History Of Reproductive Problems Research Articles

PSII-14 Climate and conception: Investigating the resilience of equine embryo survival to ambient temperatures in southeast Texas

Abstract Amidst the unique challenges posed by the humid and hot climate of southeast Texas, this study aimed to assess the establishment of pregnancy from transferred equine embryos, hypothesizing that an increase in ambient temperature would lead to a decrease in pregnancy establishment. To achieve this, we utilized 17 embryo donors and 46 recipient mares (3 to 9 yr of age), all anatomically and clinically normal with no history of reproductive problems. Breeding records for 49 transferred d 8, grade-1 embryos from a single private horse farm in southeast Texas, along with the reported high and low ambient temperatures on the day of transfer, were analyzed using logistic regression via PROC GLIMMIX in SAS v9.4 with fixed effects for the reported high and low ambient temperatures on the day of transfer, with a random statement for donor and sire. The pregnancy rate for all embryo transfers was 79%. Surprisingly, our results revealed that neither the reported high ambient temperatures (P = 0.16) nor reported low ambient temperatures (P = 0.19) significantly influenced the likelihood of pregnancy establishment observed at d 14 post-ovulation of transferred equine embryos. Furthermore, no statistically significant influence (P > 0.05) on pregnancy establishment was observed when embryo transfers were conducted outside of the thermal neutral zone (5°C to 20°C). Within the context of our study, these results suggest that environmental temperatures in southeast Texas do not significantly impact equine pregnancy outcomes.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dairy cattle from São Paulo State, Brazil.

Neospora caninum is a major cause of reproductive loss in cattle worldwide as it leads to abortion and animal repositioning. Although Toxoplasma gondii does not cause a reproductive problem in cattle, consuming raw or uncooked beef poses the risk of transmission. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies in dairy cattle in the West and Northwest regions of São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 653 serum samples from dairy cows were analyzed using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Epidemiological data from the farms were associated with the serological results of the animals by logistic regression based on the presence of antibodies. The frequencies of the antibodies against N. caninum and T. gondii were 41.6% (272/653) and 11.5% (75/653), respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between: the serum anti-N. caninum antibodies and breed, history of food supplementation for calves, introduction of outside animals that later presented reproductive problems, and history of reproductive problems by the trimester of gestation. The present study highlights the importance of neosporosis in dairy cattle in the study regions and that the inclusion of this parasite in the investigation of animals with reproductive disorders is important.

Hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women: a cross-sectional study based on the health belief model

BackgroundPregnant women are at high risk for affliction by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccination is a main strategy to prevent and manage the COVID-19 pandemic. However, hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccination (HACV) is a major public health threat and a major barrier to herd immunity. The aim of the study was to evaluate pregnant women’s HACV based on the Health Belief Model (HBM).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021–2022. Participants were 352 pregnant women selected from several healthcare centers in the north of Iran. Instruments for data collection were a demographic questionnaire, a COVID-19 Knowledge Questionnaire, a COVID-19 Health Belief Questionnaire, and a question about HACV. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effects of the study variables on HACV.ResultsThe rate of HACV was 42.61%. In the regression model, the three factors of perceived benefits (aOR: 0.700; 95% CI: 0.594 to 0.825), cues to action (aOR: 0.621; 95% CI: 0.516 to 0.574), and history of reproductive problems (aOR: 2.327; 95% CI: 0.1.262 to 4.292) had significant effects on HACV (P < 0.001).ConclusionHACV is highly prevalent among pregnant women. The perceived benefits and cues to action components of HBM have significant effects on pregnant women’s HACV, while the perceived threat component has no significant effect on it. HBM is a good model to explain HACV among pregnant women. Educational interventions are necessary to improve pregnant women’s awareness of the risks of COVID-19 for them and their fetus.

Factors associated with seropositivity to Aino virus among sheep and goats in South Korea.

Aino virus infection is responsible for epizootic and/or sporadic outbreaks of abortions, stillbirths and premature delivery among pregnant ruminants. The epizootiology of Aino virus infection is poorly defined in South Korea, therefore our aim was to assess its seroprevalence among sheep and goats. We also wanted to evaluate management and regional risk factors that might influence the frequency of infection. Between 2012 and 2013, 26 of 331 flocks (7.9%) and 139 of 915 heads (15.2%) were found serologically positive. In 2018, when samples were again collected in the same regions, 35 of 308 flocks (11.4%) and 89 of 735 heads (12.1%) showed serum-neutralising antibodies against Aino virus. Our results revealed that the age class and history of reproductive problems in the flocks are connected to an increased risk of being positive. The management risk factor attributes showed that preventive measures, such as the routine application of insecticide in farms, decreased the odds for seropositivity to Aino virus (OR = 0.453, P = 0.001). We observed a significant difference in the individual likelihood of being positive in the southern and western provinces with respect to that in the northern and eastern provinces, respectively (OR = 2.199, P < 0.001 and OR = 2.177, P < 0.001). The results of this study may serve as a basis for future epizootic studies on Aino virus infection in South Korea.

Reproductive and Productive Performance of Crossbred and Terai Cattle in Bardiya District of Nepal

To compare the reproductive and productive performance of exotic crossbreds and indigenous Terai cattle under farmers' management condition, a household survey was carried out in 218 households of Bardiya, Nepal. Total of 262 cows [Jersey cross (n=107), Holstein cross (n=24) and indigenous Terai cattle (n=131)] were considered to determine the production and reproduction parameters. The age at first calving in months was the lowest in Jersey crossbred (27.8±1.8) followed by Holstein cross (29.5±4.0) and Terai cattle (45.7±3) (P&lt;0.05). However, the number of services per conception, calving to conception interval (in months) and inter-calving interval (in months) were shorter in Terai cattle (1.3±0.7, 3.4±1.4 and 12.6±1.9) compared to Jersey cross (1.7±1.3, 4.4±2.2 and 13.5±3.1) and Holstein cross (1.8±0.9, 5.7±2.8 and 14.9±4.7), respectively (P&lt;0.05). Total 6.5% of cattle had a history of reproductive problems; Incidence of repeat breeding tended (P&lt;0.1)) to be higher in Jersey cross (8.4%) and Holstein cross (8.3%) than in Terai cattle (3.0%). Daily peak milk yield (L/day) was significantly lower in Terai cattle (1.7±1.1) than Jersey cross (13.5±3.1) and Holstein cross (14.9±4.7). The lactation length (months) was significantly shorter in Terai cattle than exotic crossbreds. Consequently, the length of dry period (in months) was significantly longer in Terai cattle (5.2±2.1) than in Jersey cross (2.5±0.9) and Holstein cross (2.2±0.7). The reproductive performance parameters in exotic crossbred cows under the farmers' management condition were satisfactory; however, their productivity was low. Thus, the good reproductive traits and variations in productivity of Terai cattle can be utilized in cross breeding programs.

Cross-sectional study of Brucella spp. using real-time PCR from bovine whole blood in Colombia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Colombia to recover Brucella spp. DNA from bovine whole-blood samples through probe-based real-time PCR (qPCR). By an SNP-based assay, vaccine strains were differentiated from field strains. The associated factors were evaluated using logistical regression models. A total of 656 random cows from 40 herds were selected and analyzed using serology and PCR. The qPCR assay detected 9.5% (n = 62/656; 95% CI: 7.3, 12.0) of the animals with Brucella-DNA presence, while the serological test detected a 6.6% (n = 43/656; CI: 4.8, 8.7). 62.5% (n = 25/40; 95% CI: 45.8, 77.3) of positive cases were detected at the herd-level by the qPCR, while only 27.5% (n = 11/40; 95% CI: 14.6, 43.9) were detected by the serological test. All positive samples were identified as field Brucella strains employing the SNP-based assay. In the final regression model at the animal-level, five variables were associated with Brucella-DNA presence: the use of bulls for mating recorded history of reproductive problems, pregnant cows, parlor milking, and cows belonging to farms ≤200m from the main road. At the herd-level, two variables were associated with Brucella-DNA presence: recorded history of reproductive problems and the use of bulls for mating. Given the fluctuant brucellosis prevalence in endemic areas, updated epidemiological studies are necessary to evaluate the disease dynamic and if established prevention and control measures have been effective or need to be adjusted. The increase in the prevalence of brucellosis in animal reservoirs creates an important risk of transmission in humans.

Serological and molecular investigations of Brucellosis in dairy cows at certain areas of Al-Sulaymaniyah governorate- Iraq

This study aimed to detect Brucella antibodies in the sera of dairy cows and to identify Brucella species in the milk of seropositive cows. A total of 100 sera and 100 milk samples were collected from two 50-cows groups (group 1 with and group 2 without a history of reproductive problems and/or decreased milk production). Rose Bengal plate test and indirect ELISA were used to explore Brucella antibodies in the serum samples and thereafter milk samples of seropositive cows were undergone PCR analysis using Brucella genus specific primers and 3 pairs of species specific primers for identification of B. abortus, B. melitensis and B. suis. The RBPT showed 22 cows were carriers for the Brucella antibodies, 18 in group 1 and 4 in group 2 whereas the iELISA showed only 10 cows out of these 22 cows were positive, 9 in group 1 and only 1 cow in group 2. The PCR assay, which was performed on milk samples of the RBPT positive cows, revealed 18 samples were positive for the Brucella genus and the Brucella abortus species and were negative for Brucella melitensis and Brucella suis species. As a conclusion, the results of this study showed that brucellosis has been encountered in cows with or without a history of reproductive problems, and the RBPT followed by PCR assay for milk samples of the seropositive cows could provide more specific detection than performing either test alone and could be more useful for rapid screening of brucellosis in dairy cows.

English

Mycotic infections of reproductive tract did not receive much attention in the past. Fungi cause reproductive problems by invading or colonizing the reproductive tract, which adversely affects the reproductive efficiency in cattle. Current study was designed to find out the prevalence of fungal pathogens from uterine samples of Sahiwal cattle and to perform antifungal susceptibility testing on the isolated fungal pathogens. For this purpose, 144 uterine samples were collected and cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar at 25oC for two weeks. Fungi were identified based on the microscopic characteristics. The results showed that out of 144 samples, 4 were found positive, showing an overall prevalence of mycotic endometritis in Sahiwal cattle as 2.8% in Faisalabad. Penicillium and Aspergillus species were the isolated fungal pathogens. The prevalence of mycotic endometritis was significantly higher in cattle having the history of reproductive problems (P&lt;0.05). However, the association between mycotic endometritis, and managemental conditions, parity, herd size, body condition score, and the breeding method was statistically non-significant. The mean endometrial thickness in Sahiwal cattle suffering from mycotic endometritis was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than the value for non-endometritis cattle. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Itraconazole (Rolac®) was 4.12 mg/ml against Aspergillus spp. and 8.6mg/ml against Penicillium spp. However, both Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. were resistant to Fluconazole (Fungone®). It is recommended that further studies should be undertaken to investigate the role and economic impact of fungal pathogens in the etiology of reproductive disorders that fail to respond to antibiotic treatment

Reproductive diseases in a small dairy farm and its importance in regional development

Losses due to low reproductive efficiency can economically affect production in a small dairy farm. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of anti-Leptospira, anti-Toxoplasma gondii, and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in dairy cows with history of reproductive problems at a small dairy farm in Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil. The evaluated herd presented with history of abortion and return to estrus. Of the 37 samples analyzed, 10 (27%) were positive in microscopic serum agglutination, with titers ranging from 100 to 400, 21 (56.75%) were positive for Toxoplasma gondii in the indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT), with titers ranging from 16 to 256, and four (10.8%) were positive for Neospora caninum in IIFT, with titers ranging from 25 to 50. No variables were associated with any infection. Leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, and neosporosis are widespread in herds and may have a negative impact on reproductive parameters of dairy cattle. Periodic serological evaluations are important, as they may guide the choice of preventive disease control measures in the herd and also alert and educate small producers and the local population on the possible presence of zoonoses spread by these infectious agents, in addition, it can be concluded that infectious diseases can have negative implications on the reproductive parameters of dairy cattle causing return to heat and abortion.

Semen Quality in the General Population of Bulgaria

Background: With the accumulating evidence of semen difference between distinct populations we decided to conduct a population-based prospective study to assess the reproductive capabilities of the Bulgarian males. Objective: To evaluate the semen parameters in men from the general population of Bulgaria. To analyze the effects of BMI (Body mass index) and tobacco smoking on semen characteristics. Methods: 482 males without history of reproductive problems were included for the purpose of this study. The duration of our study was from April to May in 2016 and April in 2017. The volunteers were subdivided based on their smoking status and on their BMI. After semen collection, a conventional semen analysis was carried out manually by trained embryologists in an andrology laboratory according to WHO recommendations. The results were statistically analyzed and presented with their mean values. Result(s): After semen analysis we report a mean of 3.29 ml for semen volume, 40.68 × 106/ml for spermatozoa concentration, 128.38 × 106 for total sperm count, 52.54% of total motile spermatozoa in the ejaculate and a mean percentage of morphologically normal sperm standing at 9.6%. We did not find a negative effect of tobacco smoking on semen quality; however higher BMI is associated with lower sperm concentration per ml. Discussion and Conclusion(s): This is the first contemporary study, assessing semen quality in Bulgarians. The results obtained here show the lower quality of semen in Bulgaria, compared to other countries. No statistical differences were found between the semen quality of nonsmokers and smokers. Higher BMI was found to be associated with lower sperm concentration per milliliter.

Feed fortification of periparturient Murrah buffaloes with dietary yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) elevates metabolic and fertility indices under field conditions

ABSTRACT Dairy cows undergo dramatic changes in physiological, biochemical and metabolic homeostatic mechanisms during the transition period leading to stress and negative energy balance to the animal which in turn leads to decreased fertility. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of fermented yeast culture (FYC) on the metabolic profile and reproductive parameters of healthy t Murrah buffaloes during the transition period. Fourteen Murrah buffaloes with no history of reproductive problems under field conditions were selected and divided into two blocks (supplemented group and control group) based on yield, parity, body condition score, and predicted calving date. In the supplemented group, each animal was supplemented with 24 g/day FYC mixed in concentrate from −15th day pre-partum to 90th day post-partum in addition to basal ration. Energy balance of animals was assessed by estimation of blood metabolites (glucose, non-esterified fatty acids[NEFA], beta-hydroxybutyric acid [BHBA]), plasma lipid profile, viz., cholesterol, HDL, VLDL, and triglycerides at 15 days interval. Post-partum fertility was assessed to determine the onset of first post-partum heat, number of inseminations per conception, conception rate, and service period. Significantly higher plasma levels of glucose (p < 0.05) were observed in the supplemented group compared to the control at 45th, 60th, and 90th day post-partum, thus indicating positive effects on glucose level by FYC supplementation. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower levels of NEFA were observed in the supplemented group at 15th and 75th day post-partum than the control group. Significantly lower (p < 0.05) plasma levels of BHBA were observed in the supplemented group from 15th day post-partum till the end of experimental trial than in the control group. The supplemented group showed improved conception rate of the order of more than 10% compared to the control group. The service period was significantly (p < 0.05) less in the supplemented group (117.25 ± 4.81 days) in comparison to the control group (146.25 ± 4.81days). Overall post-partum conception rate was 85% in the supplemented group and 72.52% in the control group.

Genetics of Female Infertility: Molecular Study of Newborn Ovary Homeobox Gene in Poor Ovarian Responders.

Background:Newborn ovary homeobox (NOBOX) gene plays a critical role in the transcriptional regulation of oocyte-specific genes. Previous studies have demonstrated a pathogenic effect of NOBOX variants on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) patients. Poor ovarian response (POR) is a risk factor for POI. Therefore, genetic variants in the NOBOX gene may also be studied as risk factors for POR development.Aims:The aim of the study is to investigate the association between seven known NOBOX single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and POR in Jordanian females.Settings and Design:This was a case–control study of 60 females with POR for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and 59 healthy females with no history of reproductive problems. Blood samples were collected from the participants and seven SNPs of NOBOX gene were screened.Subjects and Methods:DNA was extracted from blood samples. Polymerase chain reaction with primers specific for seven known SNPs in NOBOX gene was used to amplify the specified region within the gene followed by Sanger sequencing.Results:The seven SNPs investigated in this study, namely, rs77587352 (c.271G>T, p. Gly91Trp), rs7800847 (c.349C>T, p. Arg117Trp), rs193303102 (c.907C>T, p. Arg303X), rs193303103 (c.1025G>C, p. Ser342Thr), rs193303104 (c.1048G>T, p. Val350Leu), rs201947677 (c.1064G>A, p. Arg355His), and rs146227301 (c.1856C>T, p. Pro619Leu), only represent the wild-type allele in both females with POR and healthy participants.Conclusions:The results show that only monomorphic genotype of the NOBOX variants was found in Jordanian females studied.

Cytoskeletal proteins in the follicular wall of normal andcystic ovaries of sows

The expression of cytoskeletal proteins was evaluated immunohistochemically in 36 normal ovaries sampled from 18 sows and 44 cystic ovaries sampled from of 22 sows, was evaluated. All sows had history of reproductive problems, such as infertility or subfertility. The immunohistochemically stained area (IHCSA) was quantified through image analysis to evaluate the expression of these proteins in the follicular wall of secondary, tertiary, and cystic follicles. Cytokeratins (CK) immunoreactivity was strong in the granulosa cell layer (GC) and mild in the theca interna (TI) and externa (TE) of the normal follicles. There was severe reduction of the reaction to CK in the GC in the cystic follicles, mainly in the luteinized cysts. The immunoreactivity for vimentin was higher in the GC from normal and cystic follicles in contrast with the other follicular structures. In the luteinized cysts, the IHCSA for vimentin was significantly higher in TI and in both observed cysts, the labeling was more accentuated in TE. Immunohistochemical detection of desmin and α-SMA was restricted to the TE, without differences between the normal and cystic follicles. The results of the current study show that the development of ovarian cysts in sows is associated to changes in the expression of the cytoskeletal proteins CK and vimentin.

Association of antibodies against Neospora caninum in mares with reproductive problems and presence of seropositive dogs as a risk factor

Sera from 112 mares from 5 horse-breeding farms was examined for the presence of antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), as well as from dogs and cattle present on these properties for the presence of antibodies to N. caninum. Among the 112 mares, 35 had a history of reproductive problems in the last breeding season and 77 had no reproductive problems. The rates of seroprevalence of N. caninum in mares with and without a history of reproductive problems were 25.71% and 6.49% and from T. gondii 2.85% and 1.29%, respectively. In dogs and cattle, the rates of seroprevalence of N. caninum were 10.52% and 15.55%, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the presence of antibodies against N. caninum (p=0.010) in mares and the occurrence of reproductive problems using the Fisher's exact test. Significantly higher seroprevalence for N. caninum in mares was observed on the farm that had seropositive dogs (p=0.018). Cattle on this farm were also seropositive. No significant differences in seropositivity were found on farms where dogs were seronegative, or absent. This result suggests, for the first time, the presence of seropositive dogs as a risk factor for N. caninum in mares and the necessity for further investigation of the epidemiology of this parasite in horse-breeding farms with reproductive problems and the presence of cattle and dogs. This is the first report on the occurrence of antibodies against N. caninum in horses from the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Seroepidemiología de la leptospirosis en bovinos con trastornos reproductivos en el municipio de Montería, Colombia

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo para determinar la prevalencia de leptospirosis en bovinos con trastornos reproductivos de zonas rurales de Montería, Colombia. Se colectaron muestras de suero de 26 toros y 137 vacas procedentes de 28 fincas con antecedentes de problemas reproductivos, los cuales fueron analizados mediante técnica de microaglutinación (MAT) para detección de anticuerpos contra Leptospira. Se utilizaron antígenos de los serovares pomona, hardjo, canicola, grippotyphosa e icterohaemorrhagiae. El 41 % de los sueros fue positivo a Leptospira a punto de corte 1:20. Los serovares prevalentes fueron grippotyphosa (29,85 %) hardjo e icterohaemorrhagiae (20,8 y 16,41 %). Se realizó una prueba de chi cuadrado (χ2) para establecer relación entre la seropositividad a Leptospira y las variables de sexo, edad, antecedentes de abortos y repetición de servicios de cada animal, así como zona de muestreo y sistema de producción de las fincas. La seropositividad a Leptospira fue de 26,86 % y 29,85 % en los grupos de edad de 3-4 años y de 5-6 años, y del 43,2 % en bovinos ≥ 7 años. La seroprevalencia en vacas abortadas y no abortadas fue similar (35 y 34 %); asimismo, la seropositividad en vacas con y sin repeticiones de servicio fue de 34 y 35 %, respectivamente. El 41,7 % de las fincas con sistema de producción de carne y el 58,2 % con doble propósito fueron positivas a diferentes serovares. Sin embargo, no se encontró dependencia entre la seropositividad a Leptospira y las variables mencionadas (p &gt; 0,05). Los resultados indican una alta seroprevalencia de leptospirosis en bovinos con trastornos reproductivos del municipio de Montería.

Determination of presence of Tritrichomonas foetus in uterine lavages from cows with reproductive problems

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Tritrichomonas foetus in two dairy herds on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense. Twenty-one low-volume uterine lavages from cows with a history of reproductive problems in two dairy herds located in the municipality of Sibaté (Cundinamarca) and Ventaquemada (Boyacá) were evaluated. In the first herd, 10 cows were sampled and in the second, 11 cows, based on three inclusion criteria. The uterine lavages were obtained through infusion of physiological saline solution into the uterine body. The samples were centrifuged and seeded in Tritrichomonas basal medium for 10-15 days at 37 ºC. The protozoa were evaluated on the day of sampling and 10 and 15 days after incubation by means of direct viewing under a dark-field microscope. Positive samples were stained with Wright and Lugol to identify the morphological characteristics. This study showed that T. foetus was present in 61.8% of the animals sampled. The determination that T. foetus was present in 61.8% of the samples analyzed is a significant finding given that in the herds evaluated, this agent had not previously been diagnosed.

Evidencia serológica de la presencia del virus herpes Canino tipo 1 en la provincia de Lima

The canine Herpesvirus type 1 (CHV-1) is responsible for the canine hemorrhagic disease in puppies aged less than four weeks and for some reproductive problems in adult bitches. In Peru, the disease has been not reported, although there are findings suggesting its presence. Thus, the aim of this study was to show the presence of antibodies against CHV-1 among the canine population associated with history of reproductive problems. Blood samples from 28 animals belonging to seven districts of the province of Lima were collected. These dogs had a history of reproductive problems or neonatal mortality. Samples were submited to the indirect immunofluorescense test (IFAT), and nine of them (32 ± 17%) were positive to the test.

Techniques for the Insemination of Low Doses of Stallion Sperm

In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the quality and commercial use of frozen equine semen. The emergence of new reproductive technologies, coupled with the high prices for an insemination dose from some stallions, the increasing costs of import and export and the marketing policies of stallion agents or owners in the sport horse industry has stimulated the fractionation of doses for insemination. Consequently, the sperm number and the volume of an insemination dose are significantly reduced. To deliver lower doses of sperm in lower volumes compared to the standard dose, two techniques are used in clinical practice. Semen can be delivered hysteroscopically (HI) or by rectally guiding a flexible pipette to the tip of the desired uterine horn (RI). Both techniques have been described with good success and have triggered an incentive to further reduce the number of spermatozoa without having a negative effect on fertility. This article will review the expected success of both techniques in clinical settings and will highlight their advantages and disadvantages both for the mare and stallion. In addition, some of the implications of reducing sperm numbers on the industry will be discussed. From the available information, it is evident that lower sperm numbers deposited by RI or HI to deliver the inseminate can result in acceptable pregnancy rates with fresh or frozen semen in commercial settings. These methods of insemination could have major implications in the implementation and commercialization of new and emerging technologies in the equine industry.

Thyroid Autoimmunity and Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion in Iran: A Case-Control Study

To determine the association of thyroglobulin antibodies (TG-Ab) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) with recurrent spontaneous abortion in a euthyroid, nonpregnant population of women in Iran. In this case-control study conducted between November 2003 and September 2006 in Tehran, Iran, nonpregnant women with a history of 3 or more consecutive pregnancy losses and age-matched, healthy parous women without a history of reproductive problems were assessed. Thyroid function tests were performed, which included assessment of thyroid-stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and the presence of TG-Ab and TPO-Ab. A total of 641 patients and 269 controls were included. Mean age (+/- SD) was 30.6 +/- 6.4 years (range, 16-51 years) in the patient group and 30.05 +/- 6.6 years (range, 18-48 years) in the control group. Thyroid antibodies were present in 157 of 641 patients (24.5%) and in 34 of 269 controls (12.6%) (P<.001). The presence of thyroid antibodies was significantly associated with recurrent abortion independent of the impact of age with an odds ratio of 2.24 (95% confidence interval, 1.5-3.35). In this population of women in Iran, TG-Ab and TPO-Ab were identified more frequently in women with recurrent abortions compared with controls, and thyroid autoimmunity was independently associated with a higher risk of recurrent abortion.

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 abortions detected by a semi-nested PCR in Brazilian cattle herds

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) was investigated by a semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (SN-PCR) and by MDBK cell culture virus isolation in organ fragments from 55 aborted fetuses collected from beef and dairy cattle herds with history of reproductive problems in the North of Paraná State, Brazil. A 425 bp amplicon of the BHV-1 glycoprotein D gene was detected in 14 (25.4%) aborted fetuses. BHV-1 was isolated in MDBK cells from the tissue of 5 (9.1%) fetuses. The specificity of positive results was evaluated by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) with Bgl I restriction of DNA amplified by SN-PCR, and by virus-neutralization and immunofluorescence with rabbit anti-BHV-1 polyclonal antibodies for virus isolated in cell culture. The results of this work demonstrate the importance of using other diagnostic techniques, like SN-PCR, for BHV-1 detection in organ fragments from aborted fetuses and the high frequency of this virus in reproductive failures in Brazilian cattle herds.