ECM-transmitted shear stress induces apoptotic cell extrusion in early breast gland development

Epithelial cells of human breast glands are exposed to various mechanical ECM stresses that regulate tissue development and homeostasis. Mechanoadaptation of breast gland tissue to ECM-transmitted shear stress remained poorly investigated due to the lack of valid experimental approaches. Therefore, we created a magnetic shear strain device that enabled, for the first time, to analyze the instant shear strain response of human breast gland cells. MCF10A-derived breast acini with basement membranes (BM) of defined maturation state and basoapical polarization were used to resemble breast gland morphogenesis in vitro. The novel biophysical tool was used to apply cyclic shear strain with defined amplitudes (≤15%, 0.2 Hz) over 22 h on living spheroids embedded in an ultrasoft matrix (<60 Pa). We demonstrated that breast spheroids gain resistance to shear strain, which increased with BM maturation and basoapical polarization. Most intriguingly, poorly developed spheroids were prone to cyclic strain-induced extrusion of apoptotic cells from the spheroid body. In contrast, matured spheroids were insensitive to this mechanoresponse—indicating changing mechanosensing or mechanotransduction mechanisms during breast tissue morphogenesis. Together, we introduced a versatile tool to study cyclic shear stress responses of 3D cell culture models. It can be used to strain, in principle, all kinds of cell clusters, even those that grow only in ultrasoft hydrogels. We believe that this approach opens new doors to gain new insights into dynamic shear strain-induced mechanobiological regulation circuits between cells and their ECM.

68 Anti-Mullerian hormone levels in different bovine species and the relationship with invitro embryo production

The development of markers for reproductive function has been a goal for the embryo production industry and reproductive biology as a method to improve success and increase the ability to explain reproductive phenomena. Cattle and buffalo are bovines that show different reproductive parameters raised in the same conditions. The aim of this work was to compare the results of the invitro production of cows (Bos indicus) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) from animals kept under the same conditions of feeding and handling. This study was conducted in an Argentinian commercial herd of buffalo and cattle located in the province of Corrientes (−27.742859 latitude, −57.773611 longitude) during the breeding season of 2018 (March-May). Twenty animals of each species were used. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels of each animal were determined using ELISA. Standardized protocols were used for oocyte aspiration, maturation, fertilisation, and culture of the embryos, and frozen semen of a single proven bull was used in each species. The numbers of follicles, oocytes, and embryos were recorded and analysed individually and grouped by species (Table 1). The normality of the data was evaluated with the D’Agostino and Shapiro-Wilk tests and the comparisons between species using the Mann-Whitney and ANOVA tests, and correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman test. Values are shown as median and range. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The AMH levels of the cows were 688.5 pgmL−1 (45.3-2394) and the buffalo were 73.8 pgmL−1 (14.8-262.5); P<0.001. Significant differences were found in the number of recovered oocytes of 9 (0-23) for cows vs. 4.5 (1-11) for buffalo (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of follicles and the quality of the oocytes. Significant differences were found in the number of oocytes cleaved of 4 (0-17) vs. 0.5 (0-4) and blastocysts per animal of 1.5 (0-15) vs. 0.1 (0-2) for cows and buffalo, respectively. The number of blastocysts in relation to the number of oocytes cleaved did not show statistical significance. In spite of the difference in the AMH levels and the embryo production parameters, which were lower in buffalo, no correlation was found between AMH and the parameters studied in both species. The results obtained here are confirmed by others in the literature. Levels of AMH as a marker for embryo production are not useful in cattle and buffalo and do not explain the differences observed, certainly AMH is a marker for quantity as the preserver of the ovarian reserve. Table 1.Comparison of individual values of AMH levels, oocyte quality, and embryo production between cattle and buffalo Parameter Median (range) P-value Cattle Buffalo AMH (pgmL−1) 688.5 (45.3-2394) 73.8 (14.8-262.5) <0.001 Follicles Follicles RO 3 (0-9) 4 (0-6) Follicles LO 5 (0-10) 4 (1-8) Total follicles 7 (2-18) 7 (2-12) Oocyte quality GI 2 (1-3) 1.5 (1-3) 0.22 GII 2 (1-9) 2 (1-6) 0.67 GIII 2.5 (0-18) 2 (1-4) 0.91 GIV 1 (1-5) 2 (1-4) 0.10 Total oocytes 9 (0-23) 4.5 (1-11) 0.02 Total viable 5.5 (0-21) 5 (0-11) 0.36 Cleavage 4 (0-17) 0.5 (0-4) 0.01 Blastocyst 1.5 (0-15) 0.1 (0-2) 0.02

224 Superstimulation effect on invitro embryo production and relationship with anti-Müllerian hormone in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) aspirated 7 or 14 days after follicular ablation

The success of buffalo invitro embryo production (IVEP) depends, in part, on the number and competence of oocytes. Superstimulation with FSH has been linked to oocyte quality and embryo yield, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been proposed as an indicator of ovarian reserve. The objective was to evaluate FSH stimulation in one ovum pick-up (OPU) cycle conducted 7 or 14 days after follicular ablation; we additionally analysed residual FSH treatment effect carried over to a subsequent aspiration cycle. Finally, we evaluated the relationship between plasma AMH and FSH response. Nine multiparous, cycling Murrah donors (603±7.0kg, body condition score=3.5) were subjected to complete follicular ablation followed by OPU 1 week later (T0 Control), and plasma AMH was determined at this point. They were then randomly allocated to FSH stimulation (3 days b.i.d. in descending doses, total 300mg of pFSH, Vetpharm, with the last injection 48h before OPU) with aspiration conducted 7 (T7 FSH, n=5) or 14 days (T14 FSH, n=4) post-follicular ablation. The residual effect (T Residual, n=5) was evaluated in one subsequent, nonstimulated OPU cycle conducted 1 week later (9 days after last FSH administration). For plasma AMH, concentration was measured using ELISA kit (cat. no. AL114, AnshLabs; sensitivity 1.0 pgmL−1, interassay variation <5%, additional validation conducted with serial dilutions of buffalo plasma, r=0.98 against standard curve). Continuous data were analysed with ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc comparisons; categorical data were analysed using Chi-squared test. Pearson coefficient was used to evaluate correlation between AMH, follicular reserve, and invitro performance. Superovulatory treatment resulted in a higher number of follicles and good quality oocytes (grades 1 and 2) per donor, irrespective of OPU interval (T7 FSH: 3.0±2.55 and T14 FSH: 1.5±0.5 vs. T0 Control: 0.45±0.38 and T Residual: 0.4±0.4; P<0.05). There were more cleaved embryos (T7 FSH: 26%, T14 FSH; 30% vs. T0 Control: 7% and T Residual: 20%) and blastocysts (T7 FSH: 21%, T14 FSH; 30% vs. T0 Control: 5% and T Residual: 0; P<0.05) from FSH-treated donors. There was a strong correlation (r=0.9439) between follicle count and plasma AMH, and weaker relationships for oocytes recovered (r=0.3975), cleaved embryos (r=0.2317), or blastocysts (r=0.0106). Results indicate that FSH treatment with a 48-h coasting period results in significant improvements in follicular population, oocyte quality, and embryonic development; these effects are observed independently of the interval between initial follicular ablation and OPU. No residual effects of FSH treatment were observed, indicating that the beneficial effects of superstimulation are not carried over to the following OPU cycle. In conclusion, a strong correlation coefficient was established between initial plasma AMH level and follicular response to FSH treatment, indicating that it may be used as a selection criterion for animals likely to exhibit a good response to superstimulatory treatment.

Ovum pick-up interval in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) managed under wetland conditions in Argentina: Effect on follicular population, oocyte recovery, and in vitro embryo development

The excellent adaptation of water buffalo (Bubalis bubalis) to swampy environments means that animals are frequently managed in areas with restricted access for reproductive procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ovum pick-up (OPU) interval on follicular population, oocyte recovery, oocyte quality and in vitro embryo production. Twelve Murrah buffaloes were subjected to two consecutive dominant follicle reductions, and randomly assigned to either 7-day (n=6) or 14-day (n=6) OPU interval groups. Although there was no significant difference in the average number of small (<3mm) and large (>8mm) diameter follicles available per OPU, a higher proportion of medium-sized follicles (3-8mm) were observed in the 14-day interval group (5.129 vs 3.267; p<0.05). The number of recovered oocytes per donor was also significantly higher (4.51 vs. 2.8; p<0.05) in the 14-day interval group, although this was attributed to an increase in the proportion of lower quality oocytes (grades III and IV). After in vitro fertilization, embryo developmental competence from grade I and II oocytes was superior to that from grade III and IV oocytes, irrespective of OPU interval group. There was no significant difference in the proportion of grade I and II oocytes cleaved after sperm co-incubation; however, there was a higher proportion of blastocysts produced in 14-day interval group (28 vs. 6%, p<0.05). No blastocysts were produced from grade III and IV oocytes. This study indicates it is possible to use a 14-day interval for oocyte collection in water buffalo; this approach could be considered as an alternative when access to animals is restricted.

Participation in medical decision-making across Europe: An international longitudinal multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this paper was to examine national differences in the desire to participate in decision-making of people with severe mental illness in six European countries.

METHODS

The data was taken from a European longitudinal observational study (CEDAR; ISRCTN75841675). A sample of 514 patients with severe mental illness from the study centers in Ulm, Germany, London, England, Naples, Italy, Debrecen, Hungary, Aalborg, Denmark and Zurich, Switzerland were assessed as to desire to participate in medical decision-making. Associations between desire for participation in decision-making and center location were analyzed with generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

We found large cross-national differences in patients' desire to participate in decision-making, with the center explaining 47.2% of total variance in the desire for participation (P<0.001). Averaged over time and independent of patient characteristics, London (mean=2.27), Ulm (mean=2.13) and Zurich (mean=2.14) showed significantly higher scores in desire for participation, followed by Aalborg (mean=1.97), where scores were in turn significantly higher than in Debrecen (mean=1.56). The lowest scores were reported in Naples (mean=1.14). Over time, the desire for participation in decision-making increased significantly in Zurich (b=0.23) and decreased in Naples (b=-0.14). In all other centers, values remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that patients' desire for participation in decision-making varies by location. We suggest that more research attention be focused on identifying specific cultural and social factors in each country to further explain observed differences across Europe.

Empowerment and satisfaction in a multinational study of routine clinical practice

OBJECTIVE

Decision-making between mental health clinicians and patients is under-researched. We tested whether mental health patients are more satisfied with a decision made (i) using their preferred decision-making style and (ii) with a clinician with the same decision-making style preference.

METHOD

As part of the CEDAR Study (ISRCTN75841675), a convenience sample of 445 patients with severe mental illness from six European countries were assessed for desired clinical decision-making style (rated by patients and paired clinicians), decision-specific experienced style and satisfaction.

RESULTS

Patients who experienced more involvement in decision-making than they desired rated higher satisfaction (OR=2.47, P=0.005, 95% CI 1.32-4.63). Decisions made with clinicians whose decision-making style preference was for more active involvement than the patient preference were rated with higher satisfaction (OR=3.17, P=0.003, 95% CI 1.48-6.82).

CONCLUSION

More active involvement in decision-making than the patient stated as desired was associated with higher satisfaction. A clinical orientation towards empowering, rather than shared, decision-making may maximise satisfaction.

[Intracranial hypertension and jugular vein thrombosis]

BACKGROUND

Pseudotumor cerebri is an idiopathic increase in intracranial pressure, which commonly affects obese women of fertile age. The diagnostic criteria according to the guidelines of the German Society for Neurology are increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, symptoms of increased CSF pressure, normal results of CSF examination, no relevant medication and a lack of structural and vascular lesions in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

CASE REPORT

This article presents the case of a 39-year-old male patient who presented at hospital with visual obscuration and recently occurred double vision. Except for a recently diagnosed thrombosis of the left jugular vein of unknown origin, there was nothing else of note in the medical history. Biomicroscopic examination showed papilledema with hemorrhages and cotton wool spots. The CSF opening pressure was initially > 50 cmH2O. During therapy by lumbar puncture (three times), oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and loop diuretics, the abducens nerve palsy and papilledema receded. Anticoagulation therapy (initially with coumarin derivatives, then with low molecular weight heparins) was unsuccessful in eliminating the thrombosis of the jugular vein. Surgical intervention was not recommended by the vascular surgeons.

CONCLUSION

This case report demonstrates the unusual combination of (idiopathic) intracranial hypertension and thrombosis of the jugular vein, which occurred spontaneously and without any detectable coagulation disorders.

Cancellation of image crosstalk in time-sequential displays of stereoscopic video

Stereoscopic visualization systems based on liquid crystal shutter (LCS) eyewear and cathode-ray tube (CRT) displays provide today the best overall quality of three-dimensional (3-D) images and therefore have a dominant position in commercial as well as professional markets. Due to the CRT and LCS characteristics, however, such systems suffer from perceptual crosstalk ("shadows") at object boundaries that can reduce, and at times inhibit, the ability to perceive depth. In this paper, we propose a method to reduce such crosstalk. We present a simple model for intensity leak, we assess model parameters for a time-sequential LCS/CRT system and we propose a computationally efficient algorithm to eliminate the crosstalk. Since the full crosstalk elimination implies an unacceptable image degradation (reduction of contrast), we study the tradeoff between crosstalk elimination and image contrast. We describe experiments on synthetic and natural stereoscopic images and we discuss informal subjective viewing of processed images. Overall, the viewer response has been very positive; 3-D perception of many objects became either much easier or even effortless. Since the proposed algorithm can be easily implemented in real time (only linear scaling and table look-up are needed), we believe that it can be successfully used today in various stereoscopic applications suffering from image crosstalk. This is particularly true for PC-based 3-D viewing where the algorithm can be executed by the CPU or by an advanced graphics board.

Efficient, robust, and fast global motion estimation for video coding

In this paper, we propose an efficient, robust, and fast method for the estimation of global motion from image sequences. The method is generic in that it can accommodate various global motion models, from a simple translation to an eight-parameter perspective model. The algorithm is hierarchical and consists of three stages. In the first stage, a low-pass image pyramid is built. Then, an initial translation is estimated with full-pixel precision at the top of the pyramid using a modified n-step search matching. In the third stage, a gradient descent is executed at each level of the pyramid starting from the initial translation at the coarsest level. Due to the coarse initial estimation and the hierarchical implementation, the method is very fast. To increase robustness to outliers, we replace the usual formulation based on a quadratic error criterion with a truncated quadratic function. We have applied the algorithm to various test sequences within an MPEG-4 coding system. From the experimental results we conclude that global motion estimation provides significant performance gains for video material with camera zoom and/or pan. The gains result from a reduced prediction error and a more compact representation of motion. We also conclude that the robust error criterion can introduce additional performance gains without increasing computational complexity.

Bayesian winner-take-all reconstruction of intermediate views from stereoscopic images

This paper presents a new algorithm for the reconstruction of intermediate views from a pair of still stereoscopic images. The algorithm is designed to address the issue of blur caused by linear filtering often employed in such reconstruction. The proposed algorithm is block-based and to reconstruct the intermediate views employs nonlinear disparity-compensated filtering by means of a winner-take-all strategy. The reconstructed image is modeled as a tiling by fixed-size blocks coming from various positions (disparity compensation) of either the left or right images, while the tiling map itself is modeled by a binary decision field. In addition to that, an observation model relating the left and right images via a disparity field, and a disparity field model are used. All models are probabilistic and are combined into a maximum a posteriori probability criterion. The intermediate intensities, disparities and the binary decision field are estimated jointly using the expectation-maximization algorithm. The new approach is compared experimentally on complex natural images with a reference block-based algorithm employing linear filtering. Although the improvements are localized and often subtle, they demonstrate that a high-quality intermediate view reconstruction for complex scenes is feasible.

Serodiagnosis of Babesia motasi (Wales), Theileria recondita (Wales) and Cytoecetes phagocytophila infection in sheep

The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to diagnose some tick-borne infections of sheep, Babesia motasi (Wales), Theileria recondita (Wales) and Cytoecetes phagocytophila. Antigen was prepared from blood derived from splenectomised sheep except for C phagocytophila which was derived from a normal animal. A field survey was made to assess the prevalence of B motasi and T recondita in North Wales and a comparison made between the titres using the B motasi (Wales) antigen with those previously reported. IFA titres reported in the homologous system were consistently lower than those described previously. The results of the field survey suggested that B motasi (Wales) infection is more widespread than was originally thought and more widespread than the known distribution of its vector Haemaphysalis punctata. No serological cross reactions occurred between B motasi (Wales), T recondita (Wales), C phagocytophila, B divergens, Sarcocystis ovicanis and Toxoplasma gondii.

Maintenance of in vitro cultures of Babesia divergens and Babesia major at low temperatures

Cultures of erythrocytes parasitized by Babesia divergens and Babesia major were stored in medium cooled to 4 degrees C for up to 8 weeks. There was a marked decrease in parasitaemia and an increase in the number of free extra-erythrocytic, unagglutinated merozoites, during the cooled period. Cultures stored in this way and returned to 38 degrees C resumed growth, with or without sub-culture. At the low temperature, only one sub-culture is required per week.

[Incidence and clinical importance of Haemophilus vaginalis (Corynebacterium vaginalis) (author's transl)]

In 250 women aged between 16 and 55 years who came to a gynaecologist we looked for haemophilus vaginalis. In 9.6% it was possible to culture haemophilus vaginalis. The comparison of the differential vaginalis (V-)medium of Greenwood with the starch medium of Smith showed the much better resolution of the Greenwood medium. In one-half of the patients with haemophilus vaginalis there was no clinical evidence of pathogenicity of the bacterium, whereas in the other half, there was only a slight symptomatology. Haemophilus vaginalis and lactobacillus acidophilus seem to exclude each other. The strains of haemophilus vaginalis were resistant to sulfonamides, polymyxin B and aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Some risk factors in pathologic aging

A clinico-epidemiologic prevalence survey was conducted in the sub-mountainous area of Northern Bohemia, which is distinguished by the highest proportion of aged people in Bohemian countries. It involved 6057 persons of the 70-79 age group, 1718 persons of the 80-89 age group and 139 persons of the 90+ group, plus control subjects in various other groups. In this study an attempt was made to find an effective measure of the presumed risk factors of pathologic aging in persons of the 70-105 age group. The data were analyzed by the method of coincidence of two parameters of binomial decomposition on the computer Odra. The quantity dependence of the signs was determined, and an index of the compound-risk factor of pathologic aging was calculated. When the numerical value of the index is lower than 56.9 +/- 4.36 for a group of males or 50.3 +/- 3.55 for a group of females, the probability is that a given person in those groups will survive to an advanced age. The total risk is higher for the male sex. Of considerable importance are the genetic burden, external environmental causes, harmful habits, certain "civilization" diseases, and other factors such as disturbed social contacts and defective nutrition.

[Reconstruction of the lacrimal canaliculi (author's transl)]

The different methods of reconstructing obliterated lacrimal canaliculi are described. At the Eye Clinic in Erlangen Henderson's method is prefered. Into a new canal between the lacrimal punctum and the lacrimal sac a tube of polyethylene is introduced and remains there for some weeks. About 60% of the reconstruction lacrimal canaliculi were still open after months and years.