Effect of temperature and spawning agents on wild female asp (Leuciscus aspius) reproductive efficiency under controlled conditions.

Artificial reproduction is a bottleneck to produce stocking material for many species of freshwater fish. One of these species is the asp, Leuciscus aspius. Research in the field of artificial reproduction of this species is very scarce and often incomplete. There are no breeding protocols specifying optimal environmental conditions and hormonal stimulation for many species of rheophilic cyprinids, including asp. Since the number of natural asp populations is constantly decreasing, it is important to support natural stocks by restocking with high quality stocking material. For this reason, optimized protocols are needed to breed this species under controlled conditions to produce stocking material with high biodiversity and good health. Such an approach will make it possible to maintain the population of natural asp at a constant level. The aim of this study was to develop the protocol of asp artificial reproduction using optimized thermal conditions and appropriate hormonal stimulation. In experiment I, the influence of constant temperature (10.0, 12.0 and 14.0 °C) on the effectiveness of artificial reproduction of asp. In experiment II, the effectiveness of asp reproduction was checked after the application of spawning agents: Ovopel, Ovaprim or a combination of these two agents The obtained results indicate that for the final maturation of oocytes (FOM) and artificial reproduction of asp in controlled conditions, water temperatures of 10-12 °C are the most useful. Under these thermal conditions, the highest percentages of female's ovulation and embryo survival, as well as the percentage of hatching, were obtained. Hormone injections are necessary to perform final oocyte maturation (FOM) in female asp in captivity. All spawning agents used were especially useful for artificial reproduction of asp, however, the best values of the studied indices, such as ovulation rate and embryo survival, were obtained after the application of Ovaprim or the combination of Ovopel and Ovaprim in water temperature at a range of 10-12 °C. It was found that the pH of ovarian fluid may be a preliminary indicator of the biological quality of eggs in asps. The optimal pH value is 8.0-8.4. At pH below 7.4, no viable embryos were observed.

Artificial reproduction of wild and cultured barbel (Barbus barbus, Cyprinidae) under controlled conditions.

The aim of this work was to compare the effects of controlled reproduction of cultured and wild common barbel, Barbus barbus (L.). Preparations containing different GnRH analogues and dopamine receptor antagonists (Ovopel, Ovaprim) as well as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (in the case of cultured fish) were applied and their influence on ovulation, spermiation and quality of gametes obtained was determined. No differences in the qualitative or quantitative parameters of semen were found between fish stimulated with different hormonal preparations and those not receiving hormonal stimulation. The high suitability of Ovaprim for ovulation induction in (cultured and wild) barbel was confirmed. The highest synchronisation of ovulation was obtained after the application of Ovopel (18 ± 3 h), but the best results of controlled reproduction (expressed as the percentage of ovulations and survival of embryos) were obtained by applying Ovaprim (83.2 ± 4.1). A significantly higher percentage of ovulation was obtained in cultured fish (80-90%) than in wild fish (< 25%).

Potential value of three-dimensional ultrasonography in diagnosing muscle injuries in comparison to two-dimensional examination--preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional ultrasonography (2D-US) has become a widely used and accepted diagnostic tool in musculoskeletal disorders. Its utility in the evaluation of muscle injury and pathology is generally recognised. In contrast, the place and role of three-dimensional US imaging (3D-US) in the diagnostic work-up of musculoskeletal conditions are still not recognised even though 3D-US is a well-established technique in, for example, obstetrics. The aim of this study was to find out if it is possible to assess lesions of muscles more accurately and with more detail using the 3D technique in comparison to 2D imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 14 patients aged 16-39 years (mean age 24.8 yrs) with muscle injuries and 2 volunteers to determine the best technique of performing the examination and acquiring images that can best visualise the structure of muscles. The 2D and 3D images were compared with respect to visualisation of lesions and their size. It was also investigated whether the additional third "Z" plane could furnish relevant information regarding the visible lesion. RESULTS: The results of evaluation of features and size of the lesions in the muscles were very similar and reliable with both modalities. For small lesions, measurements of their size differed slightly. The differences were bigger for bigger lesions. Additional information leading to re-classification of the type of the lesion or more precise delineation of its margins was obtained in 6 of the 14 cases (42.8%). The duration of a 3D study was usually longer with bigger lesions. The 3D-reconstructed model helped in better visualising and understanding the anatomical relations of the injured muscle with surrounding tissues. Recording data as volume scans made possible later re-assessment of images and their independent verification by a consultant at any desired time. CONCLUSIONS: 1. 3D US imaging is as reliable and accurate as the 2D technique in the assessment of muscle injuries. In some cases, especially with smaller lesions, the borders and type of the lesion are better visualized with the additional third plane. Additional information regarding the location of the lesions in the frontal plane can be obtained with 3D imaging. It is more difficult to assess whole lesions of greater size requiring two or more volume scans. The acquisition of volume data enables the reading of images at any desired time and also makes it possible to ask a consultant to verify the findings.

Potential value of contrast-enhanced gray-scale ultrasonography in diagnosis of acute muscle injury--preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography performed shortly after a direct or indirect muscle trauma may be confusing. The extent of a muscular tear can be difficult to assess because of oedema, intramuscular haematomas and red infarct. The aim of this study was to find out if it is possible to assess the extent of muscular lesions shortly (6 to 48 hours) after a trauma with improved accuracy using contrast-enhanced gray-scale ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultrasonograp[hic examinations were carried out in 7 male football players 8 to 48 hours following a direct (4) and indirect (3) trauma, and one female dancer with an indirect muscle trauma. Standard B-mode US examinations and gray-scale contrast-enhanced US after administration of Sonovue (Altana Pharma, Konstanz, Germany) were performed in all patients to evaluate the margins and size of the posttraumatic lesions. In contrast-enhanced studies, the size of the structural lesion in the muscle and space that might correspond to the muscle tear were measured. RESULTS: In all 8 cases, the borders of the muscular lesions were better delineated following administration of the contrast agent as a poorly and irregularly enhanced or non-enhancing areas. In 3 cases of direct and 2 cases of indirect trauma, the lesions were bigger in the contrast-enhanced study, and in one case of direct trauma and 2 indirect lesions, they were smaller following contrast-enhancement. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results indicate that gray-scale contrast-enhanced US of muscle can be helpful in the assessment of the extent of muscular trauma in dubious cases during the early post-injury period.