Size Of Ovarian Follicles Research Articles

Bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress increases the production of ovarian cancer stem cells in mice

Bisphenol A (BPA) belongs to the endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) causing various reproductive disorders in females. We analysed the toxic effects of BPA in the uterus and ovaries. The BPA was administered orally with the repeated low dose (LD, 1 mg/kg) and high dose (HD, 5 mg/kg) of body weight on alternate days for 4 months via oral gavage to Swiss mice. BPA administration decreases body weight, ovarian weight and size at LD, but increases ovarian weight and size at HD. The uterus weight, length, and diameter were increased in both the treated groups. The histopathological data show decreased ovarian follicle size, epithelial hyperplasia, and lymphocytic infiltration in the ovary. The BPA-treated uterus shows increased vascularization, atrophied endometrium and myometrium, and endometrial hyperplasia (EH) with aberrant glandular growth. The cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the ovaries were identified based on staining with anti-mouse CD44 and anti-mouse CD133 antibodies and analysed by flow cytometry. Three different populations of ovarian CSCs: CD44+CD133-, CD44+CD133+, and CD44−CD133+, can be recognised based on the intensity of these receptors. CD44+CD133- and CD44+CD133+ cell percentages were increased in BPA-treated groups. CD44−CD133+ were increased in LD but decreased in HD. The BPA administration also induces ROS production, which decreases the expression of antioxidant genes Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), and Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) in ovarian cells. In conclusion, BPA exposure induced an inflammatory response, increased CSC proportions, induced ROS, and decreased antioxidant responses in the ovaries.

In vitro exposure to butylparaben impairs the integrity and size of ovarian follicles in a bovine model.

There is a growing regulatory and scientific interest in the studies of environmental substances that are capable of interfering with the reproductive system. Among them, parabens stand out due to their widespread use and frequent detection as contaminants in human tissues and biological fluids. Therefore, we evaluated the toxic effects of butylparaben on the viability and follicular staging of bovine ovarian follicles in vitro. Fragments of ovaries from five cyclic bovine females were cultured for 44h in a minimal essential medium (MEM; control) or MEM supplemented with 50µg/mL and 100µg/mL of butylparaben (BP 50 and BP 100 groups, respectively). The ovarian fragments were subjected to follicular staging, morphological analysis, morphometric analysis, estradiol analysis and oxidative profiling. No significant changes were observed between the experimental groups in follicular staging, estradiol analysis and oxidative profile analysis. However, the BP 50 group showed a significant decrease in the number of intact ovarian follicles. Moreover, a decrease in the follicular and oocyte diameters was observed in the groups that were exposed to butylparaben. In conclusion, butylparaben impairs the integrity and size of ovarian follicles in an in vitro bovine model, but does not affect the oxidative profile and steroidogenesis.

Comparative analysis of breeding patterns and reproductive efficiency of mares in subtropical conditions of Pakistan.

The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the overall and breed-specific seasonal breeding patterns, fertility rates, cyclicity, and follicular dynamics of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares under the subtropical conditions of Pakistan. A retrospective analysis of climatic data and breeding records of eleven breeding studs spanning four years (2020-2023) was made to find out the overall seasonality in the breeding pattern of mares. Fifty mares of each breed (n=150 in total) were scanned by ultrasonography for a calendar year to find the cyclicity pattern and follicular dynamics (follicular growth rate, size of ovulatory follicle, and days from estrus till ovulation). The statistical analysis of breeding records demonstrated a clear pattern of seasonal breeding (p<0.05). The highest monthly foalings were noted in March (247±45.37), and overall breeding activities peaked in Spring season (p<0.05). Breed-specific results of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares revealed that Arab mares maintained stable breeding activity throughout the year, with the highest activity in spring and peak conception rate in winter (56.25%±32.78; p>0.05). Thoroughbred mares experienced significant seasonal declines from spring to winter with a peak conception rate in winter (63.89%±27.37, p>0.05). Percherons showed the most pronounced seasonal effects, especially with a high fall conception rate (73.04%±19.61) and a sharp decrease in winter breeding metrics (p<0.05). Furthermore, Thoroughbred and Percheron mares displayed the most pronounced seasonal effects on the percentage of cyclic mares 77.3% and 56% in winters (p<0.05). Moreover, the follicular dynamics of the three breeds also exhibited significant differences (p<0.05). The current study concludes that seasonal and breed-specific variability exists among the reproductive parameters of Arab, Thoroughbred, and Percheron mares in subtropics, necessitating breed-specific reproductive management measures to maximize mare breeding efficiency.

Factors defining developmental competence of bovine oocytes collected for in vitro embryo production†.

Despite the currently relatively low effectiveness of producing bovine embryos in vitro, there is a growing interest in applying this laboratory method in the field of reproduction. Many aspects of the procedure need to be improved. One of the main problems is the inferior developmental competence of in vitro matured oocytes that are collected using the ovum pick-up method. The mechanisms of oocyte capacitation and maturation, as well as the in vivo conditions in which they grow and mature, should be carefully analyzed. A deliberate application of the identified mechanisms and beneficial factors affecting the in vitro procedures seems to be essential for achieving higher developmental competence of the oocytes that are subjected to fertilization. The results may be improved by developing and employing a laboratory maturation protocol that corresponds with appropriate preparation of donors before the ovum pick-up, an optimized hormonal treatment program, the appropriate size of ovarian follicles at the time of aspiration, and a fine-tuned coasting period.

Unveiling the Role of IGF-I in Fertility: Effect of Long-Acting Bovine Somatotropin (bST) on Terminal Follicular Development and Fertility during an Annual Reproductive Cycle in Sheep.

The study aimed to assess the effect of long-acting bST treatment, in a dose that only increases IGF-I plasma concentrations, on ovarian and fertility markers of estrous synchronized ewes that were fed to keep their bodyweight. Three experiments were designed to evaluate this effect: in Experiment 1, 18 ewes were distributed in groups (bST 0, 30, 50 mg) to measure plasma IGF-I and insulin for 15 days; in Experiment 2, 92 ewes (5 replicates) in two groups (0 and 30 mg bST) were synchronized using a 6-day progesterone protocol during the breeding season to assess the effect of bST on follicular and luteal performances, estrous and ovulation, and fertility after mating. In Experiment 3, 50 ewes (3 replicates) were used to repeat the study before but during anestrus. Results indicate that 50 mg bST increased IGF-I and insulin plasma concentrations, but 30 mg bST only increased IGF-I concentrations; and that only during the breeding season did 30 mg bST increase the number of lambs born and the reproductive success of ovulatory-sized follicles compared to controls. This occurred without it affecting any other reproductive marker. In conclusion, 30 mg bST treatment may improve oocyte competence for fertility during the breeding season.

52 Evaluation of linseed meal on ovarian follicular development after synchronization in preovulatory small ruminants during seasonal anestrus

Abstract Seasonal estrous of small ruminants can hinder overall reproductive efficiency of holistic management strategies involving sheep and goats. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of increased melatonin containing feed ingredients on ovarian function during seasonal anestrus. Ovarian follicle number and follicle sizes were evaluated on Spanish × Boer cross does and Rambouillet ewes amounts of lineseed meal in the treatment diet (P30DIET) or an isocoloric and isonitrogenous control diet (CON). The P30DIET contained 2.5% linseed meal which contained increased melatonin (Manchester et al. 2000). At d -18 ewes and does were stratified by age into treatment groups and the P30DIET and CON diets were supplemented (0.91 kg and 0.68 kg per animal per day for sheep and goats, respectively). Synchronization protocols were administered at d 0 for both groups and ovarian ultrasound measures were collected 48 h after the removal of the controlled internal drug release device (CIDR). Mixed model procedures of SAS were used to analyze the number of dominant follicles that were present following the synchronization protocols. The number of dominant follicles observed in the P30DIET goats was significantly greater than the CON consuming goats (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Least Squares Means estimates (LSMEANS) in the P30DIET were 1.5 ± 0.20 as compared with CON goats (0.91 ± .21). These data suggest that flushing small ruminants with greater linseed meal during the seasonal anestrus period can increase the number of dominant follicles therefore implying an improvement in reproductive efficiency in holistic management strategies of small ruminants.

Influence of Ovarian Follicle Sizes and Estrous Signs on Pregnancy Following Progesterone-Based Fixed Time Artificial Insemination in Water Buffaloes

The objectives of the present study were to elucidate the importance of follicle sizes and estrous signs during Controlled Internal Drug Release-Synch-human Chorionic Gonadotropin (CIDR-Synch-hCG) protocol for Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) and to evaluate their association with pregnancy in water buffaloes. Data from riverine buffaloes (n = 207) under the CIDR-Synch-hCG protocol were analyzed. Buffaloes were administered with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) with insertion of CIDR on Day 0. Prostaglandin (PGF2α) was given on Day 7 with the removal of CIDR. hCG was given on Day 9, and AI was performed on Day 10. Follicle measurements by ultrasonography were done on Days 0, 7, and 10, and follicle sizes on those days were categorized into I, II, and III. Estrus signs were taken on the day of AI. The pregnancy diagnosis was done on Day 30-35 post-AI. The average size of follicles in Category III is significantly higher than those of Categories I and II, regardless of the Days of the protocol. Pregnancy is significantly (P&lt;0.001) associated with Pre-Ovulatory Follicle (POF) size and uterine tonicity on the Day of AI but not with follicle sizes on Days 0 and 7, nor with mucus discharge discharge (P&gt;0.05). The overall pregnancy rate is 44.44% while performing AI with POF size ≥12.0 mm increased the probability of pregnancy rate to 56.25%. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated a follicle size-based CIDR-Synch-hCG protocol providing new fertility indicators to improve FTAI efficiency in buffaloes with huge application in other livestock species.

Ovarian follicle size or growth rate can both be determinants of ovulatory follicle selection in mice†.

The endocrinology regulating ovulation of the desired number of oocytes in the ovarian cycle is well described, particularly in mono-ovulatory species. Less is known about the characteristics that make one follicle suitable for ovulation while most other follicles die by atresia. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) injection was used to characterize granulosa cell proliferation rates in developing ovarian follicles in the estrous cycle of mice. This methodology allowed identification of follicle diameters of secondary (80-130μm), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-sensitive (130-170μm), FSH-dependent (170-350μm), and preovulatory (>350μm) follicles. Few preovulatory-sized follicles were present in the ovaries of mice at estrus, the beginning of the cycle. Progressive increases were seen at metestrus and diestrus, when full accumulation of the preovulatory cohort (~10 follicles) occurred. BrdU pulse-chase studies determined granulosa cell proliferation rates in the 24-48h before the follicle reached the preovulatory stage. This showed that slow-growing follicles were not able to survive to the preovulatory stage. Mathematical modeling of follicle growth rates determined that the largest follicles at the beginning of the cycle had the greatest chance of becoming preovulatory. However, smaller follicles could enter the preovulatory follicle pool if low numbers of large antral follicles were present at the beginning of the cycle. In this instance, rapidly growing follicles had a clear selection advantage. The developing follicle pool displays heterogeneity in granulosa cell proliferation rates, even among follicles at the same stage of development. This parameter appears to influence whether a follicle can ovulate or become atretic.

Ovarian stimulation with excessive FSH doses causes cumulus cell and oocyte dysfunction in small ovarian reserve heifers.

Excessive FSH doses during ovarian stimulation in the small ovarian reserve heifer (SORH) cause premature cumulus expansion and follicular hyperstimulation dysgenesis (FHD) in nearly all ovulatory-size follicles with predicted disruptions in cell-signaling pathways in cumulus cells and oocytes (before ovulatory hCG stimulation). These observations support the hypothesis that excessive FSH dysregulates cumulus cell function and oocyte maturation. To test this hypothesis, we determined whether excessive FSH-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cumulus cells identified in our previously published transcriptome analysis were altered independent of extreme phenotypic differences observed amongst ovulatory-size follicles, and assessed predicted roles of these DEGs in cumulus and oocyte biology. We also determined if excessive FSH alters cumulus cell morphology, and oocyte nuclear maturation before (premature) or after an ovulatory hCG stimulus or during IVM. Excessive FSH doses increased expression of 17 cumulus DEGs with known roles in cumulus cell and oocyte functions (responsiveness to gonadotrophins, survival, expansion, and oocyte maturation). Excessive FSH also induced premature cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation but inhibited cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation post-hCG and diminished the ability of oocytes with prematurely expanded cumulus cells to undergo IVF or nuclear maturation during IVM. Ovarian stimulation with excessive FSH is concluded to disrupt cumulus cell and oocyte functions by inducing premature cumulus expansion and dysregulating oocyte maturation without an ovulatory hCG stimulus yielding poor-quality cumulus-oocyte complexes that may be incorrectly judged morphologically as suitable for IVF during ART.

A Quantitative Histologic Analysis of Oogenesis in the Flatfish Species Pleuronectes platessa as a Tool for Fisheries Management.

The following paper gives a detailed description of the oogenesis cycle for the European Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), from oogonia to post-ovulatory follicle, including ovarian follicle and zona pellucida sizes. Noteworthy particularities were the difficulty in identifying cortical alveoli due to their very small size. Quantitative histology (stereology) on histological slides was used to determine a first size at maturity for females from the English Channel, which was found to be smaller compared to the literature (19 cm). Stereology also determined a first spawning event starting in January, with a peak in February and ongoing until March. Moreover, the use of stereology showed misclassifications for individuals categorized into a maturity phase using a macroscopic visual method. Misclassifications were found with individuals that had spawned (D) but were put under the immature (A) phase, and individuals in development (B) classified under D.

Two-dimensional ultrasound results in underestimation of the ovarian follicle size compared to automated three-dimensional imaging in women undergoing IVF.

Traditionally, for the assessment of follicle growth during IVF, two-dimensional (2D) transvaginal ultrasound (US) is used. In the past few years three-dimensional (3D) US has also been introduced. To compare follicular sizes between 2 and 3D ultrasound imaging on the final day of controlled ovarian stimulation. A prospective observational cohort study including 121 women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) between January 2017 and July 2018. All women were assessed by transvaginal 2D and 3D ultrasonography to measure ovarian follicle dimensions on the final day of COS. The mean difference in paired comparisons between the 3D and 2D US measurements in 25 women with monofollicular development was + 1.6 ± 2.5mm for the x-dimension and + 1.7 ± 2.4mm for the y-dimension; and in the total number of 1197 paired measurements of follicles the mean difference + 2.1 ± 3.3mm and + 1.8 ± 3.9mm for the x- and y-dimension respectively. In all cases the paired t-test showed that differences were statistically significant (p < 0.01). Further it was conjectured that the 2D underestimation results from the inherent difficulty to precisely place the US probe simultaneously on the perpendicular maximal of the x and y follicle diameters, leading to measurement errors that, by theory, are normally distributed. Running Monte-Carlo simulations based on these measurement errors it was found that both the mean difference and standard deviation are of the same magnitude as the ones found in real measurements, thus proving the conjecture. The utilisation of 3D US results in different measurements of the follicular dimensions, and volumes, when compared to conventional 2D US. The differences in the x- and y-dimensions may affect the outcome of an IVF cycle as they are used to define the day of triggering final oocyte maturation, which is associated with the yield of mature oocytes and the probability of live birth.

P-669 The effect of ovarian follicle size on oocyte fate and embryology outcome

Abstract Study question Does ovarian follicle size influence ultimate oocyte fate and embryology outcome? Summary answer Per punctured follicle, higher oocyte yield, MII oocytes, 2PN fertilisation, and utilisable blastocyst is observed as follicle increases in size up to threshold of 15.5mm What is known already It is well known that oocyte maturity and probability of successful fertilisation is correlated to the size of follicles where oocyte originated from. However the true cutoff and ideal size at oocyte retrieval remains elusive. Furthermore, there is no conclusive evidence that embryological outcome in terms of blastocyst morphology and utilisation differs in the mid to large ovarian follicular sizes. Study design, size, duration Prospective observational study undertaken in a tertiary fertility referral centre over 10 months. 50 participants recruited and underwent conventional controlled ovarian stimulation as per unit protocol. A total of 288 follicular punctures performed in the study period. Participants/materials, setting, methods 50 oocyte retrieval (OR) procedures were performed. The size of ovarian follicles was individually measured using transvaginal ultrasound. 288 follicular punctures were performed and up to 3 oocytes per patient were collected for the study to be individually cultured to allow for tracking of oocyte and embryo outcomes. Follicular fluid and spent culture media were collected separately for subsequent metabolomics analysis. Follicular sizes were divided into 6 groups ( &amp;lt; =9.5, 10-12.5, 13-15.5, 16-19.5, 20-23.5, &amp;gt; =24). Main results and the role of chance Oocyte fate included 113 mature oocytes, 83 bipronuclear (2PN) oocytes, 7 cleavage stage embryos, and 39 good quality blastocysts suitable for utilisation in fresh or frozen transfer cycles. When compared to overall average per punctured follicle, there is an association of higher oocyte yield, proportion of MII oocytes, 2PN fertilisation, and utilisable blastocyst as follicle size increases. The threshold for a change in fate appears to be when follicle size increases beyond 15.5mm where optimal follicle size may reach plateau. Proportion of good-quality blastocysts appears to be associated with size of follicles at rates as follow- 0% (less than 10mm), 11.1% (10-12.5mm), 13.2% (13-15.5mm), 15.9% (16-19.5mm), 14.5% (20-23.5mm), and 20% (above 24mm). 23 embryos have been utilised to date, yielding a 50% positive pregnancy rate. Of these utilised embryos resulting in a positive pregnancy test, 81.8% of embryos originated from follicles above 15.5mm. Metabolomics analysis for follicular fluid and spent culture media is ongoing. Limitations, reasons for caution The observational nature of the study along with a small sample size are limitations that did not allow clinical significance to be observed. Wider implications of the findings Oocyte retrieved from follicles less than 10mm is futile. There appears to be a plateau in optimal follicle size where no real detriment is demonstrated. This is an important findings to guide stimulation, especially in cases of asynchronous growth where sacrifice in larger follicles is commonly assumed. Trial registration number Not applicable

74 Ovulatory Follicle and Corpus Luteum Development ofBos Taurus Cows Under Nutrient Restriction

Abstract Establishment and maintenance of pregnancy is a central concern to the cattle industry, as it strongly impacts efficiency and profitability of beef cow-calf operations. The objective of this study was to determine if nutrient restriction impacts ovulatory follicle size and corpus luteum (CL) volume of Angus cows enrolled in estrous synchronization. A total of 26 Angus cows were housed at the Virginia Tech – Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Education Center (SVAREC) equipped with a Calan gate system for individual animal intake, stratified by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) a maintenance diet that provided 100% of nutrient requirements (MTN; n = 13) or 2) a diet providing 70% of nutrient requirements (REST; n = 13). Nutrient requirements were calculated and adjusted weekly based on BW using the 2016 NRC version of Beef Cattle Nutrient Requirements Model Software. Cattle underwent an acclimation period of4 days and were exposed to nutritional treatments for 30 days before estrous synchronization. Body weight was measured daily using an automated scale, and a conventional livestock scale at the beginning and end of the experiment. Cows were synchronized using a 7-day CO-synch + CIDR protocol beginning on day -10. An estrus alert patch was applied on day -3 and read on day 0 to assess expression of estrus. Ultrasonography of the ovaries was performed at each event of the estrous synchronization protocol. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Initial BW was similar between treatments (P = 0.07; 600 ± 32 kg), but MTN compared with REST cows had greater final BW (P &amp;lt; 0.01; 687 ± 24 and 556 ± 27 kg, respectively) and greater average daily gain (1.35 ± 0.18 and -0.72 ± 0.21 kg/d, respectively). Estrus expression was numerically greater (P = 0.185) MTN (84.62%) than REST (61.54%) cows. Diameter of the largest follicle was similar (P = 0.851) between treatments at the CIDR insertion (12.6 ± 0.6 mm) and CIDR removal (12.9 ± 0.4 mm), but were greater for MTN than REST cows at 60 hours after CIDR removal (14.01 ± 0.6 and 12.37 ± 0.5 mm, respectively). Volume of CL was similar (P &amp;gt; 0.01) at 5 (3211 ±13 mm3) and 7 (5280.3 ± 212 mm3) days after ovulation. In conclusion, nutrient restriction during estrous synchronization negatively affects diameter of the ovulatory follicle, but it did not affect subsequent CL volume in mature Angus cows.

Effect of level of Interleukin 1 beta (Il-1B) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) impacts on the size of the ovarian follicles of local cows

This study was conducted in the laboratories of the Department of Animal Production Techniques at the Technical College in Mussaib (TCM) from September 2021 to January 2022 to study the relationship between Interleukin 1 beta (il-1B) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) with ovarian follicle size on local cows. 150 reproductive systems were collected from non-pregnant local cows, which slaughtered in the abattoirs of Babylon Province and were transported to the laboratory within two hours. Ovaries were removed (300 ovaries) and their dimensions were measured. The follicles were measured and classified into three categories. Follicular fluid was drawn from the visible follicles (2-8) on the surface of each ovary and placed in an Eppendorf tube to measure the concentration level of Interleukin 1 beta (il-1B) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) in the follicular fluid. The results showed a significant high superiority (P&lt;0.01) of an increase in the level of interleukin-1beta over the size of large, medium and small follicles. A significant high effect (P&lt;0.01) of increasing the level of the ovulation hormone on follicle size was observed for all small, medium and large groups. We conclude from this study that the concentrations of cytokines (interleukin-1beta) and hormones (Luteinizing hormone) are influenced by the size of the ovarian follicle.

The influence of plant odours on sexual readiness in an insectivorous songbird.

Many organisms rely on environmental cues to predict and anticipate the annual optimal timing of reproduction. In insectivorous birds, preparation for breeding often coincides with the time vegetation starts to develop in spring. Whether there is a direct relationship between the two, and through which mechanisms this link could come about, has rarely been investigated. Plants release Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPVs) when they are attacked by insects, and recent studies have shown that birds can detect and orient to those odours when searching for food. If those volatiles also stimulate sexual reproductive development and timing of reproduction remains to be discovered. We tested this hypothesis by monitoring gonadal growth in pairs of blue tits (Cyanistes caerueus) exposed to air from caterpillar infested oak trees or from a control, in spring. We found that while males and females grew their gonads over time, gonads grew at the same rate in both odor treatments. More exploratory (i.e. a proxy of personality) females did however have larger ovarian follicle sizes when exposed to the HIPVs than to the control air, which is consistent with earlier results showing that fast explorers have larger gonads in spring and are more sensitive to HIPVs. If HIPVs constitute powerful attractants in foraging birds, their influence on gonadal development prior to breeding appears to be relatively subtle and only enhance reproductive readiness in some individuals. These results are nevertheless important as they set olfaction as a new player in seasonal timing of reproduction in birds.

Preliminary insight into the reproductive traits of the flapper skate Dipturus intermedius using in-field ultrasonography and circulating hormone concentrations

Due to global population declines, there is a pressing need for data on the life history traits of many elasmobranch species to support the development of species-specific management plans. A lack of information on the reproductive cycle of the Critically Endangered flapper skate Dipturus intermedius was recently identified as a hindrance to its conservation. To address this data gap, we combined non-lethal ultrasound and hormone analysis to investigate the size at maturity and reproductive cycle of the flapper skate in the Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area off the west coast of Scotland. In-field ultrasound imagery revealed encapsulated eggs in utero and was used to determine the presence and size of ovarian follicles. Combining these images with levels of plasma testosterone, progesterone and oestradiol provided valuable insights into the timing of the reproductive cycle and maturity state of the flapper skate. This preliminary study suggests that male skate start to mature at 165 cm and females at 203 cm total length. Oestradiol appears to be the primary hormone controlling the female reproductive cycle and, along with ultrasound images, indicates that females lay pairs of eggs throughout a winter egg-laying season. Our study further highlights how non-lethal methods can be used to investigate the life history of oviparous elasmobranchs in the field. This information will support the identification of important life history groups and their associated habitats and contribute to the development of management strategies for these species.

HaTU-Net: Harmonic Attention Network for Automated Ovarian Ultrasound Quantification in Assisted Pregnancy.

Antral follicle Count (AFC) is a non-invasive biomarker used to assess ovarian reserves through transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) imaging. Antral follicles' diameter is usually in the range of 2-10 mm. The primary aim of ovarian reserve monitoring is to measure the size of ovarian follicles and the number of antral follicles. Manual follicle measurement is inhibited by operator time, expertise and the subjectivity of delineating the two axes of the follicles. This necessitates an automated framework capable of quantifying follicle size and count in a clinical setting. This paper proposes a novel Harmonic Attention-based U-Net network, HaTU-Net, to precisely segment the ovary and follicles in ultrasound images. We replace the standard convolution operation with a harmonic block that convolves the features with a window-based discrete cosine transform (DCT). Additionally, we proposed a harmonic attention mechanism that helps to promote the extraction of rich features. The suggested technique allows for capturing the most relevant features, such as boundaries, shape, and textural patterns, in the presence of various noise sources (i.e., shadows, poor contrast between tissues, and speckle noise). We evaluated the proposed model on our in-house private dataset of 197 patients undergoing TransVaginal UltraSound (TVUS) exam. The experimental results on an independent test set confirm that HaTU-Net achieved a Dice coefficient score of 90% for ovaries and 81% for antral follicles, an improvement of 2% and 10%, respectively, when compared to a standard U-Net. Further, we accurately measure the follicle size, yielding the recall, and precision rates of 91.01% and 76.49%, respectively.

183 Ovulatory follicle size, time of ovulation, and pregnancy rates to AI in lactating dairy cows treated with a new gonadotrophin-releasing-hormone-based protocol with lengthened proestrus

Reproduction, Fertility and Development is an international journal publishing original research , review and comment in the fields of reproduction and developmental biology in humans, domestic animals and wildlife

Anti-Müllerian hormone in queens: Serum concentrations and total ovarian follicle population

The objectives of this study were: a) To report anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serum concentrations in neonatal, pre and postpubertal female cats. b) To establish the relationship between serum AMH with either age and estrous cycle c) To correlate the total number of different ovarian follicle types with AMH in adult queens. A single blood sample was collected from 10 neonates (including 5 male), 15 prepubertal and 48 postpubertal female cats to measure AMH. Eight, 10, and 18 of this latter group were in follicular (FP), luteal phase (LP), and anestrus (AN), respectively. The total number of each follicle type was histologically counted using the Gougeon and Chainy (1987) formula in a subgroup of 10 adult queens. Overall AMH mean of these the female cats was 6.31 ± 0.54 ng/mL. The neonatal females had lower AMH serum concentrations than their male littermates (2.56 ± 0.49 vs. >23 ng/mL; P < 0.01). Concentrations were also higher in prepubertal than in neonatal and postpubertal cats (11.79 ± 1.36 vs. 2.56 ± 0.49 vs. 4.87 ± 0.38 ng/mL; P < 0.01). Queens below 12 mo of age had the highest AMH levels (10.41 ± 1.16; P < 0.01). Age was inversely correlated with AMH (r = −0.5; P < 0.01). Animals in FP had lower AMH concentrations than AN females (2.51 ± 0.33 vs. 5.46 ± 0.76 ng/mL; P < 0.05). No difference in the total number of each follicle type were found between either ovary (P > 0.05). A high correlation was only found between small antral follicles and AMH concentrations (r = 0.85; P < 0.01). It was concluded, that AMH can provide an indirect, reliable marker for the assessment of ovarian follicle size and functionality. Age as well as pubertal state should be considered when evaluating AMH concentrations in this species.

Originating ovarian follicle size is not correlated with PREGNANCY FOLLOWING transferred single thawed blastocysts regardless of the use of pre-implantation genetic screening

The effect of ovarian follicle size on oocyte maturity is a recurrent topic in the literature, while studies of the effect of follicle size on embryo implantation have been much less common. Only four prior studies have attempted to correlate the size of the ovarian follicle from which the oocyte originated with the subsequent embryo’s transfer outcome, and the findings of those studies have been mixed. No prior study included thawed embryos to preclude potential interaction effects between large follicles and endometrial receptivity, nor has any prior study included any pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) in order to consider potential effects of aneuploidy.