Rectal Ultrasonography Research Articles

P0280 Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of trans-perineal ultrasound for predicting rectal histoendoscopic remission in Ulcerative Colitis (The TRINITY Study): A prospective, paired, comparative study with endoscopic ultrasound and trans-abdominal ultrasound

Abstract Background Rectum, frequently involved in Ulcerative colitis (UC) is challenging to evaluate using trans-abdominal sonography (TAS). Earlier single centre study have shown that rectal total wall thickness (TWT) (<4 mm) on trans-perineal ultrasound (TPUS) accurately predicts rectal inflammation(1). Inspite of being point-of-care, TPUS can only evaluate the lower rectum (~5 cm) and studies with trans-vaginal ultrasound have shown higher cut offs for rectal TWT(2). This study (comparison of TRIple Rectal UltrasouNd Imaging Technology : TRINITY) aimed to comprehensively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of TPUS in predicting rectal histoendoscopic activity, using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) as the reference standard. Methods 114 UC patients [age 18-70 yr (median- 37), 64 % male, E1: 16, E2: 61, E3: 37] underwent point-of-care TAS and TPUS followed by sigmoidoscopy with biopsy and rectal EUS. On TAS and TPUS, rectal TWT (average of anterior and posterior) and vascularity (Modified Limberg Score, MLS) were evaluated. On EUS, rectal TWT (average of upper, middle and lower and separately lower), vascularity (MLS), mucosal thickness (MT), and submucosal thickness (SMT) were measured. Diagnostic accuracy for predicting endoscopic activity (Ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity: UCEIS>1 in rectum) and histologic activity (Nancy Index≥1) was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results For prediction of both endoscopic and histologic activity, EUS outperformed TPUS. TAS was not useful (p>0.05) For endoscopic activity (n=114): EUS: Mucosal thickness>0.95 mm: AUC:0.95 (p<0.001); average TWT> 4 mm: AUC:0.89 (p<0.001); Vascularity (MLS) >1: AUC:0.93 (p<0.001); SMT>2.2 mm: AUC:0.84,(p<0.001). TPUS: rectal TWT >5.6 mm: AUC:0.68 (p=0.001); MLS ≥1:AUC:0.74 (p<0.001). TAS: TWT >6.3 mm:AUC: 0.57(p=0.25); MLS ≥1:AUC: 0.61 (p=0.04). For predicting histologic activity(n=81): EUS: lower rectal vascularity (MLS ≥1): AUC: 0.84, p<0.001; SMT>2.1 mm: AUC: 0.71, p<0.001; MT≥1 mm: AUC:0.81, p<0.001; TWT>5.6 mm: AUC:0.65, p=0.02. TPUS:rectal TWT≥ 5.6 mm: AUC:0.65 (p=0.02); vascularity (MLS≥1) AUC: 0.65 (p=0.036). TAS:TWT ≥ 6.3 mm: AUC:0.56, p=0.44; vascularity (MLS ≥1), AUC:0.59, p=0.18. Conclusion Although EUS remains the gold standard for assessing rectal inflammation, its invasive nature limits routine clinical use. TPUS offers a point-of-care, non-invasive alternative with moderate accuracy for predicting histoendoscopic remission with higher cut off levels contrary to previous reports. Further refinements in TPUS techniques and protocols are warranted to enhance its widespread applicability in clinical practice.

Comparing the effectiveness of digital rectal examination, prostate specific antigen, and TRUS guided prostate biopsy, in the detection of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer has been the most common malignancy in men accounting for one fourth of cancers. Use of Trans rectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in men with an abnormal PSA and/or digital rectal examination acting as a guide to direct prostate biopsies will lead to decrease in number of early deaths It is a prospective observational study.All the patients attending the Urology Out patient Department with a suspicion of Ca prostate from clinical signs and symptoms were clinically evaluated using Digital Rectal Examination and screened for serum PSA levels. All the patients in whom abnormality was detected on DRE and/or an elevated serum PSA level were included in the study and TRUS biopsy was done. The statistical analysis was executed by SPSS version 20 continuous variables were analyzed with student t -test. The present study includes 95 men in whom abnormality detected in DRE or in the levels of serum PSA.10 core biopsy was done in 53 patients and 16 core biopsy was done in 42 patients. Among the total number of patients subjected to TRUS guided prostate biopsy either 10 core or 16 core, 31 patients detected with prostatic adenocarcinoma which accounts for 32.6%, 12 patients had High grade PIN accounting for 12.62%, 30 patients (31.57%) detected with fibroadenoleiomyomatous hyper plasia , 5 patients had fibroadenoleiomyomatous hyperplasia with chronic prostatitis which is 5.20% and chronic prostatitis is found in 15 patients attributing to 15.78%.Cancer detection rate with abnormalities in PSA alone was found to be 15% while it was 70% when both DRE and PSA showed abnormal results which is significantly higher. It shows that both DRE and PSA has to be considered while estimating the cancer rate. Detection rate with 16 core TRUS guided biopsy is 54.76% which is significantly (P value 0.0037) higher than that of 10 core biopsy (15.09 %).

13 Effects of an acclimation protocol during the handling events of the 7 d CO-synch + CIDR protocol on temperament and reproductive performance of Bos taurus commercial beef heifers

Abstract It has been previously reported that cattle temperament significantly impacts fertility to estrous synchronization (ES) protocols. In addition, enrolling heifers to acclimation protocols following weaning resulted in improved reproductive parameters with an increased proportion of acclimated heifers reaching puberty earlier when compared with non-acclimated cohorts. The objective of the present experiment was to assess the effects of an acclimation protocol during the handling events of an ES on changes in temperament and fertility to the ES protocol in Bos taurus commercial beef heifers. A total of 361 Angus-influenced commercial heifers from 5 different locations were enrolled in the experiment. Before enrolling heifers in the 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol (d -10), individual heifers were evaluated for reproductive tract score (RTS), and chute score (CS) and stratified to receive acclimation (TRT) or to serve as control (CTRL). On d -10, heifers from TRT and CTRL groups received ear tags of different colors and individuals from CTRL and TRT were kept together in their pastures. Before each handling event of the ES (d 0,7,10), TRT heifers were sorted from CTRL and submitted to acclimation, which consisted of running heifers through the handling facilities without catching individuals in the restraining chute. Treatment heifers were then comingled with CTRL heifers, and all heifers were brought to the handling facilities for the ES event. Individual CS and exit velocities (EV) were recorded for all animals at all days (-10,0,7,10). Chute scores were recorded in a 1 to 5 scale, where 1 = calm, no movement; 2 = restless movements; 3 = frequent movement, vocalization; 4 = constant moving, vocalization, shaking of the chute; 5 = violent, continuous struggling. Individual estrus detection patch scores were assessed at the day of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) based on percentage of activation, where 0 = lost; 1 = less than 25% activated, 2 = less than 50% activated, 3 = less than 75% activated, 4 = more than 75% activated. Pregnancy status was determined by rectal ultrasonography approximately 40 d after FTAI. Estrus detection patch scores did not differ between CTRL and TRT heifers (P = 0.1906). In addition, pregnancy rates to FTAI did not differ between TRT and CTRL heifers (56.81% and 52.74%; P = 0.3563). Reproductive tract scores (P = 0.777), EV (P = 0.9607) and CS (P = 0.990) did not differ between CTRL and TRT on d -10. However, CS, but not EV was decreased on d 7 (P = 0.001) and 10 (P = 0.0002) for TRT heifers when compared with CTRL. We conclude that enrolling heifers to an acclimation protocol during the handling events of the ES protocol was effective at decreasing excitability of heifers by the day of FTAI, as evidenced by decreased CS observed for TRT heifers on d 7, and 10 but did not support an increase in fertility to the ES protocol.

Comparison of serum uric acid levels between localised prostate cancer patients and a control group.

The aim of this study is to find out whether serum uric acid levels in patients with localised prostate cancer differ from patients with lower urinary tract symptoms without carcinoma prostate. We performed a prospective observational study of 60 patients having age ⩾ 50 years with c/o lower urinary tract symptoms( LUTS) evaluated by digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and ultrasonography kidney, ureter, bladder (USG KUB) prostate and patients who were suspicious for carcinoma prostate underwent trans rectal ultrasonography (TRUS) biopsy of prostate. Patients with biopsy s/o prostate cancer were evaluated for metastasis and localised cancer patients were considered as CASE group. Patients with negative biopsy and other patients having LUTS were considered as CONTROL group. The age, serum uric acid level, PSA value, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and white blood cell (WBC) count were measured. Serum uric acid level was compared in both the groups. The mean serum uric acid level was lower in prostate cancer group (4.77 mg/dl) than control group (6.22 mg/dl) that was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean PSA value was 7.43 ng/dl in cancer group and 2.72 ng/dl in control group. (p < 0.001). The mean C-reactive protein (CRP) values were 1.32 and 0.45 respectively (p < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were found 21 and 10.5 respectively (p < 0.001)and total leucocyte counts (TLC) were found 6.450 and 5.120 respectively (p < 0.001). All were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The serum uric acid levels measured in localised prostate cancer patients were found to be reduced compared to the control group and inflammatory markers were found to be increased. Decreased levels of serum uric acid and increased levels of inflammatory markers were determined as risk factors for prostate cancer.

P519 Assessment of anal sphincter complex in pregnant patients with non-active perianal Crohns disease

Abstract Background Pregnant IBD patients are more likely to undergo Cesarean delivery (CS).. Active perianal Crohn’s disease (PCD) is the only Crohns - related indication for CS. The rationale for CS in this group is that active PCD damages the sphincters and therefore a vaginal delivery may exacerbate the damage to the point of fecal incontinence. Pregnant PCD patients with non-active PCD are commonly not offered CS. We suspect that lack of active PCD does not necessarily attest for the physiological function of the anal complex sphincter and that vaginal delivery may exacerbate their condition to the point of incontinence. Therefore, we conducted a prospective trial to examine, prior to delivery, the anatomy and physiology of the sphincter complex in our cohort and weather pregnant patients with non-active PCD suffer from sphincter damageMethods All consecutive pregnant patients with Non-active PCD were enlisted. Patients underwent physical examination, anal manometry and Trans Rectal Ultra Sound (TRUS) before conception or during pregnancy before delivery. Active PCD was defined as: Perianal abscess, fistulas with active drainage, severe fissures and stricture. Non active PCD was defined as history of prior PCD, history of surgery for perianal fistula or old scars from previous abscess drainage. Results There were 13 patients who were enlisted to our study. Table 1 describes the TRUS, Manometry and pregnancy details. There were 9 patients (69%) with evidence of sphincter damage in our cohort including external and/or internal sphincter of at least 30 degrees of the muscle radius. Of them, 6 had posterior damage and 4 had anterior damage. In Manometry all patients had either normal or satisfying results. Three patients were strongly recommended to choose CS due to the sphincter damage. Conclusion patients with non-active PCD and future intent to deliver should be assessed routinely regarding their sphincter complex status. This should include TRUS, manometry and clinical evaluation. We discuss with each patient the advantages and disadvantages of vaginal delivery versus CS, weighing the risk of repeated CS (mainly placenta previa and accreta) against the risk of incontinence. Maternal age, Obstetrical history and estimated fetal weight at delivery are the main factors to consider. Although it is still unclear if detected muscle injury affect clinical incontinence, it is our practice to recommend CS for patients with significant muscle damage. We emphasize our recommendation specifically in patients with anterior damage because potentially delivery damage would be to the same area

Access to an outdoor open pack promotes estrus activity in dairy cows.

Dairy cows have a partial preference to access an outdoor deep-bedded pack, but the effects of continuous access to an outdoor area on estrous behaviors has not been studied. Our objective was to investigate if access to an outdoor open deep-bedded pack improves the expression of estrus behaviors. We enrolled 60 lactating Holstein cows directly after calving and followed them each for 12 weeks. Cows were housed in a single freestall pen holding 36 cows at a time, with a dynamic group composition. Half of the cows were randomly assigned to the OUTDOOR treatment; these cows had access to an outdoor open pack via an automated selection gate. INDOOR cows were housed together with OUTDOOR cows but were not allowed outdoor access. All cows were fitted with an automated activity monitor (AAM) 21 ± 3 d before expected calving date. Estrous behaviors (i.e., standing to be mounted and mounting behaviors) were continuously monitored using video, and the intensity of mounting (i.e., the number of standing to be mounted and other mounting behaviors per hour) was calculated per estrus event per cow. Temperature and humidity were monitored by data loggers indoors, and these data were used to calculate the Temperature Humidity Index (THI). Following an alert from the AAM, cows were checked to detect the presence of a dominant preovulatory follicle and an absence of a mature corpus luteum (CL) by rectal ultrasonography following milking, as well as 7 d thereafter to confirm ovulation by the presence of a new CL. A total of 94 estrus events were used in the final analysis. INDOOR cows tended to have a lower mounting intensity with increasing indoor THI, but no such effect was noted for OUTDOOR cows. The total number of cows in estrus positively influenced mounting intensity. OUTDOOR cows had a longer duration of estrus, as measured by the automated monitors, compared with INDOOR cows (12.4 ± 0.7 h versus 9.9 ± 0.8 h). Estrus event number and the total number of cows in estrus were both positively associated with estrus duration. These results indicate that access to an outdoor pack tended to increase mounting behavior for freestall housed dairy cows, especially during periods of elevated THI. We conclude that providing dairy cows access to an outdoor area can help with estrus detection and may thus help improve the reproductive programs on dairy farms.

Effects of estradiol, progesterone and kisspeptin-1 concentrations at the time of insemination on conception rates in cattle

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of kisspeptin (Kiss-1), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) levels at the time of artificial insemination (AI) on conception rates and also whether or not there is a relationship between Kiss-1 and E2 levels in cattle. Cows (n=100) raised on a semi-closed farm system and having corpus luteum were administered 25mg of prostaglandin F2a (Dinolytic®, Zoetis, Spain) and were evaluated following injection for signs of estrus. Just prior to AI, pre-ovulatory follicle diameters were assessed by ultrasonography (USG) and recorded. Then blood samples were collected. Blood serum samples were separated and stored until analyzed. Pregnancies were determined with rectal USG on day 30±2 following AI. The mean follicular diameters at the time of AI were similar in pregnant (17.9±0.01 mm) and non-pregnant (17.9±0.01 mm) cows. E2, P4, and Kiss-1 levels at the time of AI were determined from serum samples using the ELISA method. The Kiss-1 level at the time of AI in pregnant cows (80.58±4.4 pg/mL) was statistically higher than that in non-pregnant cows (66.68±2.48 pg/mL) (P=0.003). There were no statistically significant differences in E2 and P4 levels between pregnant and non-pregnant cows. Moreover, while a significant correlation was found between serum kiss-1 level and follicle diameter, no significant correlation was found between serum estrogen and progesterone levels. In conclusion, Kiss-1 levels at the time of AI may be used to predict the possibility of successful pregnancy in cattle, allowing different approaches to be developed to increase pregnancy rates in animals with low Kiss-1 levels at the time of AI.

Development and Validation of a Radiomics Model Based on 3-Dimensional Endoanal Rectal Ultrasound of Rectal Cancer for Predicting Lymph Node Metastasis.

Development of a radiomics model for predicting lymph node metastasis status in rectal cancer patients based on 3-dimensional endoanal rectal ultrasound images. This study retrospectively included 79 patients (41 with lymph node metastasis positive and 38 with lymph node metastasis negative) diagnosed with rectal cancer in our hospital from January 2018 to February 2022. The tumor's region of interest is first delineated by radiologists, from which radiomics features are extracted. Radiomics features were then selected by independent samples t-test, correlation coefficient analysis between features, and least absolute shrinkage and regression with selection operator. Finally, a multilayer neural network model is developed using the selected radiomics features, and nested cross-validation is performed on it. These models were validated by assessing their diagnostic performance and comparing the areas under the curve and recall rate curve in the test set. The areas under the curve of radiologist was 0.662 and the F1 score was 0.632. Thirty-four radiomics features were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P < .05), and 10 features were finally selected for developing multilayer neural network models. The areas under the curve of the multilayer neural network models were 0.787, 0.761, 0.853, and the mean areas under the curve was 0.800. The F1 scores of the multilayer neural network models were 0.738, 0.740, and 0.818, and the mean F1 score was 0.771. Radiomics models based on 3-dimensional endoanal rectal ultrasound can be used to identify lymph node metastasis status in rectal cancer patient with good diagnostic performance.

Short communication: profiling the expression of Let-7d-5p microRNA in circulating blood of pregnant and nonpregnant cows.

The objective of this work was to determine if specific circulating microRNA (miRNA) differed due to pregnancy status in heifers. Blood samples were collected from heifers 21 d after receiving an in vitro-produced embryo. Pregnancy status was diagnosed 21 d after embryo transfer, equivalent to day 28 of gestation, with rectal ultrasonography. Blood samples from 10 pregnant and 10 nonpregnant heifers were then evaluated for miRNA expression. There were five different miRNAs quantified using delta-delta Ct and qPCR methodology. These miRNAs had previously been associated with early pregnancy in cattle. The miRNA Let-7d-5p was decreased in nonpregnant as compared to pregnant females (P < 0.05). There were no changes in 16-5p, 16-1-3p, 16-2-3p, and 26a-5p associated with pregnancy (P > 0.05). Results demonstrate an opportunity to identify and study the differential expression of miRNAs from the blood of pregnant cows. The Let-7d-5p miRNA is a potential early pregnancy marker and is critical to better understand the early relationships of the cellular and molecular interactions of the cow and embryo.

Efecto de tres niveles de gonadotropina coriónica equina (eCG) bajo dos protocolos de sincronización sobre la fertilidad de borregas pelibuey

The objective of this study was to determine the reproductive efficiency response of pelibuey to chorionic gonadotropin hormone (eCG). 144 females (81 multiparous and 63 primals) were used, randomly assigned to 12 pens with three treatments (0.8, 1 and 1.2 mL) of eCG through two synchronization protocols. Pregnancy rate and fertility percentage were registered 25 days after mating using rectal ultrasonography. The information was analyzed through a factorial arrangement of treatments (hormone dose and synchronization protocols) in a General Linear Model with random design. For multiparous females, at 12 days of synchronization the greatest response was identified when using 1.0 mL of eCG and at 14 days when using 0.8 mL of eCG. For primiparous females, at 12 days the best result was using 1.2 mL of eCG and at 14 days using 1.2 mL of eCG.

PSVIII-8 Impacts of Phosphorus Intake on Beef Heifer Growth Performance and Conception Rates

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to further investigate the effects of phosphorus intake on beef heifer growth performance and conception rates. An increase in phosphorus soil concentrations from use of livestock manure as fertilizer in Northwest Arkansas has led to greater phosphorus concentrations available in forages. This study was designed to determine if phosphorus supplementation is warranted when adequate phosphorus soil concentrations exist. This experiment was conducted over 2 years using two separate groups of weaned crossbred Angus heifers (n=72/year). Approximately 30 d after weaning, heifers were stratified by body weight (average initial weight 262kg) and allocated randomly to 14 groups (8 in Year 1, 6 in Year 2). Groups were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) a free-choice-mineral mix that contained no supplemental phosphorus (CON), or 2) a free-choice-mineral mix with 4% supplemental phosphorus and identical concentrations of other supplemental minerals (4PMIN). Heifers grazed 2.24 ha mixed grass pastures with a history of livestock manure application and were supplemented with soy hulls (0.5% of body weight) daily. On d 112, heifers &amp;gt; 273 kg body weight had an ultrasound evaluation of reproductive tracts (1= infantile, 5= cyclic). Heifers were determined pregnant or open via rectal ultrasonography. Data were analyzed using the MIXED or GLIMMIX procedures of SAS 9.4 with group within year as the experimental unit. There were no differences in gain for either treatments for the 224-day period (P ≥ 0.14). Reproductive tract scores did not differ (P = 0.95). There were no differences for conception rates (AI or natural bred) (P ≥ 0.55). Overall pregnancy was 79% for CON and 83% for 4PMIN. Heifers grazing pastures with a history of livestock manure application did not benefit from adding supplemental phosphorus in the free choice mineral offered.

Role of trans rectal ultrasonography for evaluation of male infertility with low semen volume

Role of trans rectal ultrasonography for evaluation of male infertility with low semen volume

Role of Trans Rectal Ultrasonography for Evaluation of Male Infertility With Low Semen Volume

Role of Trans Rectal Ultrasonography for Evaluation of Male Infertility With Low Semen Volume

Dosimetric impact of target definition in brachytherapy for cervical cancer - Computed tomography and trans rectal ultrasound versus magnetic resonance imaging.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) based target definition in cervix brachytherapy is limited by its availability, logistics and financial implications, therefore, use of computed tomography (CT) and Trans Rectal UltraSonography (TRUS) has been explored. The current study evaluated the dosimetric impact of CT+TRUS based target volumes as compared to gold standard MRI. Images of patients (n=21) who underwent TRUS followed by MRI and CT, were delineated with High-Risk Clinical Target Volume in CT (CTVHR-CT) and in MRI (CTVHR-MR). CTVHR-CT was drawn on CT images with TRUS assistance. For each patient, two treatment plans were made, on MRI and CT, followed by fusion and transfer of CTVHR-MR to the CT images, referred as CTVHR-MRonCT. The agreement between CTVHR-MRonCT and CTVHR-CT was evaluated for dosimetric parameters (D90, D98 and D50; Dose received by 90%, 98% and 50% of the volumes) using Bland-Altman plots, linear regression, and Pearson correlation. No statistically significant systematic difference was found between MRI and CT. Mean difference (±1.96 SD) of D90, D98 and D50 between CTVHR-MRonCT and CTVHR-CT was 2.0, 1.2 and 5.6Gy respectively. The number of patients who have met the dose constraints of D90>85Gy were 90% and 80% in MR and in CT respectively, others were in the borderline, with a minimum dose of 80Gy. The mean±SD dose-difference between MR and CT plans for bladder was significant (5±13Gy; p=0.12) for D0.1cm3, while others were statistically insignificant. CT+TRUS based delineation of CTVHR appear promising, provide useful information to optimally utilize for brachytherapy planning, however, MRI remains the gold standard.

76 Effect of season on the superstimulation response, embryo quality, and pregnancy establishment in dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)

The present study was conducted to study the effect of season on the superstimulation response, embryo quality and pregnancy establishment in the dromedary camels. Two donors each were superstimulated in the month of June 2019 (non-breeding season) and January 2019 (breeding season) by a combination of 2500IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG, Folligon; Intervet), given as a single intramuscular injection on Day 1 of the treatment protocol, and 400mg of pFSH (Folltropin; Bioniche) injected twice daily in declining doses of 2×80mg, 2×60mg, 2×40mg, and 2×20mg over 4 days, also beginning on Day 1. They were scanned by rectal ultrasonography and follicles counted before mating with a fertile bull on Day 11 after the start of treatment. An injection of 20µg of gonadotrophhin-releasing hormone (Receptal, Intervet) was given immediately after mating to induce ovulation. The number of corpora lutea (CL) were counted, and the embryos collected by the non-surgical method on Day 7 after ovulation. All embryos were washed and graded before they were transferred individually into the left uterine horn of recipient animals, synchronized to be on Day 6 after ovulation. All recipients were screened by ultrasonography on Day 22, Day 60, and Day 90 for pregnancies. The data were analysed using a two-sample t-test (Minitab statistical software, Minitab Ltd.). No difference was observed in the mean number of follicles developed (20.5 vs. 18.5) between the donors in breeding and non-breeding season, respectively. The percent mean±s.e.m. of ovulations as observed by counting the CL in nonbreeding season (80.7±3.4) were not different from those in breeding season (85.4±3.7). A total number of 16 embryos collected during non-breeding season and 20 embryos in breeding season were transferred to recipients. The percent mean±s.e.m. of pregnancies established on Day 22 (56.6±3.4 vs. 67.5±7.5) and on Day 90 (47.2±2.8 vs. 60±0.0) were similar in both groups. These observations indicate that embryo transfer technology can be applied to camels during the summer months, which is considered the non-breeding season, and pregnancies can be established at par with breeding season. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in camels wherein we have demonstrated that donor camels can be superstimulated, embryos can be collected, recipient animals can be synchronized, and pregnancies can be established in the summer (non-breeding) months. The embryos collected from elite donors can be transferred to synchronized recipients to establish pregnancies or preserved for future use. Some owners do not want calves to be born in summer months, so protocols need to be established for storing these embryos for a few months before their transfer to recipients, to have the calves delivered in the desired winter months.

49 The dynamic changes in uterine morphology and function during the proestrus-diestrus transition in beef cattle

In cattle, early development of the non-attaching embryo depends exclusively on the biochemical properties of the intrauterine milieu. As the embryo transitions from the oviduct to the tip of the uterine horn around 4 days after oestrus, little is known about uterine functions that modulate the milieu composition and potentially determine pregnancy success. The objective was to characterise changes in uterine luminal fluid (ULF) accumulation and absorption, endometrial vascularity, and endometrial thickness in response to progesterone fluctuations during the peri-ovulatory period in beef heifers. Fourteen Bos indicus heifers that presented a prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) responsive CL received 500µg of PGF2α analogue i.m. (PGF) and were examined daily by rectal B-mode and pulse-wave colour-Doppler ultrasonography until the fifth day after oestrus (oestrus=Day 0). Plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured daily. Uterine luminal fluid score was given based on the accumulation of fluid throughout the entire organ (0, no fluid, to 4). Measurement of the main ovarian structures, endometrial thickness, uterine luminal fluid score, and luminal fluid area of the cranial portion of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the preovulatory follicle and subsequent CL were executed by B-mode ultrasonography and endometrial vascularity by colour Doppler. The fixed effect of day was analysed by ANOVA. There was an effect of day on endometrial vascularity, endometrial thickness, and uterine luminal fluid score (P≤0.01) as well as uterine luminal fluid area (P≤0.05). Endometrial vascularity and endometrial thickness increased after PGF injection to peak on Day −1, whereas uterine fluid score peaked on Day 0. Interestingly, cranial uterine luminal fluid area peaked twice, on Day −1 and Day 5. Vascularity, thickness, and fluid accumulation decreased gradually from Day 0 to Day 5. There was a negative correlation (r=−0.55) between the sum of daily P4 concentrations during proestrus (i.e. from PGF to oestrus) and the greatest ULF score measured (P=0.05). Length of proestrus was correlated negatively (r=−0.69) with the increase in uterine body thickness during proestrus (P=0.03). The sum of daily luminal fluid scores, from PGF injection to Day 5, was double for heifers grouped within the upper third for that variable compared with those grouped within the lower third. In conclusion, peri-ovulatory transformations in uterine morphology and function are dramatic and vary in duration and in intensity among animals. Temporal changes in intraluminal fluid accumulation and absorption at the site of embryo arrival may change its biochemical composition. Potential implications for embryo receptivity and reproductive outcomes deserve further investigation.

Evaluation of A Rapid Visual Pregnancy (Bio- RPD) test for detection of Pregnancy Specific Protein B (PSPB) in Cow Serum

The early pregnancy diagnosis allows optimizing production and timely management correction, with a greater reproductive output of livestock. The BioPRYN Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test® from Bio tracking USA consists of an ELISA for visual reading which does not require the use of readers in the laboratory, with satisfactory pregnancy diagnoses at 28 days of pregnancy in heifers and 30 days in cows. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of this rapid test (Bio-RPD) based on visual observation of color change and Optical Density (OD) using BioPRYN Flex ELISA. For this purpose, 92 serum samples from cows were tested. The numbers of positive pregnant samples obtained with Biorapid (Bio-RPD) were 63 (68.5 %) while with BioPRYN Flex ELISA was 66 (71.7%). The numbers of negative not pregnant samples were 25 (27.2%) with Bio-RPD while they were 26 (28.2%0) with BioPRYN ELISA. Three samples were recorded as recheck with Bio-RPD and they were pregnant with BioPRYN Flex. Only one sample was identified as pregnant by Bio-RPD (1.1%) while it is not pregnant by BioPRYN Flex ELISA (false positive). Test results were showing that accuracy of the BioPRYN Visual Pregnancy test kit with sensitivity of 99% compared to BioPRYN ELISA Pregnancy test kit. In conclusion, we recommend that the Bio-RPD visual test could be used as a rapid accurate tool for pregnancy diagnosis on farms which has no laboratory ELISA equipment or trans rectal ultrasonography.

INFLUÊNCIA DO DIÂMETRO DO FOLÍCULO PRÉ OVULATÓRIO SOBRE A TAXA DE PRENHEZ DE VACAS SUBMETIDAS À IATF

A inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) é uma biotecnologia reprodutiva utilizada para melhorar o desempenho dos rebanhos, através do uso de protocolos hormonais. A técnica permite induzir a ciclicidade de vacas além de eliminar a necessidade de observação de cio, um grande diferencial para o crescimento da IATF. Um ponto importante na taxa de concepção das vacas é o tamanho do folículo ovulatório. O objetivo desse trabalho foi confirmar a existência da correlação do diâmetro folicular e a taxa de gestação em vacas. Foram utilizadas 30 vacas de diferentes raças, Nelore, Purunã e cruzadas, nas quais foi realizada a medição do diâmetro folicular por ultrassonografia transretal antes da IATF. A partir disso, os animais foram divididos em dois grupos (G1= &lt;10 mm e G2= &lt;10 mm). Trinta dias após a IATF foi realizado o diagnóstico de gestação através de palpação retal associado a ultrassonografia transretal. A taxa de concepção foi de 53,33% (16/30), da qual 13,33% para o G1 e 40% para o G2, além de observar que não houve influência do diâmetro folicular (p=0,056). Este estudo sugere a necessidade de mais pesquisas a respeito do assunto.

35 Vaginal pH changes due to the use of a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) and its effects on fertility of beef cows

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in vaginal pH of beef cows enrolled in a 7-d CO-Synch+controlled internal drug release (CIDR) protocol and its effects on pregnancy. A total of 46 multiparous beef cows with no signs of vaginitis were enrolled. Individual vaginal flushes were collected from cows on D0, D7 and D10. Individual flushes were immediately analyzed for pH with a portable pH meter. As evidence of vaginitis, a CIDR score was determined at CIDR removal (D7), following a 1 to 4 scoring system: 1 = clean, no secretion; 2 = clean, clear secretion; 3 = purulent secretion; 4 = purulent secretion and blood. Pregnancy status was determined by rectal ultrasonography approximately 40 days after TAI. No cows had CIDR scores of 1 or 4, 19.6% of cows had a score of 2 and 80.4% a score of 3. Vaginal pH increased from D0 (6.88±0.007) to D7 (7.32±0.047), regardless of CIDR score (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Cows with a CIDR score 2 had greater pH on D7 (7.35±0.084) than on D0 (6.90± 0.14; P = 0.001), and pH on D10 was intermediate (7.14±0.14; P = 0.14). Cows with CIDR score 3 had reduced pH on D10 (7.09±0.07) when compared to D7 (7.29±0.04; P = 0.003), but greater pH on D10 than on D0 (6.87±0.07; P = 0.007). There was a pregnancy by day interaction for pH values (P = 0.046). Pregnant cows had greater vaginal pH in comparison with non-pregnant cows on D0 (6.99±0.081 and 6.68±0.09, respectively; P = 0.01) and D10 (7.26±0.08 and 6.89±0.09, respectively; P = 0.006), but not on D7 (7.34±0.05 and 7.27±0.06, respectively; P = 0.38). Non-pregnant cows had reduced vaginal pH on D10 in comparison to D7 (6.89±0.09 and 7.27±0.06, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.001), whereas pregnant cows had similar vaginal pH on D10 and D7 (7.26±0.08 and 7.34±0.05, respectively; P = 0.35). We conclude that CIDR increases vaginal pH overtime and greater pH at TAI is beneficial to fertility.

69 Effects of supplementing heifers with dietary quercetin during late-gestation

Abstract Introduction of antioxidants, such as quercetin, into the diets of livestock species have become a new and revolutionary field of study. The objective was to examine effects of dietary supplementation of quercetin in beef heifers. Assessments were evaluated based on uterine artery hemodynamics and maternal hormone concentrations during late-gestation, as well as calf morphometric parameters. Eleven pregnant, Angus x Brahman heifers were randomly assigned to receive one of two dietary treatments: 1) quercetin (250 mg/day; Liftmode.com, Synaptent LLC, Chicago, IL, USA) supplemented group (QR; n = 6) or 2) no quercetin supplemented group (CON; n = 5). Dietary treatments were applied daily from d 190 of gestation until calving in a Calan System (American Calan, Inc., Northwood, NH) with 3.63 kg of a commodity grain and approximately 8.16 kg of hay per head per day. Both groups were subject to ultrasound scanning via rectal ultrasonography of the uterine artery using Color Doppler on d 190, 220, 250, and 270 of gestation. Blood samples were also collected via coccygeal venipuncture for hormone analysis. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA method within the Proc Mixed procedure of SAS 9.4. Total blood flow was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on d 248 and even greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on d 270 of gestation as compared to d 190 and 220. Contralateral Pulsatility Index (PI) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in QR treated heifers as compared to CON. Additionally, QR heifers yielded a greater serum progesterone concentration (P &amp;lt; 0.05) as compared to CON but no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between treatments regarding serum estrogen concentrations. Calf birth weight was not different (P &amp;gt; 0.05), but calves from quercetin supplemented dams resulted in greater wither and hip height (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Future research with antioxidant supplementation could lead to further fetal programming implications.