Association between metabolic parameters and embryo production in superovulated dairy cattle.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between metabolic parameters and the number of embryos produced in superovulated cows with high genetic characteristics in milk yield. Eighteen Holstein donors were treated with classic superovulation protocols, AI and flushing. During superovulation, decreasing doses of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) were administered at 12-h intervals for 4 days. Plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), glucose (GLU), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and total protein (TP) levels were determined by using an autoanalyzer. The mixed model analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. As a result, plasma IGF1, BHB and BUN had significant interactions with both groups and days (p < .05). Additionally, plasma TP-days interactions were significant (p < .05). Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between the number of embryos and plasma BHB levels (p < .05). In conclusion, under appropriate environmental conditions, metabolic profile control of donors can contribute to the embryo production process and to the studies on the metabolic infrastructure.

A pilot study of a novel paclitaxel-coated angioplasty catheter for lower extremity peripheral artery disease: a pilot study.

Aim: The aim of the study was to report our preliminary results and real-world experiences regarding the use of a novel paclitaxel-coated balloon catheter in a cohort of patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease at different stages. Material and methods: A prospective cohort pilot study was conducted and the study group was made up of a total of 20 patients with peripheral artery disease who underwent endovascular balloon angioplasty with BioPath 014 or 035, a novel paclitaxel-coated, shellac containing balloon catheter. Eleven patients had a total of 13 TASC II-A lesions, 6 patients had a total of 7 TASC II-B lesions, 2 patients had TASC II-C lesions, 2 patients had TASC II-D lesions. Results: In 13 patients, a single attempt with a BioPath catheter was adequate to treat a total of 20 target lesions, whereas in 7 patients more than one attempt with a different sized BioPath catheter was necessary. In 5 patients, total or near-total occlusion in the target vessel was initially treated with an appropriate sized chronic total occlusion catheter. Thirteen (65%) patients had at least one categorical improvement in Fontaine classification and none had symptomatic worsening. Conclusions: The BioPath paclitaxel-coated balloon catheter seems to offer a useful alternative to the similar devices for treatment of femoral-popliteal artery disease. These preliminary results warrant confirmation with further research to reveal the safety and efficacy of the device.

Antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm forming ability of staphylococci from subclinical buffalo mastitis.

The starting objective of this research communication was to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in buffalo in Turkey. We also seeked to isolate and identify staphylococci, determine their antimicrobial susceptibilities and biofilm-forming abilities as well as investigating the presence of biofilm-related genes and microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules. A total of 107 (66.9%) staphylococci (28 S. aureus and 79 coagulase-negative staphylococci, CoNS) were isolated from 160 mastitic milk samples collected from 200 lactating water buffalos. The staphylococci were especially resistant to beta-lactams except for cefoxitin but were less resistant to the other antimicrobials that were tested. Based on the Congo red agar method, 92.9% of the S. aureus and 70.9% of the CoNS isolates were positive for biofilm-forming ability, while all S. aureus and 97.5% of CoNS isolates were positive by a microtiter plate analysis. The presence of icaA and icaD genes was not always correlated with biofilm synthesis, and even in the absence of these genes, the isolates were able to synthesize biofilm.

Determination of the relationship between serum anti-Müllerian hormone level and superovulatory response in Simmental cows.

The most significant focal points of the embryo transfer technology are as follows: the selection of donors, the response of the selected donor to the superovulation protocol and the obtained number of the transferable embryos. For this purpose, it is suggested that donor selection can be done by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, and embryo production is evaluated. AMH is secreted by the granulosa cells of primordial, pre-antral and antral follicles below 4 mm in the ovary, independent of FSH. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum AMH levels and the number of corpus luteum (CL), total embryos and transferable embryos that were shaped after a uniform superovulation protocol. For this reason, 48 Simmental cows, which were located at General Directory of Agricultural Enterprises (region, province, etc. instead of the general directorate), were used as donors for the embryo transfer. Blood samples were taken at random, regardless of the stage of animal's sexual cycle. AMH levels were measured by enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA) method of the miniVIDAS® (bioMérieux SA) using AMH Bovine Test Kit. According to the statistical analyses of the obtained data, AMH levels were positively correlated with CL and total embryos (p < .05). No significant correlations between AMH and transferable embryos were approved (p > .05). It was also determined that each 200 pg/ml increase in serum AMH level resulted in one increase in CL number. Overall, considering the positive correlation between AMH level and the obtained number of CL and total embryos after a superovulation treatment, it was concluded that measuring blood AMH level prior to any further costly implementation may be an effective method in donor selection.

Isolation and molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant staphylococci from horses, personnel and environmental sites at an equine hospital in Turkey.

The present study was carried out to assess the frequency of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) among racehorses (n=209) and veterinary personnel (n=13) as well as environmental surfaces (n=14) at an equine hospital in Adana, Turkey. In addition, species distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance genes, staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) type and clonality of these isolates were also investigated. MRS were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing, and typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). As a result, MRS was isolated in horses (48.3%), clinic staff (92.3%) and environmental samples (71.4%). Of the 123 MRS isolates, 118 isolates were identified as Staphylococcus lentus, and the remaining ones were found to be S. sciuri (n=3), S. intermedius (n=1) and S. fleuretti (n=1). All isolates were found to be susceptible against vancomycin, quinupristin-dalfopristin and rifampicin. Additionally, single or various combinations of resistance genes were detected among MRS isolates. SCCmec type II was identified in all isolates. Similar PFGE patterns were observed among MRS isolated from horses, humans, and environmental samples. Since MRS were concurrently isolated from horses and humans it is suggested that cross-transmission of MRS between horses and humans might occur. However, it cannot be ruled out that transmission is human to animal or animal to human.

Lingual hematoma threatening airway obstruction in a patient on oral anticoagulation with warfarin.

Warfarin sodium is a commonly used oral anticoagulant agent. It has been well documented that, when effective anticoagulant therapy is employed in treating thromboembolic disease, hemorrhage is a possible complication that can be spontaneous without a history of trauma. The numerous sites of bleeding are the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts, the central nervous system, the nose (epistaxis), the penis (priapism), the retroperitoneum, wounds (surgical or traumatic), and subcutaneous tissues during warfarin therapy, but the hemorrhage rarely causes bleeding compromising a patient's airway. We report a case of a spontaneous lingual hematoma that developed during oral anticoagulation therapy. This life-threatening complication of warfarin therapy and its successful management without surgery indicates that observation, close monitoring and reversal of anticoagulation can be a reasonable management option.