Real-time B-mode Ultrasonography Research Articles

Ultrasonographic assessment of rectus abdominis muscle adaptation after deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap surgery: Single institution retrospective study.

The impact of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap on abdominal wall integrity has been the topic of an ongoing debate with previous studies having reported conflicting results using various imaging modalities. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive, cost-effective, and readily available method for evaluating the changes to the rectus muscle after DIEP flap surgery. In the present study, we aimed to compare rectus abdominis muscle thickness between the operated and non-operated sides using ultrasound imaging. The muscle thickness was measured at the cross point of the midclavicular line and the level of the umbilicus and anterior superior iliac spine using real-time B-mode ultrasonography. The muscle anteroposterior diameters of the pedicle-dissected side and the control side were compared using paired t test. In total 31 patients with a mean follow-up of 70.18 weeks were included. The mean diameters at the level of the umbilicus of the operated and non-operated sides were 8.16 ± 1.83 and 8.14 ± 1.43 mm, respectively (P = .94). The mean thicknesses at the anterior superior iliac spine level were 7.74 ± 1.85 on the flap harvested side and 8.04 ± 1.84 mm on the control side (P = .35). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. Ultrasonography can be a reliable, inexpensive, and easily usable modality for evaluating donor site complication following DIEP flap. DIEP flap seems to have minimal impact on the abdominal donor site, and it may be safe and versatile to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy.

Joint Coordination and Muscle-Tendon Interaction Differ Depending on The Level of Jumping Performance.

The countermovement jump is a popular measurement modality to evaluate muscle power in sports and exercise. Muscle power is essential to achieve a high jump, yet the well-coordinated movement of the body segments, which optimizes the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) effects, is also required. Among the proposed explanations of SSC effects, this study investigated whether the ankle joint kinematics, kinetics, and muscle-tendon interaction depend on the level of jump skill and the jump task. Sixteen healthy males were grouped as a function of their jump height (High jumpers; greater than 50 cm, Low jumpers; less than 50 cm). They were instructed to jump with two intensities; light effort (20 % of their height) and maximal effort. Joint kinematics and kinetics of the lower limbs were analyzed using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. The muscle-tendon interaction was investigated using B-mode real-time ultrasonography. As the jump intensity increased, all participants jumped with increased joint velocity and power. However, the high jumper shows less fascicle shortening velocity (-0.2 ± 0.1 m/s) than the low jumper group (-0.3 ± 0.1 m/s) and greater tendon velocity, which indicated the capability of elastic energy recoil. In addition, the delayed onset time of ankle extension in the high jumper implies better use of the catapult mechanism. The findings of this study showed that the muscle-tendon interaction differs depending on the jump skill level, suggesting a more efficient neuromuscular control in skilled jumpers.

Pregnancy diagnosis in goat by using vaginal cytology and trans-abdominal ultrasonography

The present study was conducted in a goat farm for pregnancy diagnosis by using vaginal cytology and B-mode real time ultrasound using 5 MHz probe by transabdominal method. Seventeen pregnant does were used for this study. The objective of the study was to determine the earliest day of pregnancy and describe the chronological characteristics of pregnancy from day 22 to day 40 for vaginal cytology and day 25 to day 60 for ultrasonography of gestation. The differences among the average percentage of cell value in different age of pregnancy were significant (p < 0.05). The average percentage of intermediate cells (81.12%) was also significantly (p < 0.05) higher than superficial (9.41%), keratinized (7.10%) and neutrophil (2.61%) on 22-40th days of pregnancy. In case of real time B-mode ultrasonography, the gestational sac was observed only in three does out of seventeen (17.6 %) at 25-30 days whereas the placentomes and heart beat of the foetus were first detected at 31-35 days in six does (35.3%). The foetal leg buds were first visualized at 36-40 days in four does (23.5%) whereas the foetal vertebral column was first observed at 36-40 days of gestation in only three does (17.6%). In conclusion, vaginal cytology and trans-abdominal ultrasonography can be used for detection of early pregnancy in does.

Factors influencing pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and weaning-to-ovulation interval in spontaneously ovulating sows in tropical environment.

Follicle development and timing of ovulation are indicators of the reproductive performance of sows. The present study aimed to determine factors influencing pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and weaning-to-ovulation interval (WOI) in spontaneously ovulating sows in tropical climates with special emphasis on breed, parity and backfat thickness at weaning. In total, 80 sows were included in the study. Follicle development was determined by using transrectal real-time B-mode ultrasonography every 6hr after standing oestrus. Weaning-to-oestrous interval (WEI), oestrous-to-ovulation interval (EOI), WOI and the diameter of graafian follicles were investigated in relation to breed, parity number (1, 2-3 and 4-7) and backfat thickness (low, moderate and high) of sows. Overall, WEI, EOI, WOI and the pre-ovulatory follicle diameter were 92.5±21.6hr, 64.3±19.3hr, 156.3±29.1hr and 10.3±2.0mm, respectively. Pre-ovulatory follicle size was smaller in primiparous sows compared with sows of greater parity, 4-7 (9.7±0.51 and 11.7±0.52mm, respectively, p<.05). Weaning-to-ovulation interval was positively correlated with WEI (r=0.75, p<.001) and EOI (r=0.66, p<.001), but negatively correlated with size of the graafian follicle (r=-0.34, p<.01). Sows with a shorter WEI had a larger pre-ovulatory follicle diameter (at 64hr after oestrus) (r=-0.37, p<.01). Sows with low backfat thickness had a WOI 23.4hr longer than those with moderate backfat thickness (p<.05) and 17.6hr longer than sows with a high backfat thickness (p=.140). The follicle diameter in primiparous sows with high backfat thickness (11.7±1.1mm) was higher than in those with low (8.9±0.7mm, p<.05) or moderate (8.6±0.8, p<.05) backfat thickness. In conclusion, factors influencing follicle diameter and WOI in sows included parity number and backfat thickness at weaning. The impact of backfat thickness on follicle diameter, WEI and WOI was most pronounced in primiparous sows.

B-mode and Doppler Ultrasonographic Assessment of Uterine Involution in Ewes Treated with Two Different Doses of ProstaglandinF2α

Background: Several studies consisted of postmortem evaluations and B-mode ultrasonography have been performed on ovine uterine involution. However, researches with Doppler ultrasonography are very limited in ewes. Doppler ultrasonography is a non-invasive method which provides information about vascular dynamics of the tissues which cannot be examined by B-mode ultrasonography. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of two different PGF2α doses on uterine measurements by real time B-mode ultrasonography; and on uterine artery hemodynamics by pulsed-wave Doppler analysis during postpartum uterine involution in ewes.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The study was conducted with 30 primiparous Kiwircik ewes which lambed singleton without any complication. The ewes were randomly divided into three groups (n= 10 for each group). A single i.m. injection of 125 μg/sheep PGF2α, 75 μg/sheep PGF2α, and 1.0 mL/sheep sterile saline solution were administered to Group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The day of parturition was considered as the first day of the study. Examinations were performed on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Diameters of previously gravid horn and caruncles were measured by real time B-mod ultrasonography. Presence of lochia was also noted. Uterine artery pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) values were measured by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography. The one-way analysis of variance and Duncan’s test were used for statistical analysis. The mean previously gravid horn diameters of ewes were 8.30 ± 0.16 cm and 1.53 ± 0.07 cm on day 1 and day 28, respectively. Previously gravid horn and caruncle diameters had a similar declining pattern in all groups as involution period proceeded. Involution was mostly completed by day 21. More than 50% reduction in uterine size was achieved in prostaglandin administered groups by day 7. Caruncles were not able to be identified after the second week postpartum. Lochia was observed for a longer period in control group. Uterine artery PI and RI showed fluctuations throughout involution period with a similar pattern among groups. S/D values progressively increased until day 14, then showed a decreasing pattern.Discussion: The effects of different PGF2α doses on uterine measurements and uterine artery hemodynamics during postpartum period were compared in ewes for the first time. The uterine size reduction in prostaglandin administered groups suggested that both PGF2α doses were effective in uterine involution. The last observation of lochia in uterine cavity were achieved by day 7 in prostaglandin administered groups, suggesting both PGF2α doses trigger uterine contractions which lead to the removal of uterine content. Automatic measurements by Doppler device were taken in order to provide uniformity and to prevent operator-based bias. The significantly higher uterine artery PI value found in Group 1 on day 1 might suggest the stimulatory effect of PGF2α administration on uterine contractility synergitically with already released endogenous PGF2α. Uterine artery PI and RI showed fluctuations throughout involution period and reached their peak values on day 14. The increasing S/D values up to day 14 indicated increasing diastolic flow, increasing resistance and decreasing blood perfusion in prostaglandin administered groups. Prostaglandin administered groups tended to show higher hemodynamic parameters throughout the study which suggested a vasoconstrictor effect of PGF2α. In conclusion, PGF2α administration on the day of parturition might have constrictor effects both on uterine artery and myometrium which leads to a reduction in uterine blood flow and a rapid decline in uterine size especially during early puerperium even with a reduced dose.

Principles and Clinical Uses of Real-Time Ultrasonography in Female Swine Reproduction.

Simply SummaryReal-time ultrasonography (RTU) has become an essential diagnostic value when assessing female swine reproduction in either individual or groups of animals. Diagnostic application of RTU is applied throughout most stages of production, including gilt development, breeding, gestation and farrowing. Along with its most common use in on-farm assessment of pregnancy status, RTU is also used to troubleshoot disruptions in reproductive performance such as delayed puberty, prolonged wean-to-estrus interval, absence of post-weaning estrus, decreased conception and farrowing rates, vulval discharge, peripartum and puerperal disorders. This review aims to provide an overview on principles and clinical uses of RTU in female reproduction on commercial swine farms.Within the past 30 years, through ongoing technology and portability developments, real-time (b-mode) ultrasonography (RTU) has increasingly become a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing the female reproductive tract in swine. Initially applied in swine production to visually determine pregnancy status, RTU use has expanded to include assessment of the peri-pubertal and mature non-pregnant females as well. Transabdominal and transrectal modalities to visualizing the reproductive tract in swine have been reported with the transabdominal approach more common due to the fact of its ease of accessibility, animal/personnel safety, and reduced time to perform. Adjustable frequency transducers are preferred as they allow optimization of image quality at various depths. If a single transducer frequency must be selected, a 5 MHz probe provides the best versatility for visualizing the reproductive tract in swine. Other basic requirements for ultrasound equipment which will be used on commercial swine farms include being light weight and easy to handle, readily cleanable and disinfectable, long battery-life, and good durability. When using RTU for pregnancy determination, diagnosis is based upon a combination of the animal’s breeding records, the presence of embryonic fluid, and, depending upon gestational stage, fetal structures. If RTU is used as a diagnostic tool in assessing reproductive problems in an individual or a group of animals, sonographic evaluation of both the uterus and ovaries is performed. Tissues are delineated and assessed based upon their echogenicity, echotexture, and size. Uses of RTU in clinical practice may include assessment of delayed puberty, prolonged wean-to-estrus interval, absence of post-weaning estrus, herd disruptions in conception and farrowing rates, vulval discharge, peripartum and puerperal disorders. This review aims to provide an overview on principles and clinical uses of RTU with respect to application to address female reproductive performance issues in commercial swine operations.

Follicle stimulating hormone receptor gene polymorphism and its association with fecundity in goats

Pluriparous goats (73) in between second to fifth parity with history of breeding 30 days before were selected for present study. A real time B-mode ultrasonography machine equipped with a linear array 7.5 MHz transrectal scanner was used for diagnosis of early pregnancy and twinning in goats. Out of 73 goats, 40 were detected pregnant with 22 goats with single embryo and 18 goats with twin embryos. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood of all pregnant goats and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with FSHR gene specific primers was carried out. The PCR product for FSHR gene was digested by restriction enzyme MSCI. Two genotypes AA and AB having amplification size (214 bp, 90 bp) and (214 bp, 90 bp and 304 bp) were detected, respectively. In AA genotype, 21 single and 9 twins were observed while 1 single and 9 twin embryos were observed in AB genotype. The percentage of single and twins was 70% and 30% in AA genotype, and 10% and 90% in AB genotype. In AA genotype, the average litter size was 1.3 while in AB genotype it was 1.9 and the difference was statistially significant. The AB genotype for the FSHR gene is responsible for more twining percentage.

CETP activity is not associated with carotid intima-media thickness in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

The impact of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) on atherosclerotic development in humans remains unclear. Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer was shown to be associated with carotid intima-media thickness in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients with adequate metabolic control. Since glycation of CETP may influence cholesteryl ester transfer processes, it is important to determine if plasma cholesteryl ester transfer is still a determinant of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. The aim of the present study was to determine whether CETP activity influences carotid IMT in T2D patients with poor metabolic control. In 110 individuals with T2D, we measured CETP mass concentration with ELISA, CETP activity with a radioactivity method and carotid intima-media thickness with high-resolution real-time B-mode ultrasonography. The mean HbA1C was 8.8 ± 1.7%. Carotid IMT did not correlate with CETP activity in the total population. In T2D patients with HbA1C < 8% (n = 33), mean HbA1C was 6.9% and the correlation between carotid IMT and CETP activity was not significant (p = 0.09). In a multivariable analysis that included the total population, carotid intima-media thickness was positively associated with diabetes duration (p = 0.02) but not with CETP activity or HbA1C. We observed no correlation between carotid intima-media thickness, a marker of early atherosclerosis, and CETP activity in T2D patients with poor metabolic control. Disease duration, which reflects accumulated metabolic abnormalities, may have blunted the potential effect of CETP on atherosclerosis. Metabolic control appears essential to determine the pro- or anti-atherogenic influence of CETP in patients with T2D.

Validity of Gray Scale Sonography along with Color Doppler Spectral Analysis for the detection of Malignant Breast Tumour

Background: Detection of mass in the breastis very essential for the early treatment.Objective: The purpose of the present study was to validate the Doppler sonography to detect the pathological lesions of breast.Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Radiology and Imaging in collaboration with the Department of Surgery and Department of Pathology at Banghabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from July 2008 to June 2009 for a period of one (01) year. Clinically suspected women with breast mass who were attended in the OPD or inpatient department were selected purposively as study population. All the patients were examined by 2-D Real-Time B-Mode Ultrasonography by using high frequency (7.5 MHz) linear transducer. Blood flow was studied using Duplex sonography in which Gray scale 2D sonography was combined with Pulsed Doppler. Test of validity was done for color Doppler Sonographic findings in evaluation of benign and malignant breast lesion.Result:A total number of 50 cases were recruited for this study. Out of 50 cases,25 cases true positive, 1 false negative, 2 false positive, 22 true negative confirmed by histopathology. Here sensitivity and specificity of color Doppler ultrasonography are 92.59% and 86.95% respectively. Here accuracy of color Doppler study is 90.0% and the positive predictive value was 89.28% and negative predictive value was 90.9%.Conclusion: Color Doppler Ultrasonography is a useful imaging method in the differentiation between benign and malignant breast masses.Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2017;3(1): 10-13

Ultrasonographic examination of the canine skin: a review

Real time B-mode ultrasonography is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging modality that does not use radiation and allows examination of various soft tissue structures. For many years it is used in human dermatology and in the last decade it has entered the canine dermatology arena. Based on the frequency employed, cutaneous ultrasonography may be classified as intermediate- (7-15 MHz) or high-frequency (20 MHz or higher). Using intermediate frequency, the ultrasonographic features of normal canine skin are consistent and three distinct visible layers can be seen. Using a 50 MHz transducer, the epidermis and hair follicles are also identified and accurate measurements of skin thickness can be obtained. The aim of this article is to review the available published knowledge regarding ultrasonographic examination of the canine skin.

Do Serum Ascorbic Acid and Nitric Oxide Levels Differ Between Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Crossbred Ewes at Early Stages during Breeding Season?

The main aim of this study was to investigate the serum ascorbic acid and nitric oxide levels in pregnant and non-pregnant ewes during early stages of pregnancy. A total of 24 crossbred ewes were selected randomly and estrus was synchronized by placing progesterone sponges in vagina for 11 days along with an injection of PGF2a 24 hours before sponge removal and GnRH at first fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) which was done 48 hours after sponge removal and repeated at 12 hours interval. Pregnancy was determined at 45 days by real time B-mode ultrasonography. After obtaining a pregnancy rate of 37.5 %, ewes were grouped in to pregnant and non-pregnant. Jugular blood samples were collected from all animals at day 0 (before treatment), day of AI, day 15 post AI and day 35 post AI. The serum nitric oxide level in pregnant ewes was significantly higher (P

Patellar tendon in vivo regional strain with varying knee angle

PurposeDescriptive data on the aspects of site specific in vivo tendon strain with varying knee joint angle are non-existent. The present study determines and compares surface and deep layer strain of the patellar tendon during isometric contractions across a range of knee joint angles. MethodsMale participants (age 22.0±3.4) performed ramped isometric knee extensions at knee joint angles of 90°, 70°, 50° and 30° of flexion. Strain patterns of the anterior and posterior regions of the patellar tendon were determined using real-time B-mode ultrasonography at each knee joint angle. Regional strain measures were compared using an automated pixel tracking method. ResultsStrain was seen to be greatest for both the anterior and posterior regions with the knee at 90° (7.76±0.89% and 5.06±0.76%). Anterior strain was seen to be significantly greater (p<0.05) than posterior strain for all knee angles apart from 30°, 90°=(7.76vs. 5.06%), 70°=(4.77vs. 3.75%), and 50°=(3.74vs. 2.90%). The relative strain (ratio of anterior to posterior), was greatest with the knee joint angle at 90°, and decreased as the knee joint angle reduced. ConclusionsThe results from this study indicate that not only are there greater absolute tendon strains with the knee in greater flexion, but that the knee joint angle affects the regional strain differentially, resulting in greater shear between the tendon layers with force application when the knee is in greater degrees of flexion. These results have important implications for rehabilitation and training.

Relationship of medial gastrocnemius relative fascicle excursion and ankle joint power and work performance during gait in typically developing children: A cross-sectional study.

Muscle fascicles lengthen in response to chronic passive stretch through in-series sarcomere addition in order to maintain an optimum sarcomere length. In turn, the muscles’ force generating capacity, maximum excursion, and contraction velocity is enhanced. Thus, longer fascicles suggest a greater capacity to develop joint power and work. However, static fascicle length measurements may not be taking sarcomere length differences into account. Thus, we considered relative fascicle excursions through passive ankle dorsiflexion may better correlate with the capacity to generate joint power and work than fascicle length. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine if medial gastrocnemius relative fascicle excursions correlate with ankle joint power and work generation during gait in typically developing children. A sample of typically developing children (n = 10) were recruited for this study and data analysis was carried out on 20 legs. Medial gastrocnemius relative fascicle excursion from resting joint angle to maximum dorsiflexion was estimated from trigonometric relations of medial gastrocnemius pennation angle and thickness obtained from B-mode real-time ultrasonography. Furthermore, a three-dimensional motion capture system was used to obtain ankle joint work and power during the stance phase of gait. Significant correlations were found between relative fascicle excursion and peak power absorption (–) r(14) = −0.61, P = .012 accounting for 31% variability, positive work r(18) = 0.56, P = .021 accounting for 31% variability, and late stance positive work r(15) = 0.51, P = .037 accounting for 26% variability. The large unexplained variance may be attributed to mechanics of neighboring structures (e.g., soleus or Achilles tendon mechanics) and proximal joint kinetics which may also contribute to ankle joint power and work performance, and were not taken into account. Further studies are encouraged to provide greater insight on the relationship between relative fascicle excursions and joint function.

Matrix Gla protein T-138C polymorphism is associated with carotid intima media thickness and predicts mortality in patients with diabetic nephropathy

AimsWe sought to determine the predictive value of Matrix Gla Protein MGP T-138C polymorphism in relation to all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). MethodsMGP T-138C polymorphism was assessed in 40 diabetic patients without nephropathy and 118 patients at different stages of DN, including patients on hemodialysis. Measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was performed using real-time B-mode ultrasonography. Plasma levels of dephoshorylated uncarboxylated Matrix Gla Protein (dp-ucMGP) were determined in a subgroup of 67 patients by ELISA. Mortality and cardiovascular events were assessed during a 7year follow-up. ResultsTT homozygotes for the MGP T-138C polymorphism had higher values of cIMT compared to combined TC and CC genotypes (P=0.006) whereas no association was observed between cIMT and dp-ucMGP levels. MGP T-138C polymorphism was a strong independent predictor of cIMT (P<0.0001), after adjustment for several well-known atherosclerosis risk factors. Patients with TT genotype presented a significantly higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk compared to patients with TC and CC genotypes (P=0.01 and P=0.04 respectively), after adjustment for several traditional risk factors. ConclusionsMGP T-138C polymorphism is a strong and independent predictor of increased cIMT as well as all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in DN patients.

Ultrasonographic monitoring of abdominal wound healing in ewes

Objective: The present study was done to monitor the progress of abdominal wound healing after experimental laparotomy in ewes using Doppler ultrasonography. Materials and methods: Laparotomy was performed in seven apparently healthy indigenous ewes for collection and transfer of embryos. Wound morphology was studied in terms of width of sutured area of internal wound (ventral raphae) and swelling of suture areas, width and contraction rate of external wound. Internal wound healing process was monitor at two days interval by real time B-mode ultrasonography using transabdominal (13 MHz frequency) transducer. The echoes focus or zone of best resolution was adjusted to the point of interest on the screen. Results: The average widths of raphae wounds declined from 7.7±0.18 mm on day 0 to 0.9±0.34 mm on day 20 and were completely healed on day 22 in all ewes. The average widths of skin wound decreased to 0.36±0.14 mm on day 26 from 8.6±0.33 mm on day 0. Conclusion: It was observed that internal wound healed rapidly than external wound.

Single fixed-time artificial insemination in gilts and weaned sows using pLH at estrus onset administered through vulvar submucosal route

This study evaluated the use of a single fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in gilts and weaned sows using 2.5 mg of porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) administered through vulvar submucosal route, at the onset of estrus. In experiment 1 (Exp.1), 318 pubertal gilts were assigned to two groups: control-G—no hormonal application and artificial inseminations (AIs) at 12, 36, and 60 hours after the onset of estrus if they were still in standing estrus; and FTAI-G—use of pLH at the onset of estrus and a single FTAI 12 hours later. In experiment 2 (Exp. 2), 309 weaned sows were assigned to three groups: Control-S—no hormone application and AIs at 0, 24, and 48 hours after the onset of estrus if they were still in standing estrus; FTAI-NH—no hormone application and a single FTAI at 24 hours after the onset of estrus, and FTAI-pLH—use of pLH at the onset of estrus and a single FTAI 24 hours later. Transabdominal real time B-mode ultrasonography was performed to determine whether the insemination had been performed within 24 hours before ovulation, considered as the optimal interval. In Exp. 1, ultrasound evaluation (12-hour intervals) was carried out to determine the interval between the onset of estrus and ovulation. In both experiments, 2 × 109 sperm cells in 80 mL were used to perform cervical and postcervical deposition of semen in gilts and sows, respectively. Compared with control-G, FTAI-G gilts had shorter (P < 0.05) duration of estrus (57.7 vs. 61.2 hours) and interval between the onset of estrus and ovulation (36.3 vs. 42.3 hours). The adjusted farrowing rate (AFR) was lower (P < 0.05) in FTAI-G (86.0%) compared with control-G (93.5%), but total piglets born (TPB) did not differ between these groups (12.3 vs. 12.5 piglets). Within the FTAI-G group, the AFR was lower (P < 0.05) in the presence (50.0%) than in the absence (94.9%) of semen backflow during AI. Also in the FTAI-G group, the insemination outside the optimal interval reduced (P < 0.05) the TPB (10.5 vs. 12.9 piglets) in comparison with gilts inseminated within the optimal interval. In Exp. 2, there were no differences in the AFR (Control-S: 94.1%; FTAI-NH: 86.1%; FTAI-pLH: 88.0%) and TPB (Control-S: 12.8; FTAI-NH: 12.7, and FTAI-pLH: 12.0 piglets) among treatments. The presence of semen backflow reduced (P < 0.05) the TPB in FTAI-pLH and FTAI-NH sows. In the FTAI-pLH, a single insemination performed too late relative to ovulation reduced the AFR (P < 0.05) compared with sows inseminated within the optimal interval. In conclusion, 2.5-mg pLH applied at the vulvar submucosa at the onset of estrus advances the ovulation in gilts, but a single FTAI performed 12 hours later reduces the farrowing rate. A single FTAI performed at 24 hours after the onset of estrus in weaned sows does not affect their reproductive performance, regardless of pLH application.

EFFECTS OF GnRH ANALOGUE AND VITAMIN AD3E ON INDUCTION OF CYCLICITY IN ANOESTRUS HEIFERS

The purposes of this investigation were to determine the effects of different drugs such as GnRH analogue, vitamin AD3E and combination of vitamins and minerals on induction of cyclicity followed by conception in crossbred anoestrus heifers. The effects of body condition score (BCS) and age at anoestrus heifers during treatment on induction of cyclicity and conception were also determined. Sixty crossbred anoestrus heifers having &gt; 2.5 BCS at &gt;24 months age at Potiya Upazilla of Chittagong district were used. The cyclicity of the cows was confirmed by using real time ultrasonography on the basis of presence or absence of corpus luteum. The anoestrus heifers were allotted for 1 to 4 different treatment groups with GnRH analogue, vitamin AD3E and vitamin mineral solution including one no-treatment control group. AI was done in observed oestrus heifers and the conception was determined transrectally by using B-mode real time ultrasonography between 28-35 days post-Al. Heifers showed oestrus at higher (46.67%) proportion in treatment groups than that in no-treatment counterpart (6.67%) (P&lt;0.05). The conception rate was 35.56% in treatment received heifers. The GnRH treated heifers showed the highest (60.00%) proportion of cyclicity and conception rate (46.67%) whereas vitamin mineral solution treated heifers showed the lowest cyclicity (33.33%) and conception rate (26.67%) (P&lt;0.05). Heifers with BCS 3.5 had the highest (57.14%) rate of oestrus induction and (57.14%) rate of conception (P&lt;0.05) whereas heifers with BCS 2.5 had the lowest (41.67%) rate of oestrus induction and (20.83%) rate of conception (P&gt;0.05). Heifer showed highest rate (50.00%) of cyclicity and (38.89%) rate of conception when their age ranges from 36 to 42 months where as heifer showed lowest (37.50%) rate cyclicity and (31.58%) rate conception when their age ranges from 24 to 29 months (P&gt;0.05). In conclusion, treatment of crossbred anoestrus heifers with drugs has positive effect on induction of cyclicity followed by conception. GnRH may be the drug of choice among the drugs tested in this study. The BCS of heifers during treatment influences the treatment outcome with respect to induction of cyclicity followed by conception.

Monitoring of embryonic and fetal losses in different breeds of goats using real-time B-mode ultrasonography

Compared to cattle and sheep, few studies had been undertaken to evaluate the incidence of embryonic and fetal losses (EFL) in goats. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the timing of EFL and to identify the factors that are associated with EFL in goats such as breed, age, parity, method of estrous synchronization, and breeding. Moreover, this study aimed to ensure whether a relationship existed between serum progesterone (P4) and EFL. Goats (n = 151) of different breeds (70 Zaraiebi, 42 Damascus, and 39 Cross goats [Baladi × Damascus]) were evaluated by ultrasonography to monitor EFL during different stages of gestation (D20–23, D26–29, D33–36, D40–45, and D47–54 after breeding). Blood samples were collected at D7, D20, and at each ultrasonographic scanning to clarify changes of serum P4 levels concurrently with EFL. Results revealed that 45 of 109 goats (41.28%) were exposed to EFL. A higher EFL % was observed between D20 to 23 and D47 to 54 (19.61%) compared with D47 to 54 to birth (11.76%). Moreover, a higher EFL % was observed in Zaraiebi goats compared with others. Age and goat parity had no significant effect on the EFL % in all goats. A high EFL % were observed in goats synchronized by P4 sponge, as well as artificially inseminated goats compared with goats with spontaneous estrus, and bred by natural mating, respectively. Serum P4 at D7 or D20 after breeding showed nonsignificant difference between normal pregnant goats and goats that experienced EFL. Unlike goats that experienced partial EFL, goats that experienced total EFL between D20 to 23 and D26 to 29 showed an abrupt P4 reduction (85.06%; P < 0.01) suggesting the probability of endocrine disruption of the CL. However, goats that were exposed to total EFL between D26 and 29 to D33 to 36 showed a low P4 reduction (24.90%; P < 0.05), which might be considered as an effect rather than a cause of EFL. In conclusion, different factors such as breed, estrous synchronization, breeding, and stage of pregnancy may be involved in EFL in goats. Therefore, improvement of the goat management in the early stage of pregnancy is important to decrease EFL % in goats. Although the P4 did not show any significant difference between normal pregnancy goats and goats that experienced EFL, CL disruption should be taken into the consideration, at least, in goats exposed to total embryonic losses.

Sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and accuracy of ultrasonography in pregnancy rate prediction in Sahelian goats after progesterone impregnated sponge synchronization

Aim: This study was aimed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and accuracy of ultrasonography in pregnancy rate (PR) prediction in Sahelian goats after progesterone impregnated sponge synchronization within the framework of caprine artificial insemination (AI) program in Fatick (Senegal). Materials and Methods: Of 193 candidate goats in AI program, 167 were selected (day 50) in six villages. Estrus was synchronized by progesterone impregnated sponges installed for 11 days. Two days before the time of sponge removal (day 4), each goat was treated with 500 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin and 50 μg of dcloprostenol. All goats were inseminated (day 0) with alpine goat semen from France at 45±3 h after sponge removal (day 2). Real-time B-mode ultrasonography was performed at day 50, day 13, day 0, day 40 and day 60 post-AI. Results: Selection rate, estrus response rate, AI rate, PR at days 40 and days 60 were 86.53%; 71.85%; 83.34%; 51% and 68% (p<0.05) respectively. Value of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, accuracy, total conformity, conformity of correct positive, conformity of correct negative and discordance of pregnancy diagnosis by trans-abdominal ultrasonography (TU) were 98.03%; 63.26%; 73.52%; 3.12%; 81%; 81%; 50%; 31% and 19%, respectively. Conclusion: These results indicate that the TU can be performed in goats under traditional condition and emphasized the importance of re-examination of goats with negative or doubtful TU diagnoses performed at day 40 post-AI.

EFFECT OF BIOMETRIC VARIABLES ON TWO-DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS IN THE RED-TAILED BOA (BOA CONSTRICTOR CONSTRICTOR)

The effects of body biometrics on cardiac measurements and description of cardiac anatomy were performed in red-tailed boas (Boa constrictor constrictor) (n = 29) using real-time B-mode ultrasonography. Statistical comparison of measured cardiac metrics according to sex and body measurements demonstrated no significant difference between sexes but a highly significant linear increase between body length and mass and all cardiac metrics.