Evaluation of RET-He values as an early indicator of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women

Abstract Introduction During pregnancy, women are at an increased risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (RET-He) in the early detection of iron-deficiency anemia in a group of pregnant women and to establish a reference range for this parameter in a group of control individuals. Method: A total of 60 patients and 130 control subjects were included in the study. Blood samples collected from the subjects were submitted to a complete blood count and a serum ferritin test and the data were analyzed by comparing the groups and ROC curves. Results The reference range found for the RET-He was between 29.75pg and 38.24pg, with a median of 35pg. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for the ferritin parameter showed an area under the curve of 0.732 for the RET-He, 0.586 for hemoglobin, 0.551 for the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and 0.482 for the mean corpuscular volume. Conclusion Early diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is essential to prevent damage to both maternal and fetal health. The RET-He presents an excellent potential as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of iron deficiency in pregnant women.

Evaluation of RET-He values as an early indicator of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION: During pregnancy, women are at an increased risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (RET-He) in the early detection of iron-deficiency anemia in a group of pregnant women and to establish a reference range for this parameter in a group of control individuals. METHOD: A total of 60 patients and 130 control subjects were included in the study. Blood samples collected from the subjects were submitted to a complete blood count and a serum ferritin test and the data were analyzed by comparing the groups and ROC curves. RESULTS: The reference range found for the RET-He was between 29.75pg and 38.24pg, with a median of 35pg. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for the ferritin parameter showed an area under the curve of 0.732 for the RET-He, 0.586 for hemoglobin, 0.551 for the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and 0.482 for the mean corpuscular volume. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is essential to prevent damage to both maternal and fetal health. The RET-He presents an excellent potential as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of iron deficiency in pregnant women.

Clinical application of Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of fertility problems in equines / Aplicações da ultrassonografia Doppler no diagnóstico de problemas de fertilidade em equinos

The use of different ultrasound modalities (color, power and pulsed Doppler) in clinical research has enhanced knowledge of reproductive pathophysiology in equine, in addition to improving the clinical diagnosis of reproductive disorders in both the stallion and the mare. In the stallion, color Doppler ultrasound has improved the diagnostic potential of conventional ultrasound, improving the differential diagnosis of pathologies such as testicular torsion (decrease or absence of blood flow in the cord) and orchitis (increased blood flow in the cord). The function of the testicle is highly dependent on the blood flow it receives; therefore, any vascular alterations can affect both the quality and production of sperm. In recent years there have been a greater number of studies in which Doppler ultrasound is used as a tool in the diagnosis of testicular dysfunction and in the monitoring of medical and surgical treatments. In the mare, ultrasound technology has allowed numerous advances in basic research regarding the vascular hemodynamics of the ovary and uterus. Moreover, it has become an indispensable tool in reproductive practice. Among the clinical applications of this technique in mares are the evaluation of CL (corpus luteum) functionality, being a useful tool in the selection of recipients in embryo transfer programs or the use of power Doppler in the diagnosis of pregnancy as early as 7 days postovulation prior to flushing. Finally, the incorporation of color and pulsed Doppler ultrasound into the examination improves the diagnosis of mares with endometritis due to a pathological increase in uterine blood flow.

Applied use of interferon-tau stimulated genes expression in polymorphonuclear cells to detect pregnancy compared to other early predictors in beef cattle.

We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of Interferon-tau stimulated genes (ISG) abundance in peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) on D20 after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI; D0) as a pregnancy diagnosis method against CL evaluation by Doppler ultrasonography and progesterone (P4) concentrations on D20, as well as Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAG) concentrations on D25. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of ISG abundance in PMNs as pregnancy loss predictors. Nelore heifers (n = 103) and cows (n = 144) underwent estrous synchronization and were artificially inseminated on D0. Pregnancy was diagnosed by B-mode ultrasonography on D30 and D70, and after the final diagnosis, females were classified in four groups: Pregnant; Non-pregnant; Functional CL on D20 but non-pregnant (CL-NP) and Pregnancy loss between D30 and D70 (PL). After determining cutoff values, the Sensitivity (SE), Specificity (SP), Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) and Accuracy (ACC) were determined for each method. All methods were classified as significant (P < 0.05) predictors of pregnancy. Both ISG expression and PAG concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in pregnant females than in non-pregnant and CL-NP females but did not differ (P > 0.05) from the PL group. ISG15 expression was greater (P < 0.05) in heifers than in cows, but this difference was not found in OAS1 expression and PAG concentrations. All the methods evaluated were proven to be adequate predictors of pregnancy, but greater accuracies were obtained through PAG concentrations and Doppler-US, due to the decreased number of false positive and false negative results.

Diagnóstico e manejo de gestação gemelar na espécie equina / Management of twin pregnancy in equine

A presença de gestação gemelar tem sido reconhecida como uma das mais importantes causas de perdaembrionária na égua. A incidência de aborto devido à gestação gemelar em equinos diminuiu consideravelmenteapós a utilização da técnica de ultrassonografia. O diagnóstico e o tratamento precoce de gêmeos continuam a seruma parte importante na rotina do manejo reprodutivo na espécie equina. Apesar de existir diferentes opções domanejo reprodutivo após a fixação das vesículas embrionárias, a eliminação de uma das vesículas durante a fasede mobilidade embrionária é crucial para que a viabilidade do concepto seja mantida durante a gestação. Odiagnóstico precoce e preciso para a eliminação de gestação gemelar é de grande importância no manejoreprodutivo da espécie equina.(AU)

The presence of twinning has long been recognized as one of the most important causes of reproductivewastage in the mare. The incidence of abortion due to twinning has declined subsequent to the routine use ofultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis. The early and accurate diagnosis and management of twins remainsan important part of routine equine breeding management. While options exist for the management of twins postfixation,more mares will give birth to a single foal if one of the vesicles is eliminated during the mobility phase.The early and accurate diagnosis for handling twins is of great importance in equine reproductive management.(AU)

Diagnóstico e manejo de gestação gemelar na espécie equina / Management of twin pregnancy in equine

A presença de gestação gemelar tem sido reconhecida como uma das mais importantes causas de perdaembrionária na égua. A incidência de aborto devido à gestação gemelar em equinos diminuiu consideravelmenteapós a utilização da técnica de ultrassonografia. O diagnóstico e o tratamento precoce de gêmeos continuam a seruma parte importante na rotina do manejo reprodutivo na espécie equina. Apesar de existir diferentes opções domanejo reprodutivo após a fixação das vesículas embrionárias, a eliminação de uma das vesículas durante a fasede mobilidade embrionária é crucial para que a viabilidade do concepto seja mantida durante a gestação. Odiagnóstico precoce e preciso para a eliminação de gestação gemelar é de grande importância no manejoreprodutivo da espécie equina.

The presence of twinning has long been recognized as one of the most important causes of reproductivewastage in the mare. The incidence of abortion due to twinning has declined subsequent to the routine use ofultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis. The early and accurate diagnosis and management of twins remainsan important part of routine equine breeding management. While options exist for the management of twins postfixation,more mares will give birth to a single foal if one of the vesicles is eliminated during the mobility phase.The early and accurate diagnosis for handling twins is of great importance in equine reproductive management.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de infección de las vías urinarias en embarazadas que acuden a Emergencia y consulta externa del Hospital Bertha Calderón Roque en Managua, Nicaragua / Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infection in pregnant women attending emergency and outpatient services at the Hospital Bertha Calderón Roque in Managua, Nicaragua

Introducción: La infección de vías urinarias es una de las más comunes durante el embarazo y su importancia radica en las complicaciones que se han reportado en la mujer embarazada y en el neonato. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y prolectivo; se incluyeron embarazadas con síntomas urinarios y urocultivo positivo. Resultados: En el periodo 2011-2012 se llevó a cabo un estudio que incluyó a 1,256 mujeres embarazadas con síntomas de infección urinaria y urocultivo positivo, en el cual se evaluó la sensibilidad y resistencia a los antibióticos. El 55.6% de las pacientes tenía menos de 20 semanas de gestación y el 33.5% se encontraba entre las edades de 15 a 25 años. El 84.9% de pacientes presentó infección urinaria con síntomas leves. El agente etiológico más frecuentemente aislado fue Escherichia coli en el 76.6% de los casos; el 7.1% de las infecciones fueron causadas por Proteus y 6.6% por Klebbsiella sp. La sensibilidad general de nitrofurantoína para los patógenos urinarios fue de 94.3%, la de ampicilina de 73% y la de gentamicina 78%; los antibióticos más sensibles fueron ceftazidima e imipenem. Conclusiones: El mayor porcentaje de infección urinaria fue causado por Escherichia coli; la edad más frecuente de aparición entre los 15 y 25 años; los antibióticos con mayor sensibilidad a los patógenos urinarios fueron nitrofurantoína, ceftazidina e imipenem; la ampicilina y la gentamicina tuvieron una sensibilidad baja.

Introduction: The urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections during pregnancy and its importance lies in the complications that have been reported in the pregnant women and the newborn. Material and methods: Observational, descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study. We included pregnant with urinary symptoms and positive urine culture. Results: In the period 2011-2012 was carried out a study involving 1,256 pregnant women with symptoms of urinary infection and positive urine culture. It was determined the sensitivity and resistance to antibiotics to urinary pathogens. The 55.6% of the pregnant women had less than 20 weeks gestation and 33.5% was 15 to 25 years old. The 84.9% of patients only had mild urinary infection symptoms. The most frequent etiological agent isolated was Escherichia coli with 76.6% of cases, 7.1% were caused by Proteus sp and 6.6% by Klebbsiella. The sensitivity of nitrofurantion for urinary pathogens was 94.3%, gentamycin 78% and ampicillin 73%. The antibiotics with high rates of sensitivity were ceftazidime and imipenem. Conclusions: The highest percentage of urinary tract infection was caused by Escherichia coli; the most common age of onset was between 15 to 25 years; antibiotics with highest sensitive were nitrofurantion, ceftazidime and imipenem.

Efficiency of measuring corpus luteum crosssectional areas by ultrasonography for detecting early pregnancy in cattle

The obj e ctive of this study was to examine the efficiency of a novel method of early pregnancy diagnosis in cows. This method was based on cross - sectional area change s of corpora lutea measured by t ransr ectal ultrasonography. One hundred forty one Japanese Black cows were artificially inseminated and divided into four groups according to examination days . Corpora l utea of all cow s in each group were measured twice at 7 days apart, on days 13 and 20 (n = 1 8 ), 14 and 21 (n = 40 ), 15 and 22 (n = 37 ) and 16 and 23 (n = 46 ) post - insemination. Confirmation of pregnancy was performe d by ultrasonography on day 30 post - insemination . All non - pregnant cows showed clear regression of t heir c orpora l utea at rates of 35. 8 , 43.7 , 51. 3 , and 56.2 % on days 20, 21, 22 , and 23 post - insemination, respectively . Some ovarian disorders were discovere d in 9% of non - pregnant cows. In conclusion, the present method was hig hly sensitive (100%) in detecting ear ly non - pregnancies in the field , and also helpful in detecting ovarian disorders at an early stage, which gives reason to use it for better economic management and benefit.

Efficiency of measuring corpus luteum crosssectional areas by ultrasonography for detecting early pregnancy in cattle

The obj e ctive of this study was to examine the efficiency of a novel method of early pregnancy diagnosis in cows. This method was based on cross - sectional area change s of corpora lutea measured by t ransr ectal ultrasonography. One hundred forty one Japanese Black cows were artificially inseminated and divided into four groups according to examination days . Corpora l utea of all cow s in each group were measured twice at 7 days apart, on days 13 and 20 (n = 1 8 ), 14 and 21 (n = 40 ), 15 and 22 (n = 37 ) and 16 and 23 (n = 46 ) post - insemination. Confirmation of pregnancy was performe d by ultrasonography on day 30 post - insemination . All non - pregnant cows showed clear regression of t heir c orpora l utea at rates of 35. 8 , 43.7 , 51. 3 , and 56.2 % on days 20, 21, 22 , and 23 post - insemination, respectively . Some ovarian disorders were discovere d in 9% of non - pregnant cows. In conclusion, the present method was hig hly sensitive (100%) in detecting ear ly non - pregnancies in the field , and also helpful in detecting ovarian disorders at an early stage, which gives reason to use it for better economic management and benefit.(AU)

Embarazo heterotópico: diagnóstico ecográfico temprano, manejo con laparoscopia: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Laparoscopic management of heterotopic pregnancy following ecographic diagnosis: a case report and literature review

Objetivo: realizar una revisión de la literatura acerca de los aspectos más importantes relacionados con el diagnóstico oportuno y el manejo del embarazo heterotópico. Materiales y métodos: se presenta un caso de un embarazo heterotópico diagnosticado por ultrasonografía, a quien se le realizó salpingectomía por laparoscopia y se continuó con la gestación intrauterina normal. Se realizó una revisión en las bases de datos MEDLINE y EMBASE, además de la base latinoamericana SciELO y libros de la especialidad. Conclusión: el diagnóstico del embarazo heterotópico es difícil debido a las diversas manifestaciones clínicas y a la existencia del embarazo intrauterino que continúa la producción de fracción Beta de la gonadotropina coriónica humana. La ecografía es un pilar importante en el diagnóstico e identificación temprana de esta patología. La laparoscopia surge como una alternativa segura en el manejo.

Objective: reviewing the pertinent literature about the most important aspects related to early diagnosis and management of heterotopic pregnancy. Materials and methods: a case of heterotopic pregnancy is presented which was diagnosed by ultrasonography. The patient underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy and she continued normal intrauterine gestation. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were reviewed, as well as the Latin-American SciELO database and books on the specialization. Conclusion: diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy is difficult due to its diverse clinical manifestations and intrauterine pregnancy leading to human chorionic gonadotropin Beta fraction production being continued; echography is thus an important pillar in the early diagnosis and identification of this pathology. Laparoscopy emerges as a safe management alternative.

Pregnancy diagnosis, fetal quantification and gender estimation by ultra-sonography in ewes / Diagnóstico de gestação, quantificação e sexagem fetal por ultra-sonografia em ovelhas

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the accuracy of gestation, fetal sexing and quantification diagnoses in ewes. Pregnancy and fetal quantification were diagnosed in 105 ewes at 35 days of pregnancy. For the fetal gender diagnosis sexing diagnose 55 ewes between 49 and 59 days of pregnancy were used. All exams were recorded on DVD for posterior analysis. After birth, lamb sex was recorded to determine fetal sexing precision. Data were analyzed by chisquare ( 2) or Fisher’s test, with a significance of 0.05. One hundred percent of pregnancy ultrasound diagnoses were correct. As for the fetal quantification diagnoses, there was an error of 12%. It was possible to diagnose the fetal sex in 87% of the 69 examined fetuses, and 90% of these were estimated correctly. The realtime ultrasound diagnoses were not different from the recorded DVD image diagnoses. Therefore, pregnancy diagnosis accuracy may reach 100%, differing from fetal gender estimation and quantification, which are dependent upon other variables such as fetal genderand examiner experience.

O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar a acurácia do diagnóstico de gestação, quantificação e sexagem fetal em ovelhas. Foram realizados o diagnóstico de gestação e a quantificação fetal em 105 ovelhas aos 35 dias de gestação. Para o diagnóstico da sexagem fetal foram utilizadas 55 ovelhas com período de gestação entre 49 e 59 dias. As imagens de todos os exames foram gravadas em DVD para permitir posterior análise. Após o nascimento dos cordeiros, os respectivos sexos foram observados para determinar a precisão do exame de sexagem fetal. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste Qui- quadrado ( 2) ou Teste de Fisher, com nível de significância de 5%. Observou-se 100% de acerto no diagnóstico de gestação pela ultra-sonografia. Quanto ao diagnóstico de quantificação fetal, houve 12% de erro. Foi possível diagnosticar o sexo fetal em 87% dos fetos e destes, 90% estavam corretos. Os diagnósticos em tempo real não foram significativamente diferentes dos diagnósticos feitos após a observação de imagens gravadas em DVD. Portanto, a acurácia do diagnóstico de gestação pode alcançar 100%, diferente da quantificação e sexagem fetal, que dependem de outras variáveis como tipo de gestação e experiência do operador.

Ultra-sonografia bidimensional convencional, de alta resolução e tridimensional no acompanhamento da gestação em cadela / Two-dimensional conventional, high resolution two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasonography in the evaluation of pregnant bitch

Gestational period in a bitch, after natural mating with a normal dog, was evaluated by two-dimensional conventional, high-resolution two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasonography. High-resolution two-dimensional ultrasonography show better image and provides early diagnosis of pregnancy (15 days) in comparison to conventional one (20 days). Three-dimensional ultrasonography was use to evaluate fetal morphology during late gestation period, however its application is still limited(AU)

Ultra-sonografia bidimensional convencional, de alta resolução e tridimensional no acompanhamento da gestação em cadela / Two-dimensional conventional, high resolution two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasonography in the evaluation of pregnant bitch

Gestational period in a bitch, after natural mating with a normal dog, was evaluated by two-dimensional conventional, high-resolution two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasonography. High-resolution two-dimensional ultrasonography show better image and provides early diagnosis of pregnancy (15 days) in comparison to conventional one (20 days). Three-dimensional ultrasonography was use to evaluate fetal morphology during late gestation period, however its application is still limited

Gestation diagnostic in Capra hircus, through histological and cytological analysis of the vaginal epithelium / Contribuição ao estudo do diagnóstico de gestação em Capra hircus, através da histologia e citologia do epitélio vaginal

The present research was developed in order to try a method of pregnancy diagnosis in goats, through the differentiable characteristics of the vaginal epithelium. A total of 55 goats were used. Materials for histologic and cytologic examination were taken from the anterior region of the vagina with a 10-day interval, initiating by day 20 until day 90 after mating. Biopsies were processed using standard techniques and stained with H.E. and PAS. Vaginal smears were stained by PAPANICOLAOUs technique. During pregnancy, the epithelium was recorded as immature, being composed of 4 to 5-cell layers, with parabasal or low intermediate cells on the surface. The non-pregnant epithelium was composed of 8 to 10 cell-layers, showing high intermediate or superficial cells on the surface. This difference allowed to diagnose pregnancy and non-pregnancy status. Vaginal smears showed low intermediate, parabasal and cuboidal cells for both pregnant and non-pregnant groups.

O experimento objetivou estudar as diferentes características do epitélio vaginal de 55 cabras que, através de exame, conduzissem ao diagnóstico de gestação. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos, sendo o 1º constituído de 35 animais submetidos a indução hormonal do estro. Cada fêmea desse grupo foi tratada com esponja vaginal impregnada com 50 mg de medroxiprogesterona, a qual permaneceu no interior da vagina durante 10 dias. No 8º dia foram administradas 500 UI de gonadotrofina coriônica humana (via submucosavulvar) e 250 µg de cloprostenol (via intramuscular). O grupo controle, composto por 25 animais, permaneceu sem qualquer tratamento. Procedeu-se à observação do estro, após a retirada das esponjas, sendo as fêmeas cobertas por monta natural dirigida. As coletas do material iniciaram-se no 20º dia pós cobertura, sendo repetidas a cada 10 dias, totalizando 8 por fêmea. O material para a citologia foi colhido com espátulas, na região anterior da vagina e corado pela técnica de Papanicolaou. As amostras para a histologia vaginal foram retiradas por biópsia da mesma região e coradas com HE e PAS com e sem digestão enzimática. Os exames histológicos comprovaram diferenças significativas quanto à espessura do epitélio e composição da camada de superfície do epitélio vaginal. Os animais não-gestantes apresentaram 8 a 10 camadas e superfície composta por células do tipo interm

Diagnóstico de gestação na vaca pela ultra-sonografia

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to investigate the embryonic development and the age of the pregnancy, in which may firstly be detected by ultrasound. One hundred and forty two cows, performing two groups were submitted to echographic examination for pregnancy diagnosis. A Pie Medical Inc. scanner Mod. 450 with a 5MHz linear array transducer and a printer were used for echographic purposes. In the first group constituted of 12 charolais cows were studied some characteristics of the fetal anatomy from the 10th to the 50th day. The first detection of the subsequent structures was made in the following days: embryonic vesicle (18.0 ± 0.7); embryo proper (24.1 ± 0.5); heartbeat (26.2 ± 0.6); amnion (30.7 ± 0.7); limbs (32.7 ± 0.6); vertebres (40.2 ± 0.7); fetal movements(45.6 ± 0.5). In the second group constituted of 130 cross bred charolais cows the embryonic development from the 23rd to the 50th day of gestation was observed. In this period the embryonic vesicle reached a diameter of 46.4mm with a daily growth of 38mm and the embryo, a length (crown-rump) of 36.4rnm with a daily increase of 1.15mm (P 0.0001). The eariy pregnancy diagnosis as well as the monitoring of gestation, is feasible through uttrasonography.

RESUMO O objetivo do trabalho foi de estudar o desenvolvimento embrionário e revelar quando a prenhez pode ser detectada em bovinos. Constituindo dois grupos, 142 vacas foram submetidas a exames ecográficos para diagnóstico de gestação. Utilizou-se um aparelho Pie Medical Inc., Mod. 450 com transdutor de 5MHz, arranjo linear e uma impressora. No primeiro grupo, constituído de 12 vacas charolesas foram estudadas algumas características da anatomia fetal entre o 10° e o 50° dia. Estruturas foram detectadas na seguinte ordem e tempo (dias): vesícula embrionária (18,0 ± 0,7); embrião (24,1 ± 0,5); batimentos cardíacos (26,2 ± 0,6); âmnio (30,7 ± 0,7); membros (32,7 ± 0,6); vértebras (40,2 ± 0,7) e movimentos fetais (45,6 ± 0,5). No segundo grupo, composto de 130 vacas cruza charolesa, foi observado o desenvolvimento embrionário do 23° até o 50° dia de gestação. Neste período a vesícula embrionária atingiu um diâmetro de 46,4mm, com crescimento diário de 1,38mm; enquanto o comprimento (cabeça-anca) do embrião atingiu 36,4mm, com aumento diário de 1,15mm (P 0,0001). O diagnóstico precoce da gestação, e o seu monitoramento através da ultra-sonografia é possível a partir do 18° dia pós-serviço.

Effect of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) as superovulating agents in consecutive treatments of holstein black and white cows used in embryo transfer / Efeitos do hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH) e da gonadotrofina da menopausa humana (hMG) como agentes superovulantes em tratamentos sucessivos de vacas da raça holandesa, variedade preta e branca, utilizadas em transferência de embriões

Ten Holstein cows were used as embryo donors in an experiment to compare two superovulatory hormones: FSH (38mg) and hMG (2.400 U.I. = 1.200 U.I. FSH + 1.200 U.I. LH), in decreasing twice daily doses, for 4 days following day 10th of the estrous cycle. On 3rd day after treatments had started, prostaglandin F2 alfa (500µg) was applied for synchronization of oestrus. A.I. was performed 12 and 24 hours after first signs of oestrus. Same procedure was repeated for 5 times, with 60 days interval, in the same cows, to verify possible changes in superovulatory response. Embryos were recovered by non surgical procedure on 7th day after oestrus, through a Neustadt Ad-Aisch catheter. Each uterine horn was washed with 500 ml of modified Dulbeccos medium plus 1% fetal bovine serum. Recovered medium was allowed to rest during half an hour, then supernatant was siphoned. Detailed examination of the embryos was performed in remaining 100 ml medium, with a stereomicroscope (10 to 40 x magnification). From 105 structures obtained with FSH and 43 obtained with hMG, 79 (75%) and 31 (72%) embryos were able, respectively, for transfer to uterine horn ipsilaterally to corpora lutea, also through non surgical procedure. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by rectal palpation 45-60 days after embryo transfers. The pregnancy rates were 43% (34/79) for FSH treatment and 55% (17/31) for hMG treatment.

Para verificar o efeito superovulante de 38mg de FSH e de 2400 U.I. de hMG (1200 U.l. de FSH + 1200 U.l. de LH) em doses diárias decrescentes durante 4 dias consecutivos, a partir do 10º. dia do ciclo estral, foram utilizadas 10 vacas Holandesas, variedade preta e branca. No 3º. Dia após o início do tratamento, os animais receberam 500µg de Cloprostenol para sincronização do ciclo estral, sendo inseminados 12 e 24 horas após o início do cio. O processo de superovulação foi repetido por 5 vezes, com intervalo de 60 dias, empregando-se os mesmos animais e as mesmas doses hormonais para verificar as possíveis alterações das respostas superovulatórias. Realizaram-se as colheitas dos embriões no 7º. dia após o cio, através do método não cirúrgico, em sistema fechado e com o auxílio de catéter Neustadt Ad-Aisch. Utilizaram-se, para cada corno uterino, 500ml do meio de Dulbecco modificado (PBS), aquecidos a 37C e enriquecidos com 1% de soro fetal bovino. O meio recuperado permaneceu em repouso por 30 minutos, sifonando-se o sobrenadante. Os l00ml restantes foram colocados em placas de Petri quadriculadas para localização das estruturas, empregando-se estereomicroscópio com aumentos de 10 e 40 vezes. Das 105 estruturas obtidas com FSH e 43 com hMG, 79 (75%) e 31 (72%) eram viáveis, sendo os embriões inovulados nos cornos uterinos ipsolaterais aos corpos lúteos através do método não ci

DIAGNÓSTICO DE GESTAÇÃO NA VACA PELA ULTRA-SONOGRAFIA

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to investigate the embryonic development and the age of the pregnancy, in which may firstly be detected by ultrasound. One hundred and forty two cows, performing two groups were submitted to echographic examination for pregnancy diagnosis. A Pie Medical Inc. scanner Mod. 450 with a 5MHz linear array transducer and a printer were used for echographic purposes. In the first group constituted of 12 charolais cows were studied some characteristics of the fetal anatomy from the 10th to the 50th day. The first detection of the subsequent structures was made in the following days: embryonic vesicle (18.0 ± 0.7); embryo proper (24.1 ± 0.5); heartbeat (26.2 ± 0.6); amnion (30.7 ± 0.7); limbs (32.7 ± 0.6); vertebres (40.2 ± 0.7); fetal movements(45.6 ± 0.5). In the second group constituted of 130 cross bred charolais cows the embryonic development from the 23rd to the 50th day of gestation was observed. In this period the embryonic vesicle reached a diameter of 46.4mm with a daily growth of 38mm and the embryo, a length (crown-rump) of 36.4rnm with a daily increase of 1.15mm (P 0.0001). The eariy pregnancy diagnosis as well as the monitoring of gestation, is feasible through uttrasonography.

RESUMO O objetivo do trabalho foi de estudar o desenvolvimento embrionário e revelar quando a prenhez pode ser detectada em bovinos. Constituindo dois grupos, 142 vacas foram submetidas a exames ecográficos para diagnóstico de gestação. Utilizou-se um aparelho Pie Medical Inc., Mod. 450 com transdutor de 5MHz, arranjo linear e uma impressora. No primeiro grupo, constituído de 12 vacas charolesas foram estudadas algumas características da anatomia fetal entre o 10° e o 50° dia. Estruturas foram detectadas na seguinte ordem e tempo (dias): vesícula embrionária (18,0 ± 0,7); embrião (24,1 ± 0,5); batimentos cardíacos (26,2 ± 0,6); âmnio (30,7 ± 0,7); membros (32,7 ± 0,6); vértebras (40,2 ± 0,7) e movimentos fetais (45,6 ± 0,5). No segundo grupo, composto de 130 vacas cruza charolesa, foi observado o desenvolvimento embrionário do 23° até o 50° dia de gestação. Neste período a vesícula embrionária atingiu um diâmetro de 46,4mm, com crescimento diário de 1,38mm; enquanto o comprimento (cabeça-anca) do embrião atingiu 36,4mm, com aumento diário de 1,15mm (P 0,0001). O diagnóstico precoce da gestação, e o seu monitoramento através da ultra-sonografia é possível a partir do 18° dia pós-serviço.

Progesterone levels in fat-eree milk of cows during post partum period and early pregnancy diagnosis / Níveis de progesterona em leite desnatado de vacas no período pós- parto e diagnóstico precoce de gestação

Progesterone concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in fat-free milk samples obtained weekly from 26 primiparous, suckling cows, raised in range conditions. Samples were collected in post partum period up to observation of first signs of estrus. Profiles of progesterone concentrations for early pregnancy diagnosis were also examined on milk samples taken 21 days after artificial insemination. Results showed ovarian ciclicity starting 9.89 weeks post partum in crossed Gir x Caracu cows, with 0.28 nmol/1 progesterone on the day of estrus anti 7.62 nmol/1 21 days post Al. In crossed Nelore x Caracu cows, these results were 12.08 weeks, 0.46 nmol/1 and 9.23 nmol/1, respectively. Ten pregnancies out of 12 diagnosed were confirmed by rectal palpation. There was one case of embryo mortality and three AI were practiced during luteal phase. Estrus observation efficiency was 52.94%, since out of 34 heats identified through hormonal determinations, 18 were detected visually. Variations between crossings did not significantly alter progesterone profiles on day of estrus, nor on 21th day after AI or as for ovarian activity post partum.

Foram avaliados os períodos pós-parto de vacas primíparas mestiças Gir x Caracu e Nelore x Caracu mantidas em regime extensivo de pastagem. Para a determinação dos níveis hormonais de progesterona, amostras de leite foram coletadas semanalmente até que os animais apresentassem o 1º estro perceptível, quando foram inseminadas artificialmente. Decorridos 21 dias da inseminação, amostras foram coletadas e dosadas para fazer o diagnóstico precoce de gestação. Os resultados mostraram início de ciclicidade ovariana com 9,89 semanas após o parto para vacas Gir x Caracu, com valores médios de progesterona de 0,28 nmol/l no dia do estro e 7,62 nmol/1 aos 21 dias após a inseminação. Para vacas Nelore x Caracu, o estro se deu com 12,08 semanas após o parto e com valores médios de progesterona de 0,46 nmol/l e 9.23 nmol/1 para o dia do estro e no 21º dia, respectivamente. Dez gestações de doze diagnosticadas no 21º dia foram confirmadas por palpação retal, tendo ocorrido um caso de mortalidade embrionária precoce. Outras três vacas foram inseminadas durante a fase luteínica. A eficiência na observação de estros foi de 52.94%, pois de 34 identificados pelos níveis hormonais, 18 foram percebidos visualmente. A variação entre os cruzamentos não alterou significativamente o nível de progesterona no dia do estro, tampouco no 21º dia após inseminação e também quanto ao período necessário ao rein

Diagnóstico de gestação por ultra-sonografia

The advantagens, the principles, the technic and the updated status of pregnancy diagnosis in the cow, mare and ewe, by ultrasound scanning are presented in this paper. The early diagnosis twin pregnancies, evaluation of embryo viability and inocuity are some of the advantages of ultrasonography in domestic species. Pregnancy diagnosis through ultrasound scanning allows safe early recognition of this state with imediate positive ecnonomic benefits.

Apresentam-se as vantagens, os princípios fundamentais da técnica e a situação atual do diagnóstico de gestação por ultra-sonografia nas espécies bovina, eqüina e ovina. Entre as vantagens da ultra-sonografia para o diagnóstico de gestação destaca-se a precocidade, a inocuidade, o diagnóstico de prenhez gemelar e a possibilidade de estimar a viabilidade embrionária. O diagnóstico de gestação por ultra-sonografia possibilita um reconhecimento precoce e seguro desse estado com reflexos econômicos positivos e imediatos.

DIAGNÓSTICO DE GESTAÇÃO POR ULTRA-SONOGRAFIA

The advantagens, the principles, the technic and the updated status of pregnancy diagnosis in the cow, mare and ewe, by ultrasound scanning are presented in this paper. The early diagnosis twin pregnancies, evaluation of embryo viability and inocuity are some of the advantages of ultrasonography in domestic species. Pregnancy diagnosis through ultrasound scanning allows safe early recognition of this state with imediate positive ecnonomic benefits.

Apresentam-se as vantagens, os princípios fundamentais da técnica e a situação atual do diagnóstico de gestação por ultra-sonografia nas espécies bovina, eqüina e ovina. Entre as vantagens da ultra-sonografia para o diagnóstico de gestação destaca-se a precocidade, a inocuidade, o diagnóstico de prenhez gemelar e a possibilidade de estimar a viabilidade embrionária. O diagnóstico de gestação por ultra-sonografia possibilita um reconhecimento precoce e seguro desse estado com reflexos econômicos positivos e imediatos.