results In total, 100 patients developed hypernatremia during the study period. Among them, 14 patients were excluded because of GCS 3 or unavailability of GCS data on the day of detection of hypernatremia. There were 37 mild, 28 moderate, and 21 severe hypernatremic patients. The mortality was 32%, 39%, and 52% in the mild, moderate, and severe hypernatremic patients, respectively. Patients with traumatic brain injury had higher mortality in comparison to all other disease conditions (56% vs. 29.6%, p < 0.02). Conclusion The mortality is high even in mild cases of hypernatremia. Very high mortality (52%) is seen in severe hypernatremic patients. Therefore, it is important to monitor, identify, and treat these patients aggressively.

Chronology of Conceptus Development and Gestational Age Determination in Dromedary Camels Between 15-83 Days of Pregnancy Using Ultrasonography

The aims of the current study were to determine the chronology of development of some embryo/fetal parts and determine gestational age through measurement of different fetal parts from the day of pregnancy detection to 83rd day of gestation using B- mode ultrasonography. First day of detection of embryonic vesicle was as early as 15 days post-mating (mean day 17.7±2.3), embryo proper and fetal membranes on day 23.0± 1.0, fetal heart beat detected on day 26, C-shape embryo appeared on day 31 ±1.7, limb buds on day 47.3 ±1.5, ossification of limbs, head, ribs and vertebrae were first detected on day 51±.2.6, 53±1.0, 53.7±2.1 and 53.7±2.1 respectively. The kidneys, stomach, spinal tube, jugular/carotid, intestines and urinary bladder were first detected on days 42.7±1.1, 43.7±0.6, 43.7±1.5, 54.3±0.6, 62± 1.0 and 63 ±1.7 respectively. The genital tubercle located with a high degree of confidence on day 81-82 of gestation. All measurements were found highly correlated to the gestational age and R2 of CRL, EV, AD, EBD, BPD, KIL and STL were 0.943, 0.970, 0.989, 0.931, 0.943, 0.924 and 0.972 respectively. Simple regression equations were established to predict early fetal age in the dromedary camel. In conclusion, ultrasonography proved to be very useful tool to assess conceptus development and estimate fetal age based on appearance and fetometry in the dromedary camel.

PECULIARITIES OF CLINICAL AND X-RAY TANGULAR FORMS OF TUBERCULOSIS AND RESULTS OF ITS ETIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTICS IN PATIENTS CONCERNED BY HIV+TB INFECTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KARELIA

The purpose of this study was to study the clinical and radiological forms of TB in patients with HIV and the possibilities of etiologic diagnosis-the detection of MBT using various methods for determining and the effect of immunosuppression on the results of etiologic diagnosis. Materials and methods. The materials for the study were the analysis of clinical x-ray examination data and the results of etiological diagnosis of the Office in the Republic of Karelia for the period from 2001 to 2016 among 159 patients with a co-infection of HIV+TB in the bacteriological laboratory of the Republican TB Dispensary of the Karelia. Results of the research. The peculiarities of clinical and radiological forms of tuberculosis (TB) and infomativity of various methods of etiologic diagnosis of TB among 159 patients with combined HIV+TB infection for the period 2001–2016 in the Republic of Karelia were studied. It was revealed that the PCR diagnostics significantly reduced the likelihood of a lethal outcome of patients with a co-infection, as it allowed us to quickly identify not only the presence of the MBT, but also to identify MDR and appoint adequate chemotherapy on the first day of detection, which significantly reduced the risk of death. The frequency of bacterial excretion most often (69%) occurred in the group of patients with the most severe immunosuppression with an amount of CD4 cells less than 100 in 1 ml. It was found that among the patients with co-infection with HIV + pulmonary TB, cavities of disintegration in the lung tissue (38,5%) are significantly less likely to be detected, but bacteriovirus (68,5%) is detected more frequently than among patients with pulmonary TB in the territory of the Republic of Karelia (form 33). It has been established that improving the organization of sputum collection can significantly increase (at least 20%) the incidence of MBT in patients with pulmonary TB and HIV, which is important in the rapid diagnosis of TB and the appointment of adequate therapy, especially considering that among patients with co-infection 1⁄2 (52,8%) had MDR. The conclusion. For the timely diagnosis of pulmonary TB in HIV-infected patients, with frequent atypical clinical and radiological picture of TB and the possibility of rapid progression with lethal outcome, and also taking into account the results obtained (in 56% of patients with TB+HIV-MBT+), etiologic diagnosis of TB has priority value. The most affordable, cheap and epidemiologically significant method for detecting TB is sputum smear microscopy. The epidemiological danger was aggravated by the detection in 52,8% of patients with HIV+TB strains of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant MBT.

Serum and Egg Yolk Antibody Detection in Chickens Infected with Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus

Surveillance for low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) infections has primarily relied on labor-intensive collection and serological testing of serum, but for many poultry diseases, easier-to-collect yolk samples have replaced serum for surveillance testing. A time-course LPAIV infection study in layers was performed to evaluate the utility of antibody detection in serum vs. egg yolk samples. Layers inoculated with the LPAIV A/Bobwhite Quail/Pennsylvania/20304/98 (H7N2) were tested for antibody levels in the serum and egg yolk by using the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID), hemagglutination-inhibition test (HI), and a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-influenza specific antibodies were detected in the serum as early as 7 days postinoculation (DPI), and the majority of the hens remained positive until 42 DPI. Antibodies in the egg yolk were first detected by AGID at 7 DPI, which was also the first day of detection in serum. However, the majority of the eggs were positive by all techniques at 11 DPI and remained positive until 42 DPI, at which time the number of AGID+ and HI+ samples declined slightly as compared to ELISA+ samples. These results suggest that egg yolk can be an alternative to serum for flock serological surveillance against LPAIV infections, and the three methods (AGID, HI, and ELISA) will give similar results for first 42 days after infection, although AGID may give earlier positive response.

128 BOVINE SEMINAL PLASMA INDUCES OVULATION IN LLAMAS

Ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) is a protein present in the seminal plasma of several species, including llamas, alpacas, pigs, cattle, sheep, horses and rabbits. In an initial study (Ratto et al. 2006 Theriogenology 66, 1102–1106), bovine seminal plasma induced ovulations in 26% (5/19) of llamas compared with 0% (0/19) in the placebo group, but induced proportionately less than in llamas treated with alpaca or llama seminal plasma (100%). It is important to highlight that treatments were based on volume of seminal plasma; the actual dose of OIF was unknown. In a later study (Tanco et al. 2011 Biol. Reprod. doi:10.1095/biolreprod.111.091876), OIF from llama seminal plasma had a dose-dependent effect on ovulation rate, corpus luteum (CL) diameter and progesterone production in llamas. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that bovine seminal plasma induces ovulation and CL development in llamas comparable with that of llama seminal plasma, based on total dose of OIF. Within species, seminal plasma was pooled from 1 to 4 ejaculates per male (n = 145 bulls, n = 4 llamas). The concentration of OIF in the pooled seminal plasma was measured by radioimmunoassay and the volume of seminal plasma used for treatment was adjusted to reach a total dose of 250 μg of OIF. Mature female llamas were assigned randomly to 4 groups and given a single intramuscular dose of 10 mL of PBS (negative control, n = 5), 50 μg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; positive control, n = 5), 6 mL of llama seminal plasma (n = 6), or 12 mL of bull seminal plasma (n = 6). Ovulation and CL development were monitored by transrectal ultrasonography. The incidence of ovulation was compared among groups by Fisher's exact test. Nonserial data (i.e. follicle size at treatment, maximum CL diameter, day of maximum CL diameter and first day of CL detection) were compared among groups by ANOVA. The diameter of the preovulatory follicle at treatment did not differ among groups (P = 0.10). The incidence of ovulation was 0/5, 4/5, 3/6 and 4/6 in the groups treated with PBS, GnRH, llama seminal plasma and bovine seminal plasma, respectively (P < 0.05). The incidence of ovulation did not differ among llamas treated with GnRH, llama seminal plasma, or bovine seminal plasma. Among the treatments that elicited ovulation, neither the maximum CL diameter nor the day of maximum CL diameter differed (P = 0.30 and P = 0.24, respectively). In addition, no difference was detected in the day of first detection of the CL (P = 0.25). Results document the bioactivity of OIF in the bovine seminal plasma of Bos taurus. These findings further support the notion that OIF is highly conserved among mammals and that seminal plasma exerts its effect in an OIF dose-related manner. This research was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

West Nile Virus in Europe: A Comparison of Surveillance System Designs in a Changing Epidemiological Context

Current knowledge suggests that there is a low-level and recurrent circulation of West Nile virus (WNV) in Europe, with sporadic human and/or equines cases. However, recent events indicate that this picture is changing, raising the possibility that Europe could experience a modification in the virus' circulation patterns. We used an existing model of WNV circulation between Southern Europe and West Africa to estimate the sample size of equivalent West Nile surveillance systems, either passive (based upon horse populations and sentinel veterinarians) or active (sentinel horses, sentinel chickens, or WNV genome detection in trapped mosquito pools). The costs and calendar day of first detection of these different surveillance systems were compared under three different epidemiological scenarios: very low level circulation, low level recurrent circulation, and epidemic situation. The passive surveillance of 1000 horses by specialized veterinarian clinics appeared to be the most cost-effective system in the current European context, and estimated median dates of first detection appeared consistent with recent field observations. Our results can be used to optimize surveillance designs for different epidemiological requirements.

Mixing gilts in early pregnancy does not affect embryo survival

There is general acceptance that mixing sows during the first 3 weeks of gestation is detrimental to embryo development and survival. However, there is a paucity of data describing the influence of group housing and remixing during the first 14 days of gestation on pregnancy outcomes. Using 96 purebred maternal (Large White)/terminal (Duroc) line gilts, the current study determined the effects of regrouping, and the timing of regrouping, during the pre-implantation period on embryo mortality. The study was conducted in 2 blocks, with 12 gilts allocated to each of 4 treatments in each block. At 175 days of age, the combination of PG600 and 20 min of daily physical boar contact was used to stimulate puberty, with boar contact resuming 12 days after first detection of oestrus and gilts receiving two artificial inseminations (AIs), 24 h apart, at their second oestrus. After their first AI gilts were allocated to one of four treatment groups ( n = 12 gilts/treatment). Gilts in one treatment group were housed individually in stalls (STALL). The remaining gilts continued to be housed in their pre-AI groups and were either not remixed (NOMIX), or remixed to form new groups on day 3/4 (RMIXD3/4) or day 8/9 (RMIXD8/9) of gestation (day 0 = day of first detection of second oestrus and first insemination). Group-housed gilts were housed in groups of 6, with a space allowance of 2.4 m 2/gilt. All gilts were fed once a day (2.2 kg/gilt). Reproductive tracts were collected on day 26.6 ± 0.13 of gestation, and the number of corpora lutea (CL) and viable embryos counted. Pregnancy rate was similar across all treatments, averaging 94.5% across the four treatment groups. The number of embryos present on day 26 of gestation was unaffected by housing treatments ( P > 0.05); gilts in the STALL, NOMIX, RMIXD3/4 and RMIXD8/9 groups possessed 13.2 ± 0.67, 12.9 ± 0.66, 14.1 ± 0.46 and 13.8 ± 0.57 embryos, respectively. Similarly, embryo survival rates were 0.91 ± 0.04, 0.85 ± 0.04, 0.91 ± 0.02 and 0.87 ± 0.05 for the STALL, NOMIX, RMIXD3.4 and RMIXD8/9 groups, respectively ( P > 0.05). In conclusion, the current data indicate that individually housing gilts immediately after their first AI does not improve embryo survival. There also appear to be no adverse effects on embryo development or survival when group-housed, mated gilts are remixed during the first 10 days of gestation.

Preliminary Observations on the Effect of Parity on First Day Ultrasonic Detection of Embryo and its Organs in Bovine

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of parity on the first day of ultrasonic detection of embryo and its organs using 8 MHz frequency. For this purpose, six nulliparous heifers, five primiparous cows and six multiparous cows of the Holstein breed were selected and mated by a single bull from the herd. From day 16 after mating, cows and heifers were examined by ultrasonography thrice weekly for the day of first detection of the embryo and its organs. The mean of first-day detection in heifers, primiparous and multiparous cows was as follows, respectively: allantois on days 22.3, 23 and 25.8; embryo proper on days 21.8, 23 and 27; heartbeat of embryo on days 26.1, 26.6 and 31.1; amnion on days 31, 31 and 30.8; limb buds on days 29.5, 28.8 and 30.6; stomach (abomasum) on days 32.2, 38.6 and 36.8; spinal column on days 32.6, 33.4 and 37.3; placentomes on days 33.3, 37 and 35.3; eyes on days 35.1, 35.4 and 38.6 and lens on days 40, 41.4 and 44. Although the mean of first day observation of all structures in heifers tends to be earlier than in the other groups, statistically, allantois, the embryo proper and its heartbeat in heifers and primipara were visualized significantly earlier than in multiparous cows. However, there were no differences between heifers and primiparous cows.

Prediction of Japanese cedar pollen emission in a snowy area--surveillance in Hirosaki City

Japanese cedar is the most common pollinosis allergen in Japan. Predictions of total pollen counts and the first 2 or more days of the Japanese cedar pollen season are beneficial to patients. We developed predictive methods for those 2 factors in Hirosaki. We conducted an atmospheric Japanese cedar pollen survey from 1996 to 2002 in Hirosaki and compared yearly data with the male flowering index counted in 50 cedar trees in the preceding autumn. The male flowering index correlated highly positively with total cedar pollen counts in regression analysis, indicating its usefulness in predicting total pollen counts. Although the number of days from January 1 to the first day of continuous pollen emission showed no correlation with the cumulative maximum temperature during these days, the number of days from the day of first detection of pollen emission (minimum of 1 particle per sq. cm) to the first day of continuous pollen emission correlated highly with the cumulative maximum temperature and cumulative amount of snowfall on these days, suggesting that it is possible to predict the first day of continuous pollen emission by the cumulated daily maximum temperature after the day of first detection of pollen emission.

Diagnostic Value of Nucleic-Acid-Sequence- Based Amplification for the Detection of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Renal and Liver Transplant Recipients

To evaluate the diagnostic value of nucleic-acid-sequence-based amplification (NASBA) for the detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in transplant recipients, we compared immediate early 1 (IE1) and late pp67 mRNA detection by NASBA with the antigenemia assay, PCR and viral culture in 72 renal transplant (RTx) recipients and with antigenemia and serology in 25 liver transplant (LTx) recipients. Antigenemia, viral culture and pp67 NASBA were almost equivalent for the detection of CMV in RTx recipients. In LTx recipients, antigenemia detected more positive samples and more positive recipients compared to pp67 NASBA. In RTx recipients, PCR detected more positive samples and positive recipients compared to pp67 NASBA, antigenemia and viral culture. Also the first day of detection was slightly earlier for PCR. However, IE1 NASBA was the most sensitive test and detected 96% of all positive samples and positive transplant recipients. In addition, IE1 NASBA preceded PCR and all other positive results. This makes IE1 NASBA a very attractive screening test for the early detection of CMV infection.

Ultrasonographic imaging to monitor early pregnancy and embryonic development in the buffalo ( [formula omitted][formula omitted

Real time B-mode ultrasound was used to detect and monitor the early conceptus, its growth and its anatomical features in 26 buffalo between Days 18 and 62 of gestation. The buffalo were artificially inseminated, and the conceptuses were examined on alternate days begining on Day 18. The embryonic vesicle and the embryo proper within the vesicle was first visible in 12 of the buffalo on mean Day (± SD) 19.00±2.1 and Day 19.0±1.69, respectively. The heartbeat of the embryo proper could be detected on Day 29.6±1.57. The heart rate of 203.8 ± 9.0 beats per minute on the first day of detection decreased to 150 beats per minute on Day 62. The allantois, amnion, fore limbs, spinal cord and hind limbs were first identified on Day 30.0±1.14, Day 33.4±1.64, Day 34.6±1.34, Day 35.8±2.52 and Day 36.8±2.34, respectively. The optic area was first distinguished on Day 38.2±2.39. Split hooves, fetal movement, ribs and vertebra were identified on Day 46.0±2.64, Day 49.4±2.31 and Day 59.8±2.39, respectively. The mean length of the embryo proper was 4.2 mm on Day 19 which later increased to 53.6 ± 2.1 mm on Day 62.

Ultrasonography for detection of early pregnancy following embryo transfer in unknown breed of [formula omitted][formula omitted] cows

Real time, B mode ultrasound was used from Days 18 to 64 to detect and monitor the conceptus in 30 unknown breeds of Bos indicus recipients following embryo transfer. The embryonic vesicle was first visible within the uterus between Days 18 and 20 (mean ± SD 18.5 ± 0.7d) d). The embryo proper was detected at Day 19.5 ± 0.7. The heartbeats were detected at Day 22.6 ± 0.9. The average day of first detection of the allantois, the C - shaped embryo and the amnion was 23.1 ± 0.8, 23.8 ± 1.4 and 25.1 ± 1.4 d, respectively. The fore limb, the limb buds, the spinal cord and the optic area were observed on Days 32.7 ± 1.3, 32.9 ± 1.3, 33.0 ± 1.5 and 33.6 ± 1.4, respectively. Fetal movements could be detected at Day 50.7 ± 1.0. Ribs and vertebrae were detected on Day 60.9 ± 1.7. The mean length of the embryo proper was 4.5 ± 0.8 mm. on Day 19. At Day 60 it was 52.5 ± 7.0 mm. The growth of the embryo proper increased steadily until Day 39, growing rapidly thereafter. Embryonic death was detected in one recipient on Day 32. The echongenic area started increasing and recipient appeared in estrus on Day 40. Sixteen recipients exhibited estrus on Days 22 to 24. An increase in intrauterine fluid was observed on Days 18 to 24.

Form and function of the corpus luteum in llamas

In Part 1, the presence and diameter of the corpus luteum was monitored daily by transrectal ultra-sonography for a minimum of 30 days in 39 llamas. Animals were categorized as non-lactating or lactating and randomly allotted to the following groups (reproductive status), (1) non-mated (anovulatory); (2) mated by a vasectomized male (ovulatory non-pregnant); (3) mated by an intact male (pregnant). In Part 2, luteal diameter was monitored by transrectal ultrasonography in 68 pregnant llamas to characterize its diameter profile for the first 60 days of pregnancy. Results indicated that measurement of the diameter of the corpus luteum by transrectal ultrasonography was an accurate method of assessing luteal function (plasma progesterone concentration) in llamas ( r = 83%, P < 0.0001). Corpora lutea were not detected and the plasma progesterone concentration did not exceed 0.4 ng ml −1 in anovulatory (non-mated) llamas. The corpus luteum was first detected on mean Day 3.1 ± 0.2 for ovulatory non-pregnant and pregnant llamas, and reached the maximum diameter on mean Day 5.9 ± 0.3 and 21.4 ± 1.2, respectively ( P < 0.0001); the maximum diameter was 12.8 ± 0.3 and 16.3 ± 0.3 mm, respectively ( P < 0.0001). Except for the first day of detection of the corpus luteum, lactational status did not affect luteal growth and regression. Reproductive status (ovulatory non-pregnant vs. pregnant) did affect luteal growth and regression ( P < 0.0001); the profiles were the same until Day 9 at which time the corpus luteum was regressing in non-pregnant llamas and still growing in pregnant llamas. The corpus luteum was not detected after Day 12 in non-pregnant llamas and was detected to Day 60 (end of observations) in pregnant llamas. A prolonged luteal phase (pseudopregnancy) was not observed in any non-pregnant (non-mated or vasectomy-mated) llamas. The plasma progesterone concentration fell ( P < 0.05) on Day 8 in pregnant llamas, similar to non-pregnant llamas, but there was a resurgence of luteal function in pregnant animals after Day 10 (Day 6, 5.6 ng ml −1; Day 10, 3.1 ng ml −1; Day 12, 6.3 ng ml −1). Results demonstrated, (1) a close temporal relationship between ultrasonically determined luteal diameter and circulating progesterone concentration, except that progesterone decreased 1–3 days before the morphologic decrease; (2) regression of the corpus luteum between Days 9 and 11 in non-pregnant llamas versus a continued gradual increase until a plateau at Day 25 in pregnant llamas; (3) a fall in circulating progesterone in both non-pregnant and pregnant llamas on Day 8, but with rescue and resurgence of the corpus luteum in pregnant llamas after Day 10. The latter observation was unexpected and requires confirmation.

Effects of time of insemination relative to ovulation on pregnancy rate and embryonic‐loss rate in mares

The effects of pre-ovulatory and post ovulatory insemination on pregnancy rate and embryonic-loss rate were studied in 268 mares in two experiments. Within each experiment mares were randomised within replicates as follows: to be inseminated on the day the pre-ovulatory follicle reached 35 mm (pre-ovulatory group), to be inseminated on the day of ovulation (Day 0 group), and to be inseminated on the day after ovulation (Day 1 group). Ultrasonic pregnancy diagnoses were performed on Days 11, 12, 13 and 14 (Experiment 1) and Days 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20 and 40 (Experiment 2). Combined for the two experiments, pregnancy rates were different (P less than 0.01) among the three groups. For Experiment 2, pregnancy rate within the pre-ovulatory group was lower (P less than 0.05) for insemination 4 days or more before ovulation than for up to 3 days before ovulation. Pregnancy rate was lower (P less than 0.05) for the Day 0 group than for the pre-ovulatory group inseminated up to 3 days before ovulation. In Experiment 2, ovulation was detected by examinations every 6 h; pregnancy rate was greater (P less than 0.05) for mares inseminated 0 to 6 h after ovulation than for mares inseminated at 18 to 24 h. No pregnancies occurred when mares were inseminated 30 h or more after ovulation. The mean day of first detection of the embryonic vesicle was different (P less than 0.0001) among the three groups. Diameter of embryonic vesicle averaged over Days 11 to 15 also differed (P less than 0.0001) among groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ultrasonic morphology of corpora lutea and central luteal cavities during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in heifers

Ultrasonography was used once daily to quantify corpora lutea, central luteal cavities, and luteinized tissue during interovulatory intervals (n = 66) and during Days 0 to 60 of pregnancy (n = 14) in nulliparous Holstein heifers (ovulation = Day 0). The corpus luteum of the estrous cycle was detectable by ultrasonography in most heifers from the day of ovulation (mean, Day 0.5) and extending into the regressive phase beyond the next ovulation (mean, Day 1.4 ±0.2 after the next ovulation). During pregnancy, the corpus luteum was detected until Day 60 (end of study). Maximal central luteal cavity area detected on Days 0 to 20 was used retrospectively to group luteal glands into four cavity categories: no, small, medium, and large. These categories corresponded to approximate cavity diameters of <2 mm, 2 to 5 mm, 6 to 10 mm, and >10 mm, respectively. The incidence of each cavity category was similar between interovulatory intervals and pregnancies (combined incidence, 17 80 , 8 80 , 33 80 , and 22 80 for no, small, medium, and large cavities, respectively; total with cavities, 63 80 , 79%). Mean day of first detection of a central cavity was earliest for large cavities during interovulatory intervals (means, Days 4.7, 4.4, and 3.0 for small, medium, and large cavities, respectively; P<0.04) and during pregnancies (means, Days 5.5, 4.2, and 3.3, respectively; NS). However, the day that the cavities reached maximum size (range of means, Days 5.5 to 7.0) did not differ among categories. Mean day of last detection of the central cavity was significantly different among cavity categories during interovulatory intervals (means, Days 9.3, 11.1, and 17.4 for small, medium, and large cavities, respectively) and pregnancies (means, Days 7.0, 8.8, and 20.2, respectively). Time of loss of central cavities was similar between nonbred and pregnant heifers, and there was no significant difference among cavity categories in the length of the interovulatory interval (mean, 20.1 d). Luteal tissue area was not significantly different among cavity categories during interovulatory intervals. There were no indications that cavities were functionally important. Luteal tissue area increased linearly in pregnant heifers on Days 21 to 60 (mean slope, 2.6 mm 2/day).