Success Rate Of Induction Research Articles

Do fertility treatments affect labor induction success rate? A retrospective cohort study

Purpose To evaluate labor induction success rate by Foley catheter (FC) on patients who conceived spontaneously, as compared to those who underwent fertility treatments. Materials and methods This retrospective cohort study included all pregnant women hospitalized at a single tertiary care center between January 2011 and May 2018 for induction of labor with FC. The study groups included patients with a singleton pregnancy who conceived after fertility treatments: controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), while control group included patients who conceived spontaneously. Our primary outcome was the rate of cesarean deliveries. Regression analysis was conducted on the following parameters: age, gravidity, parity, the gestational week, and IVF. Results The study groups included 59, 321, and 3159 patients who conceived following COH, IVF, or spontaneously, respectively. While 72.1% of patients who conceived spontaneously had a vaginal delivery, only 62.7% and 58% of patients who conceived by COH and IVF had successful labor induction (respectively, p < .01). Similarly, significantly higher cesarean section (CS) rates were demonstrated by patients who conceived by COH and IVF (28.8% and 30%, respectively), compared to the control group (18.7%, p < .01). Regression analysis demonstrated that although age, parity, and the gestational week were significantly related to cesarean sections, no statistically significant association was found regarding fertility treatments (p = .050). Conclusions The possible association between fertility treatments and cesarean delivery remains an important dilemma for obstetricians and fertility experts. While unadjusted analysis demonstrated such association among patients who undergo labor induction by FC, adjusted analysis has not supported that finding. Further studies focusing on the causes of failed vaginal delivery are needed to further expand our knowledge and to improve patient consultation.

A randomized clinical trial of sildenafil plus clomiphene citrate to improve the success rate of ovulation induction in patients with unexplained infertility.

To investigate the role of sildenafil citrate in improving ovulation induction success rate in women with unexplained infertility. A randomized clinical trial from January to December 2018 of 80 women with unexplained infertility randomized into two groups. Both groups received 100mg clomiphene citrate once daily from days 3-7 of the menstrual cycle. The study group also received 25mg oral sildenafil citrate twice daily from days 8-12 of the same cycle. Transvaginal ultrasound assessed ovulation, endometrial thickness, and number of follicles. Pregnancy was assessed 2weeks after ovulation. Primary outcome measures were endometrial thickness, number of mature follicles, and pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates (26 (65%) and 16 (40%), P=0.043) and endometrial thickness (10.4±1.4 and 9.2±1.9, P=0.007) were significantly higher in the study group. More women in the study group reported adverse effects compared with the control group (17 [42.5%] vs 9 [22.5%]; P=0.034), with headache the most common adverse effect in the study group, reported by 8 (20.0%) patients. Adding sildenafil citrate improved ovulation success rate and increased pregnancy rate. PACTR201907658492123.

Erhöht die Geburtseinleitung wegen eines frühen vorzeitigen Blasensprungs ab 34+0 SSW das Risiko für einen Kaiserschnitt?

Induction of labor at 34 weeks of gestation is often linked to increased risk for cesarean section. Recently, the PPROMT trial demonstrated a higher cesarean section rate when labor was induced for preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the success rate of induction of labor for PPROM at 34 and 35 weeks of gestation in comparison with a higher gestational age. In this historic cohort study, cases with labor inductions for PPROM ≥ 34 weeks of gestation were included. Induction of labor at 34 and 35 weeks of gestation (group 1) were compared with those performed at 36 weeks (group 2) and 37 weeks (group 3). Induction of labor was started 12 to 24 hours after (preterm) premature rupture of membranes. Antibiotics were given routinely. The primary outcome was the rate of cesarean section. There were significantly more cesarean sections in group 3 in comparison with group 2 (7 vs. 25%, p=0.0136). However, univariable and multiple logistic regression analysis of the primary outcome measure showed that there was no impact of the group affiliation on cesarean section rate. Significant parameters influencing the risk of cesarean section were body mass index and Bishop score. Induction of labor for PPROM at 34 weeks of gestation is not associated with an increased rate of cesarean section.

Effects of general anesthesia maintenance without muscle relaxants for double-balloon enteroscopy: a randomized controlled trial

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and safety of maintaining general anesthesia without neuromuscular blockade in oral double-balloon enteroscopy. Methods Totally 120 patients undergoing oral double-balloon enteroscopy under general anesthesia were randomly assigned into two groups: the observation group and the control group. The observation group was not given muscle relaxants for anesthesia maintenance, while the control group was given muscle relaxants punctually. Observation indexes were monitored, including the mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), peak airway pressure (Ppeak) and end-tidal CO2 partial pressure (PETCO2) before anesthesia (T0), immediately after intubation (T1), at the time of endoscopy placement (T2), at the end of endoscopy withdrawal (T3), and at the time of waking-up (T4). The cases of spontaneous breathing recovery before the end of endoscopy, postoperative recovery time, extubation time, length of PACU stay, postoperative adverse reactions and satisfactory rates were recorded. Results Twelve cases were removed by the exclusion criteria, and the remaining 108 cases completed the study, including 56 cases in the observation group and 52 cases in the control group. The one-time success rate of induction was both 100% in the two groups. There were no significant differences in MAP, HR, Ppeak, and PETCO2 between the two groups at each observation point (all P>0.05), and the same is true for within group comparison with T0 (all P>0.05). The recovery rate of spontaneous respiration in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [100% (56/56) VS 42% (22/52), χ2=44.73, P=0.000]. The awaken time, extubation time and length of PACU stay were 6±2 min, 10±3 min, and 11±4 min, respectively, in the observation group, compared with 15±5 min (t=-12.64, P=0.000), 17±5 min (t=-8.90, P=0.000), and 17±7 min (t=-5.73, P=0.000) in the control group. None of the patients required assisted ventilation. Hypoxemia occurred in 2 cases and nausea in 3 cases in the control group, while only nausea occurred in 1 patient in the observation group. The overall incidence of adverse reactions was not statisticaly different between the two groups (P>0.05). Anesthesia satisfaction rate of two groups was 100%. Conclusion It is feasible and safe to perform oral double-balloon enteroscopy without muscle relaxants during maintaining under general anesthesia, with quick recovery of spontaneous breathing and awakening, early extubation and less cost. Key words: Anesthesia, intravenous; Without muscle relaxants; Double-balloon enteroscopy

Komposisi Media Pertumbuhan Protokorm Sebelum Perlakuan Kolkisin untuk Meningkatkan Poliploidi pada Phalaenopsis amabilis (L.) Blume

Polyploidy induction in Phalaenopsis amabilis is one of the methods to increase plant genetic diversity. A highly meristematic condition of protocorm induced by cytokinines may improve the success rate of polyploidy induction. This experiment was aimed to study the effect of Benzylaminopurine (BAP), Thidiazuron (TDZ) and coconut water (CW) in a half concentration of Murashige &amp; Skoog (MS) medium before colchicine treatment on growth, multiplication and the success rate of polyploidy induction on Phalaenopsis amabilis protocorm. The experiment used completely randomized design with one factor, medium treatment (15% of CW); 0.51 mg L-1 BAP; 0.50 mg L-1 TDZ; 15% CW + 0.51 mg L-1 BAP; 15% CW + 0.50 mg L-1 TDZ). Each treatment consisted of three replications with five culture bottles of protocorm for each replication and ten protocorms per bottle. The protocorms were incubated for eight weeks in the medium before treated with 50 mg L-1 of colchicine for ten days. The results showed that 15% CW, 15% CW + 0.51 mg L-1 BAP or 0.5 mg L-1 TDZ gave the highest percentage (100%) of alive protocorm. The highest percentage of protocorm multiplication were resulted from 15% CW+0.51 mg L-1 BAP (65.3%) and 15% CW + 0.5 mg L-1 TDZ (62.7%). The best treatment to promote formation of leaves and roots from protocorm was 15% CW. The percentage of polyploid plantlets of 3% was found in plantlet from 15% CW + 0.50 mg L-1 TDZ media treatment while from other treatments could not be detected.Keywords: BAP, chromosome, coconut water, plantlet, TDZ

Sputum induction for assessment of biomarkers in early respiratory drug development .

To study the success rate and reproducibility of sputum induction (SI) in healthy subjects (HS) and asthma patients (AP). 130 HSs/APs were recruited for early-phase studies to evaluate sputum biomarkers. SI and sample processing were performed according to standard protocols. Adequate samples were obtained from 46% of HSs and 80% of APs. There was no difference between the groups with adequate and nonadequate samples. Differences between HS and AP groups were minor. Reproducibility was 56.0% in HSs and 90.6% in APs. Sputum induction for biomarker assessment in early drug development is feasible in HSs and APs, but only modestly reproducible in HSs. The technique is complex and time consuming. .

Comparison of sonographic measurement of cervical length with Bishop Score to predict success rate of labor induction

Giriş: Tüm gebeliklerin yaklaşık % 20–30’unda doğum eylemi için indüksiyon gerekli olup, doğum indüksiyonu artmış sezaryen oranı ile ilişkilidir. İndüksiyon başarısını öngörmede prosedür öncesi serviksin klinik veya USG ile değerlendirilmesi kullanılmakta ve en çok Bishop skorlaması tercih edilmektedir.Amaç: Bu çalışmada term gebelerde indüksiyonun başarısını göstermede sonografik servikal uzunluk ölçümünün, Bishop skorlamasıyla karşılaştırılmasını hedefledik. Gereç-yöntem: Bu prospektif gözlemsel klinik çalışmada, kliniğimize başvuran, doğum indüksiyonu uygulanan 37-41 gestasyonel haftalık, uterin cerrahi öyküsü olmayan, baş prezentasyonu 126 tekil gebe değerlendirildi. Hastanın yaşı, gestasyonel haftası, indüksiyon nedeni, gravida, parite, tahmini fetal ağırlık, doğum şekli, Bishop skoru, sonografik servikal uzunluk değerleri kaydedildi. Bulgular: Bishop skoru 5 ve altında olan grupta sezaryen (%54,8), Bishop skoru 5’in üzerinde olan grupta ise vajinal doğum (%84,4) çoğunluktaydı. Fark analizi sonuçlarına göre Bishop skorunun, doğum indüksiyonu başarısını göstermede istatistiksel olarak anlamlı tanısal değerinin olduğu saptandı (p&amp;lt;0,001). Parite, doğum şekli, Bishop skor gruplarına göre anlamlı farklılık göstermekteydi. Doğum şekli servikal uzunluğa göre her iki grupta da vaginal yolla olanlar çoğunlukta bir dağılım gösterdi (sırasıyla %69,6 ve %59,6) ve gruplar arasındaki farklar istatistiksel olarak anlamlı değildi (p&amp;gt;0,05). Parite ve vajinal doğum oranları her iki servikal uzunluk grubunda da benzerdi. Fark analizi sonuçları ise 25 mm değerine göre yapılan servikal uzunluk gruplarında farkların istatistiksel olarak anlamlı olmadığını gösterdi. Servikal uzunluk ile sezaryen doğum tahminde cut-off değeri 25 mm seçildiğinde sensivite %52,3 ve spesivite ise %58,5 olarak bulundu. Sonuç: Bishop skoru ve parite başarılı bir doğum indüksiyonu için iyi prediktörler olarak bulundu. Servikal uzunluk ölçümünün ise indüksiyon başarısını öngörmede yararı olmadığı gösterildi.

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing.

The technique of sputum induction and processing is a recognized non-invasive method allowing the collection and analysis of cells from the airways, which is interesting in various respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic cough, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This technique is well tolerated, safe and non-invasive, but is currently limited to research services and specialized centers in clinical practice because it is technically demanding, time-consuming, and requires trained staff. The success rate of sputum induction and analysis is about 80%. Here, we describe the induction and laboratory processing of sputum samples. Sputum is induced by inhalation of hypertonic or isotonic saline with salbutamol. For the processing, we use the whole sputum technique. Dithiothreitol (DTT) is used to allow mucolysis of sputum samples. The primary aim of sputum processing is to obtain a differential cell count to study the cell types present in the airway lumen. Additional analyses may also be performed on sputum supernatant and sputum cells, which may allow further investigation into inflammatory processes and immune mechanisms. Examples include studying mediators in sputum supernatant and performing a large spectrum of analysis on sputum cells such as flow cytometry, genomics, or proteomics. Finally, representative results of sputum analysis in healthy controls, asthmatics, and COPD patients are presented.

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing

The technique of sputum induction and processing is a recognized non-invasive method allowing the collection and analysis of cells from the airways, which is interesting in various respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic cough, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This technique is well tolerated, safe and non-invasive, but is currently limited to research services and specialized centers in clinical practice because it is technically demanding, time-consuming, and requires trained staff. The success rate of sputum induction and analysis is about 80%. Here, we describe the induction and laboratory processing of sputum samples. Sputum is induced by inhalation of hypertonic or isotonic saline with salbutamol. For the processing, we use the whole sputum technique. Dithiothreitol (DTT) is used to allow mucolysis of sputum samples. The primary aim of sputum processing is to obtain a differential cell count to study the cell types present in the airway lumen. Additional analyses may also be performed on sputum supernatant and sputum cells, which may allow further investigation into inflammatory processes and immune mechanisms. Examples include studying mediators in sputum supernatant and performing a large spectrum of analysis on sputum cells such as flow cytometry, genomics, or proteomics. Finally, representative results of sputum analysis in healthy controls, asthmatics, and COPD patients are presented.

Ovarian volume and PCOS: a controversial issue

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy. The Rotterdam criteria indicate four distinct phenotypes. In phenotypes with the typical ovarian morphology (ovarian volume ≥10 ml) the sensibility to clomiphene citrate (CC) ovulation therapy was demonstrated inversely proportional to the ovarian volume. In this retrospective study we evaluated the influence of ovarian volume on the success rate of CC ovulation induction in women with anovulatory phenotype 2 characterized only by the presence of hyperandrogenism and anovulation (ANOV + HA). Statistical analysis was conducted by stratifying patients both on the basis of CC dose (Group 1: n = 37, 50 mg; Group 2: n = 9, 100 mg; and Group 3: n = 12, 150 mg) and on the basis of response to therapy. Eighty women were evaluated but overall only 58 women (72.5%) reached ovulation. In the phenotype studied, we didn’t find any correlations between ovarian volume and the chance of ovulation with the gradient increase in CC; furthermore, ovarian volume was comparable in CC responders and non-responders. Our study has shown that in the phenotype 2 examined, ovarian volume did not have any predictive value of the dosage required to induce ovulation. The significance of this result is discussed.

Induction of Ovulation with Clomiphene Citrate Combined with Bromocriptine in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients with Infertility: A Prospective, Randomized, and Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: To investigate the therapeutic effects of bromocriptine (BCT) combined with clomiphene citrate (CC) in the induction of ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients with infertility. Methods: A prospective, randomized, and controlled clinical trial was performed on 100 PCOS patients with infertility. Patients were randomly divided into two groups (n = 50), patients in control group were treated with 50 mg CC from day 3 to day 7 of the menstrual cycle, and those in observation group (CC + BCT) were given 50 mg of CC from day 3 to day 7 of the menstrual cycle along with 2.5 mg of BCT daily for the full cycle. Patients in both groups were treated for one cycle. Blood was extracted from patients on day 3 of the menstrual cycle, the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) injection, and day 7 after hCG injection to measure serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), total testosterone (T) and progestin (P). Vaginal ultrasound was used to determine the thickness of endometrium and follicle size and count. Results: There was no significant difference in basal hormone levels between two groups. The success rate of ovulation induction in control group and observation group was 72.0% and 75.4%, respectively, no significant difference was found between two groups (P > 0.05). The ongoing pregnancy rate (18.4%) in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group (8.0%). On the day of hCG injection, no significant differences in the levels of FSH, E2, and P were found between two groups, while LH was lower, and levels of PRL and T were significantly lower in observation group than those in control group (all P = 0.00). On day 7 after hCG injection, no significant differences in the levels of E2 and P were found between two groups, while PRL level was significantly lower in observation group than that in control group, and the endometrial thickness in observation group (10.20 ± 1.92 mm) was significantly higher than that in control group (9.22 ± 1.88 mm) (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Compared with the use of CC alone, BCT combined with CC can increase the success rate of ovulation induction-assisted pregnancy in PCOS patients, decrease the levels of PRL, LH, and T and increase the endometrial thickness in implantation window. Those data suggest that dopamine agonist BCT may reduce the pituitary hormone and androgen levels, reduce endometrial vascular resistance, and increase endometrial blood supply to improve the infertility outcomes of PCOS patients with infertility.

Update on maintenance therapy for granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis.

The antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides are a group of rare systemic diseases. The past several years have seen major therapeutic advances in the treatment of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). The success rate in induction of remission is high, but reducing the high incidence of relapses remains a therapeutic challenge. Studies have shown no improvement in relapse rates in GPA and MPA over the past 2 decades. This has prompted a recent focus on therapeutic strategies to maintain remission in these relapsing diseases. Low-dose rituximab (RTX) at fixed intervals has been shown superior to azathioprine for maintenance of remission. Despite this advance, longer follow-up periods have shown late-stage relapses with withdrawal of therapy suggesting a possible need for longer treatment regimens. Evaluation of prognostic indicators is also helpful in stratifying patients who might be more likely to relapse or to respond to a particular therapy. Results from recent research have significantly advanced our approach to prevention of relapses in GPA and MPA. Newer maintenance agents have shown benefit in maintenance of remission and relapse-free survival.

Trial of labour after caesarean section: Two-year analysis at a Portuguese centre

We conducted a retrospective study aimed at determining variables associated with a higher success rate for vaginal delivery after caesarean section, and assessing the impact of induction of labour. Secondarily, we aimed to describe our vaginal delivery and uterine rupture rates with the use of a controlled-release dinoprostone vaginal insert for cervical ripening. Of 292 women who met the inclusion criteria, induction of labour occurred in 48% (94% with dinoprostone). There was a non-significant difference between the vaginal delivery rate of spontaneous labour (57%) and induction of labour (33%), after adjusting for confounding variables. The success rate was influenced by a Bishop score ≥6, previous vaginal delivery and previous caesarean for dystocia or failed induction. There was only one case of uterine rupture, which was associated with dinoprostone use (overall rate 0.34%, 0.77% for dinoprostone).Impact statementTrial of labour after caesarean section is considered an alternative to elective repeat caesarean.Both present associated benefits and risks, the most fearsome of which is uterine rupture during labour (0.78% in term pregnancies).Induction is also possible but carries a higher risk of uterine rupture and lower success rate for vaginal birth. Prostaglandins have been of particular concern due to a higher risk of uterine scar rupture, estimated at 2% for dinoprostone; however, its use as a controlled-release vaginal insert has been under-reported.Our study confirms the reported impact of previous vaginal delivery, previous caesarean indication and Bishop score at admission on success rate for vaginal birth after caesarean.We were unable to prove a lower success rate for induction of labour after adjusting for other variables. Despite our study limitations, we report on the use of a controlled-release vaginal insert with 10mg of dinoprostone in 130 women with a uterine rupture rate of 0.77%, lower than previously reported and similar to the overall rate estimated for term pregnancies.This dinoprostone formulation may be safer than previously reported but larger studies, and preferably randomised controlled trials, are needed to confirm these findings.

Effectiveness and safety of induction of labor for term breech presentations

To assess the effectiveness and safety of induction of labor for breech presentations. Retrospective comparative hospital-based study of a continuous series of term breech deliveries from 2000 to 2010. The condition of term breech newborns delivered vaginally after induction of labor was compared to that of their counterparts delivered vaginally after spontaneous labor. During the study period, 96women with term fetuses in breech presentations had labor induced and 501 in spontaneous labor had attempted vaginal deliveries. Compared with spontaneous labor, induction was not associated with a significantly higher rate of cesarean delivery during labor (20.8 vs 14.8%, P=0.14), nor with poorer neonatal condition, defined either as moderate acidosis (pH<7.15; 21.6 vs 19.8%, P=0.71) or composite neonatal morbidity (2.1 vs 0.6%, P=0.16). Our data indicate that, compared with spontaneous labor, neither cervical ripening nor oxytocin induction of labor is associated with either a poorer neonatal prognosis or an excess rate of obstetric complications in term breech births, and that the success rate of induction is satisfactory.

Second dose of PGE2 vaginal insert versus Foley transcervical balloon for induction of labor after failure of cervical ripening with PGE2 vaginal insert

Purpose: To determine the success rate of induction of labor (IOL) using Foley transcervical balloon (FTB) versus prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) vaginal insert, following failure of cervical ripening with PGE2 vaginal insert. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study of all pregnant women admitted for IOL with either FTB or PGE2 vaginal insert. Either second dose of PGE2 vaginal insert or FTB was used as a second line treatment after failure (not giving birth in 24 h from insertion) of first PGE2 vaginal insert. Results: During the study period, 1162 women were admitted for IOL. Failure was reported in 322/852 (37.8%) in the FTB versus 162/310 (52.2%) in the PGE2 group (p < 0.001). Among 162 patients treated with PGE2 as first line who did not deliver after 24 h, 14 had spontaneous rupture of membranes, 15 underwent stripping and 42 were in still in active labor. The remainder were allocated to either second trial of PGE2 treatment (n = 58) or FTB (n = 33) with failure rate higher in the PGE2 group, not statistically significant (p = 0.23). Conclusion: IOL with FTB was not superior to PGE2 vaginal insert for IOL following failure of cervical ripening with PGE2 vaginal insert.

Current animal models of hemophilia: the state of the art

Hemophilia is the most well-known hereditary bleeding disorder, with an incidence of one in every 5000 to 30,000 males worldwide. The disease is treated by infusion of protein products on demand and as prophylaxis. Although these therapies have been very successful, some challenging and unresolved tasks remain, such as reducing bleeding rates, presence of target joints and/or established joint damage, eliminating the development of inhibitors, and increasing the success rate of immune-tolerance induction (ITI). Many preclinical trials are carried out on animal models for hemophilia generated by the hemophilia research community, which in turn enable prospective clinical trials aiming to tackle these challenges. Suitable animal models are needed for greater advances in treating hemophilia, such as the development of better models for evaluation of the efficacy and safety of long-acting products, more powerful gene therapy vectors than are currently available, and successful ITI strategies. Mice, dogs, and pigs are the most commonly used animal models for hemophilia. With the advent of the nuclease method for genome editing, namely the CRISPR/Cas9 system, it is now possible to create animal models for hemophilia other than mice in a short period of time. This review presents currently available animal models for hemophilia, and discusses the importance of animal models for the development of better treatment options for hemophilia.

Effects of triploidy induction on antioxidant defense status in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during early development

The objective of the present study was to examine the antioxidant status of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during the early stages of development (fertilized egg, eyed egg, alevin and fry) as an effect of triploidy induction. Eggs and milt were taken from eight females and six males. After insemination, the eggs were incubated at 10°C for 10min. Half of the fertilized eggs were then subjected to heat-shock for 10min submerged in a 28°C water bath to induce triploidy. The remainder were incubated normally and used as diploid controls. Three batches of eggs were randomly selected from each group (control and heat-shocked) and were incubated at 10–11°C under the same environmental conditions in hatchery troughs until the fry stage. Triplicate samples of fertilized eggs from each experimental group were randomly selected 1.5h post-fertilization and at the eyed egg stage of development (18 days post-fertilization, dpf). At 27 dpf, triplicate samples of alevins were chosen from each group. Based on ploidy determination experiment performed on both groups, nine diploid and nine triploid fry (76 dpf) were also selected. The triploidy induction success rate was 87.1%. Vitamin C was in lesser concentrations in fertilized eggs and eyed eggs of the heat-shock treatment group as compared with eggs of the diploid group. Alevins of the heat-shock treatment group had a lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than alevins of the diploid group. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level was greater in fertilized eggs and alevins of the heat-shock treatment group as compared to diploids. Catalse (CAT) activity was greater in fertilized eggs, alevins and fry of the heat-shock treatment group than those of the diploid group. Malondialdehyde (MDA), as an index of lipid peroxidation, was in greater concentration in fertilized eggs of the group that was heat-shocked, but it was lesser in alevins and fry of the group in which the eggs were heat-shocked as compared to diploid counterparts. The results demonstrate that heat-shock treatment leads to changes in the values of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT and GPx, and low molecular weight free-radical scavengers such as vitamin C, as well as level of lipid peroxidation.

Tetraploid induction in tropical oysters, Crassostrea belcheri (Sowerby) and Crassostrea iredalei (Faustino)

Tetraploid induction has been conducted on temperate oysters but not on tropical oysters. In this study, different heat shocks (32, 35 and 38°C) and cold shocks (1, 4 and 7°C) were used to induce tetraploidy in two tropical oyster species, Crassostrea belcheri and Crassostrea iredalei, through meiosis I inhibition. Temperature shocks were applied on the newly fertilized eggs at 8–10 min post fertilization and terminated when second polar bodies began to form in the control eggs. The ploidy of the larvae and spat was determined via direct chromosome count. The percentage of larval survival until Day 20 was low (between 0.4% and 42.9%) for both temperature shocks and oyster species. No surviving larva was recorded for induction at 1, 4 and 38°C. Tetraploid spat was only recorded in C. iredalei but the percentage is low through heat shock induction of 32 and 35°C. This study shows that the tetraploid induction success rate was slightly higher in C. iredalei compared to C. belcheri. No surviving tetraploid spat were recorded for both oyster species through the cold shock method. This study shows that heat shock can be used to inhibit meiosis for the production of tetraploids but more experiments need to be conducted to determine the optimum temperature when dealing with tropical oysters.

Effects of triploidy induction on physiological and immunological characteristics of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at early developmental stages (fertilized eggs, eyed eggs and fry)

The aim of this study was to compare effects of triploidy induction on basal physiological and immunological characteristics in rainbow trout at three developmental stages including fertilized eggs, eyed eggs and fry. Eggs and milt were taken from eight females and six males. The gametes were pooled to minimize the individual differences. After insemination, the eggs were incubated at 10°C for 10min. Half of the fertilized eggs were then subjected to heat shock for 10min submerged in a 28°C water bath to induce triploidy. The remainder were incubated normally and used as diploid controls. Three batches of eggs were randomly selected from each group and were incubated at 10–11°C under the same environmental conditions in hatchery troughs until the fry stage. The first-feeding offspring were also reared under the same environmental and nutritional conditions for 38 days. Triplicate samples of 30 eggs (10 eggs per trough) from each group were selected 1.5h post-fertilization and at the eyed stage. Based on red blood cell analysis, nine diploid and nine triploid fish were also selected for study. The triploidy induction success rate was 87.1%. While diploid fish had greater body weights than those in the heat-shock treatment group, weight gain (WG%) was not different between the fry of the diploid and heat-shock treatment groups. Of thyroid hormones measured, 3,5,3′-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3) was less (P<0.05) in eyed eggs of the heat-shock treatment group, but thyroxine (T4) was greater in fry of the heat-shock treatment group as compared to those that were diploid. Cortisol concentration was greater in fry of the heat-shock treatment group as compared to those that were diploid suggesting that fry in the triploid state may be more susceptible to stressors. Concentrations of immune variables (lysozyme, ACH50, albumin, IgM, total protein, globulin and complement) were either comparable or greater in fry of the heat-shock treatment group suggesting that the immune system is not impaired in fish as a result of triploidy induction.

A Single Primary Site Obstruction May Lead to Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Multiple Sites: An Animal Model.

This study aimed to investigate the dynamic upper airway changes occurring in an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) rabbit model using dynamic computerized tomography (CT). In this study, 2.5 U of botulinum toxin type A was injected into the genioglossus to paralyze the tongue in the OSA group (n = 7). The control group was injected with normal saline (n = 7). Apnea-hypopnea index was measured using ApneaLink at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 weeks post-injection. Anterior to posterior (AP) and transverse diameters at the levels of the palate and tongue base were measured using a dynamic CT at baseline and at 1 and 2 weeks post-injection. The success rate of OSA induction was higher in the OSA group (P = .02). In the OSA group, transverse and AP diameters at the palate level and AP diameter at the tongue base level significantly decreased 2 weeks post-injection (P = .01). A single obstruction site may constitute the primary pathogenesis in some OSA patients, even when the involvement of multiple sites is indicated. These findings may contribute to the identification of OSA pathogenesis and improve the planning of treatment based on the primary cause of OSA.